Tyr, the Free City

New Giustenal, commonly known as The Necropolis, is an underground settlement beneath the ruins of Giustenal, ruled by its former Sorcerer-King Dregoth. It is a haven for sentient undead, many of whom were created by Dregoth or his apprentices, who take many forms, and have many powers and special traits. The city is a laboratory for necromancy, undeath, and black magic, with citizens encouraged to research forbidden magic and knowledge, and risk dangerous experiments in the name of discovery.

Among the notable experiments of the city is the use of necromancy to create new life. A vast "Engine of Death" exists in the Necropolis, where piles of bodies--many of which are human--are processed into a black, tar-like slurry, and are used to fertilize the lands above. This fertilizer has proven resistant to Defiler magic, causing the city's ruins to sprout new life. This life attracts settlers, who unwittingly are providing the next generation of compost for the engine.

Etymology

The name of the Necropolis has obvious roots, but "Giustenal" is believed to be derived from an ancient Rebirth-era term whose exact meaning has been lost to time. Some scholars suggest it may have referred to a prominent figure or a geographical feature in the region during the Green Age, but no definitive records exist to confirm these theories.

History

Geography

Location and Climate

City Layout

Demographics

Depending on how one views things, The Necropolis is either the most diverse city in the Tablelands, or hardly has any population at all. If undead count, there are hundreds of unique "races" in the city, and new ones formed frequently through necrotic experimentation.

Racial Composition

Race Percentage Notes
Humans 60% The dominant race, occupying all social strata
Dwarves 15% Many work in the iron mines or as craftspeople
Muls 8% Former slaves, many now serve as laborers or guards
Elves 7% Primarily traders, runners, and entertainers
Half-Elves 5% Often serve as intermediaries between communities
Half-Giants 3% Employed as guards, laborers, and gladiators
Thri-kreen 1% Rare visitors from the Hinterlands
Other 1% Halflings, pterrans, and other rare races

Social Classes

The abolition of slavery has upended Tyr's rigid social hierarchy, but new divisions have emerged:

Economy

Main article: Economy of Tyr

Iron: Tyr's Lifeblood

Tyr's economy centers on its monopoly over iron production. The mines in the Ringing Mountains produce the majority of iron ore used across the Tablelands. On a world where metal is scarce and most weapons and tools are made from bone, obsidian, or chitin, Tyr's iron is literally priceless.

The abolition of slavery has disrupted iron production significantly. Forced labor once made the mines profitable; now, paid workers demand compensation, and production has declined by nearly half. This has increased iron's value but reduced Tyr's total income.

Trade

Tyr sits at the crossroads of major caravan routes, making it a natural trading hub. The city's marketplaces deal in:

Merchant Houses

Several great merchant houses operate in Tyr, their power now rivaling that of the nobility:

Currency

Like all Athasian city-states, Tyr uses ceramic pieces as currency. These fired clay coins are stamped with the city's seal (formerly Kalak's profile, now a stylized iron ingot) and come in various denominations. Metal coins are almost unknown—iron is too valuable to be used as currency.

Culture

Religion

Athas has no gods in the traditional sense—divine magic draws upon the power of elemental spirits rather than deities. Tyrians primarily worship:

The templars of Kalak once claimed to channel the sorcerer-king's power, but with his death, their "divine" abilities have faded or transformed, drawing now upon elemental sources.

Gladiatorial Games

Despite the abolition of slavery, gladiatorial combat remains central to Tyrian culture. The great arena (the same venue where Kalak was slain) still hosts regular games, though fighters are now free citizens who choose to compete for fame and fortune.

Gladiators are celebrities in Tyr. Successful fighters accumulate wealth, status, and political influence. Rikus, the mul gladiator who helped slay Kalak, became one of the most powerful figures in the city.

The Veiled Alliance

The Veiled Alliance is a secret society of preservers—wizards who practice arcane magic without defiling the land. Long hunted by Kalak's templars, the Alliance operates more openly in free Tyr, though it remains cautious. They work to redeem arcane magic's reputation and oppose defilers wherever they appear.

Art and Literature

Tyrian art tends toward the practical—elaborate pottery, woven tapestries, and carved bone are common forms. Literacy is rare outside the noble and merchant classes, but Tyr boasts a small community of scribes and scholars who preserve what knowledge remains from bygone ages.

Government and Politics

Main article: Government of Tyr

The Revolutionary Settlement

Following Kalak's death, the question of governance nearly tore Tyr apart. The templar Tithian, who had helped arrange the assassination, claimed the throne. However, he lacked the power to rule absolutely and was forced to accept a Council of Advisors to share power.

King Tithian

Tithian holds the title of King but wields limited authority. He controls the remnants of the templar bureaucracy and the royal treasury, but major decisions require the Council's approval. Many view him with suspicion—after all, he served Kalak faithfully for decades before betraying him.

The Council of Advisors

The Council consists of representatives from various factions:

Political Factions

Tyrian politics are complex and treacherous:

Notable People

Main article: Notable People of Tyr

The Heroes of Tyr

The following individuals are considered the founding heroes of the Free City:

Name Race Role Current Status
Rikus Mul Gladiator, military leader Commander of the Tyrian Guard
Agis of Asticles Human Noble, psionicist Senior Councilor
Neeva Human Gladiator Arena champion, Rikus's partner
Sadira Half-Elf Sorceress, Veiled Alliance Alliance leader in Tyr
Tithian Human Former templar King of Tyr (contested)

Other Notable Figures

See Also

References

  1. The Prism Pentad - Historical accounts of Kalak's fall
  2. The Chronicles of Athas - General history of the Tablelands
  3. Veiled Alliance archives (restricted access)
  4. Tyrian Census Records, Free Year 1-2