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=== Major Planetary Zones | Regions | Geographic Features ===

====== RALAR TUNDRA ======

  * **Type:** Tundra Plain
  * **Location:** Central and western [[ralar_region|Ralar Region]], [[dark_side|Dark Side]] of [[the_planet_voi_700_d|VOI 700 D]]

===== Overview =====

The Ralar Tundra is the dominant geographical feature of the [[ralar_region|Ralar Region]], characterized by vast ice plains, snow-covered ridges, and permafrost expanses stretching endlessly under the eternal darkness of the [[dark_side|Dark Side]]. It is a barren, wind-scoured environment where only the most resilient lifeforms can endure the brutal cold and scarcity of resources.

Temperatures regularly drop below -60°C, and the landscape offers little to no natural shelter or warmth. The terrain is defined by harsh flatlands, sporadic glacial crevasses, and occasional ice dunes pushed into form by katabatic winds.

===== Local Climatic Conditions, Geography and Landscape =====

The Ralar Tundra exists in perpetual darkness and is shaped by subzero temperatures, high winds, and minimal geothermal activity. Snowstorms and ice quakes are common, and visibility can shift from kilometers to zero within moments.

==== Weather Patterns: ====

  * Temperatures between -50°C and -70°C
  * Sudden snowstorms and ice blizzards
  * Katabatic winds across flatlands
  * Permanent darkness and glacial silence

===== Local Flora =====

Due to the extreme conditions and absence of geothermal heat sources, flora in the Ralar Tundra is nearly nonexistent. No plant life has been recorded in the central tundra zones.

===== Local Fauna =====

Faunal documentation in the Ralar Tundra is limited. Only a few targeted [[the_humans|Exohuman]] expeditions occurred during the [[beta_age|Beta Age]], and all official scientific exploration was halted under the [[peace_treaty|Peace Treaty]] by order of the Native Supervisor. However, ongoing activity by the [[federal_courier_service|Federal Courier Service]] along the [[trade_route|Trade Route]] has led to accidental observations during the [[the_gamma_age|Gamma Age]]. Scientists agree the Ralar Tundra remains poorly documented and shrouded in mystery.

Notably, all known wildlife are predators, with the exception of a small rodent:

  * [[glaciok|Glaciok]] – Massive, solitary predator (up to 4m long) with a keen sense of heat and smell. Hunts using ambush tactics in the frozen wastelands.
  * [[zapor|Zapor]] – High-speed bird of prey (3m wingspan), uses echolocation and scent to hunt. Completely blind.
  * [[xzonomi|Xzonomi]] – Large, blind mammalian mount (up to 3.8m long) domesticated by the [[drop-outs|Drop Outs]]. Navigates using echolocation.
  * [[korozo|Korozo]] – Coyote-like pack hunter (1.3m long) relying on ultrasonic sounds and acute hearing.
  * [[Nokari Mouse|Nokari Mouse]] – The only documented rodent in the tundra. This small, fur-insulated scavenger (approx. 20cm) feeds on food remnants near Exohuman infrastructure and builds thermal nests beneath snowdrifts.

Exohuman scientists suspect these predators normally inhabit geothermal zones but are drawn to the tundra due to increased exohuman and rodent presence as well as food availability created by Exohuman infrastructure such as [[halfway_inn|Halfway Inn]].

===== Local Population and Settlement History =====

==== Native Presence ====

The [[the_natives_tribes_of_voi_700_d|Native Tribes]] of VOI 700 D have never settled in the Ralar Tundra, as their cultures and lifestyles are focused on the comparatively fertile regions of the [[habitual_belt|Habitual Belt]]. The tundra remains spiritually and practically disconnected from their traditions.

==== Exohuman Exploration and Infrastructure ====

There are no permanent Exohuman settlements in the tundra. However, during the [[beta_age|Beta Age]], the southeastern section of the [[trade_route|Trade Route]] was constructed to connect [[firetown|Firetown]] in the western [[ralar_mountains|Ralar Mountains]] with [[new_kourou|New Kourou]] in the [[asari|Asari Region]] of the [[habitual_belt|Habitual Belt]]. Completed between 2627 and 2628, it was designed to supply Firetown with food and essential goods while transporting copper and industrial outputs northward. These plans followed the projections of the Human Settlement Plan (HSP), which envisioned Firetown growing to 20,000 inhabitants with a 20% annual production increase.

The most prominent site within the tundra is the [[halfway_inn|Halfway Inn]], located exactly 50 km between Firetown and New Kourou. Originally built for logistical support, it is now operated by the [[federal_courier_service|Federal Courier Service]] under the governance of the [[federal_confederation|Federal Confederation]]. With a capacity for 66 people and 40 Hoos, the Halfway Inn is known for its security, warmth, and strategic value as a rest stop in the frozen wasteland.

Federal authorities also suspect the presence of several hideouts operated by [[outlaws|Outlaws]] and [[loners|Loners]], using the cover and isolation of the tundra to avoid detection.

===== Tactical Advice for Dungeon Masters =====

The Ralar Tundra is perfect for tension-heavy, survival-oriented adventures. Harsh climate, sensory deprivation, and unexpected predator attacks make every journey a test of endurance. The region's minimal infrastructure, combined with rumors of outlaw dens and shadowy creatures, allows for a mix of horror, espionage, and exploration.

Halfway Inn can serve as a narrative hub, where players encounter travelers, discover rumors, or face political tensions between the Courier Service and outlaw activity. The tundra also offers great opportunity for encounters with wildlife and strange phenomena revealed under aurora-like magnetic storms.

==== Adventure Hooks – Beta Age: ====

  * **Cold Hands and Hot Tempers** – During the construction of the Trade Route in 2627, players are part of a survey team responsible for marking the halfway point between Firetown and New Kourou. As tensions rise between contractors and early settlers, the team discovers strange tracks around a damaged Hoosled — and a missing engineer last seen at dusk. Is it sabotage, wildlife, or something far more unsettling beneath the ice?



==== Adventure Hooks – Gamma Age: ====

  * **The Vanishing Convoy –** A courier caravan disappears between Firetown and Halfway Inn. The players are sent to investigate but find only blood, broken Hoosleds — and claw marks in the ice.

===== Related Pages and Further Information =====

  * [[the_planet_voi_700_d|VOI 700 D]]
  * [[dark_side|Dark Side]]
  * [[ralar_region|Ralar Region]]
  * [[trade_route|Trade Route]]
  * [[halfway_inn|Halfway Inn]]