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- xxxTsubaki is the Japanese name for the camellia flower, which symbolizes longing. Over the course of centuries, Nocella Kurenai turned the Fourth Ring into a replica of Japan. Through many visits, recollections, designs, and imports, she brought a piece of the nature and beauty of her homeland into a small section of the Royal Palace. Much of the wildlife found here is indigenous to Japan, and has taken years to grow. Taking it one step further, Nocella has even imported various kinds of animals here. Due to the diverse landscape, the animals thrive in the natural environment. Even the architecture here is of the finest example. Though Nocella has limited the construction of buildings and structures, she has had several bridges and buildings constructed on certain parts of the ring. To make sure that none of the buildings bother, or are bothered by, the environment, many of them reside on the center and edges of the ring. The entire 500 square miles of the ring is kept and maintained by many Shinigami, including Nocella herself. All guests are more than welcome here, as long as they respect the environment and keep their hands to themselves. Many of the animals are dangerous when antagonized, and some can be potentially lethal. Fair warning: Nocella holds no responsibility for your safety, and if you so much as think of damaging the wildlife here, your life is forfeit.
Click the images for an expanded view of the landscape.
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xxxThe entrance of the Tsubaki Precinct is smack in the center of the Fourth Ring. The device at the top of the staircase is a two-way teleporter that goes to and from the Vestibule Road, or the entrance of the Royal Palace. At the bottom of the staircase lies the precinct square, or the main hub of the ring. When needed, residents of the Fourth Ring gather there for gatherings and such.
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xxxNocella lives in the small residential area near the center of the ring, both for practicality and mobility. Two small cottages stand here, one of which is Nocella's, and the other one for overnight guests and visitors. The guest cottage consists of two beds, a couch, a table, a desk, and a closet. At the top of the cliff lies a larger structure, that has a kitchen, a dining area, a small family room, bathrooms, showers, storage spaces, and a viewing deck. The boardwalk hugs the small pond and mini waterfall, with a staircase leading to the top of the cliff. Nocella picked this location for her home, as it is the best place in the entire ring to watch the sunrise and sunsets.
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xxxThe residential areas are divided into a north side and south side, both on the edges of the ring. Naturally, the north residential area takes care of the north portion of the precinct, and the south residential area takes care of the south portion of the precinct. Only caretakers reside here, and are charged with the task of keeping the wildlife in perfect condition. Due to the hard work of keeping the areas in perfect condition, Nocella has made sure that the caretakers have the most comfortable housing arrangements, as well as supplying them with good pay. The north residential area sports more modern housing architecture, and sits next to a small stream. On the other hand, the south residential area has more traditional housing architecture, and sits on the shore of a small lake.
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xxxOn the edge of the lake sits a small dock with boats. Any of the boats are up for use, and the lake is also perfectly safe for swimming in. The caretakers of the place usually hang out at the dock for recreation, whether if it's for fishing, swimming or canoeing. In good weather, the waters are usually very calm and much of the wildlife can be seen underwater.
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xxxThe lake spans approximately a three mile radius on the northern side of the ring. Cranes and giant salamanders inhabit the shore, and the lake is home to spider crabs, koi, frogs, and other common sea critters. A habitual sight here are various species of butterflies roaming around. At night, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking, as hundreds of fireflies spectacularly light up the lake.
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xxxThe forestry takes up more than half the area in the ring, making it home to many species of plants and animals alike. Stone paths pave the trails into the forest, leading to multiple rest stops for the Shinigami that live here. Over a hundred different plant species thrive here, including some that have gone extinct in Japan. Many of the plants are carefully tended to, as well as pollinated and seeded, to make sure that none of the strains die out. As for the wildlife, many creatures inhabit the forest as their home. To name some, tanuki, boars, squirrels, foxes, bears, leopard cats, sables, serows, martens, weasels, sika deer, hornets, and snakes. Some of these animals can be potentially dangerous, so it's better to leave them alone and keep your distance.
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xxxOn a fairly large mountaintop, snow thrives here all year. The chilly temperatures and low climate make it a perfect place for many animals to live in. Black bears, snow monkeys, red foxes, sika deer, and various species of fish are some of the animals that inhabit the mountaintop. The view from here is fantastic, as it is the highest point in the Tsubaki Prefecture, and the entire ring can be seen from here.
