Fiction:The Firmament/Terminus Wastes

"If the bitter cold, lack of food or water, or the elements do not kill you, then the beasts and monsters prowling the crown of the world will. There are many ways to prove your strength, but to go to the Wastes is suicide, pure and simple."

- Ashild Haelgidottir, Rusc shieldmaiden

The Terminus Wastes are a massive extension of ice which makes up the northernmost portion of the continent of Gromkazul. Largely devoid of life, the region has become corrupted by darkness upon the arrival of Xagranoth, a monstrous kolgathan, who breached a rift between Telamon and Irkalla.

History
The Terminus Wastes were, for most of history, simply considered to be part of the great polar region known as the Frost Crown. This changed when the demon named Xagranoth breached into Telamon, causing immense demonic power to pour into the material world and twist the land. The northernmost tribes of Ruscs have been the most affected by this, giving up on their former cultures to become savage, demon-worshipping madmen.

Geography
The Terminus Wastes are mostly glacial tundra, devoid of any life. The terrain is covered in white snow all year long, save for the path taken by Xagranoth where he marched into Druacatakh, which is permanently scorched black. All territories of Gromkazul border with the Terminus Wastes to the north.

Government
The Terminus Wastes are devoid of any government.

Religion
The Terminus Wastes are devoid of true religious worship, for few things live there to begin with. Those who do are often agents of demon lords.

Inhabitants
Only the likes of penguins, seals, polar bears and ice drakes are able to survive the Terminus Wastes. As it is linked to Irkalla, many demons have also emerged into the region, and it is known to be infested with imps. Corrupted tribes of humans from Ruscland and Giantkin from the Giansteppe also prowl these Wastes, and are considered a danger to all life.

Relations
As the Terminus Wastes are unclaimed land, it has no true say in international affairs. Most races of the world consider it an abhorrent place and avoid it at all costs.


 * Positive relations
 * N/A


 * Ambivalent relations
 * N/A


 * Negative relations
 * N/A

Locations

 * The Doom Rift - A portal to the plane of Irkalla, located at the extreme north of the Wastes, opened by the demon herald Xagranoth when he breached into Irkalla centuries ago. Twisted and malevolent energies pour out of this rift, corrupting the landscape and causing populations who live near the Wastes to be turned into bloodthirsty savages.