Cantoris

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Object Name: CANTORIS (CAN-torr-RISS)

Celestial Classification: Class A Planet, Oceanic

Planetary Size: ~9556.48584 kmd or 0.75 times the size of LE

Number of Moons: 0

Rotational Period: 25 ESH (25 hours per day)

Orbital Period: ~129 PRY (planetary rotations per year)

Atmospheric Conditions: Category III

Population Size and Diversity: ≥ 1,000,000 Inhabitants (Cantoran, Pivotal Clawdite colonists, Tïbürónn)

Technology Level: Level II (Cantoran) Level III (Cantoran, Clawdite)

Cantoris is a dwarfish, oceanic planet located near the Outer Core of the Galaxy. Covered in gigantic and unfathomably deep seas and oceans, Cantoris’ only landmasses are the series of archipelagos and peninsulas scattered across its surface. Cantoris has no large continents, and the majority of the planet’s mass is billions of liters of water. Despite its lack of surface terrain, Cantoris is home to lengthy chains of underwater mountains and volcanoes, some of which spew hundreds of liters of liquid sulfur and carbon into the darkened depths every planetary rotation. It is rumored that the bottom of Cantoris’ oceans host some of the Galaxy’s most terrifying and ravenous aquatic creatures, but this has never been confirmed. Even the most powerful submersible or interstellar vessels cannot withstand the ridiculous pressure generated beneath the planet’s weighty waves. 

Cantoris is one of two twin dwarf planets that orbit around one another near the Outer Core of the Galaxy. Like its counterpart, Gibralta, Cantoris has a tumultuous climate that forces its inhabitants to be well aware of the limitations of one’s water or land supply. However, unlike Gibralta, Cantoris is an aquatic world where water is plentiful: terrain that is above the waterline is the only resource in short supply. Moreover, the planet’s seasonal oceanic storms and floods frequently submerge sections of each of Cantoris’ larger peninsulas, threatening to completely overcome the smaller eastern islands by plunging them under the waves. As such, the few terrestrial inhabitants have adopted migratory lifestyles that carefully align with the planet’s cyclical cyclones and deluges. 

Though the bulk of Cantoris’ surface is covered in water, there are many distinct biomes of land, plants, and animals located beneath the waves. Near the shallower waters of the planet, there are clusters of photosynthetic and chemosynthetic coral, algae, and other plants which produce the majority of the planet’s underwater oxygen supply. Further beneath the surface, Cantoris has many underwater chasms and trenches, where the majority of the magma deposits and geysers reside. These heat vents are critical to Cantoris’ various ecosystems, as they expunge many of the vital chemicals necessary for oxygen creation and waste filtration. Scattered between the planet’s twilight zone and shallow areas, there are huge outcroppings of fossilized coral and animal remains. Colloquially known as the “Garden of Bones,” or “The Dead Zone,” it is one of the planet’s few underwater areas that is virtually devoid of all life. As such, most of the planet’s inhabitants avoid this area. Unless they are performing a ritual or hunting one of Cantoris’ dangerous beasts, every species on the planet knows that there is nothing to be found within The Dead Zone. 

The Clawdite (KLAH-DEYE-teh)

There are four principal species present on Cantoris, that being the hapless Unguinsapien colonists, the tenacious and zealous Tïbürónn, the beautiful, artistic, and shallow Cantoran, and the mysterious and inexplicable Allerenchian. The Unguinsapien, or as they are more colloquially known, the “Clawdite,” are an imposing species who hail from a distant world located in the far reaches of the Galaxy. These particular Clawdite are the remnants of hopeful colonists who were unfortunately stranded on Cantoris many solar cycles ago. Though they are well adapted towards a tropical environment, these intergalactic immigrants have so far been unable to leave their new humid homesteads as most of their spacecraft were either permanently damaged by the continuous storms or swallowed by the waves entirely. 

As a result, the Clawdite colonists have resorted to forming new semi-nomadic societies. Focusing on seasonal migration, intensive fishing, and cultivating two of the planet’s shallow water crops, the Jösta (HOO-sta) root and the tuberous Waveweed, these groups of Clawdite colonists periodically roam across Cantoris' archipelagos. It is advised that interactions with these multifaceted migrants remain commercial in nature, or to provide safe passage off of Cantoris. Otherwise, it is best to leave these Clawdites alone, for despite their turbulent surroundings, they are as ferocious and indestructible as their far-flung kin. 

The Tibürónn (TEE-boo-ROWN)

The theocratic Tïbürónn are among the most zealous species in the Galaxy. Resembling members of the Late Earth’s shark species, the Tïbürónn seem like something out of Human mythology; large, cartilaginous beings with long, powerful tails, hefty torsos and muscled arms ending in webbed hands and hard claws, they are topped with bulky heads featuring beady eyes and maws full of teeth. Water-breathers and well-adapted for aquatic travel, the Tïbürónn live near the shallower waters of Cantoris. Dwelling within foreboding, fortress-like cities, constructed out of the many species of coral, the Tibürónn thrive in the planet’s more sun-lit waters. Despite their lush habitats—or perhaps because of them—the Tïbürónn are among the most fearsome combatants in the galaxy. Protective and loyal to their friends and terrifying to all of their enemies, the Tibürónn are hostile to all species who attempt to approach their territories without the permission of their leaders.

Tibürónni Faith

Tïbürónni society is strictly theocratic in nature. Though they organize themselves matrilineally, their main government is a parliamentary body called the “Council of the Hierarchs.” A larger congress led by a few select leaders from the most prominent (and faithful) Tïbürónni families, the Council elects the rest of its members from every corner of Tïbürónni society. Gender restrictions for Council membership are virtually nonexistent; both Tïbürónn males and females are welcomed to the Council and all of its proceedings. Regardless of gender, all Tibürónni citizens are allowed a chance to speak within the Council of the Hierarchs, so long as they have proven their worth within Tibürónni society.

A monotheistic society, the Tïbürónn believe that their one true god Kámloholi’i (KAHM-loh-HOL-ee-hee) created all of the oceans and species on Cantoris in His image. However, the Tïbürónn believe they are the only species which closely resembles Kámloholi’i and all of his physical prowess. Therefore, they are the “Chosen Race”, destined to safeguard Cantoris’ shallows and most vibrant wildlife from the deceit and heresy of other aquatic species. To the Tïbürónn, Kámloholi’i is not a benevolent God, and His tenacity, savagery, and omnipotence must be revered and tempered with the loyalty and religious zeal that only the followers of the Path can achieve. 

Tibürónni Social Classes

There are three prominent classes within Tïbürónni society. The first of these is the warrior class, the most desirable and fervently sought position. Charged with guarding Tïbürónni cities, Tïbürónni warriors live to fight enemies (regardless of origin), hunt dangerous beasts, and protect their kin while praising Kámloholi’i. The members of the second Tïbürónni social class are the artisans and sculptors. Responsible for completing monumental works (including tombs, effigies, and sculptures) they honor the most fervent and faithful among the Tïbürónn, while paying tribute to Kámloholi’i. The third and most integral social class are the shamans. The holy priests designated with appeasing Kámloholi’i and honoring Him in as many ways possible, the shamans are the healers and religious rulers of the Tïbürónn. 

Though Tïbürónni males are widely-considered better suited for the warrior class, males and females are allowed to occupy any societal class they wish, save that they prove their worth and loyalty to Kámloholi’i. Similarly, there are minimal restrictions or expectations associated with childrearing and homemaking, save that once females lay their eggs and males fertilize them, males are required to take care of their young while the females recover. After this brief recuperation period, Tïbürónni males and females are expected to take mutual responsibility for their young all while continuing to praise Kámloholi’i. Moreover, resuming their usual duties associated with their social class is also required after the females finish their recuperation period. Though Tïbürónni society is a warlike, faith-driven civilization, both sexes are equally valued and are considered crucial towards worshipping their one true God.

All told, once a Tïbürónn has chosen their social class, they devote the remainder of their lives towards their craft, their families, and honoring Kámloholi’i. However, regardless of social class, the Tïbürónn are among the most zealous and devoted species in the galaxy. As such, it is highly advised that all who attempt to interact with the Tïbürónn take time to fully develop mutualistic relationships with them (or accompany one of their trusted allies) before entering their territory. Otherwise, one certainly risks a quick and bloody death by the tridents or jaws of these saintly soldiers.

Tibürónni Rituals

The Tïbürónn honor their most faithful ancestors and praise Kámloholi’i through multiple ways. One of the most prominent of these is the practice of Näya Kolola (NEYE-YAH KOH-LOH-LAH), one of the holiest holidays on the Tïbürónni calendar. Named after the revered artisan who crafted the first holy temple, it is a lengthy ceremony that encompasses multiple planetary rotations and calls upon all Tïbürónni of each social class. In particular, it requires that the Tïbürónni artisans work together to craft (or modify) a unique monument in Kámloholi’i’s honor. The holiday also requires that all Tïbürónni shamans and healers seek out the Kohólohi’i (KOH-HOH-LOH-HEE-EE), an uncommon mercury-filled seashell used for making the invaluable “Scryer’s Tears.” A rare and potent fluid, Scryer’s Tears is coveted by Tïbürónni shamans, for it allows them to interpret troublesome dreams, discern Kámloholi’i’s will, and properly advise the Council of Hierarchs. 

Another of the most influential and important ceremonies within Tïbürónni society is the “T’laholo’ak Ko’aonaoh-aka” (teh-LAH-holo-AHHK KO-oww-NAH-oh-AKAH) which roughly translates to “The Ceremony of the Coming of Age.” As the name implies, it is an important ritual for all young Tïbürónni: when a young Tïbürónni comes of age (the rough equivalent of 50 Earthen years) they are required to hunt and slay a special species of fish. Locally known as the O’ohkana Krok’ana (OOH-OAK-KANAH KROW-KANAH), it is a gigantic carnivorous creature whose spines, fangs, and fins contain one of the most potent and lethal poisons in the Galaxy. If the young Tïbürónni succeeds in slaying their foe and bringing the corpse back to their village, they will be honored by their local representative on the Council of Hierarchs and formally inducted into the warrior class. However, if the Tïbürónni fails to bring down their prey, or simply chooses not to, they are allowed to train as either a future shaman or artisan. This will require the personal recommendation of a prominent Tïbürónni artisan or shaman, and a mentor from either social class. 

The Cantoran (CAN-TORR-an)

In contrast, the cetacean Cantoran are neither warlike nor theocratic. Aquatic mammals and air breathers, they are well-known for their ability to survive multiple planetary rotations without surfacing for air. The Cantoran are rotund in shape, with large fins lining their backs, tails, and forearms. Featuring thick necks, torsos, and arms, Cantorans have gigantic jaws housing rows of knobby (but nonetheless dangerous) teeth. A strong but slow-moving species, the Cantoran rely upon their thick, durable skin and nearly unbreakable bones for fending off predatory beasts or warring Tïbürónni soldiers. 

However, the Cantoran face few threats from the other species on the planet. Their main dwellings are located near Cantoris' twilight zone,  where little sunlight permeates down into the darkened water. As a result, only a few species of plants live near Cantoran dwellings, and only the most enduring species dare approach these barren areas. Cantoran homes, made from the volcanic stones and ashes spewed from the planet’s underwater geysers and magma pockets, are well-fortified against any invading force. Toxic to nearly all other aquatic species, few creatures dare approach Cantoran dwellings for fear of exposure to tainted materials. Furthermore, over many generations, the Cantoran have developed a natural immunity to the noxious gasses near their homes, and as such, use them as another form of natural defense.

Cantoran Culture

Cantoran culture is very prudish in nature; beauty and artistry are prized above all other traits. Every Cantoran dwelling is lined with the rare, beautiful, and volatile gemstones formed within their nearby magma pockets and are often viewed as symbols of one’s fertility and undisputed attractiveness. Cantorans are a vain people, and aside from their looks, they only value two other qualities: their echolocation ability and their fertility. While the Cantoran do have a spoken language, their primary mode of communication involves their “singing”—a series of high-pitched noises, clicks, and moans in multiple sequences that convey certain messages to each other. Their calls, which can be so potent that they are labelled as “the screams from hell” or “the music of the Gods”, are seen as a demonstration of one’s musical ability and another sign of one’s innate beauty. As such, the ability to “sing” is highly coveted among Cantoran society, and whenever one is unable to properly echolocate, they are frequently ostracized and subsequently banished outside of their volcanic cities to live the rest of their days in exile. 

The other trait critical to Cantoran society is their natural fertility. Cantoran females are highly valued within their culture as their birth rate is only two children per lifetime. Additionally, it is rumored that the Cantoran their birthing process is excruciating, and having children is a mark of one's inner strength and power. Similarly, marriage is a prized status in Cantoran society. Virginity is a desirable trait among Cantoran females, but unlike other species, it has nothing to do with procreation. In Cantoran society, virginity is directly related to how many times a Cantoran individual has been married to another Cantoran. A successful marriage is a goal that all Cantorans, regardless of sex, strive for throughout their lives, and fear of matrimonial failure is almost as strong as the species’ sense of vanity.

In any event, marriage and motherhood are seen as the strongest display of beauty for female Cantorans. As such, any familial deaths are mourned for many planetary rotations, as the death of one’s child—especially if they are young—is a momentous loss to the entire community. Some of the most critically acclaimed Cantoran “songs” were composed in response to young Cantoran deaths, as the mourning cries of a grief-stricken Cantoran mother are heard throughout the entirety of Cantoris’ oceans. 

Cantoran Governance

Cantoran society is organized under a series of prominent houses who are in charge of governing a specific volcanic city. In turn, each leader of their houses must pay tribute and loyalty to the current ruler of the species. The Neanali’i (NEE-ann-ALEE-ee) Royal Family, which has ruled the entirety of the Cantoran people for the equivalent of 1000 Human years, has a history of abusive and authoritarian rulers. The current ruler, King Cálo’honi’ikii (CAHL-LOH-oho-NEE-eekee) has a reputation of being the first kind and benevolent ruler in many orbital periods. However, it has been confirmed that King Cálo’honi’ikii has conducted unofficial deals with the turbulent trench dwelling Allerenchians. So far, he has used their advanced technology to tighten the ruling family’s hold on the Cantoran houses, strengthening his hold on his people.

It is also rumored that King Cálo’honi’ikii’s recent re-institution of the Ïicheno’ookenee (EEE-KENN-oh-ook-ENN-EEE) (or as the rough translation goes, the “Shell Shrine”) and the mandatory worship of the two Cantoran deities, the All-Father Peleölo (PELL-eh-OOH-loh) and the All-Mother Ialomaika (EYE-ALOH-meye-kah), was only implemented as a political distraction. Some members of the prominent Cantoran houses have committed themselves self-exile in the Tïbürónni shallows to escape the Royal Family's influence. Though their relationships with the Tïbürónn are strained at best, female Cantoran exiles have strategically become the concubines of some of the more powerful Tïbürónni warlords and shamans. As the Tïbürónn and the Cantoran cannot procreate, and the raw power of the Tïbürónn and unbridled beauty of the Cantoran are mutually attractive to either species, it seems that this arrangement is mutually beneficial. A few select Tïbürónni have intimate relationships with beautiful partners with no consequences, and the Cantoran political exiles can ensure their own protection. 

Nonetheless, the ferocity of the Tïbürónni and the unpredictable beauty of the Cantoran are not compromised by this arrangement, and it seems to have only angered King Cálo’honi’ikii and his supporters. It is therefore strongly advised to engage with the Cantoran on an individual basis, and to avoid angering any members of the various Cantoran houses or the Royal Family at all costs. Unwary or unfortunate guests of the Cantoran people have been known to “disappear” whenever they crossed the Royal Family and were subsequently never heard from again. 

The Allerenchian (AHL-ler-ENCH-ee-an)

Like their distant cousins on Pandor-β, little is known about the Allerenchians species or their society as a whole. Allerenchian technology, weaponry, and social structure(s) are currently unknown, save that the species lives at the bottom of Cantoris’ oceans. The withdrawn water-breathers only surface when they are confronted by Tïbürónni military zealots, Clawdite foragers or wandering Cantoran artists near the shallower areas of the planet. When this occurs, Allerenchians have been known to either defend themselves viciously, rarely leaving any survivors, or quickly leave the area in a shower of inky black liquid. It is rumored that Allerenchian cities house large interdimensional portals, perhaps connecting their underwater civilization to a distant home world. In any event, caution is paramount when interacting with Allerenchians, especially if one manages to encounter them beneath the surface.