Gadafoss
A province in central Valhedge, bordered by Haukdalur, Svart, and Kafla. Gadafoss is a land of stark contrasts, where the frigid north gives way to sweeping plains and rugged terrain. Named after the grand waterfall, Gada Falls, the province blends harsh beauty with fertile potential. The northern icy winds soften as they move south, revealing snow-covered fields and winding rivers that carve through the landscape.
Jayrifah – The province’s largest settlement and a vital port city at the mouth of the Jayr River. It thrives on trade, resource extraction, and maritime commerce. Though the harbour remains icebound for much of the year, its merchants are skilled in navigating the treacherous waters.
Zalbana – A smaller but picturesque riverside town known for its finely crafted furs, hides, and watermills. Its festive ice markets draw traders from across Valhedge, offering rare goods such as intricate ice sculptures and exotic animals.
Adrarctic Lion – A powerful beast that prowls the forests and tundras, feared for its strength.
Bluewing Bat – A nocturnal creature that thrives in the caves of the Maw of Winter.
Icefang Lynx – A silent hunter of the deep snows, its bite able to freeze flesh.
Snow Hare – A common prey animal, blending seamlessly with the winter landscape.
Woolly Boar – A rugged creature found in the lowlands, prized for its tough hide and fatty meat.
Notable plants include:Frostblossom – A delicate flower that blooms briefly in spring.
Frostvine – A creeping plant that clings to the cliffs, known for its medicinal properties.
Ghost Birch – A pale, resilient tree with almost no bark.
Tundra Poppy – A vibrant purple flower that grows in sheltered valleys.
Geography & Climate
Gadafoss is dominated by large open expanses, icy rivers, and jagged cliffs. The province’s most defining feature, Gada Falls, thunders down from the high cliffs at its heart, shrouding the surrounding lands in a mist that freezes in the colder months. The terrain consists of rolling meadows, rocky outcrops, and deep forests where the yergralffe ancestors once roamed. To the north, the Haviv Summit rises above the province, its peak covered in eternal ice. It serves as a sacred site for the yergralffe, where legend says the first jaagr received a divine vision. Many seek the summit, hoping for enlightenment, though few complete the treacherous climb. The Jayr River, fed by the falls, winds through the land, giving life to the settlements of Jayrifah and Zalbana. Further south, geothermal activity creates the Jade Geysers, where mineral-rich waters burst from the frozen earth, staining the rocks in shades of green. The Maw of Winter, a vast frozen sinkhole in the east, marks one of the most treacherous areas of the province. The land here is brittle and unstable, with sudden collapses revealing hidden caverns below. The climate is harsh, with long winters and brief but vibrant springs. Snowstorms are common, but the mountains separating Gadafoss from Krafla shield it from the worst of the northern blizzards. When the snows retreat, wildflowers and lush grasses briefly flourish before the cold reclaims the land.Major Settlements
Flora & Fauna
The wildlife of Gadafoss is well-adapted to the extreme cold. Among the province’s notable creatures are:Notable plants include:
Culture & People
The people of Gadafoss are a hardy and self-sufficient folk, deeply tied to their land. They view the Gada Falls as a symbol of endurance, believing it to be the tears of a forgotten spirit. The yergralffe, the dominant culture in the region, hold spiritual connections to the province’s landmarks, and many of their burial cairns and ceremonial sites still stand. Festivals such as Zalbana’s Ice Markets celebrate the region’s resilience, while rituals at the Haviv Summit attract both scholars and mystics. Storytelling is a key part of the culture, with legends of ancient rulers, lost treasures, and the spirits of the frozen wilds passed down through generations. Despite being a remote province, Gadafoss remains fiercely independent, protecting its resources from outside influence. The people are known for their expert craftsmanship, particularly in fur-trading, woodworking, and metalwork, using materials sourced from the frozen wilderness.
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