GOURD LAKE is a popular retreat within the a city, consisting of some parkland surrounding a large lake. The lake itself is rather placid, and not known for anything in particular. On entering the area, a visitor will first encounter a picnic area with a food stall, run by Larry Butz and known for serving "Samurai Dogs", based on the popular children's television show The Steel Samurai. To the right is a small campground, where parking is discouraged (but some do it anyway). This open area affords an excellent view of the entire lake. To the left is a boathouse and dock. Rowboat rentals were once available here.

During the summer Gourd Lake is a popular vacation spot for families. During the winter, it is often deserted. One December the lake gained some notice when visitors spotted something in the lake that was believed to be a monster, which the tabloids dubbed "Gordy". Seekers of supernatural phenomena flocked to the lake, hoping to catch a glimpse or take a picture. It was later revealed that the whole thing was simply a mistake, caused by a misfired can of hydrogen and the samurai balloon from the hot dog stand.

That same winter, the lake gained infamy when noted attorney Robert Hammond was murdered in a boat out on the lake. Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth was spotted at the scene and thusly arrested for the crime, but it was eventually revealed to be a setup by Yanni Yogi, the owner of the boat rental. Fifteen years prior Yogi was accused of murdering Gregory Edgeworth (father of Miles), but his lawyer Robert Hammond got him released on an insanity plea. Unfortunately, this ruined his reputation, and eventually his wife committed suicide. Yogi's parrot Polly, who lived at the boathouse with him, is named for her. Both Yogi and the parrot are in police custody.

(Shu Takumi, Gyakuten Saiban: Yomigaeru Gyakuten, Osaka, 2001)

KURAIN VILLAGE is a settlement high in the mountains, about two hours by train from the nearest city. It is famous for the Kurain Channeling Technique, a method of summoning the spirits of the dead where the channeler will take on physical aspects of the person they are summoning, including facial features and build. It was created by the spirit medium Ami Fey, and the technique is still taught in the village today by her descendants at Fey Manor.

The spiritual power of the Fey Family is passed through matrilineal succession, with the most gifted descendant assuming leadership of the school and the village itself. Typically the role of Master is given to the oldest sister, but in the last generation Morgan Fey was passed over for her younger sister Misty. Misty has two daughters, Mia and Maya, both powerful spirit mediums in their own right. Unfortunately, the family was beset by tragedy. Fifteen years ago Misty was called on to assist in a murder investigation in the city. The man she accused was later found to be not guilty, and a disgraced Misty faded from view. With Misty's disappearance Mia Fey was set to inherit the title of Master, but she moved to the city and became a lawyer instead, where she was later murdered. Maya Fey is currently next in line, though she moved to the city to work as an aide to her sister's former legal partner, Phoenix Wright.

In Maya's absence, the school was overseen by Morgan Fey and her daughter Pearl. When Maya returned for further training, an incident occurred with her first client, Dr. Turner Grey. He was murdered during the channeling, and it was believed that Maya was guilty via the individual she was channeling. It later turned out that Maya was set up by Morgan, in order to remove Maya and place Pearl in position to become Master of Kurain Village. Morgan was taken into custody, while Maya resumed her work at Wright and Co..

(Shu Takumi, Gyakuten Saiban 2, Osaka, 2002)