Anton Vlaardoen

Brother of Prince Vanserie Vlaardoen XI of Bergdhoven

The Gold Dragon Raknaar

AC 1016

"I swear my loyalty to the Flaemish people, to Linden, and the rulers of Bergdhoven. I pledge my service and my very life for these noble causes."

(Anton's personal oath, which ironically became Raknaar's own as well) 

Background

The character known as Anton Vlaardoen in Glantri is a being of three distinct identities. The first is the true Anton, the brother of Prince Vanserie Vlaardoen XI of Bergdhoven. The second is that of Raknaar, a gold dragon that Anton tried to slay and who presently resides in the physical body of the Flaemish adventurer. The third is that of an addled old wizard named Wilbur Raknarod, which is the polymorphed Raknaar's human form when the dragon chooses to associate in human society.

The dragon Raknaar was born in the year AC 470, when the lands now known as the Principalities of Glantri were simply referred to as the Highlands. The valleys were at that time dominated by the Flaems, an ancient copper-skinned, fiery-haired people who arrived to this world less than a century before. His mother was a renegade gold dragon named Tarnaat (meaning "rainbow" in the draconic tongue).

As a juvenile dragon, Raknaar enjoyed swooping down on Flaemish villages and creating panic. He never caused any serious damage, and never devoured any sentient creature. When he grew bored of scaring people, he learned how to take their form and walk among them, learning their language and ways and growing very fond of them. It was in the late 6th century that Raknaar had a change of heart about human society.

In those years, the dark ages of the Known World, the Flaems discovered a magical force in their land, a force they could not yet understand. The power was confused with the philosophical aspect of fire as a cleansing force, and the ancient rivalry between races of Alphatians. At the same time, other races of Mystara made contact with the xenophobic Flames and racist friction was rising. At the turn of the century, the Flaems have started a semi-religious practice, involving a ceremonial burning of all foreigners, whom they called "pale ones."

Raknaar was saddened to see such blind hatred in humans. He departed from human society and did not come back for many decades. It was in the 8th century that an influx of human and demihuman migration to the Highlands caught the attention of the (now much larger) dragon. As he expected the Flaems quarreled with their new neighbors but still, here and there, buds of friendship and tolerance were showing. It was than when Raknaar decided to create his alter ego Wilbur. Taking the form of a human settler from an unknown origin, Wilbur introduced himself as a wizard-for-hire, seeking money and fame, an adventurer and party person. With subtle and covert ways, Raknaar used Wilbur to infiltrate human society and correct wrongs wherever he found them, especially towards bigots and racists. Raknaar became part of the developing Glantrian nation, enjoying the interesting mix of cultures languages and peoples.

Whenever he found evil, the kindly Wilbur switched back to his true draconic form to punishing men for their acts. These punishments never took the form of outright slaughter, rather than intimidation and damage to property. The ones that suffered Raknaar's wrath the most were the nobles of House Linden, often as a result of racist and hateful acts again other ethnic groups within the Principalities.

One Flaemish noble had enough of the dragon's terrorizing, Sir Anton Vlaardoen, younger brother to the Prince of Bergdhoven. This cocky mundaner has long searched for a real purpose in his life. Living in the shadow of archmages, this Flaemish warrior with absolutely no hold over the arcane arts felt dwarfed. He felt he had to do something in order to be remembered among the Flaems of his noble house.

Anton remembered the tale about a huge golden dragon harassing the Flaemish people, particularly in Linden and especially the Vlaardoens. Anton used his money and connections to start a propaganda campaign against the wyrm. Within a few months all of Bergdhoven demanded something to be done about that awful monster, "The Terror of Linden" that devours children and flies away with Flaemish maidens. Soon the Glantrian Treasury (run by Prince Vanserie Vlaardoen) gave Anton funds in order to find and destroy the creature.

In AC 970, Anton led a force of brave men to find and destroy the creature in its lair. The mighty and noble Flaemish warriors marched gallantly in their shining magical armors and dragon-slayer swords. The expedition did not find Raknaar's lair. Instead the dragon, under the persona of Wilbur found them and managed to join the fearsome party. Through cunning, trickery and acting skill, Wilbur spread chaos within the hunting party. Turning one man against the other and sending parts of the expedition on wild goose chases, sooner or later Wilbur managed to isolate Anton and confront him alone. Wilbur tried to explain to Anton the error of his ways, and that he did not need to find a scapegoat in order to glorify himself. Anton was furious at the insolent wizard, and tried to attack him. With no other choice Wilbur assumed his true form and fought the knight. After an epic battle Raknaar killed Anton with a breath of chlorine gas, the only attack Anton was not prepared for, as he made precautions only against fire attacks.

After the knight's death, a scheme formed in the ancient's dragons head. Raknaar mounted the body on his horse and rode to Linden in human form. Demanding entry, Wilbur announced that Anton has slain the dreaded dragon but was mortally ill. Inside the Tower of Linden, Wilbur insisted on privacy in order to heal Anton, using magical treasures from the creature's lair. When he was finally alone, Wilbur magic jarred himself into Anton's body and hid his own polymorphed body in the cellar. The princely family, so happy to see Anton alive and well, forgot to thank the weird wizard who cured him and vanished.

The following years, Raknaar assumed Anton's identity, trying to mellow down the racist ways of the Vlaardoens. As years went by, Raknaar got to know the family especially the only daughter and future Princess Juliana Vlaardoen. A special bond formed between the young princess and her "uncle," and more than ever Raknaar grew to love humanity in the form of this beautiful princess. She became everything that was important to him.

During the Wrath of Immortals war, Raknaar assumed the role of protector to the heiress of Bergdhoven. When Prince Vanserie and Lady Wilhelmine were killed, Anton did not grieve them. It was time that Juliana was free from her parents' ways, and start a new age for the Flames under a just and kind ruler.

In recent years Raknaar continues to be the protector of the Flaemish Princess. He tries to prevent the forces of evil from staining her pure soul, be it the corruption of politicians such as Princess Dolores Hillsbury of Fenswick, or the unbecoming disgrace from romantic suitors as Feldian Lehenard.

When time comes, Raknaar will be willing to sacrifice his long life for Juliana.

Appearance

The mysterious character known as Anton Vlaardoen has three very distinct identities, and thus three very different forms. First, as a gold dragon, Raknaar is a truly huge beast. His wingspan is nearing 20 meters and his body, including tail, is almost 25 meters. Raknaar's scales are worn and chipped around the edges, but they are as hard as rubies. Raknaar has a magnificent coppery mane that goes down from his head and neck to halfway of the abdomen. Raknaar has a muscled tail covered with menacing spikes, he often uses this tail to lash at opponents. Raknaar's eyes are good and wise and they have a dark green color. Scarred from many battles with human and dragon, Raknaar body is still a marvel of creation, a truly great wyrm that rules the sky and strikes awe at lesser beings.

While a dragons body strengthens with age, that is not so with human creatures; and Raknaar's human form seems to follow this law of nature. The human form of Raknaar is the senile old wizard named Wilbur. Tall, thin, and awkward, his hair is very white, making him look about 70 years old. Wilbur's skin coloration could pass for Aalbanese, but some think he looks like a pure Alphatian. Wilbur wears wizardly robes in the style of the early 800's. His hat is colored like a bee's abdomen, which clashes with his green coat that is often worn on top of the robes. This hat tends to fall off as it is clearly meant for a large headed individual of some unknown culture. Wilbur also wears a large pendant that looks golden from a far. A close look will reveal to all but the dimmest observer that it is made from painted tin. This is a personal joke of Raknaar saying things are rarely what they seem to be.

And finally, the body that Raknaar had recently taken is that of Sir Anton Vlaardoen of Bergdhoven. Anton is a majestic man, like many of House Linden before him. He stands 6'1", slightly shorter than his brother Prince Vanserie Vlaardoen, but stocky and muscular. In the tradition of the Vlaardoens, he wears an impressive red beard and mustache, although signs of gray are beginning to appear. His skin is a darker copper than most Flaems, from the times spent outdoors under the sun. Anton's green eyes, those where once filled with self-importance and battle rage, now seem wizened and always observant.

Anton used to wear golden armor whenever possible, but since Raknaar has possessed his body, armor is only worn when the situation obliges. In formal occasions, Anton is often seen riding a large black warhorse, and wielding a huge silvery sword. All know this as the sword that pierced the heart of the mighty dragon.

Personality & Quirks

Raknaar is a complex being. Unlike many of his kind, he does not shun the human realm. He delights in leaving among humans, learning about them and trying to help them whenever he can. Humans often disappoint him. He has come to learn that humans are often brutal and foolish and driven by passions and emotions. This in part is also what makes him like the human race. In his five and a half centuries he never met a human that is exactly like the other.

Life in Glantri, with all its marvels and beauty has also shown Raknaar the side of humans that he despises the most, cruelty and blind hatred. Raknaar is especially enraged by the human tendency to dislike those who are different. And yet he knows that there will always be those who will stand and bridge the gap between Flaem and non-Flaem, Glantrian and Ethengar, wizard and priest, arcaner and mundaner, dragon and man.

Web of Intrigue

From his centuries as Raknaar to his years as Anton Vlaardoen, this character has involved himself in a large network of allies, friends, rivals and enemies. The dragon Raknaar has many enemies among the other dragons of the Known World. His worst enemy is Amanth, a vicious huge red dragon who is almost blind and yet still strives for immortality. Amanth controls the central part of the Wendarian ranges and often raids humans and elves in Wendar and in the northern principalities. Raknaar has confronted Amanth in the past but they were both much younger and smaller than.

Raknaar tries to keep in touch every decade or so with his old friend Azem, a very large female gold dragon that lives in the Five Shires and masquerades as a hin woman. If Raknaar will ever face a coalition of evil dragons against him, Azem is sure to come to his aid. The 339 year-old Azem has an artifact of great power, The Ivory Plume of Maat.

Other dragons, mostly younger and smaller, simply cower before the Raknaar, who has established himself in dragon lore. Even small golden dragons fear the power of the old wyrm, although they know he would never harm any good-hearted creature.

Among the Glantrians, there are two persons whom the dragon Raknaar is worried about, both of them Princes of Glantri. The first is the almighty Jaggar von Drachenfels, Prinz of Aalban. Raknaar sensed that Jaggar had great power over dragons, and learned from his draconic ties that Jaggar is the High Master of the Secret Craft of Dracology, and has become some sort of avatar of the Dragon Immortal Diamond. Raknaar is unsure of Jaggar's stand, but he knows Jaggar as lawful and hopefully a potential ally.

The second mysterious Glantrian is Dolores Hillsbury, Princess of Fenswick. Raknaar has only met her once as Anton, and sensed a very sinister aura around the dark lady. He suspects Princess Dolores has some draconic blood in her body, and could possibly even be an evil dragon in disguise. Raknaar watches her every move and fears she may try to take advantage of Princess Juliana with her innocence and lack of experience.

When Raknaar took the form of Anton, he tried to avoid the old nobles and staff of Linden whom he believed would have known the real Anton in life. In truth, the haughty Anton had been quite aloof and standoffish to many of the people around him. They attributed Anton's change in personality to his fulfilling his life mission—slaying the "Terror of Linden"—and as it turned out, the change to the milder, less angry Anton was a welcome change.

The most difficult people to convince were Prince Vanserie and his wife Lady Wilhelmine Vlaardoen. But now that the two are dead, Anton only has to keep away from the nobles of the other Flaemish houses. Lady Sinaria Verlien, Countess of High Sonden, has long suspected something afoul, and Anton avoids her like wildfire. (They once had an affair, and now Anton is uncharacteristically cold to her.) Fortunately for Raknaar, the Countess recently went mad and is locked up in an asylum in Rymskigrad. Another Flaemish noble Anton hopes never to encounter is Lord Pieter Vandehaar, Baron of Oxhill, because the real Anton had some shady business dealings with the Vandehaar family.

Apart from those nobles, Raknaar does try to stay within Glantri's society. He loves the company of humans and finds that he finds something new about them every passing day, despite of his long years. Raknaar as Anton mostly accompanies the young Princess Juliana Vlaardoen on her social and political tasks. Most nobles recognize him as a recent historic hero and part of a princely family but that is it. The nobles will treat Anton as if treating any other member of Juliana's entourage.

Style of Magic & Combat

Statistics of Raknaar the Dragon: 22 HD gold dragon; Int 19, Wis 18, Cha 13; AL L (D&D), LG (AD&D). 

Dragon Form: AC -3, hp 115, #AT 2 claws/1 bite, kick or tail, or breath weapon of chlorine or fire.

Human Form (as the wizard Wilbur): Str 5, Dex 5, Con 6, Int 19, Wis 8 (Raknaar loses most of his sense of judgment in his human form), Cha 13.

Statistics of Anton Vlaardoen: 22nd-level fighter (D&D), 17th-level fighter (AD&D); Str 16, Dex 13, Con 15, Int 13, Wis 9, Cha 8; AL C (D&D), CE (AD&D). (Raknaar disguised as Anton takes Anton's physical abilities, but keeps his own mental abilities and alignment.)

Languages: Dragon, Thyatian (Glantrian dialect and Common Thyatian), Flaemish, Sylaire, Elvish (Belcadizan dialect).

Skills: ancient history (Glantri), acting (+2), storytelling, drinking, persuasion, etiquette (Flaemish, Belcadiz, Sylaire), human lore.

Items: The Brooch of the Impervious Iron Will, one of The Seven Legendary Brooches of the Flaem.

If forced to fight in Anton's body, Raknaar is capable of utilizing all the skills of a mighty human fighter, including using Anton's two-handed sword +2, "Raknaar's Ruin," and impressive golden plate mail armor +3. If things go bad, Raknaar will drop Anton's body and magic jar back into his human form body, Wilbur. He is likely then to polymorph into dragon form and return to the scene of the battle.

In dragon form, Raknaar will prefer using a claws and bites, plus swinging his tail at opponents who make the mistake of attacking from the rear. As Wilbur, Raknaar tends to forget spells and the proper way to use them. This does not occur in dragon form. Raknaar the golden dragon will use spells very efficiently in combat or avoidance of combat.

"By what power has this mundaner gained such influence over Bergdhoven?"

(Princess Dolores Hillsbury)

References: History of House Linden 

Author: Ohad Shaham