Canthart’s Beacon

Hanging high above the surface of Kelbonnar, nestled amongst the other stars, Canthart’s Beacon is one of the brightest celestial bodies that can be viewed from the surface of the world. Its constant position above the Imperial Capital Meltaro and its appearance at the birth of Machestaro, the first Emperor of Turelion and Kelbonnar means that it has become a potent symbol for theEmpire of Turelion's and its dominion over the world.

Cultural Significance

The appearance of Canthart’s Beacon in the skies above Meltaro has long been taken as a sign by the Empire of Turelion of their right to rule over the rest of the world, as well as of the predominance of the deity Canthart, who is now celebrated and promoted across Kelbonnar through the vehicle of the Imperial Church of Canthartism. For the people of Turelion, Canthart’s Beacon is also taken as a sign that marks their province, and the Imperial Capital Meltaro as the centre of the world. As a result depictions of Canthart’s Beacon appear in myriad forms in the art and literature of Kelbonnar. The flag of Turelion Province bears it as a central image, and it is frequently depicted in the iconography of the The Imperial Church of Canthartism.

Geography

Canthart’s Beacon is located amongst the myriad other stars that look down on Kelbonnar, but it maintains is place directly above the location of the capital city of the Empire of Turelion, Meltaro. Some have gone even further and have suggested that the star lies directly above the exact place of Machestaro's s birth, though this is contested by scholars, partly because the birthplace of the first Emperor has long been lost in the midst of time, and partly because it is deemed impossible to pin point Canthart’s Beacon is directly above with more precision than above Meltaro.
Regardless of exactly where in Meltaro Canthart’s Beacon lies directly above, the star is visible from almost every point in the night sky, regardless of where one is on the surface of Kelbonnar. As the Beacon is brighter than the surrounding stars it is easy to spot, and has been used ever since its appearance to give a consistent indication of an easterly, or westerly direction, depending on which continent one is stood

Type

Star