Multitudes in Altschauerberg Against the "Dragon Sovereign"
Thousands of people gathered in and around the picturesque village of Altschauerberg, Emskirchen, Middle Franconia, on a recent day, marking a significant escalation in the long-standing internet feud between YouTuber Drachenlord (real name Rainer Winkler) and his opponents.
The situation, despite initial concerns, remained peaceful throughout the day, with local authorities maintaining a strong presence to ensure order and safety. The police were stationed with numerous forces, a mounted unit, and a support command, ready to intervene should any untoward incidents arise.
The gathering, organised in response to a call for a "Schanzenfest" on social media, attracted numerous opponents of Drachenlord, who have been engaged in a bitter online feud with the YouTuber for several years. The feud, characterised by intense trolling, harassment, and frequent legal actions, has transcended online platforms, drawing significant media attention and legal scrutiny.
The origins of this conflict can be traced back to Winkler's content and persona on YouTube, where he gained notoriety for his distinctive style and sometimes controversial behaviour within gaming and reaction video communities. Over time, Drachenlord attracted a hostile group of internet users and "haters" who frequently provoked and harassed him, escalating the harassment from online to physical spaces.
The ongoing tension created a cycle of provocation and retaliation between Winkler and his critics, amplifying his online visibility and polarizing public opinion around him. Despite moving away from Altschauerberg, where he previously resided, the feud remains active as of 2025, with the internet community still deeply engaged in memes, commentary, and videos focused on Drachenlord’s persona and controversies.
In recent times, the feud has gained attention on platforms like TikTok, exploring how Drachenlord has become both a meme and a figure of social media scrutiny and fascination. These explorations discuss how influencers like Montanablack88 have occasionally referenced or been involved indirectly in the broader gaming culture conflicts connected to Drachenlord.
Due to ongoing harassment and stalking, Winkler has engaged in multiple legal proceedings to protect himself from defamation, threats, and intrusion. German law enforcement has intervened in several cases to curb harassment, imposing restrictions on aggressors and applying legal sanctions such as fines or bans on trespassing. Winkler’s legal battles have become part of the wider narrative around internet harassment and the limits of free speech versus privacy and safety, illustrating the challenges of online feuds spilling into the real world.
In this latest gathering, the police reported an insult to an officer, an act of resistance, and fireworks set off in a nearby forest. Large gatherings, noise, and fireworks are prohibited in the areas of Emskirchen and Schauerberg. Around 100 people had their identities checked using IDs and residence permits. A 20-year-old broke a window of a hunting hut and injured himself badly during the commotion. Earlier, it was difficult to enforce the ordinance as many people were in the prohibited areas.
As the evening approached, most people had left or were on their way from the gathering, bringing a temporary end to the physical manifestation of this long-standing online feud. The police will continue to monitor the situation until the crowd disperses, ensuring the peace and safety of the village and its residents. The future of this feud and its impact on both online and offline communities remains to be seen.
Service on social media platforms like TikTok and general-news outlets have played a role in publicizing the crime-and-justice aspects of Drachenlord's conflict, such as legal proceedings and instances of harassment. Entertainment value also seems to be derived from the ongoing saga, with various influencers like Montanablack88 referencing or being involved indirectly in the gaming culture conflicts related to him.
