Arctic Conditions

Residents of this type of building abandon these in winter; only igloos and below-ground lairs provide the shelter that's needed when the weather is always this cold

On a Christmas Day we mushed our way over a northern trail;

Talk of your cold! Through the parka’s fold it stabbed like a driven nail.

If our eyes we’d close, then the lashes froze till sometimes we couldn’t see;

It wasn't much fun — but the only one to whimper was Sam McGee.

Arctic conditions describes a temperature range between -31 and -40°F. The air plunges into an unbearably frigid and penetrating cold, presenting an immediate and severe threat to characters' survival. Bundling up in multiple layers of the thickest, heavily insulated clothing becomes absolutely imperative to endure the relentless deep freeze. The terrain lies in a harsh grip of unyielding ice and snow, rendering travel treacherous with icy, hazardous paths. Outdoor activities become virtually impossible, demanding robust protection against the extreme and life-threatening cold.

Settlement life faces an unprecedented crisis under these extreme freezing conditions, relying desperately on the most intense and continuous heating sources to maintain even a modicum of warmth indoors. Clothing becomes excessively padded and layered, offering critical defense against the merciless cold. Homes struggle to retain any hint of a comfortable indoor temperature, often resorting to extreme measures such as additional heating and insulation. Resource management becomes dire, with food preservation entirely dependent on the extreme freezing temperatures, while fresh produce becomes virtually unattainable.

Community gatherings cease entirely in these perilous conditions, with most activities confined indoors to evade the lethal cold's unrelenting grasp. Trade and commerce adapt to offer goods specifically suited for the perilous and inhospitable winter climate. Character interactions within communities revolve around survival and mutual support amidst the extreme and life-threatening freezing conditions.

Exploration encounters insurmountable weather-related obstacles, with quests brought to an abrupt halt by the extreme cold that poses an immediate threat to characters' lives. Predictable wildlife behavior witnesses creatures seeking extreme shelter or becoming entirely dormant due to the lethal and hostile temperatures. Encounters with snow-dwelling creatures become overwhelmingly prevalent, adapted to survive in the unforgiving and frozen environment.

Dungeon exploration mirrors the external weather conditions, presenting challenges heavily influenced by the life-threatening cold. Dungeons might feature frozen elements or insurmountable frost-based obstacles, making navigation impossibly dangerous. Adventurers confront these perilous obstacles while battling the relentless and freezing climate, often requiring extraordinary strategies or specialized equipment to navigate through the harsh and lethal conditions.

See Temperature Grades