Shumi Village

Shumi Village (シュミ族の村, Shumi-zoku no mura) is the name of a location in Final Fantasy VIII. As the name suggests, the village's primary inhabitants are Shumi. The village is located below ground in the cold northern reaches of the world map, but is characterized by a warm, comfortable climate. The village can be optionally explored at any free period in the game's plot.

Story
The village is headed by an Elder, who appears slightly taller and thinner than regular Shumi. It is discovered through the Final Fantasy VIII database (accessible through the menu) that at a certain point in their lives, Shumi evolve into one of two different forms. Those that do not have the requirements to evolve into an Elder, instead turn into Moombas - a cat-like creature.

The village has little contact with the outside world. However, the Shumi Tribe are not hostile towards other races - welcoming Laguna Loire in his travels and later Squall Leonhart and his party in their own. A Shumi called the Artisan has a friendship with a citizen of Fisherman's Horizon, and eventually welcomes the old fisherman from the same city, which is further evidence to support the fact.

There are only four explorable buildings in Shumi Village: the Artisan's house, the Elder's house, a hotel and a workshop. The hotel is home to a particularly small Shumi, and completing a quest from a Shumi in the workshop can lead to one of the few opportunities to gain a "Phoenix Pinion."

There is also a small area before Squall's party take the lift down to the village itself. The area is mostly unimportant apart from the Ultima draw point - which can be accessed for a fee - and the location of the "Shadow stone".

Balamb Garden's proprietor, Master NORG, is himself a Shumi who originated from the village, but was cast out for his eccentric behavior and his willingness to show off his large hands.

Layout
The Village Outer Dome is an 'above ground' area of the village from which people must access the Village Elevator to arrive in the village proper which is deeper underground. The Outer Dome is a huge dome-like structure built to withstand the harsh cold of the Trabia continent. An Ultima draw point can be used here for 5,000 gil.
 * Village Outer Dome:
 * Draw Points: Ultima

The Village Elevator provides the main means of accessing the village proper which lies below ground. Due to the considerable time it takes for the elevator to arrive at the destination seats are provided as well as a viewing window which reveals the view of the outside, also a holographic representation of a Shumi will address the patrons during the trip.
 * Village Elevator:

323 meters underground the village proper is in stark contrast to the land of Trabia itself. Lit by glowing rocks from atop the cavern the village is bathed with green vegetation and wondrous minerals of all shapes and sizes. Both Shumi and Moombas reside here.
 * Shumi Village:

The home and visiting quarters for the leader of the Shumi village all visitors are directed to visit him here if a meeting is scheduled.
 * Elder's Hut:

The artisan is a Shumi renowned for his gift in crafts. Indeed the walls of his hut is filled with models of many vehicles seen around the world.
 * Artisan's Hut:

The main workshop of the Shumi Village an artist is currently working on a sculpture of Laguna Loire.
 * Village Workshop:
 * Draw Points:

The first shelter from the elevator the Shumi Hotel is a quaint, cozy place with a special music player capable of playing numerous soundtracks heard in other locations of the world.
 * Shumi Hotel:

People Associated With Shumi Village

 * Artisan, a shumi with dreams of the outside world.
 * Sculptor, the local village sculptor.
 * Village Elder, the village elder.
 * Attendant, attendant to the village elder.
 * Laguna Loire, a stranger from abroad who treated the Shumi kindly.

Musical Themes
"Find Your Way" is played in the Outer Dome and a rendition of "Eyes on Me" is played inside the Shumi Hotel but no soundtrack is played in the actual village.