Stable Row
The area outside the Market Gate is known as Stable Row, for obvious reasons. Traditionally a location where caravans and travelers can leave their mounts and wagons and also negotiate for new ones, this area also features a number of inns and taverns that cater to travelers who don’t have time to stay in Westden proper. This is the gateway to the wild lands beyond, and a number of small farmsteads and stockyards are located nearby. The area is somewhat lawless, and is a scene of horse racing and gambling, with a dirt racetrack that brings gamblers from all around the Lyre Valley and town itself, “to bet on the ponies”.
Like Tent City, when the Huun siege came in recent years, the occupants of this district packed up and headed out before they arrived. Some of the local ranches were sacked and burned during that time, but the invaders didn’t travel very far afield for fear of the sudden Griffon Rider attacks that continued to come from the Citadel of Griffons throughout the siege. As a result, there was some loss of livestock and destruction of property, but the folk who frequent Stable Row were quick to recover.
Infrastructure
The Guardian Mount
Porsis Gendarme (female half-elf) crafts barding for all manner of riding beasts — spiked and studded leather collars and saddle blankets for the dwarven bear riders of the Silverhelm Clan, fine mesh linked chainmail for flying beasts, articulated boiled leather outfits for riding dogs, plate armor for warhorses, and everything in between. Her somewhat mismatched partner Forgut (male dwarf) provides the muscle and oversees the shop’s many assistants. All items cost 20% over standard, but are works of art and worth the price.Horse Trader
Thorfin (male human) was a wilderness guide who was badly injured by brigands. Today he sells draft horses for 200–250gp, assisted by a young urchin named Gunnin (male half-elf). Thorfin drives a hard bargain and provides decent enough horses. Thorfin is not a member of the Stablers and Breeders Guild, but Captain Roann has learned better than to try to hassle him or shake him down for dues.The Dun Corral
Originally part of an inn that was destroyed by the invaders, this structure survives only as bare, scorch-marked stone walls. Captain Jadeyn Roean (male human), master of the Stablers and Breeders Guild, has seen to it that the building still serves a useful purpose, however, and has converted it into a horse trading post and livery stable. Jadeyn himself lives in one of the surviving rooms on what was once the second floor, and is usually here haggling over the price of horses or terrorizing his stableboys. Jadeyn is a retired Waymark cavalry officer who opted to retire to the Lyre Valley when his commission was up, though in truth there was little welcome awaiting him back in the Waymarch. He has a rough weather-beaten face, with three long scars that cross his face from nose down to chin. He claims it is the result of a bear attack, though it was only a war band of gnolls and hyenas that overcame his troop and resulted in him receiving a formal reprimand and nearly saw him cashiered out of the cavalry. A surly man even before his disgrace, since his retirement in exile his demeanor has only grown worse. Dissatisfied with the scraps the ranchers of the Guild give him and angry at life in general, Jadeyn is also the head of what is commonly called the Street Thugs Guild, a somewhat informal organization that scours the neighborhood, robbing the unfortunate and collecting protection money from smaller businesses. Most of his stablehands do double duty as pickpockets, working for a cut of the profits they bring in. As an ex-mercenary, he knows that coin buys anything, and men are loyal mostly to the coin, and to success. Jadeyn also fences stolen horses, though he’s very careful to keep this particular business low-key. Some claim that this location is haunted by the spirits of the old inn’s owners, guests, and horses that died when the Huun came, though Jadeyn himself has never seen anything, and keeps the rumors alive to keep out unwanted visitors.Thundering Drum Stables
These private stables are kept spotless, and are partially owned by Cylyria herself. They are managed by Knotaloke (female human), and offer the finest mounts in the Westden area. These mounts are of exceptional quality (maximum hit points), and cost ten times standard price. No one has yet complained, for Knotaloke’s horses are also noted for their exceptional intelligence and bravery.Stockyards
Sprawling a quarter of a mile beyond the city, this vast location contains pens that are crowded with hundreds of cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs. Farmers come here to sell their herds, which are then kept here until taken into Westden for butchering. The place is alive with activity, with herdsmen coming and going and various hands going about their business, feeding and caring for the animals. The smell is almost overpowering, which is one reason that the place is downwind of the city. Harold (male human) is a surprisingly gentle man, very concerned with the health of his animals, and determined to get the lowest price possible. He maintains an official relationship with the city of Westden, providing them with a continuous supply of food. He truly cares for his animals, and doesn’t give too much thought to what happens to them after they leave his care. Harold has been troubled recently by a rash of deaths among his animals, and he has become convinced that “something” is stalking his herds each night. He has so far kept his suspicions quiet, but may surreptitiously contact adventurers to look into the mysterious deaths.Racetrack
This small building is set apart from the others on Stable Row, and nearer to the area’s horse track. The building is a patchwork of reclaimed lumber from various buildings, and the racetrack’s boundaries are marked by a series of wooden stakes pounded into the ground. Horses are tied to the stakes as owners and betters look at them and determine wagers. Inside, Nadir Tragon (male human) sits at a small desk and takes bets as his assistants chalk current odds on a framed piece of slate that stands on an easel near the entrance. A former mercenary who lost his left eye to an arrow, Nadir is still thin and spry, with short curly hair and a face tanned by years in the sun. He seems much older than his 30-odd years. After being mustered out of his unit, Nadir found his way to Westden, then to Stable Row and became a groom, tending horses for the barbarians, nomads, and merchants. In time, he and an ambitious horse peddler decided to stage races to attract attention and possibly increase the value of their horses. To this day, Nadir remains Westden’s sole horse handicapper and bookie. Nadir pays in full and on time, and has a reputation for honesty, though rumor has it that he is not above dealing in stolen horses, or occasionally feeding potions to certain animals to improve their performance.Private Stables
These partially-covered and well-maintained stables are the collective property of several of Westden's wealthier ranchers. One main bunkhouse is in the center of the stables, and a single watchtower views all the properties. The ranchers threw their lots in together to maintain the quality upkeep of the building here, and split costs and maintenance evenly and rent space in to Westden’s wealthy aristocracy. A guard patrol of 1d4+1 cowhands in the employ of the ranchers keep the peace around the stables, and work with the city guard when necessary to maintain good relations and mutual protection.
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