Sunken Citadel
The Sunken Citadel is an ancient ruin buried deep within a vast ravine, its upper remains barely visible from above. Once a fortified structure of unknown origin, it now lies broken and partially swallowed by the earth. Beneath its collapsed upper levels stretches a network of chambers and passages, now inhabited by goblins and other creatures that have claimed the ruins as their own.
Purpose / Function
The original purpose of the Sunken Citadel remains unknown.
Its scale and construction suggest it once served as a significant stronghold or site of importance. Based on the age of the stonework and architectural style, scholars estimate that it predates most known kingdoms, originating from a distant era often referred to as the Dragon Age.
Whether it functioned as a fortress, sanctuary, or something more specialized is unclear.
Entries
Access to the Sunken Citadel is primarily gained through the ravine itself.
A partially collapsed descent leads to the lower levels of the ruins, where broken stairways and exposed passages provide entry into the structure. These routes are unstable and difficult to navigate, often requiring careful footing.
There are also indications of deeper access points within the citadel. Some passages appear to extend further below, possibly connecting to the Underworld. It is widely believed that the goblins now inhabiting the ruins first reached it through these subterranean routes.
Denizens
The citadel is currently inhabited by goblins, who have organized themselves into small groups within different sections of the ruins.
Their presence has made the citadel a dangerous location for outsiders, though not beyond the reach of determined adventurers.
Valuables
The true extent of valuables within the Sunken Citadel is unknown.
Given its estimated age and origin, it is believed the ruins may contain:
- Forgotten relics from a lost civilization
- Ancient artifacts of unknown function or power
- Fragments of historical or magical knowledge
- Red Apples — Rare fruits that possess restorative and beneficial properties
- White Apples —Toxic fruits, rumored to carry harmful or corrupting effects
Hazards & Traps
The Sunken Citadel presents numerous dangers to those who venture inside.
- Unstable Structure
- Goblin Inhabitants
- Probably many other unknown dangers
Architecture
The structure itself is unstable in places, with collapsed sections, blocked passages, and weakened stonework. Despite this, enough of the original construction remains intact to form a navigable and defensible underground complex.
History
The origins of the Sunken Citadel are largely lost to time.
It is believed that the structure once stood above ground as a functioning fortress or stronghold, built by an unknown civilization. At some point in the distant past, a catastrophic collapse caused the surrounding land to give way, dragging the citadel down into the ravine where it now rests.
What caused this collapse remains unclear—whether natural disaster, structural failure, or something more unusual.
In the centuries since, the site has been abandoned, rediscovered, and forgotten multiple times. Its current state reflects both its ancient construction and the slow encroachment of nature.
Tourism
The Sunken Citadel draws little attention from common travelers.
Most people avoid approaching the ravine, as the presence of goblins makes the area unpredictable and potentially dangerous. While these creatures rarely venture far from the ruins, they are known to react aggressively to intruders who come too close.
Despite this, the site holds interest for a small number of scholars.
Occasional archaeologists and historians travel to the outskirts of the ravine to study the visible remains, hoping to uncover traces of a long-lost civilization. Few, however, risk descending into the depths.
