Beat the Sun

This Pokédex is a primer on all that we know so far about the Pokémon of the Hisui region. Various biomes are characterised by distinctive geography, such as the tall peak of Mount Coronet, or the low-lying marshes of the Crimson Mirelands, accommodating plentiful Pokémon with differing habits and ecological niches.

Beyond geography and climate, the Hisui region is marked by persistent space-time instability, which has been recognised by the native peoples[1] as far back as the enshrinement of their legends. Distortions in space and time bring unique fauna to the region, either temporarily or permanently. In fact, there exist unique regional evolutionary forms of Pokémon which do not normally reside in the Hisui region. The implications are fascinating; could the traits expressed by these unique forms be latent within their pre-evolutions? These alone could be the basis of entire studies on the adaptability of Pokémon.

Additionally, the time component of these distortions also influence the ecology of the region, as Pokémon which seem to originate from the past or even future have been observed. Some species bear resemblance to previously discovered ancient fossils, while others can only be described as technological, beyond any of our current innovations.

It must be noted that survey work still continues, as we strive for ever deeper understanding of these creatures who we must learn to live alongside. Already, human settlement, agricultural and residential use of land, and changing social and cultural practices, have in turn influenced the Pokémon of Hisui.

None of this would be possible without the generous support and funding of the Galaxy Team, and the knowledge shared by the peoples of Hisui, especially the Diamond and Pearl Clans. I thank them for welcoming our expeditions onto their land. I would also like to extend special thanks to Captain Cyllene, the head of the Galaxy Team’s Survey Corps. 

Most of all, I give thanks to Rei and Akari, our talented senior surveyors. At the time of writing, they have undertaken nearly five years of meticulous and oftentimes dangerous survey work in the wild areas of Hisui, to document the information contained in this Pokédex. Their observations, field notes and sketches were the very foundation of the work you see here. 

This book is a scientific work, built upon my years of study in this bountiful land. Yet I write this primarily not for my fellow professors and academics, but for the curious student, to compel any who wish to learn. The world is open to you; see what wonders it holds, first in these pages, and then beyond.

Professor Lionel Orville Laventon

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EDITOR’S NOTE

[1] Laventon uses "native peoples" to refer to the Diamond and Pearl Clans. The clans were indeed the native stewards of Hisui during his studies, but they still retained cultural memory of settlement from across the sea. Older groups, such as the Celestica, existed in Hisui, but less is known of them.

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This work is heavily inspired by the publications of John George Wood, who popularised natural history in the Victorian era through books such as The Illustrated Natural History. Wood was more of a popular writer than an academic one, though he did also give lectures. I imagine that Laventon would have published formal papers, but his dream was specifically to make this knowledge accessible to all, furthering scientific interest and wonder for Pokémon in everyday people. While the concept of a Pokédex to catalogue Pokémon already existed, in the same way that Professor Oak is credited with the first digital Pokédex, Professor Laventon is known for the first popular and widely accessible Pokédex.

See some close-ups of the cover art below, as well as some of the gorgeous cover art that inspired this piece!