Arden Island

Arden Island is a remote island off the coast of Newfoundland, known for its rocky shoreline and the dense fog that frequently settles over its waters. The island lies in a particularly fog prone stretch of the North Atlantic, where fog can linger for days or even weeks at a time. Local sailors often remark that the fog around Arden Island seems unusually persistent, sometimes appearing without clear explanation.

Despite its isolation, Arden Island is home to the capital town of Drift Bay, a small harbor city with a population of around 5,000 citizens, serving as the island’s main port and center of activity. The city is overseen by Mayor Henry Calahn, who was born on the island and manages town matters, including harbor administration and local infrastructure.

Due to the frequent fog and shifting weather conditions, navigation around the island has historically been considered difficult, and the surrounding waters are known among local mariners for their unpredictable visibility. Despite the island’s isolation, Fogpoint Radio’s signal antenna is powerful enough to reach far beyond Arden Island itself, carrying broadcasts across the surrounding waters and even reaching parts of the mainland.

Arden Island is divided into several distinct districts, each serving a specific role within the island’s daily life and infrastructure. The Harbor District forms the primary gateway to the island. It contains the ferry line connecting Drift Bay to the mainland, as well as docking areas for smaller vessels. Along the waterfront, a number of modest commercial shops can be found, serving both locals and arriving visitors. Located on higher ground is the Lighthouse District, positioned along a rugged coastal point. The lighthouse itself stands at the edge of the cliffs, overlooking the surrounding waters. A short distance inland, the headquarters of Fogpoint Radio can be found. The area is accessible via a narrow, winding stairway along the cliffs. Within Drift Bay lies the Commercial District, commonly referred to as the Market District. This central area serves as the town’s main hub, featuring a collection of shops, small businesses and several cafés where citizens gather throughout the day.

In the northern part of the island lies a small and rather isolated settlement often called Greyfen Town. No permanent road or transport line leads to this area, and a dense forest separating it from the rest of the island has kept its citizens largely secluded for generations. Despite the island’s isolation, Fogpoint Radio’s signal antenna is powerful enough to reach far beyond Arden Island itself, carrying broadcasts across the surrounding waters and even reaching parts of the mainland.

Little is known about the South-East shore of Arden Island. It does appear hidden on public maps, and citizens are strongly advised not to travel there.
No official explanation is given. The area is simply considered OFF LIMITS.

The waters surrounding Drift Bay are dotted with several small islands. None are known to have permanent inhabitants, and some are little more than exposed rock, barely large enough to support a small shed.
Most are rarely visited, and little is known about them.

Mining

In the past an iron ore mine once operated beneath the Northern Cliffs. It was closed prematurely when the cliffs became too dangerous, but the old mine entrance still exists.

Ore was transported by boat, but the constant fog made the route dangerous. Several vessels were reported to have become “lost” while carrying ore, with some never reaching port.

Tourism

Tourism on Arden Island has never been particularly common, despite several efforts by local officials to encourage greater interest in the island. Its remote position, persistent fog, and somewhat difficult accessibility have long kept visitor numbers modest, with most arrivals consisting of occasional mainland travelers.

A more recent initiative, however, has sought to change this. Plans have reportedly been set in motion for the construction of a new luxury harbor hotel in Drift Bay, intended to offer more refined accommodation to future visitors arriving by ferry or private vessel. The proposal is said to form part of a broader attempt to present the island as a destination of greater interest and comfort.

The project has, however, caused considerable controversy among the citizens of Drift Bay. Many islanders have questioned whether such a development truly belongs on Arden Island, arguing that a grand hotel of this kind stands at odds with the town’s character and the island’s long-established atmosphere. Whether the building will ultimately come to be accepted as part of island life remains uncertain.

The construction of this new building was first reported in March (2026) and can be found on the Archive page.

Transport

The trolley bus was introduced to Drift Bay by mainland corporate investors testing the still novel electric system, to the surprise of a town its size. The compact, circular layout of the streets made installation unusually simple.

Two lines now run the circuit in opposite directions, known to locals as the Light Line and the Dark Line. Fares remain steep, a holdover from the network's mainland ownership, so the trolley sees regular use mainly from elderly citizens and the island's wealthier few, while most others still walk or use a different kind of vehicle.

The Drift Bay Ferry Line remains the only sanctioned route to the mainland, though official island messaging rarely presents it as a necessity. Islanders are frequently reminded that Drift Bay, and Arden Island as a whole, already holds everything one could possibly need. Ferry staff are said to be instructed never to speak of the mainland as an appealing destination.

The Drift Bay Circus

For most of the year, the playground at Drift Bay remains closed and fenced off, its grounds largely unused. Each summer, however, the gates are opened as the site is transformed into the home of the Drift Bay Summer Circus.

The circus traditionally arrives in August, when the days begin to grow shorter and the evenings turn noticeably colder. A large Victorian style circus tent is built on the grounds, accompanied by smaller attractions, a fortune teller and other local performers. This year, Fogpoint Radio has also begun promoting the event during its broadcasts.

One of the most familiar names associated with the circus is Miss Evelyn Bellmere, a well known fortune teller who first gained popularity after appearing at the Summer Circus. Following her success, Miss Bellmere is said to have settled permanently in Drift Bay, where she continues to offer her services during the Summer Circus.

The Drift Bay Flag

The flag of Drift Bay was created through a public design initiative in which citizens were invited to submit their own designs. One design was eventually selected and adopted as the official flag of the town. The selection was done via the newly established The Discord Communication Network.