The Spike

Purpose / Function

The spike was originally built by the dwarves to house the greatest of enemies of the time.  Those that were too powerful or too valuable to be killed, often became prisoners here. After their last prisoners had expired here, the dwarves transferred this building over to the human, who needed it more.  Today it remains as the most secure prison in the land.

Denizens

Various inmates of all races are kept on all floors throughout the building.  Guards are posted on all floors and patrols check on them periodically.  An active warden is always present somewhere in the structure as well.

Valuables

Prisoners are not allowed to have any personal belongings here.  The few that were brought in with them are kept stored in the lockers on the ground floor.

Special Properties

Due to the Nullstone construction materials, the entire building and all of the rooms are essentially magic proof. Nothing magical can damage or affect them and no magic can be performed inside of the rooms or building.

Alterations

This building has not needed any kind of repairs or alterations in all of its years of use so far.  When the dwarves constructed this building, they built it big and they built it strong, so that it would last eternally.

Architecture

This columnar building is 55 feet in diameter and soars over 300 feet into the air and is rumored to extend 200 feet below the ground as well. The top is capped by 150 foot diameter, flat, open disk, shaping its appearance to look like its namesake "The Spike". The walls of this enormous building are constructed entirely of deep black Nullstone. The only active entrance is at the very top of the structure, which is only accessible from the magical lift at the lifthouse below. A large walled platform has been magically imbued with "Levitation" so that it can transport wardens, guards, and prisoners up and down when needed. Inside are several rooms and hundreds of prisoner cells with a spiral staircase that winds its way from the top to the bottom of the tower. There is rumored to be a hidden bottom entrance that the ancient dwarves used, but it had been sealed and covered up when the building was transferred to the humans.

History

"The Spike" was originally build in 3971 B.S., over 4700 years ago by a group of dwarves that are referred to as the "Stonetouched".  These special dwarves were master architects and magnificent builders, even by dwarf standards.  So blessed by the gods were these dwarves, that they were said to be able to shape stone with their bare hands. In those ancient days the dwarves were at war with nearly every race of evil elf, dwarf, and denizen of the underworld. Those who were captured in battle and those who had valuable information couldn't be released to fight again and needed to be held somewhere.  They came up with the idea to build a secure facility away from the embattled lands.  The "Stonetouched" were enlisted to construct the greatest prison capable of holding the most powerful foes, "The Spike".  As the centuries passed, the number of prisoners also waned, until there were none left.  Watching the rise of the humans and surface dwellers, they saw the need for them to contain their powerful enemies as well, before they caused trouble for the dwarven kingdoms.  The dwarves struck a deal with the humans and transferred the mighty prison to them.
The humans now run "The Spike" and have even built the city of Crimeny to support it.  The humans take in all manner of criminal and evil creature from around the planet and house them here.  As to date, no one has ever escaped from the prison, although a few have tried.

Tourism

Tourism is strictly prohibited at this facility as are all visitors.  The only way to speak to any prisoners is by written permission from the "Council Of Wardens" at the city of Crimeny.

Location: The free city of Crimeny.

Founding Date

It is believed to have been constructed in 3971 B.S., approximately 4714 years ago.

Type

Prison

Characters in Location

• Gretchin "The Grey Wind"

Popular Rumors:

• The prison is slowly sinking into the ground, but no one knows because no one measures it.
• Powerful wizards and sorcerers are kept here.
• The prison is full of the undead.
• This is where all of the dragons have gone.
• The prison is completely empty.
• "The Spike" anchors this land to the planet so that it doesn't float away.
• The prison is storing rooms full of food and gold in preparation for the next cataclysm.