Hanatochiba Woodlands

Wooded Isles

The Hanatochiba Woodlands are a series of forested islands running along the southeastern side of the Isle of Colaedwr. The northern islands have warm temperate climates, receiving little snow, and mostly populated with deciduous trees and grasses. Those to the south are far rainier and mistier, and get plenty fo snow in colder months, across forests of conifers and ferns. All of the islands have hilly terrain, but farming communities have adapted to the limited space by returning nutrients to the landscape and paying close attention to wildlife patterns. The crew might encounter:

Regular ferries moving people and wares between the many harbors of seaside villages.

Farmers burning specific sections of grassland or woods so that the ash will keep the soil fertile and quicken new growth.

Blooms and Spirits

The woodlands are famously rich with flowers, contributing to the name of the region and inspiring the names of several organizations. This is thought to be connected to the abundance of earthly spirits that also inhabit the archipelago, primarily kodama, mononoke, and nymphs. The spirits here are far more hostile than in other regions, and attract certain spirit-like monsters such as light-eaters and dragon turtles. The crew might encounter:

Nymphs flying by lazily amid the mists rising around an islands, sometimes scattering at the presence of a hunting light-eater.

Tiny shadow-like forms of humanoids popping up behind ancient-looking trees and rocks lush with lichens and moss.

Small plumes of fire in a rainbow of colors floating above the sea; local fisherman call them Shiranui.

Years of Conflict

The islands were first colonized by the Hecaoyuan Dynasty, just after the Isle's discovery. The colonies eventually rebelled as separate clans and successfully ousted the empire. However, the clans quickly began to turn on each other, resulting in a long series of wars. Eventually, the clans were unified into the nation of Kigikuritsu, under of the rule of the Kigikuda clan, ushering in a time of peace for the past few decades. However, tensions are rising as Kigikuritsu intends to conquer the still independant Shinasuma Island, and remnants of the Tsutsujia clan are moving towards rebellion. The crew might encounter:

A raised castle fortress that has long been abandoned, bearing the torn flags of a defeated clan.

Well-armed ships of Kigikuritsu patrolling around lands in the south, especially Shinasuma Island.

Industrial Plans

While the archipelago was originally colonized for its animal resources, large ore deposits have been recently discovered there. Metalworks have begun construction across the region, with local forests providing an easy source of fuel. Tools produced by these factories will allow Kigikuritsu to gain fuller control over the islands, and expand its cities and roads. Many rural communities have objected to this because they've had to move to make way for mining operations and they fear what effects this will have on the environment. The crew might encounter:

Large sects of trees cut down to their stumps to fuel furnaces for smelting metal.

Farmers selling their produce just outside an ironworks, intentionally blocking up the road with their carts.

Type

Archipelago

Location under

Isle of Colaedwr

Included Locations

• Ashiharu
• Attakita Island
• Ontanishi Island
• Yushoshiki

Cuisine Notes

Main Ingredients: Rice, Molluscs, Fish, Mushrooms, Onions
Signature Dishes: Nabeyaki Udon, Kinokomochi
Light-Eaters Theme