Hyperborea

Like the rest of the Lower Levels, Hyperborea is composed of a series of metal hallways, corridors, and containment cells. But this time, all covered in a thick covering of ice crystals. The lights in this region have a noticeable blue tinge.

Because of the intense cold and low light, combined with the artificial construction of the Trench itself, no plants can grow inside Hyperborea. Producing an ecosystem of carnivory in which only those with thick hides and power over winter will thrive. As such Hyperborea is scarce with life but few may eke out a living within these frozen tunnels. Such as the Yetis. Nomadic, these abominable snowmen generally travel in troops and are usually passive unless provoked. Another inhabitant that shares this cold prison is the namahage. This subspecies of oni are similarly adapted to living in high, snowy mountains as the yetis. They show a higher degree of tool use, such as creating straw coats and knives. Like many other intelligent species of the Trench, they've attempted to create crude settlements using the materials available to them. The namahage are crude, but unlike most oni, they are not inherently hostile to humans. If you can behave yourself they will accept your presence. When the size of the hallways and chambers allows for it, you may find the Jotun moving about. While intimidating, you will have little to fear from these legendary ice giants of Norse myth unless you are a certain "electrician." Since the paths that are big enough to accommodate them are also the ones that many popular trade routes of the Lower Levels pass through, it would be wise to stay as close to the Jotun as you can as you travel through Hyperborea. Scuttling to hide under tables and beds of the abandoned cabins of the former Organization members, are the Nisse. In their homeland of Scandinavia, these dwarfish spirits were seen as benevolent beings that assisted with farm work. But now, they are at the bottom of the food chain and have become skittish.   As they should, for a number of dangerous predators prowl Hyperborea, like the Amarok. This giant wolf-like creature is a solitary predator that selectively targets individuals who are alone. Pouncing from behind. Travelers must be wary and obverse both above and below, for waiting to pounce from vents is the Qalupalik. In their natural habitat of the Artice Circle, these amphibious monsters waited under the edges of ice flows for small children to snatch. Stuffing them in their back pouch and taking them to their underwater lair. Now, with no water to hide in, the Qalupalik decide to make do with the air vents in the ceiling and floors. Snatching their victim and pulling them in to be devoured. Beautiful as freshly fallen snow, the Yuki Onna haunts the lonely rooms of Hyperborea. A female ice yokai with a beautiful appearance matched by a fierce temper, she freezes all who disturb her peace. Her territory is marked by the bodies of trespassers frozen completely solid by her icy breath. The apex of this frozen tomb is the dreaded Windigo. A malevolent spirit that has possessed a human and turned them into an immortal monster cursed with an insatiable appetite. Unnaturally fast, strong, and able to telepathically induce hysteria in its prey, the Windigo is a relentless hunter that will attack and kill any living creature that crosses its path. Nothing is off the menu for this ravenous monster from the mightiest Jotun down to the tiniest rat scurrying across the floor. All in a vain attempt to fill its unending hunger. It leaves only gnawed, broken bones empty of marrow in its wake. If you hear someone calling for help, there is a good chance it is actually the Windigo mimicking the voice of one of its victims to lure you in. Thankfully there is only one Windigo in the Trench.

Hyperborea is freezing cold, with near subzero temperatures. Without proper protection, a human will quickly perish.

Ice. Lots of Ice.

Not so much tourism as it is commerce, but many of the safer trade routes in the Trench pass through small sections of Hyperborea. It is for this reason, and the specific dangers of Hyperborea, that thick coats and pairs of infrared goggles are a must-have for caravaner's equipment list in the Lower Levels.