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Manacles

Manacles

Weight: 6 lb.
Cost: 2 GP
Category: Tool
Function: Restrain creatures

Description​

Heavy iron shackles designed to restrain a creature's hands or feet. These professional restraints consist of two metal cuffs connected by a short chain, providing secure containment while allowing limited movement. Essential equipment for guards, bounty hunters, and law enforcement.

Usage Instructions​

Application: Requires a successful grapple check to apply manacles to an unwilling creature. Can be applied automatically to willing or unconscious creatures.

Restraint Effect: A manacled creature is restrained and cannot perform actions requiring the use of hands (if hands are manacled) or move faster than 5 feet per turn (if feet are manacled).

Key Operation: Comes with two keys for locking and unlocking the restraints.

Escape Mechanics​

Lock Picking: DC 20 Dexterity check with thieves' tools to pick the lock Strength Breaking: DC 20 Strength check to break the manacles Slipping Free: DC 20 Dexterity (Acrobatics) check to slip out of the restraints Key Use: Automatic success if a key is available

Tactical Applications​

  • Prisoner Transport: Secure captured enemies or criminals
  • Interrogation: Prevent escape during questioning
  • Legal Proceedings: Restrain defendants during trials
  • Self-Defense: Disable dangerous individuals
  • Bounty Hunting: Essential tool for capturing targets alive

Durability and Security​

Construction: Heavy iron construction resists casual breaking attempts Chain Length: Short chain prevents effective use of hands as weapons Lock Mechanism: Simple but effective tumbler lock Weight: Heavy enough to impede movement significantly

Specialized Variants​

Standard Manacles: Basic iron construction, moderate security Masterwork Manacles: Superior craftsmanship, harder to escape Mithral Manacles: Lightweight but incredibly strong (expensive) Dimensional Shackles: Magical restraints that prevent teleportation

Authority Required: Use of manacles may require legal authority in civilized areas Proper Procedures: Improper restraint may be considered assault or kidnapping Time Limits: Extended restraint may have legal implications Evidence: Manacles may be required as evidence in legal proceedings

Limitations​

  • Heavy and cumbersome to carry multiple sets
  • Requires keys that can be lost or stolen
  • Can be picked by skilled thieves
  • May cause injury if worn too long
  • Ineffective against creatures with unusual anatomy

Safety Considerations​

Check circulation regularly to prevent injury. Do not leave restrained individuals unattended for extended periods. Ensure proper key security to prevent unauthorized release.

Maintenance​

Keep locks clean and lightly oiled. Check for wear or damage that might allow escape. Inspect keys for damage that might prevent operation.