Qindaras

South of the ruins of Elial at the major fork of the Torath River is the city of Qindaras. The city houses almost three thousand inhabitants and is the largest settlement in the Plains of Dust region. The city was ruled by the descendants of Aniiren the Wicked from the just before the Cataclysm to just before the War of the Lance (Event).

Qindaras is divided into six districts, each of which is ruled over by an Amir, who are appointed by the Potentate of Qindaras. The Amirs' duties included ruling their district and collecting taxes for the Potentate. The city is protected by a high wall, which is manned by numerous defenders and has managed to turn away numerous armies and enemies of Qindaras. Other than humans, gnolls are hired for the city guard, as bodyguards, and soldiers for the crime bosses in Qindaras.

History of Qindaras[]

Age of Might[]

The city was first founded before the Plains of Dust existed and lay within the northern border of the Kharolis region. It was settled by humans and grew to prominence due to it's strong trade with the Silvanesti elves, as well as it's prominent position along the King's Road. However in 36 PC a Renegade Wizard (formerly a black-robed wizard) by the name of Aniiren the Wicked took control of the city. Because the Conclave of Wizards was already locking it's horns against the Kingpriest of Istar, there was nothing they could do about Aniiren's breach of magic. They instead signed a non-aggression treaty with him, allowing the wizard to do whatever he wanted within the walls of the city, as long as he nor his successors used that magic outside of the city. From that point onwards, Qindaras then became a safe haven for renegade wizards.

Age of Despair[]

Following the Cataclysm, the King's Road was destroyed and lost around Qindaras, although the city itself remained intact. The city was kept in condition during the reign of Aniiren II, however the reign of Aniiren III was lackluster and saw the city fall into disrepair. It remained in that state until 334 AC, when the renegade wizard Lyim Rhistadt deposed Aniiren III and became the new ruler, choosing the regnal name of Aniiren IV. Lyim restored the city and instituted a strict religion to Sargonnas.

Following an assassination attempt in which Lyim lost his hand and the palace was destroyed, the new ruler raised an army which he marched across the Plains of Dust, in the hopes of attacking and destroying the Tower of High Sorcery at Wayreth. The Qindaran army was crushed by a united force of Ergothian Cavaliers and dwarves. Lyim himself was stopped by Bram DiThon in the Tower of Wayreth.

After the loss of another ruler, the palace, and many of their citizens, the people of Qindaras were forced to rebuild once more as the War of the Lance began.

Districts of Qindaras[]

The dark city of Qindaras in the Plains of Dust was separated into six large districts, each ruled by an Amir that reported directly to the Potentate.

Craft District[]

In the southwestern part of the city of Qindaras was the Craft District. This district was home to the many craftsmen and traders of Qindaras. In 349 AC, the district was controlled by Amir Garaf.

Garment District[]

The northwestern side of the city was the Garment District. This minor district housed all the fine tailors and clothiers of the city. In 349 AC, the district was controlled by Amir Vaspiros.

Merchant District[]

The central northern district was known as the Merchant District. This area was long known as the most decrepit and foul area of the dark city, which was home to gambling, prostitution, and businesses of dubious nature. Under Amir Bagis, the few legitimate businesses within this district were taxed heavily and filth ran freely in the streets. It wasn't until Amir Lyim Rhistadt took over the district between 346 AC and 349 AC that the area was cleaned up and turned into one of the most profitable districts in Qindaras.

Warehouse District[]

Of all the districts, the Warehouse District was the most profitable and prominent in the city. Housing all the warehouses and governing all the trade for the city, the Warehouse District was in charge of all imports and exports for the city and lay in the central eastern part of Qindaras. In 346 AC, the district was controlled by Amir Rusinias. When Rusinias was killed, Haseras took over as Amir.

Theater District[]

Little is known about this district. Elves were known to smoke weed there. After Lyim became potentate, he abolished the theaters. In 349 AC, the district was controlled by Amir Calesta.

Market District[]

Little is known about this district. It was usually empty after dark. In 349 AC, the district was controlled by Amir Dafisbier.

Buildings of Qindaras[]

Palace of Qindaras[]

Within the large city lay the Palace of Qindaras, which was the residence of the Potentate of Qindaras, ruler of the entire city. Situated on the border between the Garment District, Craft District, and Market District, the palace was encircled by a sixty foot high granite wall. The outside of the palace at Qindaras was huge and imposing, but not eye-catching. The walls of the palace were filled with stained glass windows and atop of them were perched 534 greening copper minarets, one built for each year of the reign of the Aniiren dynasty. Marble steps led up to the entrance, which were large and arched brass double doors. The walls, floor and ceiling of the palace interior was inlaid with copper and gold.

The palace entry way was ringed by thirty monstrous columns, topped with rolled copper, which were crafted out of black and white marble. Magic glyphs covered the base of the entire entry area. Every surface was inlayed with copper and gold. Stained glass windows were set at even intervals high on the dome. A statue of Aniiren the Wicked was maintained in good order at the palace entrance as an honorific to the founder of his dynasty.

The hanging gardens in the palace of Qindaras are the size of a small village. They connect the entry way to the rest of the palace. The roof is entirely open. The garden, like the rest of the palace, is climate controlled with magic to remain subtropical year round. It is filled with tropical plants and frequently filled with hundreds of candles.

Pitching Cog Inn[]

Within the Craft District, lay the Pitching Cog Inn. The inn's entrance was marked by a sign of a merchant ship caught in a storm. It's signage is shaped like a storm tossed cargo ship.

Roads and Streets of Qindaras[]

Avenue to Enlightenment[]

The Avenue to Enlightenment is one of the many streets in the sprawling city of Qindaras. It connected the main gate on the river to the palace. The avenue was marked by busts of the previous rulers of the city and led directly to the Palace of Qindaras.

River Avenue[]

River Avenue was a broad street which was the main thoroughfare in the Merchant District of Qindaras. The avenue was lined shops and merchants peddling their wares. Almost every shopfront housed apartments above it, which were the residences of the merchants and vendors of the district.

References[]

The Seventh Sentinel (Novel), p.19-42, 59-77, 90-113, 134-150, 167-171, 179-184, 191-235, 244-250, 261-270, 294-301
War of the Lance (Sourcebook), p.122-123
Tasslehoff's Map Pouch: The Age of Mortals, 'Ansalon Map'
Tasslehoff's Map Pouch: The War of the Lance, 'Ansalon Map'