Qeynos
Qeynos is one of the largest cities in all of Norrath, and one of the two large coastal cities run by the humans. The docks of the city provide trade from Qeynos to the high human city of Erudin, as well as to other areas along the coast. The Guards of Qeynos command posts throughout the surrounding terrain, providing protection to travellers as far away the the Plains of Karana. Most of the major guilds are present in this town, and it is the home of the Clanhouse of the Silent Fist. There is a seamy underbelly to this city, like other port cities, and rumors of corruption and smuggling as well as unsavory street dwellers are a part of everyday life here. There are many (some say too many) drinking establishments within the high walls of the city.
Map
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North Qeynos
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South Qeynos
Note the Royal Qeynos Forge is located next to the Clock Tower at approximately 375, -365. |
Surrounding Area
The Gates of Qeynos are a bustle of activity. Many young explorers practice their weapon skills on the sewer creatures that inhabit the area, as well as on the Klikniks, which have an as yet undiscovered hive near the city of Qeynos. More dangerous creatures are fended off by the city guard, and the gnolls from nearby Blackburrow occasionally make assaults on the gates.
Further from the gates are the Hills of Qeynos, an area jointly patrolled by Guards of Qeynos and the rangers and druids of Surefall Glade. These hills are more dangerous to the traveller, and wild animals roam freely. Haunted ruins dot the landscape, and the hideous entrance to the dark hole of Blackburrow juts out of the cliff face here.
Traveling To and From
Qeynos is a major hub of travel on the western coast of Antonica. It is the only major port which receives regular traffic from Erudin, our human brothers to the west. A great deal of mystical knowledge is gained through this alliance. We are separated from our barbarian brothers in the northlands by the savage gnolls of Blackburrow, but many of them battle their way through to see the lands south of their home. We maintain a strong alliance with the rangers and druids of Surefall Glade, though they prefer to stay clear of our streets and buildings.
To the east, however, lies vast uncharted territory. The human city of Freeport might as well lie on the sun as on our very continent, for no traveler has managed to create an ocean route to that port, and overland travel either takes one through the savage swamps of the ogres and trolls or through the Plains of Karana and lands further to the east, which are populated by bandits and giants, as well as other creatures that defy description. Our City Guard maintains posts in the Plains of Karana, but they are scattered and only extend into the western edge of this vast area.
History
Originally named Oceangreen Village, The Lawful City of Qeynos was founded in the year 3000 by the great Human hero Antonius Bayle, around whom the formerly nomadic Humans of the plains eagerly rallied. In 3061, his successor, Antonius Bayle II, led a movement to rename the now Human-dominated continent of Tunaria "Antonica" after his father (and coincidentally also after himself).
In the year 3097 Qeynos was invaded, and much of the city was destroyed. When the war ended and the Antonius II began to rebuild, he decided to expand the city all the way to the coastline and open a port to invite trade with Erudin and other seafaring cities. Not long after his son took over the throne, and Qeynos entered a period of peaceful diplomacy.
The current ruler, the young and well-loved Antonius Bayle IV, has been on the throne since 3169. There are rumors that his charismatic and shady younger brother, Commander Kane Bayle of the Qeynos Guard, plots with some of his most loyal guards to overthrow the king one day soon.
Local Color
Places
There are four main pubs in town, Lion's Mane Tavern, Mermaid's Lure, Fish's Ale, and Crow's Pub and Casino. This list is roughly in order of decreasing politeness of the inhabitants. The Lion's Mane is an average quality pub, serving drinks in an amiable atmosphere, relatively close to the docks. Mermaid's Lure is directly on the docks, sports an aquatic decor (including odor) and the crowd that goes along with it. Fish's Ale is near the docks, and draws a clientele similar to Crow's, but is better kept. Crow's, despite being next to the sanctity of the Silent Fist Clan and their reflecting pool, sports the most unsavory of crowds. None of them would even speak to me other than to call me scum the last time I was there. The only redeeming point about the place is that you can brew your own alcohol in the back, but I personally wouldn't, who knows if they clean that thing.
The Wind Spirit's Song is my personal place, being the home to the League of Antonican Bards, the songs and poems that drift out the door entice me to return home whenever I find myself singing to an unenlightened crowd.
The Grounds of Fate provide entertainment of the bloody sort, where warriors vie against monsters captured by the guards to the cries of fans. Truly gruesome.
People
There are many odd people in town, some of which you should hold onto your purse more tightly around. In fact, it's wisest to hold onto your purse until proven otherwise. One such individual who I speak with often is Merkes Tabolet, who can be found roaming the docks trading in his speciality (which happens to be everything). His goods are very handy, and he's an interesting soul, but I don't open my purse in front of him, if you get my meaning...
Also, Qeynos is the home to a number of rude individuals, people who everyone seems to either dislike or ignore. They take this personally however, and will attack those around them, and the guards don't get involved in such fights, so they are best avoided by weaker adventurers.
