Canto

Canto is the "Great Free City of the West". It is one of the largest Shavhani ports outside of the Three Dynasties and a major trade hub of the Shavhani Coast. The city controls the main passage to Vanh-Gu-Shei, and is located on the island of Gongol, among the Mantis Isles. The disputed territories of Canto and its surrounding isles are known as the Cantese Provinces.
The Grand City of Canto is in a precarious position, and must constantly maintain a delicate balancing act between its neighbours; the Three Dynasties, the Gol'Shivaar pirates, the Orkhovan Zongol Tribe, the landed mercenaries of the Cantese Provinces, and the Ancestral Cult of Xon-Xon whom it shares an island with. Additionally, the city is often under attack from the native Kiriigon people of the isles, who hold a grudge. Coups are common throughout the city's history, though no great power has ever managed to hold it for long.
When not in the midst of a power struggle, Canto is a fabulously wealthy city, both due to the extortionate taxes it charges for travel through the area, and the almost-exclusive resources it has access to; the treasures of Gongol such as Star-Metal, Greatshell, and a variety of exotic coral and fungus.
Due to the many threats surrounding it, the city's territory is heavily fortified, with watchtowers and castles up and down the strait it controls, and high walls around the city itself. Not to mention the impressive navy, consisting mostly of bulky ships-of-the-line, armoured with greatshell and equipped with imported artillery from Vanh-Gu-Shei, which are able to completely block off the strait if needed.
Canto also possesses a large militia force, who are highly distinctive due to their chitinous Greatshell armour and weapons. Some of their greatest warriors are even equipped with Star-Metal blades.
At the peak of its power, Canto controlled the ports of Lin Peng, Yi Ti, Gangkou and Dezhu. However it was forced to let go of most of these due to pressure from the Three Dynasties and Gol'Shivaar pirates.
Due to its independent status and the constant switches in rulership over its history, Canto is the most culturally and religiously diverse city in Shavhan. The majority of the population are of Qui or Xang descent, however there is a large presence of Taigon, Zongols, Chakrou, and a small number of the elusive Kiriigon people of the Mantis Isles. Canto has no main state religion, but all manners of worship can be found here, including Shoguvhan worship, the Ancestral Cult, the Zongol gods, Shin'Kaano, and various other groups.