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4/26/2025, 5:00:37 PM
>>49323324
Ah, the farmers.
The farmlands on the outskirts stretch outwards from the relative safety of the Human Village proper, often bordering the edges of nearby forests (like the Forest of Magic or the Great Youkai Forest) or the foothills leading towards Youkai Mountain. These lands are often more expansive and potentially more fertile than plots closer to the densely populated village center. Some areas benefit from nutrient-rich runoff from the mountain (that is also an inactive volcano) or the unique soil compositions near magical forests. However, proximity to the wilderness means increased exposure to feral youkai, wandering spirits, mischievous fairies, and, occasionally, more significant threats that stray from their usual territories. The protection offered by the village's core defenses and patrols is thinner here. Weather patterns can also be slightly more erratic, influenced by the mountain or adjacent magical zones.
These laborers’ lives revolve around the demanding rhythm of agriculture but are dictated by Gensokyo's own colorful laws. Farming is labor-intensive as always, plowing with oxen (if they can afford them) or by hand, planting, weeding, irrigating, and harvesting. Families work together, often from sunrise to sunset during peak seasons. They cultivate the staples needed by the village like rice, various vegetables (daikon, carrots, onions, cabbage, cucumbers), basedbeans, and perhaps some grains like barley or millet. Due to their location and sometimes divine assistance, they might also grow hardier root vegetables, specific types of mountain greens, or even experiment with slightly more unusual crops that thrive in the transitional zones. Some specialize in fruits suited to the climate.
Raising chickens, ducks, and perhaps a few pigs or goats is common for eggs, meat, and manure. Larger livestock like cattle are rarer and a sign of relative prosperity due to the demands of space for grazing. Aquaculture in small, managed ponds might exist, focusing on resilient freshwater fish.
While primarily using mundane techniques, the human farmers may incorporate practical folk magic and rituals. Simple protective charms are common on property lines and buildings. They observe local traditions tied to planting and harvest cycles, often involving small offerings to local spirits or deities.
The challenges they face are varied. Youkai encounters are their most significant daily concerns. While powerful youkai rarely target the village directly (due to the balance and Reimu's enforcement), the outskirts are fair game for lesser, opportunistic threats. Feral beasts might raid crops or livestock. Mischievous fairies can cause endless minor annoyances (tangling tools, spoiling small amounts of food, leading travelers astray). Occasionally, a more dangerous youkai might wander through, requiring farmers to hide or rely on patrols/protectors. They face not only mundane pests (insects, rodents, birds, weeds, etc.) but also their supernatural variants (crop-draining spirits, for example). Village guard patrols are less frequent this far out. Farmers rely more on self-sufficiency, community watchfulness among neighbors, basic self-defense knowledge, and robustly built (though simple) homes and fences. Loud noises, bright lights (lanterns, bonfires), and specific talismans are common deterrents. Some can even have basic spell or danmaku training. Being further from the village center means slower access to markets, aid, and social life. News travels slower. During bad weather or minor incidents, they can be cut off temporarily.
Their proximity to Youkai Mountain and their vital role in food production make them recipients of attention from certain deities, like the Moriya Shrine duo or Minoriko Aki. Kanako and Suwako’s influence is invaluable, but the Goddess of Abundant Harvest is perhaps the most personally involved deity for farmers. They hold her in high regard, especially during autumn. She is invited to harvest festivals where she personally blesses the yields. Farmers cultivating specific crops she favors (like her beloved sweet potatoes) might receive extra attention, resulting in exceptionally high-quality produce sought after in the village market. Her presence is believed to directly ward off blights and ensure bountiful harvests. Her relationship is direct, approachable, and deeply tied to the success of their livelihood.
Ah, the farmers.
The farmlands on the outskirts stretch outwards from the relative safety of the Human Village proper, often bordering the edges of nearby forests (like the Forest of Magic or the Great Youkai Forest) or the foothills leading towards Youkai Mountain. These lands are often more expansive and potentially more fertile than plots closer to the densely populated village center. Some areas benefit from nutrient-rich runoff from the mountain (that is also an inactive volcano) or the unique soil compositions near magical forests. However, proximity to the wilderness means increased exposure to feral youkai, wandering spirits, mischievous fairies, and, occasionally, more significant threats that stray from their usual territories. The protection offered by the village's core defenses and patrols is thinner here. Weather patterns can also be slightly more erratic, influenced by the mountain or adjacent magical zones.
These laborers’ lives revolve around the demanding rhythm of agriculture but are dictated by Gensokyo's own colorful laws. Farming is labor-intensive as always, plowing with oxen (if they can afford them) or by hand, planting, weeding, irrigating, and harvesting. Families work together, often from sunrise to sunset during peak seasons. They cultivate the staples needed by the village like rice, various vegetables (daikon, carrots, onions, cabbage, cucumbers), basedbeans, and perhaps some grains like barley or millet. Due to their location and sometimes divine assistance, they might also grow hardier root vegetables, specific types of mountain greens, or even experiment with slightly more unusual crops that thrive in the transitional zones. Some specialize in fruits suited to the climate.
Raising chickens, ducks, and perhaps a few pigs or goats is common for eggs, meat, and manure. Larger livestock like cattle are rarer and a sign of relative prosperity due to the demands of space for grazing. Aquaculture in small, managed ponds might exist, focusing on resilient freshwater fish.
While primarily using mundane techniques, the human farmers may incorporate practical folk magic and rituals. Simple protective charms are common on property lines and buildings. They observe local traditions tied to planting and harvest cycles, often involving small offerings to local spirits or deities.
The challenges they face are varied. Youkai encounters are their most significant daily concerns. While powerful youkai rarely target the village directly (due to the balance and Reimu's enforcement), the outskirts are fair game for lesser, opportunistic threats. Feral beasts might raid crops or livestock. Mischievous fairies can cause endless minor annoyances (tangling tools, spoiling small amounts of food, leading travelers astray). Occasionally, a more dangerous youkai might wander through, requiring farmers to hide or rely on patrols/protectors. They face not only mundane pests (insects, rodents, birds, weeds, etc.) but also their supernatural variants (crop-draining spirits, for example). Village guard patrols are less frequent this far out. Farmers rely more on self-sufficiency, community watchfulness among neighbors, basic self-defense knowledge, and robustly built (though simple) homes and fences. Loud noises, bright lights (lanterns, bonfires), and specific talismans are common deterrents. Some can even have basic spell or danmaku training. Being further from the village center means slower access to markets, aid, and social life. News travels slower. During bad weather or minor incidents, they can be cut off temporarily.
Their proximity to Youkai Mountain and their vital role in food production make them recipients of attention from certain deities, like the Moriya Shrine duo or Minoriko Aki. Kanako and Suwako’s influence is invaluable, but the Goddess of Abundant Harvest is perhaps the most personally involved deity for farmers. They hold her in high regard, especially during autumn. She is invited to harvest festivals where she personally blesses the yields. Farmers cultivating specific crops she favors (like her beloved sweet potatoes) might receive extra attention, resulting in exceptionally high-quality produce sought after in the village market. Her presence is believed to directly ward off blights and ensure bountiful harvests. Her relationship is direct, approachable, and deeply tied to the success of their livelihood.
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