Hodgepocalypse - The Auroral Frontier - Part 4 - Ghosts and Gauntlets

 

Ghosts in the Past: Concept and Integration

 

Echoes of the Past: Real Ghosts

 

• Description: "Ghosts in the Past" are literal spirits of those who died during the Times of Revelations or earlier eras. These spirits are trapped in their final moments, reliving them endlessly. They manifest in places with a strong magical or emotional resonance—such as old settlements, battlefields, or sites where Dimensional Gauntlets have opened. They are commonly seen around permanent gauntlet sites like The Northern Ice Labyrinth or The Lost Arctic Expedition.
• Behavior: Unlike traditional ghosts, these spirits may seem fully corporeal at first, repeating actions, conversations, or events exactly as they happened. Interacting with them might trigger glimpses of the past or force adventurers to relive traumatic historical moments. Some ghosts may be hostile, while others are simply confused or mournful.
• Purpose: These entities could serve as both obstacles and guides. They might hold crucial information, lost knowledge, or even keys to understanding the Dimensional Gauntlets' nature and how to close them. Alternatively, they could be guardians of long-forgotten treasures or secrets hidden in the gauntlets.

Dimensional Phantoms: Creatures Mistaken for Ghosts

 

• Description: Inhabitants of splinter dimensions within the Dimensional Gauntlets could resemble or behave like ghosts. These creatures might phase in and out of reality, flickering like spectral figures. Due to their alien biology or distorted energy, they appear translucent, glowing, or vaporous.
• Examples:
• Temporal Shadows: Entities trapped between dimensions, moving erratically or fading in and out, leaving ghostly trails behind them. These shadows are remnants of beings who failed to enter or leave a gauntlet entirely. They might haunt the Aurora Cradle or the Iron Maw, following adventurers or mimicking their movements.
• Spirit Mimics: Entities from the Hallowed World or other dimensions that feed on fear and confusion. These mimics take on the appearance of deceased loved ones or legendary figures to lure adventurers deeper into danger.

Psychic Residue: The Impact of Dimensional Tears

 

• Description: "Ghosts in the Past" might also represent the psychic residue left behind by the chaos of the Times of Revelations. The repeated opening and closing of Dimensional Gauntlets tears at the fabric of reality, causing echoes of past events or people to replay in a loop. This effect is powerful in places with multiple dimensional breaches or a long history of conflict, like The Green Henge.
• Behavior: These echoes can manifest as ghostly apparitions, sounds, or entire scenes playing out as if on a loop. Unlike actual ghosts, they can't interact directly with the living, but they can reveal clues or secrets to those perceptive enough to understand their significance.
• Purpose: These phantoms serve as eerie backdrops for encounters, adding tension and atmosphere. They can be used as storytelling tools to provide lore or hint at past events that shaped the current world, guiding adventurers to forgotten places or warning them of hidden dangers.

Integration into Specific Locations:

 

• The Northern Ice Labyrinth: A place where "Ghosts in the Past" are typical due to the labyrinth's distorted space-time. Travelers may encounter apparitions of ancient explorers, lost villagers, or entities from other dimensions. The Labyrinth might seem to echo with ghostly voices or footsteps, creating a disorienting and terrifying experience.
• The Lost Arctic Expedition: Here, ghosts of sailors or explorers from different periods may appear, reliving their tragic ends, sometimes mistaking adventurers for their long-lost crew. The dimensional instability could cause these ghosts to become solid, creating dangerous encounters temporarily.
• The Shattered Glacier: As the ice shifts, fragments of time break loose, causing past events to manifest in real time. Ghostly figures of people who died in avalanches or ice flows might appear to warn of impending danger or lead the way to hidden passages.
• Aurora Cradle: Under the glow of the Northern Lights, phantoms from the living world and other dimensions may dance and play, appearing as friendly or mischievous spirits. They might offer aid, warnings, or riddles but are often unpredictable.

Uses in Your Setting:

• Adventure Hooks: "Ghosts in the Past" can serve as hooks for quests—characters might be hired to investigate or exorcise these ghosts, recover lost relics or messages, or close a Dimensional Gauntlet causing the haunting.
• Atmosphere and Storytelling: They add a haunting, melancholic feel to the setting, emphasizing the world's fractured nature. Their presence hints at the cataclysmic past and the ongoing struggle between order and chaos.
• Unique Mechanics: Perhaps some ghosts can only be seen at certain times or only by certain people (those with extraordinary abilities or cursed backgrounds), adding mystery and depth to encounters.

Dimensional Gauntlets and Arctic Myths

The North was once considered to be the last imaginary place, and because of this, it is a place teaming with Dimensional Gauntlets: mini pocket dimensional dungeons. The following are explanations and examples.

Arctic Myths as a Basis:

·       The Hollow Earth: Inspired by myths of hidden worlds beneath the Earth's surface, a Dimensional Gauntlet opens to a lush, inner world warmed by geothermal energies. Inhabitants might include prehistoric creatures, strange flora, or lost civilizations. Located in the depths of the Mackenzie River Delta, this gauntlet would draw adventurers with promises of lost technologies or rare resources.

·       The Lost Arctic Expedition: Based on the myths surrounding vanished Arctic explorers, one gauntlet might connect to a ghostly reflection of the 19th century: an ice-bound ship crewed by undead sailors, frostbitten specters, or creatures from another dimension. This gauntlet could be anchored to Resolute Bay, where the frozen ships are said to periodically appear in real time and draw people into a time loop.

Permanent Dimensional Gauntlet Locations:

Aurora Borealis Bridges

Some believe the Northern Lights are a bridge to other worlds. Dimensional Gauntlets that manifest with auroras may open portals to fey-like dimensions full of strange, glowing wildlife, peculiar landscapes, and time loops. A permanent gauntlet might exist in Nunavut, near Iqaluit, where the aurora frequently dances.

The Endless Dunes (The Yukon Desert

A gauntlet in a surreal, icy desert that shouldn’t exist in the north. The portal opens into a parallel desert dimension, where the sands are perpetually shifting, and adventurers face harsh heat despite the frigid surroundings outside. There are rumors that a lost city appears in this desert, every full moon, full of wealth and guarded by forgotten warriors.

The Green Henge (Great Bear Lake):

A mysterious circle of emerald-green stones where reality frays, opening gateways to the Hallowed World, a mythic plane filled with legendary beasts and natural wonders. The stones hum with energy, and the surrounding area attracts adventurers, druids, and shamans seeking knowledge or power.

The Iron Maw (Hudson Bay):

Located deep within the Borealis Reach, this gauntlet is anchored to an underwater geothermal vent. The Iron Maw opens to a submerged world where the seas are inhabited by mechanical leviathans trapped in a ceaseless hunt. Sunken treasures from countless other dimensions collect there, and diving is perilous but potentially lucrative.

The Northern Ice Labyrinth (Victoria Island):

In the Ice Labyrinth, a permanent gauntlet tears open on freezing nights, leading to an endless frozen cityscape where time seems to loop and bend. Those who enter speak of encountering strange clockwork inhabitants and frozen wraiths. The gauntlet seems to have its own rules, and many adventurers who join the labyrinth do not return.

The Shattered Glacier (Banks Island):

A permanent gauntlet located within the remnants of an ancient glacier. When the gauntlet is active, adventurers find themselves within a maze of massive ice caverns, where the temperature changes rapidly, and bizarre ice creatures’ roam. Some believe a treasure is buried within the glacier’s core, but few make it far enough to confirm.

Key Dimensional Gauntlets Locations:

Nomadic Cultures and Gold Rush Towns:

Whenever a new Dimensional Gauntlet is discovered, a rush of adventurers, scavengers, and opportunists move in. Shanty towns quickly form, with makeshift taverns, blacksmiths, healers, and information brokers offering their services to adventurers. These towns are a hub of intrigue, commerce, and conflict, disappearing almost as quickly as they form when the gauntlet closes.

Unpredictable Dungeons:

The ever-changing nature of the Dimensional Gauntlets adds an element of unpredictability to the world. They could be used for one-shot adventures, longer campaigns, or recurring themes where characters chase after a particular gauntlet to find a lost item, person, or key to stopping an even more significant threat.

Warring Factions:

 

Different factions, such as the Void Covenant, may seek to control these gauntlets for their resources, magical power, or strategic advantage. This could lead to skirmishes and conflicts over their control.

#apocalypse
#BorealisReach
#CanadianNorth

#CrystalForests
#dnd5e
#drevrpg
#dungeonsanddragons
#EcologicalMiracles
#Exploration
#FrostburnExpanse
#Ghosts
#HealingSprings
#Hodgepocalypse
#IceLabyrinth
#IndigenousWisdom
#MackenzieRiver
#MilitaryPresence
#GeopoliticalTensions
#SerpentsCoil
#StormbreakGlade
#Survival
#VoidCovenant
#Wilderness

Hodgepocalypse - The Auroral Frontier - Part 3 - Active Species and Their Likely Regions:

Beaver Folk:

These industrious, water-adapted creatures thrive in the Borealis Reach and along the Mackenzie River, constructing elaborate settlements and dams. Known for their engineering prowess, they are central to maintaining the region’s water infrastructure and supporting local ecosystems.

 

Bogey:

Creatures of the Thawed Wilds and areas near the Void Covenant, Bogeys excel in swampy and marshy environments. They use their adaptability to survive the insectoid-altered lands. Their connection to these transformed habitats allows them to thrive in dangerous and unstable ecosystems.

 

Cats:

Agile and resourceful, Cats flourish in the warmer climates of the Archipelago and coastal regions. Their independence and dexterity make them perfect for the temperate islands, where they are often seen as solitary hunters and adaptable companions.

 

Dwarves:

 

Dwarves reside on the mineral-rich islands and geothermal areas of the Archipelago. They are master craftsmen and miners who play a crucial role in extracting valuable resources and maintaining underground workshops near geothermal vents, contributing significantly to the local economies.

 

Elves:

Elves have a deep connection to nature and can be found along the lush riverbanks and forests of the Borealis Reach. Their role as protectors of the environment makes them key figures in maintaining balance in the region’s transformed, fertile landscapes.

 

Feylin:

 

Vibrant and whimsical, the pop culture-obsessed Feylin gravitate toward urban hubs like New Fort York. Their flair for entertainment and festivals ensures they are at the heart of any cultural scene, enriching city dwellers' lives.

 

Garter Folk: 

 

Stealthy and nature-loving, Garter Folk inhabit the Thawed Wilds and forested areas. They are well-adapted to temperate zones and excel in navigating the semi-wild lands, serving as scouts and protectors of natural ecosystems.

 

Gnomes:

 

Known for their inventiveness, Gnomes are prevalent in urban centers and geothermal regions, such as New Fort York. Their technical skills contribute to technological advancements, making them key players in maintaining and expanding infrastructure.

 

Half-Elves:

 

Adaptable and versatile, Half-Elves are found in diverse regions, particularly in bustling trade hubs like New Fort York. Their hybrid nature allows them to blend into various environments, making them skilled diplomats and traders.

 

Halflings:

 

With a knack for agriculture, Halflings thrive along fertile riverbanks and settled areas like Cameron Falls Haven. Their farming expertise sustains local communities, making them vital to the region's growth and prosperity.

 

Haraak:

 

These frontier-dwelling, cowboy-like beings are well-suited for the rugged Thawed Wilds and frontier-style settlements. Their rugged, independent nature makes them ideal for surviving in semi-wild territories where their skills are always in demand.

 

Harlowe:

 

Charmers by nature, Harlowe are drawn to vibrant urban centers with active nightlife scenes, such as New Fort York. Their succubus-like traits make them perfect for roles involving social influence, intrigue, and charm in the city’s bustling environments.

 

Harvesters:

 

These plant mind flayers flourish in areas with dense plant life, such as the Thawed Wilds and Mackenzie River regions. They manipulate plant ecosystems, gradually transforming the land into their domains through their unique mind-altering abilities.

 

Humans:

 

Humans are highly adaptable and found across all major settlements, including New Fort York and Delta City. Their diversity and drive allow them to thrive in every aspect of society, from agriculture to politics.

 

Kamidaver:

 

Undead and drawn to cinematic history, Kamidavers haunt regions like the Thawed Wilds and locations with historical significance. Their stuntman origins add a dramatic flair to these areas, blending the past with undead resilience.

 

Little Bears:

 

Forest-dwelling and bear-like, Little Bears thrive in both the natural and transformed environments of the Borealis Reach and Archipelago. Their strong connection to the wild allows them to live harmoniously in forested regions.

 

Malarkoids:

Advanced reptoid-grey hybrids, Malarkoids are active in the high-tech urban centers and Archipelago regions. Their scientific curiosity and technological expertise make them key players in futuristic societies.

 

Medusa:

 

These mystical beings are tied to ancient ruins and magic sites, particularly in the Archipelago. Their presence signals the influence of old powers, and they often protect these areas from intruders, turning them into places of mystery and danger.

 

Minotaurs: 

 

Rugged and robust, Minotaurs are natural warriors of the Thawed Wilds and Archipelago. Their strength makes them ideal protectors of frontier lands, where they guard settlements and wilderness from threats.  Plus, bands from Ed-Town tend to “Tour the North.”

 

Stumpies:

 

Plant-based humanoids, Stumpies inhabit forested regions where flora has been altered, particularly the Thawed Wilds. They blend seamlessly into their environments, contributing to the land's defense and regeneration.

 

Trollitariot:

 

These resilient, tough creatures dwell in high-risk areas like the Thawed Wilds and Void Covenant territories. Their physical strength and endurance make them ideal for surviving in contested, dangerous regions.

 

Ungo:

 

Resembling sasquatch, Ungo are stealthy and powerful creatures of the Borealis Reach and the Archipelago. They use their strength and stealth to navigate the dense forests and mountains, becoming formidable protectors of their territories.

 

Vamps:

 

With their vampiric allure, Vamps thrive in dark, urban environments with active nightlife, such as New Fort York. They feed on intrigue and power, creating hidden communities in the shadows of society.

 

Verkhail:

 

As liberated demons, Verkhail are drawn to conflict-heavy regions like the Void Covenant and urban centers. They serve as agents of chaos and order, thriving in areas of upheaval where their demonic powers can sway the balance.

  #AIReboot
#apocalypse
#BorealisReach
#CanadianNorth
#CertificateOfAuthenticity
#ClimateChange
#ClimateRefugees
#CrystalForests
#dnd5e
#drevrpg
#dungeonsanddragons
#EcologicalMiracles
#Exploration
#FrostburnExpanse
#HealingSprings
#Hodgepocalypse
#IceLabyrinth
#IndigenousWisdom
#MackenzieRiver
#MilitaryPresence
#GeopoliticalTensions
#SerpentsCoil
#StormbreakGlade
#Survival
#VoidCovenant
#Wilderness