Phorus Stables
Resting on the south-eastern edge of Ostervand sits the Phorus Stables, a grand livery famed for their Axebeaks. Owned and managed by Thuroc Barreljaw, a wealthy, rambunctious & philanthropic dwarven man, lorded and loved for his generous charitable donations and lavish parties.
Every six months the stables organise a festival to race their animals before selling them. This has come to be known as The Phorus Derby. The symbol used by this estate is an axebeak skull in profile within a triangle.
Every six months the stables organise a festival to race their animals before selling them. This has come to be known as The Phorus Derby. The symbol used by this estate is an axebeak skull in profile within a triangle.
Purpose / Function
The Phorus Stables were originally founded as a holding space to manage livestock that arrived from the south for market days however as time progressed and the stables grew in wealth the stables began to rear their own livestock such as horses, sheep and cattle. The stables have grown since its founding into the wealthiest business in Ostervand with dozens of employees, hundreds of animals and miles of land to the south east.
Alterations
The original farm contained a single barn and three pastures to contain cattle & produce that arrived from the southern lands bound for the markets. The fields were able to hold three dozen cattle but they quickly became obsolete as farmsteads were established along the road to Farre.
In 1199 Thuroc Barreljaw purchased land to the south of Ostervand and established new pastures and barns to meet the demands of the growing business. This new land is where he broke ground on what would become the Phorus Estate.
In 1250 after the signing of the Treaty of Castle Gelda Thuroc began the renovations of his home into what it is today and gave three of his fields to the town to rear animals for the populace at his own expense.
Architecture
The fields of the stables are lined with rough hewn wooden posts, beams and deep ditches to keep the animals secure as Axebeaks are flightless they can leap great heights and distances.
The manor house stands three stories tall with grand windows overlooking the pastures, the structure is comprised of light timbers that shine in the morning light against the slate roof shingles. The main entrance has two stone pillars supporting a pitched roof covering a grand double door guilded in bronze that sits opposite a carridge turning circle dashed in white stone chippings.
Towards the town there are eight structures of enormous size that contain horse liveries, cattle barns and produce warehouses.
Defenses
The estate employs their own personal guards during the day with a minimal contingent at night. These guards patrol the fields and stables looking for threats or robbers.
History
During the War of Tears the estate donated a significant portion of its growing wealth towards the war effort with Thuroc personally overseeing the donation of meats and imported goods towards the towns struggling populace.
In 1272 the stables moved away from rearing ox, horse and sheep to their now famous Axebeaks. This bold business decision was laughed at by merchants within the town and in the region but has since proven to be a winning strategy for Thuroc.
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