The Northern Wastelands

The northern portion of Percens has slowly become a barren wasteland of ice and snow. Very few creatures live this far north much less civilized society. However there are a few hardy barbarian tribes that do brave these harsh lands and make the Northern Wastelands their home. These tribes deal with extreme conditions and weather as well as hostile creatures of all forms, not the least of which are the large bands of Frost Giants that roam the region.
Since resources are scarce due to the lack of fertile lands, these tribes have established trade agreements with both the inhabitants of Durstwood and The Great Forest, as well as with the various dwarven clans found throughout The Spine of World. The barbarians typically make treks to these areas in both the spring and fall to trade for enough goods to see them through the summer and harsh winter months.
There are ancient tomes that indicate that this area was once as temperate as the rest of Percens, slowly being devoured by the encroaching ice and snow that pushed its way down from the far north. Some say the Frost Giants are to blame as they brought the weather with them as they expanded their territories south, while others believe that the Gods are to blame. Still others feel that a powerful mage that could control the weather is responsible, but no one knows for sure why the ice and snow moved slowly southward over the millennia. Many adventuring parties have struck out in search of the lost cities said to be encased in ice holding all manner of valuable, ancient artifacts. None of these expeditions have ever been heard from again.

The Cult of Voloid

Not even the far reaches of the north were safe from the machinations of The Cult.  Many of the major tribes, including that of unofficial chief, a giant of a man named Arnok, were wiped out in mysterious circumstances attributed to Voloid and his followers.  Some had powerful demons unleashed upon them, destroying everything and everyone in sight.  Others were destroyed from within, by spies who kept rival factions at war, eventually killing so many of the tribe's members they were forced to be absorbed by larger tribes to survive.
The tribes are now in almost full blown war as they all battle to take over Arnok's mantle.  This just serves to weaken all the tribes and many have fled to bloodshed to find their way within the world at large and giving up the only way of life they have ever known.