Lord Blackfair’s Manor
Perched at the confluence of the Ery and Neen Rivers, Blackfair Manor is one of the most renowned estates in the region, its reputation built not only on prestige and legacy but also on the finest warhorses in the Flanaess.
A Legacy Forged in Battle
The manor traces its lineage to Lord Blackfair I, once Greyhawk’s greatest cavalry commander, a distinction earned over 200 years ago during the tumultuous reign of the Mad Archmage, Zagig Yragerne. Though the battles in which he fought were of little historical note, Zagig saw fit to reward him with an expansive and strategically valuable estate—a land of fertile pastures and rolling hills, where the rivers meet.
Since then, generations of Blackfair lords—from Blackfair II to the current Blackfair VII—have maintained the family's obsession with horse breeding, refining their stock into the fastest, strongest, and most resilient steeds found anywhere in the region.
The Lord and His Horses
Lord Blackfair VII is a thin, wiry man with a once-black beard now streaked with gray. Though still a loyal servant of Greyhawk, his attention is split between managing his legendary stables and growing uneasy about disturbing reports of lizardfolk sightings in the Mistmarsh. While city officials remain unconcerned, his own scouting parties have found nothing concrete—except for the mysterious disappearance of two watchmen.
A gracious host to those who share his love for horseflesh, the lord welcomes enthusiastic visitors into his lavish manor, provided they have the patience to endure his long-winded discussions on equine breeding, training, and history. Less-favored guests are directed to the estate’s inn instead.
The Blackfair Stables
The stables of Blackfair Manor house:
- Over 100 breeding mares, carefully selected for speed and endurance.
- Two dozen stallions, each a magnificent specimen of strength.
- Around 200 fillies and colts, in various stages of training.
Owning a Blackfair horse is a mark of distinction, but quality comes at a steep price.
- A young trained horse costs twice the asking price of a similar steed in Greyhawk’s High Market, but is considered well worth the expense.
- Breeding mares are occasionally sold for 2,000–3,000 gp.
- Select stallions range from 10,000 gp to an astonishing 50,000 gp.
- The prized stud of the herd, Father Black, is not for sale, though whispers claim that bids of over 100,000 gold have been made for him.
The Estate and Village
Blackfair Manor itself is a grand estate, with a palatial main house of 30 rooms, servants’ quarters, and a small garrison. The estate is protected by:
- A stone wall and a fortified gatehouse.
- Twenty skilled men-at-arms, always on duty.
- A militia of 150 peasant farmers, ready to defend the land in times of need.
Beyond the manor, a thriving village supports the estate, including:
- A mill on the riverbank for processing grain.
- Two taverns—one a rough watering hole for farmers and watchmen, the other a refined inn for wealthier travelers.
- A blacksmith, carpenter, bakery, and tack shop.
- Tonsel Ralls, a master saddler, known for his exceptional craftsmanship, serving both Lord Blackfair’s personal stables and select private patrons.
Blackfair Manor is more than just a home—it is a testament to a family's enduring legacy, a fortress of equestrian mastery, and perhaps, given the rumors of lizardfolk encroachment, the next site of a brewing conflict.
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