North Arandor

North Arandor is a frozen and unforgiving region shaped by towering mountains, icy fjords, and glacial valleys. It lies at the northernmost edge of the continent, where the Frostmere Ocean crashes against jagged cliffs, and tundras stretch endlessly beneath pale skies. Snow-capped peaks pierce the horizon, while rivers of glacial meltwater carve through the rugged terrain, forming rare lifelines for isolated settlements.
Life in North Arandor is defined by resilience, as its sparse inhabitants endure harsh winters and limited resources. The region's stark beauty is complemented by natural wonders, such as shimmering auroras that illuminate its long, frigid nights, and frozen lakes that glisten like polished glass.
This land is home to Skölna and parts of Kamulos, where ancient traditions and survivalist values shape the culture. North Arandor’s people revere the elements, relying on hunting, fishing, and herding to sustain themselves, while its untamed wilderness attracts adventurers and exiles seeking refuge or purpose.
Legends whisper of hidden sanctuaries and ancient ruins buried beneath the ice, remnants of forgotten civilizations. These mysteries, combined with the raw, untamed beauty of the region, make North Arandor a place of danger, wonder, and endurance.

Geography

North Arandor’s geography is defined by its rugged and inhospitable terrain, shaped by ancient glaciers and the relentless forces of wind and ice. Towering mountain ranges dominate the landscape, their jagged peaks perpetually capped with snow and ice. These mountains, part of the Frostspire Range, act as natural barriers, cutting off the interior from the warmer southern lands and leaving the region locked in a near-perpetual winter.
The coastline is equally dramatic, with sheer cliffs rising from the Frostmere Ocean, battered by freezing winds and tides. Narrow fjords carve into the land, creating deep inlets surrounded by towering rock walls. These fjords are fed by glacial rivers and waterfalls, which originate in the highlands and cascade down the cliffs, freezing over in the depths of winter.
Beyond the cliffs and mountains lies an expansive tundra, a windswept plain where hardy shrubs and grasses cling to life amidst patches of permafrost. Scattered across this tundra are frozen lakes and vast ice fields, their surfaces reflecting the pale light of the northern sun. In the warmer months, these lakes thaw just enough to sustain small ecosystems of fish and migratory birds, providing brief periods of abundance before the return of the ice.
To the far north, the Frostmere Ocean stretches into the horizon, dotted with drifting icebergs and treacherous currents. It is a frigid, unforgiving sea, navigated only by the hardiest sailors and hunters. Islands of jagged rock and glaciers rise from its depths, serving as nesting grounds for seabirds and homes to colonies of seals.
Beneath the surface, networks of caverns and ice tunnels weave through the frozen ground, created by centuries of melting and refreezing. Some of these tunnels are believed to lead to ancient ruins buried beneath the ice, remnants of civilizations lost to time.
North Arandor’s geography is both beautiful and perilous, offering little comfort to those who venture into its frozen embrace. Its harshness shapes its people, fostering resilience, adaptability, and reverence for the land’s raw, untamed power.

The southernmost part of North Arandor transitions from the harsh, frozen tundras and jagged mountains into a more temperate landscape of evergreen forests and rolling hills. Here, towering conifers dominate the forests, their dark green needles providing a stark contrast to the pale, snow-dusted peaks that loom in the distance. These forests are dense and ancient, filled with towering pines, spruces, and firs that thrive despite the cold.
The rolling hills that stretch between the forests and the tundra are blanketed with hardy grasses and mosses, offering a brief respite from the ice and stone of the northern wilderness. Small rivers and streams, fed by glacial meltwater, weave through the hills, creating pockets of fertile soil where shrubs and wildflowers bloom during the short summer months.
This area serves as a natural border between the harsher northern expanses and the milder regions to the south. Wildlife is more abundant here, with herds of deer and elk grazing in the meadows, while wolves and lynxes prowl the forest edges. Birds of prey, including eagles and hawks, nest in the high branches, taking advantage of the region’s clear skies and ample hunting grounds.
Despite its relative fertility compared to the northern reaches, this region is still defined by the resilience required to survive in North Arandor. Settlements are scattered and often rely on logging, hunting, and fur trading to sustain themselves. Small villages are built along rivers or nestled within the forests, where natural barriers provide protection from the harsh winters.
The evergreen forests hold a mystical reputation among locals, who speak of hidden groves and ancient ruins lost beneath the trees. It is said that spirits of the forest guard these lands, and travelers are advised to tread carefully lest they disturb the balance of nature. This southern edge of North Arandor acts as a gateway, offering travelers their first glimpse of the region’s rugged beauty and its unforgiving wilderness beyond.

Ecosystem

North Arandor’s ecosystem reflects its harsh and varied geography, supporting life that has adapted to its extreme conditions. From the frozen tundras and towering peaks to the evergreen forests and rolling hills, each zone hosts a unique web of flora and fauna.

Tundras and Glacial Valleys

The tundras are dominated by hardy, low-growing vegetation like mosses, lichens, and shrubs that cling to life in thin, rocky soil. During the short summer months, patches of wildflowers bloom, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies adapted to the cold.
Animal life includes large herbivores like muskoxen and caribou, which graze on grasses and shrubs, while predators such as wolves, snow leopards, and arctic foxes stalk the herds. Smaller mammals, like lemmings and hares, burrow into the earth for warmth and protection from predators.
The skies are patrolled by snowy owls, eagles, and peregrine falcons, preying on rodents and smaller birds. Seabirds nest along cliffs and fjords, thriving in colonies sheltered from the bitter winds.

Coastal Fjords and the Frostmere Ocean

The icy waters teem with life, supporting populations of seals, walruses, and orcas that hunt along the coastlines. Schools of cod, salmon, and herring migrate through the fjords, attracting seabirds and providing food for larger marine predators.
The cliffs and rocky shores house colonies of puffins, gulls, and kittiwakes, whose cries echo across the waters. Icebergs and rocky outcroppings serve as resting places for seals and birds, while tidal pools host hardy crustaceans, starfish, and seaweed.

Evergreen Forests and Rolling Hills

The forests are dense with spruce, pine, and fir trees, providing shelter and food for creatures like deer, elk, and hares. Predators such as lynxes, wolves, and bears roam these woodlands, while hawks, eagles, and ravens dominate the skies.
Rivers and streams winding through the forests are home to trout, salmon, and otters, sustaining the ecosystems around them. Beavers build dams in quieter waters, creating marshy wetlands that attract amphibians and waterfowl.

Floral Adaptations

Plants across North Arandor have adapted to survive cold, short growing seasons. Many have waxy coatings to retain moisture and deep roots to anchor against harsh winds. Bright flowers bloom quickly in summer, ensuring pollination before frost returns. Evergreens dominate due to their needle-like leaves, which resist freezing.

Magical and Mythical Creatures

Legends speak of creatures like frost drakes and ice elementals lurking in glaciers, while water spirits are said to dwell in fjords. Herds of winged horses sometimes migrate through the southern forests during warmer months, and rare sightings of giant sea serpents in the Frostmere Ocean fuel sailors’ tales.

Human Impact and Conservation

The sparse settlements rely heavily on the land, practicing sustainable hunting, fishing, and forestry. Sacred groves and glacial caves are protected due to their mystical significance, and hunters often leave offerings to spirits believed to guard the wilderness. Despite these traditions, threats like overhunting, territorial disputes, and exploitation of magical resources pose challenges to the balance of North Arandor’s ecosystems.

Ecosystem Cycles

North Arandor’s ecosystem undergoes dramatic transformations with the changing seasons, shaped by its harsh climate and rugged terrain. Winters are long and unforgiving, blanketing the land in snow and ice while daylight dwindles to a pale glow on the horizon. Most plant life enters dormancy, surviving beneath frozen soil, while evergreen trees continue photosynthesis at a slower rate. Large herbivores such as muskoxen and caribou endure the cold by digging through snow for mosses and grasses, while predators like wolves and snow leopards grow thick fur and form larger hunting packs to increase their chances of survival. Marine life in the Frostmere Ocean adapts to the ice-covered waters, with seals and walruses clustering near the edges while orcas and polar sharks hunt beneath the surface. Migratory birds vanish to warmer climates, leaving only hardy species like snowy owls to patrol the frozen expanse.
Spring brings thawing ice and rivers swollen with glacial meltwater, breathing life back into the tundra and forests. Hardy grasses, shrubs, and wildflowers emerge quickly, seizing the brief growing season. Caribou and elk migrate northward to graze on the new growth, trailed by predators that take advantage of weakened stragglers. Birds return in droves, filling the skies and riversides with nesting colonies, while fish such as salmon begin their annual migrations upstream, feeding otters and bears newly awakened from hibernation. The landscape transforms with color and movement, and the rivers hum with activity as amphibians and insects emerge from dormancy.
During summer, the region experiences long days of sunlight, allowing plants and animals to thrive. The rolling hills of the southern forests become vibrant meadows filled with wildflowers and grazing herds of deer and elk, while predators actively hunt to build reserves for the coming winter. Birds raise their young in the safety of dense forests and rocky cliffs, while insects swarm in wetlands and along rivers, providing ample food for smaller creatures. In the Frostmere Ocean, fish populations surge, attracting seals, sea birds, and larger marine predators. Winged horses migrate through the southern forests during these months, pausing to feed and rest before continuing their journey.
Autumn marks the return of colder temperatures and shorter days, prompting animals to prepare for winter. Herbivores migrate southward, predators build fat reserves, and birds gather in massive flocks for migration. Plants shift focus to storing energy, while deciduous trees shed leaves in preparation for dormancy. Coastal ecosystems remain active, but many marine species retreat to deeper waters as the surface begins to freeze. This period of transition sets the stage for winter’s return, completing the region’s natural cycle of survival and renewal.
North Arandor’s ecosystem thrives despite its challenges, relying on seasonal rhythms that dictate life and death. Its creatures and plants are built for endurance, adapting to the shifting extremes of climate in patterns that ensure survival.

Localized Phenomena

North Arandor is home to several localized phenomena that shape its environment and culture, blending natural wonder with mystical intrigue. These occurrences are often tied to the region’s rugged terrain, harsh climate, and lingering traces of ancient magic.

One of the most awe-inspiring phenomena is the Aurora Veils, shimmering ribbons of light that dance across the night skies. Visible most prominently during the long winters, these auroras are believed to be the spirits of ancestors or divine messengers watching over the land. Locals claim that stronger displays signal omens—either blessings or warnings—depending on their colors and movement.

The Icefall Echoes occur in the glacial valleys, where sheets of ice crack and shift, creating thunderous booms that reverberate through the mountains. These sounds, amplified by the frozen terrain, have given rise to legends of slumbering giants or spirits trapped beneath the ice. Some adventurers report hearing faint voices or whispers carried on the wind, further fueling superstitions about hidden beings dwelling within the glaciers.
The Frostmere Mist is another striking feature, often forming over the fjords and coastal waters. This dense, rolling fog appears without warning, obscuring vision and disorienting travelers and sailors. Folklore attributes the mist to sea spirits or guardians protecting sacred places, and it is said that those who disrespect the ocean are led astray, never to return. The mist also plays a practical role, serving as a natural defense against invaders, who often struggle to navigate the labyrinthine fjords under such conditions.
In the evergreen forests and rolling hills, the Whispering Groves are sacred spaces where the wind flows through dense trees, creating eerie, melodic sounds. These groves are believed to be inhabited by forest spirits, and offerings are often left at their bases to ensure safe passage. The sounds are most prominent in autumn, just before the first frost, leading some to associate them with seasonal transitions or warnings of coming hardships.
Another seasonal phenomenon is the Glacial Bloom, a rare summer event where glacial meltwater floods the tundra and fertilizes the soil, leading to sudden bursts of colorful wildflowers and mosses. This brief transformation attracts migratory animals and signals the beginning of the region’s short but vital growing season.
Lastly, the Starfall Showers are meteor showers that light up the skies in late autumn and early winter. Locals view these events as blessings from the gods, often tying them to rituals and festivals. Some believe the fallen stars contain magical properties, and fragments of meteors discovered in the tundra are prized as relics or used in crafting enchanted items.
These localized phenomena define North Arandor’s character, blending natural beauty with mystery and superstition. They inspire reverence and fear, reinforcing the region’s connection to both its harsh reality and its mystical undertones.

Climate

North Arandor’s climate is defined by long, brutal winters and short, fleeting summers, shaped by its northern latitude and proximity to the Frostmere Ocean. Winters dominate the region, bringing freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and fierce winds that sweep down from the Frostspire Mountains. Much of the land is locked in ice, with glaciers expanding and rivers frozen solid. The nights are long and dark, illuminated only by the Aurora Veils, while blizzards frequently blanket the tundras and cliffs in thick layers of snow. Coastal areas face additional hazards from freezing sea spray, which coats rocks and trees in jagged ice formations, creating an eerie and treacherous landscape.
As winter begins to thaw, spring slowly emerges, bringing longer daylight hours and melting ice. Glacial runoff floods rivers and valleys, carving new channels and feeding temporary wetlands. The tundras transform into muddy expanses, dotted with patches of greenery as mosses and hardy plants begin to grow. Fog and mist frequently roll in from the ocean, shrouding fjords and forests in an ethereal haze. Despite the slow warming, spring is unpredictable, with sudden snowfalls and icy winds still common.
Summer offers a brief but vibrant reprieve. Temperatures rise, though rarely exceeding 50°F (10°C), and the tundras and hills bloom with colorful wildflowers. Rivers run strong with glacial meltwater, and the evergreen forests in the southern regions provide shelter for wildlife. Coastal waters warm slightly, attracting migrating birds and marine life, while the hills and meadows become rich grazing grounds for deer and elk. Despite the beauty, summer storms can strike without warning, and higher elevations often retain snow year-round.
Autumn brings shorter days and rapidly cooling temperatures. The first frosts creep across the hills, and plants begin to wither as the land prepares for the return of winter. Animals migrate southward, and predators grow more active, taking advantage of the dwindling food supply. Ice begins to form along riverbanks, and winds from the Frostmere Ocean sweep across the land, carrying early snowfalls and the promise of the long winter ahead.
North Arandor’s climate shapes every aspect of life in the region, demanding resilience and adaptation from its inhabitants. It is a land of extremes, where beauty and danger coexist, and the changing seasons bring both hardship and renewal.

Fauna & Flora

The tundras and glacial valleys are dominated by mosses, lichens, and cold-resistant grasses, which cling to rocky soil and thrive in thin, nutrient-poor conditions. These plants provide critical food sources for herbivores during the brief growing season. Brightly colored wildflowers bloom in the warmer months, taking advantage of the sunlight before frost returns, while shrubs such as willow and dwarf birch form low, wind-resistant thickets.
In the southern forests, towering spruce, pine, and fir trees form dense evergreen canopies, their needle-like leaves adapted to retain moisture and resist freezing. These forests are broken by meadows and riverbanks lined with alder and birch, creating habitats rich in shelter and resources. Moss carpets the forest floor, while hardy fungi decompose fallen logs, sustaining the ecosystem through winter.
Large herbivores, such as muskoxen, caribou, and elk, migrate across the tundra in search of grazing grounds, closely followed by predators like wolves and snow leopards. Smaller mammals, including hares, lemmings, and foxes, burrow beneath the snow to escape the worst of the cold. Bears hibernate through the winter months, emerging in spring to hunt along rivers swollen with glacial meltwater.
Birdlife is equally diverse, with snowy owls, eagles, and peregrine falcons dominating the skies, preying on rodents and smaller birds. Seabirds, such as puffins and gulls, nest along the fjords and cliffs, taking advantage of the rich marine ecosystems. Migratory species like swans and geese arrive during the warmer months, feeding in wetlands before retreating south as the frost returns.
In the Frostmere Ocean, seals, walruses, and orcas patrol the icy waters, hunting schools of cod, herring, and salmon that migrate through the fjords. Smaller creatures, such as crustaceans and starfish, thrive in tidal pools, while larger predators stalk the depths.
Legends speak of frost drakes and ice elementals lurking in the glaciers, guarding ancient secrets buried beneath the ice. The Aurora Veils are believed to attract spirits of light, while sailors whisper of sea serpents gliding beneath the Frostmere’s dark waves. Herds of winged horses are said to pass through the southern forests during summer migrations, their appearance viewed as omens of prosperity or danger.
The flora and fauna of North Arandor embody resilience, thriving in cycles of scarcity and renewal. Its ecosystems are deeply tied to the rhythms of the seasons, sustaining life in one of the world’s most beautiful and hostile landscapes.

Natural Resources

North Arandor’s natural resources are shaped by its rugged terrain and harsh climate, providing both practical materials and rare treasures valued across Tanaria. Despite the challenges of extraction, these resources sustain its sparse settlements and attract traders, adventurers, and opportunists seeking wealth.

Minerals and Metals

The Frostspire Mountains are rich in iron, copper, and silver, with veins of gold and mithril hidden deep within the icy rock. These precious metals are highly sought after, though mining is dangerous due to avalanches, shifting ice, and the isolation of the region. Quartz and crystals form naturally in caves, with some believed to have magical properties tied to the region’s auroras. Obsidian can also be found in areas where geothermal activity has shaped the land, used both for crafting tools and ornamental purposes.

Gems and Magical Materials

Rare gemstones such as sapphires and diamonds are buried beneath the glaciers, often uncovered during seasonal melts or glacial shifts. Legends speak of starstones, magical fragments said to fall from the skies during meteor showers, prized for their ability to channel arcane energy. Iceglass, a translucent, frost-colored crystal, is believed to hold traces of elemental magic and is commonly used in rituals or enchanted weapons.

Wood and Plant Life

The evergreen forests in the south provide pine, spruce, and fir, valued for building materials, fuel, and resin. These hardy trees are slow-growing but resilient, making their timber prized for structures built to endure harsh conditions. Medicinal herbs such as frostmoss and winterthorn grow along the forest floor and tundras, used in healing salves and potions to ward off frostbite and infection.

Marine Resources

The Frostmere Ocean offers a wealth of fish, including cod, salmon, and herring, as well as seals and walruses harvested for meat, blubber, and hides. Whales are occasionally hunted, providing oil and bone for tools, weapons, and trade. Shellfish, pearls, and coral can be gathered along the coastlines, particularly in the warmer months when the waters thaw.

Furs and Hides

The region’s wildlife provides fur pelts from wolves, foxes, bears, and muskoxen, which are highly prized for warmth and protection against the cold. These furs are a major trade commodity, sought after by merchants and nobles from milder climates.

Geothermal Energy

Beneath the ice, pockets of geothermal vents and hot springs provide heat and energy, creating rare oases of warmth in an otherwise frozen landscape. These areas are revered as sacred spaces, and settlements often form around them for survival. Geothermal energy is also harnessed to melt ice, forge metal, and power rudimentary steam systems.

Mythical and Magical Resources

Stories speak of rare materials hidden in the frozen depths—iceheart crystals formed from ancient magic, and dragon bones buried beneath glaciers, imbued with lingering enchantments. The waters of certain fjords are said to possess healing properties, while feathers shed by winged horses are believed to carry protective blessings.
North Arandor’s resources are as dangerous to obtain as they are valuable, ensuring that only the most determined settlers and adventurers dare to claim the riches buried beneath its ice and stone.

History

North Arandor’s history is etched into its jagged cliffs, glacial valleys, and windswept tundras, shaped by both nature’s relentless force and the struggles of those who dared to inhabit it. Ancient glaciers carved the fjords and valleys millennia ago, leaving behind a harsh yet awe-inspiring landscape. The region’s earliest inhabitants were nomadic hunters and gatherers who followed migrating herds across the tundra, relying on the land’s scarce resources and forming tight-knit communities to survive the brutal winters.
Over time, isolated settlements emerged along rivers and fjords, where glacial meltwaters provided rare lifelines. These early settlers built fortified villages to withstand the harsh climate and raids from rival tribes. Myths tell of lost civilizations buried beneath the ice, their ruins preserved in frozen tombs, guarding forgotten knowledge and treasures.
The Frostspire Mountains, rich in minerals and precious metals, drew miners and adventurers, leading to clashes over territory and resources. Meanwhile, the coastal regions became havens for seafarers and traders braving the Frostmere Ocean’s treacherous waters.
Legends also speak of ancient alliances between mortals and mythical creatures, including winged horses and frost drakes, which shaped the region’s spiritual beliefs and traditions. These tales continue to influence modern settlements, where survival remains a constant battle against the elements, and reverence for the land’s raw power endures.

Tourism

Tourists who brave the journey to North Arandor are often adventurers, naturalists, and spiritual seekers drawn to its raw, untamed beauty and mythical allure. The region’s dramatic landscapes—towering glaciers, jagged fjords, and snow-capped mountains—offer breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience for those seeking solitude or connection with nature.
Many visitors come to witness the Aurora Veils, the mesmerizing northern lights that dance across the winter skies, believing them to be magical phenomena or divine messages. Others are captivated by the rugged wilderness, hoping to trek through icy valleys, explore ancient ruins buried beneath the glaciers, or scale the Frostspire Mountains in search of hidden caves rumored to contain veins of rare gems or magical relics.
Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers are drawn to the region’s thriving populations of caribou, wolves, and snowy owls, as well as the rich marine life along the fjords, including seals, walruses, and orcas. Seasonal migrations and sightings of winged horses are particularly exciting for those hoping to glimpse creatures thought to exist only in legends.
For the spiritually inclined, North Arandor’s sacred groves, hot springs, and ancient stone circles provide opportunities for rituals, meditation, and contemplation. Shamans and mystics often lead guided journeys into the wilderness, offering insights into the myths and spirits tied to the land.
Accommodations Lodging in North Arandor is as rugged as the landscape itself. Most tourists stay in hunting lodges, stone cabins, or longhouses in the larger villages, offering warmth, shelter, and simple comforts. These structures are built to withstand harsh conditions, featuring roaring hearths and thick walls lined with furs.
For those seeking more immersive experiences, expedition camps along the fjords or deep in the forests provide tents reinforced for winter survival. Travelers willing to pay a premium may stay in geothermal guesthouses, located near hot springs that offer warmth and comfort even during the harshest winters.
Adventurers and explorers often opt for mountain huts or even ice shelters, built temporarily during treks. These are functional rather than luxurious, designed for survival rather than comfort.
While North Arandor lacks the luxuries of more temperate regions, its stark beauty and legendary aura make it a destination for those seeking adventure, mystery, and awe.

Type

Region

Location under

Arandor

Included Locations

• Ostenvik

Included Organizations

• Frostburg Pack

Contested By

• Kamulos
• Skölna

Characters in Location

• Allison Hanning
• Asim Mounir
• Leif