kendes

Kendes is a fictional city-state commonly used as a setting in fantasy fiction and tabletop role-playing games. In many world-building texts, it sits on the delta of the Serin River along the southern coast of the imagined realm of Eldoria, where its network of canals, markets, and riverfront docks shapes regional commerce.

Geography and urban layout describe Kendes as a dense port city surrounded by low-lying marshlands and protected by levees. The core urban area centers on the Great Market, a sprawling complex of merchant houses, warehouses, and open stalls that spill into interwoven waterways. Residential districts fan out behind the waterfront, with guild halls and schools interspersed among temples and public squares.

History in most tellings begins with merchant families seeking autonomy from distant feudal authorities. A charter granted in the early years of Eldorian history established a degree of self-rule, enabling rapid growth as a commercial hub. Over centuries, Kendes accumulated wealth through trade routes that linked inland producers with coastal fleets, though it faced periodic upheavals from rival cities and natural disasters.

Government is typically described as a mercantile republic, governed by an elected Merchant-Council that oversees tradePolicy, infrastructure, and public safety. Elections are often tied to guild membership, with prominent guilds wielding influence over policy and appointments.

Economy centers on commerce and crafts. Key industries include textiles, glassware, spice and dye trades, shipbuilding, and grain storage. The city’s wealth depends on its ability to manage rivers, control markets, and maintain caravan and sea lanes.

Culture and society emphasize guild honor, apprenticeship, and public festivals at the Great Market. Languages commonly include a trade lingua franca alongside a local dialect, with a tradition of storytellers, minstrels, and merchants sharing news and lore.

Notable landmarks include the Great Market, the Hall of Coins, and the Temple of the Veil. In fiction and games, Kendes serves as a versatile locale for political intrigue, commerce-themed adventures, and urban exploration.