Himorogi is the the most symbolic, sacred place in Kannagara, a large circular area filled with tranquility and hushed reverence for the abundance of natural beauty that thrives here. Nothing dies here: the animals are all happy and healthy, the plant life thrives as if under constant care, and human meddling quite simply seems to have no effect. The tree at the very center of Himorogi cannot be cut down, any animals that might be harmed will be able to safely flee, and any flowers that have been picked will simply grow back within a matter of seconds. Even people regrow here--anyone who has been killed will find themselves reincarnated, fully healthy, a day to a week after their deaths.

Himorogi itself is a virtual paradise, sweet-smelling and colorful, always a comfortable temperature. It is dominated by a huge willow tree at the center, one that seems to disappear into the sky itself; no matter how far a character climbs, they'll find themselves unable to reach the top of the tree, and it would take a dozen people holding hands to encircle the trunk itself. From the fork of two branches, a broad waterfall cascades down the trunk, pouring endlessly into a large, peaceful pond; a beautiful crystalline mist hangs over them both, and the pond sports lotuses in full bloom drifting over the surface, with large, shimmering koi darting through the water from which mammoth, monolithic rocks rise at the edge, partially submerged. The tree itself is surrounded by fringes of lush bamboo, long grasses, and a seemingly endless sea of flowers of all sorts, prominently featuring fire lilies, sand lilies, rain lilies, and agapanthus snow clouds. Even the animals here are bold and friendly, mostly unthreatening herbivore types. Colorful birds, butterflies, and industrious bees flutter about, squirrels and rabbits are abundant, and even deer can be found, as long as the characters don't scare them away.

This sense of incredible vitality and calm extends to all who come there as well; anyone who tries to enter Himorogi with malicious or killing intent in their hearts will find themselves unable to, finding that their body will simply refuse to cooperate. They may feel as though they have run into a wall, their muscles may lock up completely until they stop trying, they may collapse, or they might even find themselves turning and walking away without intending to--or merely circling the perimeter, able to see, but not to touch. Any fights that begin in Himorogi are stopped shortly after they begin, by nature itself--the flowers will grow with unnatural speed to ensnare and immobilize all combatants, and drain them of all their fighting energy and hostile intent, using this energy to only flourish further. In its wake, this drain will leave the combatants filled with a sense of peacefulness and calm, the sort of mellow sense of well-being that one might achieve after a round of Zen meditation or a very good night's sleep.

Himorogi is a wonderful, welcoming atmosphere, sizzling with ethereal spiritual energy.

They say the gods walk amongst it sometimes at dawn.

No one's ever seen them.

Amesato is small and hemmed in, backed by Earth Country to the northwest and flanked by Fire Country to the southeast, while bordering Himorogi to the west, and Okuninushi Strait to the northeast.

climate

Amesato's climate tends towards the temperate and tropical, though it gets cooler the further north you go, towards the more mountainous regions near Earth Country. Normally though, the village tends to stay pleasantly warm, though the heat and humidity can get oppressive. Rain is frequent, and often very heavy, especially nearer to the mountains, with storms not being an uncommon occurrence.

Amesato's landscape benefits from the copious amounts of rain it recieves; rivers and lakes are prominent, and often grasslands or even lower-lying forest areas can be found partially submerged, making for some important stretches of swamp forests and marshlands. Less inundated areas tend closer towards being humid subtropical rainforests. The land tends to be flatter closer to Fire Country, but grows considerably hillier as it approaches Earth Country, with more varied terrain near Himorogi.

Amesato finds safety in its confinement, nestled in a quite deep river valley created by some unusually steep hill-cliffs, located at the country's center. The river is broad and swift, difficult to swim; passage is far easier by boat, giving the village an impressive amount of control over who is allowed to enter their home. The valley broadens considerably as it nears the other side, and there the river winds out through an incredibly dense thicket of forest, far too thick to easily navigate, or use the river to reach it against the current. The river runs to the front shores of Amesato, which is hemmed in on the sides by the cliffs and forest; thus, the village is relatively small and compact, tightly organized.

The houses themselves tend to be fairly old, simple, and small, with a only a few large rooms; generally all-natural materials are used for both construction and furnishings, such as peat, moss, wood, and reed; roofs are tall and sharply peaked, allowing for rain to run straight off them. The floors are typically packed earth and wooden boards, with the work area and kitchen a little lower than the rest of the house. Houses usually have the most basic amenities, but almost nothing modern at all.

The bedroom is dominated by sliding-door closets and hold the futon and bedding they'll be sleeping on as well as several changes of clothing and belongings that they came into Kannagara with. Otherwise, it's an empty room, good for stretching and simple practice. The main room is a sitting area, with low tables for eating, and dominated on one side by a simple fire pit, or irori, which sports several chains with hooks that can be raised or lowered to hang pots from; this is the main way to heat the house, and a place for simple cooking.

The kitchen is set towards the back of the house in a sunken room with an earthen floor and a door that leads outside, dominated on one side by a kamado, or a low, hollow clay stove with holes in the front to feed in kindling and control the fire, and holes on top for grilling surfaces or clay pots to be placed into. A large basin and preparation surface take up much of the rest of the space, with shelves lining the walls for storage of cooking and eating implements; most food storage is in the hollow space beneath the floorboards, in large clay vases. There is no refrigeration. A small room is set aside for the bathroom, holding a basin and large tub, plus a toilet; the latter is the only thing in the house with running water and working plumbing, and is fortunately fully functional.

Aside from the toilets, any water needed will have to come from the river that runs through the village. Bathing is more easily done, though far less private, in a centrally-located bath house built near the river's edge.

HISATO MARKET

The market in Hisato is situated in one large and long open cobbled street, where merchants have erected wooden stands with wooden paneled roofs for shelter from the sun and the rain. Stalls are almost always lavishly decorated with colored paper to attract more customers and charm foreigners and traders. At night, bright paper lanterns of differed shapes and sizes are hung over the stalls’ roofs.

Goods are all displayed in rows of wooden shelves and arranged in crates and barrels, all painted and also decorated with calligraphy and paper arts. Some merchants prefer to use the ground, where they can be found sitting on an elevated wooden area where they sit on floor cushions or, straw mats.

Hisato’s markets are lavishly extravagant and flourished with a lot of vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, rice, and pulses (legumes). It is a farmer’s market haven with a lot of variety to choose from, unlike any other village. Breads of all kinds are baked and sold here throughout the day. There are different variations of each crop, from long to short grained rice, to corn, wheat, oats, white and brown sugar, and most of all, poultry! Hisato is probably the village that sells the most poultry products in Kannagara, from eggs to milk, to yoghurt to cream, butter and cheese. Hisato is well known for its sugared snacks, mochi and bean pastries and fruits like pineapples and pumpkins. Vegetables and fruits in Hisato tend to have a lot crunch to them, with flavors ranging from sweet to sour and bitter, depending on the seasons. Other things such as meat, fish, dried fruits and vegetables, salt, mild spices, herbs and a variety of tea leaves are found here. Rare products such as vanilla and cocoa beans are available in every corner of Hisato’s market.

When it comes to artistry, Hisato is famous for their paper, wood works, pottery, porcelain and metal works such as iron, silver and bronze with gold being a rarity. Paper art and literature are available in abundance. Paper mache figurines, paper lanterns, wall scrolls, fans and decorative paper screens thrive in these markets in a variety of designs for homes. Paintings and art are in abundance, all done by either experienced or budding artists. Scrolls of folklore and stories are available for the public to indulge on. Wooden carvings of all shapes and sizes of animals, the gods, or nature are displayed on the roadside for people to buy for their homes and gardens. Lavish cutlery and china are also sold, all of which are hand painted and crafted individually. Porcelain beads are used as jewelry here, along with small precious stones found in the village's terrain such as sapphires, moonstones, amethysts, onyx, topaz and amber.

Fabric wise, Hisato produces a lot of cotton, silk, and chiffon. Patterns are either woven or hand painted, and used for various things like clothing, blankets, quilts, sheets, rugs, and tapestries. When it comes to fashion, Hisato can rival other villages; they are also the best makers of getas. Furs are available but very rare and expensive and are usually used for homes rather than clothing.

Many come to Hisato for their variety in goods, particularly those aspiring to be future restaurant owners and artists or those who just want stylish and sturdy furnishings or accessories for their homes. Merchants in Hisato are incredibly cheery and crafty in a way that they are very good marketing people. They can charm and sweet talk their buyers so well that one is likely to walk away with more than what they wanted! So buyers must be alert!

KAZESATO MARKET

The markets in Kazesato vary in sizes and are usually carved in to the stone to take advantage of the shade and shelter from the heat. Because of the terrain, the market itself is quite large, with a circular path that takes up a large chunk of the north-eastern sector of the village. There is a path that extends towards the markets in the higher areas.

Nearly all the merchants chooses to erect temporary wooden pillars to support a shade made of either thick leather or thick woven straws to provide extra shelter and to protect their goods from the sun. At night, oil lamps made of iron and rough glass are lit, the shades folded and pillars tucked away indoors.

Most of their goods are displayed in thick straw baskets of all kinds of shapes, be it on high shelves where merchants stand, or on the ground where merchants are usually perched on low wooden stools. Breads of the flat variety, and long-grain rice are found throughout the day in these markets, along with meat, dried fish, spices, lentils, beans, nuts, perfumes, soaps, oils and incense. Poultry in Kazesato is a rarity and their availability tends to be limited and more often than not. However, the one thing they do have in abundance and popularity is yoghurt.

Kazesato is known for their produce of dates, figs, plums and chili but most importantly their spices. Nearly every stall will have a small portion dedicated to spices, some solely selling spices alone. They vary from burning hot to mild to sweet and spicy flavors. To name a few, spices such as cardamom, cassia, chili, cinnamon, clove, cumin, fennel, ginger, marjoram, nutmeg, paprika, turmeric and saffron are found in abundance and more. If there is a spice that cannot be found in any of the other villages, it is most likely available in Kazesato.

When it comes to artistry, Kazesato specializes in rough glass and crystal works, pottery, metal works such as gold, silver and bronze are crafted and sold. They are also well known for their white and pink pearls and lapis stones. Glass and crystal wares of different colors be it for lanterns, wind chimes, or vases and displays for homes are available. Most of their goods are made up of simple and humble designs, with a lot of emphasis on patterns and symmetry and shapes such as circles, oblongs, crescents, waves and stars. Their jewelry, pearl and lapis works, however, can rival the artistry of the other villages. Kazesato also produce a lot of sandalwood carvings for homes and some of their carvers are well known for their designs! They also produce a lot of toys for children such as string-puppets and stuffed dolls and animals.

When it comes to fabric, Kazesato specializes more on cotton and leather. Their leather however, is mostly used to wear as protection from the sun and to use it for interior purposes. Their cotton is woven and used in all kinds of things such as clothing, beddings, carpets, drapes and even chiffon. They come in all kinds of bright colors and feel cool and airy.

There are many who travel to Kazesato for their abundance in flavor, and their crafts of gold, silver, bronze, sandalwood, particularly for their glass and crystal. Merchants in Kazesato are eager to sell and please their customer, and are known for their rhymes and limericks that almost always successfully charms potential buyers to take a look at their stores. But like all merchants, they are also crafty so one must know how to bargain in order to get the best buy!

RAISATO MARKET

The markets in Raisato are made up of specially built shops of polished wood, ceramic, and doors that close inwards, supported by iron works. You will find people stepping in to these shops or sometimes clamoring in masses around one shop. At night, the entire market will be illuminated with hanging oil lanterns made of paper, of different shapes and sizes.

Most of their goods are arranged in wooden boxes, with fruits and vegetables stacked up in pyramids, rice are kept within large wooden boxes on the ground with lids, and spices and herbs kept in ceramic pots. Rice of different varieties, breads (but these are only sold in the mornings), wine and alcohol, tea, honey, some poultry products like butter and milk, meat and fish of the smaller and fresh water variety can be found in these markets; catch from the sea are very rare and tend to be over priced.

Raisato’s markets thrive more in fruit, vegetable, and herbs. Their fruits and vegetables tend to lean towards the sweeter variation. Greens are available in abundance, and fruits such as berries, strawberries, kiwis are available nearly all seasons except winter. Their spices tend be mild sweet like their herbs. Very rare will hot spice be sold in their markets. They markets also sell a lot of flowers and potpourri for homes.

Raisato specializes in ceramic and porcelain arts, pottery and metal works like copper, iron, silver and exotic jewels such as jade, diamond, ruby, sapphires and emeralds. It is common to find merchants selling hand crafted jewelry and accessories. Bangles and anklets of different colors and shapes are often stacked. Porcelain dolls and other wooden toys are also very common here for children.

When it comes to fabric, Raisato’s specialty is wool, fur and silk. Their quilts, carpets, mats, and clothing are sturdy and soft to the skin and comes in various colors and styles. Because Raisato thrives in a lot of artistry, you will find that some stores sell fabrics that are woven with small beaded jewels, which of course are more expensive than just plain fabric! Their markets will also have a lot of artisans who are willing to craft something to your personal liking during the duration of your shopping time or stay at Raisato.

It is said that many travel far and wide just to be able to purchase these artistic goods. Merchants, however, are very crafty and smart and they may swindle their buyers, particularly the foreigners. So one must be good at bargaining and have a good eye for quality and detail.

YOMISATO MARKET

Yomisato's market is probably the biggest there is in Kannagara and it has everything. However, it is not very pleasing to the eye and is very disorganized. Shops tend to be made of limestone bricks constructed for the purpose of storage. However, they look rundown and dull and not entirely even in their construction, with hanging old leather roofs, or patched up straw-mats that have been reused as shields from the sun. At night, the market is lit up by large fires that burn from metal containers that line the street, so only the outer areas of the shops are illuminated whereas the inner areas of the shops remain dark. Most of the time, there is a large weapon visible and within hand's reach because thieves, peddlers and pickpockets are quite common. Merchants are also rather ruthless with striking them down.

Because the market is generally disorganized, food stuff, crafts and fabrics are all mixed. When there isn't a food shortage (which can be quite frequent because of the land being infertile), meat, dates and fruits and vegetables from all across Kanangara can be found being sold at ridiculous prices. Everything from tea, herbs, spices, rice, bread, grains, alcohol (from cheap grog to expensive and lavish types), sugar, oils, pickles, cocoa, vanilla and even the rare coffee beans which are hard to find! The closer Yomisato is to a food shortage, the higher the prices go. The only product whose price remains consistent year-round is seafood, which Yomisato has an abundance of from the Gulf of Izanami and Izanagi Ocean.

Like their foods, Yomisato sells a lot of this and that from wood works, to porcelain, to crystals, to straw-based goods. Most of these, however, are often raided goods from neighboring villages and are never constant in their presence in the market. So things like furniture, interior accessories, or personal accessories, books, scrolls, paper arts, and clothing come and go. More often than not, it is safe to assume that what craft works are found in other villages including those that they specialize in, are also available in Yomisato.

The few things that are always present without fail in Yomisato are metal works and glass. Yomisato thrives in metal works such as gold, silver, bronze, copper and iron and they make all sorts of weapons, shields, armor, or body accessories. Their designs are flawless and tend to be lavish and beautiful, from floral designs to abstracts to symmetrical patterns -- Yomisato's crafters know how to ignite the greed and vanity in an individual. Glass works such as lamps, wind chimes, vases, kitchen wares and interior accessories. Some are also made in to beaded accessories such as necklaces, hair pins, bracelets and earrings. Combining glass and metal works is common.

Precious stones are available in a wide variety; diamonds, rubies, emeralds, amethyst, lapis, corals, moonstone, topaz, pearls and garnet are ready to be sold. Common styles and lighter designs flourish in the stores. The heavier and bigger things are usually kept aside and only shown to those who are truly interested or those who look like they can afford it. Like Yomisato's other products, these goods come and go.

Yomisato is also the only village to market promiscuous products in abundance such as sexual toys made of wood, marble, metal or glass, coming in all kinds of shapes, sizes and variation. Pornography - literal or visual - is available in every corner; sometimes, Yomisato's artists are seen painting live in their own stores with their models while doing business with customers!

Fabrics are almost always available. From lavish silks to cotton, leather, chiffon, linen and even velvet. They can come in all kinds of designs and colors, beaded or embroidered, to beautiful kimonos and airy yukatas. Sturdy mats, blankets, quilts and carpets woven from these materials are also present in a variety of styles to choose from. They also sell ready made cushions for interior purposes and are able to weave small mirrors or glass beads in to them upon demand.

In Yomisato, business is business, be it dirty or clean (the former being more common). It is easy to get tricked and conned by merchants, who want nothing more than to make the highest sale possible. They are stubborn, charming, sleezy. They vary from honest and sweet talking one to brutal and rude; they are not above using threats or dismissing a buyer if they think they are a waste of time. One must be tough and equally crafty or other wise, they will simply be ripped off. Caution is advised.