Saddlecreek

Saddlecreek

"Out here, the land don’t care if you live or die. That’s up to you."

Nestled at the crossroads of trade routes and outlaw trails, Saddlecreek is a town where the dust never settles, and neither do the grudges. It’s a sanctuary for the weary, a battleground for the reckless, and a home for those tough enough to carve their place in the frontier. Here, the law stands—not always firm, but firm enough. At a glance, it’s a town like any other: a sheriff’s badge shining under the noonday sun, the clink of whiskey glasses in the Rusty Spur, the ring of a blacksmith’s hammer, and the distant thunder of hooves. But look closer, and you’ll see the cracks in the foundation. Outlaws and lawmen walk the same streets, an uneasy truce keeping the bloodshed at bay—for now. Some say the town was built on grit and ambition. Others say it was built on secrets. Both might be true. What You’ll Find in Saddlecreek 🔹 A Town on the Edge – Law and lawlessness hold hands here, and the line between them is thinner than a knife’s edge. 🔹 The Rusty Spur & The Silver Spur – One keeps the peace, the other keeps the whiskey flowing. Both hold their own kind of power. 🔹 The Forge, The Ranch, & The Trade – Gunsmiths, tailors, and ranchers—folks who make a living honest or otherwise. 🔹 Outlaws in the Shadows – The Scorched Circle keeps their violence measured. The Crimson Spurs prefer chaos. Devil’s Fork breeds both. 🔹 Legends, Lies, & Long-Forgotten Feuds – Saddlecreek has secrets buried under its floorboards. Some are better left that way.

places in Saddlecreek

Every building has a story. Some are worth telling. Some ain’t.

The Rusty Spur

"A drink, a bed, and a place where your past don’t matter—long as you don’t bring trouble with you."

The Rusty Spur ain’t just a tavern—it’s Saddlecreek’s beating heart. It’s the first place travelers see when they ride into town and the last place they stop before leaving. Lawmen, drifters, and outlaws alike sit under its roof, drawn by the promise of strong drink, warm beds, and business conducted in whispers. But make no mistake—this ain’t a lawless saloon. Fights don’t last long, and neither do those who start ‘em. The Rusty Spur is neutral ground, protected by a woman who doesn’t take kindly to fools.

The Rusty Spur’s Rules

• No guns drawn inside – Unless you’re real sure you won’t miss.
• Keep your grudges at the door – Settle ‘em outside if you have to.
• If Kat says you’re done, you’re done – No second chances.
• Pay your tab – Credit don’t exist in the West.
• Mind your business – You didn’t hear nothin’, you didn’t see nothin’.
• Snoop in other people's rooms upstairs and you'll get shot.

The Rusty Spur Inn

• Five rooms for rent, each with a solid lock and a shotgun under the bed (Kat believes in preparedness).
• Travelers, bounty hunters, and the occasional fugitive all find rest here—so long as they follow the rules.
• The only place in town where your past don’t matter—so long as it don’t follow you through the door.

The Rusty Spur Menu

"Ain’t fancy, but it’ll keep you standing."

🔹 Whiskey – Strong enough to clean a wound—or cause one.🔹 Beer – Warm, flat, and cheap. Take it or leave it. 🔹 Coffee – Black as sin, thick as mud. 🥩 Steak & Beans – If you’re lucky, it’s fresh. If you’re not… well, it’s still filling. 🥧 Dusty Apple Pie – Ain’t the best, but it’s the only pie in town. 🍳 Trailhand Breakfast – Eggs, bacon, and biscuits—if the hens laid and the flour held. 🥣 Cattleman’s Stew – What’s in it? Don’t ask. "If you’re payin’, you’re eatin’. No tabs, no second helpings."

The Rusty Spur Staff

The Keeper of the SpurKatrina "Kat" Knight – The No-Nonsense Proprietor

• Sharp as a bowie knife, with a wit to match.
• Runs the Spur with a steady hand and a shotgun under the bar for when words ain’t enough.
• Respects outlaws and lawmen the same—so long as they follow her rules.
• If she offers you a drink on the house, it means she either likes you or she’s warning you.

Tiriana Ward – The Barmaid with a Secret

• Knows every customer by name—or at least by reputation.
• Quick with a drink, quicker with a story.
• Rumored to have a past she don’t talk about.

Caleb "Cal" Miller – The Hand-for-Hire

• Works the bar when he ain’t fixing fences or running odd jobs.
• Good-natured, but ain’t afraid to throw someone out when they’ve had too much.
• Says he don’t gamble—but always wins when he plays.

The Rusty Spur's Secrets

"Some doors in this town are better left closed."🔹 The Two Locked Rooms – At the end of the hall, past the rentable rooms, sit two doors that never open for guests. 🔹 Kat’s Room – The first belongs to Katrina "Kat" Knight. No one enters. No one asks. Some say it holds more than just a bed and a rifle—maybe a past she don’t talk about. 🔹 The Other Room – The second? That one’s spoken for—year-round.

• The renter? Kraven Flamecarver, leader of The Scorched Circle.
• A wanted outlaw, yet no one drags him out—not Mizu, not the deputies, not even the bounty hunters passing through.
• When he’s in town, the lantern burns low, and the sound of boots pacing echoes behind the locked door.
• No one knows what business he and Kat have, but a man like him don’t pay for a room just to sleep.

"If you see that door open, turn around. You ain't meant to know what's inside."

The Silver Spur

"Where fortunes turn, tempers break, and the whiskey never runs dry."

The Silver Spur ain’t for the faint of heart. This is where outlaws celebrate their latest haul, gamblers stake their last dime, and the foolhardy test their luck. Laughter, gunfire, broken bottles—sometimes in that order. Run by Devlin Alexander Ward, the Silver Spur is a storm of rowdy voices, bad bets, and neon dreams of fortune. The rules? Loose. The whiskey? Stronger than regret. The nights? Rarely end quietly.

The Silver Spur Staff

Devlin Alexander Ward – The King of Chaos (Owner)

• A charmer with a silver tongue and a quicker draw than he lets on.
• Loves money, hates rules, and thrives on the thrill of risk.
• Knows everyone’s business but never lets on how much.

Apollo Serpentine – The Star of the Show (Musician & Performer)

• Plays piano, sings, and occasionally starts bar fights with his mouth.
• Dreams of fame beyond Saddlecreek—but until then, he keeps the music going.
• If he likes you, he’ll play your favorite tune. If not? He’ll play it just to ruin it for you.

Lucinda "Lucy" Graves – The Deadly Belle (Dealer & Enforcer)

• Runs the poker tables with a wicked smile—just don’t try cheating.
• Looks like a dream, fights like a nightmare.
• Some say she used to be an outlaw; others say she still is.

The Silver Spur Menu

"A full stomach makes a better gambler. A full bottle makes a worse one."

🥃 House Whiskey – Tastes like fire. Burns like revenge.🍺 Beer – Cheap. Warm. Strong. Take it or leave it. 🥂 Devlin’s Special – Whatever he’s drinking that night—probably expensive, probably dangerous. ☕ Hangover Coffee – Guaranteed to wake the dead. 🥩 Blackjack Steak – Cooked rare. You’ll take it that way. 🌮 Outlaw Tacos – Suspiciously spicy. Suspiciously good. 🥣 Midnight Chili – Best eaten before you start a fight, not after. "We don’t serve water. That’s a personal choice."

The Silver Spur Rules

What little order exists in the Spur. 1️⃣ No shooting the piano player – Even if he deserves it. 2️⃣ All bets are final – Cryin’ don’t win your money back. 3️⃣ No cheatin’ at cards – If Lucy catches you, your luck runs out fast. 4️⃣ If Devlin don’t like you, you don’t drink here – No arguments. 5️⃣ Break somethin', you pay for it – Or Devlin collects in his own way. 6️⃣ If you start a fight, finish it outside – Unless Devlin says otherwise. "The only law here is the law of the table. Play smart, drink hard, and don’t get yourself shot over nothing."

The Silver Spur Secrets

You didn’t hear this from me. 🔹 The High-Stakes Room – There’s a backroom for bets bigger than gold. Ain’t open to just anyone. 🔹 Devlin’s Hidden Vault – Where does all that money go? Some say it ain’t in the saloon at all. 🔹 The Queen of Hearts – There’s a bounty out for a woman who played one game too many and never paid up. 🔹 The Phantom Tab – A ghost owes a debt at the Spur. Some nights, the whiskey vanishes, but no one sees who takes it. 🔹 Lucinda’s Last Hand – The night she won the saloon’s biggest bet, three men walked out—and only one ever walked back in. "Some secrets are worth a fortune. Others ain’t worth dying for."

The Sheriff's office

"The law ain’t perfect, but it’s all that stands between order and chaos."The Saddlecreek Sheriff’s Office is where justice gets decided one bullet at a time. It ain’t a big place—just a desk stacked with unfinished reports, a wall of wanted posters, and a pair of cells that don’t stay empty for long. Sheriff Mizu Kurohana runs it with a quiet, unyielding hand, his deputy, Sol Devrillo, balancing grit with charm. They keep the peace, but out here, peace is temporary, and trouble’s always got a head start. "The law ain’t just about what’s right—it’s about who’s left standing."

The Sheriff and Deputy

🤠 Sheriff Mizu Kurohana – The Unshakable Lawman

• Silent, steady, and carved from stone—until you see the cracks.
• Raised his siblings, Kri & Mina, from the age of nine—a burden he never resented, only carried.
• A deadeye shot, disciplined fighter, and relentless protector—but soft-hearted where it counts.
• Never backs down, never blinks first.
• Doesn’t trust easily, but if he lets you in, he’ll move mountains for you.
• Keeps his emotions locked up tighter than the jail cells—except when Sol’s being a menace.

"If you got a problem, handle it. If you can’t, I will." 🎭 Deputy Solaris "Sol" Devrillo – The Silver-Tongued Gunslinger

• Fastest draw in town—don’t bet against him.
• Always grinning, always talking—until the moment he ain’t.
• Has a soft spot for pink things, bunnies, and carrots—which Mizu pretends not to notice.
• Handles problems with wit before bullets—but ain’t afraid of the latter.
• Knows how to get people talking, get them laughing, and get them to spill what they shouldn’t.
• If Mizu’s the stone wall, Sol’s the trapdoor that makes trouble fall flat on its face.

"Ain’t a single problem in this world a little charm—or a well-placed bullet—can’t fix."

The Sheriff's office

"Some men ride for fortune. Others ride for blood. These ones? They ride for both."These are the most wanted outlaws in Saddlecreek territory—killers, thieves, and menaces with prices on their heads. Some work alone, others ride with the Scorched Circle or the Crimson Spurs, but they’ve all got one thing in common—they don’t plan on getting caught.

The Sheriff's office

"Some things are best left buried. Others scratch at the surface, beggin’ to be found."

THE LOCKED DRAWER

• Mizu’s desk has a single locked drawer.
• Sol tried to open it once. He never tried again.
• What’s inside? No one knows, and Mizu ain’t answering.

THE POSTERS THAT DISAPPEAR

• Some wanted posters vanish overnight.
• Crimson Spurs? Gone. Scorched Circle? Still there.
• Is Mizu protecting someone, or just cleaning up unfinished business?

THE DRAWINGS

• Mizu can draw. And not just sketch—he’s damn good.
• He keeps it hidden, but somewhere in the office, there’s a folded-up paper with a shockingly good portrait of Kri and Mina.
• Sol also draws.
• Sol’s "art"? Bunnies. Except they don’t quite look like bunnies.
• Mizu refuses to tell him otherwise. It’s not worth the argument.

THE UNSPOKEN TRUCE

• Mizu and Kraven Flamecarver don’t shoot on sight.
• No one knows why.
• No one’s dumb enough to ask

The General Store

"Folks come here for supplies. They leave with more than they bargained for."

The Saddlecreek General Store is more than just a place to buy flour, bullets, and coffee—it’s where news is traded, troubles are aired, and weary souls find comfort in the familiar. It’s run by Garnet Pyrrhus, a woman whose warmth fills the room like a fresh-baked pie, and Dimitri Hawke, a sharp-eyed clerk with a knack for finding things—both goods and secrets.

"You look like you could use a bite to eat. And a better poker face."

The General Store Staff

Garnet Pyrrhus – The Town’s Second Mother

• Loving, warm, and motherly—but still sharp as a tack.
• Seems to know what folks need before they do—whether it's supplies, a kind word, or a warning.
• Keeps the store running smooth and the town fed, always a step ahead of shortages.
• She doesn’t carry a gun, but no one would dare steal from her—Shep would know.

"Sugar, you’ve been running yourself ragged. Sit, eat somethin’—on the house. And don’t argue." Dimitri Hawke – The Sharp-Eyed Store Clerk

• Friendly, talkative, and always listening.
• Knows everyone’s habits—what they buy, when they buy it, and what it means.
• Has a border collie named Shep who never misses a thing.
• Can find rare goods—but never says where they came from.

"I can get you what you need. Just depends what you’re willin’ to trade."

The General Store Secrets

🔹 The Notes That Disappear –

• Dimitri collects messages, and they always find their way to the right hands.

🔹 The Scorched Circle Connection –

• Dimitri’s father, Axel Hawke, rides with Kraven Flamecarver.
• Dimitri ain’t an outlaw, but he ain’t just a clerk either.
• Nobody knows how deep he’s in. Maybe not even him.

🔹 Garnet Knows More Than She Lets On –

• She sees everything, hears everything, but never tells all of it.
• She knows who’s hungry, who’s hurt, and who’s planning to leave town before they say a word.
• She probably knows Dimitri’s secret, but whether she’s protecting him or just watching… no one knows.

🔹 The Storeroom That’s Always Locked –

• There’s a backroom Dimitri never lets customers see.
• Some say it's where he keeps rare shipments.
• Others say it’s where he hides things people don’t want found.
• Garnet don’t ask, and neither should you.

Billion Clinic

"Ain't no such thing as an unworthy life, cher. Now sit still ‘fore I gotta stitch you twice."The Billion Clinic ain’t just a place to get patched up—it’s a sanctuary. No matter who you are, lawman, outlaw, stranger or friend, if you’re hurt, Dr. Nye Billion will fix you up. There ain’t no judgment here. No coin? He’ll take what you can offer. No reputation? He don’t care who you are. No hope? He’ll give you some. "S’all the same once ya start bleedin’, hm? Lucky for you, I got steady hands."

Billion Clinic Staff

Dr. Nye Billion – The Sawbones with a Heart of Gold

• Fixes up anyone, no matter who they are.
• Genuinely cares for his patients, sharp wit and all.
• Heavy Creole accent—his voice alone could calm the dead.
• Greenest flag in all of Saddlecreek.

"I ain't gonna let ya rot, cher. But ya gotta wanna stand up on ya own two feet, too."

Billion Clinic Secrets

🔹 The Outlaw Student –

• Nye’s been teachin’ someone the world gave up on.
• Takes ‘em to the schoolhouse after hours. Teaches ‘em to read, to write, to be more than just a wanted name.
• Ain’t nobody knows. And if they did? That man’s bounty might get a whole lot bigger.

🔹 The Bloodstained Ledger –

• Nye writes down every life he’s saved.
• And the ones he couldn’t.
• One name got a little star next to it—just one.

🔹 The Locked Cabinet –

• Ain’t nothin’ wicked in there.
• Just medicine. Just hope. Just things to help people get back on their feet.
• Ain’t no poisons. Ain’t no tricks.

🔹 The Outlaws Who Owe Him –

• Some men with bounties got debts to pay.
• Not to the law. Not to the gangs.
• To the man who made sure they lived long enough to choose somethin’ better.
• "Ain't ‘bout what ya done, cher. It’s ‘bout what ya do now."

Forgeclaw Smithy

"Steel don’t lie. A man’s work speaks for itself."

If it’s made of iron, steel, or lead, odds are it came from Forgeclaw Smithy. This is where guns are tuned, blades are sharpened, and tools are reforged to keep Saddlecreek runnin’. The air is thick with smoke, sweat, and the ring of hammer on metal—a sound as steady as a heartbeat. Run by Garran Forgeclaw, a man whose hands are as rough as the work he does, and his sharp-eyed apprentice, Dahlia “Dee” Fairhaven, the smithy is the unspoken backbone of the town. Lawmen, ranchers, and outlaws alike come here, because out here, your weapon’s the only thing standing between you and the grave.

"You break it, I fix it. You lose it, I ain’t replacin’ it."

Forgeclaw Smithy Staff

Garran Forgeclaw – The Iron-Handed Blacksmith (Owner)

• Big, quiet, and strong as the anvils he works.
• Doesn’t talk much—lets the steel speak for itself.
• Honest man, but he don’t judge who buys his work. Law or outlaw, a blade’s just a tool.
• Knows the weight of every weapon he makes. Knows what they’ll be used for.

"Ain’t my business what you do with it. Just know it’ll hold." Dahlia “Dee” Fairhaven – The Wildfire Apprentice

• Smart, sharp, and fast with her hands.
• Specializes in gunsmithing—if your revolver’s jammed, she’ll fix it before you can blink.
• Talks plenty to make up for Garran’s silence.
• Wants to prove herself, wants to be the best. And she’s well on her way.

"If it ain’t shootin’ straight, it’s your fault, not mine."

Forgeclaw Smithy Secrets

🔹 The Old Blade –

• Hidden under the workbench is a sword older than Garran himself.
• Ain’t from Saddlecreek. Ain’t from anywhere folks remember.
• He never uses it. Never sells it. But he sure as hell never lets it rust.

🔹 The Outlaw’s Tab –

• Some folks pay in advance for work that ain’t supposed to be traced.
• A gun with no serial. A knife made for silence.
• Garran don’t ask why. He just makes sure it works.

🔹 The Fire That Almost Took It All –

• Years back, someone tried to burn the smithy down.
• Garran never said who. Never said why.
• But the way he watches certain men in town? He remembers.

🔹 Dee’s Secret Work –

• There’s a revolver she’s been tinkerin’ with, hidden in the back.
• It’s got custom engraving, a modified barrel, and a faster reload.
• Ain’t for sale. Ain’t for a customer.
• So who’s it for, Dee?

"Steel remembers, even when men forget."

Black Flower Boutique

"Darling, style isn't just about lookin' good—it’s about survivin’ the West with dignity."

Nestled between the dust-covered storefronts of Saddlecreek sits The Black Flower Boutique—a rare splash of elegance in a town that don’t care for frills. Owned by Kri Kurohana, a man with an eye for beauty and a heart that beats in stitches and seams, this shop ain’t just for the fancy folk. A well-made coat can keep a bullet from takin’ your life. A properly fitted boot can mean the difference between makin’ it home or dyin’ in the desert. Kri knows this, and that’s why every piece he crafts is made to last.

"You don't gotta be pretty to dress well, sugar. You just gotta have good taste."

Black Flower Boutique Staff

Kri Kurohana – The Flamboyant Tailor (Owner)

• Talks fast, works faster, and refuses to let folks leave lookin’ like a mess.
• Loves good fashion, but never sacrifices function. Out here, clothes ain’t just for looks—they’re armor.
• Affectionate, teasing, and always a step ahead of whatever trend is sneakin’ into town.
• Knows how to sew silk as easy as he sews leather—and knows what folks want before they do.
• Mizu's younger brother. The only man alive who can fluster the sheriff.

"Darlin’, you ain’t gotta be handsome, but if you wear that, you sure as hell ain’t gonna help yourself."

Black Flower Boutique Secrets

SECRETS OF THE BLACK FLOWER BOUTIQUE🔹 The Hidden Pockets –

• Every jacket Kri makes has a pocket meant for a gun or a knife—sometimes both.
• He don’t ask who needs ‘em. He just makes sure they fit right.

🔹 The Secret Commissions –

• Some folks pay extra for clothes that don’t just look good, but protect.
• Bulletproof layers, hidden dagger loops, places to stash a letter where no one will find it.

🔹 The Letters That Come in the Night –

• Every now and then, a package arrives from Eden.
• Kri reads it. He don’t say what it’s about. But he always looks tired after.

🔹 The One Jacket He Won’t Sell –

• Black, embroidered, reinforced with leather in the right places.
• A perfect fit for Mizu.
• He’s never taken it. But it’s still sittin’ there, just in case.

"A good coat don’t just make a man look sharp. Sometimes, it keeps ‘im breathin’."

Serpent Stones Jewelers

"It isn't about the size of the rock, honey. It’s about the story it tells."

At first glance, Serpent Stones Jewelry might seem out of place in a town like Saddlecreek—gold, silver, and gemstones ain’t exactly a necessity out here. But Landon Serpentine, the store’s excitable, fast-talking owner, would argue otherwise. A well-crafted ring can seal a deal. A silver chain can hold a promise. A lucky stone can mean the difference between life and death. And in a place where fortunes rise and fall on the draw of a gun, a little luck ain’t such a bad thing to wear. "Rocks got memories, sweetie. You just have to know how to listen."

Serpent Stones Jewelers Staff

Landon Serpentine – The Enthusiastic Jeweler (Owner)

• Talks too much, talks too fast, but means every word.
• Knows more about gems than anyone in a hundred miles—whether you wanna hear about it or not.
• Gets lost in his work—sometimes forgets customers are even there.
• Believes every stone has a story, and if you don’t got one, he’ll make one up.
• Mizu pretends to be annoyed by him, but secretly enjoys his rambling.

"See this here? This ain’t just a sapphire—it’s the last breath of a dying river, frozen in time. That’s why it shines so blue. Ain’t it somethin’?"

Serpent Stones Jewelers Secrets

🔹 The Cursed Ring –

• Somewhere in the shop, there’s a ring Landon refuses to sell.
• It always finds its way back, no matter how many times he tries to get rid of it.
• Last man who wore it? Dead within the week.

🔹 The Outlaw’s Payment –

• A few of Landon’s finest pieces weren’t paid for in coin.
• Some folks leave gold nuggets, old Spanish silver, or things “found” on the wrong side of the law.

🔹 The Lost Locket –

• There’s a locket hidden behind the counter—one Landon never talks about.
• Inside? A name carved so small, you gotta squint to see it.
• Ain’t his name. Ain’t for sale.

🔹 The Stone That Ain’t From Here –

• Locked in a display case, never touched, never priced.
• Glows faintly in the dark. Ain’t no one sure why.
• Landon don’t like talkin’ about it.

"Some things shine too bright to be trusted."

Windswept Church

"A house of faith, a house of mercy. If you need neither, then let it be a house of rest."

The Windswept Church stands at the town’s edge, a quiet refuge against the harsh frontier. It is not a place of judgment, nor a place of demands—only a place of reflection, respite, and words spoken with care. Aerowin Ward, the self-appointed priest, keeps the doors open for all. He does not press faith upon those who enter, nor does he scorn those who have lost it. He simply welcomes, listens, and offers the kind of wisdom that settles in the soul like an evening breeze. "This town is not kind, nor is it just. But mercy? Mercy we can make with our own hands."

Windswept Church Staff

Aerowin Ward – The Silver-Tongued Shepherd (Priest & Community Leader)

• A man of deliberate words and thoughtful silence.
• Self-taught, self-appointed, and unbothered by those who question it.
• Not a man of strict doctrine—only of understanding.
• Puts effort into being likable, not to deceive, but to welcome.
• Knows that faith is not always loud—sometimes, it is simply the choice to keep going.

"A man need not believe in heaven to seek peace. If you find no comfort in scripture, then let this place be a haven from the storm. That is enough."

Windswept Church Secrets

🔹 The Revolver Beneath the Pulpit –

• A priest may offer peace, but he is not blind to the world he stands in.
• It has never been drawn in this house, and he prays it never will be.

🔹 The Names in the Old Book –

• Not a Bible, but a record. Of debts. Of favors. Of promises not yet fulfilled.
• He keeps it not to collect, but to remember.

🔹 The Unmarked Grave –

• Beyond the churchyard, past the oldest stones, there is a single plot with no name.
• Aerowin tends to it himself, but does not speak of who lies beneath.
• A man does not bury a secret unless it still weighs on his heart.

🔹 The Lantern That Burns After Midnight –

• Some nights, the church glows long after the town has gone dark.
• Those who have nowhere else to go find quiet sanctuary within.
• Sometimes, a soul is saved by faith. Other times, it is saved simply by being given a place to rest.

🔹 The Lovers’ Confessions –

• Aerowin has led many to the Lord, but just as many to his bed.
• Some leave with their hearts lighter. Some leave with their hearts heavier.
• Either way, they always leave.
• He doesn’t stop them. He never asks them to stay.

Saddlecreek School

"The mind is like the land—tend it well, and it'll give more than you ever imagined."

The Saddlecreek Schoolhouse is more than just a place to learn reading, writing, and arithmetic—it’s where the next generation is shaped. Every morning, the doors swing open to welcome children from ranches, lawmen’s homes, and even the occasional outlaw’s kin. Inside, two very different teachers stand at the front of the room: Mina Kurohana, who runs the classroom like a regimented army camp, and Crystal Ward, who coaxes knowledge out with warmth and patience. Between the two of them, no child leaves without learning something—whether they want to or not.

"Ignorance is a choice, and I won’t let you make it." – Mina "Learning isn't just about facts, it's about understanding." – Crystal

Saddlecreek School Staff

Mina Kurohana – The Iron-Willed Instructor

• The "scary" teacher—strict, disciplined, and expects nothing but the best.
• Has perfected the "silent stare of doom"—can make a child freeze in place without saying a word.
• Firm, but never unfair. Every lesson has a purpose, every rule a reason.
• Believes structure is the key to survival in a world this harsh.

"I don’t care if you can rope a steer, fire a gun, or out-drink a ranch hand. If you can’t read, you’re as useless as a dull knife." Crystal Ward – The Gentle Guide

• The "kind" teacher—soft-spoken, patient, and endlessly encouraging.
• Believes every child learns at their own pace and that kindness opens more doors than rules.
• Tends to the schoolhouse like a second home, making sure it always feels safe.
• Knows that sometimes, a child isn’t just learning letters—they’re learning how to hope.

"You are not slow. You are not stupid. You are learning. And that’s all I ask of you."

Saddlecreek School Secrets

🔹 The Lessons After Dark –Some nights, a lantern glows in the window when the rest of the town is asleep. Dr. Nye Billion brings an outlaw here to teach him to read. Mina don’t approve, but Crystal lets it happen. 🔹 The Carved Desk – A student long gone carved a message into one of the desks. It simply says: "Don’t give up." Every child who struggles eventually finds their fingers tracing the letters. 🔹 Mina’s Hidden Switch – She swears she don’t believe in corporal punishment. But there’s a ruler under her desk, and she ain’t afraid to slam it on the wood just to make a point. 🔹 Crystal’s Unfinished Letter – Locked in her drawer is a letter she never sent. The name on it is smudged, like she’s read it a hundred times. She never explains why it remains unsent. 🔹 The Secret Bookshelf – Hidden among the textbooks is a small row of novels—romance, adventure, poetry. The books are dog-eared, passed from hand to hand, whispered about during lunch breaks. Mina pretends not to know. Crystal leaves them there on purpose. "Some books teach facts. Others teach the soul."

Creekside Ranch

"Ain't no finer stock west of the river—so long as you can handle the damn beasts."

Creekside Ranch is the beating heart of Saddlecreek’s horse trade, supplying strong workhorses, lightning-fast racers, and show horses fit for the finest circuits. But buyin’ a horse here ain’t just a transaction—it’s a battle of wills.At the center of it all stands Nikita Ryder, foul-mouthed, sharp-eyed, and twice as stubborn as any stallion on her land. If you earn her respect, you’ll get the best horse money can buy. If you don’t? Best try your luck somewhere else.

"Ain’t no refunds, no exchanges, and if you break the damn horse, that’s on you."

Creekside Ranch Staff

Nikita Ryder – The Iron-Willed Rancher (Owner)

• Foul-mouthed, short-tempered, and never in the mood for nonsense.
• Decked out in rancher’s attire—pants, boots, never a dress.
• Bears scars from a past no one dares ask about.
• Used to be a singer, but she won’t so much as hum these days.
• Tough as nails, but fiercely protective of those she cares about.

"If you got somethin’ smart to say, keep it to yourself. I got fences to mend and horses to break."Viveka Ryder – The Graceful Twin (Visiting Dance Instructor)

• Nikita’s polar opposite—soft-spoken, refined, and always elegantly dressed.
• Lives in the city but visits whenever she can.
• Can handle a horse just fine, but prefers the ballroom to the barn.
• The only one who can get Nikita to take a break—and maybe even smile.

"Nikki, you look positively feral. Let me fix your hair—oh, don’t growl at me."

Creekside Ranch Animals

Midnight Reckoning ("Midnight") – The Prized Racing Stud

• Sleek black stallion, faster than a bullet and twice as mean.
• The pride of Creekside Ranch—his bloodline is worth a fortune.
• Only Nikita can ride him without gettin’ thrown.

"Try to ride him if you want, but don’t come cryin’ when he leaves you in the dirt."

The Great Pyrenees Guardians

• Massive white dogs that guard the ranch.
• Will tolerate strangers—unless they smell trouble.
• Nikita trusts them more than most people.

"They bite. Consider that your only warnin’." The Chickens

• Constantly underfoot. Meaner than they got any right to be.
• Nikita pretends not to care about ‘em, but she built ‘em a fancy coop.

"Touch my hens, and you’re leavin’ with a black eye."

Creekside Ranch Secrets

🔹 The Burned Songbook –

• Locked in a trunk beneath Nikita’s bed is a singed leather-bound book.
• The pages are full of music—lyrics, notes, half-finished songs.
• She hasn’t touched it in years.

🔹 The Night She Went Missing –

• No one in Saddlecreek talks about it, but Nikita once disappeared for months.
• She came back covered in scars, hard-eyed and bitter.
• Viveka won’t talk about what she knows.

🔹 The Stud Deal Gone Wrong –

• A year ago, a gambler tried to cheat Nikita out of one of her best stallions.
• No one’s seen him since.
• Midnight’s stall door was open that night, and there were boot tracks in the dirt.

🔹 Viveka’s Secret Lessons –

• Late at night, when no one’s looking, Nikita lets Viveka teach her to dance.
• She cusses the whole time. But she never stops moving.

"Don’t go diggin’ where you don’t belong. Some things ain’t meant to be unearthed."

Golden Grove Apiary

"Ain’t nothin’ in this world quite as important as bees. Except maybe good friends. Maybe."

Perched on the outskirts of Saddlecreek, Golden Grove Apiary is more than just a honey farm—it’s a place of warmth, welcome, and the steady hum of thousands of tiny workers keepin’ the world turnin’.Run by August "Auggie" Pyrrhus, the friendliest soul you’ll ever meet, the apiary is known for producing the best honey in the region—sweet, golden, and worth its weight in gold. Folks stop by for jars of the good stuff, but most stay a little longer just to chat with Auggie, who’s always got a bug fact, a kind word, or a cup of tea to share.

"Bees don’t take more than they need, and they give back more than they take. That’s the way I see it."

Golden Grove Apiary Staff

August "Auggie" Pyrrhus – The Beekeeper with a Heart of Gold

• Sweet, gentle, and everyone’s buddy—greets you like an old friend, even if it’s your first time meetin’ him.
• Mizu’s best friend, because even the sheriff needs someone to remind him to slow down and breathe.
• Deeply fascinated by insects—has a whole room filled with pet bugs and pinned specimens.
• Respects folks who are scared of bugs but will absolutely tell you why they’re wonderful if you let him.
• A little autistic—happy, optimistic, and gets lost in what he loves.
• Will never throw the first punch, but hurt someone he cares about? He’ll break your nose before you even know what happened.

"Oh! Did you know some bees dance to tell their friends where the best flowers are? No? Well, let me tell ya all about it!"

What can you find here?

🍯 The Honey HouseWhere the honey gets processed, bottled, and packed for sale. Always smells like wildflowers, sugar, and warm beeswax. Auggie will happily give you a taste if you ask. 🐝 The Hives Dozens of carefully tended beehives, all buzzing with life. Each hive has a name. Auggie knows ‘em all. If you’re lucky, he’ll let you hold a frame of honeycomb—if you promise not to drop it. 🐞 Auggie’s Bug Room One part living habitat, one part museum. Glass tanks filled with beetles, mantises, and butterflies. A beautifully arranged collection of pinned specimens. If you let him, Auggie will talk about bugs for hours.

Golden Grove Apiary Secrets

🔹 The Gentle Enforcer –

• Auggie don’t start fights. But he sure as hell finishes ‘em.
• Someone once tried to rob his honey wagon. They left with a broken jaw.

🔹 The Sheriff’s Quiet Spot –

• There’s a shaded grove behind the apiary where Mizu sometimes sits.
• Auggie pretends not to notice when his best friend needs peace.
• But he always leaves a fresh jar of honey nearby.

🔹 The Jar of Unlabeled Honey –

• Tucked away in the Honey House is a single jar with no label.
• Auggie never sells it, never opens it.
• Only he knows why.

🔹 The Bee That Saved a Life –

• Auggie swears one of his bees once landed on a gun barrel just before a duel.
• The fight never happened.
• He likes to think that little bee saved a man’s life.

"We’re all just little things tryin’ to do our best in a big ol’ world."

devil's fork and the outlaws

The Scorched Circle

The Scorched Circle ain't a gang of reckless outlaws—they're ruthless criminals, cold and deliberate. They don’t kill for sport, don’t burn towns just to watch ‘em fall. But when they do spill blood? It’s fast, quiet, and final.And yet, despite their reputation, Saddlecreek remains untouched. That ain’t because they’re weak—it’s because Kraven Flamecarver made damn sure it stays that way.

Kraven Flamecarver – Leader of the Scorched Circle

• Cold, calculating, and impossible to predict.
• Sees pointless bloodshed as a liability—but won’t hesitate when it’s necessary.
• Has an unspoken agreement with Mizu—Saddlecreek is neutral ground.
• Not out of kindness, but because he wanted a place of peace.
• Axel Hawke’s sons live here, and that matters more than most folks realize.

"Some men kill for fun. Some men kill for coin. I kill because I have to. And I never have to twice."

The Crimson Spurs

Marcela is the leader of the notorious group of outlaws The Crimson Spurs. They aim to wreak havoc for the officials of Devil's Fork, and they do it well. But the law isn't the only obstacle they deal with. They also have to square off with other gangs that make the mistake of picking fights with the wrong woman. When Marcela gets wind that The Scorched Circle, a rival gang in the Saddlecreek territory, is about to move a large shipment of goods by train, she can't help but this to be the perfect opportunity to pick on them.

Marcela Del Río – "The Vanguard" (Leader of the Crimson Spurs)

Devil's Fork is run by Artemousey

Devil's Fork

Devil’s Fork is a dusty crossroads town where everyone's got secrets darker than the bottom of a whiskey glass. Legend says the devil himself came up from hell right where the town stands, leaving three massive claw marks in the canyon wall, and every full moon screams echo through the cliffs like a warning. In Devil's Fork survival isn’t a choice—it’s a gamble with stakes that climb day by day, waiting for the day you throw down your cards and fold.

History

"Water. That’s all it was at first—just a place to rest, to drink, to move on. But some folk decided to stay."

Saddlecreek wasn’t founded with grand plans or golden promises—it was just a good place to stop. A natural watering hole where tired travelers let their horses drink, stretched their legs, and shared stories ‘round the fire. But what started as a simple stop on the trail grew into something permanent. Traders began selling supplies, ranchers saw good land, and before long, cabins turned into storefronts, and a town took shape.

"A man can live without gold. He can live without a roof. But without water? He’s already dead."

The Church That Came First

• The Windswept Church was here before the town.
• No one rightly knows how long it's stood—but it's seen more sunrises than any man alive.
• Some say it was built by a wandering preacher. Others say the land itself needed it.

"Funny thing, faith. It sets roots before you even know you need it."

The Serpentine Legacy

• The Serpentine family saw the town’s potential and put money behind it.
• Funded businesses, built roads, and ensured Saddlecreek wouldn’t just be a forgotten stop in the dust.
• That’s why Maximus Serpentine sits in the Mayor’s chair today.
• Some respect it. Some resent it. But no one denies the power behind that name.

"A town don’t grow without coin, and coin don’t come without a price."

Kraven Flamecarver – Leader of the Scorched CircleBounty: $10,000 Crimes: Murder, arson, extortion. Known For: Never losing a fight, never leaving a debt unpaid. Rumors: He’s got a permanent room at the Rusty Spur, and Mizu ain’t hauled him in.

Marcela Del Río – "The Vanguard" Leader of the Crimson SpursBounty: $35,000 Crimes: Murder, bank robbery, train heists. Known For: Leaving a red lipstick kiss on every crime scene. Rumors: She’s got no fear, no mercy, and no patience for cowards.

Click here to learn about the outlaws