Here’s my draft of the intro to Drazhu I’m running in a two-hour slot at Ettin Con next month:
When Lord Drazhu came to power, he spouted promises to strengthen the kingdom by fortifying its borders and uniting against their enemies. Then the attacks and the kidnappings started, targeting so-called “demi-humans” and their allies. First, he came for the halfling forest guardians, then the elven peacekeepers, even the dwarven sustainable mining unions were under threat. Once he gained possession of the legendary Crown of Tyrants, he became dangerously unhinged. Distrusting the royal guard, he brought in a private security force of orc mercenaries and goblin spies. He even sent trollish armies with battle-axes to hack into the web of the peaceful Spider Kingdom. Now you are all his slaves, forced to expand his underground lair, increase his resources and further his dark agenda: To raise a demon army who would wipe all opposition off the map and bring a new Dark Age to reign.