The inspiration for Bram Stokers Dracula and three time ruler of Wallachia, Lord Vlad Tepes Dracul,was a conscientious and dutiful monarch who did everything in his power to keep the heathen Turks out of his country ( even if it meant impaling 30,000 captured soldiers, etc.) Vlad's patriotism and defense of the faith even earned him the favor of the Pope. His alleged excessive cruelty made him the subject of much 'bad press,' but he did what he had to do- he saved the nation.