02. Area and Setting
Canadian Maritime Provinces
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Area and Setting

Table of Contents
See the Areas @ 'Souls Wiki for complete information.

'Souls takes place across the eastern Canadian Maritime Provinces of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick. However, the 'Souls fictional version of Eastern Canada bears some stark differences from reality and has continually changed throughout the years. For example, Cape Breton is an island in real life; in 'Souls, it is a peninsula. New Brunswick also has a lot more landmass at 'Souls than in reality, and we've destroyed about half of Nova Scotia... So reference our map instead of a real one. ;)

Map



Click to enlarge! We offer a comprehensive Maps page on the 'Souls Wiki. Only the shown areas in the game map are playable.

Climate

Proximity to the Atlantic Ocean lends a humid environment with significant precipitation; 'Souls comprises the most active storm region in Canada. The weather consists of skies that are often cloudy or overcast, frequent coastal fog and marked changeability of weather from day to day. Maritime areas tend to be very foggy, with an average of 200 foggy days recorded per year in Nova Scotia. The significant fog found in the Maritime region is due to the interaction of the warm Gulf Stream currents with the much colder Labrador Current; the spring and late summer have more fog than the fall and winter.

Generally, Maritime climate and temperature is more moderate than mainland Canada. The cold winters and warm summers are moderated by ocean influences, though Maritime climates also have a wide but not extreme temperature range. The coastal areas are generally cooler in summer and warmer in winter than the inland regions.

Geology

The Maritime provinces are marked by evidence of glaciation -- eskers, kettle lakes, and sandurs are just a few of the features found in the region evincing glaciation. The Bay of Fundy plays a major role in shaping the coastlines -- unique features such as sea stacks and raised beaches dominate the bay shores.

The Appalachian Mountains have hilly, poor soil; the coastal Maritime areas are well-fed by the rich tides of the bay and the vast number of inland waterways throughout the region. The inner highlands have acidic soils that support expansive forests, but are not suited for human agriculture; the coastal plains have richer soils.

Demographics

Much of the terrain that now makes up 'Souls was unpopulated prior to the human apocalypse. The population centers of Nova Scotia were clustered around Halifax and its sprawl; New Brunswick's concentration of people centered around the riverways and the Atlantic coast. Inland Nova Scotia and northwestern New Brunswick both consist of vast swaths of forests, many of them protected wilderness areas or national parks prior to humanity's demise.

Ecosystem

Broadleaf and mixed forests -- that is, forests containing both conifers (piney-type trees that remain green year-round) and deciduous (losing leaves in winter) make up most of the Maritime region. Bogs, lowlands, and other marshy areas are commonplace -- the Drifter Bay area, along with the Waste, is exemplary of these marshes.

Flora

See the Flora guide for complete information.
Conifers include Red Pine, Balsam Fir, Paper Birch, red spruce, which northwards, is replaced by white spruce. Deciduous trees include Sugar Maple, Beech, Yellow Birch, Hemlock, White Ash, and Red Maple

Fauna

See the Fauna guide for complete information.
American Black Bear, Moose, Red Fox, Snowshoe Hare, North American Porcupine, Fisher, North American Beaver, Bobcat, American Marten, Muskrat, Raccoon; an extremely high number of birds, ranging from predatory raptors to songbirds to shorebirds and everything in between.

More Information?


  1. Current Weather --  Check out what it's like right now in Nova Scotia, Canada!
  2. Areas @ 'Souls Wiki: The Wiki has various detailed information about the setting, including landmarks -- particular landforms, buildings, or other very small areas of note -- and past encounters in the area.
    • Fauna: Find out what kinds of creatures your character is likely to encounter while exploring the territory.
    • Flora: Find out what kinds of plant life your character is likely to encounter while exploring the territory.
    • Maps: A page housing a comprehensive list of all current maps relevant to 'Souls.
  3. Post Apocalypse @ RP Guide: A must-read for players interested in the apocalypse's effects on the world world.
  4. Travel Guide @ RP Guide -- Learn about travel times and distances, and how long it takes your character to get from one place to another.
  5. Setting Questions? -- Check the FAQ!
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Climate and Seasons

Quote:
Current WeatherYou can also follow @halifaxweather on Twitter.
Proximity to the Atlantic Ocean lends a humid environment with significant precipitation; this is the most active storm region in Canada. The weather consists of skies that are often cloudy or overcast, frequent coastal fog and marked changeability of weather from day to day. Maritime areas tend to be very foggy, with an average of 200 foggy days recorded per year in Nova Scotia.

Seasons

  • Breeding Season: Year-Round
  • Spring: March to May
    • Spring is marked by flooding from snowmelt. Various plants begin to bloom; spring was the planting season during the time of humanity, and those hoping to have a harvest of herbs in the fall would do best to abide these traditions. Migratory birds begin to arrive from their southerly wintering. Young animals are frequently born in the springtime, and the days begin to lengthen. Various whale species begin to arrive during the spring; the waters of Nova Scotia provide breeding and feeding grounds for them.

  • Summer: June to August
    • Summer is marked by heat and heavy vegetation. Many plants begin to pollinate during this time; Golden Eagles and other migratory birds come to roost and reproduce in Nova Scotia's forests and in the abandoned towers of Halifax. Thunderstorms are very commonplace, while weak hurricanes strike Nova Scotia approximately every four years.

  • Fall: September to November
    • Early fall signified the harvest in the time of humanity. The temperature begins to drop, and the days grow shorter in fall. Deciduous plants first change color, then lose their leaves, while grasses begin to yellow and die. Canada is especially known for its fall color changes; Nova Scotia is no exception. Atlantic Salmon return to their natal rivers and streams, while most other creatures prepare for winter's coming.

  • Winter: December to February
    • Winter is typically marked by harsh conditions; some young animals are born in late winter. Winters in Nova Scotia are typically cold and snowy, with snow cover lasting until spring. Mainland Canada tends to be colder than Nova Scotia, but this is not to say the winters are mild on the peninsula. Blizzards are a rare occurrence, though milder snowstorms are frequent. The heaviest snowfall recorded in Yarmouth was 101.2 cm (~40 inches).


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Region & Territory Division

Geographically, the territories comprise three major regions -- Nova Scotia proper, the Cape Breton Peninsula of Nova Scotia, and eastern New Brunswick on the Canadian mainland.

For roleplay purposes, 'Souls divides its territories into different areas, each of which corresponds to a forum. Each area also has a number of subterritories, which are usually places of particular note or interest.


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Forum Divisions








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