Author Notes
Borealia
I knew from the start that I wanted a frozen wasteland, but it didn't really come together until I read the book The Terror by Dan Simmons. That book nailed the feeling I wanted.
I wanted a place which eats the mind, by solitude, cold, hopelessness, remoteness and harshness. By including the ice spirits, I made it even more concrete, more physical. Living in the cold, under the auroras, with voices whispering to you, and you can't really do anything by wait it out, and do small things which may, or may not, save you. That can drive any sane man mad.
I recommend The Terror for inspiration, both the book and the TV series of the same name.