William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke “greatest knight who ever lived”

William Marshal, also known as the “greatest knight who ever lived”, is a skilled and accomplished warrior in the Kingdom of England. Born into a minor noble family, he was taken as a hostage during a civil war but was later freed and trained as a knight. With his loyalty and chivalrous code, William quickly gained the trust and admiration of the English monarchs he served.

Throughout his life, William Marshal faced many challenges, both on and off the battlefield. He fought in numerous battles and tournaments, proving himself as a skilled warrior and earning great honor and wealth. However, he also faced political intrigue and betrayal, including being accused of treason and exiled from England for a time.

Despite these challenges, William remained steadfast in his loyalty and service to the crown, always striving to do what is right and just. He is known for his legendary courage and skill in battle, as well as his wisdom and fairness in peacetime. William was also a devoted family man, with a wife and five sons whom he loved deeply.

William was a patron of the arts and literature, and his court was renowned for its culture and refinement.

Before him, the hereditary title of “Lord Marshal” meant head of household security for the king of England, when people in Europe say, “the Marshal,” they mean William.

William Marshal is a tall and muscular man, standing over six feet with broad shoulders and a powerful build. His weathered face is marked with scars earned in battle, and he has piercing blue eyes that reflect his intelligence and determination. His hair and beard are thick and dark, and he wears a trimmed mustache. He is always well-dressed, often in fine mail and a surcoat adorned with his heraldry.

Overall, William Marshall is a complex and fascinating figure, known for his prowess on the battlefield and his loyalty to the crown. His story is one of honor, loyalty, and determination in the face of adversity.

William Marshal, Knight-Errant

Medium humanoid (human), lawful good

Armor Class 20 (plate armor, shield)

Hit Points 250 (20d10 + 100)

Speed 30 ft., 60 ft. (on horseback)

STR 22 (+6) | DEX 18 (+4) | CON 20 (+5) | INT 14 (+2) | WIS 16 (+3) | CHA 18 (+4)

Saving Throws Str +12, Dex +10, Con +11

Skills Athletics +12, History +8, Intimidation +9, Perception +9

Senses passive Perception 19

Languages English, Latin, French

Challenge 20 (25,000 XP)

Noble Born. William has advantage on Intelligence and Charisma saving throws.

Indomitable. William can reroll a failed saving throw. He must use this feature before he knows whether the saving throw succeeds or fails.

Legendary Resistance (3/day). If William fails a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead.

Actions

Multiattack. William can make three attacks: with his longsword or two and one with his lance.

Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (1d8 + 6) slashing damage, or 13 (1d10 + 6) slashing damage if used with two hands.

Lance. Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (1d12 + 6) piercing damage.

Mounted Combatant. William gains the following benefits when he is mounted:

• He has advantage on melee attack rolls against any unmounted creature that is smaller than his mount.
• He can force an attack targeted at his mount to target him instead.
• If his mount is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it takes no damage on a successful save.

Reckless Charge. William can spur his mount into a reckless charge. If he moves at least 20 feet straight toward a target and then hits it with a lance attack on the same turn, the target takes an extra 9 (2d8) piercing damage. However, this also imposes disadvantage on any attack rolls made against William until the start of his next turn.

Command. As a bonus action, William can command his mount to take the Dash, Disengage, or Dodge action.

Equipment

• Longsword
• Lance
• Plate armor
• Shield
• Warhorse with barding
• Three javelins
• Backpack, bedroll, mess kit, tinderbox, 10 torches, 10 days of rations, waterskin, 50 ft. of hempen rope

* Many events in William Marshal’s life were incorporated into the 2001 film A Knight’s Tale.