WINTERMUTE

[folkie]

Wintermute

The Details

There isn't much besides ice and snow to be found in Wintermute. The majority of Wintermute is considered inhabitable due to freezing winds and harsh conditions with limited food and water. The School of Thoth is tucked along the warmest part of Wintermute and depends on the cold weather to keep its tech from overheating. A small nameless town, including Akhlut Station, is tucked around the School of Thoth and exists primarily to keep the school running. There are small taverns with hot meals and warm beds for people who find themselves stranded in Wintermute unexpectedly. While there are no known neighborhoods, one could find a cozy cabin or build their own in Wintermute. Dogs are the heart of the north and you will find well-mannered dogs wandering all about, ready to pull sleds and keep people warm and ward off dangerous creatures. Wintermute has no sunlight from October to March. The rest of the year has sunlight. While Wintermute is largely barren, many Trials have been known to take place in its vacant wastelands. Many have found incredible treasures and rewards in its cruel landscape and some take solace in its isolation. Plus, no one can deny that there is a certain beauty in its icy mountains and snowdrifts.

Typical Weather

Freezing cold & frequent blizzards. No warm season.

School

School of Thoth: Technical Education

Train Station(s)/Neighborhoods

Akhlut Station: 1 mile from School of Thoth. No neighborhoods. Limited residential opportunities.

Hot Springs

The Hot Springs are the most popular location outside of the school in Wintermute. Dozens of hot springs can be found against the mountains and most of them are accessible to the average person. Some have structures built around them, providing intimate escapes with little cabins and getaways. Others are off rocky trails and can be a life-saving find in a blizzard. The hot springs are soothing to aching joints and feel incredible in contrast to the cold weather. They have been known to provide long-term pain relief, stress relief, and even heal minor wounds. Some hot springs look over steep cliffs and forests of evergreen. You can feel alone in the world in the hot springs, but don't fret when you suddenly find yourself in the company of some Japanese macaques who are just as eager as you to get warm. Other more mystical creatures have been known to visit the hot springs. You might not want to lower your guard. Some believe dragons will disguise themselves as beautiful people to mingle safely in the hot springs but surely that's just an old folk story...? If you pay close attention...You can see flickering movement through the steam and clouds of the mountains and hear distant roars. Maybe dragons do exist. It would certainly explain the healing quality of the hot springs...

Cutting Edge

This sharp building sits within walking distance of the school. It relies on a steady production of astral energy to summon forth unique technology from throughout existence. The downstairs is a well-stocked and well-organized warehouse of various supplies one could use for technology and construction. Sheets of metal, wires, tools, unusual material. You might not always find what you're looking for, but it will give you a good enough starting point and who knows! If you frequent it enough, you might get lucky at summoned goods. The second story to Cutting Edge is a highend restaurant. It might seem like a strange combonitation, but Cutting Edge is a focal point of mass production in Folkmore and a lot of important people visit! The view of the mountains and surrounding nature is stunning and ideal for romantic dates. The resturant serves high quality cuts of meat, perfectly picked veggies, and has decadant desserts. Expect to spend a lot of spoons at Cutting Edge - whether in the warehouse or the restaurant portion. At least you will walk away satisfied!

The Wandering Dog (Food Cart)

One of Wintermute's surprises is The Wandering Dog, a food cart. Spirit dogs completely run this small food cart, roam the Wintermute mountains, and pop out of nowhere as if by magic (though they will deny that if pressed). While Wintermute seems to be their home base and most likely area to be sighted, the Wandering Dog is known to appear throughout all of Folkmore—from Cruel Summer's deserts to Willow's lakes. The images posted on the cart's menu may look suspiciously like its meant for dogs, but they are perfectly safe and tasty for human (and other species') consumption. They provide a regional menu: for the colder parts of Folkmore, there are warm drinks, stews, curries, and all kinds of food that would warm your soul. For warmer parts, the menu includes iced drinks & chilled foods, perfect for cooling down. While all food is served in doggy bowls, please don't take offense! The dogs are there to feed you and to make you happy. Please don't forget to pet them. A lot. Story goes a Shiba Inu felt the Catfe and its cats in Epiphany got too much attention. He solved the problem with his retired sled dog friend, coming up with the idea of The Wandering Dog. They recruited other dogs in each region of Folkmore—each well adapted to its specific area, so they can reach all sorts of obscure places and make The Wandering Dog a successful business to rival Catfe's success.