Ancient beyond measure, Nibenay is a wealthy, powerful city-state immersed in decadence and intrigue. Most Nibenese regard themselves as the only civilized people remaining in a world of barbarism and desolation; the events that take place outside the city walls are little more than the squabbles of savages. Even the architecture of Nibenay reflects these prejudices. Splendid statues and carvings cover the walls, public buildings, and private homes throughout the city, depicting great heroes and honored ancestors from ages long forgotten by the rest of Athas. Some are works of surpassing beauty, some glorify ancient triumphs, and others depict shocking hedonism.

Nibenay is ruled by the sorcerer-king who gave the city-state his name. He is an enigmatic, retiring figure, rarely seen by anyone but his templars. Deep within the royal compound at the city’s heart—the forbidden dominion called the Naggaramakam— Nibenay immerses himself in arcane studies and mysterious pursuits, leaving governance to the bureaucracy of his templars. He is so reclusive that rumors of his death circulate every few years, giving rise to unrest and feuding among the nobles until he appears and puts to rest any stories of his demise.

N1BENAY AT A GLANCE

Nibenay is an ancient, decadent city-state under the rule of a distant and mysterious sorcerer-king.

Population: Roughly 24,000 people live in Nibenay proper, with a similar number in outlying tenant farms and villages. Most of the population is human, with sizable minorities of half-giants, elves, and half-elves.

Water: The city-state sits atop bubbling hot springs that well up from deep below ground. The noble houses own all the springs, so anyone who wants water must purchase it from them.

Supplies: Nibenay is wealthy and extravagant by the standards of most other city-states. Anything a traveler could want is for sale in the markets, legitimate or otherwise. The city produces timber, stone, spices, nuts, and various dry beans (the staple food).

Defense: The Shadow Guard is an elite palace guard of half-giants numbering a thousand strong. The Temple of War supplements these defenders with five thousand janissaries (loyal slave-soldiers), including small numbersof dray mercenaries.

Inns and Taverns: Numerous inns serve travelers in Nibenay, with the highest concentration in and around the Sages’ District. The noble district of Cliffside features more opulent inns for visiting nobles, and those looking to keep a low profile can find flophouses in the Hill District. Abandoned quarters are scattered throughout the city.