Difference between revisions of "Komashi"

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(→‎Settlements: Added the very small area humanity takes up on Komashi.)
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}}
 
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}}
 
<!-- more info on plants in ch 24 when they break through?-->
 
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}}
 
=== Ecology Under the Shroud ===