Buy me a coffeeSir Percival, the Grail-Bound Redeemer
“Percival: the wild-born knight who failed the Grail once—but returned to heal a king, marry a lady, and become legend.”
King of Carbonek, Grail Knight, Son of Pellinore, Beloved of Blanchefleur, Father of the Swan Knight
- Alias – The Grail Knight, King of Carbonek, Percival of Wales, Parzival
- Gender – Male
- Race – Human, noble bloodline of King Pellinore
- Occupation – Knight of the Round Table, Grail Seeker, King of Carbonek
- Religion – Christian, devoted to divine grace and chivalric faith
- Allies – King Arthur, Sir Galahad, Sir Bors, Blanchefleur, Dindrane
- Enemies – Dark knights, enemies of the Grail, corrupt forces, invaders of Belrepeire
- Abode/ Base of operations – Raised in Welsh wilds, served at Camelot, ruled from Carbonek Castle
- Nationality – Briton/Welsh, tied to mystical Arthurian Britain
- Languages – Middle Welsh, Old English, Latin (for sacred rites)
- Alignment – Lawful Good, embodying humility, faith, and justice
- Affiliation(s) – Knights of the Round Table, Grail Fellowship, House of Pellinore
- Significant others – Blanchefleur (wife), Lohengrin (son), Dindrane (sister), his mother
Born of innocence and tempered by trials, Sir Percival is one of the most revered Knights of the Round Table—an emblem of unshaken purity in a world shadowed by war, temptation, and pride. From his wild upbringing to his soul-deep quest for the Holy Grail, Percival’s life is a journey from ignorance to enlightenment. Once a boy of the woods, he rose to become the healer of the Wounded King, ruler of the Grail Castle, and father to the Swan Knight. His legacy is not only one of heroic deeds, but of spiritual triumph and unwavering devotion to truth and grace.
Life Story and Exploits
Born into the noble yet tragic bloodline of King Pellinore, Percival was the youngest in a family of fated warriors. His brothers—Sir Aglovale, Sir Lamorak, Sir Dornar, and possibly Sir Tor (his half-brother)—each carved paths of renown and sorrow. His sister, Dindrane, was a woman of rare spiritual depth, later sacrificing her life to further the Holy Grail quest.
Following the death of King Pellinore and her other sons, Percival’s mother fled into the Welsh forests with her last child, hoping to shield him from the brutal fate of knighthood. Isolated from the world, Percival was raised in ignorance of chivalry, war, and even kings. But destiny would not be denied.
One day, a group of knights passed through the forest, their gleaming armor enchanting the young Percival. Mistaking them for angels, he was overcome with awe. Against his mother’s wishes, he left their hidden home and journeyed to Camelot. Arriving in crude armor and armed with javelins, he astonished King Arthur’s court with his sincerity. Though laughed at, Arthur saw promise in the boy and knighted him.
His early exploits were marked by blunders and boldness. Percival defeated the Red Knight of Quinqueroi through daring, claimed his first armor, and began his education in knighthood. He later trained under Gornemant of Gohort, learning the codes of courtesy and restraint. In the land of Belrepeire, he defended Lady Blanchefleur from attackers, and though they were parted, their love endured.
Percival’s destiny deepened when he came to the Grail Castle of Carbonek. There he beheld a wondrous procession: a bleeding spear, a dazzling Grail, and a maimed king—the Fisher King. Yet bound by ignorance and mistaken modesty, Percival asked no questions. His silence doomed the king to continued suffering and denied the world the Grail’s healing power.
Wracked with guilt, Percival left behind court and comfort. For years he wandered as a penitent knight, facing monsters, false prophets, and enchantresses. Along this spiritual crucible, he shed pride and folly, and innocence gave way to wisdom.
Eventually, he joined Sir Galahad and Sir Bors on the culminating quest for the Grail. When the sacred vision returned, it was Percival—now enlightened—who asked the right question: “Whom does the Grail serve?” The Fisher King was healed. The Grail’s grace flowed freely once more. Galahad ascended into heaven, and Percival remained behind, crowned King of Carbonek—guardian of the Grail.
He returned to Blanchefleur, and they ruled the Grail kingdom in harmony. From their union was born Lohengrin, the Knight of the Swan, whose legend would carry his father’s legacy into new and distant realms.
In time, Percival quietly withdrew from the mortal world. Some say he lived the rest of his days in prayer and contemplation, hidden from the eyes of men. Others claim he faded into the Grail itself—becoming part of the mystery he once pursued.
Character Description
Sir Percival is tall and lean, his body strong from years of pilgrimage, but his bearing quiet and composed. His face retains the innocence of youth, touched by sorrow and sanctity, with eyes that reflect wonder, loss, and clarity. His armor is unadorned but lovingly kept, marked only by a wooden cross and a pendant from his mother.
He speaks sparingly, and when he does, his words carry the weight of lived truth. Courteous to all—from the lowliest servant to the loftiest queen—he judges none, save the cruel and deceitful. When he draws his sword, it is never in haste or vanity, but in protection and mercy.
Fears and Motivations
Fear:
Percival does not fear death or defeat—he fears not understanding when understanding is most needed. The memory of failing to ask the question at the Grail procession haunts him more than any wound. His deepest dread is spiritual blindness.
Motivation:
To seek truth, serve grace, and restore what is broken. Once driven by awe and ambition, Percival now follows the quiet path of humility, guided by conscience and a longing to heal the world and its wounded soul.
Goals and Legacy
Percival does not desire dominion or fame. His aim is to do right in silence, to serve rather than to shine. He longs to understand the mysteries of the soul and to be a vessel of healing wherever he is sent.
He leaves behind a restored kingdom, a legendary bloodline, and a legacy that whispers: failure is not the end—it is the threshold of transformation.
Sir Percival endures not because he was flawless, but because he grew. He is the knight who reminds us that the greatest victory is not in conquest, but in compassion—the strength to see the truth and act with courage when it counts.
Sir Percival 5e
Sir Percival, Pathfinder
Sir Percival
Medium Humanoid (Human), Lawful Good
Legendary Grail Knight, King of Carbonek
Armor Class 20 (plate armor, Shield of Grace)
Hit Points 210 (28d8 + 84)
Speed 30 ft., 60 ft. (mounted)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 (+6) | 12 (+1) | 16 (+3) | 11 (+0) | 18 (+4) | 20 (+5) |
Saving Throws Str +11, Wis +9, Cha +10
Skills Athletics +11, Insight +9, Perception +9, Persuasion +10, Religion +5
Damage Resistances radiant, necrotic
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened
Senses passive Perception 19
Languages Common, Celestial
Challenge 16 (15,000 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +5
Divine Grace.
Sir Percival adds his Charisma modifier to all saving throws. While conscious, he extends this bonus to allies within 10 feet.
Grail Knight’s Resolve.
When Percival is reduced to 0 HP for the first time each day, he instead drops to 1 HP and regains 40 HP. Once used, this feature recharges after a long rest.
Mounted Mastery.
While mounted, Percival can’t be dismounted against his will and gains advantage on melee weapon attacks made after moving at least 20 feet in a straight line.
Actions
Multiattack.
Percival makes two melee attacks.
Sacred Sword (Longsword). Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) slashing damage plus 9 (2d8) radiant damage.
On a critical hit, the target must succeed on a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw or be blinded until the end of its next turn.
Lance of Light (Mounted Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target.
Hit: 17 (2d10 + 6) piercing damage.
If Percival moved at least 20 feet straight toward the target this turn, the attack is made with advantage and deals an extra 9 (2d8) radiant damage.
Lay on Hands (Recharge 5–6).
Percival touches a creature, restoring up to 50 HP or curing one disease or poison affliction affecting it.
Radiant Rebuke (3/Day).
When a creature hits Percival with a melee attack, he may deal 15 radiant damage in return. The attacker must succeed on a DC 17 Constitution saving throw or be blinded until the end of its next turn.
Bonus Actions
Shield of Grace.
Percival raises his shield in divine focus. Until the start of his next turn, he gains +2 AC and resistance to all damage.
Inspiring Presence.
One ally within 30 feet who can hear Percival gains 10 temporary HP and advantage on its next attack roll or saving throw.
Legendary Actions (3/Day)
Sir Percival can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn.
- Noble Advance. Percival moves up to his speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
- Radiant Slash. Percival makes a Sacred Sword attack.
- Call to Valor (Costs 2 Actions). All allies within 30 feet who can hear Percival gain 10 temporary HP and may immediately move up to 15 feet without provoking opportunity attacks.
Tactics
Sir Percival begins battle mounted, using Lance of Light to deliver devastating radiant charges. Once dismounted or in close quarters, he switches to his Sacred Sword, fighting with divine discipline. He saves Shield of Grace for critical moments and supports allies through Inspiring Presence and Call to Valor, acting as both frontline champion and moral anchor.
He targets the wicked and corrupted first, avoids unnecessary bloodshed, and always seeks to redeem before destroy—unless the enemy is beyond salvation.
Sir Percival
King of Carbonek, Grail Knight, Healer of the Wounded King
CR 18
XP 307,200
Male human paladin 18
NG Medium humanoid (human)
Init +3; Senses Perception +21
Aura courage (10 ft.), resolve (24 ft., +6 to all saves for allies)
Defense
AC 36, touch 13, flat-footed 33 (+3 Dex, +13 armor, +2 shield, +6 deflection [divine grace], +2 natural armor)
hp 245 (18d10+126); fast healing 5 (Grail’s Blessing)
Fort +20, Ref +13, Will +19
Defensive Abilities aura of faith, divine grace, divine health;
DR 10/evil; SR 29
Immune disease, fear, charm
Weaknesses none
Offense
Speed 30 ft.; 50 ft. (when mounted)
Melee
- +3 holy longsword of faith +29/+24/+19 (1d8+13/19–20 + 2d6 vs. evil)
- Shield bash +24 (1d6+7)
- Power Attack: +25/+20/+15 (1d8+21/19–20)
Ranged
- +2 returning javelin +23 (1d6+7)
- Holy Sunburst 1/day (as sunburst, DC 21)
Special Attacks
- Smite Evil 6/day (+6 attack, +18 damage, bypass DR)
- Lay on Hands (9/day, 9d6 healing; swift action self-use)
- Channel Positive Energy 5/day (9d6, DC 21)
- Mounted Charge (Spirited Charge + Power Attack = 3× damage on lance)
- Divine Rebuke (Su): When struck in melee, attacker takes 1d8+6 radiant damage (Will DC 21 half and avoid blindness)
Spellcasting (CL 18th; concentration +26)
Paladin Spells Prepared
- 4th (2/day): holy sword, restoration
- 3rd (3/day): daylight, prayer, magic circle against evil
- 2nd (3/day): lesser restoration, resist energy, shield other
- 1st (4/day): divine favor, bless, protection from evil, detect undead
- 0 (at-will): detect evil, light, read magic, create water
Statistics
Str 22, Dex 16, Con 20, Int 12, Wis 18, Cha 26
Base Atk +18; CMB +29; CMD 42
Feats Power Attack, Ride-by Attack, Spirited Charge, Mounted Combat, Improved Shield Bash, Weapon Focus (longsword), Extra Lay on Hands, Toughness, Iron Will
Skills Diplomacy +32, Ride +28, Heal +23, Sense Motive +23, Knowledge (religion) +17, Handle Animal +20
Languages Common, Celestial, Sylvan
SQ code of conduct, divine bond (weapon), aura of righteousness, mercy (fatigued, shaken, dazed, blinded, cursed, diseased)
Special Abilities
- Grail’s Blessing (Su) – Fast healing 5. Once per day, if Percival or an ally within 10 feet would be reduced to 0 hp, they instead remain at 1 hp.
- Divine Rebuke (Su) – When struck by a melee attack, attacker takes 1d8+6 radiant damage and must succeed on a DC 21 Will save or be blinded for 1 round.
- King of Carbonek (Ex) – Allies within 30 feet gain +1 morale bonus to saves and AC as long as Percival is conscious and not helpless.
- Holy Lance of Light (Su) – While mounted, his +3 lance deals an additional 2d6 radiant damage and automatically bypasses the DR of evil-aligned creatures.
- Shield of the Innocent (Su) – When using shield other, Percival gains DR 5/– and the ally gains +2 AC for the duration.
Tactics
Before Combat: Cast bless, divine favor, and magic circle against evil; mount his celestial steed and ready lance.
During Combat: Begins mounted with lance charge via Spirited Charge for massive damage. Switches to longsword and shield in close quarters. Uses smite evil against key threats and lay on hands defensively. Casts holy sword in major confrontations.
Morale: Will not retreat unless innocents are at risk. If downed, Grail’s Blessing gives him one final stand.
Ecology
Environment any (typically sacred or hidden locales)
Organization solitary, with Blanchefleur or celestial allies
Treasure double (includes Holy Lance, Longsword of Faith, Grail tokens, royal relics)
Description: Tall and graceful in plain silver armor, bearing only a wooden cross and the light of one who has seen the divine. His eyes hold sorrow and serenity.