Mauvaiscolac

Mauvaiscolac is a stark, icy realm at the southernmost point of the world, where vast, frozen forests, snow-capped mountains, and endless tundra create a landscape that is as treacherous as it is hauntingly beautiful. Glacial lakes dot the region, with icy winds blowing across the snowbound plains and towering pine forests. This land is home to resilient communities, deeply connected to the ancient traditions that help them survive in this harsh, winter-bound environment.
The people of Mauvaiscolac have developed an unyielding spirit, weathering extreme cold and limited daylight through robust structures, fur-lined clothing, and carefully rationed food stores. Life here is built on kinship and a shared respect for the unforgiving nature of the land. Towns are few and far between, with settlements often clustered around hot springs, geothermal vents, or sheltered coves.

The Peoples of Mauvaiscolac

Les Glaciers

Known for their hardy resilience and mastery of ice-forging, Les Glaciers are primarily hunters, trappers, and artisans who thrive in the frigid forests and mountains of Mauvaiscolac. Their intricate woodwork and ice carvings are highly valued, often portraying legendary tales and ancestral spirits. Community leaders, or Élus, are chosen by their knowledge of the land, survival skills, and wisdom.

Le Peuple du Lac

Living near glacial lakes, Le Peuple du Lac is skilled in fishing, ice harvesting, and crafting tools from bones and stone. They consider the lakes sacred and revere them as the lifeblood of their people. Celebrating seasonal festivals around the lakes, they mark important events and honor spirits said to dwell within the icy waters.

Les Érables Rouges

An enigmatic and close-knit community, Les Érables Rouges inhabit the western forests of Mauvaiscolac, where the trees have a distinctive crimson hue in autumn. Known as adept herbalists, they harvest rare plants and sap that have potent medicinal properties. Les Érables Rouges also practice storytelling and music, weaving lore that keeps their cultural heritage alive.

Geography

Landmarks of Mauvaiscolac

Lac de la Lune

A glacial lake known for its ethereal beauty, especially under moonlight. The local people believe it to be a gateway to the spirit world, and it is used for purification rites.

Mont du Gel

A towering, perpetually snow-covered peak and the highest point in Mauvaiscolac. The ascent is a coming-of-age journey for many young Les Glaciers, seen as a rite of passage into adulthood.

Forges des Glaces

The Ice Forges are natural caves with unique ice formations, where Les Glaciers perform traditional forging rituals. Weapons and tools created here are believed to carry the strength of the mountains.

Cercle des Pins

A mysterious grove where the trees form a natural circle. Les Érables Rouges use this place for spiritual ceremonies, storytelling gatherings, and important community discussions.

Chutes d’Argent

These "Silver Falls" are icy waterfalls that cascade into hidden pools deep within the forest. Revered as a source of wisdom, those who visit are said to gain insight and clarity.

Ecosystem

Mauvaiscolac’s ecosystems range from dense, snow-dusted forests to expansive, frozen tundras and icy lake regions. The forests provide vital resources and hunting grounds for the communities, with trees that have evolved to withstand the bitter cold. The glacial lakes are crucial to the survival of Le Peuple du Lac, with their unique aquatic life and icy waters that support fishing and sacred rites. The mountain ranges and high-altitude tundra areas are home to diverse animal species adapted to the harsh climate, while the open tundra hosts resilient plants and herds of migratory animals.

Ecosystem Cycles

The extreme winters and brief, mild summers define the natural rhythm of Mauvaiscolac. During the winter months, the communities gather resources and hunker down, while the summer season, though short, brings a vital period of activity, where food gathering, festivals, and hunts are at their peak.

Localized Phenomena

Aurora de l’Âme

The "Soul Lights" appear in the night sky during the coldest months. It’s believed that the souls of ancestors shine down, guiding and protecting the inhabitants.

Givre Volant

A natural phenomenon where snow crystals hover in the air during high winds, creating a blizzard-like mirage. It is considered a test of endurance and bravery.

Climate

Mauvaiscolac endures a subarctic climate with long, harsh winters where temperatures plummet far below freezing. Snow blankets the region for the majority of the year, with brief, cool summers that bring the only reprieve. Coastal areas experience icy winds, while inland, glacial lakes add to the frigid conditions. The land’s challenging climate shapes both the rugged lifestyle and close-knit communities of Mauvaiscolac.

Fauna & Flora

Flora and Fauna of Mauvaiscolac

Flora

Frostbloom Pines

Sturdy pines with bluish needles that retain their resilience in the harshest winters, providing crucial shelter and resources.

Crystalberries

A rare, translucent berry found near glacial waters. These berries are cherished for their medicinal qualities and delicate sweetness.

Northern Sage

A hardy herb that grows in the tundra, used in traditional medicines and ceremonies by the locals for its healing properties.

Érable Rouge

A rare red maple variant, its sap is a potent elixir in Les Érables Rouges’ herbal concoctions, often believed to have mystical properties.

Fauna

Snowhorn Elk

Large, resilient elk with thick white fur and impressive antlers, hunted by Les Glaciers for both sustenance and ceremonial purposes.

Frostfoxes

Swift, white-furred foxes adapted to the snow. Known for their cunning, they are seen as symbols of intelligence and adaptability.

Glacier Bears

Massive, ice-dwelling bears that are both feared and respected. Legends say they are guardians of the land, embodying the spirit of Mauvaiscolac.

Lake Serpents

Elusive and rarely seen, these aquatic creatures are said to dwell in Lac de la Lune and are the subject of many local legends.

Natural Resources

The peoples of Mauvaiscolac have ancient roots, with Les Glaciers and Le Peuple du Lac tracing their ancestry to nomadic tribes that settled here long ago, drawn by the rich hunting grounds and sacred lakes. These early settlers forged resilient cultures, relying on communal bonds and respect for the land’s fierce climate. Legends tell of great leaders and shamans who bridged the physical and spiritual realms, guiding their people through times of trial. Over generations, the inhabitants have cultivated a deep understanding of survival, storytelling, and resourcefulness, forming a legacy that endures in their reverence for the icy wilderness of Mauvaiscolac.