Thornbrush Manor
Thornbrush Manor – Seat of the Landed Noble Jared Maximus
Perched upon a broad ridge where two glistening valley streams converge, Thornbrush Manor is a modest yet commanding stronghold overseeing the small but vital lands of Thornbrush. The manor and its surrounding village mark the domain of Jared Maximus, a newly appointed landed noble who must prove himself to the people and the land.
Once a timber longhouse, Thornbrush Manor has been expanded and reinforced, symbolizing the transition of power from its previous rulers to the new lordship of Jared Maximus. Though small compared to greater holdings in Highglade, Thornbrush is a center of authority, protection, and leadership for the folk living in its valleys and woodlands.
The Manor and Its Surroundings
The Manor House
Thornbrush Manor is built for practicality and endurance, reflecting the harsh yet beautiful lands it governs.
- The Great Hall: The heart of the manor, a timbered hall with a high-beamed ceiling, thick wooden pillars, and walls adorned with hunting tapestries. A grand hearth burns steadily to fend off the cold that lingers in the stone walls.
- The Overlook Tower: A newly added stone tower, providing a commanding view of the valleys and a place to signal the village in times of need.
- The Baron’s Quarters: A modest but well-kept chamber, furnished with a writing desk, a sturdy bed, and a small personal hearth—a place where Jared Maximus can plan and reflect on his new rule.
- The Armory: A stone-walled annex, housing a small but well-maintained cache of weapons and armor, prepared in case of banditry or war.
The Courtyard and Outbuildings
Enclosed within a stout wooden palisade, the courtyard is a hub of daily life for the manor’s retainers.
- The Barracks: A small but functional guardhouse, where the manor’s handful of guards sleep and train.
- The Stables: Home to the horses of the manor, managed by Ewan Hallow, the stablemaster.
- The Blacksmith’s Forge: A modest smithy, where the blacksmith repairs tools, horseshoes, and weapons.
- The Granary and Storehouse: Essential for winter provisions, built of thick stone to protect against both weather and thieves.
- The Chapel of the Hearthkeeper: A simple wooden shrine, where offerings are made for warmth, family, and home—a sacred place in a land where winters can be harsh and long.
The Lands of Thornbrush
Thornbrush’s holdings are small but vital, consisting of pasturelands, woodlands, and the hardworking people of the valley.
Thornbrush Village
A modest settlement, Thornbrush Village consists of stone and timber houses, sheltering the ranchers, foresters, and craftsmen who support the manor. The village square features:
- A small marketplace, where locals trade cheese, wool, and smoked meats.
- The Boar & Thistle, an inn and gathering place, known for its hot cider and thick stew.
- A meeting hall, where village elders and the manor’s steward handle local matters and disputes.
The Old Glades
To the east lies a deep and ancient grove, its trees older than the village itself. The people of Thornbrush refuse to cut here, believing the land is watched by spirits. Strange runes have been found on some trees, and hunters who stray too far often return... changed.
The Thornbrook Stream
A fast-moving, icy cold tributary, Thornbrook Stream runs through the valley, providing water for livestock and villagers. In summer, it is a lifeline, but in winter, it freezes over, making travel difficult. Some say the river sings on quiet nights, whispering to those who listen.
People of the Manor
As a newly appointed landed noble, Jared Maximus has inherited both responsibility and expectation. Though he commands only a small household, each member plays a vital role in keeping Thornbrush Manor self-sufficient and secure.
Household Staff
- Garrick Holloway (Steward) – A sharp-eyed administrator, ensuring the manor’s affairs and accounts are in order.
- Beatrice "Bea" Hayworth (Housekeeper) – Keeps every chamber and hallway in order, fiercely protective of the manor’s traditions.
- Roland "Rolly" Tanner (Cook) – The heart of the manor, ensuring no one goes hungry, especially in the long winters.
- Emma Wells (Maidservant) – Young, diligent, and eager to prove herself.
Grounds & Security
- Hugh Bramble (Head Groundskeeper) – A grizzled caretaker of the land, wary of the old glades.
- Ewan Hallow (Stablemaster) – A rugged but warm-hearted handler of horses, always ready with a joke.
- Osric Vale (Gamekeeper) – A quiet but deadly marksman, often watching from the treeline.
- Cedric Thorne (Captain of the Guard) – Disciplined and vigilant, keeping bandits and wild threats at bay.
A New Noble in a Land of Tradition
As Jared Maximus takes the reins of Thornbrush, he is met with both expectation and skepticism. The people here are stubborn, proud, and tied to the land. They respect a firm hand but expect fairness.
The previous rulers of Thornbrush were distant, treating it as a forgotten estate, but Jared is different—a leader of the sword, now learning the ways of rulership. To succeed, he must not only govern but become a true Highglader—one who listens to the land, its people, and the old whispers carried by the wind.
Thornbrush is not a great city or sprawling barony, but it is a home, a haven, and a bastion in a wild and untamed world. What it becomes depends on its new noble—and the choices he makes.
Here is the full roster of Thornbrush Manor's staff:
- Garrick Halloway – Stern but fair steward, ensuring the manor runs smoothly.
- Beatrice “Bea” Hayworth – No-nonsense housekeeper, keeping the estate spotless.
- Roland "Rolly" Tanner – Jolly cook, who delights in warm meals for cold nights.
- Emma Wells – Diligent young maidservant, eager to prove her worth.
- Hugh Bramble – Head groundskeeper, fiercely protective of the land.
- Ewan Hallow – Warm and capable stablemaster, caring for the baron’s horses.
- Osric Vale – Quiet, sharp-eyed gamekeeper, always watching the wilds.
- Cedric Thorne – Disciplined Captain of the Guard, ever-vigilant.
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