02-21-2024, 06:14 AM
Alright, here's part two of the Standard of Living in NU!
Standard of Living in NU - Continued
...The true center of Enigma's control over Neo Unova is not precisely known, despite the best efforts of foreign spy agencies and reporters everywhere. The only thing that can solidly confirm is that it's located somewhere in the center of the Region, and that it is the location from where The Twilight of the Gods was broadcasted. One has a better chance of reaching Enigma through the Former League or Lacromosa Town, the only truly Free City in Neo Unova, who were granted amenity and enclave status similar to the Deal between The Scimitars and Sutalorians in exchange for safeguarding the Umbral Crater and Umbral Elysium , the newly forged Domain of Their Perfect Shadow Legends and myriad other Perfect Shadow Pokemon and Monsters of similar caliber. That, and preserving the old cultural traditions and legends of the Region, if for no other reason than to exploit them later for future Humanist endeavors.
Of the unrazed cities that still exist, Opelucid has undergone the most severe and radical restructuring, becoming something akin to a technological police state and a extension of Enigma's Military HQ (The former League) , with the rebellious people and culture being heavily suppressed and monitored to prevent a draconic uprising and reversion of the progress Enigma enacts. The remains of the White Forest Enclave, meanwhile, were given over to Morgana and her various Courts and Kingdoms of Fae, Spiritual, and Nature Beings in exchange for their restoration and management of it and other National Parks and Preserves, aid in combating and countering the other Natural Forces of the Region trying to Fight back against The New Human Order and the steady erosion of The Wilds and Frontier, and a strong, cordial partnership with Enigma on everything but paper. Nobody knows what is the ultimate fate of Driftveil and Mistralion, save for them being converted into Private Townships of Enigma and being walled off from the rest of the Region and a brutal guard and defense force enacted to keep unwanted visitors OUT, similar to want happened to Kitakami Island and Blueberry Academy.
The Deserts of Neo Unova remain in the hands of the Desert Tribes and Nomads, who decided to renew the old treaties they had with Old Unova with NU, since they were offered to do so by Enigma herself and they didn't want to risk a hostile takeover like what he did with everywhere else. Travel through these lands is restricted mostly through the Route that goes through it and the surrounding desert, while the Relic Castle has entirely been sealed off, with only Enigma themselves and the Nomads being able to enter these sacred grounds.
Neo Unova has arguably the strongest, most robust, and merciless standing army in all the known Civilized Regions, save for Hoen's Machina Navy , Cheshire's Armed Forces and Heroes, and the Scimitar-Sutalör Coalition. Citizens are drafted into it based on careful background searches and profiling efforts (some normal, some Psychic, some Fae....), are born into it, or are formally inducted if they voluntarily enlist and pass all scrutiny and tests at one of the various training camps and military academies. Standard combat doctrine is Blitzkrieg, Lockdown of Key Resources (Such as Centers, Food Stores, Water, Power, etc..), Shock and Intimidation (Freezing of Cities, Shrouding areas in a miasma of Darkness, organized marches...), and Ruthless Decimation (Targeting and Killing of Trainers, Taking Hostages to Force Compliance, Turning Their Pokemon Against Them, Thorough Search and Destroy efforts, Decapitation of Central Authority, etc....) . Their armed forces and various specialized squads either materialize seemingly out of thin air to quickly strike at and seize control, or they unleash CHAOS and destruction in a given area before sending in armies to completely destabilize and take it over. Enlistment Age is 18, though exceptions for younger recruitment do exist, particular from Military Families or exceptional talent that was scouted out. Details about the overall structure of the military remains unknown.
Surprisingly Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Protest still exist in Neo Unova, though they are heavily monitored and, in the case of Protest, require authorization from the local branches of Enigma to host them; failure to go through the proper channels usually results in mass arrests or Enigma themselves dropping in unannounced. The Internet is similarly 'free' and open to the wider world, though it's an open secret that engaging past a certain threshold of 'deviant' or 'rebellious' behavior online or doing too much of the wrong kinds of research without the best firewalls and IP protection will earn you a visit from the 'Geister Ghouls' , Enigma's secret police and Internal Affairs branch, which at best results in a harrowing scare and at worst...
The end result is a populace that is free to express themselves however they like....so long as they acknowledge that it is only by the grace and good nature of Enigma, and that it could be taken away or altered at their whim, especially if provoked. Early on mass protest against Enigma were the norm, but as they improved the region and the lives of everyone within it - as well as cracking down on specific offenses and letting their propaganda machine and the sheer force of charisma that Enigma and it's Higher Ups held run its course - things have eventually settled down to an uneasy yet strangely content populous. The older generations and the more hidebound cultures/clans of NU are still a strong and enduring resistance against what they deem 'horrendous and fell practices' by the God Killer, while the newer ones that were born into the pseudo-post scarcity 'nice' military dictatorship are perfectly happy with the way things are and posses varying degrees of zeal for the Ideals and Truth Enigma, one and all, exposes.
Enigma's stance on these freedoms is put by them thusly: "Why not let them speak their minds and preach their creeds? Better for me to know their Hearts and let them bleed their sentiments dry safely, instead of letting all their Negativity fester and ferment in secrecy and Dark until it becomes something truly reviled. In time, I can only hope that my efforts to bring forth a new Golden Age of Humanity and banish their close-minded, Legend blinded presumptions and ideas will finally earn the trust and favor of my People, so that we may all usher it in, hand in hand. Regardless, I shall remain generous with my people every step of the way- how so is entirely their choice, and what their faith and actions earn them...."
This is ultimately proven in a yearly Event Enigma declares to be 'The Rebuttal' , a gathering of individual and groups that speak out against the various problems and issues plaguing Neo Unova, including Enigma itself. This is hosted by and entirely funded by Enigma themselves, with them giving everyone invited or has the Will and Talent necessary to crash into the event to 'Say whatever you like, however you like, in any manner you like.' Winners or the issues that get the most fruitful discussion end up getting endorsed by Enigma themselves, who is often an eager and bemused participant in the debates, be it as a spectator, commentator, opposition, or even supporter of various things. Endorsement usually results in Priority Action being given to these Issues to be resolved to Enigma's and the publics best intent; protestors that give sufficiently compelling, amusing or thoughtful rejection of Enigma even get Passports and permission to freely enter and leave the Region.
"Sometimes, it is Right to let a few of my Pidoves to Fly abroad, especially after they proved themselves so thoroughly bold. Hu hu hmm....and the ones that end up returning? I Know they have seen what I have spoken of is True and Sincere, now ready to dedicate themselves to The Bright Future I labor endlessly, for them and all."
Enigma has also offered diplomatic tours of his Region to Ambassadors and Invited People a couple decades after they consolidated their Reign, wishing to showcase the 'Progress Towards Humanity's Ascension' and open dialogues of cooperation and peace, or at the very least forbearance and tolerance towards one another. Nearly every Region's Government has rejected his offer, with Cheshire's being particular biting and scathing, earning even more teasing mockery from the shadowy leader - ' Bark bark bark, and no Bite - I see you remain as cheerfully Pignitte headed and blowing weak Heat Waves as ever, oh illustrious and 'Legendary' Fairy King and retinue! All the energy truly well spent - if remaining so doggedly backwards and dragging your people down with you is your intent! The Future of Humanity is upon us all - when shall you ever learn it, I wonder? Perhaps when your Legends fail you and your own yet again? Who knows, who knows....'
I'll leave it to you to imagine how incensed Nathan and the various Heroes were.
Only Galar and Orre have accepted, and of them only the former has declared an Trading Alliance , Tech Collaborations, and 'Lasting Friendship' with Neo Unova. This was spearheaded by Chairman Rose, who was seemingly undaunted by the brutal atrocities and anti-Legend rhetoric of Enigma, and only wished to utilize their advancements to secure prosperity for his own Region; his efforts bore major success, creating a new era of economic growth and energy security for Galar and earning himself the spot as the undisputed President, both in Government and League, to which he holds to the present day. Orre, meanwhile, is only cordial and pragmatically working with Neo Unova, accepting aid in terraforming their Region back to its centuries old status as a 'breadbasket paradise for humans and Pokemon alike' and occasional military/trade support, but not wanting any solid Alliance due to their use of Shadow Pokemon and Enigma being all but the newest incarnation of Cipher. Wes' , Rui's, and Michael's mysterious disappearances and Professor Krane sudden resignation in 'disgrace' and his License being Stripped around the time of Neo Unova's Usurpation did not help Enigma's image with them any too, nor the teasing statement made in response to it all and the accusation against them.
"What happened to them, you ask? Perhaps the Shadows they fought so long finally shrouded them in Darkness - how so? *Chuckles* A mystery for the ages, so might say, hu hu hmm....!"
Enigma rendering Legends Mortal and the wave of technological growth and innovation they helped usher in has also greatly helped Transhumanism groups to flourish, which had previously been held back by both popular opinion and the Legends themselves, whose decrees and views heavily restricted and denied such 'Unnatural Evolution'. Similarly, Enigma's warmongering past and Weakening of Legends opened up all sorts of doors for mercenaries and opportunists to reap the windfall, so to speak, or simply have more conflicts to sink their teeth into like ravenous dogs. More on this shall be focused later with two particular individuals - 'Captain' Elliot Spenser, The 'Bloody Marauder' and ' Titanocider ' , and Sofia Elbakyan Kuzmenkov, ' Pervyy Chelovek-Mashina' and 'Lady of Steel.' Lastly, Enigma has expressed interested in exploring Space Travel and Exploration, stating that 'The Cosmos is Humanity's next destination, once we have finally outgrown the Earth and start reaching earnestly for the Stars,' - given the Deoxys Crisis and Hoen's refusal to cooperate on such matters this has been 'unfortunately' put on the backburner for them.
All things told, Neo Unova is a mostly isolationist military dictatorship that has Enigma firmly in charge, transforming the Region into a fragmented and modernization state and heavily controlling what the common citizen can really do. Despite this, however, it has prospered and its people retaining a great deal of freedoms and privileges despite all expectations, with Enigma doing its part to make Their Vision for the Future of Humanity Real and True, one step at a time. Are Enigma, one and all, still the monsters they made themselves out to be since their debut , their activities only a thinly veiled excuse for total dominance of Unova and crusade against the Legends? Or is the path they're taking the only one that is practical to realize their Dreams for a Better Humanity, as more peaceful means are impossible with almost the entire world against them, just waiting for the moment they can strike and enact their downfall?
In the world of Enigma themselves : "Right or wrong, Correct or not, Righteous or damnable - labels, these all are. Use them however you wish, for or against me, to salve your SOULs. Their meaning is meaningfully meaningless - what done is done, and how it is, how it will be, is not up to you alone. As just as you are deciding the Fate of my Actions, we, together, shall decide the Fate of the World..."
----
And so The Living Standards and General Impact Section of Neo Unova/Enigma is done (For now!). Next I'll be moving on to addressing the Important Individuals involved or associated with Enigma and Neo Unova, save for Enigma themselves - I think I've done a good enough job up to this point outlining exactly the kind of person they are. However, for the sake of fairness and curiosity, I'll allow each of you to ask one question about them - I'll answer it to the best of my abilities without giving away TOO many Spoilers.
Until I get that part out - which might be delayed a bit by the actual Campaign Start - share your thoughts with me, any you have!
Standard of Living in NU - Continued
...The true center of Enigma's control over Neo Unova is not precisely known, despite the best efforts of foreign spy agencies and reporters everywhere. The only thing that can solidly confirm is that it's located somewhere in the center of the Region, and that it is the location from where The Twilight of the Gods was broadcasted. One has a better chance of reaching Enigma through the Former League or Lacromosa Town, the only truly Free City in Neo Unova, who were granted amenity and enclave status similar to the Deal between The Scimitars and Sutalorians in exchange for safeguarding the Umbral Crater and Umbral Elysium , the newly forged Domain of Their Perfect Shadow Legends and myriad other Perfect Shadow Pokemon and Monsters of similar caliber. That, and preserving the old cultural traditions and legends of the Region, if for no other reason than to exploit them later for future Humanist endeavors.
Of the unrazed cities that still exist, Opelucid has undergone the most severe and radical restructuring, becoming something akin to a technological police state and a extension of Enigma's Military HQ (The former League) , with the rebellious people and culture being heavily suppressed and monitored to prevent a draconic uprising and reversion of the progress Enigma enacts. The remains of the White Forest Enclave, meanwhile, were given over to Morgana and her various Courts and Kingdoms of Fae, Spiritual, and Nature Beings in exchange for their restoration and management of it and other National Parks and Preserves, aid in combating and countering the other Natural Forces of the Region trying to Fight back against The New Human Order and the steady erosion of The Wilds and Frontier, and a strong, cordial partnership with Enigma on everything but paper. Nobody knows what is the ultimate fate of Driftveil and Mistralion, save for them being converted into Private Townships of Enigma and being walled off from the rest of the Region and a brutal guard and defense force enacted to keep unwanted visitors OUT, similar to want happened to Kitakami Island and Blueberry Academy.
The Deserts of Neo Unova remain in the hands of the Desert Tribes and Nomads, who decided to renew the old treaties they had with Old Unova with NU, since they were offered to do so by Enigma herself and they didn't want to risk a hostile takeover like what he did with everywhere else. Travel through these lands is restricted mostly through the Route that goes through it and the surrounding desert, while the Relic Castle has entirely been sealed off, with only Enigma themselves and the Nomads being able to enter these sacred grounds.
Neo Unova has arguably the strongest, most robust, and merciless standing army in all the known Civilized Regions, save for Hoen's Machina Navy , Cheshire's Armed Forces and Heroes, and the Scimitar-Sutalör Coalition. Citizens are drafted into it based on careful background searches and profiling efforts (some normal, some Psychic, some Fae....), are born into it, or are formally inducted if they voluntarily enlist and pass all scrutiny and tests at one of the various training camps and military academies. Standard combat doctrine is Blitzkrieg, Lockdown of Key Resources (Such as Centers, Food Stores, Water, Power, etc..), Shock and Intimidation (Freezing of Cities, Shrouding areas in a miasma of Darkness, organized marches...), and Ruthless Decimation (Targeting and Killing of Trainers, Taking Hostages to Force Compliance, Turning Their Pokemon Against Them, Thorough Search and Destroy efforts, Decapitation of Central Authority, etc....) . Their armed forces and various specialized squads either materialize seemingly out of thin air to quickly strike at and seize control, or they unleash CHAOS and destruction in a given area before sending in armies to completely destabilize and take it over. Enlistment Age is 18, though exceptions for younger recruitment do exist, particular from Military Families or exceptional talent that was scouted out. Details about the overall structure of the military remains unknown.
Surprisingly Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Protest still exist in Neo Unova, though they are heavily monitored and, in the case of Protest, require authorization from the local branches of Enigma to host them; failure to go through the proper channels usually results in mass arrests or Enigma themselves dropping in unannounced. The Internet is similarly 'free' and open to the wider world, though it's an open secret that engaging past a certain threshold of 'deviant' or 'rebellious' behavior online or doing too much of the wrong kinds of research without the best firewalls and IP protection will earn you a visit from the 'Geister Ghouls' , Enigma's secret police and Internal Affairs branch, which at best results in a harrowing scare and at worst...
The end result is a populace that is free to express themselves however they like....so long as they acknowledge that it is only by the grace and good nature of Enigma, and that it could be taken away or altered at their whim, especially if provoked. Early on mass protest against Enigma were the norm, but as they improved the region and the lives of everyone within it - as well as cracking down on specific offenses and letting their propaganda machine and the sheer force of charisma that Enigma and it's Higher Ups held run its course - things have eventually settled down to an uneasy yet strangely content populous. The older generations and the more hidebound cultures/clans of NU are still a strong and enduring resistance against what they deem 'horrendous and fell practices' by the God Killer, while the newer ones that were born into the pseudo-post scarcity 'nice' military dictatorship are perfectly happy with the way things are and posses varying degrees of zeal for the Ideals and Truth Enigma, one and all, exposes.
Enigma's stance on these freedoms is put by them thusly: "Why not let them speak their minds and preach their creeds? Better for me to know their Hearts and let them bleed their sentiments dry safely, instead of letting all their Negativity fester and ferment in secrecy and Dark until it becomes something truly reviled. In time, I can only hope that my efforts to bring forth a new Golden Age of Humanity and banish their close-minded, Legend blinded presumptions and ideas will finally earn the trust and favor of my People, so that we may all usher it in, hand in hand. Regardless, I shall remain generous with my people every step of the way- how so is entirely their choice, and what their faith and actions earn them...."
This is ultimately proven in a yearly Event Enigma declares to be 'The Rebuttal' , a gathering of individual and groups that speak out against the various problems and issues plaguing Neo Unova, including Enigma itself. This is hosted by and entirely funded by Enigma themselves, with them giving everyone invited or has the Will and Talent necessary to crash into the event to 'Say whatever you like, however you like, in any manner you like.' Winners or the issues that get the most fruitful discussion end up getting endorsed by Enigma themselves, who is often an eager and bemused participant in the debates, be it as a spectator, commentator, opposition, or even supporter of various things. Endorsement usually results in Priority Action being given to these Issues to be resolved to Enigma's and the publics best intent; protestors that give sufficiently compelling, amusing or thoughtful rejection of Enigma even get Passports and permission to freely enter and leave the Region.
"Sometimes, it is Right to let a few of my Pidoves to Fly abroad, especially after they proved themselves so thoroughly bold. Hu hu hmm....and the ones that end up returning? I Know they have seen what I have spoken of is True and Sincere, now ready to dedicate themselves to The Bright Future I labor endlessly, for them and all."
Enigma has also offered diplomatic tours of his Region to Ambassadors and Invited People a couple decades after they consolidated their Reign, wishing to showcase the 'Progress Towards Humanity's Ascension' and open dialogues of cooperation and peace, or at the very least forbearance and tolerance towards one another. Nearly every Region's Government has rejected his offer, with Cheshire's being particular biting and scathing, earning even more teasing mockery from the shadowy leader - ' Bark bark bark, and no Bite - I see you remain as cheerfully Pignitte headed and blowing weak Heat Waves as ever, oh illustrious and 'Legendary' Fairy King and retinue! All the energy truly well spent - if remaining so doggedly backwards and dragging your people down with you is your intent! The Future of Humanity is upon us all - when shall you ever learn it, I wonder? Perhaps when your Legends fail you and your own yet again? Who knows, who knows....'
I'll leave it to you to imagine how incensed Nathan and the various Heroes were.
Only Galar and Orre have accepted, and of them only the former has declared an Trading Alliance , Tech Collaborations, and 'Lasting Friendship' with Neo Unova. This was spearheaded by Chairman Rose, who was seemingly undaunted by the brutal atrocities and anti-Legend rhetoric of Enigma, and only wished to utilize their advancements to secure prosperity for his own Region; his efforts bore major success, creating a new era of economic growth and energy security for Galar and earning himself the spot as the undisputed President, both in Government and League, to which he holds to the present day. Orre, meanwhile, is only cordial and pragmatically working with Neo Unova, accepting aid in terraforming their Region back to its centuries old status as a 'breadbasket paradise for humans and Pokemon alike' and occasional military/trade support, but not wanting any solid Alliance due to their use of Shadow Pokemon and Enigma being all but the newest incarnation of Cipher. Wes' , Rui's, and Michael's mysterious disappearances and Professor Krane sudden resignation in 'disgrace' and his License being Stripped around the time of Neo Unova's Usurpation did not help Enigma's image with them any too, nor the teasing statement made in response to it all and the accusation against them.
"What happened to them, you ask? Perhaps the Shadows they fought so long finally shrouded them in Darkness - how so? *Chuckles* A mystery for the ages, so might say, hu hu hmm....!"
Enigma rendering Legends Mortal and the wave of technological growth and innovation they helped usher in has also greatly helped Transhumanism groups to flourish, which had previously been held back by both popular opinion and the Legends themselves, whose decrees and views heavily restricted and denied such 'Unnatural Evolution'. Similarly, Enigma's warmongering past and Weakening of Legends opened up all sorts of doors for mercenaries and opportunists to reap the windfall, so to speak, or simply have more conflicts to sink their teeth into like ravenous dogs. More on this shall be focused later with two particular individuals - 'Captain' Elliot Spenser, The 'Bloody Marauder' and ' Titanocider ' , and Sofia Elbakyan Kuzmenkov, ' Pervyy Chelovek-Mashina' and 'Lady of Steel.' Lastly, Enigma has expressed interested in exploring Space Travel and Exploration, stating that 'The Cosmos is Humanity's next destination, once we have finally outgrown the Earth and start reaching earnestly for the Stars,' - given the Deoxys Crisis and Hoen's refusal to cooperate on such matters this has been 'unfortunately' put on the backburner for them.
All things told, Neo Unova is a mostly isolationist military dictatorship that has Enigma firmly in charge, transforming the Region into a fragmented and modernization state and heavily controlling what the common citizen can really do. Despite this, however, it has prospered and its people retaining a great deal of freedoms and privileges despite all expectations, with Enigma doing its part to make Their Vision for the Future of Humanity Real and True, one step at a time. Are Enigma, one and all, still the monsters they made themselves out to be since their debut , their activities only a thinly veiled excuse for total dominance of Unova and crusade against the Legends? Or is the path they're taking the only one that is practical to realize their Dreams for a Better Humanity, as more peaceful means are impossible with almost the entire world against them, just waiting for the moment they can strike and enact their downfall?
In the world of Enigma themselves : "Right or wrong, Correct or not, Righteous or damnable - labels, these all are. Use them however you wish, for or against me, to salve your SOULs. Their meaning is meaningfully meaningless - what done is done, and how it is, how it will be, is not up to you alone. As just as you are deciding the Fate of my Actions, we, together, shall decide the Fate of the World..."
----
And so The Living Standards and General Impact Section of Neo Unova/Enigma is done (For now!). Next I'll be moving on to addressing the Important Individuals involved or associated with Enigma and Neo Unova, save for Enigma themselves - I think I've done a good enough job up to this point outlining exactly the kind of person they are. However, for the sake of fairness and curiosity, I'll allow each of you to ask one question about them - I'll answer it to the best of my abilities without giving away TOO many Spoilers.
Until I get that part out - which might be delayed a bit by the actual Campaign Start - share your thoughts with me, any you have!
Like the wind, I come and go as I please... but I am always there to provide a comforting breeze.
Member of Team PUNishment. Pun-pare for Struggle, make it Double Team!
Phantom is my OTP~
Online ID: 000650
Member of Team PUNishment. Pun-pare for Struggle, make it Double Team!
Phantom is my OTP~ Online ID: 000650
