Winter Folk
Overview
Winter Folk is collective term coined by observers for endemic arctic wildlife at Storvhit exhibiting pseudo-societal consciousness and interspecies social hierarchy. Term documented in field journal by Saskia Averina, Muna Naturalist, on January 29, 393 AC.
Behavioral Characteristics
Pseudo-Societal Consciousness
Arctic fauna exhibit unspoken agreement and harmony mirroring pact underlying Asgarthan society. This peculiar behavior hints at emergence of interspecies social hierarchy.
Coordinated Defense Response
In human presence, certain predators begin to defend what would typically be their prey against intrusions. System of predation exists within ecosystem (snow leopards prey on puffins/penguins, orcas hunt seals, guillemots dive after ice shrimp), but wildlife unites against human intrusion.
Social Structure
Protector Roles:
- Polar bears naturally assume protective roles
- Snowy owls act as guardians
Cooperative Species:
- Penguins cooperate to assist one another
- Pinnipeds (seals, walruses) work together
Species Composition
Endemic wildlife includes:
- Walruses
- Narwhals
- Polar bears
- Arctic foxes
- Reindeer
- Caribou
- Snow leopards
- Puffins
- Penguins
- Orcas
- Seals
- Guillemots
Additional documented species: Magpengs (hybrid creatures), Ice Shrimp (flying/swimming shrimp), Hakupopo (sentient snow spheres), Living Snowman (sentient snowman Chimera).
Migration Theories
Theory 1: Arctic Origin
Old legends suggest these animals were once confined to edges of globe. This might imply Asgartha is located near arctic regions.
Theory 2: Migration Following Idea
Another theory posits that, like Tumult Nomads, fauna migrated following “idea of winter” and eventually settled permanently at Storvhit.
Questions and Observations
Observers question whether interspecies social hierarchy system was driven by necessity or represents something else entirely. Behavior appears to have developed as adaptation to harsh arctic environment and possibly in response to human presence.
Post-Kuraokami Liberation - May 393 AC
Climate Crisis Response
Following Kuraokami’s liberation from The Nilam, Storvhit climate destabilized with temperatures rising and snow, glaciers, and ice caps melting at alarming rate. Swift action required to safeguard Winter Folk and take drastic measures preventing unique ecosystem from deteriorating further. Expeditionary Corps recognized Winter Folk as priority for protection given artificial nature of Storvhit climate previously maintained by imprisoned dragon.
Governance and Protection
Temporary governance of Storvhit (designated Caer Nilam Province) granted to Ordis supported by Yzmir, with strict regulations required for enclave viability. Winter Folk protection became key consideration in Caer Nilam governance arrangements. Jack Frost selected as replacement patronage to maintain arctic climate necessary for Winter Folk survival.
Scientific Study
Muna and Axiom naturalists deployed to study fauna and flora of Storvhit region. Observations document overall behavioral patterns and ecological adaptations of arctic species exhibiting cooperative consciousness.
Relationships
- Storvhit: Arctic region where Winter Folk reside
- Saskia Averina: Muna Naturalist who documented Winter Folk phenomenon (January 29, 393 AC)
- Muna: Faction studying Winter Folk, advocated for natural reserve status for Storvhit
- Axiom: Faction studying Winter Folk ecology
- Magpengs: Hybrid species documented as part of Winter Folk
- Ice Shrimp: Flying/swimming species documented as part of Winter Folk
- Hakupopo: Sentient snow sphere species documented as part of Winter Folk
- Kuraokami: Dragon whose imprisoned presence maintained artificial Storvhit climate supporting Winter Folk (liberated 393 AC)
- Jack Frost: Oneiros selected to maintain climate for Winter Folk survival following Kuraokami’s liberation (393 AC)
- Caer Nilam: Province designation for Storvhit where Winter Folk protection became governance priority
- Temera Singh: Grand Admiral who documented need to safeguard Winter Folk (May 15, 393 AC)
- Rediscovery Endeavor: Exploration initiative requiring climate stabilization to protect Winter Folk
- Ordis: Faction granted governance with responsibility for Winter Folk protection
- Yzmir: Faction supporting governance to protect Winter Folk