Gardunnia

Gardunnia Symbol

The **Gardunnia** ( meaning : *Leaders* in Barsamen language ) also known as the **Garduña** in Ebbing's Common Speech Dialect, is a secret society that functions as both a criminal organization and a council of twenty members who wield control over the most potent criminal organizations in both the Northern Kingdoms and the Nilfgaardian Empire.

## History

The Gardunnia's history can be traced back to the Syndicate, the powerful criminal organization that was active in Novigrad and later the rest of the Northern Kingdoms. However, after the disappearance of Dijkstra, the informal head of the organization, power struggles erupted between their members. In this chaotic environment, a group of ten individuals emerged as the most powerful and influential figures, forming the Gardunnia. Unlike the organization from which the Gardunnia comes, they are not so much focused on obtaining wealth, but power.

Originally, there were only ten members as mentioned before. However, over time, around the 1270s, the Gardunnia increased its influence and power, which was mainly due to the vacuum left by the dead mages in Thanned, who were owners of 90% of the industry in the Northern Kingdoms. As a result, the Gardunnia extended its reach to Nilfgaard, inviting the ten leaders of the most powerful criminal organizations in the Empire to join their ranks.

As a result of these power struggles, the Gardunnia emerged as a more sophisticated and influential organization. The twenty members of the Gardunnia's council represent the most prominent criminal organizations in both territories, and they operate as a governing body over their respective groups.

The Gardunnia's reach extends far and wide, with influence over smugglers, thieves, assassins, and even some corrupt officials. Their power and connections allow them to operate in the shadows, often with impunity, and to manipulate events to their advantage. They are known to have dealings with various factions and individuals, including powerful mage organizations, like the Nefandi sect that was leaded by Mimit Sova, wealthy merchants, and even some royal families.

Despite its formidable reach and influence, the Gardunnia remains a secret society, and its activities remain largely unknown to the general public. Those who dare to challenge or oppose the Gardunnia are met with swift and brutal retribution. The organization employs highly skilled and well-trained assassins who can strike from the shadows without leaving any evidence behind. Their spies and informants are present in every major city and town, allowing them to keep an eye on potential threats and rivals. In addition, the Gardunnia also uses its vast wealth to bribe officials and law enforcement agents to turn a blind eye to their illegal activities or even aid them in their endeavors.

## Characteristics

The Gardunnia operates under its own set of rules, which is enforced by the council members. Any breach of this code is met with swift and severe punishment, often resulting in death.

However, despite their criminal activities, the Gardunnia is not without its own strict code of honor and conduct. This strict adherence to their own set of rules is what has allowed the Gardunnia to remain a force to be reckoned with for so long. These include loyalty to the organization above all else, obedience to the council members, and a willingness to sacrifice oneself for the greater good of the Gardunnia.

Members are also expected to maintain a certain level of professionalism and conduct themselves with dignity and respect. They are not allowed to engage in petty squabbles or personal disputes that may compromise the integrity of the organization. Additionally, members are required to keep all Gardunnia activities and information strictly confidential. Any breach of this rule is met with severe consequences, as it could potentially compromise the organization and its members but those who are professional and comply with these principles are treated with respect and often highly rewarded for their services.

## Original Council Members

1. "The Dark Queen" ( Gudrun Bjornsdottir ) [ Novigrad & Skellige ]
2. "The White King" ( Gagrar Morcot ) [ Redania & Temeria ]
3. "The Hydra of Salm" ( Nasria Lorlolzat ) [ Ebbing ] : Killed by the Hansa of Ebbing ✘
4. "The Scorpion" ( Ramak Aep Foudzar ) [ Rowan & Ymlac and Barsa territories occupied by Nilfgaard ]
5. "The Silver Tongue" ( Idonak Parasca ) [ Lyria and Rivia ]
6. The Shadow" ( Néo Sylvestre Carell ) [ Toussaint ]
7. The Hammer" ( Zyscalald Bejenari ) [Kovir and Poviss ]
8. "The Whisperer" ( Las Nortin Glycas ) [ Kerack & Cidaris ]
9. "The Bloody Hand" ( Ryrr Aep Zimisces ) [ Gemmeria ]
10. "The Sword" ( Klemens Aep Cosmas ) [ Magne ]
11. "The Shield" ( Gusaff Andirg ) [ Maecht ]

## Notable people who worked directly for the Gardunnia

* Caldigi
* D´yaebl

## Notes

* The Gardunnia will serve as an antagonist in a certain period of Putnam´s life that I have not yet reached, because I am going in chronological order, improving its history. Also, in part, as an antagonist during the events with Adalwulf of Aedirn in 1360 which I want to rework and make even better. Once I finish that, I will delete this note.
* In the meantime, if you have ideas, and want to expand this article, feel free to do so, respecting what is written and putting yourself in the writer tag.

## Trivia

* Inspired by several organizations, like the Nizari, The High Table from the Wickverse and the mythical Garduña among others ( specially secret societies ) approached as an evolution of the Syndicate, since according to Gwent, the "canon" ending is that of Radovid.
* The name like with many names in The Witcher Universe is a obvious reference to its real counterpart.