Pohuai Stronghold


 * This article is about the location. For the rescue mission, see Rescue in Pohuai Stronghold.

Pohuai Stronghold is a Fire Nation fortress in the Western Earth Kingdom, located near the ruins of Taku. It is commanded by Colonel Shinu and houses the Yu Yan Archers.

The fortress is a terrifying place made up of multiple stone walls surrounding a massive pagoda tower in the center of the base. It houses its own prisons and is a major supply depot for the Fire Nation armies. This massive, metal structure was built by the Fire Nation military as a troop and supply hub. Here, soldiers and Firebenders train before they are deployed into battle. Supplies are moved from the stronghold over thousands of miles of rail lines to the Fire Nation army assembling at the outskirts at Ba Sing Se.

History
During his search for the Avatar, Commander Zhao went to the Pohuai Stronghold to request use of the Yu Yan Archers to hunt the Avatar. At first Colonel Shinu denied his request, but a sudden promotion to admiral by Fire Lord Ozai allowed Zhao to order the archers to his aid. The archers quickly tracked down Aang while he was searching for a cure to a fever his friends had. Easily capturing him, they dragged Aang to the Pohuai Stronghold's prison, where Zhao taunted him and proclaimed victory before the fortress defenders. However, this was not to be the case. A mysterious masked bandit known as the Blue Spirit infiltrated the fortress and rescued Aang from Zhao's grasp, but not before getting knocked out by the Yu Yan Archers. Aang and the Blue Spirit managed to escape, leaving Zhao infuriated. Aang later discovered that the Blue Spirit was none other than his arch-nemesis, Prince Zuko. Aang and Zuko retreated to a forest where he brought Zuko back to consciousness. He told the prince about how he had Fire Nation friends back in the day, and offered to be friends with him. Zuko attacked Aang to make him flee. Although he had meant to capture Aang for himself, he chose to let Aang flee.

Since Shinu's promotion, it is unknown whether he remained at this post. With the conclusion of the War, it is unknown what became of this fortress.

Trivia

 * 破坏 (po huai) means "destroy" or "wreck" in Mandarin Chinese.