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The Tree Is Withering: The Tenmei no Sakura is mysteriously starting to die—petals falling faster, roots turning black. Who or what is behind the corruption?
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An Island Falls: One of the main islands begins to descend—causing panic. To save it, one must restore its life stream connection to the tree.
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A Stranger Arrives: Someone falls from the sky—an outsider from a realm below the clouds. They carry with them a fragment of an ancient scroll predicting the fall of Sakurakai.
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The Sky War: Rival sky clans fight over a powerful Spirit Blossom said to grant one a voice with the Sakura no Megami herself
🌸 World Name: Sakurakai – The Sky-Blooming Realms
🌍 World Overview:
Sakurakai is a breathtaking realm suspended high above the clouds, where countless floating islands drift gently in the sky. These islands vary in size and altitude, some large enough to house entire towns, others only big enough for a shrine or a single cherry blossom tree. At the center of this sky-realm is a colossal, ancient cherry tree known as the Tenmei no Sakura (Heavenly Life Blossom), believed to be the origin of all life and energy in this world.
🌸 Tenmei no Sakura – The Sacred Tree:
This immense cherry blossom tree stands atop the largest central island, its roots stretching through the sky like glowing veins, connecting all floating lands.
Its petals fall in a slow, eternal shower of glowing pink and silver blossoms, creating streams of life energy called Hanaryoku that nourish the islands and their people.
The tree is semi-sentient, reacting to balance, emotion, and harmony throughout the realm. If the world is threatened or falls into chaos, the tree's petals turn crimson, and the skies darken.
Rumor has it that the tree is not only alive, but holds a spirit within, known as the Sakura no Megami—a gentle goddess of rebirth and protection.
🏯 Architecture and Civilization:
All buildings are inspired by traditional Japanese design, using curved tile rooftops, paper lanterns, wooden frames, and sliding shoji doors.
Homes are often built around floating gardens, koi ponds in mid-air, and open-air bathhouses with views of the endless sky.
Bridges made of enchanted stone or floating wood planks connect the islands, or citizens ride wind-fueled gliders and tamed cloud beasts.
Temples and shrines are common, with monks and spiritual guardians tending to the energy flows from the Tenmei no Sakura.
The people of Sakurakai practice a spiritual martial art called "Hanaken", channeling cherry blossom energy into swift, graceful combat techniques or healing arts.
🌬️ Natural Wonders:
Wind Rivers – Fast-flowing invisible currents in the air used for travel.
Spirit Blossoms – Rare petals that glow with unique energy, used in crafting, enchantments, or communication with spirits.
Lantern Festivals in the Sky – Held yearly, with thousands of floating paper lanterns drifting between islands as a way to honor the spirits and give thanks to Tenmei no Sakura.
🐉 Creatures of the Sky:
Sora Kitsune – Foxes with cloud-like tails and small wings, bringers of good luck.
Kaze Ryuu – Elegant wind dragons who nest in the upper clouds and protect the sacred tree.
Chō-Onna – Spirit women who emerge with the blossoms to guide lost souls.
Petal Sprites – Tiny fae creatures born from the tree’s blossoms, spreading joy and healing where they fly.
🌌 Possible Story Hooks: