46. Durnic’s Stablehouse

Nestled near the outskirts of Nulb, Durnic’s Stablehouse is a rough wooden structure, its walls patched with mud and thatch to keep out the damp. A lean-to shelter extends from the side, providing meager protection for a handful of workhorses and travel-worn mules. The air is thick with the scent of sweat, manure, and damp hay.

Inside, a rickety ladder leads to a loft where Durnic Fenn and his daughter Mira make their home, above the stables they tend. The wooden beams creak under the weight of hoarded supplies, hidden compartments stuffed with dried food, horse tack, and a stash of coins kept for the day they finally leave Nulb—if that day ever comes.

The back wall has an old reinforced door, leading to a cellar once used for storage—now rumored to be a holding pen for stolen horses and secret deals.

Durnic’s Ties to Nulb’s Factions

The Iron Talons (Protection and Extortion)

Iron Talons: The Men of the Baroness ensure Durnic’s stables remain “safe.”

• He pays them in coin and free use of his stables.
• Mira suspects they’re storing weapons there for an upcoming raid.
• If he refuses their demands, they’ll burn the place down.

"Funny thing about protection—don’t pay for it, and suddenly you need it real bad."

The River Pirates (Smuggling and Secrets)

Durnic has been forced to stable horses for smugglers and river pirates in exchange for favors.

• Sometimes he hears things he shouldn’t.
• He’s holding a horse that was stolen from a noble in Verbobonc.
• Mira might use this information to bargain her way out.

"You don’t ask questions when a man pays you double to keep his horse quiet."

The Crimson Reapers (Mira’s Dangerous Deal)

Mira has secretly been negotiating with the Crimson Reapers, hoping they’ll help her escape Nulb.

• They’ve agreed to take her—but only if she does something for them first.
• Her father has no idea what she’s planning.
• If she fails, she’ll be in worse danger than ever before.

"If it’s a choice between rotting here or taking my chances out there… I know which one I’m picking."

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For Dungeon Masters – Secrets & Adventure Hooks

The Stolen Horse (Investigation & Intrigue Hook)

A noble’s prized steed is hidden in Durnic’s stables, and someone is looking for it.

• Will the adventurers return it, or use it as leverage?
• If found, the noble may offer a reward—or a bounty on Durnic’s head.

Mira’s Escape (Moral Dilemma & Consequences Hook)

Mira plans to run—but her method could cause chaos in Nulb.

• Does she steal from the Crimson Reapers?
• Does she use her father’s debts against him?
• If the adventurers don’t help her, she may turn to darker allies.

Burn the Stablehouse (Combat & Consequence Hook)

If Durnic crosses the wrong people, his stablehouse could become a target.

• The Iron Talons might burn it down to make an example.
• The River Pirates might take Mira as leverage.
• The adventurers must decide who to save.

"You ever see a stable go up in flames? Smells like burnt hair and broken lives."

Conclusion

Durnic’s Stablehouse is a prison, a hiding place, and a battlefield waiting to happen. Durnic tries to keep things running, Mira tries to break free, and the factions of Nulb tighten their grip with every passing day.

Will the adventurers help Mira escape, expose Durnic’s secrets, or let fate take its course?

In Nulb, no one gets out clean.

"The thing about deals in Nulb? They always cost more than what you paid."

Stablemaster House by 3orcs

"Ain’t just horses that pass through Nulb. Some riders bring coin, others bring trouble—me, I just keep the stalls clean."

— Durnic

Durnic Fenn

The Reluctant Stablemaster

Once a free-roaming caravan driver, Durnic found himself trapped in Nulb after a bad deal with the wrong people. Now, he keeps to his work, keeps his head down, and tries to keep his daughter safe—but in a town like Nulb, that’s easier said than done.

Appearance:

• Tall and broad, but aging beyond his years.
• Grizzled beard, streaked with gray.
• Leather apron and patched wool tunic, always smelling of horse.

Personality:

• Tired but Determined – He just wants to protect his daughter.
• Unwillingly Complicit – The stables are occasionally used by smugglers and bandits—and Durnic knows it.
• Regretful of His Past – He’s made too many deals to get out now.

"Used to think I’d settle somewhere nice, with rolling hills and open skies. Now? I’d settle for not having to check my door twice before I sleep."

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Mira Fenn by 3orcs

Mira Fenn – The Dreamer in Chains

Durnic’s teenage daughter, Mira, is young, bright, and far too aware of the dangers of Nulb. She dreams of leaving, but every time she saves enough coin to flee, her father finds a reason to keep her here—usually a debt that must be paid, or a threat too close to home.

Appearance:

• Fiery red hair, often tied back in a messy braid.
• Calloused hands, used to hard work.
• A small silver pendant, a relic from her mother, who died years ago.

Personality:

• Defiant but Cautious – Knows she can’t openly rebel, but she’s planning her escape.
• Sick of Nulb’s Corruption – Sees her father as a prisoner of his own mistakes.
• Too Clever for Her Own Good – Keeps tabs on the criminals passing through the stables.

"One day, I’ll ride outta here and never look back. And if my father don’t come with me, then that’s his choice."

Type

House

Parent Location

Nulb