Landgrave of Olbashun

Necessary Placation

Two centuries ago, an explorer returned from the Blightlands cradling a petrified Dragon egg. At the time, it was thought to simply be a powerless curio, and was traded between several wealthy collectors for display in their personal museums. It was within one of these collections that the egg would prove to be far less dormant than previously thought. Awoken in the night by clattering, the aristocrat rushed to check on their priceless trove of artefacts only to find many had been devoured by a freshly hatched Black Dragon.

Initially, the government of Myrengol planned to exterminate the wyrm, which had taken the name Vaxalghaz, as it had the potential to wreak havoc across their lands and could rise to challenge their authority. This proposal never came to fruition. Instead, they elected to protect and nurture the young Dragon so that it may grow into a staunch and powerful ally. Whilst this decision was met with much dissension at the time, it ultimately proved to be the correct choice. The drake was fierce, but it was not uncivilised. When Vaxalghaz became too large to remain in Myrengol, it found a new home in the Saltmarsh of Olbashun.

For a time, the Black Dragon was content to live in solitude, but this would change. As it established its lair and reached adulthood, Vaxalghaz demanded official authority from the Hearthkeepers. Although the mighty royals could have easily vanquished the ambitious wyrm, they decided it was better to indulge its demands. Vaxalghaz was declared the Landgrave of Olbashun - a title of great power and prestige. Seemingly content with this recognition, the Dragon began to exercise its authority.

Rein of the Dragon

Vaxalghaz's first act as Landgrave was to exile anyone in its territory who did not pledge undying fealty to it. They were driven from their homes and advised to never return. Following this, the wyrm sent messengers across the Bastion of Myrengol inviting new people to replace those who been displaced. These folk were placed into the abandoned homes of the banished and instructed that disloyalty to their liege would carry severe repercussions.

Secondly, the new Landgrave set about securing a reliable income. This process was very simple. The waters of Olbashun were popular amongst crabbers as the crustaceans would amass in the shallows in great numbers. Courtesy of the innate draconic magic that emanated from Vaxalghaz, the crab population surged to even greater heights. This provided ample opportunity to levy taxes on the crabbers without financially ruining them.

Finally, the Landgrave of Olbashun began to focus on intertwining itself with the other nobles of Myrengol. Since it can sire no children for marriage alliances, the Dragon has taken a different approach. Thanks to its unwaveringly loyal army of Kobolds, Vaxalghaz can send legions of labourers and soldiers to its allies, and harry its rivals without leaving its home. Wisely, most noble houses have elected to tolerate the Dragon's presence rather than contest it.