Tyrosh

Tyrosh is an island city located in the Narrow Sea to the north of the Disputed Lands and at the mouth of the Sea of Myrth. The city is known for its formidable defenses, flamboyant people, and the purple dye that enriched its magisters.

People
The Tyroshi are well known as greedy, flamboyant people with an eye for color and flair. Tyroshi dye their hair all manner of colors, from yellows to reds to blues and everything in-between. They are also noted for their strange headwear, and an accent many Westerosi consider to be ugly born of their own form of bastardized High Valyrian.

The Tyroshi are also known for a particularly aggressive slave trade, sometimes going so far as to raid Westeros for slaves-- north of the Wall, in some cases, but more recently south of it as well. This has made those who take the risks very rich, but also has harmed their relationship with their neighbors to the west.

Economy
The economy in Tyrosh is dominated by dyes, though many other trade goods are produced and sold there. Of note are their pear brandy, famous even in Westeros, and peculiar arms and armor forged by the city's considerably skilled smiths. Slavery is an important part of the Tyroshi economy, and there is known to be a three-to-one ratio of slaves to freemen in the city. Owing to its proximity to the Disputed Lands, many sellsword companies also make their homes in Tyrosh. Economics are generally considered a more honorable specialization than war in Tyrosh.

Government
Tyrosh plays host to many magisters, heads of the richest noble families. These magisters form a conclave and elect one of their number to be the Archon of Tyrosh, the city's ruler. Archons rule for a set term of three years, after which point they must be reelected, though unless highly unpopular will typically serve until they die or step down. The Archons typically work with the magisters of Tyrosh to form and implement policy, lest they risk upsetting their electors too much with unilateral decision-making-- though it is not unheard of in times of crisis.

Religion
As in many formerly Valyrian colonies, many religions are tolerated within Tyrosh. The largest populations are those of the followers of R'hllor, though there are many faiths in Tyrosh owing to its status as a trade city. The Church of Starry Wisdom has a presence here, as well as the Faith of the Seven, the Patternmaker, and the Temple of Trios. There is no large majority as in some other cities.

Recent Events
Recently Tyrosh has been engaged in the latest of the wars for the Disputed Lands with its neighbors Lys and Myr, however, no side has shown a clear advantage for quite some time. The hostilities have ceased, however, as all three cities have agreed to suspend the war until the situation with Braavos is dealt with. Whether or not this moment of cooperation will bear the fruit of a united Three Sisters has yet to be known, however. The current Archon, Vogan Ryndoon, seeks to keep his city alive against the threats to the north from the Braavosi who have subjugated Pentos with the aid of the Golden Company.

Layout
Tyrosh is defended from both land and sea by its island-based location, and the two layers of high walls. The outer walls, around two-thirds the height of the inner, fused black dragonstone walls, are hewn from grey-brick, and are wide enough for ten men to march abreast atop.

The city itself is split roughly into five districts, each area united by a common purpose, history or location.


 * The Harbour District - Built around the port and bays in which the sea snails that facilitated the growth from Valyrian outpost to Free City, the Harbour District serves as the entry point of most visitors to the city. On the northern aspect of the harbour the Tyroshi fleet can be found in all its strength, watched over those stationed in the Bleeding Tower, a spiralling construction of pale red stone that towers over the harbour. Within the Harbour District the most popular alehouses, inns and brothels can be found.
 * The Market District - West of the Harbour District and further towards the centre of the city, the Market District is the home of the Grand Bazaar, which, in contrast to the claims of the residents of Pentos, is considered the largest market in all of the Free Cities. Items common and rare can be found within the Great Bazaar, for those with appropriate currency. It is also a popular location for the cutpurses, thieves and vagabonds of the city, and is thus patrolled by guards in an attempt to quell crime in the area.
 * The Martial District - Spread along the southern wall, the Martial District borders the Market District to the north, the Harbour District to the east, and the Common and Golden Districts to the west. Found within are the barracks of the city guards, the shipyards in which the Tyroshi fleet is continuously repairs, strengthened and expanded, and the forges of dozens of blacksmiths. For every helm and blade created for the Bazaar, it is said that two more are made for the heads and scabbards of the protectors of the city.
 * The Common District - The largest of the five districts, the Common District serves primarily as housing for the mass of Tyrosh's population. Located in the north-west aspect of the city, it takes up nearly a third of the landmass within the twin walls, and is home to hovels and houses for the commonfolk, whether they be minor merchants or tavern-owners, carpenters or masons. Throughout the streets inns and pillowhouses can be found, as well as bakers, armourers and cordwainers who serve the population around them.
 * The Golden District - Sharing both name and purpose to that of the Golden District in Pentos, the region in Tyrosh is the smallest, but the most lavish. Home of the wealthiest and most powerful merchants of Tyrosh, as well as the site of the Archon's Palace.

Notable Families on the Conclave

 * Ryndoon
 * Adarys
 * Lashare
 * Pahrys
 * Mopyr
 * Irnys
 * Balarr
 * Radario
 * Mypiro