Blue Mountain

The mountain looks blue when viewed from afar.Dramatic cliffsVibrant floraSome of its unusually snowy parts

## Blue Mountain

The Blue Mountain is the silent sentinel of Xiaojiang; named after how it appears blue most of the time, somehow reflecting the colour of the skies. However, on occasion it appears aflame in oranges, reds, pinks and lavender in the dawn and dusk. Its gentle, dark silhouettes define the skyline of the Xiaojiang, looming behind the city and villages of Xiaojiang when viewed from the river.

Most of the town lives quite far apart and some folk live quite reclusively in the mountains. There are few well trodden paths and the forest grows so quickly that without dedicated maintenance, everything is quickly overgrown. This makes hiking the mountain surprisingly difficult, and not many casual walkers attempt it.

The mountain itself is also a fantastic place for a hike or camping trip.

#### Points of Interest

* Blue Mountain Village: a mainly human settlement, where some members of the Yuxue Alliance might choose to live.
* The Clear Water River has carved a massive valley through the Bamboo Forest, and there are a number of waterfalls all around the mountain, contributing to the dramatic landscape.
* Creaking hanging bridges crossing over the smaller valleys and the peaks also offer fabulous views of the city and fields that stretch far to the north.
* It is also unusually snowy in the peak and some clearings: an unnatural phenomenon caused by an invasive young Dragon King.
* The snowy mountain peak houses a population of moon hares. The moon hare burrows can also be visited after a long hike if one knows where to find them.
* Four Winds Temple is located here.
* 13 Trials Tower is located here.
* Yuxue Estates is located near here.

#### Non-visual Features

The sound of rushing water can be heard at most places and strong mist, almost like rain, drenches anyone that approaches the large waterfall of the Clear Water River. The air is wonderfully fresh and there is a lot of wildlife to be seen here. The air is crisp and fresh, humid near the areas with running water.

#### Layout

Blue Mountain lies to the west of Xiaojiang.

## Blue Mountain Village

#### Economy

Based around rice farming in the Blue Mountain Fields. Produce is collectivised as 3 units when exported to the main city/capital. Remaining produce is split and shared per person in the village.

There is a barter economy among locals. There are no specialised occupations- everyone works in a task-orientated style, which is doing what needs to be done at the moment.

#### Social/Culture

Family-oriented and tight-knit community. Everyone shares and borrows everything, helps each other, and is very trusting in general.

#### Politics

There is no village head, everyone just lives together. Anything requiring official, legal resolution or just anything serious that no one can decide on is taken to the high committee member, Airawat, who will settle it or give advice. Villagers will travel to White Street for settlements.

Population: Around 150. 1/3 are under 18, 2/3 are adults, and there is only 1 elder. It appears to be a fully human settlement, but due to the village's proximity to the wilderness, yaojing and changelings may be among their number.

#### History

Blue Mountain Village somewhat predates Xiaojiang, as it already was a settlement when the Yuxue Alliance was first established. However, due to the RISE Plan, the village has grown significantly since then and has become an agricultural center, even exporting rice and soy now.

#### Health and Education

There are nameless temples on the mountain, built from income from the RISE plan, that provide schooling and healing to the villagers for free.

#### Quote in Channel

> Watching the city from the mountains is a still, simple thing, like a paper crane.
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> At the mountain foot is the Blue Mountain Village. It houses a trusting, tight-knit community, warm to locals but wary of foreigners. In its forests is the 13 Trials Tower.
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> The mountains themselves are dramatic terrain, either fun or deadly to run around on.
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> That means I'll race you to the bottom!
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> Baihu