Pugno Hold
Pugno Hold is a citadel of the Shin Empire, built upon the side of Lake Smitlaw, part of the border between the empire and the Sypi Confederacy. Created to oversee trade and defense along the lake, it serves a vital purpose in safeguarding the citizens of the western Shin Empire. Even with the closure of the empire's borders in 999 AF, the castle has remained a fixture in the local lakeside economy and military protection of the nation.
Purpose / Function
Constructed to oversee all trading and commerce taking place upon Lake Smitlaw, Pugno Hold was also created as an observation platform to avoid Confederate raiding parties entering into southern and western provinces of the Shin Empire. The citadel was built atop a bluff overlooking the entire lake, and immediately some of the most modern and efficient siege weapons were added into the castle's defenses. These defenses were designed to sink any ship within the lake, and many have the range to do just that. This included launching places for shallow hull ships from the castle itself to help spot and engage any enemies attempting to cross the water. Land based defenses were equally formidable, and most of the interior keep was actually dug out of the hillside itself, going all the way down to the water line. The above ground fortifications are designed out of steel and stone, preventing all but the most determined of attackers from achieving success in a siege.
Alterations
Very few alterations have been made to Pugno Keep over the centuries since its construction. Nearly all that were added were upgrades created during the Great War. Multiple attempts were made by the Jakonians to raid along Lake Smitlaw and against the Shin communities there. A single determined siege was launched prior to the Battle of Conecuh Lake, which was driven back by a sally by the castle's garrison. Changes made in the castle's defenses led to the creation of more pitfalls and traps for a land based attacker, including integrated concealed observation posts connected to the main garrison by tunnels. These tunnels were later sealed after the war to prevent infiltration by raiders and thieves.
Founding Date
734
Type
Castle
Parent Location
Owner
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