Capital Wasteland (Fallout: Pearl of the Orient)

The ruins of Metropolitan Manila, commonly referred to as the Capital Wasteland, is a loosely-defined geographic region spanning the area of Metro Manila up until Cavite and southern Bulacan.
== Background ==
Following the admission of the Commonwealth into the United States, the Greater Manila Area was prioritized for redevelopment. This culminated in a development boom which allowed the region to rapidly grow, and a spark a cultural renaissance which reshaped and revived the Filipino identity, now under the United States.
Manila became an economic hub within Southeast Asia, and due to its rapid development over the years, by the 2000s surpassed the Tri-State area as the largest metropolitan area in GDP. American companies also began to settle in the region, such as Vault-Tec, which built the first Vault outside of the mainland United States in Manila.
Being close to the People's Republic of China, the U.S. turned the archipelago into a shield against the influence of communism over Southeast Asia. Shortly after the Sino-American War was declared, martial law was announced, and the People's Liberation Army quickly took over the archipelago. 
However, by 2077, the Philippines was close to liberation, with some Chinese holdouts remaining in Manila. The city would have been liberated, if not for the Great War, when all communication was cut. The region was heavily bombed. The destruction wrought by the nuclear bombs destroyed much of the coastline, particularly around San Diego and Los Angeles. Massive craters were created as a result of the bombardment, and buildings and infrastructure collapsed. Important strategic targets were targeted, resulting in experimental viruses and chemicals to begin leaking into the atmosphere, mixing up with the radiation.
The casualties caused by the nuclear bombardment were severe, although many people managed to find safety either in the Vaults constructed by Vault-Tec before the War or the underground subway system which was deep enough to provide safety to those who sought refuge within it. 
The roots of future wasteland powers were planted that day, as rebellious U.S. Army and Philippine National Guard units established the OCTECOM and the New Katipunan respectively. Smaller towns which would become future post-War cities were created as well, as is the case with Maharlika, founded by a Filipino detachment led by a self-proclaimed King, and Bonifacio, a town founded by subway dwellers that would one day become the capital of The League.
Within a few months, entire new species of animals had been created by the radiation. Some had been impaired by these mutations, while other species became even more stronger, likely due to the mutagen. This put humanity at a disadvantage as they would be barred from venturing out for years to come. Locations exposed to the infusion of mutagen and radiation, specifically bunkers and areas of the subway with leaks, would undergo a painful "evolution" — turning them not only into ghouls, but some into mutants.
=== Venturing out; return of Humanity === 
Once the radiation and the mutations flooding the wasteland calmed down, survivors began to venture out and formed into groups. Dwellers of the subway were the first ones to emerge, as rag-tag communities scouted for land and established the first settlements. The first settlement was San Martin, founded in 2081 by ghouls and psykers. The largest of these settlements was founded in 2087, and named Bonifacio, after the Filipino freedom fighter. A few years later, remnants of U.S. forces in Sangley Point ventured out and reorganized as the OCTECOM. In 2090, the Intramuros Complex was unsealed and its residents, composed of Filipino-American army remnants, founded New Manila. Within 10 years, the organization which had called itself the New Katipunan, had established itself as the dominant power within the wastes, as a result of its technological advantage and economic might. 
By 2110, the region was bustling and rapidly growing. Caravan houses in the region's largest settlements worked to clear out and establish more trade routes. As outside connections were forged, more migrants looking for opportunity ended up in the Capital Wasteland. Some managed to find refuge in the region's existing settlements, while some made their own. However, a large chunk of these migrants were robbed and ransacked, as the outer sections of the Capital Wasteland became home to the Capital's worst: mutants, scavengers, and everything in between.
==Environment==
The pre-War pollution of all kinds combined with the Great War and years of neglect has led to the unique, modern-day environment of the Capital Wasteland. Extremely dense in urban structures before the War, the changing of circumstances caused by the nuclear devastation unleashed on the world led it to be littered in collapsed buildings, infertile, dry desert soil, and the many rivers within Manila drying up. These factors combined has heavily impacted the ecosystem within the region, with most plants unable to even grow in these conditions and as a result the population of animals unable to survive.
Most of Manila is urbanized, and as a result post-War is barren with dilapidated buildings and collapsed infrastructure. Above-ground travel is nearly impossible in the former districts of Mandaluyong, Makati, San Juan, and other parts of Inner Manila without conducting ground-clearing operations. Due to this predicament, many have been forced utilize the venerable subways and extensive maintenance tunnels underground. In recent times, the extensive effort of the Katipunan and its trading allies to clear out Manila have proven successful, as it has allowed increased above-ground travel.
Fortunately, some remnants of the Commonwealth's pre-War golden age still remain, despite the nuclear desolation and decades of abandonment. Rizal Park, cleared out and rehabilitated by the Republic, serves as a homage to the perseverance of the country's people, the intact walled district of Intramuros, old Fort Santiago, the National Museums of old, among other old world relics.
===Flora===
===Fauna===
It is unknown how species of flora have managed to survive in the desolate ruins of Manila. While much of the wildlife died out along with the rivers, certain species remain adamant and have adapted to their current circumstances. For instance, rats have evolved into Rad-rats, a stubborn species known for their survivability even in the most toughest conditions. The many stray cats and dogs have evolved into moggies and mongrels, typically aggressive and carriers of the latest post-War diseases. Rad ants are a common sight throughout the Capital Wasteland, along with bloatflies and rad roaches.
==Economy==
==Politics==