Citadel of the Raven

The Citadel of the Raven is a chain of interconnected fortresses that straddles the Dragonspine Mountains.

It fell under Zhentarim control in 1355 DR due to a cleverly orchestrated act of Zhent treachery. The origins of the Citadel are shrouded in mystery and conjecture, and it was nothing by crumbling walls and towers inhabited sporadically by bands of bandits until the cities of the Moonsea, including Zhentil Keep, rebuilt and manned the fortress in the Year of the Crumbling Keep (1276 DR) to repel invasions from The Ride and Thar. Through bribery, continued strengthening of the Zhentilar component of the multilateral forces occupying the Citadel, and finally outright treachery, Zhentil Keep gained complete control of the Citadel. To this day, many political prisoners, representatives from other Moonsea cities present during the takeover, still linger in the Citadel’s darkest dungeons, far from the light of day.

Like Darkhold, the Citadel of the Raven benefits from strong defenses without the worry (and dangers) of a civilian population. The Citadel is controlled by a force of 2,000 soldiers, most of whom are Zhentilar, led by the strong arm of Lord Kandar Milinal (LE hm F10). In times of war, the Citadel has room to house an additional 7,000 troops.

Though it can be said there are many members of the Zhentarim among the soldiers (namely Lord Kandar), the overall number of Zhentarim here is low despite the presence of Manshoon (LE hm M19), who finished moving his base of operations to the Citadel before the events of the Cyrinishad debacle. Many low-level wizards and assassins call the Citadel their home, as do wintering mercenary companies hired by Manshoon. All occupants of the Citadel have some type of Zhentish background. Imposters are eventually found out and summarily dealt with.

Manshoon has no outward designs that he has made public for the Zhentarim of the Citadel of the Raven, but few know what lurks within his devious mind. Many of the Zhentarim’s schemes and designs originate at the Citadel, and both Sememmon and Fzoul visit here several times during the course of a year. Should the Black Network ever be forced from Darkhold or Zhentil Keep, the Citadel of the Raven can reluctantly absorb masses of Zhentarim.