Plains of Karana, western coast of Antonica
King Antonius Bayle IV
Qeynos is a beautiful and comparatively clean city, known for the flowering vines that adorn its walls of warmly colored brick and stone. Though the older parts of the city show signs of age and erosion, the newer southern part is attractive and inviting. Qeynos is perched on a set of modest coastal sandstone cliffs which serve both defensive and aesthetic purposes. The layout can be rather confusing to a newcomer, as the city grew organically over time, and there is no particular plan to the streets.
The ocean nearby is tranquil and attractive, and ships can constantly be seen going to and from the port in the southern part of the city. Weather tends to be mild in Qeynos, though the summers can get rather warm on the inland side of the city.
Largely Human, some Half Elves, with the occasional Barbarian or Erudite.
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.
Qeynos was founded on the principles of law and order, and for the most part, this is reflected in the city's everyday life. The city is united (for the time being) under a beloved king, taxes are collected regularly (perhaps too regularly!), tea is had every day at precisely four hours past noon, and trade is thriving and (for the most part) honest. The people of Qeynos prefer to turn a blind eye to some of the odd goings-on at Crow's Tavern... or the rumors of disturbing rituals taking place in the aqueducts beneath the city...
Qeynos people are perfectly accepting of any lawful and orderly foreigners, so long as they take the trouble to learn the Human tongue. Qeynosians even tolerate the occasionally chaotic ways of their Barbarian cousins because they know the Northmen to be honorable (if rather hygiene-challenged) folk. Erudites tend to get along fairly well in Qeynos, and though visitors from the continent of Faydwer are few and far between, they are always greeted with fascination, particularly the High Elves.
There is something of a class structure in Qeynos, though it is nowhere near as oppressive as that of some other cities of Norrath. Those whose families date back to the founding of the city tend to move in higher social circles, up to and including soirees thrown by the King himself. It is possible for a person to work his way up in Qeynos from humble beginnings, but people can often tell by his speech patterns or manners that he is not one of the "true" elite. Discrimination in Qeynos is subtle, more often taking the form of pleasant condescension than hostility.
Courtship and marriage is an entirely personal affair, and there is much intermarrying between social classes and even occasionally between races (though this is more frowned upon). Lower class youngsters are more likely to "sow their wild oats" before marriage than are the social elite. Public displays of affection beyond a tasteful embrace and peck on the cheek are considered a little unseemly, and if one fools around outside of the lawful institution of marriage it is best to keep quiet about it. There is distinct gender prejudice in Qeynos, especially among the merchants and common folk. A woman's place is in the home with the children, and a man should be out earning the daily bread. However, women with true talents for magic, combat, or other skills are highly encouraged to join appropriate guilds. They should not expect equal treatment, however.
All in all, Qeynosians pride themselves on their decorum and civilization. A common expression greeting any sort of rude, chaotic, lewd, or uncouth behavior is: "Where do you think you are, Freeport?"
Qeynos is a monarchy, ruled by the benevolent and well-respected Antonius Bayle IV. The Qeynos Guard, led by Antonius's younger brother Kane, helps to keep order in the city. There are rumors, however, that the guard is divided, and that a corrupt faction supports Kane's eventual usurpation of the throne. People prefer not to talk about this, however.
The laws of Qeynos are fairly intuitive for the most part. Personal property is respected, and stealing is against the law. Murder is punishable by death, as is arson. Lesser crimes are prescribed various jail sentences, and for the most insignificant misdemeanors, forced community service will often serve as sufficient punishment. There are a few odd laws on the books (no bathing in the street, no sale of alcohol between dawn and noon on the first of the month, and so forth), but for the most part the legal system is orderly and reasonable.
The largest complaint people have about the government at present would be the high taxes. The Qeynos Guard seems to be growing and growing, and men are being sent far out into the Plains of Karana, for reasons uncertain. Meanwhile taxes are skyrocketing to support these military efforts, and the populace is on the verge of balking. Only their deep love for their king keeps them more or less obedient in the matter of taxes.
Because of the varied nature of Human belief and occupation, the gods worshiped by individuals in Qeynos are too numerous to count. However there are three major hubs of worship in Qeynos.
Qeynos boasts a temple to Karana, god of storms, an institution that is tied in closely with the nearby settlement of Surefall Glade. The plains near Qeynos are named for this god, possibly because of the constant rain that plagues them (or blesses them, depending on your dedication to the Rainkeeper). Worshipers of Karana revere nature, particularly the power of storms, and have spread their worship via missionaries to the very receptive Halflings of Rivervale.
Perhaps the most unique religious organization in Qeynos is the Temple of Life, the only center on Norrath dedicated to the worship of the Prime Healer, Rodcet Nife. Some Qeynosians claim that the cleric-healers of Rodcet Nife are the "true clerics" - the ones who first learned to use divine power to heal. Though a vast minority on Norrath, the worshippers of Rodcet Nife tend to be fanatical, passionate, and devoted to their god.
Deep beneath the streets of Qeynos, another religion flowers darkly in the aqeducts. In direct opposition to the followers of Rodcet Nife, the followers of Bertoxxulous revere all having to do with disease and decay. Periodically they unleash horrific plagues upon the citizens above for the glory of their god. Thus far, the Temple of Life has managed to keep them in check, and in hiding.
Qeynos does not have any formal alliances, but Bayle would most likely help defend Erudin or Halas against any major threats by unlawful invaders.
Any unlawful societies.
Yvaine Skyborn
None