#arctika

I was working on worldbuilding for my mk rewrite/au, and since my peabrain needs visuals, I was going to make a map of notable locations in Earthrealm. Also having a (rough) location would help me with the cultural aspects of Lin Kuei worldbuilding in general.

What we know about Arctika (correct me if I'm wrong):

It's in Earthrealm, specifically China.

It is very icy and cold, with a lot of snow. From what we see of it there are no trees and many mountains, so likely an alpine climate.

However in the Alt timeline, the Lin Kuei temple is shown to be surrounded by trees, but still mountainous. So possibly in a mountain valley.

Home to the Lin Kuei temple, the Tengu clan, and the temple of Delia. Said Lin Kuei temple was originally an abandoned temple Sub Zero claimed and refurbished.

Yeah... we don't know much.

I was reading the Wiki to try and get a lead, and it said quote: "Due to the location's weather, Arctika, and therefore, the Temple, could be located in Manchuria." Manchuria is a region in China located in the northeast. But I don't think that lines up either. Manchuria has very different climates depending on the season (hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters) and Arctika is said to be cold all year round. And while yes, Manchuria gets arctic winds from Siberia, the air is dry, leaving very little snowfall.

From here on out, I will be doing my own speculation.

Going on from it being an alpine climate, most likely in a valley, in China, and generally cold with a lot of snowfall, I went and started to research places that fit that criteria.

One in particular caught my eye: Tian Shan. Located in central Asia, crossing through China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. Given how long the range is, we have a lot of wiggle room for the exact location of Arctika.

The name "Tian Shan" also means "Mountains of God/Heaven" or "Celestial Mountains" in Chinese, which I think would make for a nice nod to the temple of Delia or Delia in general.

It is also close to the Himalayas, where (canonically) the reformed Shirai Ryu are located. Making the fighting and eventual alliance we see between the two clans more plausible.

(In my AU the Tengu don’t rule here. The Tengu’s main location is in Japan.)

Arctika is a icy piece of land located in between Eurasia and North America.

Arctika is a icy tundra and is mainly unexplored by the outside world.

Thousands of years ago of years ago a small group of the cryomancers tried to settle in Arctika but they were quickly killed off by Yetis.

It is home to many small Klans. The people there are descendants of a group of Ancient Chinese people who fled Genghis Kahn and the Mongol invasions and settled in Arctika.

Over time they adapted to the icy terrain and formed small groups or “klans”. They also isolated themselves from the outside world, even after the Mongolian empire fell.

Then Kuai Liang, Tomas Vrbada, Cyrax, and Sareena settle in Arctika.

The many separate klans are at first very hostile to the new comers.

But then they are in awe of the four warrior’s powers. Sub Zero offers the struggling klans safety from Yetis and Wendigo. All they have to do is join the new Lin Kuei.

Most of them do. Sub Zero, Sareena, Cyrax and Smoke get to work building the new Lin Kuei village, Academy, and temple. They started teaching the youth technology and modern education.

The reformed Cyberized Lin Kuei members joined them as well.

The Lin Kuei try to keep a balance of traditions and modern technology.

Arctika also has Yetis and Wendigo

The Yetis outnumber both the humans and Wendigo. They’re a very ancient human/ape creatures. They’re savage, aggressive, and travel in families.

The Wendigo fled Canada from a former Nightwolf who tried to destroy them all. Now they hunt the Yeti and humans. Like the Yeti they travel in packs

And of course it is populated by buffalo, caribou, rabbits, wolves, snow leopards, polar bears, penguins, etc.

Also Arctika has small hot springs and forests.