The Mare of Winter can be an image to dread for the unwary traveling during the turn of the seasons. More often than not seen as a unicorn walking the mountain passes, the Mare of Winter marks the coming cold. A thick trail of ice is often left the Mare’s wake, forming sheets and walls of ice miles long. While the ponies of Paladia are no strangers to cold temperatures, the addition of Ice each season closes trails, blocks roads, and makes much of the countryside impassable without wearing special travel gear or digging through large ice formations.
However, the Mare of Winter can be a very welcome sight to any pony in the northern regions of the country. Many of the larger more dangerous beasts that populate those regions become dormant. Yeti, Ettins, and Dredge are rarely seen as the walls of ice will close off thier hunting grounds or simply block ponies from wandering into their territory. The winter’s chill also sends many of the lower regions beasts and monsters into hiding. Ratlings, goblins, and harpies are known to hibernate during winter making travel much safer.
There are always dangers to be found but during winter time though danger is far less likely to come looking for you. As a result, winter can be one of the happiest and care free times for the ponies of Paladia. With harvests completed, everypony can enjoy the fruits of their labor. Spiced ciders, moonberry wine, hot chocolate from the Tidan forest, Angry Apple pie, savory and hearty soups just to barely scratch the surface of all the food and treats Paladians can enjoy in peace.