Each story from the fourth issue of the Tyros Times is individually posted on this blog. Feel free to leave your comments and suggestions. I look forward to hearing from you.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Plague outbreak in Tyros
By Trenton Childs, Publisher and Editor of the Tyros Times
A joyous event nearly turned tragic last Monday when the newly appointed Ambassador of Tyros, Videtta Kiranov (who is also a reporter for the Tyros Times), fell ill and collapsed after her pledging ceremony to the Isle of Tyros. An impromptu celebration was held after the pledging at the outdoor cafe overlooking Tyros. It was there that Videtta collapsed.
At first it was suspected that perhaps bad mead had lead to her illness, however it was soon discovered to be something far worse. Videtta, who originally hails from the village of Green Cliffs, was showing signs of the horrible bazi plague that had run rampant through the streets of that village. The plague had grown so out of control there that the citizens of Green Cliffs felt their only option was to burn their village to the ground and rebuild.
Quickly Videtta was moved to the infirmary at the top of the city, and birds were sent looking for a Physician to treat her condition. Given the suspicion that she did have bazi plague, all her clothing was removed and burned, and her body was inspected for lice and fleas. We all waited with concern for a Physician to arrive. Though through the valiant efforts of Trisha Ireton, and the slaves of our Regent, gypsy and mae, they were able to lower Videtta’s fever and stabilize her.
Hulapop Mahoney, a Physician of Lara arrived to assess the situation. He soon confirmed our worst fears, that Videtta was indeed suffering from the bazi plague. Using his impressive skills he was able to treat her condition. After her fever broke and the danger had passed, all that had helped Videtta had to destroy their clothing by fire, and bathe completely and thoroughly. Fortunately the Priest Kings smiled upon the Isle of Tyros and plague has not spread any further.
Videtta fully recovered and has assumed her new duties as one of the Ambassadors of Tyros. All of those of Tyros are reminded to keep things as clean as possible and to remove any pests or fleas immediately. The plague did not spread this time, but we all must be eternally vigilant so that the fate of Green Cliffs does not befall our homestone.
Assassination attempt at Port Kar
By Videtta Kiranov, Reporter for the Tyros Times
The alarm bells rang in the early morning hours at Port Kar and an assassin climbed the outer walls entering the city. The warriors of Port Kar responded chasing down the member of the black caste but at a high cost as the first sword received a near fatal wound.
The physicians at the infirmary worked tirelessly attempting to save the mans life and in the end succeeded. They moved about the infirmary with a quiet efficiency that spoke volumes about how often this city is attacked.
Port Kar opens it gates to everyone, but surviving there is difficult. Pirate raids, assassins often plague and roam the streets. The dress for free women is very lax, and unlike Tyros, it remains a dangerous place. More from its own citizens than from any outside raider.
The trouble will continue for a long time as long as they continue to be a refuge for outlaws and pirates. Until then, it is an exciting city with merchants scurrying for their rooms and everyone keeping an eye on everything. With the clinic running a medical school because of the many wounded that come through their doors.
New citizens pledge their allegiance to Tyros
By Trenton Childs, Publisher and Editor of the Tyros Times
A ceremony was held on Sunday to welcome the new citizens of the growing family of Tyros. The ceremony started with the inspiring words of the Head Scribe of Tyros, Emuna Zamani. With grace and flourish she spoke these words to all who attended, “This day is a joyous one for Tyros. The Swearing of Oaths is normally for the young man or woman that has come of age to take an oath upon themselves in the defense of the city and its inhabitants. It is rare that goreans swear to a new HomeStone. The loyalty is for life! But here, today we recognize those that lost their city to siege and those who have had to make the hard decision to separate from their families for a better life.
So today, we are young and the Tyros that looks to the future. For as we look upon the HomeStone that has been brought before us, we see more than just a stone. We see the ones that have made the pledge before us and the ones that will make after us. These are the people we share salt, bread and fire with . . . This is Tyros and as you follow the instructions of our leader and accept the laurel wreath, you are conferred as a true citizen of Tyros.” Emuna’s words spoke to the heart and soul of all there.
The Ubar of Tyros, the great Theodoric Delphis, spoke next. He spoke of Homestone, and what it means to Tyros, “To a Gorean, the homestone oath is the most sacred thing that can be done. There is nothing more meaningful there is no higher bond. Once taken it is never broken Do not take the oath lightly. Do so if you are ready to be a Tyrosean for the rest the days that the Priest Kings grant you. Where we stand is symbolic. Tyros has always been different and our homestone ceremony will follow on that vein. The security of Tyros is based on the fact that we are an island and that we are at the end of the world . Therefore it is appropriate that this very island is our homestone, This small stone is symbolic and I place it upon a lager rock. In truth all the rocks of Tyros are sacred.”
Many pledged that day. The list is long, and speaks to growing strength of Tyros. Those pledging that day were (in order of pledging): Ranger Flow Ambassador of Tyros, Elana Clarity, Vylixan Fallon Magistrate of Tyros, Izzabella Romano, Trenton Childs Historian of Tyros, Emuna Zamani Head Scribe of Tyros, Miranda Marjeta Ubara of Tyros, and Zmilla Rehula. All were welcomed with open arms by the Ubar as he said, “You are all now those who have sworn my brothers and sisters. I honor you all and cherish your commitment.”
Many words were spoken by those who pledged. They all spoke of their commitment to Tyros and their Brothers and Sisters. From those who newly arrived, such as myself, to the Ubara who helped build Tyros into the great Homestone that it is. All that spoke, spoke from their heart and soul.
Green Cliffs is being rebuilt
By Videtta Kiranov, Reporter for the Tyros Times
From the ashes of destruction and fire the village of Green Cliffs struggles to place their homestone. The building has just restarted led by Akita Osnomochi and Darki has begun. The buildings were all burned to the ground to stop the spread of fleas that had plagued the livestock and forest animals jumping to the human population.
Fredrick Carson, the village head man, took the homestone and the village burned and the villagers stood on a bluff watching as all of their possessions disappear in a puff of smoke.
In the following time, life for the village has not been easy, living in a cave in the wilds of Corcyrus Hills. But with the homestone in their possession, they have survived. The spirit of the tiny village lives on in the rebuilding of the houses, and who knows maybe they will soon return to their native lands. But for now the builders have started the surveying and clean up in anticipation of their return.
Tyros – Hunjer talks
By Trenton Childs, Publisher and Editor of the Tyros Times
Representatives from Hunjer traveled to the Isle of Tyros seeking trade and alliance. The distinguished dignitaries met with The Regent of Tyros, Galahad Huet. A banquet was held in their honor, and representatives of the various parts of Tyrosean society were in attendance, including this reporter.
A huge feast was served, and talks progressed. It was decided that many of Tyros would travel to Hunjer for a tour. When negotiations are final, and we can all proudly proclaim the Tyros – Hunjer alliance, a formal signing ceremony will be held in Hunjer. I look forward to traveling to Hunjer and reporting back on the splendors of it. All of Tyros look forward to welcoming those of Hunjer as Brothers and Sisters.
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