"Many were knights, though few of them displayed their colours or heraldry. Most of these were outcasts and dispossessed nobles, Calard judged; knights who had fled to Mousillon in dishonour rather than face justice. Most were likely murderers, traitors and cowards, and Calard fought to keep the disdain off his face as he moved amongst them..."
- —Calard of Garamont encounters a group of Black Knights at Morr's Rest, Mousillon.[4]
A mysterious Black Knight.
The Black Knight is a major character in Bretonnian folklore and, in some cases, reality.
Role[]
The Black Knight is an old and well known figure of Bretonnian legend. In his aspect as something to be dreaded, he undoubtedly embodies the age-old fear of the Chaos Knight, the Dark Elf rider or the Undead horseman who have plagued Bretonnia since time immemorial. Thus, he represents the archetypal adversary of a bold Bretonnian Knight.[2]
In his less ominous aspect, he represents the anonymous Knight. Such a Knight may wish to disguise his identity under black, shabby robes, lacking any heraldic device by which he may be recognised. Some Questing Knights do indeed adopt such a garb. However, such behaviour will always provoke great suspicion. Maybe it is because he must redeem his honour, or has he forsaken the true faith like the villain Maldred?[1a][2]
Whatever the reason, is it not the duty of any virtuous Knight to challenge such a warrior and force him to yield, so that his identity may be made known?[2]
Black Knights in Tourney[]
Within the Tournaments of Bretonnia, the Tableaux de Bataille is an imaginative and spectacular contest. It has an elaborate theatrical setting inspired by one of the many chansons, songs which tell of the legendary feats of various heroic Paladins. The Tableaux is typically held on the third and final day of the traditional Grand Tourney. All challengers face off against a Knight dressed as the Black Knight. No one knows the identity of the Knight who plays the Black Knight. All that can be known is that he will be a Knight of great renown and martial prowess, among the best in the region, as chosen by the host of the tourney.[1b][2]
Dishonourable Black Knights[]
In the past, many disgraced and wicked nobles have taken on the guise of the Black Knight. During the dark time known as the Affair of the False Grail, not all Knights roaming the lands of Bretonnia followed the sacred codes of chivalry and honour. Some Knights sought to perpetuate Duke Maldred’s charade by preventing honourable Knights from finding the true Grail or the missing Fay Enchantress. Other corrupt Paladins hunted down, captured, and imprisoned those Damsels of the Lady that knew too much or openly spoke out against the Duke of Mousillon and his desire to usurp the throne of Bretonnia...[3]