Frosthold Dungeon
Frosthold Dungeon, the prison of Harrowfrost, is a foreboding structure built into the icy depths beneath Frostkeep. The exterior is marked by heavy, reinforced gates and thick, frost-covered stone walls that radiate an eerie cold. Torches flicker dimly, casting long shadows on the snow-covered ground outside. Inside, Frosthold is a maze of narrow, dimly lit corridors and iron-barred cells. The air is perpetually cold, with frost creeping along the stone floors and walls. Each cell is designed to suppress magical abilities, ensuring that even the most powerful prisoners remain contained. Guard posts are strategically placed throughout the dungeon, ensuring constant surveillance.
Purpose / Function
Frosthold Dungeon serves as the primary incarceration facility for Harrowfrost, housing criminals, dissidents, and captured enemies of the state. It is designed to securely contain those who pose a threat to the city's safety and stability. The dungeon is equipped with specialized cells that can nullify magical powers, making it an effective holding place for spellcasters and other supernatural beings. In addition to imprisonment, Frosthold also serves as an interrogation center where information critical to Harrowfrost's security is extracted. The dungeon's remote and heavily guarded location ensures that escapes are virtually impossible, providing a deterrent to criminal activity within the city.
Architecture
Frosthold Dungeon is a grim and utilitarian structure, reflecting its purpose as a place of confinement and punishment. The architecture is dominated by cold, unadorned stone, and iron, creating an atmosphere of harsh austerity. Cells are small and reinforced with heavy bars and locks, designed to contain even the most determined prisoners. The dungeon's layout is labyrinthine, with narrow passageways and hidden guard stations to prevent escape and maintain control. Minimal lighting and the pervasive cold add to the oppressive environment, reinforcing the sense of isolation and despair. The architecture is functional and unyielding, emphasizing security and containment over comfort.
History
Frosthold Dungeon was established alongside Frostkeep in 2363 EoS by Eldric Frostborne. Initially constructed to contain dangerous criminals and war captives, it has since evolved to accommodate a wider range of detainees, including political prisoners and magical beings. Over the centuries, Frosthold has seen numerous high-profile incarcerations and has played a crucial role in maintaining order within Harrowfrost. Despite several attempted escapes, none have succeeded due to the dungeon's impregnable design and the relentless vigilance of its guards. Frosthold remains a symbol of Harrowfrost's uncompromising stance on justice and security.
Tourism
Frosthold Dungeon is visited primarily by law enforcement officials, including the Frostwardens and judicial authorities, who oversee the imprisonment and interrogation of detainees. Occasionally, diplomats or representatives from allied city-states may tour the dungeon to understand Harrowfrost’s approach to law and order. Scholars and historians sometimes gain access for research purposes, particularly those studying criminal justice or the containment of magical beings. Family members of prisoners are rarely allowed visitation, and only under strict supervision. The general public is seldom granted access, maintaining the dungeon's aura of mystery and dread.
Founding Date
2363 EoS
Type
Prison
Parent Location
Owner
Ruling/Owning Rank
Owning Organization
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