[Meta Thread] Lord Windos' PokeRole Adventure 2: The Wild Lands

[Lord Windos]

*Claps* Well, with the majority of votes either going for Bayhama and wanting to learn more about the latest and 'greatest' shadowy organization, The Start Location and Lore Reveals are decided: Bayhama shall be the start, and you'll all learn a bit more about Enigma! Concerning @PhantomUnderYourDesk 's question: Yes, they can freely travel between Sutalor and the Mageocracy, and have enough clout to take at least 1 Other Person/PC with them, so long as they vouch for them and keeps a 'close eye' on their activities. This means that the party will be somewhat split if you decide to take someone with you to the land of magi, but if we're starting in Bayhama that's less of a problem than most considering I have planned for it to take awhile for everyone to explore it.

As for the sheer amount of Poke you've gotten - part of the reason why for that is that Bayhama has a few pricy options (as in pooling together the Poke Pools of everyone to get one of them pricy) to help make navigating Sutalor less dicey, and in general I can balance purchases around everyone having a LOT of Poke at the start better than you guys having very little. Fun fact: nobody ended up choosing a Tier 3 Character, so nobody is the equivalent of a minor millionaire in the campaign! Nobody went with Hard Mode too, though that is probably a good thing really...

In terms of Background Choices - Nobody ended up selecting a 'Pokemon' Origin (Which makes sense, considering Dragonstrike's campaign exists for that brand of fun), and nobody ended up choosing a Settler Background! One person did end up going for a Native Background, but for the indeterminable future they can't participate in the campaign, so their PC shall become a DMPC until when/if they can return. The vast majority of you ended up going Tourist, while only a couple went the path of the Scimitar/Magi . Nobody (yet) also has strong ties to Enigma, so most of you going for the Enigma Lore Dump were pretty Fortunate in doing so, since you get more details that would've been harder to get!

[Dragonstrike]

*Claps* Well, with the majority of votes either going for Bayhama and wanting to learn more about the latest and 'greatest' shadowy organization, The Start Location and Lore Reveals are decided: Bayhama shall be the start, and you'll all learn a bit more about Enigma! Concerning PhantomUnderYourDesk 's question: Yes, they can freely travel between Sutalor and the Mageocracy, and have enough clout to take at least 1 Other Person/PC with them, so long as they vouch for them and keeps a 'close eye' on their activities. This means that the party will be somewhat split if you decide to take someone with you to the land of magi, but if we're starting in Bayhama that's less of a problem than most considering I have planned for it to take awhile for everyone to explore it.

As for the sheer amount of Poke you've gotten - part of the reason why for that is that Bayhama has a few pricy options (as in pooling together the Poke Pools of everyone to get one of them pricy) to help make navigating Sutalor less dicey, and in general I can balance purchases around everyone having a LOT of Poke at the start better than you guys having very little. Fun fact: nobody ended up choosing a Tier 3 Character, so nobody is the equivalent of a minor millionaire in the campaign! Nobody went with Hard Mode too, though that is probably a good thing really...

In terms of Background Choices - Nobody ended up selecting a 'Pokemon' Origin (Which makes sense, considering Dragonstrike's campaign exists for that brand of fun), and nobody ended up choosing a Settler Background! One person did end up going for a Native Background, but for the indeterminable future they can't participate in the campaign, so their PC shall become a DMPC until when/if they can return. The vast majority of you ended up going Tourist, while only a couple went the path of the Scimitar/Magi . Nobody (yet) also has strong ties to Enigma, so most of you going for the Enigma Lore Dump were pretty Fortunate in doing so, since you get more details that would've been harder to get!

Oh goodie, No One's character will still get to make an appearance!  Glad that they still get to have an impact even though they can't spend the time on this campaign right now.

The spread of backgrounds being kinda condensed is interesting, but the devil is in the details, as they say.  Really interested in seeing how we've all made our characters unique individuals.  I know a bit about Redstone's character already since I've been helping him get adjusted, but everyone else is mostly a mystery to me currently.

Looking forward to this foray into new lands!  Definitely want to put the opportunities in Bayahama and the knowledge on Enigma's dealings to good use.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(...) Yes, they can freely travel between Sutalor and the Mageocracy, and have enough clout to take at least 1 Other Person/PC with them, so long as they vouch for them and keeps a 'close eye' on their activities. This means that the party will be somewhat split if you decide to take someone with you to the land of magi, but if we're starting in Bayhama that's less of a problem than most considering I have planned for it to take awhile for everyone to explore it.(...)

Yesss! That's good news, great ones even! \(^ヮ^)/ Hyped to explore these secretive islands and get familiar with Special Encounters/fortune-triggered things exactly there! Because oh boy, I feel like this is going to be a thrilling ride, in a good and bad sense - that whole homerule of Fortune and how it has an influence on things is definitely something I am excited to see in action. Looking forward to see what y'all others have chosen to go with, characterwise and fortunewise!

Unfortunately for you people though and sorry to say that, my lone-wolf-PC is pretty surely not going to take anyonelse with 'em to the Mageocracy, for various reasons, the biggest one is that it's plain in stark contrast to xem's nature/view on things in-chara, and has chances it may be put them into a bad light due to their position. Sorry again! (>o< ) I...hope this won't cause problems too much since we'll be somewhat split as a party then at the start until we start to leave Bayhama, but seeing you have already planned for exploring that big city to take quiiiite a while - that's relieving to know. Less anxiety on my end, phew.

Following the train of thought though I have to ask you another thing: Pokedexes! Given we're not the ordinary fresh and completely-new type of PC that starts from zero (read: New Trainer embarking on very first journey like in the canon games), do we actually start with a Pokedex? Are they even a thing, how important/game-relevant are they to own, or do we have other means to stay in contact with one another in-person? Are customized or 'special' Pokedexes a thing, similar to the Almanac Dex I had in TheSkullRuins (if so, I'll send you a PM with an idea for that for my PC)

Tiny update: I'll be completely free on Thursday, aforementioned short appointment has been re-sheduled by the other party to Friday instead.

[Dragonstrike]

Unfortunately for you people though and sorry to say that, my lone-wolf-PC is pretty surely not going to take anyonelse with 'em to the Mageocracy, for various reasons, the biggest one is that it's plain in stark contrast to xem's nature/view on things in-chara, and has chances it may be put them into a bad light due to their position. Sorry again! (>o< ) I...hope this won't cause problems too much since we'll be somewhat split as a party then at the start until we start to leave Bayhama, but seeing you have already planned for exploring that big city to take quiiiite a while - that's relieving to know. Less anxiety on my end, phew.

Following the train of thought though I have to ask you another thing: Pokedexes! Given we're not the ordinary fresh and completely-new type of PC that starts from zero (read: New Trainer embarking on very first journey like in the canon games), do we actually start with a Pokedex? Are they even a thing, how important/game-relevant are they to own, or do we have other means to stay in contact with one another in-person? Are customized or 'special' Pokedexes are thing, similar to the Almanac Dex I had in TheSkullRuins (if so, I'll send you a PM with an idea for that for my PC)

Fortunately, I'm not in a hurry to meet with the mage council even though there's a few questions I might like to ask them.  Always the chance I could try and diplomacy my way into the mageocracy if needed (though that probably would go more smoothly with assistance from a reputable source)

I can provide a little info on Pokedex availability due to some easy to find world building info!  Given this is very much a post-SV adventure, anyone who has a Rotom Phone would have access to an open source Pokedex app that was developed by Naranja Academy's Mr. Jacque, a teacher who specialized in biology.  Whether anyone's actually developed a Sutalöran Pokedex for that app is a bit of a different matter, but the potential is definitely there!  Having a Pokedex of some kind is actually a very normal thing for the average person in the modern era, especially since researchers (like Mr. Jacque) can use the vast amount of data collected by the app as a reference.

My character happens to have a rather expensive Rotom Phone due to...circumstances 0_0.  Should be pretty easy to stay in touch with him.  So long as your character has a phone, of course (who doesn't these days, right? ;P Rotom based tech even gets increasingly common with each generation of the main series)

And if you pardon a little speculation on my part, I'm guessing the Scimitars might still have some Pokedex-like technology to put to use, given Almanac was originally a front for their organization.  I could definitely believe it at least!

[Spiritmon]

No problem coming from me too! I will keep in secret for the most from my character, but one piece of information I can kinda give already: My char have some medicine abilities, and some other healing methods. As a veteran from Celadon City game, I very aware how dangerous Windos games normally is, so I though in play a different kind of character this time. I normally play a more fighter character type, but decided to go in a different way this time in the cleric department. Just in case we are in the middle of the wild without Poke center to access. And depends in how the dice be mercy or not with me, maybe be able to make some useful medicine too. Cant guarantee however since still needs to fix a few things in my char since my college begin again this week. But I will play the game. There is no chance in hell I would miss this opportunity to play this game!

[Dragonstrike]

No problem coming from me too! I will keep in secret for the most from my character, but one piece of information I can kinda give already: My char have some medicine abilities, and some other healing methods. As a veteran from Celadon City game, I very aware how dangerous Windos games normally is, so I though in play a different kind of character this time. I normally play a more fighter character type, but decided to go in a different way this time in the cleric department. Just in case we are in the middle of the wild without Poke center to access. And depends in how the dice be mercy or not with me, maybe be able to make some useful medicine too. Cant guarantee however since still needs to fix a few things in my char since my college begin again this week. But I will play the game. There is no chance in hell I would miss this opportunity to play this game!

Ooh, a healer?  I like that.

I've gone the fighty route again myself, though a little differently from how I normally approach it.  Packed a few things in that might help with survival stuff too if that comes up (which it probably will).

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Ooh, a healer?  I like that.

I've gone the fighty route again myself, though a little differently from how I normally approach it.  Packed a few things in that might help with survival stuff too if that comes up (which it probably will).

Yep. You could say that. And to have a few things in knowledge. Might come in hand in case we might need to know things. Can never go wrong with some power of mind. And based in the things you and I pass though danger, one of us need to have the healing on hand. And it is pretty good the sensation in save lives and help others to shine.

Thats very good! Having person specialize in survival will of course be incredible necessary for sustained in the wild. Trying to optimize the character though is someway difficult. I on a tough spot with my char too because of the choice of moves, skills and specialties for my pokemons. I think the part of the trainer is MOSTLY done, but the Pokemon, urgh, it is difficult choice to go on.

[Lord Windos]

I don’t have a lot of time to type, but I want to drop a bit of Lore about Neo Unova, to wet everyone’s appetites a bit.

Standard of Living in NU

Contrary to expectations that the Enogma ruled region would be a despotic hellscape, it is as a whole considered a first world country, with the average citizen having access the free health care, internet, psychological care, and a basic food stipend. The tech level of the region is impressive too, due in no small part Enigma’s (Org. And Person) wanting to usher in a ‘new age for Humanity’ , and has made extensive efforts to colonize and develop the frontier lands of Unova. Not all is good, however - the region as a whole is heavily militarized and a keen interest to keep unwelcome foreigners out and the disagreeable person in. The average Neo Unovan can’t legally own a Pokémon or nterqct with Wild Mons, as only Team Enigma and a select few professions having access to them. Breach of this law usually results in lengthy imprisonment, death in cases when there was a ‘plot against Neo Unova’ afoot, or, most rarely, being conscripted into the Team/Military itself. The ‘wilds’ of Neo Unova have been steadily reduced over the decades as Enigma urbanizes the region, but he still maintains a few national parks and select ecosystems to keep some ecological diversity available. The Deserts have also been left alone to the Tribes thereof, and the Dragon Tower has been completely torn down and replaced with a Monument to the Fallen, a grave sight (and mocking tribute, in some eyes) for the Twin Dragons , their Black and White Heroes, and all the Important People that have perished in the war for usurpation.

Most Cities still exist in some capacity, save three: Clay’s , Skyla’s, and the White Forest Conclave, which were all razed during the war, and have since the redeveloped as Enigma Bases and Private Townships; rumor has it that Ghetsis himself rules over one with an Iron Fist, though information on this is horribly scarce. The League itself has been converted into Enigma’s primary headquarters, though it’s not the true key center for control - but that detail is for another time…

[Lord Windos]

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!

[Dragonstrike]

I have a fairly pertinent question about Enigma and Unovan lore, actually.

Is it known what happened to the Swords of Justice in the wake of Enigma's takeover of the region and its oppression of people and pokemon alike?  Or are they MIA much like other significant figures that would have stood opposed to the organization had they not vanished mysteriously when they were needed most?

The main three stood with Nate/Rosa against Neo Team Plasma before.  And yet none of these individuals have been mentioned so far despite their relevance as defenders of the region, likely indicating they're either missing (which could mean any number of things) or were 'dealt with' already.