Shishizai 

Soon, the map will not show country borders or roads. 
Lat: 42.59° N | Lon: 140.84° E 

Geography 

Shishizai sits inside an ancient volcanic caldera lake, surrounded by steep forested ridgelines formed thousands of years before. 

Unlike coastal settlements exposed to ocean storms, Shishizai is protected by natural volcanic walls on all sides. 

The lake is deep, surprisingly warm, but exceptionally clear. 

And geothermally active beneath the surface. 

 

Why Settlers Chose This Location 

The first settlers discovered something beautiful here. 

A stable freshwater supply, natural isolation from threats and a mild microclimate compared to surrounding land due to geothermal heat vents beneath the lake. 

In a world still fragile after civilization’s disappearance, a defensible freshwater basin was invaluable. 

 

 

Current Districts 

1. The Peninsula – Central Shishizai 

The dense road network marks the civic and residential core. Built on elevated caldera slopes, it avoids seasonal water rise while maintaining dock access. 

This district contains a small market centre with beautiful trees surrounding the nearby residential blocks with taverns scattered throughout. 

The poulation is 502

2. The Smallest Island – Quarry 

The island serves as the main source of rock and earth for buildings. 

 

3. The Southern Agricultural Island 

Volcanic soil around the lake is incredibly fertile. The settlers reinforced parts of the island to create controlled growing zones. 

Because it’s separated by water the crops are protected from animals on the mainland while also keeping crop disease outbreaks from spreading making the food supply more secure. 

 

The Volcanic Factor 

The caldera is dormant - not extinct. 

Occasional geothermal tremors warm parts of the lake unnaturally. In winter, mist rises from certain sections of water where subsurface vents remain active. 

The lake provides year-round fishing and entertainment, a limited thermal heating source, but it is a reminder that the earth is still active even after all these years. 

Cultural Identity 

The way the people of Shishizai live is an interesting blend between Japanese and western culture. The main language spoken is Japanese. 

The name Shishizai is the romaji form of ししざい meaning Lion Statue. (what are the chances of me pulling that from the generator?!)

This shows the courage of the people living here, pushing past everything to get stuff done.

Fire is a way of life for these people, with large bonfires on the outskirts of the town almost every other day to symbolise the work that has been put in to make the town beautiful. The fires can be spotted from all around the caldera. 

They have a strong communal bond with communal baths, and gatherings in the market centre.