Climate:

Description:

The first step of the long journey to Nutaaq Island starts with the bridge across the frozen ocean. There’s no border control on the side of the bridge nearest to Tokotna. It’s a wide, intimidating construct that’s roughly fifty yards across. It moves with the currents underneath the ice, which it’s drilled through to hit the bottom of the ocean nearly a mile under. This side is warmer, despite being nestled into the Northmost point of the Frost Dragons.
There’s plenty of warning signs and disclaimers on the left side of the bridge, warning of below freezing temperatures and wind chill, possible snow storms and violent winds that change with the bridge. Despite this, the occasional lone group or persons seem to trudge ahead.
The bridge itself, at its best, unstable, and at its worst, dangerous. It’s built to withstand any weather, but the continuous ice storms and blizzards have heavily taken its toll. The bridge has high, cement walls that reach just above a Tokota’s shoulder, though Dires easily tower over it. There’s no clear left or right side to travel on, though it’s an unspoken recommendation to travel on the side where the wind is blowing against, to hopefully avoid most of its chill. There’s abandoned tents about half a mile into the trek, pitched up against the walls and hammered into the inches of ice that have built up over the years.
Halfway through the journey, about a mile and a half, there’s a large overhang that is built over the deepest point in the ocean. There’s multiple tents that are inhabited, with lanterns and figures inside. Tokotas with thicker fur are almost always lying outside these tents, with thick layers of snow and sleet insulating them. Here, it is the decision to turn around, or continue to the island. The bridge connects directly to Nutaaq’s border control, within its capital of Olikpok City. It’s common for those travelling to get cold feet, sometimes due to frostbite or simply running out of supplies before the journey is over.
In total, it’s about a three-day journey across the entire bridge. On the Olikpokian side, there’s a large building that stands at the bridge. In a large sign in bold letters, it states, “Nutaaq Foreign Affairs Centre”. For about 100 yards closest to the Centre, the ice is crudely chipped and melted away in a feigned attempt at a welcoming appearance.

Landmarks:

• Nutaaq Foreign Affairs Centre - Once inside, the air is warm, breathable, and just slightly stale. The floors are immaculately polished and waxed, and the entire building smells like fresh paint and construction, despite being built almost five years ago. There are several guards working behind a desk, with a glass shield in front of them. There’s only one main line to go through, with a large metal gate to the right of the desk that all three sit behind

Lore:

The bridge was created when an ice freight ship discovered Nutaaq island in mid 2015. Originally, the island was founded as a trader’s island back in the 1940s. Back in the day, Nutaaq was a hospitable island, and was not in permafrost. However, due to the sudden and severe change of weather, it is rumoured that Borga himself cursed the island and its inhabitants in an attempt to permanently erase its existence from history. Years have passed, and while the island was rediscovered, it had created a society of its own. After almost eighty years of being isolated, they have developed technology and methods of living that vary far from those in Tokotna.
Many individuals have gone missing over the years, either from their own decisions, lost to the wind, or by unfortunate accidents. It's said that if you hear a child wailing outside of the bridge walls, keep moving.

Original location inspiration by newt-onix
Location art by Ezilyn