The Shackles
The Shackles is the name given to the isolated fortress built in the moat surrounding Denholm. The draw bridge entering the Shackles is the only way in and out of Denholm. It is sometimes used to control the flow of travellers arriving by in Denholm but predominantly functions as the barracks of the Denholm's city guard.
Statues of tormented prisoners fill the Shackles courtyard, a grim reminder of Denholm's violent history. The statues are not memorials to the suffering of these prisoners. Every inch and angle of the courtyard was designed by old kings of Denmoore bent on serving as a reminder of how they brought the capital to its knees. Executions here took place daily, sometimes hourly, and corpses were hung from gibbets throughout the yard so new war prisoners lumbering in from over the drawbridge could behold what awaited them.
History
The Shackles was originally a smaller unnamed gate serving as entry into Denholm over the moat. When Lord Ulftor came to power, he began to reinforce Denholm's defences, starting with the moat. The moat was expanded and the gate was built upon creating a menacing structure.
During King Pryce's reign Lord Ulftor rebelled and became one of catalysts for the splitting of the kingdoms after the Hero King had unified them all a century earlier. The newly rein enforced fortress served as not only protection for the city but as a prison for those brought back to Denholm from the wars.
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