Somi

Somi is a fortress town located on the northwest edge of the Shirakami province, within the vast and frozen Shirakami Tundra in northern Terrosia. This position places Somi on the frontier of the Nyaan Empire, where it serves as a critical stronghold against the harsh environment and potential threats from the tundra and beyond. The town is surrounded by flat, frozen expanses, where the ground is covered in snow for most of the year, making it one of the most remote and difficult-to-reach settlements in the territory.

Culture and Society

The people of Somi are known for their resilience and resourcefulness. Living in such a harsh environment has forged a strong community spirit, where cooperation and mutual support are vital for survival. The town has a strong martial tradition, with many of its inhabitants trained in the use of weapons from a young age. Festivals and communal gatherings often take place around the town’s central hearth, where stories of survival and heroism are shared, reinforcing the town’s identity as a bastion of the Nyaan Empire.

Saunas in Somi

Given the extreme cold of the Shirakami Tundra, saunas play an essential role in the daily lives of Somi’s inhabitants. The town is dotted with numerous saunas, which serve as communal spaces where people can gather, warm themselves, and find respite from the relentless cold. These saunas are more than just a means of staying warm; they are integral to the town’s social fabric, providing a place for relaxation, conversation, and community bonding. Many families and groups of friends have regular sauna sessions, which are seen as vital for both physical well-being and maintaining strong social connections.

Cultural Significance

Somi holds a unique place in the Nyaan Empire, not just as a military outpost but as a symbol of human resilience against the forces of nature. The town's ability to withstand the harsh environment and maintain its defenses has made it a point of pride for the Empire, representing the determination and strength of its people in the face of adversity. The widespread presence of saunas also reflects the community's commitment to both survival and maintaining a high quality of life, even in the most challenging conditions. The rail connection further cements Somi’s importance, linking this remote stronghold to the heart of the Empire and ensuring its continued prosperity.

The Rite of Passage For Courageful Fubukians

For the Fubuki, successfully integrating into Somi represents a rite of passage that signifies their entry into a new stage of life—one that balances the wild, untamed spirit of the tundra with the structured, communal life of human society. It is a journey of transformation, where they must prove their adaptability, resilience, and willingness to learn, all while maintaining a sense of their unique identity. Those who succeed in this challenge are seen not just as survivors, but as pioneers and bridge-builders between two very different worlds.
Learning Human Customs: The Fubuki, who have lived by the rhythms and traditions of their nomadic tribe, must now adapt to the customs, laws, and social norms of Somi’s human population. This includes understanding the concept of structured governance, participating in communal activities like festivals, and navigating the social hierarchies that are unfamiliar to their previous way of life.
Adjusting to Close Quarters: The transition from the open expanses of the tundra to the confined, bustling environment of a fortified town can be overwhelming. The Fubuki must get used to living in close quarters, surrounded by walls and streets rather than the vast, open wilderness.
Understanding Infrastructure: The Fubuki will need to learn how to navigate and utilize urban infrastructure, such as the rail system, marketplace, and public amenities like saunas. This also includes adapting to a more sedentary lifestyle, with less reliance on constant movement and survivalist practices.
Balancing Tradition with Integration: While embracing human culture, a Fubuki must also find a way to maintain their own identity and traditions. This could involve practicing their native rituals in private or sharing aspects of their culture with the people of Somi, creating a bridge between the two worlds.
Coping with Prejudice: As outsiders, Fubuki may face suspicion or prejudice from some human residents who are unfamiliar with their ways or who view them as “uncivilized.” Overcoming this stigma and proving their worth in the community can be a challenging part of their journey.
Finding Employment: The Fubuki will need to find work within Somi’s economy, which might involve learning new trades or adapting their survival skills to more conventional forms of labor. For example, their expertise in fishing or wilderness survival could be valuable, but they may need to translate these skills into more marketable forms.
Contributing to the Community: To truly integrate, the Fubuki must find ways to contribute to the community. This could involve sharing their unique skills, participating in town defense, or engaging in communal activities, thereby earning the respect and acceptance of their human neighbors.

Challenges in Somi

Harsh Climate

Extreme Cold: Somi experiences long, brutal winters with temperatures frequently plummeting well below freezing. The cold is relentless, making daily life a constant struggle to stay warm and maintain basic living conditions.
Heavy Snowfall: The town is regularly buried under heavy snowfall, which can block roads, hinder trade, and isolate the settlement from the rest of the Empire. The snow also puts significant strain on the town’s infrastructure, requiring constant maintenance and repair.
Blizzards and Winds: Frequent blizzards and icy winds batter the town, reducing visibility, making travel dangerous, and increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia for those who must venture outside.

Geographic Isolation

Remote Location: Situated on the northwest edge of the Shirakami Tundra, Somi is one of the most remote settlements in the Nyaan Empire. This isolation makes it difficult to receive supplies and reinforcements, particularly during the harsh winter months when travel is most treacherous.
Supply Chain Dependence: While the Nyaanese Rail connects Somi to the rest of the Empire, any disruption in the rail service—due to weather, mechanical failures, or attacks—can severely impact the town’s ability to receive essential goods like food, timber, and medical supplies.

Infrastructure Strain

Maintenance of Defenses: The town’s thick, high walls and other defensive structures require constant upkeep to withstand the extreme weather. The heavy reliance on timber for repairs and heating puts additional pressure on the town’s resources.
Limited Expansion: The extreme climate and geographic constraints make it difficult to expand the town’s infrastructure. Building new homes, roads, or facilities is a slow and costly process, further complicated by the need to protect against the elements.

Health and Well-being

Cold-Related Illnesses: The residents of Somi face a high risk of cold-related illnesses, such as frostbite, hypothermia, and respiratory issues due to prolonged exposure to cold and damp conditions. The limited availability of medical facilities and supplies exacerbates this challenge.
Psychological Stress: The relentless cold, isolation, and harsh living conditions can take a toll on the mental health of Somi’s inhabitants. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other mood disorders are common, particularly during the long, dark winter months.
Economic Sustainability Limited Local Resources: While fishing provides a steady food source, other local resources are scarce. The town’s heavy reliance on imported goods, especially timber and foodstuffs, makes its economy vulnerable to supply disruptions.
Dependence on the Rail Network: The town’s economic health is closely tied to the Nyaanese Rail, making it susceptible to fluctuations in trade or changes in the Empire’s broader economic conditions.
Security Concerns Wildlife Encounters: The surrounding tundra is home to dangerous wildlife, including ice golems and other predatory creatures. These threats pose a constant danger to those who venture outside the town’s walls, whether for hunting, gathering, or travel.

Industry & Trade

Despite its harsh environment, Somi sustains itself primarily through fishing, particularly ice fishing during the winter months. The town also relies heavily on timber, which is brought in from the taiga forests to the south, especially from settlements like Monnika. Timber is essential for maintaining the town’s walls, heating, and building structures. Trade is vital for Somi, with caravans regularly making the arduous journey to and from southern Terrosia to supply the town with foodstuffs and other necessities that cannot be produced locally.
Rail Connection: Somi is connected to the Nyaanese Rail network, a critical infrastructure project that links the town to the broader territories of the Nyaan Empire. This rail connection is vital for the town's survival, allowing for the efficient transportation of goods, timber, and supplies from southern Terrosia. It also facilitates the movement of troops and reinforcements to and from Somi, reinforcing its role as a strategic military outpost. The rail connection not only supports the town’s economy but also strengthens its ties to the rest of the Empire, ensuring that Somi remains well-supplied despite its remote location.

Infrastructure

Somi is characterized by its compact, circular design, with thick, high walls that form a protective perimeter around the central keep. The town’s architecture is built for endurance, with narrow streets and closely packed buildings that create a maze-like layout, confusing potential attackers. Watchtowers are strategically positioned along the walls, providing vantage points for monitoring the surrounding tundra. Many saunas are built near these watchtowers or along the town's main streets, ensuring easy access for residents to warm themselves after enduring the harsh outdoor conditions.

History

Somi began as a military outpost during the first Nyaanese expedition into the Shirakami Tundra. Established as a strategic foothold on the northwestern edge of the Shirakami province, the outpost was crucial for the Nyaan Empire’s efforts to explore and secure its northern territories. The harsh climate and remote location presented significant challenges, but the outpost served as a critical base for the Empire’s northern expansion, enabling the Nyaanese to establish control over the region. Over time, the outpost grew into a fortified town, its importance solidified by its strategic location and connection to the Nyaanese Rail network. As Somi evolved from a military installation into a permanent settlement, it became a symbol of the Empire’s determination to tame the frozen wilderness and protect its northern borders. Today, Somi stands as a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of its people, continuing to serve as a vital stronghold in the Empire’s defense network.

Climate

Somi experiences a harsh and unforgiving climate. Winters are long, with temperatures frequently plummeting well below freezing. Heavy snowfall and icy winds are common, battering the town and its inhabitants relentlessly. The brief summer provides minimal relief, as the air remains cool and the tundra continues to challenge those who live there.

Type

Large town

Owning Organization

Shirakami