LORE | The Itsbyoshi Trail

[RexLobo]

Written by @RexLobo
Proofread by @ConeKicker.pt2 & @Shmotato
Screenshots taken by @Ecocide.

This document can be taken in character​

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Hidden behind the towering apartment complex nearest the eastern tunnel lay a trail that is seen as a simple pathway that leads to nothing major. A scenic area for family and friends to host picnics out in nature. Though there is much more than meets the eye. For the history that lies surrounding that trail runs deeper than most roots that are buried deep in the Ochiba Forest.

The earliest known history of the grounds that the trail resides begin in the Azuchi-Momoyama Period, in the late 1570s. When the Itsbyoshi Forest still existed on the western side of the Kohaku Mountain range, there stood two castles, one belonging to the Nashima Clan, and the other the Saiky Family. Connecting these buildings was a primitive version of this path. These castles stood as monuments of influence, pillars of the two families which contributed much to the island. However, during this period, war ravaged the island, which led to the destruction of these strongholds.


Their foundations remained, and were rebuilt later on. The Saiky Castle turned into their familial estate, continuing to show their prestige. This place became a refuge for citizens of Karakura in future times of need. The trail connected the main path through the estate, keeping with the scenic views that remain to this day.

This Estate remained a staple of the family’s image until April 14th, 2023, when a natural disaster struck the east end of the city, from Kohaku Mountain Range. A rockslide devastated the estates. The current government, led by Mayor Sturm, took this opportunity to take claim over the land that the Saiky Estate inhabited to build a new apartment complex. This relieved the pressure building from the housing issues. All that remained was the Itsbyoshi trail behind Complex L, hot springs, and a house atop the mountain, proof of the disaster.

Hidden within the mountain range, under the abandoned house, resides a reservoir of water within a cave. Throughout the year, this cave remains freezing cold, with the water matching its temperature. Deeper in the cave system, engraved within the walls are mysterious inscriptions. Carved in stone tells a story in a language no longer understood. A tale lost to time.