Iron Hoof Tavern
The Iron Hoof Tavern is the favorite haunt of the Ashguard Riders, a rugged and rowdy establishment located near the Ashgate District, close to the Ashguard Barracks. It has become a second home to the Riders, offering them a place to unwind after long patrols along the Trail of Ash, celebrate victories, or share war stories over strong ale.
The tavern is often filled with the sound of raucous laughter, clinking mugs, and the occasional burst of an impromptu Riders’ song. While the atmosphere is generally lively, the tavern also has its quieter moments where veterans sit by the fire, sharing stories of old battles. The Iron Hoof is a place of camaraderie, where the bond between the Riders is strengthened over ale and food. Borek keeps a strict code of respect in the tavern: any disputes between Riders are quickly settled, either through words or a friendly sparring session outside.
Purpose / Function
Exterior: The Iron Hoof Tavern is a sturdy, two-story structure built from dark timber and reinforced with stone, giving it a fortress-like appearance. Above the door hangs a large iron sign in the shape of a warhorse’s hoof, the tavern’s namesake. The building is weathered, with scars of age and past conflicts etched into the wood, much like the Riders who frequent it. A small stable beside the tavern allows Riders to keep their mounts close by while they rest.
Interior: The tavern’s main room is a large, open space with a high, beamed ceiling. Long wooden tables line the room, allowing Riders to sit in groups and share meals or drinks. The walls are decorated with old cavalry banners, retired Ashguard sabers, and pieces of warhorse armor, giving the space a feeling of military pride and history. In the center of the room is a massive stone hearth, constantly burning to ward off the mountain chill, with a spit over the fire where whole boars are often roasted. The tavern’s floor is well-trodden, stained from years of spilled ale, blood, and mud from riders fresh off patrol.
Alterations
Riders' Table:
A long, hand-carved table at the back of the tavern is reserved exclusively for the Captains and Veterans of the Ashguard. Above this table hangs a banner from the Redscale Siege, tattered but proudly displayed.The Sparring Yard:
Just outside the tavern, a small yard is set up where Riders can test their mettle in hand-to-hand combat or train with wooden swords. Fights here are common, but always in good spirits—meant to settle disputes or hone skills.Borek’s War Chest:
Behind the bar, Borek keeps a locked chest full of relics from his time as a Rider, including a dented helmet from the Redscale Siege. He’ll often show off these items to trusted patrons, recounting their stories.Architecture
The Iron Hoof Tavern is a robust and practical structure, built to reflect the hardiness of its patrons—the elite Ashguard Riders—and its owner, Borek Ironsaddle. Its architecture is rooted in the rugged, utilitarian style of Steeds Crossing, blending function with a raw, imposing aesthetic.
Exterior
The tavern is a two-story building constructed from thick, dark timber beams, reinforced with stone along the base for durability. The wood is weathered, showing signs of years of harsh winters and wear, with cracks and knots that give the tavern a lived-in, almost fortress-like appearance. Above the main entrance hangs the tavern's sign: a massive iron horseshoe mounted on a wooden board, symbolizing the tavern’s connection to the Ashguard Riders. A modest stable sits to one side, providing ample space for the warhorses of the Riders who frequent the tavern.Interior
Inside, the tavern's main room is expansive, with high, exposed wooden beams supporting the ceiling. The centerpiece of the room is a large stone hearth, always crackling with a fire, giving the space a warm and inviting glow. The walls are adorned with war relics from past battles—rusted sabers, dented helmets, and faded banners, many donated by Riders who frequent the establishment. The floors are well-worn wooden planks, scuffed and stained by muddy boots and spilt ale. Long, sturdy wooden tables dominate the space, arranged in rows to accommodate groups of Riders sharing meals and stories. Thick stone pillars reinforce the structure, and lanterns hang from iron chains, casting a dim light across the room.Second Floor:
The upper level contains several small, simple rooms for travelers or Riders who need to rest after long patrols. The windows here are narrow, almost arrow-slit-like, a subtle nod to the tavern’s origins as a retreat for warriors. The architecture of the Iron Hoof Tavern blends the ruggedness of Steeds Crossing with the camaraderie and strength of the Riders, making it not just a place to drink, but a haven for warriors.History
Founding (4698 AoU)
The Iron Hoof Tavern was founded in 4698 AoU by Darrin Ironsaddle, a recently retired Ashguard Rider who had served with distinction for decades. After his retirement, Darrin sought to create a gathering place where his comrades could rest, share stories, and find camaraderie after long days on patrol. The tavern was built near the Ashguard Barracks, making it easily accessible to the Riders and ensuring it would become their favored retreat. Darrin named the tavern the Iron Hoof, in honor of the city’s famous warhorses, symbolizing strength, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between Rider and steed. Built from sturdy timber with a stone foundation, the tavern was designed to last, just like the men and women who frequented it. The tavern quickly became known for its Ashguard Ale—a strong, dark brew created specifically for the Riders—and its hearty meals, perfect for recovering after grueling patrols along the Trail of Ash.The Redscale Siege (4721 AoU)
The Redscale Siege of 4721 AoU became a key moment in the tavern's history. During the siege, Steeds Crossing was attacked by the Dragonborn, and the Ashguard Riders fought valiantly to defend the city. The Iron Hoof Tavern became a place where injured Riders could gather and recuperate, while more able-bodied soldiers met to share news from the battlefield. Darrin himself, though retired, offered support by rallying spirits and keeping the tavern open, providing food and drink for those defending the walls. After the siege was broken, many Riders who had fought bravely left pieces of armor, weapons, and battle banners as tokens of gratitude, further embedding the tavern in the Ashguard's legacy.The Next Generation: Borek Ironsaddle Takes Over (4754 AoU)
In 4754 AoU, Darrin's son, Borek Ironsaddle, took over the tavern after an injury forced his own early retirement from the Ashguard Riders. Like his father, Borek had earned a reputation as a formidable Rider, known for his unshakable resolve in combat. When he took control of the Iron Hoof, he expanded it, adding a second floor with private rooms for officers and Riders returning from long patrols. Borek infused the tavern with more war memorabilia, including his own battle-worn gear, and further solidified the tavern as the unofficial home of the Ashguard Riders. Under Borek’s leadership, the tavern became a place not only for drinking and relaxation but also for strategy and planning. Senior Riders would often gather in Captain’s Corner, a secluded area where leaders could discuss battle plans and tactics over drinks. Borek ensured the tavern remained deeply intertwined with the Riders' culture, reinforcing its status as the Riders’ second home.Modern Day (4770 AoU)
Today, the Iron Hoof Tavern is a cornerstone of life for the Ashguard Riders. Borek, though older and slower, still runs the tavern with the same fierce loyalty to his comrades. The tavern is filled with relics from past battles, from the Redscale Siege to more recent skirmishes, including weapons, banners, and armor donated by Riders who consider the Iron Hoof their sanctuary. The tavern's sparring yard remains active, allowing Riders to test their mettle in friendly duels, while its private rooms—such as Captain Darian Shadowcrest's personal retreat—continue to serve as quiet places for Riders to rest, plan, or reflect. The Iron Hoof Tavern is more than just a drinking hole—it's a living monument to the Ashguard Riders, where history, camaraderie, and the legacy of Steeds Crossing’s elite cavalry are preserved in every wooden beam and stone hearth.
Founding Date
4698 AoU
Type
Pub / Tavern / Restaurant
Parent Location
Owner
Ruling/Owning Rank
