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{{Infobox CD|
{{title dab away}}
cd name= Son of the Dragon|
{{real world}}
image=[[Image:Bf099_sonofthedragon_big.jpg|250px]] Cover Art - [[Stuart Manning]] |
{{Infobox Story SMW
series= [[Doctor Who]] -<br/>[[Big Finish - Doctor Who Audio Dramas | Big Finish Audio Dramas]] |
|image           = Bf099 sonofthedragon big.jpg
number= 99|
|range          = Main Range
doctor= [[Fifth Doctor]]|
|number in range = 99
companions= [[Peri Brown]], [[Erimem]] |  
|series         = ''[[Main Range]]'' stories
enemy= [[Dracula]]|
|number         = 99
writer= [[Steve Lyons]]|
|doctor         = Fifth Doctor
director= [[Barnaby Edwards]]|
|companions     = [[Peri Brown|Peri]], [[Erimem]]
year= |
|enemy           = [[Vlad III|Dracula]]
producer= [[Andy Hardwick]] and [[Gareth Jenkins]] |
|setting        = [[Ungro-Wallachia]], [[17 June]] to [[2 July]] [[1462]]
publisher= [[Big Finish]]|
|writer          = Steve Lyons
release date= [[September]] [[2007]]|
|director       = [[Barnaby Edwards]]
format= 2 CDs - 4 Episodes|
|producer        = [[Sharon Gosling]]
production code=6Q/K|
|music          = [[Andy Hardwick]]
isbn= ISBN 978-1-84435-181-7|
|sound          = [[Gareth Jenkins (sound designer)|Gareth Jenkins]]
previous story=[[Frozen Time]]|
|cover          = [[Stuart Manning]]
next story=[[100]]|
|publisher      = Big Finish Productions
}}
|release date   = 6 September 2007
|format         = 2 CDs<br/>Download
|production code = [[List of production codes#Big Finish production codes|6Q/K]]
|isbn           = ISBN 978-1-84435-181-7 (physical)<br/>ISBN 978-1-78575-389-3 (digital)
|prev            = Frozen Time (audio story)
|next            = 100 BC (audio story)
|series2        = ''[[Main Range]]'' releases
|prev2          = Frozen Time (audio story)
|next2          = 100 (audio anthology)
|made prev      = Urban Myths (audio story)
|made next      = I.D. (audio story)
|epcount = 4
}}{{audio stub}}
'''''{{StoryTitle}}''''' was the ninety-ninth story in [[Big Finish Productions|Big Finish]]'s [[Main Range|monthly range]]. It was written by [[Steve Lyons]] and featured [[Peter Davison]] as the [[Fifth Doctor]], [[Nicola Bryant]] as [[Peri Brown]] and [[Caroline Morris]] as [[Erimem]].
 
Released in [[2007 (releases)|2007]], it was about the historical [[Vlad III|Dracula]], often called Vlad the Impaler. Like preceding Erimem adventures ''[[The Church and the Crown (audio story)|The Church and the Crown]]'' and ''[[The Council of Nicaea (audio story)|The Council of Nicaea]]'', it was a so-called "[[pure historical]]": a story featuring no [[science fiction]]al elements outside of [[the Doctor's TARDIS]]. Also in common with several other Erimem stories, ''Dragon'' contained an element of tension over whether she would be departing. In this case, listeners heard the story of her first engagement, presaging her eventual royal matrimonial departure in ''[[The Bride of Peladon (audio story)|The Bride of Peladon]]''.
 
The title referenced [[Vlad the Great]], Dracula's father, known as "the Dragon". Although the pre-titles sequence of part one directly stated that the "Son of the Dragon" was Dracula, in fact the rest of the story made clear that the title also applied to Vlad the Great's ''other'' son, [[Radu the Handsome]]. The contrast between the two leaders was one of the central themes of the piece.
 
== Publisher's summary ==
I am Prince [[Vlad III]] — son of [[Vlad the Great]], and sovereign and ruler of [[Ungro-Wallachia]] and the duchies of [[Amlas]] and [[Fagaras]].


==Publisher's Summary==
I am Prince Vlad III - son of Vlad the Great, and sovereign and ruler of Ungro-Walachia and the duchies of Amlas and Fagaras.
But since my father's murder, I have had another name.
But since my father's murder, I have had another name.
I am [[Dracula]].


==Cast==
I am [[Vlad III|Dracula]].
*[[Fifth Doctor|The Doctor]] - [[Peter Davison]]
 
*[[Peri Brown]] - [[Nicola Bryant]]
== Plot ==
*[[Erimem]] - [[Caroline Morris]]
=== Part one ===
*[[Dracula]]/Prince Vlad - [[James Purefoy]]
[[Fifth Doctor|The Doctor]] arrives in [[1462]] with [[Peri Brown|Peri]] and [[Erimem]]. [[The Doctor's TARDIS|The TARDIS]] materialises in the ruins of a small village. Disgusted by the smell, they find the village burned and the livestock slaughtered. The people were impaled and left to die. One lingering victim tells them that the destruction was by the Son of the Dragon, also known as [[Vlad III|Dracula]].
*Radu - [[Douglas Hodge]]
 
*John Dobrin - [[Barry McCarthy]]
The Doctor [[deduce]]s that they are in [[Wallachia]], and a group of soldiers approach. They run. The Doctor is embarrassed by a fall into a pit trap, and they are caught by [[Radu the Handsome]] and the Sultan's Army. Radu is impressed by former [[pharaoh]] Erimem, and places them under his protection. They head to the soldier's camp, which was away from the TARDIS. Erimem rides ahead at Radu's request. The Doctor corrects Peri when she mentions Count Dracula, telling her that the real man, Prince Vlad Dracula III, ruler of this area, was worse. They have already seen Vlad the Impaler's favourite form of punishment, meaning that the villagers were probably collaborating with the enemies of the voivode of Wallachia. They realise they are travelling with the prince's enemies, the Turkish army led by Sultan [[Mehmed II]], also known as Mehmed the Conqueror.
*Maria - [[Clare Calbraith]]
 
*Soldiers - [[Steve Wickham]]
Radu, Erimem, and the soldiers reach the next village, where they find the well is poisoned, as Vlad has been destroying his own crops and livestock to hinder the invading army. Radu believes the Doctor is their [[jester]], and considers him poor protection from the prince for two women alone. Erimem laughs and says the Doctor is no fool. He offers them food, water, and a pace in their camp, but warns there will be a price later. He goes to arrange this.
*Ayfer - [[Nicola Lloyd]]
 
The Doctor and Peri eat in the tent, the Doctor telling stories about the historical Dracula. He mentions that to some people, Vlad is the hero who saves them from the Turks. The Doctor would like to meet the man, but Peri wants to get out before being caught in a war. She hears a noise outside and worries about real vampires, and the Doctor mentions that they're real, and he's met them. It turns out to be Erimem, who also wants to leave, before she and Peri end up as [[concubine]]s to the Sultan. They make plans to meet near Radu's tent and sneak out. Radu catches the Doctor skulking around his tent, and they discuss the war. The Doctor reveals that he knows Radu is Vlad's brother. They're interrupted by an attack, and a suspicious Radu rushes off to protect the Sultan. The Doctor recognises that he has, yet again, landed on an infamous date.
 
Erimem and the Doctor meet in the woods and worry about Peri. The Doctor wants Erimem to navigate southwest by the stars, away from the battle, so he can concentrate on finding Peri. Erimem brandishes a sword, and the Doctor warns her that if she uses a [[scimitar]], she'll be declaring herself an enemy of Vlad. She compromises, keeping the sword for self defence, but agreeing to leave,providing the Doctor finds Peri and brings her back.
 
Peri is awakened by a young Turkish girl, [[Ayfer]], who warns her that the prince is in the camp and will slaughter her. Peri talks her into helping her pull down a tent pole to defend themselves. A burning arrow hits the tent and they are forced to leave.
 
Radu finds the Doctor, reporting that the Sultan has fled. He offers the Doctor a sword. The Doctor refuses but needs to change his mind rather quickly as enemy soldiers spot them. They prepare to defend themselves.


==References==
Erimem saves a horseman from a Turkish attack, and the man recognises from her clothing that she is not Turkish. She introduces herself and the man assumes she was a prisoner. He wants to reward her courage and offers to take her away with him. He is offended by her refusal, but thinks it is because she doesn't know him. He reveals himself as Dracula.
''To be added''


==Notes==
=== Part two ===
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radu_the_Handsome#Struggles_for_the_rule_of_Wallachia According to his entry in Wikipedia], Radu converted to Islam while at the court of the Sultan. The audio play refers to him practicing Christianity.
''to be added''


==Continuity==
=== Part three ===
''to be added''
''to be added''


==Timeline==
=== Part four ===
* Son of the Dragon occurs after: [[The Gathering]]
''to be added''
* Son of the Dragon occurs before: [[The Caves of Androzani]]
 
== Cast ==
* [[Fifth Doctor|The Doctor]] - [[Peter Davison]]
* [[Peri Brown]] - [[Nicola Bryant]]
* [[Erimem]] - [[Caroline Morris]]
* [[Vlad III|Dracula / Prince Vlad / Vlad the Impaler]] - [[James Purefoy]]
* [[Radu]] - [[Douglas Hodge]]
* [[John Dobrin]] - [[Barry McCarthy]]
* [[Maria (Son of the Dragon)|Maria]] - [[Clare Calbraith]]
* Soldiers - [[Steven Wickham]]
* [[Ayfer]] - [[Nicola Lloyd]]
 
== Crew ==
 
* Cover Art - [[Alex Mallinson]]
* Director - [[Barnaby Edwards]]
* Executive Producers - [[Jason Haigh-Ellery]] and [[Nicholas Briggs]]
* Music - [[Andy Hardwick]]
* Producer - [[Sharon Gosling]]
* Script Editor - [[Alan Barnes]]
* Sound Design - [[Gareth Jenkins (sound designer)|Gareth Jenkins]]
* Writer - [[Steve Lyons]]
 
== Worldbuilding ==
* Like his father [[Vlad the Great]], [[Vlad III|Dracula]] is a member of the [[Order of the Dragon]].
* While battling Dracula's soldiers, Erimem swears by [[Osiris]].
* [[Bram Stoker]] was inspired to write his novel ''[[Dracula (book)|Dracula]]'' from stories of the Prince of Wallachia's cruelty.
* Peri compares her stitching to that of [[Victor Frankenstein|Baron Frankenstein]].
* She compares Vlad and Radu to ''[[Beauty and the Beast]]''.
* The Doctor quotes [[Omar Khayyám]].
 
== Gallery ==
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true" widths="250">
File:Centre Fold Son of the Dragon.jpg| CD booklet interior art.
File:099 Son of the Dragon credits.jpg|CD booklet credits.
File:DWM 99 Dragon.jpg|Illustrated preview by Martin Geraghty from [[DWM 386]].
</gallery>
 
== Notes ==
* A preview appeared in [[DWM 386]], illustrated by [[Martin Geraghty]].
* After ''[[The Church and the Crown (audio story)|The Church and the Crown]]'', ''[[The Council of Nicaea (audio story)|The Council of Nicaea]]'' and ''[[The Kingmaker (audio story)|The Kingmaker]]'', this is the fourth (and third consecutive) audio drama in which the Fifth Doctor, Peri and Erimem encounter an historical monarch.
* This audio drama was recorded on [[6 February (production)|6]] and [[8 February (production)|8 February]] [[2007 (production)|2007]] at [[the Moat Studios]].<ref name=":0">'Backstage' tab of [https://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/doctor-who-son-of-the-dragon-265 the official ''Son of the Dragon'' page] at [https://www.bigfinish.com bigfinish.com]. (Archived on the Wayback Machine)</ref>
* This story was released on [[6 September (releases)|6 September]] [[2007 (releases)|2007]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071016213805/http://www.bigfinish.com/index.asp?function=WEBPAGE&page=2 Official 'Updates & Releases' page] at [https://www.bigfinish.com bigfinish.com]. (Archived on the Wayback Machine)</ref>
* This story is set between ''[[Planet of Fire (TV story)|Planet of Fire]]'' and ''[[The Caves of Androzani (TV story)|The Caves of Androzani]]'', and after ''[[The Kingmaker (audio story)|The Kingmaker]].''<ref name=":0" />
* This release comes with Behind The Scenes Interviews extras split across both CD's and two deleted scenes on the latter CD; the Behind The Scenes extras are unabridged in the Big Finish app.
** Deleted Scene 22:
*** John Dobrin brings Peri to the village fountain - to see the cup sitting on it - a gold cup. Peri's surprised that something so valuable's out in public. He explains that Prince Vlad placed the cup there so his people may drink from it, to which Peri snides that he can afford to be generous. John says generosity has nothing to do with it and says for her to ask herself why it hasn't been stolen. She answers that they know what the prince will do. He disagrees: it's because of what he's done already. Since he took the throne, Wallachia has been safe from thievery, bribes from the rich, and merchants travel safely for the first time in its history. Peri sarcastically remarks that they can leave their door unlocked when they go out. She calls Prince Vlad a sadist, a tyrant, and yells that John doesn't seem to care that Erimem is being kept a prisoner. He disagrees that Erimem is - she looks to be treated more like Vlad's honoured guest. Like his princess. He advises her to be happy for Erimem. She belongs to Dracula now. She has to accept that, for her sake. And Erimem's.
*** Despite being in a deleted scene, Peri's line "The man's a sadist! A sadist and a tyrant!", is used in the trailer available on this story's Big Finish page.
** Deleted Scene 43:
*** John Dobrin reminisces and tells Peri of an Easter five years ago, of the new Prince - Dracula - coming to his village, at the head of a procession of chained boyars. That's when he knew things had changed. Peri asks if they were the ones Prince Vlad hadn't killed: the survivors that he enslaved instead. John answers that he watched as they manned the kilns and carried bricks to the old castle ruins, laboring and under whippings for months in rags of their Easter finery, that they built the castle into a fortress. Peri asks to reaffirm that's where they're going. John says that Prince Vlad was wise to prepare for the oncoming battle. History will remember the coming days as Dracula's last stand - and greatest victory. Peri then sees the Doctor and quickly rushes off to him, telling John to hold his horses for a few minutes as she has something she needs to sort out. John's distressed since they leave in an hour.
 
== Continuity ==
* The Doctor tells Peri that he once encountered [[vampire]]s "with fangs, bats, the whole package". ([[TV]]: ''[[State of Decay (TV story)|State of Decay]]'')
* Erimem is still learning [[English language|English]] from Peri and is now reasonably proficient in written English. Peri began teaching her friend English in ''[[The Axis of Insanity (audio story)|The Axis of Insanity]]'' and continued in ''[[The Roof of the World (audio story)|The Roof of the World]]''.
* Erimem tells Dracula that her family were slain by power hungry men. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Eye of the Scorpion (audio story)|The Eye of the Scorpion]]'')
* The [[Sixth Doctor]] would later meet Dracula's [[Dracula|fictional vampire namesake]] in the [[Land of Fiction]]. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Legend of the Cybermen (audio story)|Legend of the Cybermen]]'')
* Vlad was once imprisoned in the [[labyrinth]] under [[Buda Castle]] in [[Budapest]]. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Labyrinth of Buda Castle (audio story)|The Labyrinth of Buda Castle]]'')
 
== External links ==
{{bigfinish|releases/v/son-of-the-dragon-265|Son of the Dragon}}
{{dwrefguide|who_bf99.htm|Son of the Dragon}}
* {{tetrap|5/sonofthedragon.html|Son of the Dragon}}


==External Links==
== Footnotes ==
* [http://www.drwhoguide.com/who_bf99.htm Doctor Who Reference Guide - Detailed Synopsis: Son of the Dragon]
{{Reflist}}{{BFA monthly}}
* [http://www.bigfinish.com/99-Doctor-Who-Son-of-the-Dragon Big Finish '''Son of the Dragon''' page]
{{TitleSort}}


[[Category:Fifth Doctor audio plays]]
[[Category:Fifth Doctor audio stories]]
[[Category:Big Finish Audio Dramas]]
[[Category:Stories set in 1462]]
[[Category:2007 audio plays]]
[[Category:Stories set in Romania]]
[[Category:Audio stories that use the Peter Howell theme]]
[[Category:Erimem audio stories]]
[[Category:Fifth Doctor Main Range audio stories]]
[[Category:2007 Main Range audio stories]]

Latest revision as of 20:52, 3 November 2024

RealWorld.png

audio stub

Son of the Dragon was the ninety-ninth story in Big Finish's monthly range. It was written by Steve Lyons and featured Peter Davison as the Fifth Doctor, Nicola Bryant as Peri Brown and Caroline Morris as Erimem.

Released in 2007, it was about the historical Dracula, often called Vlad the Impaler. Like preceding Erimem adventures The Church and the Crown and The Council of Nicaea, it was a so-called "pure historical": a story featuring no science fictional elements outside of the Doctor's TARDIS. Also in common with several other Erimem stories, Dragon contained an element of tension over whether she would be departing. In this case, listeners heard the story of her first engagement, presaging her eventual royal matrimonial departure in The Bride of Peladon.

The title referenced Vlad the Great, Dracula's father, known as "the Dragon". Although the pre-titles sequence of part one directly stated that the "Son of the Dragon" was Dracula, in fact the rest of the story made clear that the title also applied to Vlad the Great's other son, Radu the Handsome. The contrast between the two leaders was one of the central themes of the piece.

Publisher's summary[[edit] | [edit source]]

I am Prince Vlad III — son of Vlad the Great, and sovereign and ruler of Ungro-Wallachia and the duchies of Amlas and Fagaras.

But since my father's murder, I have had another name.

I am Dracula.

Plot[[edit] | [edit source]]

Part one[[edit] | [edit source]]

The Doctor arrives in 1462 with Peri and Erimem. The TARDIS materialises in the ruins of a small village. Disgusted by the smell, they find the village burned and the livestock slaughtered. The people were impaled and left to die. One lingering victim tells them that the destruction was by the Son of the Dragon, also known as Dracula.

The Doctor deduces that they are in Wallachia, and a group of soldiers approach. They run. The Doctor is embarrassed by a fall into a pit trap, and they are caught by Radu the Handsome and the Sultan's Army. Radu is impressed by former pharaoh Erimem, and places them under his protection. They head to the soldier's camp, which was away from the TARDIS. Erimem rides ahead at Radu's request. The Doctor corrects Peri when she mentions Count Dracula, telling her that the real man, Prince Vlad Dracula III, ruler of this area, was worse. They have already seen Vlad the Impaler's favourite form of punishment, meaning that the villagers were probably collaborating with the enemies of the voivode of Wallachia. They realise they are travelling with the prince's enemies, the Turkish army led by Sultan Mehmed II, also known as Mehmed the Conqueror.

Radu, Erimem, and the soldiers reach the next village, where they find the well is poisoned, as Vlad has been destroying his own crops and livestock to hinder the invading army. Radu believes the Doctor is their jester, and considers him poor protection from the prince for two women alone. Erimem laughs and says the Doctor is no fool. He offers them food, water, and a pace in their camp, but warns there will be a price later. He goes to arrange this.

The Doctor and Peri eat in the tent, the Doctor telling stories about the historical Dracula. He mentions that to some people, Vlad is the hero who saves them from the Turks. The Doctor would like to meet the man, but Peri wants to get out before being caught in a war. She hears a noise outside and worries about real vampires, and the Doctor mentions that they're real, and he's met them. It turns out to be Erimem, who also wants to leave, before she and Peri end up as concubines to the Sultan. They make plans to meet near Radu's tent and sneak out. Radu catches the Doctor skulking around his tent, and they discuss the war. The Doctor reveals that he knows Radu is Vlad's brother. They're interrupted by an attack, and a suspicious Radu rushes off to protect the Sultan. The Doctor recognises that he has, yet again, landed on an infamous date.

Erimem and the Doctor meet in the woods and worry about Peri. The Doctor wants Erimem to navigate southwest by the stars, away from the battle, so he can concentrate on finding Peri. Erimem brandishes a sword, and the Doctor warns her that if she uses a scimitar, she'll be declaring herself an enemy of Vlad. She compromises, keeping the sword for self defence, but agreeing to leave,providing the Doctor finds Peri and brings her back.

Peri is awakened by a young Turkish girl, Ayfer, who warns her that the prince is in the camp and will slaughter her. Peri talks her into helping her pull down a tent pole to defend themselves. A burning arrow hits the tent and they are forced to leave.

Radu finds the Doctor, reporting that the Sultan has fled. He offers the Doctor a sword. The Doctor refuses but needs to change his mind rather quickly as enemy soldiers spot them. They prepare to defend themselves.

Erimem saves a horseman from a Turkish attack, and the man recognises from her clothing that she is not Turkish. She introduces herself and the man assumes she was a prisoner. He wants to reward her courage and offers to take her away with him. He is offended by her refusal, but thinks it is because she doesn't know him. He reveals himself as Dracula.

Part two[[edit] | [edit source]]

to be added

Part three[[edit] | [edit source]]

to be added

Part four[[edit] | [edit source]]

to be added

Cast[[edit] | [edit source]]

Crew[[edit] | [edit source]]

Worldbuilding[[edit] | [edit source]]

Gallery[[edit] | [edit source]]

Notes[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • A preview appeared in DWM 386, illustrated by Martin Geraghty.
  • After The Church and the Crown, The Council of Nicaea and The Kingmaker, this is the fourth (and third consecutive) audio drama in which the Fifth Doctor, Peri and Erimem encounter an historical monarch.
  • This audio drama was recorded on 6 and 8 February 2007 at the Moat Studios.[1]
  • This story was released on 6 September 2007.[2]
  • This story is set between Planet of Fire and The Caves of Androzani, and after The Kingmaker.[1]
  • This release comes with Behind The Scenes Interviews extras split across both CD's and two deleted scenes on the latter CD; the Behind The Scenes extras are unabridged in the Big Finish app.
    • Deleted Scene 22:
      • John Dobrin brings Peri to the village fountain - to see the cup sitting on it - a gold cup. Peri's surprised that something so valuable's out in public. He explains that Prince Vlad placed the cup there so his people may drink from it, to which Peri snides that he can afford to be generous. John says generosity has nothing to do with it and says for her to ask herself why it hasn't been stolen. She answers that they know what the prince will do. He disagrees: it's because of what he's done already. Since he took the throne, Wallachia has been safe from thievery, bribes from the rich, and merchants travel safely for the first time in its history. Peri sarcastically remarks that they can leave their door unlocked when they go out. She calls Prince Vlad a sadist, a tyrant, and yells that John doesn't seem to care that Erimem is being kept a prisoner. He disagrees that Erimem is - she looks to be treated more like Vlad's honoured guest. Like his princess. He advises her to be happy for Erimem. She belongs to Dracula now. She has to accept that, for her sake. And Erimem's.
      • Despite being in a deleted scene, Peri's line "The man's a sadist! A sadist and a tyrant!", is used in the trailer available on this story's Big Finish page.
    • Deleted Scene 43:
      • John Dobrin reminisces and tells Peri of an Easter five years ago, of the new Prince - Dracula - coming to his village, at the head of a procession of chained boyars. That's when he knew things had changed. Peri asks if they were the ones Prince Vlad hadn't killed: the survivors that he enslaved instead. John answers that he watched as they manned the kilns and carried bricks to the old castle ruins, laboring and under whippings for months in rags of their Easter finery, that they built the castle into a fortress. Peri asks to reaffirm that's where they're going. John says that Prince Vlad was wise to prepare for the oncoming battle. History will remember the coming days as Dracula's last stand - and greatest victory. Peri then sees the Doctor and quickly rushes off to him, telling John to hold his horses for a few minutes as she has something she needs to sort out. John's distressed since they leave in an hour.

Continuity[[edit] | [edit source]]

External links[[edit] | [edit source]]

Footnotes[[edit] | [edit source]]

  1. 1.0 1.1 'Backstage' tab of the official Son of the Dragon page at bigfinish.com. (Archived on the Wayback Machine)
  2. Official 'Updates & Releases' page at bigfinish.com. (Archived on the Wayback Machine)