Grand Citadel
A many-towered fortress looms above all quarters of the city from its position atop a low rise. Its outer walls, darkened by soot and smoke, could use a good scrubbing.
The Grand Citadel of Greyhawk—known simply as “the Citadel” to the city's inhabitants—dominates the skyline, overlooking all quarters of the city from its strategic position atop a low rise. This great stone fortress dates back to Greyhawk’s earliest days, constructed as a bastion of defense when the city was still confined to the low-lying Old City. The area’s poor natural defenses led the city’s founders to erect the Citadel on higher ground, commanding a clear view of the Selintan River Valley.
As Greyhawk expanded, the New City grew around the Citadel’s formidable walls, integrating the fortress into the heart of the metropolis. However, while its role as a refuge for the city’s populace has diminished over time, its dark, nearly black walls still serve multiple critical functions.
The Citadel’s Purpose
The Citadel’s primary role is no longer sheltering the city’s people, but instead, it functions as a fortress, prison, and military stronghold:
- Greyhawk’s Most Secure Prison: The northern blockhouse of the Citadel houses the city's most dangerous criminals, including barbarians, dwarven thieves, and orc brigands. Designed to keep intruders out, its walls now ensure that escape is nearly impossible.
- Brutal Guards: The Citadel’s wardens are notoriously harsh and none too bright, but they manage their duties effectively. Escapes are rare, and prisoners are generally well-behaved, knowing the consequences of defiance.
- The Redoubt – Heart of the City Watch: The southern half of the Citadel, known simply as “the Redoubt,” serves as the headquarters of the City Watch. Here, the offices of the Watch Commander, Sentar Nurev , and the Constable of the City, Derider Fanshen , can be found.
- The City Arsenal: The Redoubt also houses vast stores of weapons and armor, ready to equip the city’s militia in times of crisis.
- The Final Refuge & Treasury: Beneath the Redoubt lies the ultimate sanctuary for Greyhawk’s elite in the event of disaster. Deep within these underground vaults is the Greyhawk City Treasury, a hoard of wealth that many thieves dream of plundering—but few dare attempt.
- Fortifications & The Battle Gate: The entire Citadel is enclosed by high walls, accessible only through the Battle Gate and its formidable gatehouse.
Location & Defenses
The Citadel commands a commanding position at the far end of the Processional, Greyhawk’s grandest avenue. Due to its elevation, reaching the Citadel requires traversing a broad ramp, ensuring that any approaching force is fully exposed before reaching its gates.
- Natural & Engineered Defenses: Surrounding the Citadel are rolling meadows and deep ponds, which at first glance appear to be decorative landscape features. However, these ponds form a hidden defensive system:
- With a few well-placed dig spells, they can be quickly connected into a deep, mud-bottomed moat.
- If augmented by raise water spells, the effect can be devastating to any attacking force.
- The Noble Commons: In peacetime, the Citadel’s meadows serve as a vast public commons. However, strict dress codes and patrols ensure that the space is reserved primarily for nobles, wealthy merchants, and high-status adventurers—with thieves strongly discouraged from loitering.
- Surrounding Landmarks: To the west and south, beyond the meadows and ponds, lie the elegant mansions of the High Quarter. Beyond the city walls, the land drops off steeply, making an attack from that direction nearly impossible.
- A Towering Presence: The Citadel is visible from most of the city, its dark walls looming over Greyhawk’s skyline, a constant reminder of its power.
Daily Routine of the Citadel
The Citadel operates on a strict schedule, particularly regarding the opening of the Battle Gate. The gate is never left open for long, closing immediately after each use.
- 4 A.M. – Exchange of City Watch patrols, First Rotation (Gate opened)
- 5 A.M. – Prisoners awakened and fed
- 6 A.M. – Prisoners transported to work sites (Gate opened)
- 8 A.M. – Exchange of City Watch patrols, Second Rotation (Gate opened)
- Noon – Exchange of City Watch patrols, First Rotation (Gate opened)
- 4 P.M. – Exchange of City Watch patrols, Second Rotation (Gate opened)
- 6 P.M. – Prisoners returned from work sites (Gate opened)
- 7 P.M. – Prisoners fed
- 8 P.M. – Exchange of City Watch patrols, First Rotation (Gate opened)
- 9 P.M. – Prisoners returned to cells
- Midnight – Exchange of City Watch patrols, Second Rotation (Gate opened)
Comments