I'm working on a fanfic that focuses on exploring a new region with new Pokemon. In simpler terms, I'm writing the storyline for a new "generation" of Pokemon. I have a region map drawn out, along with a basic map for the first town. I also have various characters named and planned out (Gym Leaders, Elite Four, Champion), as well as some of the new Pokemon that'd be in the region (some have names, others are just concepts).
Here's the map of the region, named Shiman. Like the real Pokemon games, it is based upon a region of Japan (in this case it's the region directly west of Johto and northeast of Hoenn). It also has some elements of other islands in the region as well, to help increase landmass.

Towns are numbered in order of how you'd go about exploring them. Cities with Gyms (or the Elite Four) are colored red. Routes are also vaguely numbered. Right now, not many towns are named.
The basic storyline is a player character (currently named Jack) has been looking after a family farm ever since his older sister left town. His older sister, a former gym leader in the town, decided to head off to the Pokemon League and challenge it, but hasn't returned since then. Now that the player is old enough to go out and explore, he has his eyes set on becoming a Pokemon master like his sister is/was, as well as tracking her down.
The region also introduces a new Pokemon type (Elastic).
Furthermore, the idea here is to explore potential other "game mechanics." An alternative method for making money is there in the form of the possibility to do agriculture (the hometown is a farming village, and the player lives on a farm with lots of loamy soil), so there will be more plants that can be grown and which can produce a good amount of income. Next is the possibility of courting select "NPCs", by raising something equivalent to Happiness levels for them. Third, and finally, the story will explore the potential of the player taking on a League Certification test to become a Gym Leader (to replace his sister who abandoned the local town gym).
The story will be written out in a couple of ways -- In many areas, it'll follow a game-type script. However, for things like massive exploring, capturing of POkemon, and battles, it'll go into a more narrative-type of story telling.
I guess what I'm seeking in making this thread is validation that this is a sane idea. Also, any suggestions/help on character/place names would be helpful.
And for some information on characters and place names that I have done so far:
TOWNS
Wheaton Ville (the character's hometown, designated by town 1 on the map)
CHARACTERS
Professor Maple: Studies Pokemon typing
Ground Gym Leader Dirk
Poison Gym Leader Galen
Bug Gym Leader Roche
Dark Gym Leader Jetta
Fighting Gym Leader Marshall
Steel Gym Leader Minerva
Dragon Gym Leader Lisa
Elastic Gym Leader Alexa
Water Elite Four Brooke
Rock Elite Four Thurston
Fire Elite Four Brandon
Grass Elite Four Lily
Champion Saki
Favoring progress over power.