Setting Principles

A constellation of islands. The idea of sprawling, unbroken continents would be a bizarre one to the denizens of the Archipelago. This is a world of wind and waves, where the endless sea is the only constant you can rely upon. Even the largest islands can be crossed in a week or two, and the ocean is never far from view.

Wood is precious. A ship is a valuable thing in a world without continental forests. That’s why the most popular kind of vessel is a canoe, which can be hewn from a single precious tree trunk or two. Larger vessels do exist, but they cost a small fortune. Such expensive ships are usually trading vessels, floating warehouses with endless room for goods and treasure.

There are no empires. The islands of the Archipelago are small and far-flung, for the most part, and the ocean is vast. Some are more influential than others, but there are no ocean-spanning empires. When islands come into conflict you might see intrigue and raids, even the occasional naval battle. Pirates are a constant threat. But you won’t see any hegemonies bristling with warships, projecting their power over the map with indomitable navies.

It’s a small world. There’s always another island over the horizon, but even the largest and most populous of them aren’t home to a great many people. News travels quickly by sail and paper sprite, and a bad reputation can follow you wherever you may go.

The ocean is wide and weird. Culture and customs can vary wildly between islands separated by hundreds or even thousands of miles. The Archipelago itself is alive with spirits and overflowing with magic. Many accept the strangeness of their world with a shrug and a shake of the head, but not all. The ocean cries out to be wandered, and there are always seafarers ready to heed its call.