The Cold Wastes

The Cold Wastes of Nehwon are a desolate, windswept expanse, stretching endlessly beneath a perpetually gray sky.
Few venture into this forbidding region, for the land is treacherous, with hidden crevasses and sudden storms of ice and snow that can bury travelers within moments.
It is said that ancient ruins lie buried beneath the frozen tundra, remnants of long-forgotten civilizations that once thrived before the ice claimed the land. Strange and elusive creatures are rumored to stalk the wastes, and whispers of lost magic draw scholars and adventurers to its fringes, though most never return.

Geography

The Cold Wastes are characterized by a vast, barren tundra, where the ground is frozen solid for much of the year, and thick layers of snow blanket the landscape. Towering, jagged mountains dominate the horizon, their peaks permanently covered in ice and snow. These mountains rise abruptly from the flat expanse of the tundra, creating a dramatic contrast with the otherwise desolate landscape. The high-altitude, icy ridges and steep cliffs make these mountains nearly impassable, adding to the isolation of the region. Deep crevasses and hidden ice caves are scattered across the tundra, making travel treacherous, while frigid winds sweep across the plains, carrying snowstorms that can reduce visibility to near zero. The Cold Wastes are a harsh and unforgiving environment, where the extreme cold and rugged geography pose constant challenges to those who dare to venture into this remote region.

Ecosystem

The environment of the Cold Wastes is stark and inhospitable, shaped by extreme cold, scarce resources, and long periods of darkness during winter months. The ecosystem is dominated by harsh physical conditions—frigid temperatures, icy winds, and a tundra landscape with little vegetation. Life here is sparse but highly specialized, with organisms that have adapted to survive in this unforgiving climate.
The primary producers in the ecosystem are hardy, cold-resistant lichens and mosses that cling to rocky surfaces and the base of snow-covered mountains. These small, resilient plants form the foundation of the food web, absorbing nutrients from the thin soil and surviving off minimal sunlight. Herbivorous creatures, such as small, thick-furred mammals and large, grazing herbivores like the tundra elk, sustain themselves by foraging on the sparse plant life during brief summer thaws when the snow recedes.
Predators in the Cold Wastes are highly adapted to the environment. These include apex hunters like snow wolves or large, elusive ice cats, which rely on camouflage and swift movement across the frozen terrain. They prey on herbivores during the limited hunting windows, often engaging in long migrations across the tundra to follow their food sources. Scavengers, such as ice ravens, survive on carrion left behind by predators or animals that have succumbed to the harsh conditions.
The interaction between organisms and their physical environment is driven by survival strategies focused on conserving energy and maximizing limited resources. Many animals enter states of hibernation or torpor during the long winter months, conserving body heat and energy. Some migratory species venture to more temperate regions when the Cold Wastes reach their harshest conditions, returning only during the brief summer.
The cold itself is a critical regulator of life, limiting the range of species that can survive here. The permafrost and snow reflect sunlight, keeping the ground temperatures low, while glacial rivers, formed by melting mountain ice, provide the scarce fresh water needed for survival. Despite its barren appearance, the Cold Wastes are a delicate, finely balanced ecosystem where every organism’s role is crucial to the survival of the whole system, with limited energy and nutrients cycling between the few hardy species that call this region home.

Ecosystem Cycles

The ecosystem of the Cold Wastes experiences dramatic changes with the passing of seasons, driven by extreme shifts in temperature, light availability, and resource scarcity. These shifts dictate the behavior and survival strategies of the organisms inhabiting this harsh environment.

Winter (Long Night):

Winter in the Cold Wastes is an extended, brutal period characterized by near-constant darkness, plummeting temperatures, and powerful blizzards. During this time, most life retreats into survival mode.

• Hibernation: Many small mammals and creatures that remain in the region enter hibernation or a state of deep torpor. Creatures like tundra hares and small carnivores burrow deep into the ground or ice, conserving energy and body heat to survive the extreme cold.

• Predators' Scarcity: Larger predators such as snow wolves or ice bears either migrate or limit their activity to conserve energy. When active, they may rely more heavily on scavenging than hunting, as prey is much harder to find. Some creatures, like ice ravens, are opportunistic and thrive during winter by scavenging the remains of animals killed by the cold.

• Migration: Many species, including migratory birds, depart the region entirely before the worst of the cold sets in. These migrations take them to more temperate climates, where food is more abundant and breeding can safely occur. Large herbivores like tundra elk may also migrate southward to escape the worst of the cold and to graze in less frigid areas.

Spring (The Thaw):

With the arrival of spring, the Cold Wastes undergo a brief but significant transformation. Snow begins to melt in some areas, revealing patches of frozen soil, and the days grow longer as sunlight returns.

• Mating and Rebirth: Spring marks the beginning of the mating season for many species. Creatures like tundra wolves and elk mate during this period to ensure their offspring are born when food becomes more available during summer. Breeding activity is often concentrated during this short window to maximize the chances of survival for the young.

• Return of Migrants: Migratory birds and other species return as the snow and ice retreat slightly, taking advantage of the brief period when insects and fresh vegetation begin to emerge. Freshwater from melting ice flows into rivers and streams, rejuvenating the land.

• Feeding Frenzy: Predators like ice cats become more active during spring, hunting for prey that has emerged from hibernation or returned from migration. It is a time of relative abundance, and both predators and prey take full advantage of this window to replenish their energy and fat reserves.

Summer (The Short Warmth):

Summer in the Cold Wastes is brief, lasting only a few weeks, but it brings critical warmth, light, and growth. The ecosystem becomes more active, and the landscape is at its most dynamic during this season.

• Vegetative Growth: The tundra blooms with lichens, mosses, and hardy grasses. Insects emerge in large numbers, providing food for birds and small mammals. The increased plant growth allows herbivores to graze more freely, fattening up for the colder months ahead.

• Breeding and Rearing Young: Many species give birth in early summer, allowing their young to grow quickly during the warmest part of the year. Parents devote much of their energy to feeding and protecting their offspring, knowing that time is short before the cold returns.

• Active Predation: Summer is the most active hunting season for predators. Snow wolves, ice cats, and even larger animals such as ice bears are seen more frequently, engaging in hunts to build up fat reserves before the long winter. Prey animals are also highly vigilant during this period.

Autumn (The Descent):

As the warmth fades and the first hints of snow return, the ecosystem begins its gradual retreat into the coming winter.

• Preparing for Winter: Many creatures, especially small mammals, begin hoarding food, increasing body fat, and finding or reinforcing shelter in preparation for hibernation. Herbivores eat as much as they can before the tundra’s plant life withers under the encroaching frost.

• Migration: Migratory species prepare for their long journeys south, with large flocks of birds flying in formation. Some predators may also start migrating southward, seeking warmer areas as their prey becomes less available.

• Final Hunts: Predators take advantage of the last period of activity among prey animals before the cold fully sets in. This is a critical time for them to fatten up before either hibernating or migrating, and hunting becomes more aggressive and frequent.

Throughout these cyclical changes, the ecosystem of the Cold Wastes is governed by survival instincts. Organisms synchronize their activities with the brief windows of warmth, light, and food, adjusting their behavior and biological processes to the extreme seasonal shifts. The interdependence between species becomes more pronounced during the warmer months, while in winter, most interactions become limited to scavenging and the struggle to endure. The seasonal rhythm is a constant test of endurance for the creatures that make this icy, unforgiving land their home.

Localized Phenomena

The Cold Wastes are home to several distinct and unusual natural and supernatural phenomena, shaped by the extreme environment and unique geology of the region. These phenomena add to the danger and mystery of the landscape, attracting the attention of adventurers, scholars, and those seeking the unknown.

1. The Iron Lightning:

One of the most famous natural phenomena in the Cold Wastes is the "Iron Lightning." Beneath the tundra lies a massive deposit of ferrous minerals and magnetic ores, which create powerful electromagnetic fields in certain areas. During storms, lightning is drawn to these magnetic hotspots, leading to frequent and highly localized lightning strikes. Unlike normal lightning, Iron Lightning is tinged with a bluish hue and is unnaturally powerful, sometimes striking the same location repeatedly in a matter of minutes. The interaction of the lightning with the magnetic ore causes the ground to hum with energy, and in some rare cases, it can even magnetize objects or living creatures in the area.

2. The Ghost Winds:

The Ghost Winds are eerie, howling gusts of wind that sweep through the Cold Wastes during the winter months. These winds are not just strong, but unnaturally cold, freezing anything in their path in moments. Locals believe the winds are haunted, carrying the spirits of lost travelers or ancient beings that once lived in the region before it was overtaken by ice. The winds are said to distort sound, causing voices to carry for miles or creating illusions of voices and whispers that seem to come from the snow itself. The exact nature of the Ghost Winds is debated, with some speculating that they are caused by a combination of pressure systems and supernatural forces at work in the region.

3. Glacial Flares:

On rare occasions, during the coldest and darkest nights, a phenomenon known as "Glacial Flares" can be seen in the sky. These are sudden bursts of light that appear over the ice-covered mountains, similar to auroras but far more intense and erratic. The light from Glacial Flares is said to originate from deep within the glaciers themselves, caused by the release of long-trapped magical energy or natural gas pockets igniting under the immense pressure of the ice. These flares light up the entire tundra for brief moments, casting an ethereal, otherworldly glow over the landscape. Some believe the flares are omens or signals from the ancient civilizations buried beneath the ice.

4. The Black Frost:

An extremely rare and supernatural phenomenon, the Black Frost occurs during particularly severe winters. It manifests as a creeping, shadowy frost that spreads across the land, leaving everything it touches encased in a thick, black ice. Unlike normal frost, the Black Frost is not caused by cold alone—it is believed to be a byproduct of ancient, dark magic or an interaction with forces from other realms. The ice created by Black Frost absorbs light, making the affected areas unnaturally dark, and it is said that the frost saps the life force of anything it comes into contact with. Few have survived encountering it, and it is widely regarded as a harbinger of doom or death.

5. Whispering Geysers:

In some parts of the Cold Wastes, especially near geothermal fissures beneath the ice, geysers of superheated steam and gas periodically erupt from the frozen ground. These "Whispering Geysers" release more than just steam—they are known for producing strange, low-frequency sounds that resemble whispers or murmurs. Scholars believe the sounds are caused by the unique interaction of the hot gas with the dense, cold air, but local legends attribute the whispers to the voices of the land itself or ancient spirits warning travelers of unseen dangers. These geysers are dangerous, as they can erupt without warning and release toxic gases along with the steam, freezing solid almost immediately upon exposure to the frigid air.

6. Aurora Serpents:

A rare supernatural sighting in the Cold Wastes, the Aurora Serpents are said to be glowing, snake-like creatures that swim through the auroras in the sky. These creatures are made entirely of light, and they only appear during certain celestial alignments, particularly when the northern lights are at their brightest. Legends suggest the Aurora Serpents are ancient elemental beings or spirits tied to the Cold Wastes, tasked with protecting hidden treasures or secrets buried beneath the ice. They are known to appear in times of great turmoil, often seen as protectors or omens. While there is no physical evidence of their existence, sightings have been reported for centuries, adding to the region's mystical allure.

7. Ice Quakes:

Due to the vast glaciers and shifting permafrost, the Cold Wastes experience what are known as "Ice Quakes." These are not traditional earthquakes, but massive shifts in the ice sheets that cause tremors and loud, echoing cracks throughout the region. The quakes can trigger avalanches, open deep crevasses, or cause entire sections of glacier to collapse into icy ravines. Sometimes, the quakes reveal ancient ruins, long-buried structures, or even release strange creatures that have been trapped beneath the ice for centuries. These events are feared by locals, as the quakes can alter the landscape in an instant, making travel even more perilous.
Together, these natural and supernatural phenomena define the Cold Wastes as a land of both scientific curiosity and mystical wonder, where the forces of nature and magic intertwine in strange and unpredictable ways. For those who brave this frozen wilderness, the phenomena serve as both a source of awe and a constant reminder of the dangers lurking in the ice.

Climate

The climate of the Cold Wastes is freezing and harsh, remaining cold for the majority of the year, with little seasonal variation except for brief, mild thaws in the summer. Temperatures often plummet far below freezing, particularly during the long winters, when the sun barely rises above the horizon. The area is known for extreme weather events, including violent snowstorms and blizzards that can last for days, making travel perilous.
Hailstorms are common, and the region is prone to hailstones of various sizes, sometimes as large as a warrior's fist, particularly during the transitional periods between seasons. These hailstorms are driven by powerful winds that sweep across the tundra, often accompanied by lightning, especially in areas affected by the "Iron Lightning" phenomenon.
The climate is relatively stable in its coldness, but it is unpredictable in terms of specific weather events. Sudden blizzards, hailstorms, and rapid drops in temperature can occur without warning. In the summer, there is a brief thaw where temperatures may rise to just above freezing, allowing for some minimal vegetation and activity, but even during this time, cold winds and sudden storms are frequent.

Fauna & Flora

The flora and fauna of the Cold Wastes are uniquely adapted to the harsh, frigid environment. The creatures that survive here have developed specialized methods to cope with the brutal cold, limited resources, and constant threat of predators. Among the most terrifying inhabitants are supernatural beings like the Astral Wolves and the monstrous Cold Woman, both of which prey on the unwary who venture into these desolate lands.

Flora:

• Frost Moss: A hardy plant that grows in crevices and across the tundra, capable of surviving on minimal sunlight and nutrients. Frost Moss provides vital sustenance for herbivores during the brief summer thaw.

• Tundra Briar: A thorny, low-lying plant that survives in the thin soil. Its roots stretch deep into the frozen ground, and though its berries are bitter, they are one of the few available food sources for grazing animals.

• Ice Flower: A rare plant that blooms in the short summer. Its pale blue petals are said to have mild healing properties, and alchemists value it highly. Ice Flowers are usually found near the bases of snow-covered mountains where the snow melts, providing just enough moisture for growth.

Fauna:

Astral Wolf: The Astral Wolf is the restless, spectral form of a wolf that died of starvation in the Cold Wastes. Now cursed to roam the icy tundra in astral form, these wolves seek to fill their ever-empty bodies, hunting relentlessly in isolated regions. These creatures are visible to the naked eye as ghostly, silvery wolves with hollow eyes, and their presence is enough to chill even the bravest to the bone.
Astral Wolves attack their prey in areas far from help, drawn to lone travelers and lost souls. They are most dangerous in packs of five or more, for when this number of wolves focuses their energy, they can pull sleeping humans into the astral plane. There, the wolves strike at their victims with vicious bites, and the injuries inflicted on the astral plane are mirrored on the victim's physical body. Those attacked while sleeping may never wake, their bodies left with grievous wounds as though they were mauled by creatures of flesh and blood.
While they cannot feed in the traditional sense, Astral Wolves continue their eternal hunt, driven by an insatiable hunger that no meal can ever satisfy. Their attacks leave no trace beyond the damage to their victims, making them creatures of both legend and terror in the Cold Wastes.
Snow Serpent: The Snow Serpent is a massive, pale-scaled predator that lurks beneath the snow, ambushing prey with deadly precision. Growing to impressive lengths, these serpents move silently, tracking the vibrations of movement above the surface. Their white scales blend perfectly with the frozen landscape, making them nearly impossible to spot until they strike.
Snow Serpents feed on a variety of creatures, from small mammals to larger herbivores like the Tundra Elk. They hibernate during the coldest months, burrowing deep into the ice, only to reemerge during the brief summer thaw when prey is more plentiful.
The Cold Woman: The Cold Woman is a terrifying, unique predator that haunts the Cold Wastes. She takes the form of an enormous white pudding, her gelatinous body able to shift and flow with deadly grace. She is both cunning and powerful, capable of generating potent illusions to lure travelers into her lair, where treasures—gems and jewelry—are scattered to entice the greedy and the curious. Once within her grasp, her true nature is revealed.
The Cold Woman wields a cold ray that can reach up to six feet, dealing devastating damage (7–70 points) to those caught in its path. Her body is impervious to most physical attacks; any severed part of her reattaches immediately, making chopping or slashing her useless. Even lightning strikes fail to affect her, and she is utterly unbothered by the cold. Her most dangerous attribute, however, is her corrosive secretions, which dissolve metal at an alarming rate. Chainmail disintegrates in a single round, while plate armor is destroyed in two, with magical armor lasting only slightly longer for each enchanted "plus" of protection.
Once her prey is immobilized, the Cold Woman paralyzes her victim and inserts one of her eggs into their body. Within a day, the egg hatches, and her spawn—small white puddings known as Cold Spawn—devour the host from the inside out. The egg can be removed before hatching, and the spawn will die if exposed to air prematurely. Legends warn that those driven by greed or excessive evil are most vulnerable to her power, falling prey to her allure of riches and treasure. After laying a batch of eggs, the Cold Woman abandons her lair, seeking a new hunting ground.
There is said to be only one Cold Woman at a time in the Cold Wastes. When she dies, the strongest of her young assumes her place, transforming into the new Cold Woman, continuing the cycle of terror.
Tundra Elk: A large, migratory herbivore, the Tundra Elk roams the Cold Wastes during the brief summer months. Their thick fur and padded hooves help them navigate the snow and survive the cold. These elk graze on Frost Moss and Tundra Briar, providing a crucial food source for predators such as the Astral Wolf and Snow Serpent. Their antlers serve both as defense and as a tool for uncovering vegetation beneath the snow.
Ice Ravens: These black-feathered scavengers are highly intelligent, often following predators like the Snow Serpent and Astral Wolf to feed on the remains of their kills. Ice Ravens are known for their cunning, capable of stealing food and distracting larger animals with their sharp cries. Their feathers, which shimmer faintly blue, make them an eerie sight against the white landscape.
Woolly Mammoth: The Woolly Mammoth is one of the largest and most formidable creatures that roams the Cold Wastes. These enormous, shaggy beasts are well adapted to the frigid environment, with thick fur and a layer of fat insulating them from the biting cold. Their long, curved tusks are used for defense against predators and for digging through snow to find food, such as Frost Moss and Tundra Briar. Despite their size, Woolly Mammoths are migratory, moving in herds across the tundra in search of scarce vegetation during the brief summer thaw. These majestic creatures are hunted by both natural predators, like the Snow Serpent, and humanoid hunters who prize their valuable tusks and fur. The presence of a Woolly Mammoth herd is a rare but awe-inspiring sight in the frozen expanse of the Cold Wastes, symbolizing the ancient resilience of life in these harsh lands.

Ecological Interactions:

• Predators and Prey: The Cold Wastes host a delicate balance between predator and prey. Astral Wolves, Snow Serpents, and the Cold Woman dominate the food chain, preying on creatures like Tundra Elk and unwary travelers. These apex predators ensure the survival of scavengers like Ice Ravens, which clean up the remains of kills, ensuring nothing goes to waste in this sparse ecosystem.

• Supernatural Threats: The Astral Wolves and the Cold Woman are not merely predators, but supernatural forces that warp the natural order of the region. While Astral Wolves prey on isolated victims, the Cold Woman uses illusions to lure in the greedy, making these two entities the deadliest in the Cold Wastes.

• Survival Strategies: Many creatures enter a state of dormancy during the long winter months. Snow Serpents and small mammals hibernate, while larger creatures like the Tundra Elk migrate southward in search of better grazing grounds. The brief summer thaw is a critical period, where plants bloom and animals mate and feed, preparing for the inevitable return of winter.

This ecosystem is a fragile yet deadly web of interactions, where the harsh environment forces every creature to adapt to the extreme cold, scarcity, and the constant threat of supernatural predators. The Cold Wastes remain a place where only the strongest or the most cunning can survive.

Natural Resources

The Cold Wastes, though harsh and desolate, possess several natural resources that attract adventurers, traders, and those brave enough to exploit the land's hidden riches. These resources are difficult to access due to the extreme weather and dangerous creatures that inhabit the region, but they offer great rewards to those who can harness them.
1. Ferrous Minerals and Magnetic Ores: Beneath the frozen tundra lies a wealth of ferrous minerals and magnetic ores, which are critical for forging weapons, armor, and tools. These minerals are especially concentrated near the mountainous regions, where the interaction with the "Iron Lightning" phenomenon makes mining a hazardous venture. However, for those with the right equipment and knowledge, these metals are invaluable, particularly in crafting high-quality steel and enchanted items.
2. Precious Gems and Rare Crystals: Deep within the glacial caves and crevasses of the Cold Wastes, explorers have found rare gemstones and crystals that are highly prized across Nehwon. These include:
Frost Quartz: A clear, ice-blue crystal said to enhance magical abilities when used in enchantments. Frost Quartz is often sought by mages and alchemists for use in potions and spells. Glacial Sapphire: A rare and beautiful gemstone found only in the deepest ice caves. Glacial Sapphires are known for their perfect clarity and deep blue hue, making them highly valuable in trade and jewelry. Storm Crystals: These unique gems are formed by the interaction of ferrous ore with lightning strikes, giving them a faint electrical charge. They are used in some advanced magical or alchemical processes and can store energy, making them useful in creating enchanted weapons or devices.
3. Ice Flowers: The Ice Flower is a rare and potent plant that blooms during the short summer thaw. Its petals are known for their mild healing properties and are highly sought after by alchemists and healers. The plant is difficult to cultivate or find, growing only in specific locations near the base of mountains. As a result, Ice Flowers are considered a rare and valuable resource in potion-making.
4. Glacial Water: While most of the Cold Wastes are barren, certain areas hold fresh, pure glacial water, which is considered one of the purest water sources in Nehwon. This water is often harvested by traders and brought south, where it is used in alchemy and other processes that require pristine, uncontaminated water. Some believe that glacial water has minor magical properties due to its age and purity, and it is highly sought after in cities far from the wastes.
5. Exotic Pelts and Furs: The few animals that roam the Cold Wastes, such as Tundra Elk and Snow Wolves, have thick, high-quality pelts that are highly valued in Nehwon’s colder regions. Traders and hunters risk the dangers of the Cold Wastes to capture these creatures, as their furs provide exceptional warmth and durability. Astral Wolf pelts, when obtained, are particularly rare and prized for their mystical properties, though acquiring one often comes with a high cost.
6. Magical Artifacts and Ancient Relics: There are ancient, buried ruins beneath the ice of the Cold Wastes, remnants of civilizations that once thrived before the land became frozen and desolate. Adventurers sometimes uncover magical artifacts and relics from these forgotten times, many of which are imbued with powerful enchantments or have unknown uses. However, accessing these ruins is often perilous, requiring the navigation of treacherous ice fields and encounters with dangerous creatures like Snow Serpents and Astral Wolves.
7. Natural Gases: In certain areas, particularly near geothermal fissures, there are pockets of natural gases trapped beneath the ice. These gases, when harvested, can be used for fuel or in certain alchemical reactions. However, extracting them is dangerous, as the gases are highly volatile and can cause explosions or asphyxiation if not handled properly. The gases also contribute to the creation of the Whispering Geysers phenomenon, where superheated steam and gas escape through the ice.
8. Frost Moss and Tundra Briar: While not as glamorous as other resources, Frost Moss and Tundra Briar serve as the foundation of the Cold Wastes' ecosystem. These hardy plants provide the essential sustenance for herbivores like the Tundra Elk, and their medicinal and alchemical properties are valued by those familiar with their uses. Frost Moss, in particular, is known to have healing applications, and when prepared correctly, can be used to create salves and potions.
9. Froststeel: Froststeel is a rare and highly prized metal found deep within the glaciers of the Cold Wastes. This unique alloy possesses extraordinary properties, becoming incredibly hard and durable when exposed to extreme cold. Forged over millennia by the pressure of ice and permafrost, Froststeel is sought after by blacksmiths and armorers who craft specialized weapons and armor designed to withstand the harshest environments. Weapons made from Froststeel retain their sharpness in freezing temperatures and are known to cut through normal metals with ease. However, mining Froststeel is a perilous task, as the glaciers where it is found are constantly shifting, and accessing these deposits requires expert knowledge and specialized tools. Only the most skilled and daring adventurers and miners attempt to retrieve this coveted material, but the rewards are immense for those who succeed.
10. Cold Spawn: The Cold Spawn—the offspring of the Cold Woman—are themselves a dangerous resource. These creatures, if captured before they mature, can be used in alchemical experiments or as a deadly component in certain dark magic rituals. Their corrosive properties are similar to those of the Cold Woman, making them valuable (if highly risky) to those who trade in rare and dangerous materials.

History

The Cold Wastes were not always the frozen, desolate tundra they are today. Long ago, the region was home to thriving civilizations, its lands fertile and lush. Ancient cities, now buried beneath glaciers, were centers of trade and learning. However, a catastrophic event—some say a magical cataclysm, others believe a cosmic disturbance—plunged the region into an eternal winter. Over time, the inhabitants perished or fled south, leaving behind forgotten ruins and artifacts buried under the ice. As the glaciers advanced, so too did the rise of powerful, supernatural entities, like the Cold Woman and the Astral Wolves, who now haunt the region. Today, the Cold Wastes stand as a remnant of a lost age, a land of mystery and danger where the echoes of its forgotten past are frozen in time.

Tourism

Visitors to the Cold Wastes are few, but those who brave the frozen wilderness are typically adventurers, scholars, and thrill-seekers drawn by the allure of its mysteries and dangers. These tourists are eager to explore the ancient, ice-covered ruins of forgotten civilizations, hoping to uncover lost artifacts, magical relics, and forgotten knowledge buried beneath the glaciers. Scholars, particularly those studying magical phenomena or ancient history, are fascinated by the unique weather patterns, such as the Iron Lightning and Glacial Flares, which offer rare opportunities for research.
Thrill-seekers and adventurers come in search of encounters with the Cold Wastes’ deadly creatures, like the elusive Astral Wolves or the colossal Woolly Mammoths. Some hope to witness supernatural phenomena, such as the eerie Ghost Winds or the rare Aurora Serpents, while others take on the dangerous challenge of traversing the treacherous ice fields and mountain ranges.
Most visitors stay at The Frosthold, a sturdy, insulated inn carved into the side of one of the lower mountains near the tundra's edge. The Frosthold is built to endure the extreme cold and offers basic warmth, food, and shelter to travelers. Run by a hardy local clan, the inn is renowned for its mead made from rare tundra herbs and its hospitality, though its rooms are far from luxurious. Some daring travelers also set up temporary camps on the tundra, using specialized gear designed to withstand the brutal conditions. However, staying outside the safety of The Frosthold increases the risk of falling prey to the region’s many dangers, both natural and supernatural.

The Cold Wastes by Chad Watson via Inkarnate and World Anvil

Alternative Name(s)

The Waste, The Wastelands, The Tundra

Type

Region

Location under

Western Nehwon

Included Locations

• Frosthold