Mining village

"earth"

- This village is crawling with Fire Nation troops.

The mining village is a minor settlement in the western Earth Kingdom situated near the Mo Ce Sea shoreline. During a period of Fire Nation occupation, its inhabitants were forced to mine coal from nearby reserves, which would be used to fuel Fire Navy ships. Haru, a young earthbender and devoted ally of the Avatar, was a native of this village who lived with his mother. The village was also home to his father, Tyro, who was one of many earthbenders arrested by the Fire Nation during the Hundred Year War.

History
The village fell under Fire Nation control in 94 ASC. In order to support the war effort, villagers were forced to mine coal and pay heavy taxes to local officials, engendering a sense of fear and anger toward them. Earthbending was strictly forbidden by the authorities, and any native seen in the act was immediately arrested and sent to a prison rig located several miles off the coast. At some point, Tyro led an unsuccessful revolt against Fire Nation rule, after which he too was deported to the rig. Before long, the villagers lost their will to resist these oppressors.

Avatar Aang and his friends visited this village shortly after the former's release from the iceberg, and were shocked to see the wretched conditions its inhabitants were facing. They met Haru at his mother's store and soon went to visit his home, where Katara learned about his tragic past. She soon developed an affection toward Haru, compelling her to rescue him when he was detained for earthbending. Katara deceived authorities into arresting her as well so that she would be taken to the prison where Haru was being held captive.

Haru and Tyro were eventually freed from imprisonment, and returned to this village to liberate it from Fire Nation jurisdiction.

Description
The mining village is located in the snow-capped mountains of the western Earth Kingdom. These landforms have little vegetation on them and are yellow in coloration. The village is situated within a small valley, through which flows a small creek. A square-shaped earthen wall surrounds the settlement, which has green and pointed fortifications at its four corners that are used for defense and an added sense of security.

The village is quite small, and only a few low-rise buildings are built within it. There are no paved roads, just dirt walkways that wind between the scattered structures of the village. Most buildings are identical to each other; they all have a green roof, yellow walls, a few windows, and a single wooden door at the front entrance. The windows have boards attached to them, which can be used to block light when necessary. The village's centerpiece building is a large pagoda-like structure found off to one side. It has intricate decorations and is a classic example of Earth Kingdom architecture. A large, grand entrance is at the back of its front porch, which is supported by golden beams and pillars. The building is several stories tall, and has much floor space, making it the largest structure in the village. The uppermost floor has a small balcony that overlooks the entire village. Shingles cover the building's curved roof, which is green.

The mining village has a very destitute market. Outdoors, there are many stalls and street side stands, from where hats and other cheap accessories can be purchased. Indoors, there are numerous shops and convenience stores. Haru's mother owns a worn-out grocery store, which sells berries, apples, and spices, among other items.

Haru's home


Haru's home is located in the mountains surrounding the village, and is close to the coast of the Mo Ce Sea. It is on a mountainside, and is surrounded by many similar houses scattered across the landscape. Behind Haru's home is an expansive evergreen forest.

The design of the house is typical for a rural Earth Kingdom home. It is made of wood and has a slanted green roof with golden borders and lining. The house has a downhill-facing porch at its front entrance; it is supported by three wooden pillars. Two windows and a door open into the porch. The house is just one story tall.

The property surrounding the house includes a few other buildings and facilities, including a barn with a water pump built near its entrance. The barn was constructed to store hay for the animals. It has a circular shape and is quite spacious. The barn is shaped like a hut, as it has a round roof and cylindrical sides. Like the house, wood is the main construction material for the barn, although plain dirt was used to make the floor. The entrance is a large wooden door – much larger than that of the house, as even massive animals can pass through them, including flying bison.

Haru's mother's shop
Haru's mother operates a small shop in the marketplace of the mining village. The store is tiny room with shelves lining the walls and a counter near the back. The shop sells basic food items, such as various types of berries, apples, spices, as well as bowls, baskets, and other necessities.

Notable figures

 * Tyro
 * Haru
 * Haru's mother