Dragonsbane Castle

Once known as Dragonspear Castle, the ruined keep was renamed by The Knights of the Gline once they had vanquished the ancient dragon Claugiyliamatar  and claimed the area as their own.
For now the castle lies in ruins, but work has begun to rebuild it and restore it.

Purpose / Function

Originally built as a stronghold by the fabled Dwarf Daeros Dragonspear. The castle and surrounding area was raided and pillaged by an army led by a dragon. The conquering beast made its home in the large underground cave system.
It is now being rebuilt by The Knights of the Gline, and has been allied to The Lords' Alliance. It will act as a customshouse and base of operations for The Knights, providing security for the vital Trade Way.

Design

While the keep has been torn down to allow a fresh rebuild, the basement and warrens remain in some form.
Basement Like the keep above, the basement of Dragonspear Castle comprised a long, central area connecting several smaller chambers along its north and south–facing walls. In the centre of the basement's stone floor was a large, circular mosaic depicting Daeros Dragonspear, mounted atop Halatathlaer wielding his iconic lance. Along the northern wall of the basement were a few smaller chambers, containing an underground well, a small shrine and one that held massive sealed doors. Behind these doors was the grand entrance to the warrens.
The southern rooms of the basement contained a small storage area, the castle's larger and its kitchen.
Warrens The Warrens was a name given to the cavern directly below Dragonspear's cellar. Attached to the cavern was a narrower passageway that opened up the underground Nepenthe River. The warrens were used by the dragon Halatathlaer, and were once grandly appointed.
The area was corrupted by the toxic presence of Claugiyliamatar, but efforts are under way to cleanse the cave system.

Hazards & Traps

The toxic cave system, known as the warrens.

Alterations

A small settlement, called the Dragoline or 'Gline has been established on the grounds. This encampment is home to workers and soldiers hired by the Knights and the Lords' Alliance.

Architecture

The outermost walls of the keep held the Great Gate and nine grand towers encircled the castle's outer ward. The six sides of castle's walls were arranged in a shape of a coffin with a head that pointed westward. They stood 30 feet above the hill on which they were built, and built 10 feet underground. Four large turrets, 40 feet in height, were positioned at the easternmost and middle points of the hexagonal figure. The two barbican turrets, of similar height but smaller width, sat at the two western points flanking the inner gate.
Inside the courtyard at the front of the main keep was the Hold of Battle Lions, a ruined shrine dedicated to Tempus.
The structure of the keep was in great disrepair, with glaring holes and cracked stones, which has been torn down to allow the newly designed keep to be built upon.

History

Daeros Dragonspear emerged from the long lost dwarven kingdom Kanaglym, in the Year of the Raging Flame, 1255 DR, bearing a fortune in gems. He built Dragonspear Castle around the lair of his copper dragon companion Halatathlaer, near an entrance to the dwarven kingdom. The castle became a safe haven for dwarves within the region and their martial prowess helped ensure its security.
In the Year of the Whelm, 1290 DR, its heart filled with jealousy, a rival to Halatathlaer led an force of kobolds and bandits in a surprise assault against the castle. Daeros sent out a call for aid to the High King in Kanaglym, little did he know that that kingdom was suffering its own disaster. No help came, and eventually the castle fell.
Armed expeditions from Waterdeep and Baldur's Gate finally swept through Dragonspear Castle in the Year of Spilled Blood, 1315 DR. The merchant princes who funded the expedition sought the dragon hoard, and once they had claimed it they divvied up their spoils and returned to their homes.
In the years since the castle has been home to bandits, orcs, even a vampire warlord. Recently it has been claimed by a bitter and resentful ancient green dragon. The feared Claugiyliamatar.

RUINED STRUCTURE
1290

Founding Date

1255

Alternative Names

Dragonspear Caslte

Type

Castle

Parent Location

Sword Coast

Ruling/Owning Rank

Warduke

Owning Organization

The Knights of the Gline

Characters in Location

• Urdun