Island of Cantor

The island of Cantor is sometimes called "The lyre" this has to do with the shape of the mountain ridges, that somewhat resemble the shape of such a instrument. Besides its shape, the island has more to praise its name. Many a bard comes from this island, playing a instrument or not, all seem to be blessed with a beautiful voice so that even some may find a (temporary job) in elven society.
Since bards need both inspiration and sometimes a solid education, many of them have traveled to Kivarolan, even though the islands are more then two months of travel apart. Cantor is found at little over a months travel north-west of Mercantie. (It is almost considered to be a island in the western region.)
Cantor is not a very small island, but still most inhabitants are found concentrated in the southern area, as the northern shore and the bay shore are nearly impossible to approach by boat. The island measures around one hundred and fifty miles from north to south, while traveling from east to west is a mere eighty miles.

Movement

If not traveling thru the mountains, traveling speeds are the speeds given in the players handbook, as there are plenty of roads. In the mountain terrain however, roads are hard to find. Traveling just ten miles thru the mountains may take up to a day.

Geology of Cantor

The island of cantor used to be a ridge of volcanoes. This still shows in the many mountains and mountain ridges that span the island. The sole exception to this is the western swamp, which is a salt-water marsh. This seems to have formed as a single coral offspring, that later was "consumed" by the raging volcano's.

Political situation

The main profession of the island is being a bard. This is the reason that the political situation of the island is rather odd. The capital Chozenone is the central place where "the singers of songs" have their guild house. The highest ranking bard that is available, acts as the president of the island.
This does not mean that this person will stay on the island. The bards come and go as they see fit, so it is very well possible that the president of today is taking a bath tomorrow and so another bard is in charge.
The "peasants" or those that do not find their living in arts, elect the representative for the great council.

Crime and Justice

As the bards tend not to be very interested in justice, they have struck a deal with "the bar" to not only send barristers to the island, but also have the barristers act as judges and prosecutors if the need is high.
It is pointless to stress that crimes are frequent on the island.

Magic

Devine magic does not stand in high favor, save when used by clerics that follow "funny" or entertaining gods like Apollo or Dionysus. Wizards are advised to not practice their trade on Cantor, while the whimsical sorcerers can get away with using their magic, especially when using it to entertain others.
It should come as no surprise that the magic of bards is seen as a great addition to daily life. It is practically illegal for bards not to use at least half of their spells a day.

Revered gods

As entertainment are among the most highly regarded assets of daily life on Cantor, it should come as no surprise that Apollo and Dionysus are the most popular gods on the island. There is a temple of Irtolie in the capital, but that is just about the only temple not dedicated to Apollo or Dionysus on the island.

Main population

The majority of inhabitants of Cantor are humans, though there is a fair chance to meet some elven people in the streets of Chozenone.
In the small villages to the north and the fortress to the east, some dwarven families have made their home, as the mountains contain some adimantium.

Economy

The main export product for Cantor is fun and entertainment, while the main import is jewelry, expensive fabric and musical instruments.

Map of the island

The map here is but a small version. We suggest you save the larger version that you will get to see when you click on the image. Especially when your goal is to use the map in your further exploration.


The Teolin Setting
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Last update 26-06-2003