4.I

Of the rolling hills and rocky shores of Cantor much can be said. The lands are blessed by both azure waters and numerous coastlines. The sky vault is high compared to the biting chill of shallower realms and in all but deepest winter the shadow of the great northern pillar never falls over the the verdant hues of olive groves and vineyards.

In all its lands the soils are of fertile abundance for the good bidding of Mother Earth for she holds great love of wine and merriment.

Thick fields of wheat colour many rolling hills golden brass most seasons. And along the shores are either rounded stones or soft sands depending on the disposition of the land.

Amidst the golden seas of grain are also the great profusions of grape vineyards and groves of gnarled and venerable olive trees.

Where the land is not dominated by grain there are then the pastures of the fine and wonderful herds of cattle. The most prized specimens of which are from epirus and in particular the vast bulls matching in size and muscle to an elephant and renowned for their recital of poetry that bests the wit of senators.

But even the lesser breeds of cantoran taurus are expected to host one or two orators in a herd capable of simple discourse in clear and civil speech.

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At the shores are the fishing villages and their labyrinthine roads which twist in every which way. From the sea they pull their bounty daily with the blessings of the seven winds and their seagods.

Tuna and Porpoise are especially prized fish but even the lessers are made well use of in the fine succor of garum.

Although the works where the wonderful sauce is made are set well down wind of all but the least of habitation.

And I would be remiss in not mentioning the cities of Cantor, but especially the shining jewel of cities herself from which the Cantor is taken.

Capital of the Dynasty of the Sun lands.

Home of a million souls, seat of the senate,

Teeming brick buildings stack three to four apartments high and dozens deep off each road.

With the voices of all the far flung realms and their many languages meeting here.

Spice and meat from every land whether over skypass, underway or seachannel they all came to the market streets here.

The City of Cantor, Heart of the Dynastic Sun’s Blessed Lands.

- Excerpt from Orion’s Historica naturalis Cantora