Buy me a coffeeSir Gingalin (The Fair Unknown)
“Discover the secret identity of Sir Gingalin, the knight with a mysterious lineage, who battles enchantments and faces heart-wrenching choices in the pursuit of love and glory!”
- Alias: Le Bel Inconnu, Guinglain
- Gender: Male
- Race: Half-Fey (or Fey-Touched Human)
- Occupation: Knight
- Religion: Celtic (aligned with the chivalric values typical of Arthurian legends)
- Allies:
- Sir Gawain (his father)
- Princess Blonde Esmerée
- Maid of the White Hands (Pucelle aux Blanches Mains)
- King Arthur
- HĂ©lie (companion and supporter)
- Enemies:
- Mabon (the enchanter)
- Malgier le Gris (the unwanted suitor)
- Agravain (potential rival in some tales)
- Abode/Base of Operations: King Arthur’s court (Camelot) and various quest locations across Wales
- Nationality: British (specifically Welsh, considering his connection to Welsh nobility)
- Languages: Common (English), French, and possibly Latin
- Alignment: Chaotic Good (focused on personal morals, love, and the greater good)
- Affiliation(s): The Round Table, King Arthurâs court
- Significant Others:
- Princess Blonde Esmerée
- Maid of the White Hands (Pucelle aux Blanches Mains)
Sir Gingalin, often referred to as Guinglain or Le Bel Inconnu (“The Fair Unknown”), is a fascinating character from Arthurian legend, embodying the essence of knightly valor and romantic intrigue. Born of noble lineage, he is the son of Sir Gawain, one of King Arthur’s most celebrated knights, and a mystical fey named Blanchemal. His life is a journey of self-discovery, marked by numerous exploits and challenges that shape his identity and destiny.
Early Life and Identity
Gingalin’s upbringing is shrouded in mystery, as his mother, Blanchemal, a fairy, keeps his heritage a secret. Raised in the shadow of his father’s legacy, Gingalin grapples with feelings of uncertainty and a longing to prove himself. His turning point comes when he discovers the lifeless body of a knight in the forest. This encounter ignites his desire to become a knight, prompting him to seek his destiny at King Arthur’s court.
Quest for Knighthood
Upon reaching Arthur’s court, Gingalin is knighted as Sir Le Bel Inconnu. His first significant quest arises when Princess Blonde EsmerĂ©e of Wales is besieged by the enchanter Mabon. Responding to a call for help, he embarks on a perilous journey, accompanied by HĂ©lie, a lady-in-waiting. This quest highlights his bravery and sense of duty as he aims to rescue the princess and secure his place as a true knight.
Major Exploits
- Defeating Malgier le Gris: One of Gingalin’s most notable accomplishments is his triumph over Malgier le Gris, an unwanted suitor of the Maid of the White Hands, known as Pucelle aux Blanches Mains. Gingalin’s defeat of Malgier not only secures the Maidâs admiration but also marks his emergence as a formidable knight in the chivalric world.
- Rescuing Princess Blonde EsmerĂ©e: After overcoming Malgier, Gingalinâs journey leads him to Wales, where he bravely confronts Mabon to rescue the captive Princess Blonde EsmerĂ©e. His successful endeavor earns him widespread recognition and another marriage proposal from EsmerĂ©e. This act solidifies his reputation but complicates his emotional landscape, as he finds himself torn between two women.
- The Tournament: To further complicate his life, King Arthur orchestrates a tournament aimed at enticing Gingalin back to court and shifting his affections toward Princess Esmerée. Despite understanding that this may require sacrificing his bond with the Maid of the White Hands, he chooses to participate. This decision reveals his internal conflict between duty and personal desires.
Character Traits and Motivations
Gingalin is characterized by his bravery, honor, and emotional depth. He fears losing his identity, overwhelmed by the expectations that come with being Gawainâs son and uncertain of how to navigate his dual heritage as the child of a knight and a fey. His motivations are driven by a desire for recognition and greatness in the eyes of his peers and a longing to understand his true self.
He aspires to forge a legacy that stands independently of his father’s shadow, seeking to achieve both personal fulfillment and the ideals of knighthood. His adventures, filled with romantic entanglements and noble quests, serve as a means to reconcile these conflicting desires.
Conclusion
Sir Gingalinâs journey encapsulates the quintessential themes of Arthurian legend: the pursuit of honor, the complexity of love, and the quest for identity. Through his trials and triumphs, he embodies the essence of a knight while navigating the intricacies of his lineage and relationships. His story is a testament to the struggles of defining oneself in a world rich with tradition and expectation, ensuring his place in the annals of chivalry and romance.
Sir Gingalin
Medium humanoid (half-fey), Chaotic Good
Armor Class 18 (plate armor)
Hit Points 120 (20d8 + 20)
Speed 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 (+4) | 14 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 10 (+0) | 13 (+1) | 18 (+4) |
Saving Throws Dex +6, Wis +5, Cha +8
Skills Persuasion +8, Athletics +8, Insight +5, Nature +5
Damage Resistances Psychic
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 14
Languages Common, Elvish, Sylvan
Challenge 10 (5,900 XP)
Abilities
Fey Ancestry: Sir Gingalin has advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic canât put him to sleep.
Spellcasting: Sir Gingalin is a 10th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 16, +8 to hit with spell attacks). He has the following spells prepared:
- Cantrips (at will): Druidcraft, Minor Illusion, Prestidigitation
- 1st level (4 slots): Charm Person, Healing Word
- 2nd level (3 slots): Misty Step, Enhance Ability
- 3rd level (3 slots): Fear, Dispel Magic
- 4th level (3 slots): Dimension Door, Greater Invisibility
- 5th level (2 slots): Dominate Person, Circle of Power
Combat Superiority: Sir Gingalin has a pool of 4 superiority dice (d8s) that he can expend to fuel various maneuvers. He regains all expended superiority dice when he finishes a short or long rest.
Actions
Multiattack: Sir Gingalin makes three attacks with his longsword.
Longsword: Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (1d8 + 4) slashing damage plus 7 (2d6) radiant damage.
Fey Charm (Recharge 5-6): Sir Gingalin targets one creature he can see within 30 feet of him. The target must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed by him for 1 minute. The charmed target regards Sir Gingalin as a trusted friend to be heeded and protected. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
Reactions
Riposte: When a creature makes a melee attack against him, he can use his reaction to expend a superiority die to make a melee attack against the attacking creature. He adds the superiority die to the damage roll.
Lair Actions (if applicable)
When in an area he considers his domain (such as a fey forest), Sir Gingalin can take lair actions on initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties):
- Fey Light: Bright light fills a 30-foot radius centered on a point he chooses within 120 feet. Creatures of his choice within that area must make a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or be blinded until the end of their next turn.
- Nature’s Grasp: Vines and roots spring from the ground in a 20-foot radius centered on a point within 120 feet. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be restrained until the end of their next turn.
- Enchanted Aura: Sir Gingalin can create a 30-foot radius aura of magical energy around him. Allies in the aura gain advantage on saving throws against being frightened or charmed until the end of their next turn.
Equipment
- Armor: Plate Armor – Provides a base AC of 18.
- Weapons: Longsword – A finely crafted weapon with radiant damage capabilities.
- Magic Items:
- Ring of Protection: Grants a +1 bonus to AC and saving throws.
- Cloak of the Bat: Allows him to fly at a speed of 30 feet in dim light or darkness and grants advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made in dim light or darkness.
Background
Sir Gingalin is a noble knight known for his bravery and honor, often torn between his duties as a protector of the realm and the allure of his fey heritage. He seeks to uphold justice and defend the innocent while navigating the complexities of his identity, balancing the expectations of both the mortal and fey worlds.