The Arctic Island Zone

Transition Between Ice and Open Sea

As the vast ice-ringed region of Nyrian thins out, the landscape slowly transforms. The endless, continuous ice field begins to fracture, and instead, the first island clusters emerge from the water. They are barren, wind-swept, and their existence is a struggle against the relentless currents driven by the two moons.   These islands are irregularly scattered—some stand alone, while others form small groups connected by shallow ocean ridges. There is no fertile land, no soft soil—only rugged rock formations coated in thin ice, with occasional sparse remnants of vegetation.  

Geological Structure

The islands consist primarily of dense, dark rock that has been smoothed by thousands of years of erosion. Some islands feature steep cliffs rising abruptly from the water, while others are flat slabs where ice spreads across the surface. The constant cycle of freezing and thawing has fractured the rock in many places, creating underground cave systems beneath the islands.  

Flora & Fauna

Plant life is extremely limited—only lichen-like organisms can cling to the damp stone surfaces. The ocean is rich in life, but almost exclusively in its depths—the surface remains restless and inhospitable to anything not perfectly adapted. Large seabirds use some islands as nesting sites, though their presence is seasonal.  

Climate & Weather

Cold temperatures dominate, typically ranging from -10°C to -30°C, depending on solar phases and ocean currents. Strong winds regularly sweep across the islands, as there is little vegetation to hinder their force. Tidal movements are extreme—at high tide, smaller islands vanish entirely beneath the surface.  

Transition to the Next Zone

The farther one travels south, the more islands appear—growing larger, some beginning to support low vegetation. Here, the next zone slowly begins: the tundra island region, where bushes, sparse forests, and more vibrant ecosystems take shape.