Build Your Own Pokémon Region: A Step-by-Step Guide

Incorporating Real People, Cultures, and History into Your Pokémon Region

❌ Don't use sacred symbols (headdresses, war paint) inaccurately.

➡ Try This!

Are there Indigenous influences in your region's history, architecture, or belief systems?

Can you include Indigenous trainers, Rangers, or Pokémon researchers who respect tradition?

➡ Example: A wise Elder NPC who teaches players about the importance of Pokémon and nature, based on real Indigenous environmental practices.

3. Representing Real Historical Figures & Events

If your region is inspired by real-world history, you may want to include figures or events similar to those from the past.

➡ Ways to Include Historical Events in a Pokémon-Friendly Way:

✅ Reimagine Events with Pokémon Involvement – A great war in your region's past may have included Legendary Pokémon as divine protectors.

✅ Base Leaders on Historical Figures – If your region is based on the U.S., a strong, independent Gym Leader could be inspired by Harriet Tubman.

✅ Create Pokémon-Inspired Artifacts – Ancient tools, murals, and writings in your world could mirror real-world archaeology.

✅ Villainous Teams Representing Oppression or Colonization – A team that seeks to "rewrite history" could parallel real-world colonial expansion.

➡ Example:

A city in your region is built around an ancient battleground, where a Legendary Pokémon once ended a historic conflict.

A former Champion is based on a real leader, known for their strength and wisdom.

Try This!

Does your region have historical events that shape how people interact with Pokémon today?

Are there famous Pokémon Trainers in history, similar to knights, warriors, or explorers?

➡ Example: Your region's Pokémon League was inspired by ancient warrior trials, where only the strongest could become the Champion.

4. Representing Different Ethnic Groups & Cultures

Regions based on real-world places often have diverse populations, just like their inspirations. If your region is based on North America, you might want to include Latino, African American, Indigenous, and Asian communities.

➡ Ways to Represent Diversity in a Pokémon Region:

✅ Cultural Celebrations & Festivals – Your region could have events like a Lunar Festival (Asian influence), Day of the Dead (Mexican influence), or Harvest Festival (Indigenous influence).

✅ Diverse Trainer Designs – Skin tones, hair styles, and clothing choices can reflect real-world cultures.

✅ Pokémon Inspired by Global Folklore – Your region could include Pokémon based on different myths from various cultures.

➡ Example:

A Fire-type Pokémon inspired by Mexican alebrijes (bright, colorful spirit creatures).

A Trainer Class based on African griots, storytellers who preserve history.

A city influenced by Chinatown, Little Italy, or other real-world cultural hubs.

Try This!

Does your region include cultural festivals, foods, or architecture inspired by real-world influences?

Are there Pokémon based on myths from multiple cultures?

➡ Example: A Legendary Pokémon is worshipped differently by two cultures—one sees it as a hero, another as a destroyer.

5. When & How to Reference Real-World Organizations or Groups

You might want to reference real-world organizations, sports teams, or social movements in your Pokémon world.

➡ Ways to Adapt Real Groups into Pokémon Lore:

✅ Pokémon Rangers → Park Rangers, Environmentalists, and Firefighters.

✅ Pokémon Leagues → Inspired by real sports leagues (NFL, NBA, Soccer).

✅ Historical Warriors → Samurai, Knights, Native Fighters reimagined as Pokémon Trainers.

➡ Example:

A Pokémon League modeled after the Olympic Games, where Trainers compete in different battle styles.

A Pokémon Ranger Squad inspired by Greenpeace, protecting Pokémon from poachers.

A Trainer's School based on real-world Ivy League universities, focused on Pokémon research.

Your Turn: Bring Real-World Influence into Your Pokémon Region!

Use these questions to integrate real cultures, people, and history into your Pokémon world respectfully:

1️⃣ What cultures or traditions influence your region?

2️⃣ Are there historical events that shaped the way Pokémon are viewed?

3️⃣ Do Indigenous or minority communities have a place in your world?

4️⃣ Are there Pokémon, Gym Leaders, or NPCs inspired by real-world figures?

5️⃣ Does your region have cultural festivals, unique architecture, or historic sites?

"Fantastic! Now your Pokémon region is filled with meaningful cultural influences, making it feel authentic and alive. Next, let's explore how the Pokémon League, Elite Four, and Gym Challenge shape the Trainer experience!"