A visitor to Barovia on this date might barely know that any particular event is being commemorated. To an ethnic Gundarakite, however, this day is an important reminder of why hope is worth maintaining in the face of tyranny. When Duke Gundar was assassinated on this day in 736, the Gundarakites experienced a brief, but liberating sense of freedom. Their joy was cut short when Lord Strahd annexed the lands of the former Gundarak, and Barovian boyars and burgomeisters moved in to rule over the natives. Gundarakites use this day to privately remember what freedom felt like. Within the confines of their homes, they pray for the strength to live through this time of oppression so that they might again see themselves free of tyranny. Whether praying to Nerull or the Morninglord, this helps maintain the guttering flame of hope they keep deep within their breast for the coming year.
Obviously, the Barovian boyars and burgomeisters do not approve of such an event. Used to keeping secrets from their overlords, however, the Gundarakites are remarkably adept at ensuring no indication of the day’s activities is seen by the Barovians. As such, little action has been taken to date to stop this day of prayer.
