Glaldrak the Sword

Glaldrak the Sword in his armor

Adrog the True (son)

Glaldrak the Sword was a hobgoblin, who ruled Vruldragin during the creation of the Divine Empire. He is also known as Glaldrak the Kinslayer.

### The Makings of a King

Glaldrak the Sword was born the first son to King Goldroc, later known as Goldroc the Coward. Glaldrak knew his destiny as king was not secure, as the powers in Vruldragin were ever shifting. His father was only the third king of their line that was started by Adrog the Shield, and had only become king because of many other deaths in the family. Glaldrak set to work on his combat skills from a very young age, and turned out to be a very skilled warrior. By the time he reached adulthood, he was able to take down the elite bugbear soldiers of the crown. While Glaldrak was respected in the Kingdom of Vruldragin, his father was not. Several parts of the Kingdom refused to pay all their taxes, and the more distant clans in the Stone Twine flat out renounced their allegiance. Glaldrak took great issue with this, bringing down some of the rebellions personally. After returning from such an uprising, Glaldrak marched into the great hall in Ciki za Ordar, demanding his father to step down as king in favour of himself. Goldroc refused, leading to Glaldrak drawing his sword and challenging him to a duel for the throne. As Goldroc ordered his son taken, none of his guard obeyed. Glaldrak stepped towards his father and slew him where he stood. He then crowned himself.

### The Rule of King Glaldrak

King Glaldrak started his rule with his sword, and would continue to use it throughout. The parts of his kingdom that did not understand who they had above them now, soon would. He personally marched along the Stone Twine to demand fealty from each village, slaying anyone who refused or tried to negotiate. He would install commands loyal to him in the biggest places. By the time he reached the mountains bordering Long Lake, he was welcomed with lavish feasts. After his "tour" along the Twine he visited the Dwellings of Bakemono. There he did not run into any trouble, except for three challenges to a duel. Glaldrak accepted and won them all, slaying every opponent put before him. When he felt his rule stable, he decided to decide on his international politics. These were more peaceful than what was expected. Whereas previous Kings of Vruldragin had mostly been concerned with defending their thinly stretched realm from both sides, Glaldrak sought to make deals with his neighbours. With Rhovanion holding firm control over Long Lake, and Malthzanamondr slaying anyone who would enter the mountains west of the river Xanthus, Vruldragin held control over the divide between east and west Gilgander. There was no safe passage between these lands, Glaldrak decided to provide this. He opened Ciki za Ordar partially for trade, allowed ships to sail through Glaldrak's Strait and ensured safe travels through the Stone Twine. All this not only brought him into favour of the other nations, it also enriched Vruldragin greatly. It is widely accepted that without the policies of Glaldrak the Sword, the Divine Empire could not have been created. In the creation of the Divine Empire, Glaldrak was immediately in favour. Better relations meant more trade, and thus more income. Since he would not have to give up any control over his own lands, Glaldrak saw this only as a great opportunity. He did decide to hold court, inviting all the leaders in Vruldragin to challenge his decision. He then invited everyone who disagreed to a duel, after which there were no skeptics left.

### The Divine Empire

In the Conquest of the Divine Empire, Glaldrak led his armies into the south, alongside Teorin Goldblossom, the Halfling King. Glaldrak the Sword fought in many battles personally, achieving many glorious feats. While both kings had to return to their homelands when the wars dragged on, they came together again to defeat the last clan holding out, The Eagles of Manwë. After the conquest of Gilgander was completed, Glaldrak continued his reign of surprising peace.

### The End of the Sword

Continuing to improve infrastructure, trade routes and other foreign affairs, Glaldrak made positive changes in Vruldragin that are still seen as glorious in this day. Glaldrak was hard on his own people, always trying to find ways to improve their production, often angering them. None dared challenge Glaldrak personally however, leading to only little rebellions that were put down easily. Since Glaldrak claimed his crown by the sword, expectations were that he was going to lose it by the sword. He had always maintained his position that anyone who disagreed with him could challenge him to a duel. When he got older and slower, there were more challengers. While Glaldrak was willing to enter all these duels, his only son Adrog proclaimed that only those who could defeat him in a duel were worthy to face his father. None were ever strong enough to defeat Adrog and many were surely scared off by the idea of having to face two skilled duelists. Glaldrak urged his son many times to challenge for the throne, as he felt that the strongest deserved it. Adrog refused, likely placing value in all the infrastructural policies, and having the utmost respect for his father. It could not be more surprising that Glaldrak the Sword was the only one of the Nine Heroes to die peacefully in his sleep, at the old age of 81. His son Adrog, hereafter known as Adrog the True, claimed the throne on his death.