Pakahano is a volcanically active world featuring the fertile Tarpak megaocean with hundreds of tropical islands, a large continental landmass called the Lavalands, and two small moons. Its primary inhabitants are two plantlike peoples: menei, peaceful floral illusionists living on the Lavalands' stable coasts and larger Tarpak islands; and tammans, tempestuous treelike folk roaming the Tarpak in advanced seafaring fleets, exploring and colonizing according to capricious whims. The world is best known as the source of pokanates, psychoactive crystals that reflect holders' thoughts and desires. In small quantities, pokanates pleasingly amplify or soothe moods; in large quantities they can support huge psychically fueled illusory cities, impose dreamlike states on entire populations, and fuel massive industries centered on anticipating workers' needs. Menei use pokanates for various purposes, while tammans use them to power peaceful expansionism. In recent decades, offworlders—especially AbadarCorp—have flocked to seek fortune, transforming Pakahano into a tourist, scientific, and corporate destination with new spas, resorts, festivals, and research stations. These developments have sparked political conflicts as menei and tammans experience significant lifestyle disruptions. Complicating matters further, rampant pokanate use appears to be warming the climate, causing devastating cyclones that disrupt tamman seafaring and endanger menei coastal cities. Warmer weather has also prompted keenags—avian people once confined to the Lavalands' hottest reaches—to claim islands and coastlines traditionally belonging to menei. Keenags have developed voracious appetites for pokanates and often steal large quantities, throwing themselves into further conflict with menei who have relied on mining and selling pokanates for generations. The planet has no centralized government; disputes are traditionally negotiated until compromises are reached.