A view of the sun orbited by Tyris in the Tarthian Empire

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In the last fifteen years, the Tyris sun has changed from a benevolent provider of heat and light to an unpredictable tyrant. Enormous solar flares have upset the ecosystem near the equator and caused severe earthquakes. In 4657 tradestandard, a massive quake displaced millions of Tyrans and inspired an empire-wide adoption of orphaned children. Even the elitist and separatist Kin took in a few hundred youngsters.

Masters of technology, the Tyrans designed their homeworld as a showcase of their brilliance. Impossibly delicate structures rise into the atmosphere. Architecture is an art form used to express their genius.

The Tyrans are goat-like humanoids with crooked legs, hooves, and horns. Most horns turn upward and/or outward, but a rare few curl backward or down.

Both genders live in clutches of fifteen to twenty centered around work. Although close bonds often form between sexual partners, relationships are far from monogamous, and cohabitation of genders purely for sexual purposes is rare in the extreme. Reproduction is neither sought nor avoided.

Sports of all types interest them, and clutches made of both genders form to enjoy them. From age two, male children live in all male clutches, females in female, until they turn seven, at which time a Tyran is considered adult. Five Tyran years equal one Tradestandard year, making the Tyran age of consent thirty-five tradestandard years. Life span is over one hundred forty tradestandard years.

Art varies from painting and sculpture to high tech; their music takes all forms. One of their religions consists merely of passing newborns through the "Gates of Life. "

A Tyran observes one of the many buildings on Tyris which is supported by their anti-gravity beams. The science is well-guarded but Tyran engineers can be hired by outworlders -- for a steep price. Problems with the Tyran sun have disrupted the fields briefly, and their engineers are studying the problem. The Conqueror has ordered no further Tyran buildings be constructed on Tarth until the problem is resolved. The media is watching with rabid interest as the situation unfolds.