The Gundarakite Conspiracy
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This section contains canon info from officially published sources |
Introduction
The Gundarakite Conspiracy (as it is called in Gazetteer I[1]) was a subplot in the Feast of Goblyns module involving Akriel Lukas and Dr. Dominiani to overthrow Harkon Lukas and Duke Gundar by obtaining the Crown of Souls. In that module, Akriel seeks to manipulate the player characters into fetching the Crown for her and deliver it to Dr. Dominani.[2] In all likelihood, the PCs come to blows with the forces of Dr. Dominiani in fighting for the Crown once the Conspiracy is discovred.[3]
Midway through the module, Harkon Lukas intervenes and reveals the true nature of the Crown of Souls and directs the the PCs into destroying the Crown with the defeat of Radaga.[4] The Conspiracy is foiled with the destruction of the Crown.[5]
In Character Knowledge
The Gundarakite Conspiracy is the term "S" uses to refer to the failed scheme of Dr. Dominiani and Akriel hatched against Harkon Lukas in 736 BC. According to "S"' knowledge, the conspiracy was one of assassination against Harkon through the use of an artifact. "S" took this as part of the evidence supporting Harkon's existence as a darklord.[1]
The tale of Akriel's betrayal did not pass without notice from the Kartakan people. Harkon came out of the Conspiracy all the more revered for the skill and steely nerves he showed in facing such a personal betrayal. The story of Akriel's treacherous assassination attempt lives on in song. Harkon seems to loathe these stories, as he never includes any of such songs in his own performances.[6] Harkon even deposed Luther Bedarik as Meistersinger of Skald for penning a ballad called the Soulless Crown that made allegory to Akriel's turncoat behavior.[7]
Details
Dr. Dominani and Akriel conspired to overthrow Gundar and Harkon by silently taking down each under the fog of war. They hoped to instigate such a war using the Crown of Souls, a dread artifact capable of transforming humanoids into goblyn thralls.[2]
Although the Conspiracy is remembered as an assassination attempt, Akriel never intended to murder her father. Instead, she merely wanted to overthrow him and rule Kartakass in his stead. In addition, she despised Duke Gundar and sought his destruction. Thus, Akriel readily agreed to the scheme proposed by her lover, Dr. Dominiani.[8]
However, Dr. Dominiani's love was a mere deception, as he and Duke Gundar had conspired together to wipe out both Harkon and Akriel. Dominiani would then assume lordship over Kartakass in place of Akriel as Gundar's ally.[9] Ultimately, Dominiani seemed to betray everyone, as he arranged the (albeit temporary) destruction of his master shortly following the Conspiracy's failure.[10]
The events of the Conspiracy can be played out in the 2nd Edition module Feast of Goblyns.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Gazetteer I p. 94
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Feast of Goblyns p.26-27
- ↑ Feast of Goblyns p. 8-9
- ↑ Feast of Goblyns p. 81
- ↑ Ravenloft Campaign Setting: Domains and Denizens (red box) p. 35, Feast of Goblyns p. 92
- ↑ Domains of Dread p. 63
- ↑ Gazetteer I p. 95
- ↑ Feast of Goblyns p. 13
- ↑ Feast of Goblyns p. 12
- ↑ Gazetteer I p. 19; See Children of the Night: Werebeasts "Professor Arcanus" for how Gundar is later revived.
