(no subject)
cities and villages
Being less a country and more a collection of different grounps of people, there are many villages scattered around Hokkan. These villages are not especially large, but meet basic needs with inns to stay in and vendors selling wares on the street. Stone is a prominent feature; stone walls surrounding the town (against enemies or against the more brutal weather or perhaps both) and most buildings are made from stone with wooden reinforcements and trim. Smaller towns and villages likely have nothing fancier than beaten earth for a road, but larger and richer cities, such as Touran, have paved roads and a structured layout with different districts.
Touran is the capital city of Hokkan, and grand in scale. The vast palace where the emperor lives is the focal point, with all the districts and communities of the city spreading outward. The city is well fortified, and full of alleys to get lost in. The city prospers from it's skilled iron industry, producing weapons and tools. The west side of the city is known for being a breeding ground for disreputable sorts. As the situation outside the walls worsens, more people are flocking into the city seeking work, food or a home.
East of Touran is the city of Ifurei, and it is an important religious center. Priestesses and oracles live in and around the city giving out prophecies and offering sanctuary for visitors. There is no military presence, and the oracles are revered enough that no such presence is expected to be needed. Underground passages lead out from the main temple to secret hot springs and areas of spiritual importance such as the rift of rebirth or the rock garden where stones with divine power can be found.
Being less a country and more a collection of different grounps of people, there are many villages scattered around Hokkan. These villages are not especially large, but meet basic needs with inns to stay in and vendors selling wares on the street. Stone is a prominent feature; stone walls surrounding the town (against enemies or against the more brutal weather or perhaps both) and most buildings are made from stone with wooden reinforcements and trim. Smaller towns and villages likely have nothing fancier than beaten earth for a road, but larger and richer cities, such as Touran, have paved roads and a structured layout with different districts.
Touran is the capital city of Hokkan, and grand in scale. The vast palace where the emperor lives is the focal point, with all the districts and communities of the city spreading outward. The city is well fortified, and full of alleys to get lost in. The city prospers from it's skilled iron industry, producing weapons and tools. The west side of the city is known for being a breeding ground for disreputable sorts. As the situation outside the walls worsens, more people are flocking into the city seeking work, food or a home.
East of Touran is the city of Ifurei, and it is an important religious center. Priestesses and oracles live in and around the city giving out prophecies and offering sanctuary for visitors. There is no military presence, and the oracles are revered enough that no such presence is expected to be needed. Underground passages lead out from the main temple to secret hot springs and areas of spiritual importance such as the rift of rebirth or the rock garden where stones with divine power can be found.