The people speak a dialect of Kheman.

Cantanian (can-TAIN-ee-an) foreign policy is positively neutral. By refusing to take sides in any issue they avoid making enemies, and preserve their reputation as a port where all may meet in safety. Its coast is on the Inner Sea.

In theory, the King has supreme authority in the country. In practice, the Royal Seal is only half of the approval needed to create a law or issue an order. The Guild Council must also give approval. All the acts of the King are subject to the agreement of the Council.

The Council consists of seven men, one from each Guild, who meet twice weekly to discuss affairs of state. Royal representatives and other advisers may attend the meetings, provided their business is connected with whatever laws or problems are under discussion in that session.

A rare feature of Cantanian society is the existence of a non-hereditary ruling class, a middle-class. It is this class that controls the Guilds.

The major guilds are: Merchants, Master Craftsmen, Administrators, Military, Mages, Farmers and Seafarers.

 There are two major cities in Cantania: the seaport capital of Kimar (KEY-mar), and the border city of Mattara (mat-ARE-er).

Visitors to Kimar should not fail to see the harbor area, or sample some of the excellent fish dishes. Those with young children do best to avoid the nightlife in the sailors’ district, although it is an experience few young men manage to resist.

For those wishing to avoid the seaside, the city of Mattara is not to be missed. Despite its smaller size, the city has much to offer. It is much newer and smaller than Kimar, and caters to a more subtle class of visitors. Being handy for the Khem and Lamnid borders, it is the first real taste of Cantania most visitors get, and it styles itself accordingly.

If this is your first visit, be sure to see the massive Freedom Fountain, recently completed. Also be sure to visit the headquarters of the Master Craftsmen’s Guild. This is the only Guild to have its headquarters outside of Kimar, and the building is an excellent example of the modern Cantanian style.

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