Misereth

The Tower Of Misery

As one travels along the southeastern coastline of Ezidell, the pale outline of the Everreach Mountains grow so tall that it can be easy to miss the lone tower that breaks the horizon in their shadow, but the closer one gets, the unmistakable aura of malice does not allow it to remain unnoticed for long. This ancient tower is the only man-made structure for miles, and while there is a small port at the base, it is not open to civilian vessels. It is not hard to imagine why this is so, for who would be mad enough to live close to the prison for some of the most dangerous criminals known in Undera.

Purpose / Function

Once a bastion of learning the magical arts, the wizards and warlocks who called this tower home helped shape the history of the Ezidellan Empire, and other Kingdoms of Continent. However, in 850 MT, deep corruption led to the downfall of the Magisters of Misereth, and the place they once called home become their prison.
Since then, Misereth has remained a high profile prison for the Ezidellan Empire. While it has been many years since the original prisoners were incarcerated, the Imperial Family, and the Paladins of Phylion have continued to use the prison for the criminals accused of the most serious crimes against Ezidell, and those who have committed magical or religious atrocities. As of 1360 DCE, there are a little over three hundred prisoners held within the numerous floors of the tower.

Sensory & Appearance

The quarters of the wardens are sparsely decorated, but well lit and open. There is an air of purpose and camaraderie among the men and women who serve Phylion here. The floors beyond are a very different story.
The prison is as dark and ominous as the criminals it contains. The dark glass of the windows allow little light to filter through, and the smell of unclean bodies is barely hidden beneath the incense which continually burns in the passages and mess halls. The occasional screams or jeering of inmates echo with jarring clarity compared to the vigilant silence of their keepers. The ten upper most floors have an air that is especially stifling, and, compared to the lower floors, unnaturally silent. As these floors contain criminals of noteworthy magical ability or skill, runes and spells which stifle magic and speech craft have been heavily woven or carved into the walls and floors of the cells. The wardens who guard these floors wear amulets which counter the affects, should an inmate grow agitated or attempt escape.

Alterations

When Misereth was first converted into a prison, few physical changes were needed to be made to the tower. Magical changes, however were plenty. With the aide of divine runes and spells, personal quarters and classrooms were converted into cells and holding chambers. The expansive library of tomes, artifacts, and other objects of arcane power were removed, and placed into vaults under the the Paladins Of Phylion's watchful eye. The spaces once dedicated to the creation and storage of such items were converted into a barracks for the Paladins who were to become the wardens of the prison. Misereth has otherwise remained unchanged.

Architecture

Misereth is a circular tower, roughly 330 ft in height, built of brown limestone bricks from the mines of the Dwarven kingdom of Aelmere. While the outer walls are devoid of any engravings or embellishments, there are windows of dark, stained glass every 30 feet in each of the cardinal directions along the length of the walls. The sheer roof is built of wooden timbers and interlocked slate tiles which gleam dimly in the light. Within, the tower is comprised of twenty-five floors. The ground floor, and the four floors above it make up the barracks and armory of the wardens. The remaining twenty floors make up the bulk of the prison.
While grand in size, Misereth has long been stripped of anything grand that once adorned its halls. Despite this, and the estimated age of the building, the passing of time has left no mark upon the stones thanks to the strength of the magic upon them.

History

The original architect of Misereth has been lost to time, but given the magical seals and protections that were woven into the stones of the tower, and the numerous floors held within, historians surmise that it may have been built by one of the first disciples of the Gods of magic. Likely to be a gathering place for fellow disciples to learn and expand their craft. In truth, little of the tower's history before 295, when it was established as one of the first magical schools in Ezidell, is known.
For eight generations, the tower served as one of the finest schools for magical learning. A wizard, sorcerer, or warlock who could prove themselves worthy of becoming a Magister, a member of the Inner Circle, were widely sought as councilors on all matters arcane to mercenary guilds, noble families, and royalty alike. Then in 850 MT, multiple members of the Inner Circle were exposed as the masterminds of a plot to seize control of the Ezidellan Empire. Emperor Averret Eldwren, allied with a host of Paladins of Phylion, led an exalted march against the Magisters of Misereth, and claimed righteous victory. As the tower itself was protected from being razed to the ground, the decision was made to put the tower to "proper" use for the Empire. Arch Paladin Symond Eahfrim proposed a plan to keep the fallen Magisters within it, as its nigh impregnable nature made it the ideal place to imprison such dangerous individuals. With the Emperor's approval and the aide of divine magics, Misereth became a prison unlike any other.
Since 850 MT, Misereth has remained a prison for Ezidellan criminals, magic defilers, and religious heretics captured by Paladins of Phylion. Prisoners are assigned a cell based upon the severity of their crimes, the higher the floor, the more serious the crime.

Founding Date

Unknown, estimated to be between 210 & 212.

Alternative Names

The Magisters Prison, Eahfrim's Vigil

Type

Prison

Parent Location

Ezidell

Owning Organization

Ezidellan Empire

Related Historical Events

• 850
  The Exalted March Against Misereth

Prison Floors

Sixth Floor ~ Criminals here have committed enough petty crimes to be considered a public nuisance to the people of the Empire.

Seventh Floor ~ Criminals here have committed Crimes of Seduction against the daughters and wives of noble families.

Eighth Floor ~ Criminals here are former nobles found guilty of neglecting or forsaking their vassals.

Ninth Floor ~ Criminals here have committed crimes of embezzlement against the people of the Empire.

Tenth Floor ~ Criminals here are captured assassins of political figures, or have committed dishonorable Acts Of War either for or against the Empire.

Eleventh Floor ~ Criminals here are those accused of being members of violent cults, or organizations which undermine the Empire.

Twelfth Floor ~ Criminals here are non-magical serial murderers, serial rapists, or Prisoners of War.

Thirteenth Floor ~ Criminals here are prolific con-artists, and suspected spies of other Kingdoms.

Fourteenth Floor ~ Criminals here have committed High Treason against the Ezidellan Empire.

Fifteenth Floor ~ Criminals here are warlocks who have made pacts with Krytyx, The Demon Lord.

Sixteenth Floor ~ Criminals here are warlocks and mages who have committed atrocities with the powers of Necromancy.

Seventeenth Floor ~ Criminals here are magical serial murders, serial rapists, and Prisoners of War.

Eighteenth Floor ~ Criminals here are warlocks who have made pacts with Vezra, The Goddess of Chaos.

Nineteenth Floor ~ Criminals here are warlocks and wizards who were caught and foiled in an attempt to achieve Lichdom.

Twentieth Floor ~ Criminals here are warlocks and wizards who have been caught in pacts with Zaldrek The Devil King.

Twenty-First Floor ~ Criminals here are magical Seducers and con-artists.

Twenty-Second Floor ~ Criminals here are fallen Paladins and Clerics who have forsaken their vows to the Gods.

Twenty-Third Floor ~ Criminals here are fallen Paladins and Clerics who attempted to use their connection to the divine for personal, political gain.

Twenty-Fourth Floor ~ Criminals here are those who have committed heresy by swearing allegiance with Isin, The Betrayer.

Twenty-Fifth Floor ~ Criminals here are those magical who have attempted or committed Regicide or Democide.