Serpent's Hold

Description
Situated on the Isle of Deeds, east of the Cape of Heroes, the fortress of Serpent's Hold stands as a building symbolizing the principle of Courage. Its mighty walls strengthen the courage of its fighters and allies, while putting fear into the hearts of the enemies of the keep. The Order of the Silver Serpent has the command over the fortress, and adventurers of all kind are welcome to test their skill in a sparring match.

The fighters of Serpent's Hold are the best in all of Britannia, and train many recruits in the ways of fighting and war. Also the best weapons and armours are produced at Serpent's Hold. Serpent's Hold is also known to house the Eternal Flame of Courage and the Bell of Courage, two items of high symbolical value. As long as Serpent's Hold stands, Britannia will defend itself from every kind of threat.

History
Serpent's Hold was built before Ultima IV. According to Lord Malone in Ultima V, Lord British entrusted the area of the kingdom to his great-grandfather Sir Percy for clearing the local countryside of dragons several decades earlier. Throughout the ages, Serpent's Hold didn't change much. In Ultima V, one of the Shadowlords was defeated there. After that time, some functions were outsourced to buildings around the fortress, but otherwise, Serpent's Hold stayed the same in Ultima VI and Ultima VII.

In Ultima IX, Serpent's Hold has been mostly destroyed and what remains has sunk beneath the sea.

Ultima IV




Ultima V

 * Gardner: keeper of the flame
 * Kristi: cook
 * Lord Malone: lord of the keep
 * Loubet: fencing master
 * Maxwell: fighter (can join)



Ultima VI



 * Amanda: tavernkeeper
 * Caradon: fighter
 * de Hugh: fighter
 * Gherick: armourer
 * Koranada: knight of the order
 * Lady Tessa: lady of the keep
 * Sir Simon: lord of the keep
 * Loubet: trainer
 * Morchella: pirate
 * Sentri: fighter, can join
 * Seggallion: adventurer, can join
 * Shubin: cook

Ultima VII

 * Denton: tavernkeeper
 * Jordan: shopkeeper at Iolo's Bows
 * Lady Jehanne: provisioner
 * Lady Leigh: healer
 * Lady Tory: empathic noblewoman
 * Menion: trainer
 * Sir Horffe: captain of the guard
 * Sir John Paul: lord of the keep
 * Sir Pendaran: a knight
 * Sir Richter: blacksmith and second-in-command



Ultima IX

 * Groldek: mage
 * Lyssa: fighter



Serpent's Hold in Ascension
In Ascension, Serpent's Hold has been destroyed by the Guardian. What remains has been sunk beneath the waves. The remains house the Bell of Courage which is protected by a female fighter named Lyssa. She also is the trainer for the fifth level of single handed weapons. The Avatar has to retrieve the bell to aid the return of Shamino from his "spirit quest". To gain access to the Bell the Avatar must kill the Arch Mage.

Trivia
(More info is available here: Real-Life references and Easter Eggs).
 * In Ultima VII, almost all of the inhabitants resemble the crew of Star Trek: The Next Generation. (Especially noticeable with Lady Tory)