Draghula

^{Made by Nightcafe}
The story of Draghus is known throughout the anti-magic cultures of Llagnyn's fourth era. It is a tale used to frighten children, but even adults fear the infamous scarletmouth. It warns all against the dangerous scoieties of sorcerers, and above all, the ones who use Dust, who may be lurking in the shadows.

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In a time long gone, there were eight kingdoms that stood against the evils of magic.¹ They kept their citizens safe within towering walls manned by vigilant soldiers who were always ready to strike down any sorcerer who came too close. For years, these kingdoms thrived in their solitude, and in their freedom from the corruption of magic. That all changed on the day that the Vampires attacked.² Headed by the evil Draghula,³ the evil army of thousands⁴ swept in to the smallest of the eight kingdoms, Sylvain. He killed every soldier personally, and forced the king to kneel before him before he swept off his head. He had his soldiers line up every citizen of Sylvain, and slashed their necks with his teeth. His evil was so great that the people did not die of their wounds, but instead were subjected to his will, becoming lifeless puppets that served at his whim.⁵ Refugees were taken in by other towns, only to turn against them and bring in Draghus to infect them, as well. The seven remaining kingdoms were forced to close their walls against even their allies, in order to protect themselves. Draghus erected a new throne for himself by hardening the blood of his victims,⁶ and ruled from the heart of Sylvain.⁷ Even to this day, Draghus waits in Sylvain for his enemies to let down his guard, sending in spies with bleeding necks to find those corrupted by use of magic to bring before his bite.⁸

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Historical Basis

1. While the borders and names of lands have shifted many times throughout the millennia, there has been no evidence to suggest the existence of these eight kingdoms in particular.
2. The common telling of the tale seems to suggest that Draghula created the Vampires. In reality, Vampires had already been in existence long before the young lord joined their ranks.
3. Most historians agree that the character of "Draghula" most likely refers to Lord Draghus of Ulak, who was known for bringing together all of the sorcerous lands of his time and launching an attack against those who opposed the use of magic.
4. Most likely an exaggeration.
5. No magical abilities are known that can do this. Some scholars believe that this may derive from mistaken stories on the workings of orange Dust. Additionally, no evidence has ever been found to suggest the tale of Draghus slashing the necks of townsfolk.
6. Possible reference to the use of scarlet Dust.
7. No known modern-day location can be traced back to this title or kingdom, althoug Draghus's castle has been lost to time.
8. This section seems to be purely precautionary. Draghus died in 15285 at the hand of his daughter and heir, Drekia, and his grave can still be found in the Great Cemetery of the Vampires.

Date of First Recording

Circa 15280

Date of Setting

15264