Herald's Holdfast

The Herald's Holdfast was a spellguarded library tower east of Mithral Hall, northwest of Silverymoon, and in the southern part of the Moonwood.

History
In 1356 DR, Bruenor Battlehammer and his famous Companions of the Hall visited the Holdfast searching for valuable information into the location of the lost kingdom of Mithral Hall.

Inhabitants
Old Night, one of the five High Heralds of western Faerûn, lived in the citadel, which contained tomes, knowledge, and artifacts from the histories of most races, even orcs.

Structure
About a day's journey west of Silverymoon in a vale north of the River Rauvin the Herald's Holdfast was a squat, stone tower so ancient and ivy-grown it was only discernible to only those who knew where to seek it. The library was magically shielded from view with a special, persistent hallucinatory terrain effect.

Chambers of man
The huge, moss-covered stone front door was smooth with age and swung freely inward when touched. A cylindrical room filled the entire tower, lit by a soft blue glow. This was the Chambers of Man where weapons and armor from every age lined the walls. Above them, banners and crests from forgotten kingdoms was interspersed with intricate tapestries displaying historical scenes. Overhead, carved into the rafters, were bas-reliefs of human heroes and heroines of the past. The Chambers of Man were the largest in the Holdfast, save the enormous library.

Chambers of the dwarves
A passage at the end of the Chambers of Man was delved into the steep hill at the rear of the citadel. The Chambers of the Dwarves had statues of Moradin, Dumathoin, and the other dwarven deities and heroes looking down from the rafters. Dwarven suits of armor and weapons, such as hammers and axes were displayed to demonstrate the glory of the dwarven race.

Library
Other chambers lined this corridor, one for each of the goodly races, and even a few for the history of orcs, goblins, and giantkind, each designed in the same manner as that of the Chambers of Man. At the far end of the corridor was the largest room of the Holdfast and the greatest library of the North. This treasure trove exceeded even the Vault of the Sages in Silverymoon. Lining the walls and piled on tables large and small were countless volumes.

Defenses
The Holdfast was said to be an invincible fortress, respected by both good and evil races of the North and even detailed the histories and badges of goblinkind. Only the High Heralds were familiar with all the defenses of the Holdfast, but certain protections were known to include mold, effects that inhibit open flame, and helmed horrors under orders to attack any intruders except for those who could provide certain passwords.