The most impressive fortress in Dragon lands, Shiro Mirumoto has served a variety of purposes through history, and will probably continue to do so in the future. A military stronghold first and foremost, it is the most heavily defended castle in Dragon territory, and has been built to make the best use of the mountainous terrain around it. Shiro Mirumoto is also the command center for the armies of the clan, and extensive maps of the complex geography of the Dragon lands allow generals to allocate troops as they see fit.
Less than a mile away sits Iron Mountain Dojo, one of the most prestigious kenjutsu dojo of the Dragon (and some say, in the Empire). Thus, the highest ranked officers in the Dragon armies usually learn their skills near Shiro Mirumoto itself. However, due to the family’s extensive influence over clan affairs, Shiro Mirumoto also hosts some diplomatic functions. Extensive quarters are reserved for visitors, but are considered drab by most courtiers, so envoys to Shiro Mirumoto tend to be warriors themselves – further intensifying the military-themed culture of the area.
Unlike castles in other regions, Shiro Mirumoto does not have a major city nearby – instead, a village is located near the castle, providing food and other services. Like many Dragon settlements, it is somewhat isolated and as such is carefully patrolled by Mirumoto warriors.
With all these military and political functions, it is easy to forget Shiro Mirumoto has a spiritual dimension as well. As the site chosen by the Thunder of the Dragon Clan himself, it is revered by all members of the clan. A large shrine within the castle honors Mirumoto’s status as founding ancestor of his family, while smaller shrines in the nearby village are maintained by the Order of the Seven Thunders. The Mirumoto tend to be private about their spirituality, however, and most visitors pay little notice to their practices.