On the western outskirts of the sandy city of Heshgarat stands the Necanium. Easily the size of the city, these ancient cairns with high round domes contain the remains of the honored dead. The entrance of each is carved with multiple felines and statues of them line the pathways between the burial mounds. Local legends recognize cats as the guardians of the dead, and they are considered sacred in the Necanium and within the city’s walls.

In the mountains far to the east snow is everpresent. The extra snow accumulated over winter brings the risk of dangerous unpredictable avalanches to highland settlements and the trails that connect them.

Among the Golanti tribes of the northwest, Firsthunt is a celebration and rite of passage held in late spring. The tribes gather each spring as the elk that are their primary diet begin the migration north, and hold a celebration that lasts long into the night.

In some parts of the world, legend has it that the lady of summer visits her brother’s home each winter and only her presence brings light, warmth, and joy to the lord of winter’s kingdom. Every year he tempts her to remain with him just a little longer by crafting items of beauty in ice and snow. Only mortal voices raised during Dawnsong remind her of the beauty summer brings to mortal realms and encourage her to return for another year.