the main gate is new and guarded, it is not run down lie many parts of the area. it is meant to intimidate attackers by making them think the area is all new and not worn down.
Main Gate, Outside Castle
vendor
guard
I guard the castle.  I guard the king.  I would kill to protect the royal family.
Greetings Vendor. What is your business here? Oh hello my good guard! I'm so glad the city has decided to finally protect us from those brigands. Can I interest you in a nice cool drink? I am awfully parched now that you mention it! Pray tell, what kind of beverages do you carry? Why Guard, i can organise for you to have any drink that's served in the city walls. I charge only a small commission. And my service is excellent. So what will it be? Ale, the finest wine, clear, cool water? Oh, I do long for a cold ale. Though its frowned upon to drink while on guard duty... Perhaps just one couldn't hurt. Oh I'm sure I can find a different flask for it. Though that might cost a little more. Say 1 gold for a nice chilled flask of "water" 1 full gold? I'd give you 5 silvers and not a copper more. These rates are murder these days. My dear fellow, I have to procure a nice, innocuous flask for you, then have it filled with the best, cool, chilled "water" money can buy, then bring it back for you. All without drawing the attention of your captain there.  I suppose thats fair... Excellent, I knew we could do business. I am not known as the best vendor in the city for nothing.  Now I don't get paid until the end of my shift. Will you take my only shoe in the world as collateral? What! No, you can't guard in one boot silly fool. Put it back on! That would make the captain really suspicious.