Map of the Citadel of the Raven
Citadel of the Raven
Geographical information
Size	Large town
Area	Moonsea
Societal information
Races	Humans 76% Half-orcs 16% Orcs 5% Other 3%
Population	3494
Alignment	LG NG CG LN N CN LE NE CE
Political information
Government	Zhentarim
Ruler	Manshoon

The Citadel of the Raven is a fortress of the Zhentarim^[1] that is situated within the Dragonspine Mountains in the western portion of the Moonsea region. The citadel itself is the main feature of the stronghold, which rests in the center of 10 miles (16 km) of interconnected fortresses on the western end of the Dragonspines.^[2] It's a well-fortified and well-protected fortress.^[1]

The citadel supports a small community of refugees from Zhentil Keep around its outskirts. This was originally discouraged by the Zhentarim, though they now see the benefits to controlling such a community.^[1]

HistoryEdit

Originally constructed by a long forgotten kingdom, it was rebuilt in 1276 DR, to stop any possible invasions from either The Ride or Thar. ^[3], by a joint collection of the Moonsea city-states.^[2] Included in this cooperative effort were Yulash, Zhentil Keep, Melvaunt, Thentia, Hillsfar and Mulmaster. In 1355 DR Zhentil Keep attacked its allies of the Moonsea, taking complete control of the citadel. It was later made the main base of operations for the Zhentarim in 1361 DR by the archmage Manshoon and by 1366 DR the Zhentarim had completed the securing of their recources within the citadel fortress.^[2]

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Post Spellplague:

When the Shadovar moved against Zhentil Keep, they razed the Citadel of the Raven along with it. What's left of the Citadel is scattered across the western slopes of the Dragonspine Mountains. Today most of the flanking towers and minor fortresses are weed-sprouting rubble heaps. Miles of tunnels wind back and forth deep in the rock beneath the old defensive wall. A handful of Zhentarim agents have returned to the mostly intact central citadel in recent years, and are taking steps to rebuild their former bastion.^[4]

NotesEdit

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition, p. 160. Wizards of the Coast. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2} Thomas M. Reid, Sean K. Reynolds, Darrin Drader, Wil Upchurch (June 2006). Mysteries of the Moonsea, p. 154. Wizards of the Coast. ISBN 0-7869-3915-X.
3. ↑ Kevin Melka and John Terra (April 1995). Ruins of Zhentil Keep (Campaign Book), p. 36. TSR, Inc. ISBN 0-7869-0109-8.
4. ↑ Bruce R. Cordell, Ed Greenwood, Chris Sims (August 2008). Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide. Wizards of the Coast. ISBN 978-0-7869-4924-3.