| Category | Regions | |||
| World | Bal-Kriav | |||
| Continent | Brucrumus | |||
| Alias | Glarvard | |||
| Climate | sub-arctic to arctic | |||
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North of Cinazan lies the glacial expanse known as Ice Cap. This is an unnatural domain composed of azure ice, pristine snow, and majestic glaciers. The snow and ice cover ranges from several feet deep to over five hundred feet near the center. This frozen interior region of Ice Cap is referred to as Haerrek, an area situated between the surface and the Underdark realm below.
Seasonal warming brings about the Ice Cap Melt. The waters flowing southward from the Ice Cap join numerous streams and rivulets, ultimately draining into the Core Sea or flooding the great rivers of eastern Brucrumus - the river Rute, the Dargirth, and the river Tulerran.
The lower elevations of Ice Cap are often enshrouded in a dense fog known as the Breath of Bjalprek. Some of these fog banks persist perpetually. Those residing at Belras Foroderch attribute the permanent nature of these areas to a magical influence, yet another consequence of their proximity to a Cube of Arcane.
The breath of Bjalprek runs deep in certain regions of Glarvard, while in others, it remains eternal, for the rays of Merioss and Khâls Forge have never been able to extinguish Bjalprek's final gasp.
Fridrip Arkon, Thraedli seer - "Breath of Bjalprek"
The weather of Ice Cap is highly unpredictable. Whiteout conditions can develop rapidly, and temperatures can plummet deep into freezing territory. The region's distinctive blue ice takes three to four times longer to melt than ordinary ice, rendering it a luxury commodity in areas near the Ice Cap. In northeastern Cinazan, Cap Shards are transported down the Rute and delivered to Nibar-Pharân, where they end up as ice cubes in the drinks of affluent merchants or high-ranking clergy of Set. Another valuable resource from the region is Lapis Ice, an exceptionally hard ice that has been utilized as a component in the creation of magical items.
During the Horgon Era, much of the region was under the domination of the Gadstill Dynasty and Saer Erkjorg. These two formidable Titan Empires were fierce rivals throughout that period, exerting control over the smaller peoples of the region through conquest and intimidation. However, by the First Epoch, these colossal nations had either been destroyed or fragmented by their adversaries.
| Some have speculated that the changing nature of Ice Cap may have come about from Cari'phis being dumped in the Cube. The dark blue ice expansion into this region from the direction of the Cube started about three centuries after she disappeared into the Cube, so the theories may have some basis. |
The frigid realm of Ice Cap endures a protracted winter spanning seven months, with a summer season that scarcely persists for several weeks at most. The peculiar meteorological conditions of this expansive, bitterly cold region, situated in an otherwise temperate latitude, are attributed to its proximity to the Cube of Arcane. The unnatural, azure hue of the glacial ice emanates from the magical emanations radiated by the Cube. As this ice melts, it imbues the surrounding waters with a deep, cerulean tone, which often persists for many miles downstream before gradually dissipating.
In the eastern reaches of Ice Cap lies a gloomy valley known as Gunmar. This arid, desolate region is cloaked in perpetual darkness and shadows, for above it hovers a massive floating island of rock called Krarkauk. This colossal landmass is so expansive that rain, snow, and sunlight never penetrate certain areas beneath it.
The inhabitants of the region subsist on elk and caribou, or on each other. Winter wolves, yeti, frost giants, white dragons, and remorhaz are some of the more formidable monsters that prowl Ice Cap, but they are not the most perilous. That dubious distinction likely belongs to the winterwights of Frosvirk or the tayellah that roam the valley of Dunzakh.
The hardy clans of dwarves reside in the rugged, wind-swept highlands of Ice Cap. Though they frequently engage in fierce conflict with one another over the region's scarce food supplies, the dwarves are blessed with abundant mineral wealth. Among these stoic mountain folk are the Azwyr Amoruk, whose ancestors hailed from the desolate Ice Wastes of the Abyss.
The subterranean Underdark expanse below the Ice Cap is known as Badmaer.
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| City 8 | Founded | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
| Frilksif | 8603 DE | 14,500' |
| Nemebhox | 239 GE | 450' |
| Amirlof | 681 LE | 5400' |
| Hel | 714 LE | 2400' |
| Ottanghild | 908 LE | 30' |
| Azudushmanam | 689 HE | 7800' |
| Mogdúlg | 776 | 1200' |
| Blackjammer | 1722 | 115' |