Builders War

Part of Architecture of Otheia
The Builders War was, and to an extent still is, an ongoing conflict between architects, in the city of Estya. It would permeate almost all of the city, from the working class to the intellectuals and bureaucrats, and would see violence against workers, sabotage of construction efforts, and arson by both sides. It would be ended following the Fire of Estya, in which the entire city, barring the citadel, was destroyed.
The builders war began as a rivalry of two architects, Jon Rocoe and Ustan Illye.
Rocoe, a staunch architectural traditionalist, developed a style called Neo-Alsten, after the Alsten style which had dominated urban Otheia for many years.
Illve, the pioneer of an influential style, named in his honor, is a radical architect, believing that Alsten was displeasing to the eye, and began to reform Alsten into a more appealing form.
Conflict began when both architects were approached to design a new town hall for Estye. Ultimately, Illye’s design was selected, and Rocoe, enraged at the perceived insult, elected to attempt to win over every contractor who made an effort to contact Illye.
What began as a simple rivalry of design quickly spiraled into both businessmen hiring gangs of thugs to attack shipments headed to the other’s worksite, as well as to intimidate the workers there. Eventually, it would see both sides lighting the other’s buildings aflame, and arson became a common tool in the battle.
Eventually, one fire, said to have been started at the Rase residence, constructed by Rocoe, got out of control, and kept across the street to another house. After three days of firefighting, the entire city was destroyed.
Due to the fire, the city government finally took action against the warring parties. It heavily fined all those involved, especially the architects. However, as the city was destroyed, there was need of new buildings, and thusly, both found themselves rapidly employed by the city.
Category:Architecture of Otheia
Category:History of Otheia