Tyr

The largest and most powerful country in the northern continent is the Empire of Tyr. Up until the Great War they had slowly dominated about half of the known world, including the northern part of Zahkara. The rebellion against the Tyrian Empire began early in the year 993, and eventually broke out into full-scale conflict, later known as The Great War, sometime during year 995 and finally end around the middle of the year 1000. Alot of this was accomplished by it's legions and by the great amount of "ancient-tech" they controlled. During the great war many of it's territories rebelled and gained their freedom. Even so, the Empire still dominates a vast amount of land.

The Kingdom of Tyr is much smaller and based in the southwest part of the continent. It is very much like Italy in both climate and culture. The capitol of the Empire is the city of Tyr. Referred to simply as Tyr by it's citizens. This city is very ancient, nearly as old as Feltrest. The city is two very distinct parts. The lower city is relatively normal overcrowded poor city. It is very cosmopolitan, crowded and poor. The upper city is only accessible by nobles and their guests (and servants). It is a huge floating city held in place by 3 massive chains. The higher you live in the upper city the more powerful you are.

The people of Tyr are genererally wealthier than most other countries. They are well educated and their national language is Tyrian. The people are known as being selfish and proud. they tend to hold themselves aloof from non-tyrians. There are two races of Tyrians. The Lashien, or true or pure Tyrians, and the Tyrinor, or common Tyrians. The Lashinor are related to the ancient bloodlines of the Tyrian kings. Because of this they are almost all related to one of the many noble families. They have a fine bone structure and a natural dignity.

Tyr is controlled by the Emperor. He oversees the Senate which is supposedly a council, but ends up more of adminstrators. All government positions other than Emperor are supposedly elected. Senate positions are for life however. New Senators are only elected when one dies or retires. In truth it is money and connections that truely matter. There are many noble houses and they all vie for the various offices by any means neccesary. Women are not allowed to hold any public office or vote for the offices.

The Golden Lions are the knights of Tyr. They are the officers in the Tyr military.

The Legions of Tyr are the main military force. They are well trained and drilled. After 15 years of service members may retire and receive a plot of land and citizenship status if they do not have it. This makes the legions very popular with the freemen.

There are many classes in Tyr:

• • Imperial Family - the extended Imperial family holds many positions of power in Tyr. Only members of the Imperial family and the Imperial Gaurd may wear the color purple.

  • Noble Families - Most hold a variety of titles from Duke to Lord. Titles are passed down thru the male children. Women who are nobles have the simple title of Lady. They have no other title unless they marry a noble man.

  • Citizens - These are men that own land and pay taxes. They are allowed to vote and hold government jobs and offices. Male children of citizens are automatically citizens as well.

  • Freeman - Freeman pay taxes, but are not allowed to own land, vote or hold governemtn jobs or offices. They may own slaves. Many freemen join the Legions to become citizens. All women who are not nobles fall into this group unless they are slaves.

  • Slaves - These people are owned by others and have no rights. If they buy their freedom they become freemen.

Gladiatorial combat is extremely popular in Tyr. Gladiators may be freemen or slaves. Citizens do not fight in the pits. Freemen who fight have contracts for their winnings. Slaves also get some of their winnings, but a much smaller percentage. Slave gladiators who survive can eventually buy their freedom. Those who do often join the legions if they desire citizenship.

Other athletic contests and events are popular as well. Chariot racing, foot races, wrestling and boxing are all popular. Every five years the Games are held in Tyr. The winners of the games become local legends and heroes and also gain citizenship.

Laws and Customs