The Climate & Weather of Fijorn

"The land is harsh, the air is cold, and the storms never yield—just like its people."

The Kingdom of Fijorn is a land of unyielding mountains, frozen valleys, and bitter winds, shaped by brutal winters and temperate yet unpredictable summers. Nestled deep within the Ascorn Mountains, the region is defined by extreme resilience, where the land itself mirrors the unwavering strength of its people.

General Climate

Winter Dominant: Fijorn experiences long, severe winters that last nearly seven months of the year. Snowfall is heavy in the mountains but lighter in the valleys, allowing limited agriculture.
Short, Brisk Summers: Summers last a mere three to four months, providing just enough warmth for farming, fortress expansions, and military exercises. Even at their peak, summer temperatures rarely exceed 60°F (15°C).
Perpetual Winds: The high-altitude geography of Fijorn creates powerful winds, sometimes reaching hurricane-like speeds in the mountaintops, making aerial warfare an art mastered only by the Valken Skyships.
Glacial Rivers & Hidden Lakes: While the terrain is rocky and unforgiving, deep glacial rivers provide a steady water source. The underground aquifers never freeze, ensuring year-round irrigation.
Rare but Devastating Storms: Thunderstorms are uncommon but violent—when they do occur, lightning strikes frequently, carving new scars into the mountains and reinforcing the belief that the gods of war still watch over Fijorn.

The Four Seasons of Fijorn

The Black Winter (Deepest Cold – Lasts 4 Months)

"Only the strong endure. Only the prepared survive."

The harshest time of year, known as The Black Winter, is a test of endurance, discipline, and survival.

Temperatures: -40°F (-40°C) to -10°F (-23°C).
Snowfall: Constant, with whiteout conditions common in the mountains.
Survival Strategies:
Farmers retreat to underground agriculture zones, ensuring food production never ceases.
Legions station themselves in mountain fortresses, maintaining border patrols through tunnels and underground roads.
Skyships are grounded unless absolutely necessary—only House Valken's elite airships dare take flight.
The Veil conducts shadow operations, using blizzards to mask their movements.
Military Readiness Exercises: All legions train in sub-zero conditions to prepare for potential winter sieges.

Black Winter Festivals:

The Night of the Unbroken Flame: Citizens gather in fortified great halls, honoring Fijorn’s unyielding spirit with feasts, battle hymns, and recitations of military victories.
The Emperor’s Vigil: A three-day national watch where no citizen sleeps, proving their dedication to eternal vigilance.

The Iron Thaw (Early Spring – Lasts 2 Months)

"The first melt is not a time of peace, but of preparation."

The Iron Thaw marks the transition from Black Winter into the brief growing season.

Temperatures: 5°F (-15°C) to 40°F (4°C).
Snow begins to recede, but mountains remain covered in ice.
Rivers unfreeze, but flash floods are common due to sudden melting.
Farms emerge from underground, allowing a rapid planting cycle before the short summer.
Warriors undergo endurance marches, crossing frozen rivers before they fully break.

Iron Thaw Traditions:

The Trial of the Beast: Young warriors hunt and tame their war-beasts, proving their worth.
The Rite of the Warborn: New recruits endure a week of relentless combat drills, sometimes in flooded battlefields created by melting snow.
Dueling Season Begins: A period of gladiatorial combat tournaments—victors earn the right to serve as officers.

The Crimson Summer (Fijorn’s Brief Warmth – Lasts 3-4 Months)

"A time to grow, to build, and to train—but never to be idle."

The Crimson Summer is short and intense, where the entire kingdom mobilizes to make the most of the fleeting warmth.

Temperatures: 40°F (4°C) to 60°F (15°C).
Mountains remain cold, but valleys bloom with hardy crops.
Blacksmith forges roar to life, producing thousands of weapons and siege engines.
All military drills intensify, as this is the ideal time to expand defenses and fortify cities.
The Skyblade Fleet (House Valken) trains relentlessly, taking advantage of calm skies.
Trade between Fijornian cities flourishes—iron, steel, grain, and magic-infused weapons are transported.

Crimson Summer Events:

The Emperor’s Triumph: A grand military parade in Divination, showcasing newly forged weapons and legions of elite warriors.
The Siege Trials: Cities compete to storm and defend mock fortresses, refining siege tactics.
The War Festival: A month-long training event where young warriors are tested before full enlistment.

The Bloodfall (Late Autumn – Lasts 1 Month)

"The fires of war are stoked, and the cold begins its march again."

The Bloodfall is a time of final preparations before Black Winter returns.

Temperatures: 20°F (-6°C) to 35°F (2°C).
**The leaves of Fijorn’s sparse forests turn deep crimson, matching the empire’s colors.
Skyships are recalled to their hangars, preparing for the long winter.
Grain, iron, and food supplies are secured in deep mountain fortresses.
Border patrols intensify, ensuring Fijorn is fortified against winter raiders.
Final military campaigns of the year are launched, securing Fijorn’s dominance before the cold makes war impossible.

Bloodfall Traditions:

The Final War March: Every Fijornian male marches through his city’s streets, reaffirming his loyalty to the Emperor before winter.
The Veil’s Renewal: The Veil selects its newest initiates, ensuring discipline and order remain unchallenged.
The Naming of the Warborn: Young warriors receive their official rank and insignia, marking their transition into full soldiers.

How Fijornians Survive the Harsh Climate

Fijornians do not fear the cold—they embrace it. The climate shapes their unbreakable will, physical endurance, and culture of discipline.

Clothing & Armor:
Men wear heavy insulated armor year-round. Even civilians wear steel-lined coats, ensuring readiness.
Women of the Veil wear layered battle-robes, enchanted for warmth while maintaining agility.
Housing & Infrastructure:
Most homes are built of fortified stone, insulated against the cold.
Underground heating systems ensure survival, using volcanic vents and enchanted heat stones.
Tunnels connect cities, allowing safe travel even in deadly blizzards.
Combat Readiness:
Fijornian soldiers train in the snow, ensuring no terrain weakens them.
The Cold March Ritual requires all soldiers to stand in a snowstorm without armor, proving their resilience.

"The land is as strong as its people—unyielding, disciplined, eternal."

The weather of Fijorn is not a weakness—it is a forge. Through cold, ice, and hardship, its people become unbreakable.

The Climate & Weather of Fijorn