Gavin Shult is the grandson of Gyrnar Shult, the necromancer who worked with the then-living Malevenor to develop the Odakyr Rites that are used to create Karrnathi Undead. While his grandfather was the agricultural reeve of Odakyr, the province that covers southwest Karrnath and includes Fort Bones and Fort Zombie, Gavin has both abandoned his father's faith and political position, instead serving the royal family directly as the chief magical advisor. Unaware of Moranna and Kaius' true nature, he has nonetheless served both faithfully to protect and preserve the nation. While Gavin considers Crownhome his primary base of operations, he manages facilities all over Karrnath, many of them inside Mabaran manifest zones.
His most recent projects have involved improvements in both controlling and destroying undead. These spells and items would work to counteract Emerald Claw schemes to hijack Karrnath's legions or to turn their own forces against them. These have drawn Vol's personal attention due to their potential to be used against the rebellious Kaius and Moranna, and whatever comes of Gavin's research is likely to reshape the shadowy conflict between Kaius and the Crimson Covenant.