Citadel of the Raven

The Citadel of the Raven is a large, well-protected chain of interconnected fortresses on the north slopes of the western edge of the Dragonspine Mountains. The fortress chain stretches for some ten miles and can house a large number of troops.

The citadel was nothing but a series of ruined fortresses from a long-forgotten kingdom until 1276 DR, when the complex was rebuilt by the combined forces of Hillsfar, Melvaunt, Mulmaster, Thentia, Yulash, and Zhentil Keep as a bastion against assaults from the north. Garrisoned by the combined forces of these cities, the fortress repulsed constant ogre and orc attacks.

In 1355 DR, through a combination of bribery, threats, and treachery, Zhentil Keep gained control of the citadel, expelled all other forces, and raised the banner of the Zhentarim over the site. During the siege of Zhentil Keep, the Zhentarim moved their headquarters to the citadel, and it remains their base today. The citadel boasts a garrison of twenty-five hundred troops, plus an additional two hundred clerks, scribes, servants, and minor functionaries required to manage the Zhentarim’s far-flung interests.

A small town consisting of refugees from Zhentil Keep and Zhentarim hangers-on has sprung up near the citadel in recent years. Its population currently numbers about six hundred and is still growing. The Zhentarim once discouraged people from settling near the citadel, but now they see the need for the services a full-fledged community can provide. The Zhentarim have laid plans to fortify the town and now welcome professionals, skilled craftsfolk and farmers to the settlement.

Fzoul Chembryl is the titular commander of the citadel, though he spends most of his time in Zhentil Keep now. His second is Lord Kandar Milinal, a Zhent lord and Zhentarim leader who serves as Fzoul’s faithful right arm. The archmage Manshoon, who ruled the Citadel for years in the name of the Zhentarim, still maintains a fortified keep here guarded by many deadly spells and creatures. The founder of the Zhentarim comes and goes as he pleasers, advancing the Black Network’s cause in whatever manner he sees fit, even if he no longer commands its forces directly.


*Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting*