Tricyclic compounds according to the structure below, protected intermediates thereof, and methods for inhibition of HIV-integrase are disclosed. ##STR00001## A.sup.1 and A.sup.2 are moieties forming a five, six, or seven membered ring. L is a bond or a linker connecting a ring atom of Ar to N. X is O, S, or substituted nitrogen. Ar is aryl or heteroaryl. Q is N, .sup.+NR, or CR.sup.4. The aryl carbons may be independently substituted with substituents other than hydrogen. The compounds may include prodrug moieties covalently attached at any site.