Grand Keep of Haberbeem

Despite its name denoting a single structure, the Grand Keep is a sprawling complex located on an island in the middle of the River Spey. It stands as the city's most important military and governmental complex. Housing the city's Council Halls where landowning citizens may go to make votes and to have their complaints heard. It also houses the offices of the government officials like the Head Counsellor, Head Magistrate, and Head Priest. Most, if not all, decisions about the city are made within the confines of the Grand Keep.

Purpose / Function

The Grand Keep serves two purposes for the city. The first purpose is to project the power of the city's military within the city itself, reminding everyone that they are safe so long as the Republic stands. The second purpose is to accommodate the running of the actual Republican government.

Hazards & Traps

The Grand Keep is flanked on both sides by the River Spey, taking advantage of this, the Northeastern and Northwestern Gates are equipped with drawbridges. The older and much more defensible Southeastern Gate relies upon a narrow stone bridge and has not been equipped with a drawbridge.

Alterations

The original structure was a squat, Dwarven style fortress, whose old catacombs now serve as the secret tunnels and dungeons of the new complex. The above-ground structure was destroyed and replaced with a style of Keep typical of Humans of the late Dragons Bane period, a tall square structure made of large stone blocks. This served as the centre when the complex was expanded after the founding of the Noble Republic. These newer buildings are build in the new style which utilizes smaller bricks and squared structures.

History

During the Gods Plague, the site was used in a similar manner with the first defensive structure being built on the site with its foundation serving as the foundation of the Old Section of the castle today. The original site was destroyed down to its foundation during a battle between Vydiolat and Belhemat above the city. After the city was resettled, it was used again by a Noble lord who styled himself as the Duke of Haberbeem. At the end of his reign, the Dukedom of Haberbeem was disestablished and formed into the Noble Republic of Haberbeem which saw the complex greatly expanded, especially after the economic boom brought on during the last century.

Type

Acropolis / Citadel

Parent Location

Haberbeem