Tyr

Tyr

Tyr, known as the God of Justice, The Even-Handed, and the Maimed God, is a deity of law, honor, and justice in the Dungeons & Dragons pantheon. He represents fairness, the rule of law, and righteous retribution. A lawful good deity, Tyr stands as a symbol of moral clarity and unwavering resolve in the face of corruption and evil.

Domains and Portfolios

Portfolio: Justice, law, retribution, honor, and duty.
Alignment: Lawful Good.
Domains: War, Order, Justice, and Protection.

Depiction

Tyr is often portrayed as a stern and noble figure, radiating authority and righteousness. Common depictions include:
A muscular man with a strong, angular face, often depicted blindfolded to symbolize impartiality and fairness in justice. His right hand is missing, a lasting injury from his sacrifice in binding the chaos beast Kezzef the Chaos Hound. This injury is a symbol of his commitment to justice, even at personal cost. He is clad in shining plate armor adorned with scales of justice and carries a greatsword or warhammer, often glowing with divine energy.

Symbol

Tyr’s symbol is a balanced set of scales resting on a warhammer, signifying the balance between justice and the need to defend it.

Personality and Ethos

Tyr is the embodiment of law and justice. He demands fairness, truth, and righteousness in all actions. His ethos emphasizes the following principles:
Impartial Justice: Justice must be served without bias or personal interest. Honor Above All: Tyr teaches that honor is not merely reputation but the pursuit of truth and duty. Retribution: Wrongdoers must be held accountable for their actions, and punishment must fit the crime. Sacrifice for the Greater Good: Tyr values self-sacrifice in the name of justice and order, as demonstrated by his maiming. Tyr’s followers often wrestle with moral dilemmas, as he encourages them to adhere to the spirit of the law even when it conflicts with the letter.

History and Mythology

Tyr’s history is filled with stories of his noble deeds and sacrifices

The Binding of Kezzef: Tyr lost his right hand while binding the chaotic beast Kezzef the Chaos Hound, a creature that threatened to unravel the balance of the multiverse. This act symbolizes his willingness to sacrifice for the greater good.
The Trial of Helm: Tyr played a critical role in mediating disputes among the gods, particularly when conflicts arose over the governance of the multiverse.
The Fall of Netheril: Tyr supported Mystra in bringing justice to the hubris of the Netherese empire, whose misuse of magic endangered the Weave and the natural order.

Clergy and Worship

Clerics and Paladins

Tyr’s clergy, known as Justiciars, are sworn to uphold the principles of law and order. Many of his followers are also paladins, serving as defenders of justice. They often act as judges, mediators, and law enforcers, resolving disputes and punishing criminals.

Temples

Temples dedicated to Tyr are grand halls of justice, often designed like courthouses or fortified sanctuaries. They contain altars adorned with scales and hammers, as well as records of legal proceedings and sacred texts. These temples serve as both places of worship and centers of governance, where trials and judgments are conducted.

Rituals

Worshippers of Tyr perform The Measure and the Descent, a ritual in which they swear oaths of fairness and duty before a scale weighed with their own personal offerings. Regular sermons, known as Judgments, teach Tyr’s laws and their application to daily life.

Relationships

Allies

Torm: Tyr is closely allied with Torm, the god of duty and loyalty. Together, they represent different aspects of moral discipline and law.
Ilmater: As the god of endurance and sacrifice, Ilmater often complements Tyr’s teachings, offering comfort to those who suffer in the pursuit of justice.
Mystra: Tyr respects Mystra for her role in maintaining the balance of magic and law.

Enemies

Bane: The god of tyranny is Tyr’s antithesis, representing oppression and corruption in opposition to Tyr’s ideals of fairness.
Cyric: The god of lies and chaos frequently clashes with Tyr, as Cyric’s deception undermines the justice Tyr seeks to uphold.

Neutral Rivals

Helm: While Helm represents duty and vigilance, his strict adherence to his duties sometimes puts him at odds with Tyr’s more compassionate and moral approach.

Followers

Common Worshippers: Judges, lawkeepers, rulers, and those who seek to right wrongs and uphold the law.
Champions: Paladins and clerics of Tyr are among his most devoted followers, often becoming legendary figures in their pursuit of justice.

Legends and Myths

The Trial of Tyr’s Faithful: Legends speak of a trial in which Tyr’s followers were tested with moral dilemmas, where only the truly righteous could succeed.
The Blinding of Tyr: Some myths say Tyr blinded himself voluntarily to show his impartiality in judgment.

Quotes & Catchphrases

"Let the hammer of justice fall swiftly, for in its shadow lies the balance of the law and the strength of the righteous."