King Mark of Cornwall, Mark the Brave

“King Mark of Cornwall: A King Betrayed, a Love Triangle, and a Tragic Destiny Unveiled!”

• Alias: King Mark of Cornwall, Mark the Brave
• Gender: Male
• Race: Human
• Occupation: King of Cornwall
• Religion: Christian
• Allies: Knights of the Round Table, loyal subjects of Cornwall
• Enemies: Sir Tristan, Queen Iseult (wife), rival kingdoms
• Abode/Base of Operations: Tintagel Castle, Cornwall
• Nationality: Cornish
• Languages: Cornish, English, French
• Alignment: Lawful Neutral
• Affiliation(s): Kingdom of Cornwall, Knights of the Round Table
• Significant Others: Queen Iseult of Ireland (wife), Sir Tristram De Lyonesse (loyal knight, love interest of Queen Iseult)

King Mark of Cornwall is a complex and enigmatic ruler whose story is fraught with love, betrayal, and a desperate desire to maintain his kingdom’s stability. As the sovereign of Cornwall, Mark is driven by a deep sense of duty to protect his people and uphold the traditions of his land. However, his personal relationships often prove to be his greatest challenge. Mark’s tumultuous marriage to Queen Iseult is marred by the presence of his trusted knight, Sir Tristan, with whom Iseult secretly falls in love. This love triangle tests Mark’s character and tempts him to make choices that could jeopardize his reign.

Despite the heartache and betrayal that plague his personal life, Mark remains steadfast in his responsibilities as a king. He strives to maintain peace and order within Cornwall, relying on his diplomatic skills and political acumen. Mark is known for his shrewd decision-making and strategic thinking, which have helped him navigate treacherous situations and protect his kingdom from external threats. However, his deep longing for love and loyalty often clouds his judgment, leading him to make choices that have far-reaching consequences.

Mark’s ultimate goal is to secure a prosperous and stable future for Cornwall. He desires to be remembered as a wise and just ruler, one who successfully defends his realm and preserves its cultural heritage. However, the complexities of his personal relationships and the conflicts that arise from them constantly challenge his ability to achieve this goal. Mark’s story is one of internal turmoil and external pressures, as he grapples with the conflicts between love, duty, and the demands of kingship.

King Mark of Cornwall

Medium humanoid (human), lawful neutral

Armor Class 18 (plate armor)
Hit Points 150 (20d8 + 60)
Speed 30 ft.

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

Saving Throws Str +7, Con +7
Skills Insight +4, Persuasion +6
Senses passive Perception 11
Languages Common, Cornish
Challenge 10 (5,900 XP)

Actions
Multiattack. King Mark makes two melee attacks.
Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 5) slashing damage.
Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.

Reactions
Parry. King Mark adds 4 to his AC against one melee attack that would hit him. To do so, he must see the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon.

Legendary Actions
King Mark can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. King Mark regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

Command. King Mark targets one creature he can see within 60 feet of him. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed by King Mark for 1 minute or until King Mark or his allies deal any damage to the target. The charmed target obeys King Mark’s verbal commands.

Lair Actions
On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), King Mark takes a lair action to cause one of the following effects:

• Ensnaring Vines. Thorny vines sprout from the ground in a 20-foot radius centered on King Mark. Each creature in that area must make a DC 15 Strength saving throw, taking 7 (2d6) piercing damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. Additionally, a creature that fails the save is restrained by the vines until the start of King Mark’s next turn.
• Inspiring Presence. King Mark uses his presence and commanding voice to bolster his allies. Each friendly creature of his choice within 30 feet of him gains advantage on the next attack roll or saving throw it makes before the start of King Mark’s next turn.
• Shielding Aura. King Mark exudes an aura of protection, granting himself and any friendly creature of his choice within 10 feet of him a +2 bonus to AC until the start of his next turn.

Equipment
King Mark is equipped with finely crafted plate armor, a longsword, and a light crossbow. He also carries a signet ring with the symbol of his kingdom.

Magic Items
King Mark possesses an enchanted amulet known as the “Crown of Authority,” which grants him advantage on Charisma-based ability checks and saving throws. He wears the amulet around his neck at all times.

Plot Hooks

• The Tragic Love Affair: The players encounter King Mark mourning the loss of his beloved wife, Isolde. He seeks their assistance in uncovering the truth behind her mysterious death, suspecting foul play and treachery within his own court.
• The Quest for Tristan: King Mark sends the players on a quest to find his trusted knight and nephew, Tristan, who disappeared after a dangerous mission. The players must navigate treacherous lands and face dangerous foes to bring back the missing hero.
• The Forbidden Love: King Mark discovers a secret affair between his wife’s lady-in-waiting and a knight of his court. The players are tasked with either keeping the affair concealed to protect the kingdom’s reputation or confronting the parties involved with the potential consequences of their actions.
• The Exiled Son: King Mark’s long-lost son, born from a previous marriage, resurfaces seeking reconciliation with his father. The players must help King Mark come to terms with his past mistakes and decide whether to welcome his estranged heir back into the kingdom.
• The Rival Kingdom: A neighboring kingdom threatens war, claiming Cornwall’s lands as their own. King Mark asks the players to negotiate a peace treaty or rally allies to prepare for the impending conflict and defend his realm.
• The Oracular Prophecy: A seer foretells a calamity that will befall Cornwall, and the players must aid King Mark in interpreting the cryptic prophecy. This leads them on a quest to a sacred site to uncover the true meaning of the prophecy and find a way to avert disaster.
• The Cursed Artifact: King Mark unwittingly acquires a cursed artifact that brings misfortune to the kingdom. The players must venture into perilous lands to find a way to break the curse, with time running out before the curse consumes the entire realm.
• The King’s Council: King Mark convenes a council of advisors, knights, and scholars to address a pressing matter. The players are invited to join the council, navigating political intrigue and gaining influence as they assist the king in making crucial decisions.
• The Pirate Threat: Pirates menace Cornwall’s coast, disrupting trade and causing chaos. The players are enlisted to confront the pirates, leading naval battles and engaging in diplomacy to bring peace to the seas and protect the kingdom’s interests.
• The Trial of Lancelot: King Mark puts the famous knight Lancelot on trial for his betrayal with Queen Isolde. The players serve as witnesses and defenders or prosecutors in the trial, determining Lancelot’s fate and the implications for Cornwall’s future.

Currently in the World

King Mark of Cornwall is a middle-aged man with graying hair and a regal bearing. He wears an impressive suit of plate armor, adorned with the emblem of his kingdom. Mark is known for his commanding presence and sharp intellect. Despite his noble appearance, there is a hint of weariness in his eyes, a testament to the burdens he carries as a ruler.

Currently, King Mark sits upon his throne in the grand hall of his castle, deliberating over matters of state. The hall is adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of heroic valor and historic battles. Mark’s mood is a mix of responsibility and caution, as he navigates the treacherous political landscape of his kingdom and contends with internal and external threats.

His gaze falls upon a map spread out before him, indicating the latest reports of unrest in neighboring territories. King Mark is determined to maintain the stability and prosperity of Cornwall, even if it means making difficult choices and alliances. With a sense of duty driving him, he strives to protect his people and preserve his legacy as a wise and just ruler.