Shumi The Shumi , or Shumi Tribe , are a race of humanoid creatures in " Final Fantasy VIII " who live in isolation on Winter Island in Trabia . Seemingly simple and artistic in nature , they possess a unique technology that makes use of both man - made and bio - natural products . Profile . Physiology . While nearly humanoid , it is unclear whether the Shumi have genders like humans . Their most prominent physical feature is their oversized hands , used for digging and craftsmanship . The Shumis ' appearance depends on their inner nature , and at an undisclosed period in their lives , a Shumi will evolve into a form most reflecting their personality . This fact greatly affects their cultural attitude towards themselves and other beings . The Moomba is perhaps the most common form that a Shumi may take due to their holding Moombas in high enough regard that most wish to become one when their time comes . The form of an Elder Shumi is reserved for those who demonstrate certain traits toward the Shumi community . This form , while greatly similar to the common Shumi , appears much taller , and seems to possess a facial feature similar to human beards . The form of NORG , a black sheep of the Shumi culture , though possessing considerable mercantile skills , may either be a perverted version of the Elder due to his greed , or an entirely different form altogether . One Shumi has also expressed a desire to evolve into a human , however , it is unclear whether they actually can . Exactly how many forms a Shumi can evolve into or whether there is an actual limit to their options of physical form is also unknown . It is also possible that Shumi may be immortal as demonstrated during NORG ' s defeat , when he does not die , but becomes an egg - like cocoon that will eventually hatch , hinting that the Shumi are constantly reincarnating and evolving . Demeanor . As their evolution depends greatly on their inherent attitude , the Shumi are , on average , tolerant and humble pacifists of good nature . The Shumi commonly hide their hands , as they believe that their hands , essential in crafting , are their greatest tool . For a Shumi to flaunt their hands is seen as poor taste , while if a Shumi who normally does not show their hands , offers them to someone , it is seen as a mark of respect ; the higher in rank and humility that the Shumi is , the higher the respect paid becomes . Another notable trait is their tendency to refer to each other by their job description instead of a given name . This may be another mark of humility . In contrast , NORG displays behavior and actions that grossly contradict the Shumi culture ; and as a result , has grown rotund to reflect his greedy and cowardly personality . It is unknown whether he has been cast out of the village , although he has been labeled as the tribe ' s " black sheep " . The Shumi are also known to appoint " Honorary Shumi " s , even outside of their own tribe ; Master Fisherman is one such person , who gained his title by designing the hologram in the village elevator . Architecture and technology . The Shumi live in the Shumi Village ; a deceptively prosperous village located underground on the snow - covered Winter Island in Trabia . The sole above - ground structure - the outer - dome - is reminiscent steam - punk design with cold bronzed metal and glass . The underground village itself displays lush flora , fauna and ponds along walking paths dotted by small chromed huts that also follow the reminiscence of steam - punk design . While the designs suggest a skill in metal smithy , key locations , such as the village elevator and the inside decor of said huts , suggest that the Shumi are well on par with the rest of the " Final Fantasy VIII " world in regards to modern technology . In addition to this , the unique addition of bio - natural items in their village architecture ; most predominantly seen in the bio - luminescent rocks that light the cavern ( 323 meters below sea level ) . Story . NORG . The tribe ' s " black sheep " , NORG , plays the largest role of all the Shumi . NORG was the one who financed Cid Kramer in his plan to build the Balamb Garden and up until his defeat , NORG worked as the Garden Master and was responsible for running its finances ; in fact , hiring out the SeeD as mercenaries was NORG ' s idea . Starting out as partners , Cid and NORG began to drift apart when NORG cared less about the SeeD ' s true mission and more about filling his own pockets with gil . The division finally culminated in an all - out war between the two . Laguna visits Shumi Village . When Laguna traveled to Trabia , his plan to cross the Vienne Mountains to Esthar , he got himself injured and Moombas rescued him and brought him to the village to recover . The incidence was unusual , as usually humans aren ' t seen within the village . Laguna made friends with the villagers and during his stay tried to teach the Moombas to speak . He made such an impression the Shumi eventually build a statue in his memory . Squall visits Shumi Village . When Squall visits the village he learns that the Elder ' s attendant , whom the Elder is hoping would become the next Elder , is unwilling to follow the path set out for him ; instead , he wants to leave the village and travel around the world , just like his idol Laguna had and is convinced of wanting to evolve into a human . The Elder seeks the player party ' s help in showing his attendant that the Shumi way of life is their destiny , in a series of sidequest s which reward the party with some valuable items .