Ravenloft Lore Tuesdays: Forlorn
Ravenloft Lore Tuesdays Domain Focus for June: Forlorn Domain Formation: 547 BC Darklord: Tristen ApBlanc
Lore: NPC – Herrd of Clan ApKie
Herrd is a goblyn, which are unique to the demiplanes of dread. They are humanoids that are transformed into goblyns. Similar to a skeleton or zombie under the dominion of the necromancer that created them, goblyns must obey their creator.
The Darklord of the Domain of Forlorn, Tristen ApBlanc, has telepathic control over every goblyn in his lands. Every goblyn that is, except for Herrd of the ApKie goblyn clan. To avoid his ruler’s commands, Herrd wears a ring of mind shielding at all times. Curious as it would simply be a matter of Tristen caring enough to have his swarm of goblyns remove the ring or remove Herrd entirely, but perhaps the pathetic Darklord finds Herrd’s antics amusing.
Herrd was once a human soldier who was transformed into a goblyn when Forlorn was claimed by the Mists. He does not remember his life as a human nor Forlorn’s original Kingdom of Forfar. Living amongst the goblyns in the forests and caves of Forlorn, Herrd’s ambition is to challenge Tristen’s control over the goblyn clans. Herrd longs for the ‘freedom’ of his people…that is, freedom from Tristen so that he would be free to lord over them himself.
If it wasn’t for Tristen’s absolute control over the others, Herrd would likely obtain his wish. He is larger, stronger, and far more intelligent than a typical goblyn and they naturally follow him already. He is a rather imposing figure, wearing nothing more than a black and red kilt decorated with fiery red human hair.
How to Use Herrd in Your Games
If the PCs are working against Tristen, then Herrd could be a valuable ally. Though unlikely to aid them directly in combat against the vampire/ghost Darklord, Herrd can provide valuable information about the land of Forlorn and its ruler.
Goblyns are mostly found in Forlorn, but they’re also quite common in the Domains of Kartakass, Darkon, and occasionally Barovia. Herrd could leave Forlorn and attempt to recruit or rule over goblyns in other Domains. This could result in more organized groups of goblyns causing chaos in townships.
The PCs may find Herrd’s goals sympathetic and wish to aid him in freeing his people from Tristen’s control. This could put the PCs in direct conflict with the Darklord of Forlorn or perhaps they can look for a creative way to sever the bound besides killing Tristen. Forlorn is also home to many druidic circles, perhaps one such circle knows of an ancient ritual that would restore the goblyns minds and perhaps even their former selves.