Tyrose
"The Red City" and "City of Artifice," the centralized city of Tyrose sits at the major crossroads of the Free Cities, with massive roads leading north to Isinroth, southeast to Syr, southwest to Kertos, and a smaller, less traveled road leading to Lociem'partha. The most populous of the Free Cities, Tyrose sits at the base of the central mountain range, and its massive mines in the surrounding hills and mountains produce the majority of metals in the Free Cities. The city's renowned weaponsmiths, armorers, and blacksmiths are legendary among not only the Free Cities but all kingdoms and cities with which they trade. The titanic, red-scaled, walled keep of the Sons of Tyrath and the towering Temple of Tyrath surrounded by red flagstones for 25 yards on all sides from the keep's internal walls serves as the central headquarters of the most powerful guild in the Free Cities. With its central location, large population, artifice and exports, powerful guild-temple, and monopoly on airship construction, Tyrose is the most influential and wealthiest of the Free Cities.
History
Originally founded as a fortified mining outpost at the mountain base, Tyrose grew rapidly into a trade hub thanks to its access to rare ores, its river connection south to Kertos, and the crossing of the Crimson Route. Over centuries, it evolved into a center for artifice, weaponsmithing, and political power. The city’s identity is heavily tied to the rise of the Sons of Tyrath — whose influence, both political and military, solidified Tyrose’s dominance among the Free Cities. While officially a “free” city-state, its council is strongly shaped by guild influence, with the Sons as the most powerful voice at the table.
Geography
Tyrose is nestled in between two large mountain ranges with a broad, fast-flowing river providing easy access to Kertos to the south. The mountains nearby offer plenty of natural resources for the city of artifice and trade, while broad roads lead east to the coast and north to Isinroth. The city center is home to the Red Keep and the Academy of Magic, the heart of both Tyrose and the Son's of Tyrath.
- Northern District – Closest to the guild district, home to Thistle Do Nicely apothecary and other long-standing shops.
- Southern District – Along the Crimson Route, dominated by caravan companies, smiths, and warehouses. This area is widely considered to be the poorest and most dangerous area of the city.
- Western District – Upscale shopping and inns serving merchants and nobles. This high-class district is also home to the nobility and upper echelon of merchants and mages.
- Eastern District – The large open-air market, with rotating vendor stalls, tailors, florists, and the Adventurer's Guild Hall. The Eastern District is a middle-class district home to merchants, brothels, and various goods.
Politics
The city is ruled by a council made up of representatives from the major guilds, merchant houses, and influential citizens. In practice, the Sons of Tyrath hold the lion’s share of authority. Behind the scenes, political maneuvering is fierce, as illustrated by the events of the Blood Plague conspiracy, in which the shadowy underworld figure, Galt attempted to assassinate rivals within the Sons to advance his agenda to control the entire underworld of Tyrose.
Economy
Primary industries:
- Mining & Metalwork – Gold, silver, and rare alloys feed the city’s forges.
- Artifice & Airships – Tyrose monopolizes airship construction for the Free Cities.
- Luxury Trade – Upscale tailors, jewelers, and exotic tea and spice merchants thrive.
- Guildcraft – The Sons of Tyrath run item creation, magical research, and contract work for nobles and mercenaries alike.
Important Places
- Sons of Tyrath Keep & Magic Academy – Guild headquarters and the largest school for Magecraft on the continent.
- The Adventurer's Guild Hall - Located on Damask Street in the East District, this tavern is run by Stephan Black where it hosts the registered mercenary company of the same name.
- Rainbows and Sunshine - The largest and most popular brothel in the Eastern District, it caters to a middle-class clientele and is run by Florence Bradshaw.
- Thistle Do Nicely – Apothecary and public library run by the mage Arelldil Jor Seanllenasse.
- New Blessings Outreach Center – Funded by Arelldil to feed and shelter the poor.
- The Pink Cherry – Elite brothel in the Western District.
- The Brass Robin – Oddities and antiques, some dubious in origin.
- The Blue Mark Toy Shop, Silver Spoon Tea Shop, Satins & Silks Dress Shop, Clothes Minded Haberdashery, Pane in the Glass, The Big Door Inn, Eats and Treats Bakery, and The Careful Cart General Store.
- Artists’ Nook – Theatre district and artist hangouts.
NPCs & Organizations
Ruling Guild
| Name | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Avardus | Council Member | Avardus is a master mage who sits on the Sons of Tyrath ruling council making him one of the most powerful men in the city. |
| Hale | Council Member | An ancient faerie he's become obsessed with the idea of all the things he may have forgotten forever and may never know again. |
| Name | Role | Description. |
Alphabetize by Organization, then sort by importance of role.
Guild Leaders
| Name | Organization | Titles | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stefan Black | The Adventurers' Guild | Guildmaster | Stephan was one of the original founders of the Adventurer’s Guild, and runs the guild hall in Tyrose. |
| Vaeor | The Sanctuary | Guildmaster | An elderly elf with long flowing beard and white hair, Vaeor was once a high-ranking member of the Sons of Tyrath. |
| Name | Organization | Title | Description. |
| Name | Organization | Title | Description. |
| Name | Organization | Title | Description. |
| Name | Organization | Title | Description. |
| Name | Organization | Title | Description. |
Alphabetize by Organization, then by Last Name.
Significant Citizens
| Name | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bartholomew | Artificer | Works in the item creation arm of the Sons of Tyrath and has been working for Galt delivering artifacts to Travis the Antique Dealer. |
| Travis the Antique Dealer | Fence | An unsettling man who seems to possess more power than is apparent, he acts as a fence for various criminals including Galt. |
| Florence Bradshaw | Madam | Owner of the Rainbows and Sunshine brothel, she is a legendary prostitute who raised herself into a respectable businesswoman and took a noble name. |
| Arthur Pyn | Guard Captain | The young and handsome guard captain is well respected in the East District where he patrols. |
| Name | Role | Description. |
Alphabetize by Role (shopkeep, patron, Guard member, etc.) and then Last Name.