Island of Tyrosh

Tyrosh is one of the fourteen major islands in the Stepstones archipelago between Dorne and Essos.

Tyrosh is home to the formely free city of the same name

## History

Grey Gallows carries a sombre reputation, and is feared by sailors and merchants alike accordingly. Two centuries after the breaking of the Arm of Dorne, the Stepstones were ruled over by a Lyseni known only as The Grey. Governing with malice and spite, he terrorised the islands for nearly two decades before the cities of Tyrosh and Lys united with three Pirate Lords to relinquish his rule.

With his rivals closing in around him, The Grey found himself trapped upon the isle, and preferring death to capture, he hung himself before they could reach him. The island has ever since been named to remember his deposition, although few recall the tale.

Around 290 AA, Vortimer Flowers and his band of mercenaries arrived at Gallowstown. There, he claimed it as his capital for his fledgling Pirate Kingdom. The Gallow King hanged half the people there, or whatever was left of them. Using Gallowstown as his starting point, he led set forth to each and every settlement on the island, repeating his cruel hangings. Always half. No more. No less. His pirate kingdom grew in size and encompased all of [[Grey Gallows]] by 291 AA. When he was finished, he returned to Gallowstown to build his small wooden keep, the Oakenseat.

From there, he was eventually contacted by King Yoren IV Yronwood, who hired him to wreak havoc on the Kingdom of the Torrentine. The Bloodroyal promised him gold and lands should he succeed. The Thorn, eager to gain more for himself, and to take vengance against House Dayne in the name of House Oakheart, accepted.

Sailing to the Torrentine, he engaged in his war of brutality, using similar tactics from his time in the Stepstones. He was eventually defeated and slain at the Battle of the Oakenfist in 296 AA by the Dayne forces.

## 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.