Land of Soroku

The Land of Soroku is an ancient-yet-steampunky city built upon the mountains of the surrounding land. Its buildings are a network of pagodas, walkways and bridges, based on feudal Japanese architecture. A maze of wooden structures and colourful lanterns. And sure, it may lack the mandatory sumo wrestler arenas and arcade halls, but Soroku makes up for it in its unique form and shape.

“When I first created the map I had no clue how to landscape at all,” says North when I ask how his creation came to be.

“To achieve the dramatic geography I simply created an “amplified” world and worked from there,” North explains. “In a kind of roleplay fashion I prefer not to destroy or flatten areas to build on, but build around the landscape instead, as would be done in real life. The result, I find, is that the natural landscape is as important as the artificial.”

Inspiration came from the team FyreUK and their build Land of Akane. North was blown away by the scale and detail of it. He wanted to create his own map with a similar theme, with the goal of making his feel more lived-in and somewhere that could be explored for hours.

“I have always been fascinated by Japanese architecture and aesthetics in general. I don’t consider myself a master builder at any rate, but this format works particularly well for me. I tend to draw inspiration from Studio Ghibli films or even video games alongside some real world Japanese architecture.”

The project has had its challenges. Just like the Great fire of Meireki that burned down a big portion of the Japanese capital of Edo in 1657, Soroku almost had its own similar disaster.

“A fire somehow started in the huge tower in the east of the map. Luckily I stopped it in time to save some of it, but a lot of progress was lost. There are a few references to “the great fire” in the build.”

Some monuments stand out more than others, such as the Tree of the Spirits on top of the great Kyoukikami Bridge, or the picturesque streets of Hisekawa district. It’s almost like every building or landmark has its own unique story rather than the city as a whole.

“I’d say the best reason to download the map is everything in between. I’m very particular about making sure every building has a unique, decorated interior with filled chests and labels. The capacity for exploration is my favourite element of the build.”

Despite its glory, all the climbing and walking through endless stairs and ladders in Soroku has taken its toll. As I retreat to city’s more comfortable onsen baths and grab a tasty bowl of ramen in the Yanmagawa district, I strongly recommend you pay a visit as well!

Subarashī North-san!