The settlement called Yama ue no ho ni Umi Mura sprouts like a flower amid a tumultuous landscape, located within the foothills just east of the Wall Above the Ocean Mountains. An ideal stopping-point between the more rural southern Crane territories and the wealthier cosmopolitan lands in the north, from its early days the village was known for its many small inns and sake houses, its friendly inhabitants, and a spectacular view of the ocean. As a result, the village’s population and economy have grown tremendously over the centuries. Its large market offers all manner of both practical supplies and beautiful trinkets – jewelry, sumi-e prints, and even the occasional “blessed artifact.”
In the earliest days of spring, the Wall Above the Ocean Village celebrates the return of life with a huge festival featuring dancers, music, and hanabi (fireworks). The expense of this is paid by the village itself from the surplus wealth it gains through trade. During this festival the shops remain open and even offer discounts to visitors to encourage future trade. Unsurprisingly, the worship of both Daikoku, Fortune of Wealth, and Hotei, Fortune of Contentment, are both prominent here, with large shrines supported by donations from the entire town (especially the wealthy merchants). No one skimps on these donations – to do so might invite the wrathful aspects of both Fortunes and ruin a lifetime of prosperity.
The oldest inn in town is the House of Spirited Peace. Built from a series of connected cottages and houses, the inn truly comes into its own after trade with the gaijin at Jukami Mura increases commerce in the south. Its unique construction offers many separate rooms, each able to serve as a fully contained home for long-term travelers or a fine suite for those making a short stay.