Oldoran was the Duke of Asturia when the sorceress Polgara first came to Arendia. A hopeless alcoholic, he was openly mocked by his court, particularly the Baroness Asrana and Earl Mangaran. Far worse, when Polgara arrived, he'd fallen under the influence of a Dagashi who was posing as an agent of Tolnedra, and who had promised the Empire's aid in Oldoran's plot to make war against the rival duchies of Mimbre and Wacune. Needless to say, the promised aid would never have materialized, and if Oldoran had acted, it would have likely resulted in the other two duchies teaming up and eliminating Asturia.