Sairou Information

[Kaivi Silverwing]

Sairou

The land of Byakko has always been a desert terrain, so since the time of the Priestesses, this country has actually gotten better. The northern part of Sairou is a rather beautiful desert oasis, as it is the only area that recieves any water. As you might guess, this is where most of the cities are, though there are a few people who still choose the more arid regions to call home.

Yamuroki Village:

Byakko Village: The place where the visage of the beast God, Byakko appeared in this world, this village is located in the northern part of Sairou. It isn't a very large village, however, it has the largest shrine to Byakko in the kingdom, far surpassing even those in the Capitol. Because of this, it has become a sort of Mecca, with people traveling miles upon miles to pray at the shrine. It is also more developed than the other villages nearby, with streets that are actually paved with stone rather than left to be dusty.

Shishenkai Village: A small fishing village out in the boondocks, it is located in the northern part of Sairou on one of the main rivers coming from Hokkan. Known for it's skilled fishermen and it's school of Mysticism, Shishenkai Village is actually relatively well off, even if it is a touch on the small side.

Seidou: A large, bustling and beautiful city, Seidou is as quiet and serene as its surroundings. Surely an amazing oasis at the mouth of a large desert, the new Capital is something wondrous to behold. Watched over by its Castle on the Cliff, it is peaceful and relatively crime free.  

[Kaivi Silverwing]

Extended Descriptions

Seidou

Seidou, the new capital of Sairou, is nestled within a canyon where Toraichi River flows down from the Northern regions. The area is now very green and lush, though during the time of the Priestesses it was a wasteland of barren mesas and deep gullies. The Capital started as a village, and when it was found that the soil on top of the mesas around the canyon were very fertile and easily irrigated, many people began to move onto the rock outcroppings and canyon floors. The village grew quickly, and walls were erected to protect the mouth of the canyon, since the waterfall side was completely impassable. When the old capital of Sairou became basically uninhabitable, the Emperor moved his Court north, to the growing city of Seidou, and proclaimed it the new capital. It?s been this way for 4 generations.

The palace is located on the upper most cliff face before you get to the mesa above. The river flows into the canyon and eroded the canyon face back enough to produce a large niche behind the waterfall. This lends an amazing atmosphere for the palace, the gardens are always green and the air is always cool and moist even in the middle of summer. Light in the palace is filtered through the waterfall, giving the palace a tranquil, spiritual feeling. Also the waterfall can be heard through the open halls and plazas of the walled compound, and everything is coated with refreshing dew. The palace is smaller then it's counterparts in Hokkan, Konan, Kutou and Ounen, but the sheer magnificence of the location, atmosphere and decorations makes it one of the most impressive buildings in the world. A cut stone staircase leads up the side of the canyon, it's banister inlaid with black marble and mother of pearl, it's called the Staircase of Byakko, and is the only way to get from the palace to the city below it. Not only does it give a fantastic view of the canyon, but also is defensible from the enemy.

Many other manors are built into the canyon face, all belonging to the Lords and wealthy merchants of Sairou. These vary in size from large to modest, but for the choice property in the city, one will pay a handsome sum. All the common folk, shops and other institutions are on the Canyon floor, nestled along the riverbank. There are several distinct sections to the town. The Market is located right on the banks of the river, making it easy for trade. Boats come up the current to trade in the Capital, then leave out the large gate that protects the cities waterway. Many foreign traders also use the few ramps that run down the side of the canyon, big enough to allow carts to pass each other. Tents, permanent shops and even just street peddlers and performers crowd the area around the river for fun and trade. The second is the residential area that is right against the canyon wall. These range from shacks to nice merchant dwellings and are situated on broad, cobbled streets. Farmers that tend the soil up on the mesa either use small staircases, or the two main ramps going up, one on each side of the river. The third area is the Temple District, which is near then waterfall and hosts the Shrine to Byakko, public gardens and new monastery.

Seven bridges cross the river on the canyon floor, each one named for one of Byakko's constellations, starting at the waterfall itself and running down to the gate. These are made of the same marble and mother of pearl as the Staircase, and are named as follows, Tokaki, Tatara, Kokie, Subaru, Amefuri, Toroki and Kagasuki. These bridges are quite large and impressive, big enough for large boats to go under.