City of Tyr Divided by Politics, United by Common Dreams

TYR - One year after the failed Theocracy attack on our fair City, the Times of Tyr presents a look back on the Great Siege.

First we turn to Theocracy Councilor of War Baranton, whose mission it was to capture Tyr for the Theocracy of Hand. "In retrospect, the need to control Tyr as a defensive measure against Elven aggression was overstated. The alleged Elven assassination of my predecessor may have caused a panic response. Nonetheless, we are at least pleased that half of Tyr enjoys the blessings of Hand," the Councilor stated.

Guide Ovaius of the Order of Heart has established a growing worship of Hand within the western half of the City. "Certainly, Hand's will has delivered Tyr to us. I was there when half of our forces were nearly destroyed escaping the central island and the Paladin Avicus, with the power of Hand Himself, led us back across the Bridge of Heaven to safety." Avicus, now memorialized with a statue on the bridge itself, was killed the following day attempting to retake the bridge.

However, local Orcish merchant Ketomi who owns several businesses throughout the city offers a different view: "There may be a thin garrison of Theocracy soldiers, but they drink my ale just like everyone else." Ketomi's view reflects a hard reality for the Theocracy - their casualties were far higher than expected.

After a stunning first day of attacks, the Theocracy forces received the first of a series of setbacks when Tanith Whisper, head of the now defunct Assassin's Guild, died while assassinating the Theocracy Praetor Sereth. Deprived of "Stoneskin" Sereth's leadership, the Theocracy forces were left in disarray. Avicus' Squire Marcus was field promoted to Praetor (a rank which we hear he still retains), and Theocracy forces regrouped. The next day, the Theocracy made a major push to take the Bridge of Heaven. Captain Argent of the City Watch, his lieutenant Deadeye and the pirates Ediplex and Alorian led the force that repulsed them.

Captain Argent disputes the common view of the Siege. "I tolerate Theocracy troops within my City for the sake of peace. But the Watch runs the show -- even on the west side." The dread pirate Ediplex Swiftskin has his own view, stating "West side, east side. Who cares? The important thing is who controls the river - and that person is me." Ediplex's Elven companion Alorian clarified that it was their river, and who can argue with the woman who helped bring down the Paladin Avicus? In a rare interview, master assassin Artifax offered a third view. "No man or elf lives a single day in Tyr without my consent."

One odd story that has come of the battle is the tale of two Orcish brothers whose tribe fought for the Theocracy. When the younger brother, Hamish, tried to switch sides he was killed in a duel with his elder brother, Rakish. The ensuing riot at the Ford of Tyr killed Rakish as well. Clemens, an up-and-coming merchant in the City, recently got news from their tribe. "They have a new Prince and they're quite wealthy from looting the west side of the City."

Reconstruction of the damaged city proceeds apace. Merchant J. Goldspire's Construction Guild is hard at work on the new Bridge of Men, destroyed by the wizards on the final day of the siege. The Bridge's explosion killed Ludovicus of the Radiant Order and nearly killed the Godmother, who was attempting to broker a truce, as well. Goldspire himself seems tireless. Does the man ever sleep? The wizards', for their part continue to deny destroying the original Bridge of Men. Wizard Academy spokesman August the Enigmatic said, "The Academy has helped construct the new bridge, but that should not be seen as an admission. The bridge's destruction is even more mysterious than I." Near the new bridge, in Triumph Square, citizens have erected a memorial to Whizbang Fizkins, inventor of Fizkins Amazing Steam Ballista, which he turned upon his Theocracy allies when they treacherously violated the Godmother's Truce on the fifth day. Fizkins was, of course, killed by Theocracy troops.

The PolyCon Mid-Year LARP ran on February 4th and great fun was had by all.