Obsidian Isles (Landmass)

The Obsidian Isles are one of the seven continents of Utopia: unique among the continents it does not comprise any large landmasses but instead is a collection of small to medium islands, all of which are entirely in the northern hemisphere. The isles are the second least populated continent by population1, the vast majority of whom live in Anteria. The Nordic ocean surrounds the entire continent: the persistent landmasses that dot the ocean lead to shallow waters that are easily navigable. Cold wind blows unimpeded from Tramuntana in the north, and this along with the rugged terrain of many of the islands leads to the small population seen in many Obsidian nations. Many of these islands also have an acute lack of arable land and sparse vegetation; these factors combined contributed to the small populations seen across the continent, as well as dictating the expansionist behaviour of many of these countries historically. The nations of the continent have at various times expanded across Utopia and significantly altered the course of history; Norðen, the First Confederation of Anteria, Empire of Jadefall and the Serene Republic of Trondelang were all regionally and globally dominant during different eras of history. The lack of resources native to the continent drove many of these nations’ expansionist tendencies, whilst their reliance on waterborne travel gave way to strong maritime traditions, enabling many states to retain overseas territories for extended periods of time, some even to this day. Today the continent remains divided largely in the same way as it has been throughout history: Svalbard, Anteria, the Nordic Democratic Republic, and Jadefall roughly equal in power who each patrol and maintain their own waters whilst respecting the others.

• 1. Based on 2023 census data recorded in the world of Utopia document.