Qeynos Hills
Qeynos Hills is an outdoor newbie-to-low-level zone just north of Qeynos on Antonica, a hub of activity on the western coast and a battleground against the Blackburrow gnolls.
Overview
Drawn from The Maps of Myrist — zone description.EQ1Primary · official
Just beyond the city gates of Qeynos lies an open expanse of gently rolling hills known simply as the Qeynos Hills. The road from Qeynos leads out into the hills and beyond, reaching into the nearby Western Plains of Karana, before moving on toward Freeport through Highpass Hold.
The hills also provide passage to Blackburrow and to Surefall Glade where the human and half elf rangers of Karana reside. Watch out for Sabertooth Gnolls who have made the hills their home. In between the entrances to Blackburrow and Surefall Glade is a small set of ruins, a testament to the chaos experienced in this region's bloody history. At night, there is rumored to be corrupted undead walking the land.
A small lake is found on western edge of the hills and a small wooden building houses a few local merchants. Many will find this quaint lake to be a peaceful spot to spend time fishing without fear of being attacked by wandering gnolls or hungry wolves.
Overview
Drawn from Bootstrutter's Guide to Antonica — compiled history.EQ2Community article · best available source
Bootstrutter's Guide to Antonica
Antonica was once called Qeynos Hills. It was renamed Antonica after the Age of Cataclysms left the former continent of Antonica divided into islands. This land is part of the territory claimed as the Kingdom of Qeynos.
Crater Pond: This is a shallow pond. A meteor of large size impacted and created this crater that is now filled with inviting clear cool water. Do not be deceived traveler. This water is toxic allowing only the rarest of aquatic life to exist in its embrace. I waded through the water to reach the rock from the sky in the middle: a chunk of Luclin!
Coldwind Point: This is an isle resting just off the Southwest tip of Antonica. Upon this isle, the Lamp of Prexus acts as a beacon to warn ships of the dangerous crags that lurk beneath the water's surface. This lighthouse is a safe haven for those caught beyond the walls of Qeynos during thunderstorms.
Fippy's Hill: This is an often gnoll-infested hill near the Qeynos gates. A gnoll by the name of Fippy Darkpaw used to climb atop this hill to plot out his next storming of the Qeynos Gates. Gnolls usually pitch camp up here to spy on the Qeynosians. They are frequently chased from this hill only to return.
The Forbidden Isle: This isle is far from forbidden any longer. It contains the ruins of a mausoleum that belonged to an evil mage who was placed in this warded mausoleum, Varsoon the Undying. The wards were to hold his soul for eternity, but a meteor shower breached the walls and released the evil.
The Keep of the Ardent Needle: This is the refurbished keep of what was the grand citadel of the Clothspinners of Qeynos. They made their fortune in textiles and built this magnificent keep in the outskirts of the Qeynos Hills. As with many of the dreams of Old Antonica, the falling skies of the Shattering put an end to it. Lord Quinn Clothspinner has begun to rebuild his ancestor's estate, but his distaste for visitors makes this a place better left off the traveler's itinerary.
Map
From the EverQuest Atlas: The Maps of Myrist (SOE, 2002).
Official Lore
5Collected official lore pieces, from in-game and out.
Niclaus Ressinn
Niclaus Ressinn says ‘Hail, Mixxit. I am Niclaus Ressinn, loyal Paladin of Life. I am scouting the Qeynos Hills on orders from High Priestess Jahnda. We have received reports of undead prowling these hills of late.’ Niclaus Ressinn says ‘Oh, things are becoming dire here in Norrath.
Read the full sourceIlene Cellus’ Family History Book
I am sure that some of my family’s writings still exist elsewhere in Norrath. Unless they were destroyed in the Shattering or as mentioned before, held back by unscrupulous vendors. Whatever portion of this tome you have, cherish it and remember the Cellus family of Qeynos. Good thing Ignatia had the sense to hide her journal. When all the Books of Knowledge…
Read the full sourceIsabella Cellus’ Family History Book
My ancestors, going back to Isabella Cellus, loved traveling through the area we now call Antonica. I am trying to compile our stories into remembrances of what was and how it has changed over time. If you bought this volume and its covers were removed, know that the seller is probably keeping out the good bits for him or herself!
Read the full sourceThe Antonican Times
The Antonican Times Vol. 7 Issue 2 Rampant Undead in Qeynos Hills ------------------------------ Legions of undead have crawled forth from the ground and are plaguing travelers to and from the City of Qeynos. The cause of the sudden influx of undead are unknown.
Read the full sourceA Dark Diary
My power grows. I’ve trained right under the noses of the Qeynos guard, and now, I am ready to leave my instructors and begin to study on my own. I have surpassed them, and it is time to begin studying on my own. I cannot remain here, however, as the magic I have chosen to devote my life to is forbidden in this city.I have gathered all that I need.
Read the full sourceFurther sources
5Lore that mentions this in passing.
Community articles
7Fan-written encyclopedia entries — useful overviews, lower authority than the primary sources above.
Field notes
Adventuring notes from the atlas — what to watch for and what the zone offers. Flavor, not lore.