Osmen
This article refers to the geological continent of Osmen. See also: Osmeni Empire
Osmen is a large, populous continent accounting for around 20% of the Known World's population. Osmen lies close to the equator, and while being generally warm, it features a wide range of climates and biomes. It is a producer of several important resources, and the traditional home of many fascinating cultures.
Governance
The Osmeni Empire control the countries in Osmen, as well as having control over Skypiros and several territories across the nearby continent of Lelta. Each country has their own governance, while still answering to the Emporer or Empress in power.
Geology, Geography and Climate
Osmen is a large continent, encompassing 22 different countries. It is separated from Aresia by the White Sea, and finds itself closeby to Ettermeer.
Its largest country is Elterin and its smallest is Ptelmi. Its climate varies from tropical and warm in the South to arid, hot and dry in the North. The central countries are home to vast plains and arid scrub. The common idiom "As rare as snow in Osmen" is not entirely true, with small dusting of snow known to fall on the tallest of mountains during winter.
Biodiversity
Osmen is incredibly biodiverse, with not only a wide range of populous biomes on its land, but also in its oceans. Biodiversity has been improving in the last century, with the Osmeni Empire taking action to control the hunting of many threatened species. While deforestation was a massive problem historically, it has seen a rapid decline now that most forests are protected by law.
Water
Many of those who live past the Koltan mountain range to the North face pressure surrounding water scarcity. While the South of Osmen enjoys some of the most consistent and heavy rain in the Known World, the Koltan Mountains block most rain clouds from depositing water to the North of the continent. The Kol River runs through the centre of Northern Osmen, which feeds the majority of large cities. Small towns are the hardest hit, with limited pipe networking meaning they rely on ground and rainwater predominantly. While pipe networks from the South have been discussed, none have currently come to construction stages, and water insecurity is one of the largest humanitarian pressures experienced by North Osmen.
Resources
Mining
Osmen is a wealth of minable resources. A large supplier of metals, Osmen contains a wealth of gold, silver, iron, tin and copper. Opal is also common in the depths of the Northern aridlands. Irasil's Teeth, beryl gemstones and diamond are also important. Flux is mined in vast quantities in Osmen, with Osmen being the sole producer of the rare and exquisite roseflux, an exceptionally pure variant of pink flux.
Most importantly, North Osmen is the sole producer of osmenium, a metal capable of being sharpened to a very fine edge, is highly non-corrosive and can be mixed into an alloy with steel to create Osmeni steel.
Food
Osmen produces almost all of its food supplies, with imports consisting of mostly speciality goods. Osmen has a rich supply of food and often exports its excess. Osmen is a major producer of fish in particular, as well as tropical fruits. The major crops are barley, corn and wheat.
Sea salt is harvested on the eastern coast of Osmen, where the water is particularly clean and the salt produces fine and flavourful crystals.
Other Natural Resources
Other specific notable resources produced by Osmen include wood, Myrrowskin, leather, sheep and rabbitnut.
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