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phantasmods) wrote2016-12-14 10:56 am
phantasmods) wrote2016-12-14 10:56 am
BELLMARE MOUNTAINS PT 1
AREA GENERAL
Jagged mountaintops of dizzying altitude break up the horizon on the north, the peaks capped with thick snow and their bases liberally dusted with the same. Through breaks in the snow, thick clusters of evergreen foliage and slate-gray rockery peek out, seeming starkly overbright against the glittering white of the snow. Everything here seems sparkling and new, even under the layers of frost and the higher you climb in altitude, the more the temperature drops. The numbers plummet until each breath is sharp and crisp and the air is so frigid it stings your eyes and exposed skin. Better wrap up warm -- Bellmare Mountains are unforgiving enough at the best of times and in the dead of winter like this you’re going to need all the help beating the cold you can get.
It’s not just temperature that makes the mountains so unwelcoming, however. Being as far out as they are, there are no main roads making them accessible to the populace at large. A handful of treacherous paths snake their way up and around the slopes, just wide enough for supply trucks and delivery vehicles to transport necessities to and from whatever settlements have fixed themselves in such a seemingly inhospitable place. There are also footpaths, guides and signs scattered around for anyone brave enough to try and make their way around solo.
Despite the cold and the unwelcoming geography, the Bellmare Mountains were once a popular hiking destination for those willing to test themselves on its heights. Artifacts of that time remain scattered over the mountaintops; chairlifts and gondola lifts to take passengers to and from the peaks of the mountains, cabins serving as rest stops for those brave enough to make the trek themselves. But like most other things in the world, they lay abandoned, caked with snow and ice.
Though they’re a little worse for wear after being exposed to the elements, all of the fixtures here are in much better repair than you’d assume considering how long they’ve been left out here. But the reason for their impressive shape might come when you notice this Fissure’s visual distortion.
This time, it’s twofold. From outside the Fissure, it seems as though time inside has stopped. Snowflakes hang frozen in midair and it seems like the shadows cast across the ground haven’t moved an inch, no matter how long you look at them. Once you actually enter the Fissure, you’ll see that things seem to have gone back to normal… or so it seems.
DUNGEON-WIDE EFFECT: A TWIST IN TIME
Upon crossing the boundary of the Fissure, all characters will feel a sudden and frightening sense of time-blindness that quickly passes. This is caused by the primary effect of this Fissure which, to put it simply, makes time go a bit wonky. Time within the bounds of this Fissure passes much slower than the rest of the world around it, leaving the days in the Fissure lagging long behind those in the outside world. Thankfully, your perception of the passage of time won’t change at all.
Resource: Ice Crystals
Frequency: Small ones common, large ones uncommon to rare
Type: Energy/magical resource
Environment: All over
Like the rest of the Fissures, Bellmare is stuffed to the brim with these little magical deposits. They’re smooth and clear, more like glass than ice and won’t melt whatever temperature changes they’re subject to. Fucking superb, you funky little ice cubes.
HAZARD: BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE
Danger level: Varies
Type: Weather
Active: Always active
With Bellmare being so far north and so high up, the winter weather up here is even more intense. For the most part, the temperatures hover just below freezing on a good day but can drop to devastating lows at night or even on particularly cold days. The wind is always blowing which makes things feel even colder and there’s constantly snowfall. On rare occasions, the weather might even amp up into blizzard territory and you’ll need to seek shelter. Make sure to look after yourselves!
FOOTPATHS
Despite the nasty weather, the footpaths around the mountains seem reasonably well-cared for. Even with the snow coming down at all times, the paths are miraculously clear which seems to be thanks to magic -- if you look closely, you’ll see what looks like crushed fire crystals mixed in with the dirt that keep the paths just warm enough to melt away any snow that touches them. Handy!
But even with the lack of snow, the paths are still dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. The footpaths wind all around Bellmare, up down and around the mountains so it’s possible to get quite deep into the depths of Bellmare if you’re a very determined hiker.
Watch out for yourself, though. The snow might not be on the paths but in certain places, it can pile up high above your head on either side of the path. And once you get deep into the mountains, the geography can be rather treacherous if you’re not used to hiking. Even on the outskirts, though, the lack of any proper landmarks around here it can be easy to take a wrong turn and get yourself a bit lost. You are adhering to the buddy system, aren’t you?
CRITTER: LAGOMARE
Danger level: Low to moderate
Type: Animal
Environment: All over the mountains
Behaviour: Curious and friendly
Native to the Bellmare region, Lagomares greatly resemble common arctic foxes, with the only major visual distinction being its larger ears and striking blue eyes. Their fur is also slightly reflective and it sparkles in the sun much like undisturbed snow does. Because of this, they’re virtually undetectable when they’re lurking in the snow. It’s not hard to run into one of these critters, though, as Largomares are naturally curious and inclined to be very friendly towards travellers. They’re relatively easy to befriend and greatly enjoy attention and affection. They’re also surprisingly loyal to humans they take a liking to, and will often try to keep them out of danger, such as leading them back into the open if they get lost. However, they can be quite vengeful if a human have attached themselves to mistreats them.
Unfortunately, since they’re native to the cold mountain regions, Largomares struggle to survive in higher temperature climates. You won’t be able to take one of these sweet babies home. Tragic!
HAZARD: SNOW FALLS, EVERYONE DIES
Danger level: Moderate to highly dangerous
Type: Environmental hazard
Active: Triggered by sound
With this much snow piled up in the mountains comes the unfortunate hazard of avalanches. While most places are generally safe so long as you don’t go too far outside of the ‘indoor voice’ range, raised voices and shouting run the risk of triggering an avalanche. For the most part, these will simply be powder snow avalanches, which are fast moving and can make it hard to breathe if you’re caught up in one but are manageable. Rarer and far more dangerous are wet snow avalanches, in which humongous waves of snow and debris come flooding down the mountains. If you’re buried in one of these, there is a very real chance of suffocation or death by exposure if you’re not found and rescued in time.
CABINS
Scattered at irregular intervals along the footpaths, up and down the mountains are cabins that seem to have been built for the purpose of providing shelter for travellers who don't have time to get to any bigger settlements. They're all rather modest, one-room affairs made from peeled wooden logs and prioritizing shelter and warmth over any aesthetic appeal. Each cabin is stocked with the basics you need to survive the night – blankets, some dried food, water canteens – and a fireplace where you can get some firewood burning.
It’s not exactly the height of luxury, but it’ll keep you warm and safe if the weather takes a turn for the worst.
FOREST
The forest is densely packed with unfamiliar trees that appear to be this world’s species of evergreens. Through the trees are still thick with sturdy leaves, the ground is cold and barren, especially off the footpaths where no care has been taken to keep it warm. Despite this, the forest is actually a little warmer than the rest of the mountains as the tightly clustered trees shield the paths from the worst of the winds. Additionally, some of the larger trees are wide enough at the base to provide shelter from the snow and the wind if you want to sit down and take a load off before heading back out into the woods.
Take care, though -- just because these paths are warmer doesn’t mean they’re any less dangerous than the rest of Bellmare. Temperatures are just as dangerous here as they are in the rest of the mountains and it’s very easy to get lost even when following the paths. If you end up stuck out here at night, you’re going to be in for a bad time. Hope you know how to build a fire!
CRITTER: BEOLRINE
Danger level: Basically non-existent
Type: Animal
Environment: Mostly the forests
Behaviour: Mousey
Beolrines are sweet-looking critters, whose elongated bodies and distinctive face markings bring to mind ferrets or weasels. They’re about the size of a cat with tufty white fur marked by irregular dark stripes. They’re herbivores with appropriately timid behaviour, usually preferring to stay out of the way of humans and Largomares, their natural predators. Like Largomares, however, they are rather curious and can usually be bribed into some manner of complacency with food. Once they attach themselves to a human, Beolrines will become quite protective of them to the point of attacking Largomares than attempt to approach. If you’ve gotten on the wrong side of a Largomare, it might not be a bad idea to befriend a few of these guys.
Resource: Feverfew Branches
Frequency: Twigs common, full branches uncommon
Type: Natural resource
Environment: All over the forest
Twigs, branches and general debris from the trees of this forest, Feverfew. The wood is thick and sturdy, but is difficult to light when you’re starting a fire. Once it gets burning, though, it gives off a lot of heat and will burn for a very long time, so long as you keep feeding it new fuel.
SLOPES
Wide swaths of treeless snow, perfect and untouched, make their way up and down the mountain in various places, especially in the higher altitudes. The purpose of them might not be immediately apparent unless you catch sight of the tall lifts that rise up from some of them, swinging chairs still and hung with icicles. Once upon a time, these were ski slopes of some sort, probably for a resort in the area.
The lifts aren't currently functional, but that's mostly due to ice and lack of power - if you can melt the mechanisms free and get them started, they're not in so much disrepair that they won't run and do the work of lifting you up the mountain for a time. Unlike the rest of the skeletons of human civilization, the time effect in the Bellmare Fissure has kept them from being too far gone. And, of course, if you want to move back down the mountain, the slopes are probably one of the easiest ways to do it.
CRITTER: SNOW EAGLES
Danger level: Medium to high, depending on your size
Type: Magically Modified Animal
Environment: The slopes and the skies above
Behaviour: Hawkish
Better watch out, it's another case of 'attack of the giant Fissure birds.' This time, however, they're a little more dangerous than mere seagulls - these eagles, with mottled white and brown feathers (mostly white, this time of year) are large enough to lift most people right off the snow - something they'll certainly try, if you're likely-looking prey out on the open spaces of the slopes. And if they do manage to pick you up and carry you off... Well, their preferred strategy for dealing with prey that doesn't immediately fall to their talons is 'drop it on exposed rocks to kill it or at least knock it out.'
Aside from their size, there's not much overtly magical about these creatures. However, those who manage to down one - and it'll be a bit of a fight to do so, as while they're willing to make a couple attempts at taking down a meal, they're more likely to fly off in search of an easier meal than fight off someone trying to hunt them back - will find that their feathers are almost supernaturally warm and insulating.
CRITTER?: SNOW-GOONS
Danger level: Medium; high in large groups
Type: Fissure-affected snow
Environment: Deep snow; primarily the slopes, but sometimes deep piles between the trees in the forest
Behaviour: Brutish
Upon being approached, these heaps of snow rise up and reveal themselves for what they are - to call them 'snowmen' is a loose fit, but it's probably about the best you're going to get. Vaguely humanoid and glittering with sparkles of ice, these ten-foot-tall giants are nothing but packed, semi-sentient powder that hates to be disturbed. They're aggressively when approached and usually seek to bury their opponents under themselves or any other snow that might be around.
And that frosty reception can get to be quite problematic when there's more than one or two of them together, because they just keep piling on with potentially crushing weight. They're also surprisingly fast, as the normal snow doesn't impede their movements the way it does those of living creatures. Fortunately, it's possible to disperse then with a hard enough blow to knock their bodies apart (they're denser than the snow powder, but not that tightly packed), or, of course, you can just melt them down to size.
Jagged mountaintops of dizzying altitude break up the horizon on the north, the peaks capped with thick snow and their bases liberally dusted with the same. Through breaks in the snow, thick clusters of evergreen foliage and slate-gray rockery peek out, seeming starkly overbright against the glittering white of the snow. Everything here seems sparkling and new, even under the layers of frost and the higher you climb in altitude, the more the temperature drops. The numbers plummet until each breath is sharp and crisp and the air is so frigid it stings your eyes and exposed skin. Better wrap up warm -- Bellmare Mountains are unforgiving enough at the best of times and in the dead of winter like this you’re going to need all the help beating the cold you can get.
It’s not just temperature that makes the mountains so unwelcoming, however. Being as far out as they are, there are no main roads making them accessible to the populace at large. A handful of treacherous paths snake their way up and around the slopes, just wide enough for supply trucks and delivery vehicles to transport necessities to and from whatever settlements have fixed themselves in such a seemingly inhospitable place. There are also footpaths, guides and signs scattered around for anyone brave enough to try and make their way around solo.
Despite the cold and the unwelcoming geography, the Bellmare Mountains were once a popular hiking destination for those willing to test themselves on its heights. Artifacts of that time remain scattered over the mountaintops; chairlifts and gondola lifts to take passengers to and from the peaks of the mountains, cabins serving as rest stops for those brave enough to make the trek themselves. But like most other things in the world, they lay abandoned, caked with snow and ice.
Though they’re a little worse for wear after being exposed to the elements, all of the fixtures here are in much better repair than you’d assume considering how long they’ve been left out here. But the reason for their impressive shape might come when you notice this Fissure’s visual distortion.
This time, it’s twofold. From outside the Fissure, it seems as though time inside has stopped. Snowflakes hang frozen in midair and it seems like the shadows cast across the ground haven’t moved an inch, no matter how long you look at them. Once you actually enter the Fissure, you’ll see that things seem to have gone back to normal… or so it seems.
DUNGEON-WIDE EFFECT: A TWIST IN TIME
Upon crossing the boundary of the Fissure, all characters will feel a sudden and frightening sense of time-blindness that quickly passes. This is caused by the primary effect of this Fissure which, to put it simply, makes time go a bit wonky. Time within the bounds of this Fissure passes much slower than the rest of the world around it, leaving the days in the Fissure lagging long behind those in the outside world. Thankfully, your perception of the passage of time won’t change at all.
Resource: Ice Crystals
Frequency: Small ones common, large ones uncommon to rare
Type: Energy/magical resource
Environment: All over
Like the rest of the Fissures, Bellmare is stuffed to the brim with these little magical deposits. They’re smooth and clear, more like glass than ice and won’t melt whatever temperature changes they’re subject to. Fucking superb, you funky little ice cubes.
HAZARD: BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE
Danger level: Varies
Type: Weather
Active: Always active
With Bellmare being so far north and so high up, the winter weather up here is even more intense. For the most part, the temperatures hover just below freezing on a good day but can drop to devastating lows at night or even on particularly cold days. The wind is always blowing which makes things feel even colder and there’s constantly snowfall. On rare occasions, the weather might even amp up into blizzard territory and you’ll need to seek shelter. Make sure to look after yourselves!
FOOTPATHS
Despite the nasty weather, the footpaths around the mountains seem reasonably well-cared for. Even with the snow coming down at all times, the paths are miraculously clear which seems to be thanks to magic -- if you look closely, you’ll see what looks like crushed fire crystals mixed in with the dirt that keep the paths just warm enough to melt away any snow that touches them. Handy!
But even with the lack of snow, the paths are still dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. The footpaths wind all around Bellmare, up down and around the mountains so it’s possible to get quite deep into the depths of Bellmare if you’re a very determined hiker.
Watch out for yourself, though. The snow might not be on the paths but in certain places, it can pile up high above your head on either side of the path. And once you get deep into the mountains, the geography can be rather treacherous if you’re not used to hiking. Even on the outskirts, though, the lack of any proper landmarks around here it can be easy to take a wrong turn and get yourself a bit lost. You are adhering to the buddy system, aren’t you?
CRITTER: LAGOMARE
Danger level: Low to moderate
Type: Animal
Environment: All over the mountains
Behaviour: Curious and friendly
Native to the Bellmare region, Lagomares greatly resemble common arctic foxes, with the only major visual distinction being its larger ears and striking blue eyes. Their fur is also slightly reflective and it sparkles in the sun much like undisturbed snow does. Because of this, they’re virtually undetectable when they’re lurking in the snow. It’s not hard to run into one of these critters, though, as Largomares are naturally curious and inclined to be very friendly towards travellers. They’re relatively easy to befriend and greatly enjoy attention and affection. They’re also surprisingly loyal to humans they take a liking to, and will often try to keep them out of danger, such as leading them back into the open if they get lost. However, they can be quite vengeful if a human have attached themselves to mistreats them.
Unfortunately, since they’re native to the cold mountain regions, Largomares struggle to survive in higher temperature climates. You won’t be able to take one of these sweet babies home. Tragic!
HAZARD: SNOW FALLS, EVERYONE DIES
Danger level: Moderate to highly dangerous
Type: Environmental hazard
Active: Triggered by sound
With this much snow piled up in the mountains comes the unfortunate hazard of avalanches. While most places are generally safe so long as you don’t go too far outside of the ‘indoor voice’ range, raised voices and shouting run the risk of triggering an avalanche. For the most part, these will simply be powder snow avalanches, which are fast moving and can make it hard to breathe if you’re caught up in one but are manageable. Rarer and far more dangerous are wet snow avalanches, in which humongous waves of snow and debris come flooding down the mountains. If you’re buried in one of these, there is a very real chance of suffocation or death by exposure if you’re not found and rescued in time.
CABINS
Scattered at irregular intervals along the footpaths, up and down the mountains are cabins that seem to have been built for the purpose of providing shelter for travellers who don't have time to get to any bigger settlements. They're all rather modest, one-room affairs made from peeled wooden logs and prioritizing shelter and warmth over any aesthetic appeal. Each cabin is stocked with the basics you need to survive the night – blankets, some dried food, water canteens – and a fireplace where you can get some firewood burning.
It’s not exactly the height of luxury, but it’ll keep you warm and safe if the weather takes a turn for the worst.
FOREST
The forest is densely packed with unfamiliar trees that appear to be this world’s species of evergreens. Through the trees are still thick with sturdy leaves, the ground is cold and barren, especially off the footpaths where no care has been taken to keep it warm. Despite this, the forest is actually a little warmer than the rest of the mountains as the tightly clustered trees shield the paths from the worst of the winds. Additionally, some of the larger trees are wide enough at the base to provide shelter from the snow and the wind if you want to sit down and take a load off before heading back out into the woods.
Take care, though -- just because these paths are warmer doesn’t mean they’re any less dangerous than the rest of Bellmare. Temperatures are just as dangerous here as they are in the rest of the mountains and it’s very easy to get lost even when following the paths. If you end up stuck out here at night, you’re going to be in for a bad time. Hope you know how to build a fire!
CRITTER: BEOLRINE
Danger level: Basically non-existent
Type: Animal
Environment: Mostly the forests
Behaviour: Mousey
Beolrines are sweet-looking critters, whose elongated bodies and distinctive face markings bring to mind ferrets or weasels. They’re about the size of a cat with tufty white fur marked by irregular dark stripes. They’re herbivores with appropriately timid behaviour, usually preferring to stay out of the way of humans and Largomares, their natural predators. Like Largomares, however, they are rather curious and can usually be bribed into some manner of complacency with food. Once they attach themselves to a human, Beolrines will become quite protective of them to the point of attacking Largomares than attempt to approach. If you’ve gotten on the wrong side of a Largomare, it might not be a bad idea to befriend a few of these guys.
Resource: Feverfew Branches
Frequency: Twigs common, full branches uncommon
Type: Natural resource
Environment: All over the forest
Twigs, branches and general debris from the trees of this forest, Feverfew. The wood is thick and sturdy, but is difficult to light when you’re starting a fire. Once it gets burning, though, it gives off a lot of heat and will burn for a very long time, so long as you keep feeding it new fuel.
SLOPES
Wide swaths of treeless snow, perfect and untouched, make their way up and down the mountain in various places, especially in the higher altitudes. The purpose of them might not be immediately apparent unless you catch sight of the tall lifts that rise up from some of them, swinging chairs still and hung with icicles. Once upon a time, these were ski slopes of some sort, probably for a resort in the area.
The lifts aren't currently functional, but that's mostly due to ice and lack of power - if you can melt the mechanisms free and get them started, they're not in so much disrepair that they won't run and do the work of lifting you up the mountain for a time. Unlike the rest of the skeletons of human civilization, the time effect in the Bellmare Fissure has kept them from being too far gone. And, of course, if you want to move back down the mountain, the slopes are probably one of the easiest ways to do it.
CRITTER: SNOW EAGLES
Danger level: Medium to high, depending on your size
Type: Magically Modified Animal
Environment: The slopes and the skies above
Behaviour: Hawkish
Better watch out, it's another case of 'attack of the giant Fissure birds.' This time, however, they're a little more dangerous than mere seagulls - these eagles, with mottled white and brown feathers (mostly white, this time of year) are large enough to lift most people right off the snow - something they'll certainly try, if you're likely-looking prey out on the open spaces of the slopes. And if they do manage to pick you up and carry you off... Well, their preferred strategy for dealing with prey that doesn't immediately fall to their talons is 'drop it on exposed rocks to kill it or at least knock it out.'
Aside from their size, there's not much overtly magical about these creatures. However, those who manage to down one - and it'll be a bit of a fight to do so, as while they're willing to make a couple attempts at taking down a meal, they're more likely to fly off in search of an easier meal than fight off someone trying to hunt them back - will find that their feathers are almost supernaturally warm and insulating.
CRITTER?: SNOW-GOONS
Danger level: Medium; high in large groups
Type: Fissure-affected snow
Environment: Deep snow; primarily the slopes, but sometimes deep piles between the trees in the forest
Behaviour: Brutish
Upon being approached, these heaps of snow rise up and reveal themselves for what they are - to call them 'snowmen' is a loose fit, but it's probably about the best you're going to get. Vaguely humanoid and glittering with sparkles of ice, these ten-foot-tall giants are nothing but packed, semi-sentient powder that hates to be disturbed. They're aggressively when approached and usually seek to bury their opponents under themselves or any other snow that might be around.
And that frosty reception can get to be quite problematic when there's more than one or two of them together, because they just keep piling on with potentially crushing weight. They're also surprisingly fast, as the normal snow doesn't impede their movements the way it does those of living creatures. Fortunately, it's possible to disperse then with a hard enough blow to knock their bodies apart (they're denser than the snow powder, but not that tightly packed), or, of course, you can just melt them down to size.