Quenelles is a large city, famously dominated by its noble classes, where the conflict between the ruling classes and the poor is more evident than anywhere else in Bretonnia.

    The governor of Quenelles is Edmond-Antoine Noblat de la Renardiere, a minor member of the royal family. He is closely allied to the cruel Calixte Tremaine, Viscomte de Quenelles, leading local landowner and a major power in the city. Though new, De la Renardiere is noted for his bluster and cruelty, and likes to provoke discord in the council he is meant to lead, merely for the fun of a good quarrel. This council comprises the richest citizens and clerics 'of respectable station' (i.e. of noble birth) in the city.

    Quenelles' walls have long been in a poor state of repair, and would provide almost no protection in the event of attack; they have also been outgrown by the city's swelling population. The city watch is unusually large and detested by the people for its corruption and wanton brutality. It is employed mainly to protect the nobles' quarter, situated in hills to the north and named Beaumont. Watch patrols in the dark, filthy streets of the city often turn into running battles with the populace. Local nobles visit the town accompanied with large retinues of bodyguards ready to take law into their own hands if necessary.

    Squalor and struggle characterise the existence of the bulk of Quenelles' citizens. They are kept poor by extortionate taxes and crime, with stealing and violence of all sorts (including, technically illegal, organised pit fights) being common. The rich inhabitants of Quenelles are said to be especially ribald and decadent, even by Bretonnian standards. There are very few citizens that could be called middle-class. Wizards (universally called witches), agitators, printers and followers of Ranald are hounded by the city's rulers who see them as a seditious threat to their position. Any attempt to fight against the authorities - there are many riots and rebellious groups in Quenelles - is hampered by lack of organisation and the corruption of so many desperate citizens ready to sell their companions out to the watch. Some Tileans live in Quenelles, bringing trade and culture; they range from aristocrats, artists and wizards, all patronised by the rich, down to dangerous cultists and common thieves.

    For all its troubles, Quenelles is an important producer of textiles (especially tapestries) and woodwork, amongst other things; however, work is often hampered by crime and unrest in the city. All luxury items and much of the food and money entering the city goes straight to the high towers of the nobles of Beaumont, causing yet more resentment and forcing the bulk of the population into a state of poverty and reliance on a barter economy. Anyone flashing cash or finery around in Quenelles will not last long.