Buy me a coffeeYwain the Bastard: The Honorable Outcast Knight of Gore’s Shadowed Legacy
Ywain the Bastard — Arthurian legend’s fierce yet overshadowed knight, born of scandal and driven by honor, forever fighting to prove his worth in the shadow of greater names.
- Alias(es):
Ywain the Bastard, Owain, Uwain - Gender:
Male - Race/Species:
Human (Medieval Arthurian Knight) - Occupation/Role:
Knight of the Round Table (Unofficial/Secondary), Warrior, Defender of Gore - Religion/Belief System:
Christian (Medieval British/Arthurian tradition with elements of pagan mysticism) - Key Allies:
- King Arthur
- King Urien (father)
- Knights of the Round Table (varies by story)
- Occasionally, Morgan le Fay (complex relationship)
- Primary Enemies or Rivals:
- Social stigma due to illegitimacy
- Rival knights (sometimes including half-brother Sir Ywain the Knight of the Lion)
- External enemies of Gore and Arthur’s kingdom
- Abode / Base of Operations:
Kingdom of Gore (Northern Britain) - Nationality / Cultural Background:
Medieval Briton, Celtic heritage with Arthurian cultural ties - Languages Spoken:
Middle English, Old French (depending on source tradition), Breton/Celtic dialects (implied) - Moral Alignment:
Lawful Neutral to Lawful Good (Loyal to Arthurian order, driven by honor despite personal conflicts) - Affiliations / Factions:
- The Round Table (loyal knight, though unofficial status)
- House of Urien (royal family of Gore)
- Magical heritage through Morgan le Fay (complex magical association)
- Significant Others / Romantic Ties:
Not prominently documented in most legends; potential for romantic ties is minimal or ambiguous, often overshadowed by family and honor conflicts
Ywain the Bastard is one of the lesser-known yet profoundly complex knights of Arthurian lore, a figure born from scandal but forged in courage and loyalty. As the illegitimate son of King Urien of Gore and Morgan le Fay, his life is marked by the struggle to rise above the stigma of his birth and claim his place among the legendary knights of the Round Table. Though often overshadowed by his half-brother Sir Ywain the Knight of the Lion, Ywain the Bastard’s story is one of grit, internal conflict, and a relentless pursuit of honor in a world that doubts him.
Early Life and Origins
Ywain the Bastard’s story begins in the mystical and turbulent court of King Urien of Gore, a kingdom nestled in the shadowed realms of northern Britain. His mother, Morgan le Fay, renowned as a powerful sorceress and Arthur’s half-sister, casts a dark and complicated legacy over his origins. Conceived out of a forbidden union between half-siblings, Ywain’s birth was shrouded in scandal and secrecy, branding him “the Bastard” from the outset.
Growing up, Ywain the Bastard faced the dual weight of noble blood and social exile. His father, King Urien, acknowledged him but could never fully embrace him in the public eye, torn between love and the political risks of legitimizing a child born from incestuous union. This precarious position forged in Ywain a deep well of resilience but also an enduring feeling of isolation.
Major Events and Exploits
Ywain the Bastard’s life is marked by a series of battles and quests that test his valor and resolve. While the medieval texts offer only fragmented glimpses of his deeds, several key episodes stand out:
- Loyalty to Arthur: Despite his complicated lineage, Ywain the Bastard swore fealty to King Arthur and fought alongside the Round Table knights during numerous campaigns. His loyalty was unwavering, even when his status as a bastard knight made him the subject of disdain among some peers.
- Rivalry and Brotherhood: The relationship with his legitimate half-brother, Sir Ywain the Knight of the Lion, is fraught with tension. Some tales hint at rivalry fueled by jealousy and the desire for recognition, while others suggest a complicated bond of brotherhood that underlies their interactions.
- Defense of Gore: Ywain the Bastard often defended his father’s kingdom from external threats, earning a reputation as a fierce and cunning warrior. His tactics combined boldness and strategy, making him a respected commander despite his unofficial status.
- Encounters with Magic: As the son of Morgan le Fay, Ywain the Bastard had brushes with the supernatural, sometimes aided by magical gifts or cursed by his mother’s dark influence. These mystical elements add depth and unpredictability to his character’s journey.
Key Achievements
Though overshadowed by more celebrated knights, Ywain the Bastard’s achievements resonate in the subtle but powerful ways he shaped his own legend:
- Proving Worth Beyond Birth: In a society obsessed with lineage, Ywain’s steadfast courage and battlefield prowess challenged the stigma of illegitimacy, inspiring others who faced similar prejudices.
- Loyal Service: His unwavering commitment to King Arthur’s cause helped sustain the unity of the Round Table during fractious times, demonstrating that nobility comes from deeds, not just birthright.
- A Bridge Between Worlds: Ywain uniquely straddled the mortal and magical realms, embodying both the human struggles of identity and the enchanting allure of Arthurian myth.
Character Analysis: Fears, Motivations, and Goals
At the core of Ywain the Bastard’s story lies a man driven by conflicting emotions and ambitions. His greatest fear is rejection—not only by society but also by his family. The shadow of illegitimacy haunts him, fueling a desperate need to prove himself worthy of respect and love.
Motivated by honor, loyalty, and a profound desire for acceptance, Ywain’s actions often stem from an internal battle between embracing his heritage and forging an independent identity. He grapples with the magical legacy inherited from Morgan le Fay, sometimes resenting the mysterious power that sets him apart yet also saves him in dire moments.
His ultimate goal is simple yet profound: to be remembered not as “the Bastard” but as a knight of valor and principle, whose name commands respect in Arthurian lore. This quest for identity and validation makes him uniquely relatable—a flawed hero striving to overcome the odds in a world rigidly divided by birth and status.
Significance and Legacy
Ywain the Bastard stands out in Arthurian legend as a symbol of complexity and nuance. Unlike the archetypal knights of pure blood and grand destiny, he embodies the struggles of those born outside accepted norms, offering a narrative of resilience and inner strength. His story enriches the tapestry of Arthurian myth by reminding us that heroism is not the exclusive domain of the “chosen” but can be carved by anyone willing to fight for their place in the world.
Ywain the Bastard, 5e
Ywain the Bastard, Pathfinder
Ywain the Bastard
Medium humanoid (human), Lawful Good Knight
“I fight not for the blood I did not choose, but for the honor I earn with every strike.”
Lore & Background
Clad in gleaming plate forged in the fires of Gore, Ywain the Bastard rides his black steed, Shadowmane, into battle—a living testament to the power of will over birthright. Born as the illegitimate son of King Urien of Gore and the enigmatic sorceress Morgan le Fay, Ywain’s life is marked by scandal and struggle. Despite the stigma of his birth, he carved a place among the knights of King Arthur’s Round Table through unwavering loyalty and battlefield valor.
Haunted by the shadow of his half-brother, Sir Ywain the Knight of the Lion, and the dark legacy of his mother, Ywain blends martial skill with subtle magic, defending his father’s kingdom with tactical brilliance both mounted and on foot. His quest is not only to defend lands but to prove that honor and deeds outweigh the circumstances of birth.
Abilities
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 (+4) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 12 (+1) | 13 (+1) | 15 (+2) |
Basic Stats
- Armor Class: 18 (plate armor + shield)
- Hit Points: 120 (16d8 + 48)
- Speed: 30 ft. (foot), 50 ft. (mounted)
- Challenge Rating (CR): 7
Saving Throws
- Strength +8
- Constitution +7
- Wisdom +5
Skills
- Athletics +8
- Persuasion +6
- Insight +5
- History +4
Damage Resistances
- Psychic (minor resistance from magical heritage)
Senses
- Passive Perception 11
Languages
- Common, Celestial
Equipment & Magic Items
- Sword of Gore: +1 longsword heirloom of his father’s kingdom. Deals 1d8+6 slashing (one-handed), or 1d10+6 (two-handed). Once per day, casts Shield of Faith on self as a bonus action.
- Masterwork Plate Armor: Grants AC 18.
- Heavy Shield: +2 AC.
- Shadowmane: A fierce black warhorse, trained for battle. (See Mounted Combat below)
- Signet Ring of Urien: Grants advantage on Persuasion checks within the kingdom of Gore.
Traits
- Knightly Valor: Advantage on saving throws against being frightened.
- Mounted Combat Expert: Can mount/dismount as a bonus action. While mounted, advantage on melee attacks against unmounted creatures smaller than his mount.
- Magical Heritage: Once per short rest, can cast Detect Magic or Shield of Faith without using a spell slot. (Charisma is spellcasting ability)
Actions
- Multiattack: Makes two melee attacks.
- Longsword (Sword of Gore): Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d8 + 6) slashing damage (one-handed) or 11 (1d10 + 6) slashing damage (two-handed).
- Mounted Charge: If Ywain moves at least 20 ft. straight toward a target while mounted and hits, the target takes an extra 7 (2d6) damage and must succeed on DC 15 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
Reactions
- Parry: Adds +3 to AC against one melee attack that would hit. Must see attacker and wield a melee weapon.
- Shield Block: When an ally within 5 ft. is hit, imposes disadvantage on that attack roll using reaction.
Mounted Combat (Shadowmane)
- Armor Class: 12
- Hit Points: 45 (6d10 + 12)
- Speed: 50 ft.
- Attack: Hooves. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage.
- Charge: If Shadowmane moves 20 ft. straight toward a target and hits with hooves, target must succeed on DC 14 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
Lair Actions
(Initiative count 20, loses initiative ties)
- Call to Arms: All allies within 30 ft. gain +1 to attack and damage rolls until next round.
- Mystic Ward: Ywain invokes a magical shield granting all allies within 20 ft. temporary hit points equal to 15 (10 + CHA modifier).
- Banner of Gore: Ywain plants his banner, granting all allies advantage on saving throws against fear and charm effects for 1 minute.
Personality & Motivations
Ywain the Bastard is a man defined by duality — noble by blood, but branded by birthright. His greatest fear is rejection, which fuels his relentless drive to prove his valor on the battlefield. Loyal to King Arthur’s vision, yet wrestling with the legacy of Morgan le Fay, he embodies both human resilience and mystical mystery. He fights not only for land and king but for the honor that no stain of birth can tarnish.
Ywain the Bastard
Male human cavalier 9 / fighter 3
CR 12
XP 19,200
Human (humanoid)
Alignment LG (Lawful Good)
Init +2; Senses Perception +11
DEFENSE
AC 23, touch 12, flat-footed 21 (+10 armor, +2 Dex, +1 shield)
hp 138 (12 HD; 9d10+3d10+48)
Fort +13, Ref +8, Will +7
Defensive Abilities bravery +2, knightly valor (+2 vs. fear)
Immune fear effects while within 30 ft. of banner
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft. (on foot), 50 ft. (mounted)
Melee Sword of Gore +18/+13/+8 (1d8+7/19–20, magic, 1/day shield of faith) or lance +18/+13/+8 (1d8+6/×3)
Ranged heavy crossbow +13 (1d10/19–20)
Space/Reach 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks
- Challenge 3/day (+12 damage vs. target, –2 AC from others)
- Mounted Charge (double damage with lance)
- Banner of Gore (allies within 60 ft. gain +2 morale bonus on saves vs. fear)
- Tactician (Precise Strike teamwork feat, allies within 30 ft., 3/day)
- Weapon Training (heavy blades +1)
STATISTICS
Str 18, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 13, Cha 15
Base Atk +12; CMB +16; CMD 28
Feats Mounted Combat, Ride-By Attack, Spirited Charge, Power Attack, Weapon Focus (longsword), Weapon Specialization (longsword), Leadership, Toughness, Iron Will, Improved Critical (longsword), Improved Initiative
Skills Diplomacy +12, Handle Animal +15, Knowledge (nobility) +11, Ride +17, Sense Motive +11, Perception +11
Languages Common, Celestial
SQ order abilities (Order of the Lion), tactician, banner +2, armor training 1
SPECIAL ABILITIES
Knightly Valor (Ex) Ywain the Bastard gains a +2 bonus on saving throws against fear effects, increasing to +4 for allies within 30 feet when his banner is displayed.
Mounted Combat Expert (Ex) Can mount or dismount as a move action; advantage on melee attacks vs. unmounted foes smaller than his mount.
Magical Heritage (Sp) Once per day as a swift action, Ywain can cast detect magic or shield of faith (CL 9th, Cha-based).
TACTICS
Before Combat Ywain the Bastard uses shield of faith (from Sword of Gore) and positions Shadowmane for a charge.
During Combat Opens with a Spirited Charge using lance; switches to Sword of Gore when engaged in melee. Keeps allies close to benefit from banner and tactician abilities.
Morale Fights to the death if defending Arthur, Gore, or his honor; otherwise retreats to regroup and protect allies.
STAT BLOCK – SHADOWMANE (Combat-Trained Warhorse)
N Large animal
Init +1; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +6
AC 18, touch 10, flat-footed 17 (+8 natural, +1 Dex, –1 size)
hp 45 (6d8+12)
Fort +7, Ref +6, Will +3
Speed 50 ft.
Melee 2 hooves +9 (1d6+4)
Special Attacks charge (2d6+6 with hooves)
Str 18, Dex 13, Con 15, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Feats Endurance, Run, Iron Will
Skills Acrobatics +2, Perception +6
Special Qualities fearless (+4 morale bonus on saves vs. fear when within 30 ft. of Ywain)
ECOLOGY
Environment temperate plains or urban (Arthur’s court, Gore)
Organization solitary, or with 1–6 knights of the Round Table
Treasure double (Sword of Gore, masterwork plate armor, heavy steel shield, lance, heavy crossbow, signet ring of Urien, knight’s gear, pennon/banner)
LAIR ACTIONS (in Gore or battlefield with his banner)
On initiative count 20 (losing ties), Ywain can:
- Rally Troops: All allies within 30 ft. gain +2 morale bonus on attack rolls until next round.
- Knight’s Stand: Allies within 15 ft. gain temporary hit points equal to his Charisma modifier + half his level (8).
- Banner of Gore: Increase banner radius to 100 ft. for 1 minute.
LORE
An outcast knight with royal blood, Ywain the Bastard was born to King Urien and Morgan le Fay — a union both scandalous and politically dangerous. While denied legitimacy, he won knighthood through martial brilliance and devotion to Arthur’s cause. His black steed Shadowmane is as renowned as its rider, thundering across battlefields beneath the red-and-gold banner of Gore. Ywain the Bastard’s life is a balance of loyalty and personal redemption — a constant effort to prove that a knight’s honor is earned by deeds, not birth.