Icebound Keep

Trade and Territory

The castle was originally established as a crucial trading port, strategically positioned for merchants navigating the perilous waters of the northern seas. Its commanding presence allowed it to serve as a safe haven for vessels seeking refuge. At the heart of this castle stood the keep, a fortified tower that served as both a residence for Charles Damaris and as a bastion of security against outside threats. The lower floors of the keep were designed to accommodate some of the island's inhabitants, but also doubled as a last-resort storage hold during attacks.   During the construction of the castle, Charles insisted upon the inclusion of secret compartments and a vault within the keep's structure. This vault was intended not only for the storage of precious assets but also for the protection of sensitive trade documents and treasures. Moreover, envisioning his large trade empire, Charles requested the builders to add an additional floor to the keep. This level was designed specifically for the accommodations of an accountant, who would oversee the financial intricacies of his operations. Various rooms were allocated for this purpose, ensuring that all records and accounts were meticulously kept.  

Prison

150 years after the downfall of Charles' once-thriving trading empire of the north, the neglected and crumbling castle was dramatically transformed into a grim stronghold. The castle, which was once a symbol of wealth and power, had been repurposed into a secluded prison, meticulously designed to hold the most infamous pirates of the late maritime era.   The remnants of the castle grounds, a shadow of their former grandeur, were outfitted with iron bars and transformed into prison cells. The keep, standing tall against the elements, still retained its administrative status. Yet, its lower floors had been reconfigured into solitary confinement units and maximum-security cells, where the most dangerous inmates were isolated in utter desolation.   The Warden of the prison claimed the former lords' chambers within the keep. This once-opulent space now serves as a stark office adorned with grim reminders of the castle's former glory. Little has changed with the keep itself; however, the main entrance to the keep was upgraded with the installation of a double drawbridge. This feature allows guards to raise either side, or both, effectively sealing off the entrance to thwart any attempts at escape or unauthorized access. It provides a safe gap for the defenders, allowing them to wield their long spears while remaining out of reach of any would-be assailants.   Beneath the drawbridge lies a deep, cavernous pit with jagged rocks and sharp spikes. A side opening at the bottom leads to the frigid waters of the ocean below, where the icy currents lash against the stone. It serves as the only exit for anyone unfortunate to fall into the pit, if the guards do not toss a rope ladder from the drawbridge.

The original Damaris Castle was a formidable structure built centuries ago, that once functioned as a vital trading port for merchants navigating the treacherous waters of the northern seas. Charles Damaris, a wealthy individual during his time, sought to establish his trading routes by claiming the northern seas with this castle. Charles had dominated the northern trade routes for many years, and his castle retained its strategic importance for nearly 250 years, long after his death.   A century and a half after its initial abandonment, the weathered keep, along with the remnants of the castle grounds, underwent a transformation into a grim stronghold. It became a remote prison for the most notorious pirates of the late maritime era. The castle had only been repurposed as a remote prison for the last 15 years of the pirate era. With further deterioration of the castle grounds, the grim fortress was abandoned indefinitely.   For many centuries, the sea mercilessly battered the castle, causing considerable erosion and decay. What was once an imposing fortress had succumbed to the elements, leaving only the resilient stone keep — a stark reminder of its past. This solitary remnant has since been retitled as the Icebound Keep, aptly named for the unforgiving conditions that prevail nearly year-round.