allthekeys | [Stables and Outbuildings]

1. Horse stable:

The door off the soldiers' quarters leads to a stable alongside two spacious, fenced-in pastures in which dozens of large and sturdy-looking horses graze. The barn itself is a fine structure built from wood and stone, with an aisle of hard-packed dirt running down its center. On either side is a row of eight stalls, each lined with fresh straw bedding and containing buckets for food and water, as well as a metal ring on the wall to tie a horse to.

At the far end of the barn, there's another stall that's considerably larger and more spacious than the rest. A smaller grey horse, clearly not of the same type as the others, is always tied in this stall. He seems restless and is perpetually blindfolded.

Several times a day, sixteen of the stable's finest stallions can be found in the rest of the stalls. Their caretaker is never seen leading them into or out of the barn, and they only seem to move between locations when nobody is around.

2. Cow Field:

Next to the horse stable is a lush green pasture in which a small herd of brown cows can be found grazing. An open barn attached to the field provides shelter. A bull is kept in a stall with a smaller paddock, and a few of the cows are nursing calves.

Another section of the barn has been set aside for milking; several halters and ropes to tie cows hang from the walls, and rows of metal jugs are lined up in the back corner.

3. Sheep Pen

A smaller barn and pasture is situated on a hill just past the cow field. A small flock of sheep resides here--though there also appear to be three brown and white goats intermingled with them.

This field is just as lush as the other pastures, however, the grass in one corner of the fence has been torn up.

4. Chicken Coop:

The fence in which the chickens are contained is considerably more solid than those in the rest of the stables, with no extra space in between posts. A small section near the gate seems to have fallen into disrepair; the bottom half of one fencepost has broken off, though the hole is not wide enough for the birds to fit through. The ground inside the enclosure consists mostly of dirt, and there is usually plenty of grain strewn about.

Inside of the fence is a wooden coop for shelter, its floor lined with several inches of straw. Shelved boxes for nesting are built into the walls; they are also stuffed with straw, and several of them contain eggs. Strangely, the nesting box on the rightmost side of the entrance has been completely boarded up.

Off to the side of the enclosure, there's a small shed filled with bags of grain for feed.

The chickens seem to behave normally--however, anyone who looks closely enough will notice many of them appear to have been mangled at some point, with bones jutting out at odd angles as if perhaps they'd broken and never healed properly.

5. Pigsty

Most of the grass here has been cleared, and the ground is covered in mud in which the pigs often bask. Stray bits of grain and vegetable matter can usually be found scattered around the field.

A wide shelter in the back contains two troughs for food and water. A small section of this barn is sectioned off from the rest; here, a sow and her litter of piglets can be found.

Several of the pigs, much like their neighboring chickens, appear to have been injured at some point.

6. The Kennels:

Slightly off to the side of the stables is a low, comfortable building full of cages. The cages hold a variety of hounds and terriers, all well fed and with shiny coats and clear eyes. Though clearly working animals, they are quite friendly and content to interact with those who come to feed them.

In another room of the building is a mews, with falcons and other hunting birds standing on perches. The birds are better tended than many of the residents of the town, and fluff themselves up as they gaze at those who arrive to tend them. They are quick to nip at hands that do not handle them gently, but almost docile for those willing to take the time.

Often the guards can be seen working the birds in the gardens, as well as the hounds. Strangely there do not seem to be any organized hunts, nor any attempt to take the creatures beyond the walls.

7. Outdoor Aviary:

The outdoor aviary is a large, open space, the fence grates and outer walls and glass ceilings made to let in light while clearly setting boundaries around the space. Several large enclosures and cages hold tropical birds, large parrots and exotic quail and pheasants.

Roaming within, outside the enclosures, are a number of peacocks and geese of unusual plumage patterns; the birds keep a diligent watch. Anyone who strays off the set paths will find themselves the victim of at least several painful bites and further assault until they retreat from what the birds see as their territory. Even for those who stay on the path, anyone who lingers too long without food to offer or clear tools for cleaning and maintenance, or both, will still find themselves assaulted. A hollow-armored guard by the entrance shows no concern for the birds’ aggressive tendencies, but will intervene swiftly if any move is made to harm them.

8. Gryphon House:

This stable is clearly meant to house creatures that fly. It is two stories high, and the outer walls of each floor are divided into rows of small gated apartments. Each is lined with straw bedding and provided a cot and a trough for water.

The middle of the second floor is wide open to allow the animals adequate room to spread their wings and fly. There is no ceiling below the roof--however, there are several staggered beams near the rafters that do not appear as though they are meant to provide structural support.

A small, sectioned-off room in a corner of the first story holds an assortment of saddles and bridles.

1. Hayloft:

Above the main stable is a sturdy, spacious hayloft, constructed with the same care and craftsmanship as the rest of the building. Though hay and other type of food is in abundance, it is not the only thing stored up here; there are also some of the reserve and lesser used tools as well as saddles, tack and other gear in need of repair or upkeep.

The big windows over the entrance to the barn are usually open to let in light as lighting any kind of flame amid the dry wood and animal food is ill-advised. However this also makes the air in the loft crisp and refreshing, and coming up there to smell the hay and the warm, comforting scent of animals and leather can be very relaxing.

A space is cleared in a corner furthest into the loft to comfortably leave room for a few blankets. Judging by the occasional personal item that appears in the spot, like a cap or a book, this nest is frequently visited.

Setting ♦ Game Play ♦ Rules ♦ FAQ ♦ Timeline ♦ Bestiary ♦ Taken ♦ Wanted ♦ Reserves ♦ Apps ♦ Mod Contact ♦ Hiatus ♦ Drop ♦ Dedication

[Stables and Outbuildings]

Day 8 - Sheep pen

Day 11/12

Night 12