Black Whale
Six galleons stand lashed together on a rocky reef on the west side of the bay under the watchful eye of Fort Tempest. Their ebon hulls identify them as the Black Whale, a prison for the politically hazardous and those deemed too dangerous for the general population. This squalid prison has the best security gold can buy, despite its disgusting living conditions. If top-quality locks and adamantine chains paired with the razor-sharp rocks beneath the prison aren’t enough to discourage escape, the sharks and stingrays patrolling the water should; guards chum the waters with food scraps to keep deadly predators nearby. Rumors circulate that half the interior walls are transformed wood golems, while others believe that bound devils are ready to pluck out the soul of any who try to escape.
Only the missing Lord Gyr and his architects know all of the prison’s defenses, for the former primarch controlled access to the prison directly. Gyr’s signature was enough to exile prisoners to this soggy penitentiary, to reside there for the rest of their days or until Gyr had need of them. The High Council maintains a list of these criminals, but it keeps the list in the highest of confidence. Warden Guirden of House Gixx follows the council’s wishes in Gyr’s absence but has been noting every change it has requested. The council knows that Guirdon is still loyal to Gyr but has kept him in charge due to his skill. Guirdon is a hard man, able to kill without need for weapons or spells, and has proven he can keep prisoners alive in squalid conditions and stop any challenges by the prisoners before they become uprisings. He also lacks the political savvy to oppose the council—at least, on his own.
The prison is not an entirely fetid dungeon, as the northern ship houses the warden and the guards while they’re on duty. Its barracks and offices stay relatively clean, and the guards change shift weekly to keep them fresh and alert. This administrative vessel is also where the prison conducts its intake and moors two row boats, the only access to the outside world.
Only the missing Lord Gyr and his architects know all of the prison’s defenses, for the former primarch controlled access to the prison directly. Gyr’s signature was enough to exile prisoners to this soggy penitentiary, to reside there for the rest of their days or until Gyr had need of them. The High Council maintains a list of these criminals, but it keeps the list in the highest of confidence. Warden Guirden of House Gixx follows the council’s wishes in Gyr’s absence but has been noting every change it has requested. The council knows that Guirdon is still loyal to Gyr but has kept him in charge due to his skill. Guirdon is a hard man, able to kill without need for weapons or spells, and has proven he can keep prisoners alive in squalid conditions and stop any challenges by the prisoners before they become uprisings. He also lacks the political savvy to oppose the council—at least, on his own.
The prison is not an entirely fetid dungeon, as the northern ship houses the warden and the guards while they’re on duty. Its barracks and offices stay relatively clean, and the guards change shift weekly to keep them fresh and alert. This administrative vessel is also where the prison conducts its intake and moors two row boats, the only access to the outside world.
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