SIDE STORY 9 - MIGRATION PERIOD (Patreon)

A/N: Been a while, hasn't it? This is written as a 'high school' level history essay about the Migration Period (my way of explaining why there are so many non-Shinwanese people on the continent). While a lot is simplified and glossed over, all the information presented is correct. SIDE STORY 9 - MIGRATION PERIOD

Introduction

The Migration Period (circa 8,700–8,000 BI), also known as the Solante Refugee Crisis, represents a significant era in world history characterized by extensive population movements. This period is believed by historians, archaeologists, and geologists to have been precipitated by a series of catastrophic geological events, including massive earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and other tectonic activities. The continent of Solante, encompassing the regions now known as Paldea, Galar, Kalos, and other territories, bore the brunt of these cataclysmic occurrences. However, it remains uncertain whether the geographical configuration of this landmass was identical to its present form before the events collectively referred to as the Rupture. In fact, many argue through the discovery of numerous underwater ruins and many pre-historic writings that the Earth’s landmasses must have been unrecognizable from today.The aftermath of these disasters prompted the widespread dispersal of numerous tribes, most notably the Garothens, Valmari, Brigandians, Druvanns, Helmarians, and Tumyans. These groups subsequently migrated across the globe, establishing themselves on virtually every continent. 

In this essay, I will focus on the one of the tribes that established themselves within Shinwa: the Valmari.

How They Got There

The Valmari were a nomadic tribe from northern Kalos known for their deep connection with flying type Pokemon, which played a crucial role during the Migration Period. As seismic upheavals and natural disasters ravaged the continent of Solante, the Valmari relied on their avian companions to traverse the transformed landscape. Their primary Pokemon of use included Pidgeot, Talonflame, and Corviknight, which served multiple essential functions. Pidgeot were usually all-rounders, Talonflame were speedsters, and Corviknight were bulky Pokemon capable of taking hits.

With the landscape increasingly fragmented by earthquakes and tsunamis, traditional trade routes were often impassable. The Valmari employed their Flying Pokemon to scout ahead, identifying safer pathways and navigating through hazardous terrain. These Pokemon’s aerial vantage points allowed them to survey large areas quickly, providing critical intelligence about the changing environment and locating viable routes for the migrating tribe.

Additionally, their Pokemon played a vital role in maintaining communication among the dispersed Valmari groups. By transporting messages and coordinating movements, these flying types ensured that different segments of the tribe could stay in touch despite the vast distances that separated them. This system of aerial communication was indispensable in organizing collective actions, such as regrouping or avoiding newly emerged dangers such as dangerous wild Pokemon or a tribe ahead, or dangerous terrain. This allowed these tribesmen to make it to the eastern Solante coast in high numbers over the decades (150,000 - 250,000).

The Valmari’s reliance on their Flying Pokemon also extended to scouting for new settlements. As the tribe moved across unfamiliar territories, the Flying Pokemon helped identify potential areas for resettlement that were both habitable and strategically advantageous. These shanty towns never lasted long— only a few years at most while they waited for scouting parties to return or for parties behind them to catch up, but this capability was crucial in a time when environmental conditions were unpredictable and constantly shifting.

Years after the Rupture, the oceans remained perilous and nearly uncrossable, a fact well-documented in the preserved histories of the Shinwa peoples, whose societies were among the first to develop written records (many in this period spoke of Hoenn and Sinnoh’s separation from the mainland, though Sinnoh was ravaged just as hard as Solante was while Hoenn was relatively spared). Despite the Valmari’s adeptness at taming flying type Pokemon, their number of birds was insufficient to facilitate a mass migration across the vast and turbulent seas all at once. Initially, the Valmari managed to navigate these treacherous waters using their fleet of avian Pokemon in a gradual, measured approach. They undertook small-scale voyages, landing on the western shores of Kanto in a series of intermittent crossings. This strategy allowed them to establish a foothold and build vital connections with local populations, paving the way for future waves of migration. 

Upon reaching Kanto, the Valmari set up rudimentary trading posts and settlements along the coastline. These early arrivals acted as intermediaries, fostering trade between their own people and the indigenous inhabitants of Kanto. The exchange was mutually beneficial: the Valmari brought with them advanced knowledge of their homeland’s technologies, such as advanced irrigation and plowing techniques, along with their expertise in harnessing flying type Pokemon. At the time, theirs were the fastest in the region and could be a real advantage in war, trade or travel. They also took in the Kantonese writing system for themselves, though they did not begin writing down much of their histories until they settled in Hisui.

In return, they acquired resources and knowledge that would prove essential for their continued migration and eventual integration into Kanto’s diverse landscape. They learned the way of the land as the world recovered and their numbers continued swelling as the decades advanced.

The Trek Up North

Approximately 120 years following the initial arrival of the Valmari on the western shores of Kanto, a significant and tumultuous shift occurred in their relations with the majority of the indigenous clans. This period marked the onset of a protracted era of conflict and instability that would endure for the next fifty years.

The precise cause of the deterioration in relations between the Valmari and the native clans remains uncertain. The ensuing period was characterized by widespread warfare and societal upheaval, which resulted in the destruction of numerous records. Towns were sacked or wiped out, and the population endured severe suffering, including enslavement, disease, and starvation. Consequently, the details surrounding the initial breakdown in relations have been obscured by the chaos of this era.

Historians have posited several theories to explain the collapse of the alliance. One hypothesis suggests that the Valmari, having grown increasingly powerful and influential, may have engendered apprehension among the native clans. This newfound dominance could have prompted a defensive response from the indigenous peoples, leading to escalating tensions. Another theory proposes that resource scarcity, exacerbated by a series of poor harvests, may have strained relations to a breaking point. The competition for dwindling resources could have fueled animosity and conflict. Additionally, it is speculated that a change in leadership among either the Valmari or the native clans might have contributed to the rapid deterioration of their relationship. A shift in political dynamics or policy could have fundamentally altered the nature of their interactions, leading to a swift and dramatic breakdown in trust and cooperation.

The most agreed-upon theory, however, is this: The Valmari, having been among the first to arrive on the western shores of Kanto due to their superior traveling speed, were not the sole group of migrants to reach Shinwa. As the oceans gradually became navigable again in the wake of the Rupture, other migratory groups, notably the Garothens and the Tumyans, also made their way to the continent.

These new arrivals, having heard of the wealth and potential opportunities that Shinwa purportedly offered, descended upon the continent with great urgency, and they were often not as diplomatic as the Valmari. The influx of these additional groups and their Pokemon placed immense pressure on the region, which, in all likelihood, was ill-equipped to sustain such a rapid and substantial increase in population. The competition for resources among the various groups, combined with the strain on the continent's already limited supplies, contributed to the collapse of relations.

Regardless of the underlying cause, the consequences of this fractious period are well documented. The Valmari, who had arrived in Kanto as a relatively small group, found themselves increasingly isolated and vulnerable. Their fractured leadership and diminished numbers made them targets for systematic persecution. The native clans, mobilizing against what they perceived as a growing threat, engaged in a concerted effort to hunt down and push the Valmari and the other tribes back over the sea. The result was a devastating campaign that sought to extinguish the presence of the Valmari within Kanto, further compounding the tumultuous circumstances of the era.

As tensions and conflicts intensified in Kanto, the Valmari, now facing increasing hostilities and diminishing resources, were compelled to seek new territories for resettlement. With their leadership fractured and their numbers severely reduced, the Valmari embarked on a challenging migration north-eastward towards Johto. 

The reason they did not leave back for Solante was two-fold.

Firstly, the migration had given rise to a new generation of Valmari who had come to regard Shinwa, their new land, as their true home. For these individuals, the cultural and emotional ties to Solante had diminished over time, having been replaced by a growing sense of belonging and identity within the new territories they had settled. The notion of returning to a homeland that now seemed distant and unfamiliar was less compelling to this new generation, which had adapted to and embraced their life in Shinwa. 

Secondly, the geopolitical landscape of Solante had changed significantly since the Valmari's departure. The presence of other migrating tribes, who had also established themselves along the Solante coast, created a situation wherein reentry would be met with considerable resistance. These tribes, having secured their own footholds in the region, were unlikely to welcome the returning Valmari without conflict. The prospect of engaging in battles to reclaim territory, combined with the formidable logistical challenges of crossing the sea with a sufficient fighting force, rendered such an undertaking impractical. The technological and strategic limitations of the era made it infeasible to mount a successful campaign to reclaim Solante, further reinforcing the decision to remain in their new lands.

Upon arriving in Johto, the Valmari encountered a region with its own complex socio-political landscape. Johto’s native clans were distinct from those of Kanto, were themselves contending with their own issues, and had to negotiate the presence of these new settlers. The Valmari, leveraging their advanced knowledge of flight and the riches they had managed to carry with them. They began to integrate into the local communities, establishing small settlements and forging trade relationships with the Johto inhabitants. It is well documented that during their migration and subsequent settlement in Shinwa, the Valmari played a significant role in assisting the ancestors of the Blackthorns, a prominent local tribe, in taming their first group of Dragonite on Mount Silver. This phase of migration was marked by a period far more cautious about assimilation due to what had happened years prior in Kanto, allowing a large part of the Valmari to keep their distinct appearance and cultural norms.

It was during their period of settlement in Johto that the Valmari first learned of the land to the north, known as Hisui— otherwise known as modern-day Sinnoh. This region was described as vast and largely unoccupied, with only a few surviving native groups and Johtohans who had ventured across the strait into the area.

Accounts from these local inhabitants conveyed that Hisui was a land of considerable mystery, intrigue, and legend. It was widely believed among these groups that the Rupture—the catastrophic event that had reshaped the world—had ceased its devastating progress somewhere within the confines of Hisui. According to local folklore, three of the Rupture's acolytes, other powerful entities associated with the disaster, were said to have been anchored in the region. The influence of these early beliefs and superstitions about Hisui can still be observed in the contemporary religious practices of some native Sinnohans confined to Snowpoint. The most prominent manifestation of this influence is found in their veneration of an unnamed deity, often referred to as Him or the Continent-Mover.

These stories and beliefs significantly influenced the Valmari’s perception of Hisui. The notion that the region might still hold remnants of the Rupture’s destructive force, coupled with the enigmatic accounts of its acolytes, colored the Valmari’s view of the land to the north. An untamed landmass with untold power to potentially protect them from future aggression.

Migration Into Hisui

The Valmari’s approach to Hisui was marked by meticulous planning and a desire for conquest. No longer would they have to be beholden to any tribe or clan; they wanted to rule.

Utilizing their remaining resources and the expertise they had developed during their earlier migrations, they organized a series of expeditions to explore and assess the new territory. Just as before, they presented themselves as humble traders with expertise in speed and flying Pokemon. The few surviving native groups and Johtohans who had previously ventured into the region provided the Valmari with critical insights into the geography of the Region. Among the places deemed hazardous were Eterna Forest and Mount Coronet. Eterna Forest, with its dense and enigmatic foliage, was reputed to be fraught with both natural and supernatural dangers. Only the edges were safe to travel through. Mount Coronet, they called the roof of the world, an unnavigable peak where those who delved too deep would be trapped until they starved.

Conversely, the Valmari identified and capitalized on the wealthier and more hospitable lands for their initial settlements. Key among these were the regions that would eventually develop into the prosperous settlements of Sandgem and Jubilife. These areas offered favorable conditions for habitation and growth, with access to vital resources and more manageable environments. The establishment of these settlements marked the beginning of the Valmari’s successful integration into Hisui’s socio-economic landscape. Sandgem and Jubilife emerged as pivotal centers of Valmari activity, providing strategic bases for expansion and development. Their locations offered advantageous positions for trade with both Johtohans, the people of Ransei, and Hisuians, along with plenty of arable land and weak water types to fish, facilitating the Valmari's continued growth and influence in the region. The early success and development of these settlements underscore the Valmari’s ability to identify and exploit the most promising regions within Hisui, contributing to their eventual stability and prosperity in the new land.

For decades following their establishment in Hisui, the Valmari focused on consolidating their strength and enhancing their capabilities. A significant aspect of their strategy involved gaining military experience by serving as mercenaries in the protracted and frequent conflicts that plagued the mainland to the south. The Valmari, leveraging their established settlements in Hisui, actively engaged in these southern wars, which were characterized by ongoing and intense regional conflicts. Their role as mercenaries provided them with valuable combat experience and strategic insights, contributing to their military prowess and operational effectiveness.

This period of service as mercenaries not only augmented the Valmari’s martial skills but also facilitated their integration into broader Shinwa politics. Through their participation in these wars, the Valmari gained crucial alliances and expanded their influence beyond the immediate confines of Hisui. Most notably, they remained close allies to the Blackthorns’ ancestors, who supplied them with a few Dragonite of their own, remembering the close links between their peoples even a century after first contact.

The Conquest Of Hisui

The conquest of Hisui by the Valmari was a complex and strategic process that unfolded over several decades, shaped by their extensive military experience and adeptness at navigating the region's geopolitical landscape.

The Valmari adeptly exploited existing local conflicts to gain a strategic advantage in their conquest of Hisui. The region had been rife with numerous disputes between the Johtohans and the native Hisuians, conflicts that the Valmari skillfully leveraged to further their own objectives. By aligning themselves with or manipulating the ongoing hostilities between these groups, the Valmari were able to create opportunities for themselves. They positioned themselves as influential players in the region’s power dynamics, using their involvement to weaken and divide the local forces. This strategic manipulation of existing conflicts allowed the Valmari to capitalize on the fragmentation and strife within Hisui, facilitating their advance and consolidation of control.

The Valmari’s campaign to dominate Hisui commenced with a series of meticulously planned operations aimed at securing control over key strategic locations within the region. Among these pivotal sites were Lily of the Valley Island, the Iron Islands, Newmoon Island, and Fullmoon Island. Each of these locations offered significant advantages for the Valmari’s strategic objectives. From these vantage points, they utilized their Flying-type Pokemon to conduct a series of raids on the local populations. The aerial capabilities of their Pokemon enabled them to execute swift and formidable attacks, creating an atmosphere of fear and disruption among the inhabitants. The relentless nature of these raids, coupled with the psychological impact of being targeted from the skies, eventually wore down the resolve of the local populations. The continuous pressure exerted by the Valmari’s forces and the exhaustion and demoralization of the local defenders contributed to the gradual erosion of resistance against their advance.

This precipitated a massive refugee crisis, reminiscent of the circumstances that had originally driven the Valmari’s migration centuries earlier. In the face of the advancing Valmari forces and the ensuing conflict, tens of thousands of individuals sought to escape the turmoil by fleeing northward.

Many of these refugees aimed to reach the safety of Snowpoint City, which at that time was known by a different name (either Shikarpe or Furepe, depending on the source). The city, serving as a haven for those escaping the war, offered temporary refuge and hope for survival. However, this sanctuary was not to last, as Snowpoint City eventually fell to the Valmari forces, further exacerbating the plight of the displaced individuals.

The arduous journey north through the treacherous terrain of Mount Coronet claimed an unknown number of lives, though estimates range from 12,000 to 25,000. The challenging conditions of the mountain, coupled with the perilous circumstances faced by the refugees, resulted in significant suffering and loss. Many of these people feared Pokemon instead of seeing them as partners, and so delved into the mountain with only weapons of their own.

Around the year 8100 BI, the Valmari had a region of their own.

Rule and Collapse

In their efforts to solidify their control over Hisui and beyond, the Valmari sought to implement a system similar to the newly established first Pokemon League of Kanto. This too, most likely had another name, though it has been lost to the sands of time. It is important to note that this first unified Kanto League would collapse in a few centuries due to infighting, but it served as the blueprint that nearly every country still uses to this day. 

This strategic move aimed to institutionalize their authority and maintain stability within their newly acquired territories by giving them an air of legitimacy. To achieve this, the Valmari established a series of regional governing bodies modeled after the Pokémon League’s Gym system. These bodies were tasked with overseeing various aspects of administration and security throughout the conquered lands. Similar to the Kanto League’s Gym Leaders, the Valmari appointed prominent figures to these positions, ensuring that each region had a local authority capable of maintaining order and enforcing the Valmari’s policies. In modern history, only Snowpoint City remains as a direct legacy of this system. It is important to note that, during the Valmari Empire's era, the Gyms did not function as entities that could be ‘challenged’ in the modern sense, with the intent of supplanting Valmari authority by eventually beating the League. Instead, these Gyms served primarily as bases of power within the empire’s administrative and military structure.

The primary role of the Gyms was to act as training centers for new Pokémon Trainers, who were then integrated into the Valmari’s military forces. These institutions were crucial in maintaining the empire’s military strength and ensuring a steady supply of trained personnel capable of supporting and enforcing Valmari rule.

Nearly all of these Gyms specialized in flying type Pokemon, reflecting the strategic importance of aerial combat and reconnaissance in the Valmari’s military operations. The emphasis on fliers was instrumental in maintaining control over vast and varied territories, providing the empire with a significant tactical advantage in both defensive and offensive operations.

In contrast, other towns such as Sandgem and Jubilife, which also had Gyms during the Valmari’s initial administration, no longer retain these institutions in their contemporary forms. The Gyms that once existed in these settlements have disappeared over time, reflecting the evolving nature of regional governance and the shifting priorities of successive administrations. Additionally, many settlements that were once significant under the Valmari’s system have since vanished, taking their associated Gyms with them.

The collapse of the Valmari Empire was a complex and multifaceted process, marked by internal strife, external pressures, and the gradual erosion of centralized control from the Lily of the Valley Island. The downfall unfolded over several decades, resulting from a confluence of political, economic, and social factors.

Internally, the empire faced significant challenges related to governance and administration. As the Valmari expanded their territory, maintaining control over their diverse and widespread holdings became increasingly difficult. The centralized system of governance, originally modeled after the Pokémon League, struggled to adapt to the growing demands and complexities of the vast empire. Administrative inefficiencies, corruption, and regional dissent contributed to weakening the cohesion of the Valmari’s rule. 

Externally, the Valmari Empire faced escalating pressure from rival powers and internal dissent, which significantly contributed to its eventual collapse. The various kingdoms of Ransei, observing the empire’s growing vulnerability, seized the opportunity to launch numerous incursions against Valmari territories. Among their notable actions was the capture of the Iron Islands, which they held for thirteen years. During this period, the Iron Islands were utilized as a base for conducting slave raids, further destabilizing the region and depriving them of 94% of their iron supply.

The incursions and ongoing conflicts led to the abandonment of Newmoon and Fullmoon Islands, as these strategic locations fell into disuse amid the chaos. Even after the Ranseians withdrew, the Iron Islands declared their independence, marking a significant blow to the Valmari Empire given that it was their most prominent naval base to the east. To remedy this, Canalave was settled and heavily developed, but it was too little too late. This declaration of independence was emblematic of the broader fragmentation that ensued, serving as the first of many critical losses for the empire.

As the empire’s control waned, the Gym Leaders, who had previously served as administrators and military commanders, increasingly assumed the roles of warlords. Their actions further undermined the authority of the Valmari’s centralized governance. The fragmentation of the once-unified Gym system contributed to the erosion of the empire’s cohesion, as loyalty to the central authority diminished and regional leaders pursued their own agendas and started competing with each other for resources, Pokemon and Trainers.

Decision paralysis plagued the remaining Valmari leadership, as internal debates and disputes over how to address the escalating crisis rendered the administration ineffective. The inability to mount a unified response to the multiple threats faced by the empire led to its disintegration over the course of a decade. Around the year 7950 BI, the empire fragmented into numerous independent entities, each grappling with its own challenges and power struggles.

Sinnoh would not unify again for thousands of years.