Taverner's Guide - Vol VI: The Frosted Reach

Taverner's Guide - Vol VI: The Frosted Reach

"Cold, remote, and worth every frozen step"

By Harrick Taverner, Year 4,181 of the Cracked Crown

Overview & Geography

The Frosted Reach is Aurelia's northern extreme—a land of snow-capped mountains, frozen tundra, and communities that survive through stubborn determination and mutual support. Winters are brutal (lasting eight months), summers are brief but spectacular, and the people are as tough as the landscape.

This region attracts a particular type of person: those seeking solitude, those running from something, and those who simply prefer cold over crowds. The culture values self-sufficiency, generosity with resources, and a dark sense of humor about the weather.

Geography: The Frosted Reach occupies Aurelia's northern quarter. Mountain ranges dominate—the Frostpeak Mountains form the spine of the region. Between peaks lie frozen valleys, glacial lakes, and tundra plains that stretch to the horizon. The landscape is harsh, dramatic, and possessed of terrible beauty.

Climate: Winters are brutal—temperatures plummet well below freezing, snowfall measures in feet, and blizzards can trap travelers for days. Winter lasts eight months (roughly Ninthmoon through Fourthmoon). Spring is brief and muddy. Summer (Fifthmoon through Eighthmoon) is surprisingly pleasant—temperatures rise to comfortable levels, wildflowers carpet the tundra, and the midnight sun creates perpetual twilight.

The Northern Lights dance across winter skies in colors that defy description. Aurelia's celestial phenomena are particularly intense here—scholars debate whether proximity to the poles enhances magical effects.

Cultural Foundation: The Reach attracts three types: indigenous communities who've thrived here for millennia, outlaws and exiles seeking places where questions aren't asked, and scholars/adventurers drawn to extreme environments. This creates a unique culture—pragmatic, accepting of differences, and united by shared survival needs.

People here value competence over credentials, help over judgment, and humor over complaint. The cold doesn't care about your past or your pretensions—everyone freezes equally. This creates surprising social equality and genuine camaraderie.

The Reach teaches lessons unavailable elsewhere: humility before nature's power, gratitude for warmth and shelter, appreciation for genuine community. It's spiritually transformative if you let it be.

Major Settlements

Frostholm

Population: ~18,000 (winter), ~25,000 (summer)

The Reach's largest settlement, built around hot springs that make year-round habitation possible. Frostholm is surprisingly cosmopolitan—a gathering point for traders, trappers, scholars studying northern phenomena, and adventurers heading further into the wilderness.

What to See:

• The Great Springs - Natural hot springs that make Frostholm habitable. The public bathhouses are glorious—stepping from frigid air into heated water is transcendent. Multiple pools at different temperatures, steam rooms, relaxation areas. 5 silver admission. Mandatory after cold travel. The springs also heat buildings through innovative pipe systems.
• The Ice Palace - Carved anew each winter by master ice sculptors. Different theme each year. Illuminated from within using colored lanterns. Walking through ice chambers that glow with internal light is otherworldly. Free admission (winter only, obviously). The artistry is stunning.
• Northern Lights Observatory - Scientific station studying the aurora. Evening viewing sessions (8 silver) include explanation of the phenomena, hot drinks, and comfortable viewing platforms. The guides are knowledgeable and genuinely passionate. Best viewing: winter nights, especially around Twelfth moon.
• The Trapper's Market - Daily market (weather permitting) where hunters and trappers sell furs, preserved meats, carved ivory, and wilderness supplies. Prices are fair, quality is exceptional. Good place to purchase proper winter gear if you arrived unprepared. The fur traders will honestly assess your equipment needs.
• The Wayfarers' Memorial - Honors travelers who died in the Reach. Sobering reminder of nature's power. Locals maintain it respectfully. Worth visiting to understand the seriousness of northern travel.

Where to Stay:

• The Thaw House - Premium accommodation with heated floors (using spring-fed pipes), excellent insulation, thick furs on every bed. Restaurant serves sophisticated northern cuisine. 2 gold/night. Worth it in deep winter.
• Springside Lodge - Built adjacent to the Great Springs. Rooms stay warm from proximity to hot water. Private spring access for guests. Comfortable, clean, friendly. 25 silver/night.
• The Frozen Tankard - Budget option popular with trappers and younger travelers. Basic but genuinely warm. Communal dining, shared stories, rowdy but friendly atmosphere. 10 silver/night.
• The Waystation - Dormitory-style accommodation for serious budget travelers. Shared bunks, communal heating stove, basic facilities. 5 silver/night. Only recommended for the hardy.

Where to Eat:

• The Northern Table - Fine dining showcasing northern cuisine. Roasted game, preserved vegetables, hearty stews, dark bread. The caribou roast is exceptional. Expensive but memorable. Reservations recommended.
• The Hearthfire - Traditional tavern serving massive portions of stick-to-your-ribs food. The stew is legendary—changes daily based on available ingredients but always warming. Spiced wine flows freely. Moderate prices, excellent atmosphere.
• The Trapper's Kitchen - Simple fare popular with locals. Grilled meats, root vegetables, dense bread, strong tea. Cheap, filling, honest. Breakfast here will fuel a full day of winter travel.
• Market Food Stalls - Grilled skewers, meat pies, roasted nuts, sweet pastries. Quick meals for cold days. Very cheap.

Taverner's Notes: Frostholm is surprisingly cosmopolitan for its remote location. You'll meet trappers, scholars, traders, adventurers, and locals—all united by appreciation for surviving here. The people seem gruff but are incredibly helpful once you prove you're not incompetent (don't complain about the cold, don't ignore safety warnings, ask for advice when needed). The public baths are non-negotiable—your frozen bones need them. The food is heavy but necessary—you burn enormous calories staying warm. Buy proper winter gear if you lack it; locals will direct you honestly. The Ice Palace and Northern Lights are worth the journey alone. Visit in summer for comfort, winter for transformation. Either way, respect the environment—the cold kills careless travelers. Best purchase: locally-made fur-lined boots. They saved my feet multiple times.

Snowpeak Station

Population: ~3,000 (winter), ~6,000 (summer)

Remote mining outpost high in the mountains. Produces rare crystals found only in extreme cold. The community is tight-knit by necessity—survival requires cooperation. Not for casual tourists.

What to See:

• Crystal Mines - Produces rare frost crystals found only in extreme cold. Summer guided tours (15 silver) show mining operations and crystal formations. The crystals glow with internal light—naturally luminescent. Miners work brutal conditions for exceptional pay. Worth seeing to understand what people endure for rare materials.
• The Last Tavern - Exactly what it sounds like. The final drinking establishment before absolute wilderness. The walls are covered with messages from previous visitors. The tradition is to leave something—a note, a token, a story. Reading past messages is moving.
• The Summit View - Weather permitting, the view from the station encompasses hundreds of miles of mountains. On clear days, you can see the curvature of Aurelia. Humbling.

Where to Stay: The Miners' Lodge (15 silver, basic but warm), Private room rentals from locals (negotiate, usually ~10 silver)

Where to Eat: The communal dining hall serves meals at set times. Simple, filling, cheap (5 silver per meal). The Last Tavern serves food alongside drinks.

Taverner's Notes: Don't visit Snowpeak Station casually. Reaching it requires serious mountain climbing experience or hiring experienced guides. The altitude is challenging. Winter visits are potentially lethal—I mean this literally. Summer visits (Fifthmoon-Eighthmoon) are manageable but still demanding. That said, if you have the skills and determination, it's unforgettable. The miners are genuinely tough and surprisingly welcoming. The crystals are stunning. The isolation is profound. You'll understand what "edge of civilization" actually means. The frost crystals sell for high prices—they make exceptional magical components and luxury items. Witnessing their extraction gives you appreciation for cost.

Tundra's End

Population: ~800 (winter), ~1,500 (summer)

Hunting and trapping outpost on the northern plains. This is where serious wilderness folk gather before heading into the truly remote territories. The community is tiny but self-sufficient, composed of people who genuinely prefer isolation.

What to See: The Trading Post (buy/sell wilderness supplies), Aurora Shrine (simple but beautiful), The northern horizon (literally nothing but tundra as far as you can see)

Where to Stay: The Outpost Lodge (8 silver, communal), Private homestays (negotiate with locals)

Taverner's Notes: Tundra's End is for people who find Frostholm too crowded. The silence here is absolute. The stars are incredible. If you want to experience true wilderness while maintaining minimal safety, this is your place. The locals are intensely private but will help in emergencies without question. Don't expect entertainment or comfort—expect authenticity.

Cultural Notes

The Long Night Festival

When: Week surrounding winter solstice (Twelfth moon)

Celebrates the turning point—the longest night, after which days slowly lengthen. This is the Reach's most important festival. Activities include ice sculpture competitions, storytelling contests, communal feasts, and enough alcohol to warm an army.

The storytelling is extraordinary—people share survival tales, wilderness adventures, folklore passed down through generations. The best storytellers are celebrated. If you have a good story, you're invited to share (prepare beforehand—northern audiences are discerning).

The atmosphere is joyful despite (because of?) the darkness. People who've survived another half-winter celebrate together. The camaraderie is genuine. Strangers become friends over shared cups of spiced wine.

The First Thaw

When: Variable, usually Secondmoon (when ice breaks on rivers)

Signals spring's arrival—a profoundly important moment. When the river ice cracks and flows, the community gathers to witness. It's both celebration and practical preparation for the summer season.

Traditions include throwing offerings into the flowing water (thanking nature for survival), cleaning and airing winter gear, and planning summer activities. The mood shifts from endurance to anticipation.

The Aurora Vigil

When: Throughout winter, whenever the lights appear

Not a scheduled festival but a spontaneous tradition. When the Northern Lights appear strongly, people gather outdoors regardless of cold or hour. The community watches together in companionable silence, passing flasks of warming spirits.

This shared experience—enduring cold together to witness beauty—perfectly captures Reach culture. The lights are considered spiritually significant, messages from celestial forces or ancestors depending on who you ask.

Survival Wisdom & Values

Core Values: Self-sufficiency, mutual aid in emergencies, dark humor about hardship, not complaining (the cold doesn't care), respect for nature's power, competence over credentials, acceptance of differences (everyone's equal in the cold).

Practical Survival Wisdom:

• Never travel alone in winter. Ever. Bring companions or hire guides.
• Inform people of your travel plans and expected return time
• If caught in a blizzard, stop and shelter immediately. Don't try to push through.
• Watch for frostbite signs: numbness, white or grayish skin, hard or waxy texture
• Eat more than you think you need—your body burns enormous calories staying warm
• Respect every safety warning. They're written in blood.
• If someone says "don't go out today," don't go out today.

Social Etiquette:

• Don't ask intrusive questions about people's pasts—many are here to leave things behind
• Accept help graciously when offered; offer help when you can give it
• Don't complain about the cold—it marks you as soft and ignorant
• Share resources freely in emergencies; settle accounts later
• Respect silence—not everyone wants to talk, especially after hard days
• Prove your competence through actions, not words

Practical Information

Currency: Standard Aurelian coinage, but barter is common. Useful trade goods: preserved foods, quality tools, warm clothing, lamp oil. Budget 2-4 gold per day, more if hiring guides.

Transportation: Limited. Dog sleds in winter (hire with experienced mushers). Pack animals in summer. Walking is often necessary. Expect slow travel. Factor weather delays into all plans.

Safety: Human threats are minimal—crime is rare. Natural threats are severe: extreme cold, blizzards, avalanches, ice breaks, wildlife (ice bears exist; they're dangerous). Take environmental dangers seriously.

Best Time to Visit: Summer (Fifthmoon-Eighthmoon) for comfortable travel and accessibility. Early winter (Ninthmoon-Tenthmoon) for Northern Lights without extreme cold. Deep winter (Eleventhmoon-Firstmoon) only for experienced cold-weather travelers. Avoid late winter (Secondmoon-Thirdmoon)—everyone's exhausted and weather is worst.

Essential Gear: Fur-lined boots (most important), layered wool clothing, waterproof outer layer, insulated gloves, face covering, quality sleeping gear rated for extreme cold, emergency supplies (fire-starting kit, rope, knife, preserved food). Buy locally if lacking—Reach gear is proven.

What to Bring Home: Frost crystals (expensive but unique), quality furs, carved ivory, northern honey (dark and rich), pressed wildflower collections (summer only), your survival story.

Final Thoughts: The Frosted Reach is not for everyone. It demands physical hardiness, mental resilience, and genuine respect for nature's power. But for those who can handle it, the rewards are profound. You'll witness landscapes of terrible beauty—mountains that pierce the sky, aurora that dance like living things, silence so complete you hear your own heartbeat. You'll meet people stripped of pretension by necessity, genuine because anything else wastes energy. You'll discover capabilities you didn't know you possessed. The cold will test you. The isolation will challenge you. The community will surprise you with generosity. Visit in summer if you want adventure. Visit in winter if you want transformation. Either way, the Reach will change you. You'll leave harder, humbler, and grateful for warmth in ways you never understood before. Every traveler I've met who spent time in the Reach says the same thing: \"I'll never complain about cold again.\" That's the gift of the north—perspective earned through experience. That's the gift of the north—perspective earned through experience. The Frosted Reach is where you learn what you're made of.