Francois le Noir, was the Duke of Lyonesse and a mighty Grail Knight. He led an army to war against the High Elves of Ulthuan.
History[]
During the visit of an Ambassador of the Empire, Dragon Ships of the High Elves, who claimed the ruins of the ancient elven colony of Athel Menya, landed on Lyonesse's coastline. The Elves' arrogant leader, known as Aenur, demanded that the land belonged to Ulthuan. Insulted, the Duke rejected the claim of the Elf and both sides decided the situation was to be sorted by a Tournament. Aenur chose the champion of François to be none other than Sir Edward, the Duke's own son...[1]
The tournament ended with Edward being flung from his saddle by the Elf Lord's lance. Edward left the Dukedom in shame, vowing to perform a great deed to make amends. Francois conceded and gave Aenur's army access to the ruins.[1]
Battle for Athel Menya[]
However, the Duke was later informed that the Elven leader had used a magical lance. The enraged Duke protested indignantly against this violation of the commandments of honour and chivalry that had validity in Bretonnian tournaments.[1]
Francois led his army to the ruins and demanded that the cowardly Elf apologise and provide compensation for his dishonourable behaviour. In response, the High Elf arrogantly boasted that, on Ulthuan, no regulations prohibited magical weapons in tourney, and that a defeated warrior had no right to make demands. The Duke was of course outraged by this overbearing behaviour, and soon a battle raged between his Bretonnians and the armed forces of the High Elves.[1]
Phoenix Guard slaughtered young Knights Errant, whilst the Elves' famed Silver Helms were slain by Bretonnian Knights of the Realm, fleeing from the battlefield only to be cut down by lance and sword.[1]
After a fierce and hard fought battle, both sides disengaged. Francois met with Aenur, who had managed to survive the battle, and demanded that he return in a year's time to duel his son once more. This time following the rules of chivalry. The Elf lord agreed and presented Francois with an enchanted sword in recognition of his skill in battle.[1]
Sources[]
- 1: White Dwarf, German #14 (February 1997)