Gavner Purl

Gavner Purl was an old friend of Larten Crepsley's. He is a Vampire General until he is slain by Kurda Smahlt in Trials of Death

Background
At one point, long before Cirque Du Freak Gavner Purl went to St. Matthew's Hospital gasping for blood. There, he met 23 year old nurse Liz Carr. She got him the blood and was surprised to learn that he was going to drink it. He explains tells her he's a vampire. She offers for him to stay with her for the night at her home. They became good friends then and Gavner often came back to her house for visits. They became on and off lovers for 26 years. ("An Affair of the Night")

In the series
Gavner first appears visiting Mr. Crepsley at the Cirque Du Freak. It is here he learns of Darren's existence as a half-vampire and befrends the boy. He reveals many details about Mr. Crepsley and states that he is 200 years old. He then flits off on other business.

Gavner reappears in Vampire Mountain, when he pretends to attack Darren and Mr. Crepsley in a way station. He then accompanies them to Vampire Mountain and helps Darren with several challenges, including the Trials of Initiation.

After Darren fails, he and Kurda Smahlt help Darren to escape. They are attacked by vampaneze and Gavner and Kurda fend them off while Darren escapes. Darren returns to help, but Kurda suddenly rips Gavner's belly open with a knife, revealing himself a traitor. Gavner succumbs to the wounds, using his last breath to apologise to Darren if his snoring kept Darren awake. He dies shortly after.

His body is found at an unknown date and cremated in a funeral after the battle in the tunnels.

Trivia

 * The reference to his snoring in his final moments is a nod toward Mr. Crepsley's teasing comments about his heavy breathing.