Originally posted by Achivai:

I think it's BS as well. Why can't I make a cold-resistant fur from deer and boar hides?

They were fairly generous about this. You have 2 or 3 capes that you can make that negate the effect, as well as I think two pieces of armor, on top of the potions. The capes are cheap enough that you can stock 2 or 3 extra at home in case you get whacked.
The cold effect makes the drakes hit harder, but they are easy to dodge. The wolves are dangerous, but can't climb well. Take it slow, use your backup bow, snipe the bad guys, grab the body, .... its the same thing you always did with the tiny cold damage aura gimmick added in. I think you can stand in the cold aura naked but fully fed with swamp era food for like 10 min before you die.