Difference between revisions of "Komashi"

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|23}} 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 flora and fauna of Komashi are adapted to their strange environment. Plant life is generally able to float by various means, to avoid the hot ground. Most notably, they do this by some magical means which reduces their weight, and the weight of anything near their center.{{book ref|yumi|24}} Many have broad leaves which catch thermals from the ground for a boost into the air.{{book ref|yumi|2}} Some plants also have additional means to stay above the surface, such as the gas pockets on the [[mingo]] plants which can expel air for propulsion.{{book ref|yumi|6}} These plansplants have roots that absorb nutrients and moisture from the air.{{book ref|yumi|2}} A complete ecosystem exists floating in layers in the air above steamwells, up to one hundred feet or more,{{book ref|yumi|18}} where moisture collects and the air stays very humid.{{book ref|yumi|24}} Plants sometimes dive closer to the ground, especially during the evenings as the surface cools somewhat.{{book ref|yumi|4}} Some few plants can be found actually growing on the surface, in cooler areas, such as bamboo that can be found around cold springs or in the cold wastes.{{book ref|yumi|19}} In general, the plant life includes everything one might expect to find elsewhere in the cosmere: large trees, vibrant flowers, and bushes.{{book ref|yumi|24}}

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|patpart=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}}

The outcome of the machine's initial actions created the shroud--a black miasma formed from the human souls that it fed upon.{{book ref|yumi|39}} The shroud spread out from the machine, coming down from the sky, and eventually blanketed the entire planet.{{book ref|yumi|33}}{{book ref|yumi|39}} At the same time, as the machine moved on to utilizing the hijo, hion lines began to emerge from the ground in the vicinity of former Torish villages. The shroud spread over the course of several decades, giving birth to the [[nightmare]]s that threatened survivors.{{book ref|yumi|24}} until survivors resettled around the new hion lines.{{book ref|yumi|5}} Eventually humans settled and learned to defend themselves from the nightmares using [[painter]]s. Lines were extended between settlements to allow for easier travel between cities. Over time several nations developed, including [[Nagadan]]--the largest and most developed--as well as a dozen other smaller nations beyond it that were frequently in conflict with one another.{{book ref|yumi|31}} Knowledge of the past was lost, and the machine's activities were kept secret during this period. It held the souls of the yoki-hijo hostage in prisons within the shroud, surrounded by solid walls.{{book ref|yumi|33}} The only clear interaction between these human societies and the machine was the "[[Incident]]", in which the machine sent nightmares to attack and destroy [[Futinoro]] after spirits made contact with people there.{{book ref|yumi|36}}

This lasted until a spirit was able to [[Connection|Connect]] [[Yumi]] and [[Nikaro]], and the yoki-hijo was able to free the spirits, destroying the machine. This event resulted in the dissipation of the shroud and the end of the nightmares.{{book ref|yumi|41}} In spite of the major ecological changes this casedcaused, human society persisted and adapted, particularly with the help of seeds of former plants found preserved in Torio City.{{book ref|yumi|40}}