[Worldbuilding] The Heiwa Region

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Introduction

Hello! Welcome to the Heiwa Archipelago!

The Heiwa Archipelago is (though under different names) the combination for a lot of ideas I have had for regions over the years. The majority of the Region exists here (and in my mind), but it is also being developed into a hack, which you can see here.

The Archipelago itself has been inspired by the islands of the Pokémon franchise, the Orange Islands, Sevii Islands, the Decolore Islands, you get the idea. I really like the idea of traveling through a series of islands, kind of like Ash and Co. have done in the anime.
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Timeline of Events

• The Defense of Yōko
  • Part 1
  • Part 2
• Elite Four Showcase
  • Conclusion
• Water Pokémon Uprising
  • Introduction
  • Resolution

Alternate Timeline(s)

• A Tsunami is Headed for Heiwa
  • Introduction
  • The Initial Forecast

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Coming Soon

• Landmarks
• Some History
• And some other stuff

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A Bit About the Archipelago

The Heiwa Archipelago is located a decent distance to the south of the Hoenn Region, and is surrounded by (relatively) shallow ocean water caused by caused by a series of underwater volcanoes. Although many of the volcanoes that made it above water and became islands are no longer active, a few (unnamed) ones are still making new islands to this day.

Heiwa was first discovered by a group of sailors many years ago, a number of whom decided to settle down and live there. It's discovery drew attention from the world over, and Heiwa is now one of the top vacation spots for people from many regions. As the population grew the local Heiwa Pokémon League was established and the region also became known as a place for trainers to not only enjoy the different islands but also test their mettle on a circuit of challenging gyms. Because the primary economy of Heiwa is tourism, the League tournaments are held during the summer (so as to maximize potential profits), though the gyms can be challenged year round. (Some disgruntled trainers claim it is because the officials don't want to referee in the rain.)
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The Geology of Heiwa

The Heiwa Archipelago was formed by a series of underwater volcanoes in a naturally shallow part of the ocean, though a recent study has concluded that this volcanic activity played a part in the shallow waters as well. For the most part, the volcanic activity has died considerably, with the last documented eruption occurring some 200 years ago. There are a few active volcanoes within the region, however they are the "slowly erupting" type of volcanoes, and are merely spilling slow moving lava into the ocean and expanding the islands they formed decades ago.

The numerous islands combined with the shallow waters of the archipelago have led to ideal conditions for coral reefs, and a number of atolls have formed as a result.
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The Climate of Heiwa

The climate of the Heiwa region is both tropical and subtropical, with each island varying sightly from the others. They typical "rule" for this is that the further north an island, the colder it usually is. Similarly, changes in elevation often lead changes in temperature and wildlife.

There are two seaons in Heiwa: the wet season and the dry season. The wet season, lasting from approximately October through April, is known for it's widespread storms which though not often violent have lead to flash floods due to heavy rainfall. The average temperature during the wet season is usually between 20 and 24 °C (68 - 75 °F), though the humidity often makes it feel much hotter for those not used to such conditions. The shallow seas surrounding the islands usually mean that monsoons that form in deeper waters lose much of their ferocity before reaching the main islands.

The dry season, conversely, is known for is it's sunny conditions and noticeably light rainfall (showers typically produce no more than a millimeter or two during the dry season). However, rain falls just often enough that plants are easily able to survive until the wet season. The average temperature during the dry season is much less consistent than the wet season, and can be anywhere between 26 and 36 °C (78 - 96 °F). Fortunately, cool trade winds from the south east often provide a gentle respite from the heat as they form over the cold waters of the ocean.

As noted earlier, natural disasters and monsoons are uncommon within the archipelago, with the last recorded monsoon to reach shores being 10 years ago. Likewise, the appearance of a tsunami is very rare.
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The Wildlife of Heiwa

Due to its relative proximity to the Hoenn Region, a number of Pokémon from Hoenn are native to this region. It is not uncommon for the average traveler to see a school of Luvdisc or a flock of Wingull before their boat even reaches one of the islands. But, heavy tourism has introduced number of non-native Pokémon, in particular those from Johto and Kanto. It is interesting to note that a unique number of Fairy type Pokémon have been native to the islands for years, despite not being a part of the typical "Hoenn" ecosystem.

There are no official starter Pokémon for the Heiwa Region, and the local Professor, a Celia Totora, offers whichever she can acquire to beginners. Lately, the Johto starters have been increasingly common, though Professor Totora denies anything but good fortune (much to the chagrin of members of a local initiative hoping to introduce the Johto starters as the "obvious, tropical choice").
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Notable Locations


Cities & Towns

A. Elurte Town
A town on the oddly cold (and sometimes snow-covered) Elurte Island, Elurte Town and the nearby Elurra Island are the only places outside mountain tops that ever see snow in the Heiwa Region. Scientists have been stumped for years trying to figure out the islands unnaturally cold climate. Various theories have been given, but none have managed to explain it thoroughly. Local legends claim the influence of some kind of legendary Pokémon, but if it exists it has not been witnessed in Heiwa for centuries.

B. Sumendi Town
A mid-sized town in the north-east of Heiwa, Sumendi Town is situated right on the slopes of Mt. Sumendi, the only active volcano left in the region (above the water). The town is home to a number of attractions, including a large hotspring (simply called the Sumendi Hotsprings), a Fire-type Pokémon Gym (which doubles as a restaurant), and even a woman that claims to have created the ultimate elemental moves. The Fire-type Gym is led by ???.

C. Vittoria City
One of the largest cities in Heiwa, Vittoria City is home to the Headquarters of the Heiwa League. Each summer the Hiewa League Championships are held in the four large stadiums that can be found in the city. The most impressive building in Vittoria (aside from the stadiums) is the League Headquarters building, located to the north of the town. The town itself is somewhat small, being built into the mountainside. The homes are small, stone buildings and the roads are similarly paved with stone. It is considered a lovely, calming place to relax after the challenge trainers face travelling through Victory Road (though the city can be reached without passing through Victory Road).

Vittoria City is also the capital city of Heiwa, and on top of a number of governmental complexes, any embassies established in the region are also found here (currently the Cerian and Dúlran embassies).

D. Ohea City
Ohea City is a small city, located on the same island as Port Piccolo. Ohea Town was initially a mining town, but since the mines moved to the opposite side of the island it has become a popular tourist spot for trainers and sightseers wanting to relax before traveling to the bustling Vittoria City for the Heiwa League.

E. Port Piccolo
Port Piccolo is a small port and fishing town. Despite its small size, it is home to the largest fishing operation in Heiwa. In addition, Port Piccolo serves as the main port for a large mining operation to the north of the town.

F. Primaria City
Primaria City is the second largest city in the Heiwa Region, much of its growth owing to its centralized location and proximity to the Heiwa International Airport (which is on the outskirts). Aside from the airport, Primaria City is also home to Professor Totora's Laboratory and the gym of the Flying-type Gym Leader Caelum.

G. Ombra Town
Ombra Town is that is in touch with the darkness (not evilly so). Built in the shadow of the tallest mountain of Heiwa, Ombra Town is almost always darker than the rest of the region. Its vegetation reflects this, being much thicker and taller than one usually encounters. Ombra Town is also a place of culture, known for its world-famous Dance Theatre, where visitors can watch performances from a number of groups. One of the most popular dancing groups is a troupe of Kimono Girls from the Johto Region, who give performances every other Friday. Be sure to stop by and see them! Ombra Town is home to the Dragon-type Gym, led by ???.

H. Solitario Town
A rather unremarkable little town, Solitario is a quiet community that used to make a living as a fishing town. It has since become known for it's newspaper, the Heiwa Herald, which is circulated throughout the archipelago by a specially trained team of Pidgey.

I. Port Fortuna
The largest city and port in Heiwa, Port Fortuna is an economic hub. Port Fortuna is known for two things: it's skilled shipwrights and it's casinos. That's right, Port Fortuna is a gambling city, known world wide as the "Port of Good Fortune". Money changes hands everywhere in the city, and vendors from the world over come to sell their wares to hopeful gamblers. It is home to the Psychic-type Gym of the region, led by Eleska.

J. Itsaso Town
Itsaso Town is a semi-floating town, built on an atoll in the middle of the sea. It is home to a number of fishermen, but is also a popular tourist spot because of it's unique charm and beautiful ocean view. It is also home to the largest coral reef in the region (which the homes are built on top of), and is positively exploding with marine life that any Water-type enthusiast would simply love to witness. It is home to the Water-type Gym, led by Kayla.

K. Loreak City
Built near the base of Mt. Loreak, Loreak City is known as the "City of Flowers" because it simply teeming with flowers. Loreak City (and Mt. Loreak) are both named after the rare "Loreak Flower", a flower native to Heiwa that has similar properties to the Gracidea Flower of Sinnoh and causes Shaymin to transform into it's Sky Forme. Because of the flower's importance in the area, Loreak City hosts an annual "Festival of the Flowers" during which Heiwaians gather to celebrate the local Shaymin population and the flowers that decorate the area. Loreak City is home to the Fairy-type Gym led by Brina.

L. Vivre City
A large city, Vivre City is a hub for the farms located in the southern islands of Heiwa. Vivre City was created out of marshlands, and the land to the direct south (before the farms) still reflects this, and the city is known to flood on occasion. As a hub for farmers, Vivre City features a large market place where Heiwaians and tourists can purchase any number of local foods and goods. Vivre City is home to the Bug-type Gym led by Titheo.

Mountains, Forests, and More

Coming soon! :)
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The Organizations of Heiwa

There are a number of organizations that can be joined within Heiwa (or there will be one day).
You can read about them here on their own post.
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The Heiwa Pokédex

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The Heiwa League

The Heiwa League follows the standard 8 Gym format. Challengers are expected to collect all 8 badges, though the order that they do so is up to the challenger. Once a challenger has collected their badges, they become eligible to participate in the Heiwa League Championships, a region-wide tournament held during the dry season that draws upwards of 250 participants each year. The top four finalists of the tournament are then allowed to challenge the Heiwa Elite Four for a shot a battling the Champion of the Heiwa League, Emmeline. Winners of the tournament will receive a trophy as well as cash prize.

The Heiwa League aims to draw trainers from the world over, and has been very successful. As part of this endeavor, all members of the Elite Four are not required to live in the region, but rather must simply be present when they are challenged. Gym Leaders, because they can be challenged year-round, are required to live and train within the region full-time.

The Gym Leaders

The Gym Leaders of the Heiwa League are specialists in the eight types most commonly found within the Heiwa Region, though they have been known to use Pokémon imported from outside regions in their battles.

Current Leaders

1. Flying - Caelum (Sky High)
2. Bug - Titheo (eros)
3. Dragon - Alicia (Sopheria)
4. Grass - Sam (doge)
5. Psychic - Eleska (「sarcasm)

Leaders of the Past

• Water - Kayla - Jinx
• Ghost - Awan - Awanshazwan
• Fairy - Brina - yayacomma

The Elite Four

The Elite Four of the Heiwa League are specialists in two types and are masters at battling. They use Pokémon from all over the world on their teams, in the spirit of the Heiwa League. They are:

1. ???
2. ???
3. ???
4. Fairy & ??? - Brina - yayacomma

The Champion

The Champion of the Heiwa League, Emmeline, has held her current position for the last 6 years, a position she won from the previous Champion Jack. She does not specialize in a particular type, but is known for her aggressive style of battling.
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Explore Heiwa

Here's your chance to experience Heiwa first-hand, by role-playing your way through the islands!
http://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?p=8945264#post8945264

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Notable Trainers and Citizens

Trainers

• Austin - White Mage
• Bree - Anna
• Chris - PokemonNerd65
• Flushed
• Ethan - MegaTorterra102
• Marjorie - Cheshire Cat
• Zeta - Dark Zeta
• Kai - ForeverBurning
• Noah - Luster Purge
• Dwayne - dwayne17
• Rai - Milotic
• Florent - slashtiki
• Marlene - Juno
• Awan - Awanshazwan
• Kayla - Jinx
• Ringo - Dragon
• Jarvis - anonyboy
• Logan - MUDKIP!!!
• Caelum - Sky High (Flying-type Gym Leader)
• Sam - doge (Grass-type Gym Leader)
• Alicia - Sopheria (Dragon-type Gym Leader)
• Eleska - 「sarcasm (Psychic-type Gym Leader)
• Titheo - eros (Bug-type Gym Leader)
• Brina - yayacomma (Fairy-type Elite Four)
• Emmeline - Hopeless Masquerade (Champion)

Citizens

• Suki - Hopeless Masquerade (Head Kimono Girl)
• Mr. Garnet - Hopeless Masquerade (Owner of the Heiwa Herald)
• Fujita - yayacomma (Kimono Girl)
• Mimi Matters - MimiMatters (Breeder)
• Dwayne Fionnuar - Deceptio (Dúlran Ambassdor)
• Coltan - Managrimm (Cerian Ambassador)
• Sylas - Managrimm (Cerian Bodyguard [for Coltan])

Join the Region

Becoming a member of the Heiwa Region is a rather multifaceted thing, and has many levels of participation. It can be as simple as having your name on the list in order to say "I like this place!" or as involved as being a trainer and role-playing your way through the region.

Here is the generic application, feel free to fill in as many or few fields as you like.


The only required fields are the ones in red.
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Chat with Heiwa

At one time we had a Skype group, although that died with the World of PC.
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Learn More About Heiwa

Looking to learn more about Heiwa? Well you're in luck! The Heiwa Region has it's own Wiki, found here: http://heiwa.wikia.com/wiki/Heiwa_Wikia. It is still very much a work-in-progress, but rest assured that it holds a ton of information, including details about the hack!

And if you can't find what you're looking for there, well, you can always ask here. :)
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Support Heiwa

Here's a support bar that you can put in your signature! Thanks for making it yayacomma!