When the dragon Golindax first laid claim to Mount Goral and the surrounding Goral Forest the local lord, Count von Dornak, objected most strongly to the violation of his territory. He sent out a call for would-be dragon slayers, offering a rich bounty to anyone who could rid him of his new neighbour and had his men shoot at Golindax whenever they saw him. One year later Dornak Castle was a ruin, the few members of the von Dornak family that still lived had changed their name and left the area, and the nearby lords were vocal in their acceptance of Golindax and sending him rich gifts as 'welcoming presents'.

In the two centuries since then Golindax has (by and large) managed to get along with the rest of the Kingdom of Leris. Like all dragons Golindax likes fighting and riches, but unlike most he also seeks to be cultured. Instead of simply raiding the countryside he has collected tolls from merchants and travellers passing through his territory, hunted down bandits for their bounties, and taken an occasional job as a very well paid mercenary. The kingdom's nobles have learnt that unexplained fires can be prevented by regular additions to Golindax's art collection or library (he has the books read to him as turning pages is difficult for something his size) and if they do offend him somehow* he will accept compensation (or a duel, which has been tried twice). He is also paid to mediate and arbitrate disputes where he is valued for his experience, neutrality, and (surprisingly) fairness and incorruptibility - the fact defying his judgement would greatly offend him helps too.

A small tribe of kobolds in his service have over the years expanded his lair into a network of caves reaching deep into the mountain, and with the riches Golindax has accumulated it is now quite opulent. A few rooms are maintained for his human visitors and employees, but most of it is sized either for kobolds or dragons and humans tend to feel out of place there. His human employees include an emissary (typically a young noble who acts as his liaison with the rest of the kingdom, and beyond), toll collectors and a few discreet and competent individuals who preform 'odd jobs' for him. There are also a few rumours that he has merchants in his employ, but to suggest that a dragon is engaging in commerce would be slanderous, and it is probably a lie propagated by his enemies.

*Golindax is notoriously thin-skinned and any perceived insult, trespassing or anything else he can consider disrespectful will result in him taking offence and demanding satisfaction. This has been a significant source of income for him.


My initial thoughts were to have the kingdom invaded, and adventurers would be tasked with recruiting his aid at a time when the king cannot afford to pay him. This would involve doing Golindax a service of some kind, but these services could also be given to adventurers in his direct employ without the invasion storyline. Here are some suggested services.

There are various works of art and magical items that Golindax desires, and since dragons do not buy goods you are tasked to acquire them for him without paying the current owners.

A small dwarven mine has been overrun by goblins after a bloody battle. As there are not enough goblins left to properly guard it now is an ideal time to raid and seize some of the riches within. Alas there is no way Golindax could squeeze in so it is up to you.

A thief has managed to infiltrate the lair and make off with some of Golindax's wealth and is now hiding somewhere in a small town. If there is one thing dragons cannot stand it is people stealing from them, if you cannot retrieve the thief (preferably alive) and the loot Golindax will burn the entire town to the ground.

Golindax is one of the most powerful dragons in this corner of the continent, and many female dragons have asked him to father their broods, but of late he has set his sights on the lovely (to a dragon) Asharva, who seems unimpressed by him. You are to accompany him and aid in his efforts to seduce her.

While Golindax is powerful he is not without rivals, and Cherok is particularly loathed. Cherok has recently been boasting about his abduction of the young Princess Annabelle and the slaughter of her elite bodyguards. Golindax has tasked you with sneaking into Cherok's lair and retrieving the princess before she can be ransomed and stealing her chief bodyguard's distinctive enchanted sword. Be aware that Cherok will not like being stolen from any more than any other dragon (which is of course the point, that and the reward for Annabelle's safe return).

If you do not want to work for Golindax you can try working against him. Attempting to kill him is ambitious, but perhaps you are Count von Dornak's heir and want to reclaim your ancestral lands. The last time that was tried was forty years after the fall of Dornak Castle when one of the Count's surviving grandsons returned after his career as a mercenary had left him in command of a substantial Free Company. After allying with a couple of the local nobles they marched their armies on Mount Goral. Golindax attacked while they were crossing a river, and when the local troops joined in on his side the mercenaries were doomed.

Perhaps you are more interested in his wealth than his life. It is still dangerous, but Golindax was seen flying east yesterday and rumour has it that he is hunting down a bandit gang in the next kingdom for a rich bounty and is not expected back for at least a week. Sure the kobolds have the lair locked down tight but they are just kobolds, right.

While most of the population is indifferent to the presence of a dragon that is not killing them or raiding their herds, indeed his bandit hunting has arguably made them safer, but he has enemies too. Baron Kraver has hired you to investigate the rumours that Golindax is employing merchants and investing in businesses. If you can find proof it will be a major loss of face for the dragon.


Feel free to alter this as you like, and you are welcome to use it regardless of whether or not I win.