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STATE OF WORLD INFO
WORLD // STATE
WEATHER
Weather is extreme and difficult in this world, more so than would be expected. Raging blizzards and snowstorms are common, as is hailstorms. Bitter wind-chills are likely. More often than not, it is snowing to some degree. Even on calm days, it is still freezing out.
While there is daylight, and sunny days — the sun is weak and will not raise the temperature by much. A 'warm' day is considered to be in the low numbers (12 - 1°C).
Nights are frigid, and it is not advised to be out during this time. If you are, be sure to keep warm. Fire is your friend, and your lifeline.
Methuselah has spoken of noticing changes within nature over the years: Colder summers and even colder winters — snow lasting far longer than it ever should. Storms more frequent, more ferocious than before — and growing at an ever-increasing rate. Young Bill has also corroborated on this, noting that while life in the Northern Territories has always been a hard way of life — things have gotten increasingly difficult over the last ten years. Phoebe Greenwood also mentions changes to the weather in her journal found in the Lakeside resort camp office, with mentions of issues/complaints with the weather being much colder than usual and snow still lying/falling despite the summer months.
While there is daylight, and sunny days — the sun is weak and will not raise the temperature by much. A 'warm' day is considered to be in the low numbers (12 - 1°C).
Nights are frigid, and it is not advised to be out during this time. If you are, be sure to keep warm. Fire is your friend, and your lifeline.
Methuselah has spoken of noticing changes within nature over the years: Colder summers and even colder winters — snow lasting far longer than it ever should. Storms more frequent, more ferocious than before — and growing at an ever-increasing rate. Young Bill has also corroborated on this, noting that while life in the Northern Territories has always been a hard way of life — things have gotten increasingly difficult over the last ten years. Phoebe Greenwood also mentions changes to the weather in her journal found in the Lakeside resort camp office, with mentions of issues/complaints with the weather being much colder than usual and snow still lying/falling despite the summer months.
AURORAS
While the aurora borealis were the usual, common occurrences in this world — this is no usual aurora. While beautiful to behold, one can hear strange electrical noises in the air. Static and white noise, strange ethereal sounds hard to place.
Auroras are very often signals danger, some 'nights' may roll into days or even weeks. These are kinds of auroras interfere with electronics, having destroyed many of them but then bringing them back to life when the aurora is active — as if it were some kind of power source. They have also drastically altered the behaviours of the native wildlife: predators are more violent, and will attack people when they otherwise would have stayed clear.
They herald the arrival of more newcomers, and also signal other kinds of changes. Auroras also connect Interlopers to Enola, as she can be heard through the electronics and the Aurora itself.
Auroras are very often signals danger, some 'nights' may roll into days or even weeks. These are kinds of auroras interfere with electronics, having destroyed many of them but then bringing them back to life when the aurora is active — as if it were some kind of power source. They have also drastically altered the behaviours of the native wildlife: predators are more violent, and will attack people when they otherwise would have stayed clear.
They herald the arrival of more newcomers, and also signal other kinds of changes. Auroras also connect Interlopers to Enola, as she can be heard through the electronics and the Aurora itself.
GEOGRAPHY
The physical geography of this world is varied depending on the region. Boreal forests prevail throughout, snow and ice is prominent too. The northern and western areas are mountainous — with cave and mine networks are common. Lakes are often frozen, as are rivers — with the ice breaking through to allow for flowing rivers further in the south, down towards the coastline.
A great deal of areas have been cut off due to the extreme weather, and are currently impassable. Roads can be found to transport goods to the coast, as well as a rail network. These are difficult to navigate.
A great deal of areas have been cut off due to the extreme weather, and are currently impassable. Roads can be found to transport goods to the coast, as well as a rail network. These are difficult to navigate.
SEISMIC ACTIVITY
The Northern Territories have been plagued by seismic activity for some time. The most poignant reminder of their damage can be found in the buckled railroad tracks in Lakeside, and the crumbling broken roads in the world. In addition to this, seismic activity has destroyed many of the ways around the world — including the Milton Connector Bridge and Mountain Pass Tunnel.
Interlopers themselves have witnessed quakes in their time during the Northern Territories. They have fortunately been mild instances so far, causing only minor damage and destruction.
Interlopers themselves have witnessed quakes in their time during the Northern Territories. They have fortunately been mild instances so far, causing only minor damage and destruction.
THE FLARE
'The Flare' is the name (coined by Methuselah) given to an event that occurred before Interlopers arrived in the Northern Territories, roughly two weeks beforehand. It can best be described as a 'localised extinction event' which decimated the town of Milton and caused the electronics to die out for good.
Methuselah describes it as great, terrible lights in the sky, and described by Sam Bouchard in his diary as the sky being 'wrong' and a huge 'quake-like' occurrence. Phoebe Greenwood made unintelligible scribbles in her own diary about the sky and 'lights' and 'noise'.
Methuselah arrived back in Milton several days after the event to find the townsfolk either gone or dead by either murder, suicide or with no discernible cause. Sam recalls seeing townsfolk walking out in the snow that night. Methuselah was only given a handful of days to prepare and begin to tend to the dead, having the understanding that someone would be coming — revealed to be Interlopers.
During the September 2023 Event, it was revealed to Interlopers what had happened to the original townsfolk. The Aurora caused ghostly loops of the townsfolks' final moment — their suicides, how they killed one another, walked out into the snow and died of exposure, or simply looked to the east and dropped dead. Other loops showed townsfolk desperately pleading with loved ones to leave, and other moments of chaos and desperation.
It is unknown just how wide-spread this devastation was, given there is no contact with the mainland.
Methuselah describes it as great, terrible lights in the sky, and described by Sam Bouchard in his diary as the sky being 'wrong' and a huge 'quake-like' occurrence. Phoebe Greenwood made unintelligible scribbles in her own diary about the sky and 'lights' and 'noise'.
Methuselah arrived back in Milton several days after the event to find the townsfolk either gone or dead by either murder, suicide or with no discernible cause. Sam recalls seeing townsfolk walking out in the snow that night. Methuselah was only given a handful of days to prepare and begin to tend to the dead, having the understanding that someone would be coming — revealed to be Interlopers.
During the September 2023 Event, it was revealed to Interlopers what had happened to the original townsfolk. The Aurora caused ghostly loops of the townsfolks' final moment — their suicides, how they killed one another, walked out into the snow and died of exposure, or simply looked to the east and dropped dead. Other loops showed townsfolk desperately pleading with loved ones to leave, and other moments of chaos and desperation.
It is unknown just how wide-spread this devastation was, given there is no contact with the mainland.
NOTES LEFT BEHIND
A list of lore discovered by Interlopers, along with any mini events concerning lore. This will be updated in due course.
The Diary of Phoebe Greenwood — a brief overview of the diary of Phoebe, a member of staff at the Lakeside Resort during the summer of 2014. It is unknown what happened to Phoebe.
The Diary of Sam Bouchard — the diary of Sam, who took up the post of a Firewatch during the summer of 2014 at Pensive Lookout in Lakeside. It is unknown what happened to Sam, but the body of his co-worker Sharon was discovered at the ruins of Northern Edge Lookout.
The Milton Newsletter + National News — A list of headlines in national newspapers and the local newsletter created by residents of Milton regarding happenings in both the Northern Territories and wider world.
Methuselah's Knowledge — information found by the hiatus mechanic 'Travels With Methuselah'.
NPC Interaction: Young Bill — Interlopers meet Young Bill for the first time, and asked him questions about the state of the world, etc.
Prelude — A dream that all Interlopers experienced on January 1st 2015, depicting the Darkwalker.
Interlude — A dream that all Interlopers experienced on January 1st 2016, depicting a wood filled with bones and eventually coming across Enola before an expanse of void.
October 2024 Mini Event — a series of dreams that could be experienced by Interlopers during the month of October.
The Diary of Phoebe Greenwood — a brief overview of the diary of Phoebe, a member of staff at the Lakeside Resort during the summer of 2014. It is unknown what happened to Phoebe.
The Diary of Sam Bouchard — the diary of Sam, who took up the post of a Firewatch during the summer of 2014 at Pensive Lookout in Lakeside. It is unknown what happened to Sam, but the body of his co-worker Sharon was discovered at the ruins of Northern Edge Lookout.
The Milton Newsletter + National News — A list of headlines in national newspapers and the local newsletter created by residents of Milton regarding happenings in both the Northern Territories and wider world.
Methuselah's Knowledge — information found by the hiatus mechanic 'Travels With Methuselah'.
NPC Interaction: Young Bill — Interlopers meet Young Bill for the first time, and asked him questions about the state of the world, etc.
Prelude — A dream that all Interlopers experienced on January 1st 2015, depicting the Darkwalker.
Interlude — A dream that all Interlopers experienced on January 1st 2016, depicting a wood filled with bones and eventually coming across Enola before an expanse of void.
October 2024 Mini Event — a series of dreams that could be experienced by Interlopers during the month of October.
FLORA // FAUNA
FLORA
The Northern Territories may be a remote, desolate place, where nature has taken over. However, there is plenty to forage here for both sustenance and medicinal purposes. The land is rich in wintery foragibles native to Canada which include, but are not limited to: old man's beard, alder catkins, spruce and balsam fir, spruce gum, rosehips, reishi mushrooms, acorns, chaga and burdock.
PREDATORS
WOLVES The Gray Wolf has a sizable population all over the Northern Territories. While typical wolves would not attack humans, and would prefer to stay away from them — the Aurora has altered their behaviours. Wolves will attack, but can be beaten back by light, fire and flares — as it frightens them. While edible, eating wolf meat runs the risk of catching parasites. It is not recommended.
TIMBERWOLVES A cousin of the typical Grey Wolf, fewer in number. Timberwolves are smarter, faster and run around in small packs. The Aurora has changed them, and they will descend upon the unsuspecting with only a single long cry in warning. Timberwolves can be beaten back by destroying a pack's morale: warding them off with flares or flames, injuring or killing them. While edible, eating wolf meat runs the risk of catching parasites. It is not recommended.
BEARS Solitary creatures that have been awoken from their slumbers, making them even more agitated and hungrier still. Bears are even more likely to attack, and will automatically assume anything they come across is prey. There is little to be done to keep them away. Injuring them may frighten them off, but it is best to keep away from them and their territory. While edible, eating bear meat runs the risk of catching parasites. It is not recommended unless cooked properly.
MOUNTAIN CATS Silent predatory animals, and have also been affected by the Aurora to behave much like wolves and bears do. The Bobcat, Canada Lynx, and Cougar can be found in the Northern Territories, with a preference of living in the remote, rockier areas. They will stalk from up high, and will pounce and attack the unsuspecting. While edible, eating mountain cat meat runs the risk of catching parasites. It is not recommended unless cooked properly.
TIMBERWOLVES A cousin of the typical Grey Wolf, fewer in number. Timberwolves are smarter, faster and run around in small packs. The Aurora has changed them, and they will descend upon the unsuspecting with only a single long cry in warning. Timberwolves can be beaten back by destroying a pack's morale: warding them off with flares or flames, injuring or killing them. While edible, eating wolf meat runs the risk of catching parasites. It is not recommended.
BEARS Solitary creatures that have been awoken from their slumbers, making them even more agitated and hungrier still. Bears are even more likely to attack, and will automatically assume anything they come across is prey. There is little to be done to keep them away. Injuring them may frighten them off, but it is best to keep away from them and their territory. While edible, eating bear meat runs the risk of catching parasites. It is not recommended unless cooked properly.
MOUNTAIN CATS Silent predatory animals, and have also been affected by the Aurora to behave much like wolves and bears do. The Bobcat, Canada Lynx, and Cougar can be found in the Northern Territories, with a preference of living in the remote, rockier areas. They will stalk from up high, and will pounce and attack the unsuspecting. While edible, eating mountain cat meat runs the risk of catching parasites. It is not recommended unless cooked properly.
PREY
DEER Deer are incredibly common within the Northern Territories, and will provide hunters with a handsome meal. They are skittish creatures, and it is best to try to hunt them from a distance.
FISH There are both fresh and salt water fish that be found in all waters of the Northern Territories, providing perhaps the easiest and most plentiful source of meat. Breeds of fish include Lake Whitefish, Smallmouth Bass, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout and Big Bass, amongst others.
RABBIT Small mammals, plentiful in numbers across the Northern Territories. Their meat doesn't provide much in terms of calories, but it's better than nothing. Their fur will also prove useful for those looking for a more interesting fashion statement.
PTARMIGANS The rock ptarmigan is a medium-sized game bird in the grouse family. They can be found in small flocks, but are fewer than rabbits in terms of numbers. Generally, they prefer more remote areas and higher ground. Ptarmigan meat is rich and dark and has much more iron than chicken meat.
MOOSE The motherlode. Rarer than deer, moose can be found over most of the Northern Territories. They will not take kindly to having their personal space invaded, however, and will attack those who come too near. They are difficult to take down, but a downed moose will be a high prize to the winner. Their meat is rich in calories, and one moose can provide and great deal of meat. Their pelts can also provide useful in crafting. High risk, high reward.
FISH There are both fresh and salt water fish that be found in all waters of the Northern Territories, providing perhaps the easiest and most plentiful source of meat. Breeds of fish include Lake Whitefish, Smallmouth Bass, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout and Big Bass, amongst others.
RABBIT Small mammals, plentiful in numbers across the Northern Territories. Their meat doesn't provide much in terms of calories, but it's better than nothing. Their fur will also prove useful for those looking for a more interesting fashion statement.
PTARMIGANS The rock ptarmigan is a medium-sized game bird in the grouse family. They can be found in small flocks, but are fewer than rabbits in terms of numbers. Generally, they prefer more remote areas and higher ground. Ptarmigan meat is rich and dark and has much more iron than chicken meat.
MOOSE The motherlode. Rarer than deer, moose can be found over most of the Northern Territories. They will not take kindly to having their personal space invaded, however, and will attack those who come too near. They are difficult to take down, but a downed moose will be a high prize to the winner. Their meat is rich in calories, and one moose can provide and great deal of meat. Their pelts can also provide useful in crafting. High risk, high reward.
SUPERNATURAL CREATURES
THE WHITE STAG: The White Stag appeared during the November 2023 event. Methuselah remarks there has long been tall tales of a ghostly stag that roams the Northern Territories and is said to bring good fortune to those who manage to hunt it down. Interlopers were able to hunt down this creature and were presented with a choice when the stag was found: kill the beast, or allow the beast to leave. Killing the beast would provide Interlopers with a bounty of venison, where are letting the beast live would grant Interlopers with a white fur blanket, or deerskin boots. It has not been seen since.
HOLIDAY BOAR: The Holiday Boar appears in the month of December, a gigantic talking boar who wishes to bring good tidings to Interlopers. Interlopers can ask for a gift, which the boar agrees to and presents it to them by... vomiting said gift up. It's fine. Don't worry about it.
NOR'POGO: Nor'pogo is a creature from folklore of the Northern Territories. It is said that the beast was the guardian of the lake and would demand sacrifice from those who wished to use its waters or otherwise drag them down to a watery grave. Nor'pogo is actually a real creature, who can be found in the lake. In order to cross the lake or fish in it, Nor'pogo will appear by breaking through the ice and will demand an offering. Failure to give something to the creature will result in the death of the Interloper.
OLD BEAR: There is a story of a gigantic bear that made its home in the Northern Territories that was angered by settlers cutting it off from its feeding grounds and encroaching on its territory. The bear began to hunt and kill settlers, and man's weapons were no match for the bear — and carried the broken arrows like trophies in its hide, showing how it could not be killed.
Three hunters, determined to fight back against the bear’s attacks on the settlers, and bring the animal down for its pelt to hoard as a trophy, decided to pursue the bear. Thus began a bitter hunt that lasted months. They chased it down all over Lakeside and then to the east, up towards the muskeg that lay in the shadows of Timberwolf Mountain. It is said that they went out onto the muskeg, never to return — with Old Bear disappearing with them, too.
In recent times, a ghostly bear has began to stalk Interlopers. Could this be the very same Old Bear?
HOLIDAY BOAR: The Holiday Boar appears in the month of December, a gigantic talking boar who wishes to bring good tidings to Interlopers. Interlopers can ask for a gift, which the boar agrees to and presents it to them by... vomiting said gift up. It's fine. Don't worry about it.
NOR'POGO: Nor'pogo is a creature from folklore of the Northern Territories. It is said that the beast was the guardian of the lake and would demand sacrifice from those who wished to use its waters or otherwise drag them down to a watery grave. Nor'pogo is actually a real creature, who can be found in the lake. In order to cross the lake or fish in it, Nor'pogo will appear by breaking through the ice and will demand an offering. Failure to give something to the creature will result in the death of the Interloper.
OLD BEAR: There is a story of a gigantic bear that made its home in the Northern Territories that was angered by settlers cutting it off from its feeding grounds and encroaching on its territory. The bear began to hunt and kill settlers, and man's weapons were no match for the bear — and carried the broken arrows like trophies in its hide, showing how it could not be killed.
Three hunters, determined to fight back against the bear’s attacks on the settlers, and bring the animal down for its pelt to hoard as a trophy, decided to pursue the bear. Thus began a bitter hunt that lasted months. They chased it down all over Lakeside and then to the east, up towards the muskeg that lay in the shadows of Timberwolf Mountain. It is said that they went out onto the muskeg, never to return — with Old Bear disappearing with them, too.
In recent times, a ghostly bear has began to stalk Interlopers. Could this be the very same Old Bear?
WORLD // MAP