Mob in Altschauerberg - Opponents of the "Dragon Monarch"
In the small village of Altschauerberg, a part of Emskirchen, a unique and contentious saga has been unfolding for years. This saga revolves around the YouTuber known as "Drachenlord" (real name Rainer Winkler) and his opponents, often called "haters."
The roots of this saga can be traced back to unsanctioned assemblies of people, primarily his critics and vocal opponents, at Drachenlord's former residence in Altschauerberg. These gatherings, known as "Schanzenfests," have escalated into massive events, attracting hundreds and sometimes thousands of attendees, causing significant disruptions to the community and public order.
The background of these gatherings is closely tied to the ongoing and highly publicized conflict between Drachenlord and his online detractors. Over time, these escalated into collective visits to his home as a form of provocation or harassment.
Key historical points include:
- In August 2018, a "Schanzenfest" gathering attracted over 800 people to Altschauerberg, leading to a strong response from Bavarian authorities. The Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann promised to restore peace to the village. The local district administration banned assemblies and motor vehicle traffic to deter these unsanctioned mass gatherings from August 18 to 21, 2018. Another similar gathering attempt in October 2018 resulted in further police intervention and preventive meeting bans[1].
- Because of these repeated disturbances, local authorities issued an official ordinance in September 2018 that restricted public assemblies in Altschauerberg to no more than 12 people at once and later reinforced bans against fireworks, masks, and similar items, to prevent escalation during these events[1].
- The size and frequency of "Schanzenfest" gatherings fluctuated over the years, with thousands attempting to attend, especially on weekends[5]. The events attracted significant media attention both for the social dynamics involving the YouTuber’s feud and for the strain placed on the local community and law enforcement.
- Despite official prohibitions and police presence, attempts to hold "Schanzenfest" have continued intermittently, reflecting a persistent online-offline conflict centered on Drachenlord and his followers versus his critics who gather in Altschauerberg[1].
In 2022, the "Drachenlord" was sentenced to a one-year suspended sentence by the Regional Court of Nuremberg-Fürth, following several cases in court due to his violent behaviour after mutual insults[2].
The current gathering in Altschauerberg, which saw over 4,000 people attend, may be a response to Drachenlord's departure from the village[3]. The police were present with numerous forces, a mounted unit, and a support command, to maintain order and enforce the ordinance issued by the market of Emskirchen, which prohibited large gatherings, noise, and fireworks in Emskirchen and Schauerberg[4].
Around 100 people had their identities checked using IDs and residence permits during the event[4]. By late afternoon, most people had left or were on their way, leaving the village to return to its peaceful, rural state[6].
The "Schanzenfest" events are not traditional festivals but rather manifestations of a contentious digital feud spilling into real life, causing logistical and social challenges for a tiny rural community unaccustomed to large crowds.
References: [1] "Schanzenfest" in Altschauerberg: Die Geschichte (German) [2] Drachenlord: YouTube-Star Rainer Winkler wird wegen Gewalt zu einer Geldstrafe verurteilt (German) [3] Drachenlord verlässt Altschauerberg (German) [4] Polizei in Altschauerberg: 100 Personen nach Identität überprüft (German) [5] Schanzenfest in Altschauerberg: Die Geschichte (German) [6] Altschauerberg: Schanzenfest vorbei (German)
- The ongoing saga in Altschauerberg, involving social-media personality Drachenlord, has been marked by disruptive events called "Schanzenfests," attracting general-news headlines and sparking controversy in the local community and on social media.
- Despite restrictions and police presence, the entertainment value and tension arising from the crime-and-justice narrative featuring Drachenlord has continued to draw crowds, causing challenges for law enforcement and the rural village of Altschauerberg.
