The Land of Ice and Stone
Ambarino is a vast, mostly uninhabited state to the north of New Hanover, defined by the formidable Grizzly Mountains.The hostile, snow-covered terrain and unpredictable weather make it one of the most dangerous and unforgiving regions in the country. The state experiences only two true seasons: a short, brisk summer and a long, brutal winter.
Summer: June, July, August, September
Winter: October, November, December, January, February, March, April, May
The Regional Climates of @Ambarino
Grizzlies West: The High Peaks
Overview: The western part of Ambarino consists of the highest, most rugged peaks of the Grizzlies, including @Mount Hagen. This region is a land of perpetual snow, frigid winds, and thin air. Life here is a constant struggle against the elements, and only the most prepared trappers and animals can survive.
Seasonal Breakdown:
Summer: A brief reprieve from the harshest cold. The snow melts in the lower elevations, revealing rocky ground and icy streams. Temperatures range from thirty to fifty degrees Fahrenheit, but can drop sharply at night.
Winter: The dominant season is winter. Blizzards are constant and can last for days, blanketing the entire region in deep snow. Temperatures consistently range from zero to thirty degrees Fahrenheit and can plummet to below zero.
Regional Specifics:
Weather Events & Disasters: Blizzards are the most significant threat, causing whiteout conditions and making travel impossible. Avalanches are a frequent and deadly hazard, triggered by heavy snowfall or even a loud noise. Travelers are also at risk of hypothermia and frostbite.
Livelihood & Sustenance: This region is too harsh for agriculture. The primary livelihoods are hunting and trapping for valuable furs, which are sold in towns like Strawberry or Valentine.
Holidays & Social Events: No formal holidays are observed due to the extreme isolation. Survival is the only tradition, and trappers often gather for impromptu celebrations whenever they cross paths at a small cabin or a campsite, sharing stories and food.
Grizzlies East: The Snowy Forest
Overview: This eastern section of the mountains is slightly less hostile than the western peaks, with lower-lying valleys and dense, pine-covered forests. It's still a cold, snowy region, but the trees offer some shelter from the relentless winds. The Wapiti Indian Reservation is located in this region.
Seasonal Breakdown:
Summer: The forests and valleys thaw, and the landscape is filled with evergreen trees. The air is cool and crisp. Temperatures range from forty to sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit.
Winter: Snowfall is constant and heavy, accumulating to great depths in the forest. The trees provide some barrier from the wind, but the cold is still biting. Temperatures range from ten degrees Fahrenheit to thirty-five degrees Fahrenheit.
Regional Specifics:
Weather Events & Disasters: While blizzards are still common, the tree cover can reduce their impact. The primary dangers are getting lost in the deep woods and encountering large predators such as bears and wolves, which are common here.
Livelihood & Sustenance: Hunting, fishing, and trapping are the main forms of sustenance. The Wapiti tribe also engages in traditional foraging and ceremonies.
Holidays & Social Events:
Sun Dance (Summer Solstice): A vital spiritual ceremony for the Wapiti tribe, signifying a renewal of the world and a connection to their traditions.
Green Corn Ceremony (Late Summer): A harvest festival celebrating the ripening of the corn crop. It is a time for feasting, rituals, and community gatherings.
Notable Settlements of Ambarino
@Grizzlies West:
Colter
: An abandoned mining camp, now nothing more than a few derelict cabins and frozen-over equipment. It's a testament to the unforgiving nature of the mountains.
@Grizzlies East:
Wapiti Indian Reservation
: An isolated and self-sufficient settlement of the Wapiti tribe, located in the snowy valleys of the eastern mountains.
Cairn Lake
: A remote cabin and frozen lake, serving as a rest stop for trappers and an important source of fish.