Grievous's fortress

Nestled among a complex network of jagged, towering mountains, deep ravines, and soaring pillars on the third moon of the planet Vassek, the castle of General Grievous was concealed at the end of a canyon against a cliff face. Grievous's fortress, alternatively known as Grievous's castle or the lair of General Grievous, functioned as a clandestine stronghold filled with lethal traps for intruders. It served as the storage location for the Kaleesh cyborg's spare components, along with his dedicated droid doctor and his pet roggwart, Gor. Beyond the general's somber trophy chamber, Lightsaber hilts and Padawan braids collected from the deadly cyborg's victims were displayed on illuminated tables. The fortress also featured several statues commemorating the bloody deeds and warlord history of a mysterious warrior, including a holotable positioned at the center of two sculptures.

The fortress was accessible through three primary entry points. The main entrance was located at the end of an approach along a gorge, featuring a large, intricately designed doorway in a triangular arch resembling a massive spearhead. It was intentionally crafted to be imposing and intimidating, enhanced by glowing red lights to amplify the effect. A second, similar entrance was situated around the rear. Both access points were designed to appear as if the doors would fully open, but they were sealed to prevent any such entry. The actual entrances were much smaller doors at ground level on either side of the castle, integrated into the larger structure like postern gates. These could only be opened by activating a section of the ornamental detail that was nearly indistinguishable from the rest of the design. Additionally, a small landing pad was located at the rear, providing a third entry point through a large circular hatch capable of accommodating Grievous's personal Belbullab-22 heavy starfighter, Soulless One.

Inside the fortress, a long, stone-paved corridor extended, accompanied by complex pipework along the ornate walls. These walls held light globes that cast disorienting shadows throughout the passageway, making it challenging to locate doorways in the dimness. At the corridor's end, an archway opened into a "sanctum overlook," where a walkway stretched over a deep chasm. The room was dominated by a single throne-like seat equipped with a communications panel. One of the fortress's rooms featured a trap door that, when opened, led to a circular pit filled with lava. Each corridor was monitored by several TT-8L/Y7 gatekeeper droids, overseen from a control room concealed behind a secret door within the fortress. The castle was also guarded by multiple IG-100 MagnaGuards, each having a ceiling-mounted rack for recharging located outside the control room.

At some point, Grievous established his residence on Vassek's third moon, using it as a place for introspection on the life he had lost upon becoming a cyborg.

Following the rescue of Viceroy Nute Gunray by Count Dooku's assassin Asajj Ventress and the deceased traitor Faro Argyus, Dooku chose to guide them to General Grievous's fortress. They subsequently left their ship's homing beacon at the fortress. Dooku then remotely deactivated the stationed MagnaGuards to enable the Jedi to locate him and assess Grievous's ability to eliminate Jedi.

The Republic promptly followed the beacon's signal. Jedi Knight Nahdar Vebb and his clone troopers arrived, later joined by Vebb's former master, Kit Fisto, and his droid, R6-H5, in their starfighter. Fisto then discovered the entrance to the fortress. Upon entering, they encountered a group of B1-series battle droids guarding Gunray. After destroying the battle droids, Fisto, Vebb, and their men realized it was merely Gunray's hologram and that they were only following the beacon. Dooku then appeared, offering Fisto and Vebb an alternative prize. As they progressed through the fortress, they encountered statues of a peculiar warrior. They eventually found a chamber filled with Grievous's Kaleesh masks, realizing they had entered the lair of the dangerous cyborg monster.

Grievous was subsequently detected by R6, Niner, and Bel in his starfighter, the Soulless One, approaching the fortress unaware of their presence. After landing, Grievous searched for Gor. He was then confronted by Fisto, Vebb, and their troopers. However, Grievous managed to kill several troopers and advance towards the control room. Grievous then communicated with his medical droid, EV-A4-D, who informed him that his guards had been remotely deactivated. Grievous then activated his guards, sealed the fortress, and triggered a trap that resulted in the death of another clone. Fisto then disabled one of Grievous's security cameras. Grievous then unleashed his pet roggwart, Gor, upon the Jedi and Commander Fil. EV-A4-D then began repairing Grievous. The Doctor then repaired Grievous's legs and expressed curiosity about Grievous's decision to undergo his modifications. Grievous retorted angrily, asserting that his cybernetics were enhancements he had chosen and that he submitted to no one. His mask was removed from his face, and he was soon to be fully repaired.

Following his repairs, Grievous was contacted by Dooku, who revealed that he had orchestrated the situation to test Grievous's skill against a Jedi Master and knight. After ending the conversation, Grievous and his guards departed from the control room to eliminate the two Jedi. Fisto and Vebb then attempted to enter the control room but were spotted by the Doctor, who alerted Grievous. Fisto was then separated from Vebb, who was forced to confront Grievous and his guards alone. Fisto then severed the Doctor's head. Fisto then observed Vebb's battle against Grievous and his guards. Grievous then fatally shot Vebb and taunted Fisto, declaring him next.

Kit Fisto then returned to the landing platform, where he contacted R6 to arrange for pickup. As soon as R6 was en route, Grievous, believing Fisto was about to escape, arrived at the platform to finish him. They then engaged in a lightsaber duel, during which Fisto gained the upper hand and reclaimed Vebb's lightsaber, warning Grievous that the power would only consume him. Shortly after, as Fisto attempted to push Grievous off the platform, several MagnaGuards arrived with the intention of killing him. R6 then arrived, and with a smile on Fisto's face, Grievous ordered his MagnaGuards to stop him just as Fisto leaped back into his starfighter, flying away.

Following the encounter, Grievous contacted Dooku and informed him that the Jedi had been defeated. Dooku congratulated him on his victory over the clone troopers and Vebb but, realizing that Fisto had escaped, noted that there was still room for improvement. Recognizing that his fortress was no longer secure, with its location now known to the Jedi and Republic, Grievous abandoned his castle following the incident and relocated his base of operations.