PLEASE FAVE THE ORIGINAL ARTIST'S SUBMISSION: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/63153789/

Forty below zero. That was a typical morning to wake up to in the arctic continent of Sohenheim, and throughout the day it didn't get much better. The weather forecasters had been warning of a cold snap due soon, and the city's Generator issues still haven't been resolved. This worried Seemir. Originally, his mission was to visit and treat the great frost dragon Sohen for a strange illness, but this city's regular barkeep fell ill and he volunteered to take his place until he had recovered. His condition was improving, albeit very slowly, prolonging his stay. That quickly became the least of the serpent's concerns. Spirits could only do so much to keep the city's inhabitants from expressing their concerns in 'less constructive' manners. The best thing he could do right now is open the bar and attempt to keep everyone's liquor in moderation.

Meanwhile, the city gates recently admitted its newest guest. A Wuadao of all people. After introducing himself as an artificer and sorcerer, he was directed to pay a visit to the tavern for lodging. Under the heat of the Generator and its many Radiators, most townsfolk could safely walk the streets in little more than an overcoat, which the red panda quickly realized and stashed his heavier winter coat into one of his storage catalysts on his belt. It also didn't take him long to realize that he was gathering quite the attention. Understandable, considering his kin were found on a continent where winter's hold was nowhere near as strong or as prolonged. Still, he was taking it better than expected, and the fact that this one knew magic was a curious and perhaps welcome sight.

Upon finding the tavern, the red panda sorcerer pushed open the door, bringing in a sudden blast of cold air that shook the cobra-python to his core. Seemir turned around to stare eye-to-eye at his newest patron. "Welcome, traveler," Seemir greeted, albeit with a slightly sullen tone. "How may I be of service?"

"I was referred to here by the guards," the sorcerer replied. "They sounded worried, like they wanted me to help them with something. I take it things aren't all that well here?"

"Unfortunately, you are correct. On their behalf, I apologize for you getting roped into our woes."

"Don't trouble yourself, I've gotten that a lot here. Before we talk, I'll need a meal. I've barely had anything since breakfast."

Seemir turned around and pulled out a plate from the steam warmer. "You're in luck. This is the last day we'll be serving mutton for a while, plus some sweet potatoes and grilled carrots. I also happen to have some brandy - my signature drink."

"That'll do, thank you." As the red panda arranged to seat himself, Seemir couldn't help but notice what lied underneath that traveler's cloak and behind the lantern. A tight black shirt that had no problems showing how fit he was. A silver belt with five black crystals that he recognized were storage catalysts. A pair of black and bronze pants with a hexagonal pattern. A hint of an amulet with a swirling violet glow around a dodecahedral gem suspended within a silver ring. Unusually high-tier garb for the region, even among other magic users.

"A very fascinating amulet you have," Seemir pointed out.

"Oh, this?" the red panda held it up by the chain. "It's my spellcasting focus for my artificer spells."

With a nod, Seemir reached behind himself and set a bottle of alcohol down beside the plate. "You can call me Seemir," the barkeep introduced himself. "What about you?"

"I'm Ozark Dhrystone. I'm a traveling artificer and sorcerer. Normally, I sell random trinkets and provide some engineering services, but I'm getting the impression that I'm about to be asked to do a lot more than that."

Seemir took a deep breath, his brow furling. "Forgive me for going straight to brass tack, but there are some major issues with this city and nothing is being done about it. Tell me: do you know anything about how the Generators of Sohenheim's cities work?"

"By my understanding, they are just giant steam engines. I could probably figure out the specifics with enough observation."

"I'm being told the Generator isn't able to put out more heat than it currently does, and in two weeks there will be a significant cold snap. Thirty degrees overnight, before any winds or snowfall."

"How well-insulated are the houses here?"

"Well enough, but that won't matter if half the heat from the Generator gets lost on its way. That much I can say for certain."

Ozark nodded and properly sat down, picking up the utensils. "I'll see if I can get an audience with some of the engineers here."

"Anything you can do, we'll be in your debt."

---

World-building is my crack. I can't help it sometimes.

I'm working on a homebrew Dungeons and Dragons campaign based around a steampunk-esque level of technology. Specifically, my biggest influence is courtesy of a few pages taken from the hit indie game Frostpunk for the specific area my players will be going through, called Sohenheim (and pronounced "SO-when-hime"). Sohenheim is a sparsely populated arctic region where summers are cold and dim, and winters are brutal and dark. The common denominator of all significant towns in Sohenheim is a giant steam engine called the Generator. Not all settlements have a cylindrical tower Generator like that in the game, but it is quite literally the heart of the city for both electrical power and steam-based heating mechanisms. Unlike the video game, the players will also have access to wagons and their draughts as well as a railroad in the mid-game, because you simply can't have a steampunk setting without steam trains.

That being said, I got this to set the proper tone for the overarching campaign, though not specifically the one centered around the wah. While it is true Ozark would be present in this setting, he will very likely not be encountering the party. They might get to come across Seemir, though. I haven't decided that yet. Point being that there's going to be a fair amount of settlement management in addition to the usual Dungeons and Dragons shenanigans. Here's hoping this one sticks.

Art by  Toughset <-- Go watch this guy! :D

Ozark Dhrystone, slightly out of place, and Seemir Brandy, spiffing as always, belong to me! :D