Cantha

Cantha (Continent)
Cantha is the new continent introduced in 'Guild Wars Factions'. There are three nations on this continent: Cantha, Kurzick, and Luxon.

A drawn map of the Canthan continent can be found on the official Japanese Factions site.

International relationship on the continent
The Luxons and the Kurzicks are vassel nations absorbed into the Cathan Empire long ago. While they politically and economically fall under the Empire, they retain their unique cultures til today, and are granted certain amount of autonomy.

The fierce conflicts between the Luxons and the Kurzicks is what keeps each of them internally together. The conflict began from the incident of Shiro Tagachi's murder of the 27th Emperor of Cantha. Prior to that event they had peaceful interactions. Two hundred years ago, the heroes of the Luxons and the Kurzicks joined together to defeat Shiro. Its aftermath, the Jade Wind, changed the shape of the land, and resulted in the death of the two heroes and countless other people. Ever since then, there was a deep rift between the Luxons and the Kurzicks.

Cantha (Nation)
Cantha (also known as the "Empire of the Dragon"), an empire of sailing merchants, maintains close trade relations with Kryta. Cargo ships and ferries from Cantha land at the docks of Lion's Arch and Sanctum Cay on a daily basis.

Currently Emperor Kisu rules Cantha.

This is what Jiaju Tai, a merchant from Cantha, explains about the location of Cantha:


 * "Cantha lies south (of Kryta), across the ocean ... past the ruins of Orr, past the islands of fire, past the crystal lands of burning sun, and beyond the clashing seas. Only the greatest sailors dare such a journey, I assure you."

However, Cantha also maintains a few islands as trade outposts much closer to Kryta, in the Sea of Sorrows, the gulf south of Kryta.

Two towns have been confirmed as being in Cantha: Seitung Harbor and Kaineng City.

Foreign Relations

 * Has two vassel nations, the Kurzicks and the Luxons.
 * Used to have trade relations with the Tyrian nations, but was long ago severed.
 * In 1071 AE, reestablished trade relations with Kryta through the "Lion's Arch Second Treaty" (interim translation of "ライオンアーチ第2条約").

The Emperor's Court
(interim translation from "皇帝の宮廷") Much of the Emperor's Court consist of the nobility. It is filled with people of various backgrounds, flatterers in positions of trust, as well as Kurzick and Luxon spies who don't bother to conceal their identities.

Within the court there are also agents of the Emperor. These agents act as the public face of the Emperor, and carry out political or military activities. The agents serve as the right arm of the Emperor. There are masters of swordsmanship, known as "The Highness' Sword" (interim translation of "陛下の剣"). There are people who convey the Emperor's messages, known as "The Highness' Spokesman" (interim translation of "陛下のスポークスマン"). Also, in situations where neither military might nor diplomacy would serve, "The Highness' Arm" (interim translation of "陛下の片腕") will faithfully act on the Emperor's orders.

The Observatory
(interim translation of "天文庁", alternately "Hall of Astronomy")

The Observatory is part of the bureaucracy of the Canthan empire. Over the long years, it has grown overly large and has ceased to function effectively. Even though the Emperor, highest authority of the nation, has sensed the corruption spreading in the bureaucracy, he is unable to stop the bureaucratism sweaping through Kaineng City. The Observatory carries the responsibilty laiden with great trust by Myst Oracle, the highest position in the bureaucracy. However, the power of Myst Oracle has become in name only.

Within the Observatory, there are four "Halls" (interim translation of "庁") in charge of different tasks to help the functioning of the Empire. The four halls are named after the four natural elements, and over several hundred years, took on tasks that The Observatory can't handle. They also administer mysterious powers associated with their respective elements. Among the tasks of the Halls, one that is most directly related to the citizens is the collection of taxes. While the citizens have great love of their Emperor, the bereaucracy that runs the government is seen as a ill-favored existence.

The Hall of Fire
The oldest of the four halls, it is in charge of the court and the laws. Criminals found guilty are punished with the flame.

Mysterious power: administers sun-rise and sunset.

The Hall of Earth
Record keeper, city planner, and account. "The Hall of Earth is the Paperwork", as the saying goes. The Hall of Earth often starts new public projects before the previous ones are completed, and the projects often benefit individuals or groups closely associated with the Hall of Earth. It is one Hall of bad reputation.

Mysterious power: administers hunting, agriculture, and mineral resources.

The Hall of Water
In charge of water supply to the cities, irrigation, and fishery. Additionally, the ports of Cantha are jointly admnistered by the Hall of Water and the Hall of Wind. The quarrel over jurisdiction is the source of endless conflict.

Mysterious power: administers the amount of rainfalls.

The Hall of Wind
Rules over all trade, on land or over the sea. If ship captains pay taxes to the Hall of Wind, they can get the wind to blow in the direction they want, or at least that's what the Hall of Wind claims. The ports of Cantha are jointly administered by the Hall of Water and the Hall of Wind.

Mysterious power: administers wind and hurricanes.

Guild Halls
Cantha gives Guilds the opportunity to settle their Guild Hall on one of their islands in The Battle Isles. To do this, talk to the Canthan Ferry Captain at the docks of Lion's Arch and take the Canthan Ferry.

This is what the Canthan Ambassador explains upon your arrival at any of the islands:


 * "These islands and many like them across the ocean are within the domain of the great empire of Cantha. While the northern powers fear the influence of powerful guilds, Cantha recognizes the value that many guilds bring to Tyria. If you are the leader of a reputable guild, you can petition to make your home on one of the Canthan islands."

Read the Guild Hall Guide for more detailed information about how to get a Guild Hall.