Editing Castle (section)

==Structures==
Castles are more formidable than smaller fortifications like [[towerhouse]]s, [[holdfast]]s, and [[manse]]s. Castles are built by masons, carvers, and other craftsmen.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}} They vary in size and shape, including the modest  [[Darry]],{{ref|AGOT|16}} the beautiful [[Highgarden]],{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Highgarden}}, and the enormous [[Harrenhal]].{{ref|ACOK|26}} [[Deepwood Motte|Deepwood]] is an example of a motte-and-bailey castle,{{ref|ADWD|26}} Castles in the [[rainwood]] appear to have grown from the earth,{{ref|TWOIAF|The Stormlands: Men of the Stormlands}} and some castles in [[Dorne]] are made of mud.{{ref|TWOIAF|Dorne}}

Castles can defend strategic positions, such as [[Moat Cailin]] in the [[Neck]],{{ref|AGOT|55}} [[Skyreach]] along the [[Prince's Pass|Wide Way]],{{ref|TWOIAF|Dorne: Kingdoms of the First Men}} and [[Riverrun]] at the junction of the [[Tumblestone]] and the [[Red Fork]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands: Riverrun}} [[Casterly Rock]] and [[Castamere]] were built around mines, so most of their structures are below ground.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Westerlands: House Lannister Under the Dragons}}{{ref|TWOIAF|The Westerlands: Casterly Rock}}

A [[lord]] and his family usually reside in a castle's keep,{{ref|AGOT|71}} such as the [[Great Keep (Winterfell)|Great Keep]] at [[Winterfell]] or [[Maegor's Holdfast]] in the [[Red Keep]]. The lord can hold court and feast their followers in great halls.{{ref|AGOT|71}}{{ref|ACOK|45}}

Castle complexes often have barracks, kitchens, smithys, stables, and kennels. [[Maesters]] tend to [[raven]]s in a castle's [[rookery]].{{ref|ACOK|28}} Cellar vaults can be used for storage.{{ref|ADWD|41}} Prisoners can be kept in dungeons.{{ref|ACOK|39}}

[[Sept]]s are often in [[southron]] castles, and [[godswood]]s can be found in castles throughout the realm.{{ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: The Arrival of the Andals}} Southron godswoods are often used for contemplation instead of for worship of the [[old gods]], however.{{ref|AGOT|2}}

Entrance to a castle is through its gatehouse. Some castles have moats and drawbridges for greater protection.{{ref|AGOT|34}}{{ref|AGOT|53}} Baileys or wards are yards protected by a castle's curtain walls.{{ref|ASOS|74}} Siege equipment like catapults can be used by both attackers{{ref|ACOK|11}} and defenders.{{ref|AGOT|69}} Soldiers from within a castle can lead sorties against foes without.{{ref|AGOT|69}}

Castles are expensive to maintain.{{ref|TMK}}{{ref|ACOK|30}} A [[steward]] is responsible for running the day-to-day affairs of the castle and acting on the lord's behalf.{{ref|AGOT|14}} He or a [[castellan]] may be entrusted with the castle in the lord's absence.{{ref|AGOT|55}}{{ref|ACOK|16}}