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=== 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. The heat isn't hot enough to burn cloth, but can burn skin if left touching for long enough.{{book ref|yumi|24}} 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}}
The areas between steamwells, called the searing barrens, is known to be so hot that plants cannot survive and clogs can catch fire. The temperature drops only slightly during nights, allowing for travelers on hovering wagons to cross it.{{book ref|yumi|4}} On the outskirts of this region lies the cold wastes, a wasteland of soil{{book ref|yumi|19}} and unheated stone at higher elevation, and beyond that is unexplored.{{book ref|yumi|30}} The cold wastes are very sparsely populated by nomads.{{book ref|yumi|39}}
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Many animals dwell in the plant life to stay above the ground. Many are nocturnal--sleeping in plants during the daytime hours, while the surface is hot.{{book ref|yumi|6}} Some forms of lizards are able to jump and glide between plants.{{book ref|yumi|2}} Animal life on Komashi seems to be dominated by smaller creatures, including mammals like mice, lizards, and snakes. There are also many forms of birds, including giant crows that can grow to the size of a human child.{{book ref|yumi|6}}
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