Brunor le Noir (La Cote Mal Taile)

“Meet Brunor le Noir, the Unlikely Hero with a Badly Cut Coat – Unveiling His Extraordinary Feats!”

• Alias – La Cote Mal Taile, Brunor the Black
• Gender – Male
• Race – Human
• Occupation –Knight of the Round Table
• Religion –  Celtic Pantheon
• Allies – King Arthur, Sir Gawain, Knights of the Round Table
• Enemies – Sir Kay (initially), adversaries during his quests
• Abode/ Base of operations – Camelot, various castles during his quests
• Nationality – Arthurian (Medieval Britain)
• Languages – Old English, French
• Alignment – Lawful Good
• Affiliation (s) – Knights of the Round Table, King Arthur’s Court
• Significant others – Maledisant (eventually becomes his wife)

In the enchanting realm of Arthurian legend, amidst chivalry and heroic quests, stands the gallant figure of Brunor le Noir, also known as La Cote Mal Taile, the Knight with the Badly Cut Coat. A young and valiant knight, Brunor’s journey is marked by trials and tribulations, making him an unforgettable character in the tapestry of Arthurian tales.

Brunor’s story begins tragically, donning his father’s mangled armor and surcoat, stained with the blood of the slain. Upon arriving at King Arthur’s court, he earns the unfortunate nickname “La Cote Mal Taile” from Sir Kay, who mocks his appearance. Despite this, he proves himself near-invincible on foot, compensating for his lack of skill in jousting.

Haunted by a sense of justice and a desire to avenge his father’s death, Brunor embarks on a quest for redemption. Enduring ridicule and insults, he faces the challenges with unwavering determination. Even as he rescues Queen Guinevere from a ferocious lion, his noble deeds are met with skepticism until Sir Gawain comes to his aid, earning him a place in King Arthur’s court.

However, it is the arrival of a mysterious damsel bearing a black shield that propels Brunor’s tale into new heights. Tasked with continuing the quest of the fallen knight who once carried the shield, he accepts the challenge, even in the face of Maledisant’s constant taunts and mockery. He proves his mettle by defeating knights in combat, but his journey is fraught with obstacles and encounters with knights of the Round Table.

Throughout his adventures, he remains steadfast, overcoming every hardship with resilience and bravery. His devotion to his quest and the desire to prove himself worthy of his father’s legacy drive him forward. As he emerges triumphant from each ordeal, Brunor’s name resounds throughout the kingdom, and he eventually gains recognition as a Knight of the Round Table.

In an unexpected twist of fate, Brunor finds himself drawn to the very source of his trials, Maledisant, who harbors a reason for her incessant taunting. As the story unfolds, their relationship undergoes a transformation, leading to a newfound understanding and mutual respect.

Amidst knights and damsels, quests and challenges, Brunor le Noir’s tale echoes through the ages, a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the triumph of honor and courage. Whether battling formidable foes or navigating complex emotions, Brunor’s adventures leave an indelible mark on the hearts of those who hear his legend, forever etched in the annals of Arthurian lore.

Brunor le Noir (La Cote Mal Taile)

Medium humanoid (human), lawful good

Armor Class 18 (plate armor) Hit Points 210 (20d10 + 100) Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
20 (+5)	14 (+2)	20 (+5)	12 (+1)	16 (+3)	16 (+3)

Saving Throws Str +10, Con +10, Wis +8 Skills Athletics +10, Perception +8, Persuasion +8 Senses Passive Perception 18 Languages Common Challenge 18 (20,000 XP)

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

Fearless. He is immune to the frightened condition.

Indomitable Will. He has advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened.

Action Surge (1/Short Rest). On his turn, he can take an additional action.

Fighting Style: Great Weapon Fighting. When Brunor rolls a 1 or 2 on a damage die for an attack he makes with a melee weapon he is wielding with two hands, he can reroll the die and must use the new roll.

Second Wind (1/Short Rest). On his turn, Brunor can use a bonus action to regain 1d10 + 20 hit points.

Actions

Multiattack. Brunor makes three longsword attacks.

• Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (1d8 + 5) slashing damage.
• Shield Bash. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 9 (1d6 + 5) bludgeoning damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 18 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
• Gaze of Valor (Recharge 5-6). Brunor’s unwavering gaze can bolster the resolve of his allies. All allies within 30 feet of Brunor gain advantage on saving throws against being frightened or charmed for 1 minute.

Legendary Actions

Brunor can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. He can only take one legendary action at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. He regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

Longsword Attack. He makes one longsword attack.

Inspiring Presence (Costs 2 Actions). He uses his Gaze of Valor ability.

Shield Wall (Costs 3 Actions). He raises his shield to protect himself and his allies. Until the start of his next turn, he gains a +5 bonus to AC, and all allies within 10 feet of him gain half cover.

Equipment

Armor: Plate armor, Shield Weapons: Longsword

Plot Hooks

• 1. The Avenger’s Arrival: While the players are setting up camp in a remote wilderness, a sudden rustling in the bushes catches their attention. Out steps a knight wearing a blood-stained coat and armor, introducing himself as Brunor le Noir. His eyes reflect the pain of loss, and he reveals that he seeks vengeance for his father’s death, murdered by an unknown assailant. The locals mockingly call him “La Cote Mal Taile” due to the mangled armor he wears, and he yearns to redeem his tarnished name. Players must decide whether to assist Brunor in his quest, uncovering the truth behind his father’s demise while dealing with the danger that shadows them.
• 2. The Queen’s Peril: The players find themselves at the grand court of King Arthur when a sudden commotion arises. An escaped lion threatens Queen Guinevere, and chaos ensues. Just as the situation seems dire, a young knight named Brunor le Noir emerges from the crowd, displaying courage despite the scornful whispers. He bravely confronts the lion to save the queen, showcasing his formidable combat skills. As the players join forces to protect the monarch, they witness the tenacity and bravery of Brunor, who later becomes a renowned Knight of the Round Table.
• 3. The Taunting Damsel: A damsel named Maledisant approaches the players’ party seeking a knight to accompany her on a perilous quest. However, her sharp tongue and constant taunts create a hostile atmosphere. Despite her abrasive demeanor, she reveals that she searches for a knight of unwavering courage to continue a quest left unfinished by a fallen comrade. When Brunor le Noir arrives, the players must choose whether to brave the damsel’s harsh words and join the quest or find an alternate path, knowing that Maledisant’s demands may test their resolve.
• 4. The Castle of Challenges: Rumors circulate throughout the realm about a mysterious castle that appears once every decade, rumored to hold valuable treasures or ancient artifacts. The castle is known to present challenges of unparalleled difficulty to any who enter, and legends speak of a lone knight, Brunor le Noir, who fought his way through a hundred knights to escape its clutches. As the players encounter the enigmatic structure, they must make the daring choice of entering the castle’s unknown depths, risking everything for the potential rewards it may bestow.
• 5. The Rival Knights: While the players journey through the realm, they cross paths with renowned knights such as Sir Bleoberis and Sir Palomides, both possessing exceptional combat skills and seeking to settle past rivalries. They reveal their intentions to confront Brunor le Noir, a knight they’ve long sought to challenge. The players find themselves in the midst of their tense reunion, facing the moral dilemma of intervening in the rival knights’ quarrel, aligning with Brunor, or letting the rivals face off in a duel of destiny.
• 6. Love and Redemption: The players encounter a lady named Beauvivante, who they discover was formerly known as the Ill-Speaking Maiden. She shares her history with Brunor le Noir, revealing a turbulent past marred by misunderstandings and harsh words. She recounts how Brunor transformed from a mocked knight into a respected warrior, vowing to prove himself worthy of her love. The players become entwined in their complex feelings, attempting to reconcile their past, either leading to a heartwarming reunion filled with redemption or a bittersweet farewell. Their choices may have lasting consequences on Brunor’s future path.

Currently in the World

Brunor le Noir, also known as La Cote Mal Taile, stands tall with a muscular build, his body honed by countless battles. His skin bears the marks of old scars, testament to the challenges he has faced. His jet-black hair falls to his shoulders, and his piercing blue eyes hold a mix of determination and sadness. He dons a battered suit of armor, the same one he arrived at King Arthur’s court wearing, with a bloodied and torn surcoat bearing the emblem of a black shield emblazoned with a white hand holding a sword.

Currently, he stands in the courtyard of Camelot, surrounded by the lively bustle of knights, servants, and courtiers. Despite the laughter and merriment, there is a certain distance in his eyes, hinting at the painful memories he carries. The taunts and mockery he endured when he first arrived still echo in his mind, but he has come a long way since then.

With a stern expression, he gazes at the training grounds, where knights engage in mock duels and jousting practice. He yearns to join the fray, to prove himself as a worthy knight of the Round Table. But even now, doubts linger in his heart, wondering if he can ever truly earn the respect and admiration of his peers.

As he clutches the hilt of his trusty sword, his mood wavers between determination and uncertainty. He knows that he lacks the skill in jousting, but he has embraced his strength and prowess on foot, making him near-invincible in combat. Deep down, he seeks to be recognized not for his previous humiliation, but for his dedication and bravery on the battlefield.

Though the memories of his father’s murder haunt him, he remains resolute in his vow to avenge his death. Brunor’s ultimate goal is to prove himself as a knight worthy of admiration, one who upholds the ideals of chivalry and protects the weak. He longs to forge his legacy as the valiant Knight of the Round Table, dispelling the nickname “La Cote Mal Taile” and replacing it with a new name, one that reflects his true worth as a knight of honor and valor.