Difference between revisions of "Komashi"

{{shardworld

|shards=[[Splinter]]s of [[Virtuosity]]{{book ref|yumi|17}}

|system=[[UTol system]]{{book ref|yumi|part=anotherepilogue}}

|universe=[[Cosmere]]

 

== Geography and Ecology ==

The planet itself is covered by both land masses and oceans.{{book ref|yumi|30}} The land itself is predominantly formed of brown stone.{{book ref|yumi|8}} Various changes over Komashi's history have resulted in major alterations to the planet's geology and ecology.

 

=== Before the Machine ===

It is likely that Komashi was predominantly a wasteland prior to the arrival of the hijo--if such a time existed. These spirits came to dwell within the surface of the planet, where they warm the stone ground in some areas, providing energy. This geothermal energy is also responsible for bringing subterranean water to the surface through [[steamwell]]s.{{book ref|yumi|34}} Life during this phase of Komashi's history is entirely dependent on the steamwells, with all of human civilization occupying the basin where they can be found, which stretches no more than fifty miles across.{{book ref|yumi|34}} The ground heat around steamwells can vary somewhat, with warmer spots used by the [[yoki-hijo]], called "kimomakkin",{{book ref|yumi|2}} and cooler areas sometimes allowing for a "cold spring", especially at relatively higher elevations, where clogs are not necessary. The cold springs generally contain waist-deep water and may be a dozen or more feet across.{{book ref|yumi|8}}

 

 

=== Ecology Under the Shroud ===

Following the activation of the father machine the energy of the spirits is redirected to hion, which completely diminishes the former geothermal energy emanating from the ground.{{book ref|yumi|pat=anotherepilogue}} This affected the water cycle on the planet, resulting in regular rainfall not bound to specific locations.{{book ref|yumi|5}} Plant life was forced to adapt rapidly as the [[shroud]] came to cover the planet--eventually blocking all sunlight. Fortunately, hion proved to be an acceptable alternative, allowing for plants to grow and be cultivated in the vicinity of hion lines.{{book ref|yumi|19}} Beyond this, the plants came to settle on the ground and lose the strange nature allowing them to float.{{book ref|yumi|19}}

 

=== Ecology After the Machine ===

Ultimately, with the shroud suddenly evaporated, these two distinct ecologies of Komashi's past are merged into a compromise of the two. With hijo continuing to supply the hion lines with power, the surface of Komashi doesn't return to the extreme temperatures it once did. Seeds preserved in [[Torio City]] of ancient plants are able to be planted and to grow under the light of the now-visible sun, while plants adapted to the hion lines continue to rely on that [[Investiture]].{{book ref|yumi|part=anotherepilogue}}

 

== History ==

At some point in the distant past, the Shard Virtuosity Splintered herself in the vicinity of Komashi. It is unclear whether the hijo existed prior to this or whether they were created by it.{{book ref|yumi|1}}{{book ref|yumi|17}} The earliest human society on Komashi was the kingdom of Torio, which settled around the steamwells. These people relied on the [[yoki-hijo]] to bind the hijo, the spirits, into useful tools required to live and cultivate crops in their harsh environment. As the Torish society developed, scholars created the machine--an [[Awakening|Awakened]] device intended to utilize the hijo to produce hion lines. When activated, the machine consumed the souls of the people of Torio, leaving alive only the nomads living on the outskirts of the kingdom.{{book ref|yumi|39}}

 

 

== Settlements ==

=== Nagadan ===

* [[Kilahito]]