From pcorless Thu Dec 8 21:28:34 1994 Subject: Tristram - Viola! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Sir Tristram of Lyonesse -- (c) 1994, 1996 Peter Corless - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - This is another in a series of character profiles for Pendragon. It is intended for use in a compendium of the knights and characters of the Pendragon milieu; all feedback is appreciated (pcorless@cisco.com). Just as an FYI: The majority of what follows is a concatenation of the history of Tristram and Isoud, taken primarily from Sir Thomas Malory's "Le Morte de Arthur," supplemented greatly by the timelines in Chaosium's "Boy King" and literally dozens of other sources. There are a number of other great romances in the Tristram cycle that vary greatly from Malory. So much so, I had to leave some key stories (key, at least, to these other cycles), out of this interpretive text. In particular, the manner of Tristram's advent in Ireland (in some stories, Palomides does not exist; instead, there is a tale of dragon- slaying), as well as his death (in these other versions, Tristram dies in Brittany when Isoud le Blanche Mains tells him the ship sent to fetch La Beale Isoud does not have a white sail but a black, meaning she was not going to come; the lie breaks Tristram's heart). For those interested in such "alternate reality" versions, I cannot recommend highly enough Gottfried von Straussburg's "Tristan" and also Beroul's "Tristan". Sincerely, -Peter Corless pcorless@cisco.com - - - - - - - - - - - - Sir Tristram of Lyonesse Knight of the Round Table Known Relatives: Father - King Meliodas of Lyonesse Mother - Queen Elizabeth of Lyonesse Step-Mother - ??? (daughter of King Hoel of Brittany) Uncle - King Mark of Cornwall (mother's sister) Step-Grandfather (Stepmother's Father) - King Hoel of Brittany *and* Father-in-Law (Father of Isoud la Blanche Mains) - King Hoel of Brittany Lover - La Beale Isoud Wife - Isoud le Blanche Mains Stepbrother - ??? (poisoned in chidhood) Other step-siblings Chronology: 512 - born, mother dies at birth 519 - father remarried 523 - attempted poisoning by stepmother 523-530 - tutalage in France under Gouvernail 530 - returns to Lyonesse; recieves a brachet and love letters from King Faramon of France's daughter; she dies of unrequited love 530 - fought against Sir Marhaus; travels to Ireland in disguise as "Sir Tramtrist" to find cure for wound; healed by La Beale Isoud 531 - Lady of the Launds Tournament in Ireland; "Tramtrist" wins honors over Palomides 532 - Has affair with Sir Segwarides' wife; first arouses jealosy of King Mark 533 - Defends King Anguish from Sir Blamore; offered hand of Le Beale Isoud in return; offers to marry her to King Mark instead 534 - Returns with La Beale Isoud to marry King Mark; they fall in love by drinking love elixir by accident; Tristram kills Breunor of Castle Pleure, ending the evil custom there 534 - Wedding of King Mark and La Beale Isoud; fight between Palomides and Tristram; accused of adultery by Andred 535 - Morgan Le Fay creates the drinking Horn of Chastity to divulge the Lancelot/Guenever affair; fails when Lamorak sends the horn to King Mark's court instead. 535 - Caught in adultery with La Beale Isoud; Tristram flees to King Hoel's court in Brittany 536 - Champions King Hoel against his enemy, Earl Grip; offered marriage to his daughter, Isoud le Blanche Mains 537 - Tristram marries Isoud le Blanche Mains; shortly thereafter returns to Logres 538 - Tristram and Lamorak adventure to Isle of Servage 540 - Tristram and Lamorak become friends; Tristram saves King Arthur from the Lady Annowre 541 - Goes mad from jealousy towards Sir Kehydius 542 - Cured but banished from Cornwall by King Mark; wins the Castle of Maidens tourney but is wounded by Lancelot; imprisoned and freed by Sir Darras 542 - Imprisoned and freed by Morgan le Fay; carries the Shield of Rebuke to the Castle of Hard Rock tourney 543 - Tristram foils Morgan Le Fay's attempt to kill Lancelot by ambushment of thirty knights 543 - Lancelot and Tristram fight at Merlin's Rock; Tristram joins Round Table and gets Marhaus' siege (seat) at the Table 544 - Arthur sets accord between Mark and Tristram; returns to Cornwall after the Friendship Tournament 547 - Aids King Mark and defeats Sr Elias and his Saxons (Sessiones). 550 - Imprisoned in Cornwall by Mark 551 - Freed by Sir Percivale; flees with Isoud 553 - Lonazep Tournament, wins the second day's prize; retires with La Beale Isoud to Joyous Gard 554 - Returns to Cornwall once more; fights with Palomides just before his baptism 559 - Tristram slain with a glaive by King Mark; Isoud dies of grief 560 - Lyonesse sinks into the sea Character Entry: Sir Tristram of Lyonesse, along with Lancelot and Lamorak, was one of the three great Knights of the Round Table (surpassed markedly only by the perfect knight Sir Galahad during the years of the Grail quest).Of these three, it was noted Tristram was stronger even than Lancelot, though Lancelot had better stamina. Yet Lamorak proved to both he was best with the lance. But these were minimal differences in their abilities; most of the encounters between these knights were virtual draws. Tristram's distinguishing characteristics stand out in a comparison of the two courts of Tinagel and Camelot. Whereas Lancelot and Lamorak have good reason to honor and respect King Arthur, Mark is often portrayed as cowardly and scheming -- an easy subject for lampooning and ridicule. Similarly, Lancelot and Lamorak are the champions of their respective clans, full of honorable and powerful knights. And the de Ganis and de Gales clans are but two great families of many that support the noble King Arthur. In contrast, Tristram often stands alone to prevent shame for all of Cornwall. Tristram is loyal to his uncle not because of his uncle's worthiness, but in display of Tristram's personal virtues. Tristram shines as the brave loner and bringer of hope to causes that looks otherwise hopeless, and as the befriender to those who would otherwise be friendless. As well, Tristram is set apart from his fellow knights by his courtly skills: in the best Celtic tradition, he was a great harper and hunter. In the best French tradition, he was remarkably well-read and educated. In the best tradition of universal chivalry, he was loyal to his lord, trustworthy to his friends, and a true lover to his lady. Yet for all of his virtues, Tristram's life was tragic since his untimely birth, when his pregnant mother Elizabeth took it upon herself to find her imprisoned husband, King Meliodas of Lyonesse. (He had been abducted by an amorous lady.) After having wandered deep within a forest, Tristram's birth came upon her unexpectedly, and she died from her labour pangs. With her dying breath she named him Tristram, which meant "Sorrowful Birth." Tristram's father was eventually freed by Merlin. After a few years of mourning, Meliodas remarried King Hoel of Brittany's daughter, but this too brought sorrow. Tristram's stepmother, jealous for her own children, tried to poison the young prince, but her oldest son drank it instead. When her second attempt was almost consumed by Meliodas, she uncovered her own plot to keep from killing her husband. (Yet some said she did so only because Tristram would have instantly been inheritor of the kingdom!) Meliodas and his barons sentenced her to burn for treason. Moments before her execution, an eleven year old Tristram stood before his father and begged her life be spared. Because of Tristram's eloquent and moving words, Meliodas granted his wish. In time, Tristram was even able to restore his stepmother to his father's good graces. Tristram's grateful stepmother loved Tristram as her own son thereafter. But though Melodias consented to be reconciled with his wife, he was so deeply consternated by the whole affair that he sent Tristram away to France for schooling. Tristram spent the next seven years in France under the tutelage of Gouvernail. Under this extremely bright man's tutelage, Tristram became better schooled than any knight the world had seen. He showed mastery surpassing all others before or since in subjects as diverse as speaking and reading the French language, harping, hawking, hunting and all manner of arms. He even wrote the definitive treatise regarding the subject of hunting, recording all the traditions and defining new terms where none existed before. In 530 AD at the age of eighteen, Tristram was ready to return to Lyonesse. Unable to part with his tutor, he offered to take Gouvernail on as his squire. Gouvernail agreed to it quite matter-of-factly, and stayed at Tristram's side for the remainder of his days. Upon his return to Lyonesse, Tristram's father and mother greeted him with great affection and were amazed at how large and fine a man Tristram had grown into. The celebrations ended when word reached Lyonesse that Tristram's uncle King Mark (his natural mother Elizabeth's brother) was being forced to pay tribute to the Irish King Anguish. At the same time, Tristram's presence at the French court was greatly missed. Indeed, no less than the King of France's daughter sent him a white brachet and many letters professing her love for the prince of Lyonesse. But Tristram was true to his heart foremost; although a union with France would have been politically beneficial to his family, he did not love the maiden. He was later to learn King Faramon's daughter died of heartbreak for her unrequited love. Instead, Tristram's mind was bent on knighthood. He went directly to Castle Tintagel to fight the Irish champion -- Sir Marhaus -- who had come to collect the tribute. Tristram was made knight by Mark, who was glad for Tristram's advent. Marhaus was considered at the time to be the best Knight of the Round Table and, brother-in-law of the Irish king. That Cornwall was fielding a challenger at all was remarkable, for it was often said that Cornish knights were seldom brave and never very good. Frankly, there had been no other volunteers but Tristram! In the ensuing battle on a nearby island, Tristram mortally wounded the Irish champion. Marhaus was put in a ship to return to Ireland directly after the battle, but soon died of the sword blow Tristram had given his skull. Thereafter, people would learn to think twice about denigrating the knights of Cornwall. However, Tristram did not escape unscathed. Marhaus' sword had been covered with a poison such that no wound delivered by it could heal without the proper cure. After a month in bedridden agony, and with no cure in sight, a wise woman came and told Tristram about the nature of his wounds, and told him to seek his cure in Ireland. Tristram and Gouvernail sailed swiftly, and arrived safely beside the castle of King Anguish. Though he was deathly ill and unable to rise from bed, Tristram hid his pain and played a merry tune upon his harp as a way of getting an audience with the king. The plan worked, and Anguish called for the wounded harper to appear before his court. Calling himself "Tramtrist", his harping impressed the Irish king, his queen, and most of all the King's beautiful daughter, La Beale Isoud. Anguish directed his daughter, reknown as a surgeon, to care for their new guest. Isoud deftly found the poison at the heart of the wound and cured him of it. In return for restoring his health, "Tramtrist" taught her to harp. It was obvious to everyone they fancied each other's company. But unlike the instant love-at-first-sight Lancelot and Guenever had for each other, Tristram and Isoud at first tried to find suitable lovers for each other (the Lady of the Launds for Tristram, and Mark for Isoud). Perhaps they were the last to realize what others could easily see. During Tristram's recovery at the hands of Isoud, everyone in Ireland knew she was being courted by the famous Saracen, Sir Palomides. Indeed, the proudly stubborn Palomides even declared he'd be christened for her sake! It was not a decided engagement by any means, but Tristram's advent changed the situation completely, and began the almost life-long feud between Tristram and Palomides. Tristram was barely healed of his wounds when Isoud suggested he try to win the hand of the Lady of the Launds at the tournament her father was hosting. Perhaps Isoud's motive was to pit her suitors against each other. But since the prize of the tourney was the hand of the Lady of the Launds, she could also have hoped to see Tramtrist beat Palomides, so Isoud could have Palomides for herself. And of course, it could not hurt to have this powerful stranger marry into her father's family. Tristram thought it a good idea as well, but had his own take on the matter. He again disguised himself, this time as the unimaginative but often effective "Black Knight". He amazed everyone by not only defeating Palomides, but also all of the Irish knights and even ten of Arthur's knights, including Gawaine and his brothers. Yet what baffled everyone was when both Palomides and the Black Knight disappeared at the end of the day, leaving the Lady of the Launds without a suitable husband. The reason they did so was to continue their jealous feuding. Tristram pursued and defeated Palomides a second time in private, and made him foreswear his courting of Isoud. Moreso, he forbade Palomides from wearing armor or riding a horse for the next year. Broken and shamed, Palomides took his leave. Tristam returned to court and revealed himself as the Black Knight. After this, Isoud was much more interested in Tramtrist than she had been before. (No more mention was made of the Lady of the Launds -- we are left to wonder and hope that another knight was granted the honour of her hand!) During the tourney, Tristram met the one man who could have revealed his identity: a squire named Hebes who had been the messenger for the recently deceased daughter of King Faramon. Hebes immediately recognized Tristram, and told him of the death of the princess. Tristram befriended and knighted Hebes, and in return, Hebes promised to keep Tristram's identity secret. Thereafter, Tristram became known as a great benefactor to young knights. Yet the truth desires to be set free, and soon the queen herself discovered "Tramtrist's" true identity: the notch in Tristram's sword matched exactly to the piece that had been found lodged in Marhaus' skull. Not being able to break the rules of hospitality, Anguish confronted his guest with the accusations against him. Tristram confessed to him who he truly was, and how he had defeated Marhaus. Yet though Anguish was impressed with Tristram, and personally bore him no ill will, he not able to promise his guest safety in his court from Marhaus' angry relatives -- including the Queen -- and politely asked Tristram to leave. Isoud and Tristram exchanged rings before he departed, but these were not to signify their intention to marry each other. Instead, they swore vows: Tristram would be her knight and defender, and she promised not to marry anyone except if he gave his assent. With that, they departed as friends. At this point, many people would say that these two truly were in love with each other, and yet with his actions Tristram proved otherwise. Upon his return to court, Tristram began an affair with Sir Segwarides' wife. Mark learned of this and became quite jealous of his nephew. He even rode with two armed knights and attacked Tristram while he was en route to an assignation with the lady. Tristram defeated his attackers and kept his rendezvous, but not without being wounded. Tristram's blood stains were later found on the lady's bedsheets by her husband. Segwarides chased after Tristram and fought with him, but was wounded greviously. Tristram, still hurting from Mark's wounding, returned to court and likewise took to his sickbed. Months passed, with an uneasy quiet between Segwarides, Tristram and Mark pervading the court. Sir Bleoberis's arrival eventually brought it to a head by this Knight of the Round Table's asking for a boon. King Mark granted it, and Bleoberis asked for nothing less than Segwarides' wife! She consented, and the two rode off together. Segwarides found out about this second betrayal and rode off after her. But the ladies of the court, well aware of Tristram's professed love, chided him for not going after her himself. Tristram explained that it was her husband's duty to attempt to win her back first, but vowed to go after her himself if Segwarides was defeated. Not long after, a squire informed the court that Segwarides had been bested by Bleoberis, and Tristram set off towards Arthur's court in pursuit. En route, he defeated Sir Sagramore and Dodinas in return for their mockery of Cornish knights. Shortly thereafter, he caught up with Bleoberis on the road, and fought with him for over two hours. Bleoberis stopped the fight, made peace with Tristram, and agreed to let the lady chose between them. She chose Bleoberis. She explained to a stunned Tristram that she thought Tristram loved her, but when he let Bleoberis take her from court without stirring a finger, she knew it wasn't true love. She asked Bleoberis to take her to the abbey where Segwarides was recovering. Segwarides was amazed and pleased to have his wife back, and was glad for Tristram's efforts in her recovery. Yet Mark was twisted with jealousy. He devised a strange plan to destroy his nephew. He asked Tristram to return to Ireland and fetch Isoud so that he could wed her. After all, Tristram had extolled her virtues repeatedly since his return. His request was facetious; he thought Tristram would be killed immediately at the hands of Marhaus' still- enraged relatives. Tristram, dutiful to his lord and unsuspecting towards his uncle's devious nature, took a band of knights and set sail for Ireland once more. But Tristram was swept wildly off-course by a sea storm and landed instead near Camelot. There Tristram met and defeated Sirs Ector de Maris and Morganor. As well, Tristram once again came across Sir Bleoberis, and as it happens, King Agwisance as well. Bleoberis had instisted that Agwisance had committed treason by killing a cousin of Bleoberis'. (Note: many crimes having to do with the betrayal of lord/vassal, host/guest, or husband/wife relationships were simply called "treason.") Arthur had summoned his vassal to Camelot to stand and face his charges. Tristram had just defeated (but unwittingly let escape) Breunis Saunce Pite when he learned of Agwisance's peril. The Irish king was greatly pleased to see his former guest, and gladly accepted Tristram's offer for assistance. Tristram deftly championed Agwisance. Yet rather than slay Sir Bleoberis and further the blood feud, he ensured Agwisance and the de Ganis knight were formally accorded. For his service, Agwisance took Tristram back with him to Ireland. With the joy shown upon the King's return, Mark's plan was completely defeated. No mention was made of Marhaus again, for how could someone speak poorly about the man who personally rescued the King of Ireland? Isoud's attitude was different now too. She was in love with Tristram. But he was strangely unresponsive. Months passed before Agwisance pressed Tristam to name any boon he desired in return for his good service. He was shocked by Tristram's request for Isoud's hand not for himself, but on behalf of his uncle Mark! Though Agwisance asked Tristram to change his mind and take her as his own wife, Tristram was honor-bound to his promise. Tristram's ship was prepared for the return voyage. It was at this time that the lovers were finally brought together, and only by magic and ill-luck. Queen Isoud (La Beale Isoud's mother) gave a love elixir to Bragwine, her daughter's handmaiden, to share between her daughter and Mark. While returning across the Irish Sea, Tristram and Isoud share the love elixir instead, thinking it nothing more than a bottle of fine wine Bragwine and Gouvernail had been hiding from them. It was only with this supernatural spur that love finally bloomed between these two. Before returning to Cornwall the ship landed in Wales. There Tristram slew Sir Bruenor of Castle Pleure, who had the horrid custom of challenging to the death every passing knight who was accompanied by a lady. Prior to this, many knights were slain, and many ladies had lost their heads to this fearsome knight. Bruenor's son, Sir Galahaut the Haut Prince, came to avenge his parents' death with the help of Malahaut, King with the Hundred Knights. But the quarrel soon ended, with Tristram yielding honorably to the noble prince. Galahaut knew of the shameful custom and forgave Tristram. After this, Tristram again put to sea, and soon came to Cornwall. Mark was surprised to see his nephew home again and successful, but the sight of La Beale Isoud pleased him greatly. The wedding day came and went quickly. Though Mark gave a grand banquet and tournament (which Tristram won), there was little love in the air -- at least, between the bride and groom. Shortly thereafter Palomides shocked the court when he asked for a boon for his rescue of Dame Bragwine. Of all the choices he had, he demanded Isoud come with him. Once again, people assumed Tristram would ride to his lady's rescue. Yet this time, Tristram was deep in the forest hunting, and could not be located! Sir Lambegus, another knight of Sir Tristram's, asked for the honor in his lord's stead. Palomides easily defeated Lambegus, but during the fight Isoud slipped away. She managed to make it to the castle of a Sir Adtherp. This knight rashly rode out to deal with Palomides, but only got himself grievously wounded and was forced to tell Palomides where the lady had gone to. But safely held up within Adtherp's castle, Isoud watched as Palomides fumed and stormed around the walls. Tristram finally returned and learned of his lady's peril. He found Lambeg's on the trail, and Adtherp next. He made sure to see to their care, then came to the castle and fought Palomides. Isoud parted them at the last minute to prevent Palomides' death. She commanded Palomides never to come again to Cornwall while she was there (which he chivalrously obeyed). Secondly, she set a geas upon Palomides to present himself to King Arthur's court and tell Guenever there were now four true lovers to be found in the world: Lancelot and Guenever, and Tristram and Isoud. In many ways Tristram's story parallels Lancelot's: both knights were the greatest and most chivalrous warriors of their respective courts, and both were the lovers of their lord's wives. Both men underwent wild flights of insanity caused by jealousy. (Lancelot's caused by Guenever's jealousy of Elaine, Tristram by his reading of Sir Kehydius' correspondences to Isoud.) Both found solace in the arms of others during their banishment from court (Elaine of Carbonek for Lancelot and Isoud le Blanche Mains for Tristram). Both also had a maiden die of grief for unrequited love (Elaine of Astolat for Lancelot, King Faramon's daughter for Tristram). Similarly, both Tristram and Lancelot are wooed and then hunted by a spurned Morgan le Fay. Yet for the apparent similarities, there are significant differences between the Tristram-Isoud-Mark triangle and that of Lancelot-Guenever- Arthur. Unlike the veiled secrecy of the Lancelot-Guenever tryst, there was never a great attempt to keep secrets in the court of Mark for very long. Whereas Lancelot practically shies from court to avoid bringing attention to his liaisons with Guenever, Tristram often flees Cornwall because such attention has already been drawn. Tristram is repeatedly exiled or imprisoned only to be reunited and reconciled with the jealous King Mark; Lancelot never has a chance to be reunited with Arthur.Isoud also shows more idependance (or abandon?) than Gueuever by often running away with her paramour rather than remain behind duty-bound with her husband and lord. Two characters of Mark's court deserve mention here: Sir Andred and Sir Dinas the Seneschal. The first serves as the "Mordred" stand-in at the Cornish court; jealous of Tristram's success and always plotting his downfall. Dinas counterplays Andred's villany by maintaining a chivalrous and careful balance between his loyalty to Mark as his king and to Tristram as one of his best friends. Sir Andred, Tristram's cousin, became chief spy on behalf of Mark. It was not long before Tristram stood before Mark on charges of treason. Yet the circumstances of his siezure were questionable -- Tristram and Isoud had only been conversing at a window -- and no knights obeyed Mark's order to slay Tristram. Outraged at the unsubstantiated (even if true) charges, Tristram beat his uncle with the flat of his blade, then rode away, killing two knights sent after him by Mark. Sir Dinas the Seneschal interceded on Tristram's behalf, reuniting Mark with his nephew. Thereafter, suspicions lay heavy on the couple though nothing more was said publicly. But Mark was shrewd. For instance, when Lamorak de Gales came upon Mark's hunting party in the forest and had defeated thirty of Mark's knights in sucession, he then required Tristram to joust with him. Lamorak's exhausted horse finally collapsed after this encounter and Lamorak demanded Tristram continue the fight afoot. Tristram, ashamed for attacking a fellow knight so ignobly, apologized and declined to dismount. Lamorak was now doubly outraged and stormed off on foot. Tristram was mortified, but had been duty-bound to obey his lord's unchivalrous commands. Though Mark had shamed Tristram, this incident eventually came back to plague his entire court. Lamorak intercepted the "Horn of Chastity" -- a horn Morgan le Fay devised. Any woman drinking from it who had committed adultery would spill the entire drink. Morgan's purpose was for it to be sent to Arthur's court to divulge Lancelot and Guenever. But Lamorak had it diverted to Mark's court instead. There, not only did Isoud spill the drink, but also ninety-six out of a hundred other ladies who were required to drink by their husbands! Rather than burn at the stake Cornwall's entire noble female population, the men rationalized that it must be a trick by Morgan. After all, wasn't she a devious sorcerous? The test had obviously been rigged. But secretly everyone knew the truth. Afterwards, many of the knights of Cornwall held a special grudge against Morgan le Fay and vowed to exact revenge. But secretly, Tristram wasn't so much angry at Morgan, but Sir Lamorak. (Incidentally, the Horn was said to have been destroyed after this, but it could also have been secreted away...) The next year, Andred finally succeeded in catching Tristram in bed with La Beale Isoud. Bound and naked, Tristram was shut up in a chapel by the sea. Andred returned with a dozen knights the next morning for a summary execution. But Tristram heroically broke free of his bonds, slew ten of the knights, then lept from the cliff onto the craggy sea rocks below. Gouvernail, with Sirs Lambeg's and Sentraille, recovered him from the rocks and also rescued Isoud from her shaming (she had been sent to live in a "lazar-cote" -- a house of lepers). Together the lovers retired to a manor in the woods. But this lasted briefly. While hunting, Tristram was shot by an envenomed arrow as he slept in the woods. He killed his attacker (a vengeful and unchivalrous man whose brother had been slain by Tristram). Badly wounded, Tristram returned to the rural manor only to find Mark had been there and carried Isoud back to Tintagel! Tristram was unable to see his love but in great need of her healing hands once again. In a few secret correspondences, La Beale Isoud asked Tristram to make his way to Brittany to see Isoud la Blanche Mains ("Isoud with the White Hands"), King Hoel's daughter. Like La Beale Isoud and her mother Queen Isoud of Ireland, this third Isoud also had a great gift for medicine. Once again Tristram and Gouvernail set sail to find him a cure. But this time he had no need for disguise. After all, King Hoel was his stepmother's father! It was not long after Tristram's arrival in Brittany that he was healed. Hoel's greatest enemy at the time was Earl Grip, who harried the land and had even wounded Hoel's own son Kehydius in battle. Gouvernail suggested to Hoel to ask Tristram to take up arms in his service. Gladly agreed to by both parties, Tristram put an end to Hoel's troubles by personally slaying a hundred knights and Earl Grip himself in a single day's battle! Astounded by such prowess in a man just twenty-four years old, Hoel immediately offered his whole kingdom to Tristram. Tristram declined gracefully, saying he had done as much for the debt of life he owed Isoud la Blanche Mains. But King Hoel of Brittany was not the kind of man to let such great service go unrewarded. Both he and his son, Kehydius, made a great deal of fuss and eventually arranged a romance between Tristram and Isoud la Blanche Mains. Catered to and lauded greatly, Tristram hardly objected and even found himself agreeing to marry the young lady. (Thus confusingly making Hoel both Tristram's father-in-law as well as step- grandfather!) Soon Tristram found himself in his wedding bed with his new wife. But in her arms Tristram recalled little else but his love for La Beale Isoud. Though their first night together was tender, Isoud la Blanche Mains remained innocent and virginal both before and after her honeymoon -- she didn't know there was anything more to love than kissing and cuddling. But Tristram knew he had made a big mistake. News of his marriage travelled fast, and reaction to it was universally decried. Ashamed especially at the words he heard spoken of him by Lancelot, and unable to keep pretenses up very long, Tristram desired greatly to leave Brittany. But he was not wholly willing to depart of the company of Isoud and her brother Kehydius. Though he was not in love with Isoud la Blanche Mains, he was a great friend to her and her brother. One day these three were sailing on a barge when it was swept across the sea by a storm. Landing in Wales at the Isle of Servage, he met up with Sir Segwarides and Lamorak. He was able to set aside his differences with both of these good knights, and together they fought against the jolly but wicked giant, Sir Nabon. Nabon gladly lent Lamorak and Tristram armor for the jousts, but kept killing their horses out from underneath them. Tristram eventually slew both the giant and his son, at which point the newly-liberated people of the island immediately offered their fealty to Tristram. Tristram and Lamorak both declined the offer, but Segwarides accepted it and ruled the island justly thereafter. The fellowship broke up quickly. Tristram, Isoud and Kehydius returned to Brittany. Lamorak returned to Arthur's court. Segwarides stayed at the Isle of Servage to right all the misdeeds committed during Nabon's reign. Very surprisingly, an invitation arrived in Brittany for Tristram. La Beale Isoud graciously sent for Tristram and his new wife to stay as her guests in Tintagel. Tristram made his way to Cornwall as requested, accompanied by Kehydius and Gouvernail, but conspicuously left Isoud le Blanche Mains in Brittany. En route Tristram again met with Lamorak. Kehydius had the first encounter with Lamorak and was wounded sorely. Tristram then charged and the two knights fought greatly -- Lamorak having a better time in the joust, and Tristram in the melee. But Lamorak reminded Tristram of their earlier vow of friendship made on the Isle of Servage, and surrendered his sword to Tristram as a test of that friendship. Tristram was amazed at Lamorak's trusting nature and offered his own sword in return. Together they made an even greater and everlasting vow of brotherhood. They rode along a short ways when the Questing Beast suddenly galloped past, with Palomides in hot pursuit. The Saracen unhorsed the surprised Tristram and Lamorak, then rode off after the beast. Lamorak and Tristram both promised to return the favor if they ever met up with Palomides again! Then they departed on their separate paths, agreeing to meet again at that spot when Kehydius was near whole of his wound. Tristram next met Sirs Kay, Brandiles and Tor. He put them all to shame for saying ill of the knights of Cornwall. Tristram was riding around the Perilous Forest when the Lady of the Lake Nimue found him. She brought news that King Arthur was being held prisoner by the sorceress Annowre, and would be killed within two hours if Tristram did not rescue him immediately. Indeed, Annowre had Excalibur in her hands and was about to strike Arthur's head from his shoulders when Tristram arrived. In the ensuing struggle, Tristram slew the knights holding Arthur, while Arthur chased after the sorceress. The King regained his sword and beheaded Annowre for her vile deeds. Nimue took the lady's head, and hung it from her saddle. But when it came time for Arthur to thank his rescuer, Tristram refused to tell his name, and also requested Nimue withhold his identity. Riding together, Tristram and Arthur found Ector de Maris. After unseating the Round Table knight in a joust, Tristram transferred the King to Ector's guardianship and took his leave. Tristram returned to the spot where he and Lamorak agreed to reunite. Together they picked up Keyhdius, who had finally recovered from his jousting wound. Lastly, they returned to where Gouvernail and Bragwine had been left waiting by the boat. United again, they all sailed to Cornwall. Upon learning of Tristram's return, La Beale Isoud swooned for joy. The two lovers were soon making up for their long separation. But unnoticed by either of the lovers was the strange expression that had come over Kehydius. He had fallen in love immediately upon seeing Isoud! Daringly, he professed his love in a letter to her. Isoud, pitying him, wrote a comforting but not-very-encouraging letter in reply. Soon after finishing her letter, but before she could find an opportunity to give it to him, disaster struck. Tristram, Isoud and Kehydius were sitting in a room together overlooking the courtyard when Tristram discovered the letters. Flying into jealous rage, he drew his sword and charged Kehydius! Isoud fainted. Kehydius lept from the window, and landed in the garden just beside King Mark's chess table. Mark, completely surprised by the Breton knight, asked what happened. Kehydius made up a story that he had fallen asleep sitting in the window and tumbled out, then ran for his life. Tristram, acting defensively and instinctively, ran to the tallest tower, barred the door and armoured himself. When no rush of men-at-arms came up the stairs, and no sound of alarm was raised about the castle, he warily crept back down to the chambers and fetched Gouvernail. Together they rode from the castle. A fuming Tristram even unhorsed Gawaine's son, Sir Gingalin, just beyond the castle gates for no good reason. Tristram rode about, growing more distraught as time passed. Mad with grief and jealousy, he even left Gouvernail behind to stew in his lonely misery. He was befriended by the concerned Irish knight Fergus, and by a damosel who served Sir Palomides. This damosel brought Tristram to a manor nearby, where he was cared for by the lady of the house. He spent the next three months in fits of rage and depression, alternately wildly uprooting vegetation in the woods or weeping while listening to or playing the harp. But one day, Tristram did not return from the forest. He had stripped naked and run wild -- going as far and as fast as he could to escape his memories. The damosel returned to Palomides, and told her lord about the plight of Tristram. It was most surprising that, of all people, Palomides sought to comfort Tristram during his time of madness. But all rivalry aside, perhaps Palomides understood better than anyone the pain of heartbreak La Beale Isoud could inspire. He rode out to find and comfort Tristram, and was joined shortly thereafter by a repentant Sir Kehydius, who had been banished from Cornwall by La Beale Isoud. King Mark himself even rode about the countryside to find his nephew, sincerely distraught at learning of Tristram's mania. They spread out to search the countryside for Tristram, Palomides going towards Logres, Kehydius towards Brittany, and Mark remaining in Cornwall. Tristram settled beside a well in the woods and stayed there for near half a year, entertaining the shepards with his fits of madness. He soused Sir Dagonet and his companions when they chanced upon him. Dagonet later returned to beat the shepards who had laughed at him and his men, but the mad Tristram once again appeared and put Dagonet to the worse. (Dagonet later told Mark of the whereabouts of this madman, but Mark thought it was Sir Matto le Bruene -- another knight who lost his sanity when Sir Gaheris won his lady in a joust.) During this time, the vile Sir Andred and his lover plotted to spread a rumor that Tristram had died. Andred's paramour told the tale convincingly: how she had found Tristram in his madness just before his death, and how she had buried him by a well. Mark wept at the news. Isoud almost committed suicide, attempting to throw herself on a sword. Mark saved her at the last minute, and kept a close watch over his distraught wife. Word of Tristram's demise also reached Cornwall's enemies. Among them was a giant named Tawleas, who had been hiding for the last seven years due to fear of Tristram. (Even though for much of that time Tristram had been in Brittany!) This giant began his ravaging again, and was about to kill a Cornish knight, Sir Dinaunt, beside the well when Tristram came to his rescue and beheaded the giant. Dinaunt took the head back to court and told everyone about the remarkable madman who saved his life. Mark found the madman in the woods by the well just as Dinaunt described, but because of his wretched condition -- and also because he thought his nephew dead already -- he did not recognize Tristram. Mark had his followers take Tristram back to Tintagel, bathe him and dress him up in fair clothing. Still, even La Beale Isoud herself didn't recognize Tristram until her brachet (the same one that was given to Tristram by King Faramon's daughter) began licking his face and playing with him. Isoud again swooned for joy at the sight of her love. Tristram and Bragwine quickly roused her, and sent her off to avoid the certain reckoning Tristram would have to face alone. Just as she stole away, Mark and Andred entered the courtyard and they too finally recognized Tristram. The brachet began barking and growling angrily at the King, defending her master instinctively. Mark immediately called his nobles together to pronounce the death sentence on Tristram. After all, Tristram was still wanted for treason by adultery with Isoud, and for the "murder" of his executioners. But the nobles, mostly led by Dinas and Fergus, refused to obey the letter of the law. Instead, they commuted Tristram's sentence to a mere ten years of banishment from Cornwall. Tristram was only thirty years old, so it was reasonable to expect that he could return to court in his lifetime. But just as Tristram was being put aboard ship, Sir Dinadan arrived from Arthur's court and asked to be granted a joust with Tristram. Tristram obliged, and promptly unhorsed Dinadan. Far from upset at his defeat, Dindan asked Tristram's permission to accompany him on his travels. Gladly granted, Tristram and Dinadan encountered with many knights on the road together . But though he was a rather good knight, Dinadan had at least some concept of mortality. He soon cursed the day he began his travels with Tristram. It seems that no matter what the odds, Tristram always charged into the fray. One such example was when Tristram dragged Dinadan into a battle with thirty of Morgan le Fay's knights. They had been lying in wait to ambush Lancelot. Though Tristram and Dinadan slew the majority of their enemies and drove the rest off, Dinadan was still smarting days later when he was required by Tristram to face the superior Sir Palomides in a joust. Dinadan begged off further adventures, staying behind at the next priory they rested at. Tristram found Gawaine had a better stomach for such adventures, but Gawaine met his match at the hands of Breunis Saunce Pite, who unhorsed and trampled the Prince of the Orkneys under his horse's hooves. Tristram chased after the evil knight, but could not catch him. Though Tristram's steed Passe-Brewel was reknown for its speed and strength, Breunis had the swiftest horse in Logres. Indeed, Dame Bragwine recognized Tristram's horse well enough to know it was Tristram, even in disguise. She delivered to Tristram a few letters from Isoud, then returned with some letters of his after watching Tristram's successes at the Castle of Maidens tourney. The tourney did not begin well for Tristram. The day before the official opening, Palomides baited Tristram by unhorsing Tristram's companion Sir Persides. Tristram accepted the challenge, but was unchivalrously unhorsed by Palomides even before he had a chance to set his lance. Tristram vowed to have his revenge the next day. But the greatest vindication came the next morning when Lancelot and thirty of his kinsmen shocked everyone by carrying the shield of Cornwall in honor of Tristram! Once again, Tristram played the anonymous "Knight with the Black Shield" role. Riding with King Arthur's knights, the "Black Knight" won the honor of the day. But the next day both he and Palomides switched sides to continue their personal grudge match. Tristram won the same honor the next day, but when the prize was to be given, no one could find the "Black Knight." Like at the Lady of the Launds tourney, Tristram had ridden off again in pursuit of Palomides. But this time, he meant no mischief to Palomides. Indeed, Palomides was mad with frustration, since no matter where he went, Tristram or Lamorak or Lancelot always had the honor. Tristram had taken pity on the near-suicidal Palomides and comforted him. He even brought Palomides back to his pavillion for a meal and to rest overnight. But though Tristram showed Palomides this comfort, he did not spare him the following day, and once again the Saracen was knocked from his saddle and soundly trounced in the melee as well. Yet it was Tristram's good friend Lancelot who finally took Tristram out of the tourney. Not knowing the identity of the "Black Knight" (and being rather characteristically dense and unable to see through such an obvious disguise), Lancelot wounded Tristram sorely. Dinadan accompanied Tristram off the field, worried that Tristram might die from his wounds. But Tristram proved his endurance by soundly defeating a pursuing Palomides, and even knocking out Sir Gaheris, who had only come by see if Tristram needed his help. Tristram rode off and took up lodging in the castle of Sir Darras to heal. Dinadan joined him there, and strangely enough, Sir Palomides. Yet Palomides did not recognize Tristram without his armor, and kept muttering foul language regarding what he would do if he ever met the Prince of Lyonesse. In the meanwhile, Sir Tristram was awarded the tourney prize in abstentia. Arthur then dispatched ten of his best knights -- including Launcelot, Bors, Ector de Maris, Ywaine and others -- to find and return with Tristram. The High King didn't wish to see one of the best knights of the world once again disappear from his court. Lucan and Ywaine actually found Tristram at Sir Darras', but rather than return with Tristram as a guest of Arthur's, they challenged Tristram and Dinadan to a joust and only ended up with nasty wounds to show for it. Bad luck heaped upon circumstance, the next thing Tristram knew he was cast in prison. It turns out that his host, Sir Darras, had six good sons, five of which had gone to the Castle of Maidens tourney. Of these, three had been killed by the RKnight with the Black ShieldS, and the other two badly maimed for life. A maiden who returned from the tourney with the news also knew that Tristram as the said "Black Knight", and proved it by showing Darras his shield. Tristram, Dinadan and Palomides spent many dark days together, wondering when they would be put to death. Darras' kinsmen wanted to slay the prisoners, but Darras would not agree to it. He fed them well though he did not treat them kindly. Palomides spent his time railing about his long-time rival (still not realizing who Tristram was). Dinadan wondered what he had ever done to deserve such a fate, and Tristram just tried to keep up everyone's spirits. Finally Dinadan pointed out to Palomides that the third man in the cell with them was none other than Sir Tristram himself. Palomides, stunned, fell silent and left off his criticisms. Months passed. Eventually Tristram took ill in the prison near to the point of death, and Palomides even tried to comfort his fellow knight. They were consoled by a damosel who let them know Darras did not mean to have them die in prison. And indeed, Darras soon brought them before him. The old knight, upon seeing Tristram brought so low by illness forgave him the death of his sons. Tristram and Darras made a vow of friendship. Darras furnished them with "harness and horses" and bid them depart in peace. The three took their own separate paths at a crossroads. Tristram rode to a castle and spent a pleasant evening in the presence of a great lady. The next morning, he learned the lady was Morgan le Fay, and he was her prisoner! She would set him on one side of her at her table, and her paramour, Sir Hemison, at the other side. Eventually the paramour grew jealous and charged Tristram with a sword, but dropped it for shame of attacking an unarmed knight and fled from the room. Morgan turned her attentions from her immature lover to Tristram, and made a proposition to him. She would free him if he would bear a special shield to the Castle of Hard Rock tourney. This was the "Shield of Rebuke" -- it pictured a king and queen upon a red (gules) background with a knight standing on both their heads. It was meant to signify the adulterous relationship of Lancelot, Guenever and Arthur, but it failed utterly. Even before Tristram had time to take his leave for the tourney, things turned poorly for Morgan. Just as Tristram was riding off, Hemison rode up to challenge Tristram. Hemison proved himself as immature in the skills of arms as he was in character, and soon lay critically wounded. Tristram continued on his way, and Hemison was carried back to Morgan's castle where he died. Morgan had her paramour entombed and mourned him greatly. Meanwhile, Tristram arrived at the Roche Dure ("Hard Rock") tournament with little other adventure. Morgan had hoped the crowd at the tourney would be shocked at the scandal enough to get Lancelot in serious trouble, and that Arthur would be shamed into taking action against his best friend. Guenever, Ector de Maris, and a few others figured out the symbolism and were worried, but Arthur never caught on. Even heavy hints dropped by one of Morgan le Fay's maidens only intrigued Arthur's curiosity. Arthur even caught up with Tristram and required of him to tell him the meaning of his charge, but Tristram honorably kept the secret to himself. Soon the matter of the shield's symbolism was forgotten. Instead, everyone was impressed by the prowess of it's bearer in the lists and in the melee. Tristram unhorsed and wounded Arthur, and likewise Ywaine, then took his leave. In the forest, he came upon Palomides, who was beset by Sir Breunis Saunce Pite and eight other knights. Tristram easily drove off the cowardly attackers, and helped Palomides to rest under a tree. Once they recognized each other, they put aside their own feud until such a time that Palomides might recover and they could have an honorable fight to settle their differences. Tristram then helped Palomides to his horse, and offered to ride with him until they were safely away from Breunis' lands. Yet they soon encountered a sleeping knight with a covered shield who, when awakened, surprising put both of these good knights to shame with his quick swordplay, then departed quickly. Tristram and Palomides agreed to meet next at the rock Merlin had set near Camelot (at the site where Lanceor and his lady Colombe died). Then Tristram rode off to pursue the knight who had attacked them. He found an easy-to-follow trail of defeated knights: Gawaine, Bleoberis, Kay, Dinadan, and even the young knight Galardoun, who was slain by this mysterious knight. Tristram gave up trying to catch his quarry and turned towards Camelot. But he was waylaid in his travels by Sagramore and Dodinas, who were eager for a joust. They only let him depart in peace after Tristram unhorsed them both and explained he was en route to his duel with Palomides. But instead of finding Palomides at the assigned meeting place, Tristram encountered an even more fierce knight in white. These two great knights battled fiercely for hours until Lancelot told Tristram who he was! The battle between the two greatest knights in the realm ended immediately. Lancelot brought Tristram back to Camelot, and they met Gawaine and Gaheris along the route as well. Tristram was presented with great honor before King Arthur. He told his tale, and it was revealed by Gawaine that the mysterious knight with the covered shield Tristram had been pursuing was actually Lancelot! Arthur also surprised Tristram by inviting him to become one of the Knights of the Round Table. Tristram accepted, and went with Arthur to the Round Table. There, in the siege (chair) of Sir Marhaus, were new letters magically written: "THIS IS THE SIEGE OF THE NOBLE KNIGHT, SIR TRISTRAM." So it was that Tristram, now age 31, became a Knight of the Round Table, and closed the cycle that had begun with his defeat of Marhaus a thirteen years before. The very next year Arthur had King Mark summoned to Camelot for the wicked murders of the knights Bersules and Amant. Lancelot himself was sent to bring Mark to court. He had done so without ever laying a finger on Mark, and yet Mark grovelled at Arthur's feet for fear. The King of Cornwall repeatedly promised to show the Pendragon fealty and to make amends. As a condition of his forgiveness, Arthur set a day to make formal amends between Tristram and Mark. A short time later in 544 AD, Arthur hosted the Friendship Tournament, where Mark and Tristram took formal pledges of friendship and loyalty. But no one at court felt very good about the accord. Lancelot, Lamorak, Dinadan, and many others knew Mark's true colors and were incensed at the preceedings. Yet Lancelot, when he asked Arthur why he had arranged this, found out the truth: this was all done at Tristram's own desire. Secretly Tristram's purpose was to once again be at La Beale Isoud's side. Privately, he felt he would die if he could not see her again. And so, Tristram and Mark rode for Cornwall together in miserable silence. At Camelot, no matter of enjoyment was had for a week and a day after their departure. The next few years were spent by Tristram and Isoud in a mix of wary happiness. Sir Fergus of Ireland brought good tidings to Camelot of Tristram. Lancelot constantly wrote warning to his friend about Mark, who he called "King Fox." Mark intercepted some of these and wrote a few letters himself to discover to Arthur the adultery in his own court. And yet Arthur dismissed it as coming from a man without honor. Dinadan, when he learned of the intrigues of Mark, sent Eliot the Harper to perform his famous lampoon of King Mark at Tintagel. In 547 AD, all of Logres once again shuddered at the rise of Saxon leaders. In the north, Price Ida staked out a frontier centered around his fortress at Banurgh. In Cornwall, Saxons (called "Sessiones" by Malory) led by a captain maned Elias, harried Tintagel itself. Tristram had been wounded in jousts shortly before their landing, and was unable to respond to Mark's summons at first. In Mark's first battle against Elias, the men of Cornwall were routed and driven back into the refuge of Tinagel's rocky peninsula. But soon thereafter Tristram was whole, and arrived with ten of King Arthur's knights in his command. Mark gladly assented to Tristram taking over the command of his armies. Tristram reorganized the Cornish army from three battles into six smaller, more maneuverable units. As well, he arranged a daring late night raid and burned the Saxons' fleet into the cold waters of the Irish Sea. The next day's battle was terrible and final. Elias tried to rearrange his forces to deal with the reorganized Cornish army, but to no avail. Though he was able to break Dinas' lead force, Tristram followed up directly behind and reinforced that part of the line. The battle raged greatly the length of the day. That evening, the wounded were allowed to be carried from the battlefield. Elias, seeing that those within the castle had no intention of surrending, and knowing that without his ships he would not be able to sustain a siege, offered to fight a contest of champions to determine the resolution once and for all. Tristram, still sore and hurt from his original jousting wounds, and now also suffering from new battle wounds, accepted the challenge on behalf of Cornwall. The contest of champions began very sorely for Tristram. Indeed, other than the melee against Lancelot, Tristram had never been so hard pressed. Yet when he saw the Saxons laughing at him, and thought about how might be the last he'd ever see of Isoud, he summoned his strength anew and suddenly slew Elias. The stunned Saxons were taken prisoners, and Mark held them to be ransomed out of Cornwall by their continental relatives. It was after this great victory that Eliot the Harper came to court and sang the lampoon of King Mark to the king himself! But though the harper let Mark know he had been sent by Sir Dinadan, Mark transferred the blame to Tristram, and again began scheming against his nephew. Mark also turned his jealousy to his own brother Boudwin, who had driven off another Saxon invasion by cleverly sending fireships out into the middle of the invasion fleet. He summoned his brother to court, and boldly murdered him with a dagger to the chest. Boudwin left behind a widow, Anglides, and a young heir, the squire Alisander le Orphelin. Everyone at court was stunned. Isoud ensured that Anglides and Alisander were secreted out of Cornwall. A few years passed before Mark's next act of treachery. In 550 AD, Mark persuaded Tristram to go to a tournament hosted by Galahaut of Surluse and King Bagdemagus. For some reason, Galahaut and Bagdemag's were quite uncharacteristically plotting to kill Lancelot! But Mark learned of their rash scheme, and decided to turn it to his advantage. Through various intrigues, Mark insured Lancelot was prevented from arriving at the tourney. Instead he encouraged Tristram's attendance. Tristram did attend, and as usual, was in disguise. Galahaut and Bagdemag's naturally assumed from his prowess Tristram was Lancelot in disguise and attacked him. Tristram, surprised at their ferocity but undaunted, held them off and won the honor of the day. (After this episode, both lords repented their jealousy towards Lancelot and again became his good friends.) Yet Tristram was so sorely wounded that he had to carried off the field in a litter. Mark was glad to bring Tristram such pain. Feigning sympathy, he gladly escorted Tristram away to his castle, saying "Fair cousin, I shall be your leech myself." But late that night, he had Tristram taken away to another of his castles, and there put him in a strong prison. Sir Sadok uncovered Mark's villainy, and soon Dinas the Seneschal, the Cornish knights who held of Tristram, and all of Lyonesse were in open rebellion. Mark forged letters from the Pope and presented them to Tristram in prison. The letters were preposterous: they summoned Tristram to Rome, where he would put together an army for the Pope which would travel to Jerusalem and make war against non-Christian locals. But they made no sense -- why would the Pope in Rome want to put together an army to slaughter Roman citizens in Judea? Worse yet, Tristram noted it was in Mark's unmistakable handwriting. But though the story was unbelievable, the ploy was obvious: Mark wanted Tristram to be free but exiled rather than be a political prisoner, or worse yet, a martyr for the rebellion. His kingdom was now at stake. But Tristram refused to cooperate, preferring to remain in prison. The entire situation was defused by Percivale. Through his great skills, he rescued Tristram from prison before the war became bloody reality. Though Mark was incensed at Percivale's news, it probably also saved his kingdom from dissolution. Dinas had assembled a great army against Mark. But without Tristram's imprisonment to rally around, the army quickly dispersed. As well, Mark made false promises before Percivale to put aside his enmity, and also forged additional letters from the Pope stating that Mark himself was going to go on the strange crusade himself. Many lords thought it might be good if Mark took a long vacation, and the remaining rebellious lords acquiesced and dispursed to their own lands. It would have been prudent to remain in arms long enough to ensure Mark's departure. For no sooner had the last of the rebel lords left court then Mark once again imprisoned Tristram! But Sir Sadok and Dinas arranged a minor coup, and imprisoned Mark himself. They then freed Tristram from prison, put him on a boat with Isoud and send them off to Logres. (At the time they did not know how long they would have to escape, but as it turns out, they were able to keep Mark imprisoned for the better part of a year.) The years 551 AD to 554 AD mark the period of Tristram and Isoud's exile from Cornwall, and the height of his glory. He was thirty-nine and Isoud just a few years younger when they finally ran away together. Once in Logres, all of the shame and degredation of their recent tribulations in Cornwall quickly washed away. They spent a great deal of time with Lancelot at Joyous Garde over the next few years. When Arthur learned of their safe arrival in Logres, he summoned them to Camelot as his personal guests. The High King was so overjoyed to see Tristram he declared that on the next May Day there should be a great tournament in their honor at the Castle of Lonazep, which was near Joyous Garde. In the meanwhile, though, Tristram spent his days in idyllic knightly bliss: hunting, hawking, enjoying Isoud's embrace without fear of discovery or treachery. On his fourtieth birthday, one could honestly say there was probably no happier man on the face of the earth than Tristram of Lyonesse. The month before the tourney, Tristram adventured across the land with the other knights of the Round Table. He reunited with his old friend Dinadan. He fought and defeated Agravaine and Gaheris for their treacherous slaying of Sir Lamorak. Yet he befriended their brother Gareth, who had no part in the murder. Not long after, he also met Palomides on the road. After so many years of bitterness, Palomides and Tristram finally set aside their differences. Shortly after, Palomides took his leave to revenge the death of King Hermance of the Red City. The others retired to Joyous Garde, where Palomides met up with them after his successful quest. The two old enemies were now fast friends. Tristram and Palomides were riding together hunting in the woods beside Joyous Garde one day when Sir Bruenis Saunce Pite attacked them. Tristram, totally unarmored, would have been run through had not Palomides rammed his horse into Breunis' flank at the last minute. As always, the villain escaped, but at least no one was seriously injured. Shortly after that narrow brush with death, Tristram and his companions ventured to the Lonazep Tournament. It was one of the most ornate and largest tourneys ever held. Rather than recount the thousands of individual skirmishes, jousts and melees, suffice it to say that Palomides won the first day's prize, Tristram the second, Lancelot and Tristram split the third day's prize. But by the end of the tournament, tempers had flared, and pledged friendships failed. Palomides once again stormed off, angry at Tristram's turning to King Arthur's side late in the tourney. Afterwards, there was a feast of seven days' length at Camelot. This was partly for Guenever's sake, since she had been too ill to travel north to see the Lonazep tourney. Tristram and Palomides were again reconciled not long after: Palomides had in the meanwhile, been imprisoned by the father of a knight who was slain at the tournament by Palomides. Tristram had heard of Palomides' plight and rode to resuce him, but Lancelot arrived first. But Palomides was moved and greatful for Tristram's show of friendship. Together the three great knights retired to Joyous Garde. But Palomides closeness to La Beale Isoud rekindled his old passions for her. One day many months later, when Tristram was riding through the forest, he heard Palomides sing a plaintive song of love for Isoud while sitting by a well. Tristram was enraged. Palomides sadly explained that he was free to love whomever he wished, even if his love would never be requited. But Tristram would none of it. He challenged Palomides to a day of reckoning for his "treason". But Tristram was wounded by an arrow in the thigh during a hunt just scant days before the arranged event. Palomides arrived at the well again to make good his part of the duel, but Tristram never came. A month afterwards Tristram was whole of his wounds and sought after Palomides, but for the remainder of the summer of 554 AD, they never encountered each other. However, Tristram accomplished such great deeds that the entire de Ganis clan (excepting Lancelot) grew quite jealous of his fame. Word also reached Cornwall, where well-wishers cheered him on with letters and gifts and recommendations. Tristram's estates had also flourished during his absence. Tristram proved a great lord by displaying a great deal of wisdom and insight in his remote management of his demenses. Finally Tristram and Palomides encountered each other. In a mad battle which lasted over two hours, both knights hewed away at each other as few knights have ever done before or since. At last, Tristram knocked Palomides sword from his hand. Had Palomides stooped to pick it up, he would have been cut down. At last, Palomides spoke words of peace to Tristram, and recieved similar concilatory words in return. Yet this time something else happened. Palomides agreed to be Christened for Tristram's sake. So it was that Tristram and Sir Galleron of Galway became Palomides' godfathers. Tristram and Isoud were feasting with King Arthur later that year when Arthur asked Isoud a question to the effect of "which would you rather choose: a life of happiness and dishonor, or a life of misery and honor?" Though Tristram and Arthur went on to speak of many other matters, this issue haunted Isoud. She could not shake the idea of returning to Cornwall, and told Tristram she planned to do so three days later. Solemnly, he agreed to return with her. Even as she made her decision, Mark was busy arranging the murder of Alisander le Orphelin, the orphan son of Boudwin, who he had likewise murdered. So the "honor" in returning to Cornwall was dubious -- Mark was universally reviled by this point. Perhaps Isoud had other reasons she shared with none other except Tristram. For instance, the recent beginning of the Grail Quest had raised to all of Christian Britain many questions about piety. For the duration of the Grail Quest, Tristram stayed by Isoud's side in Cornwall. Isoud, for her part, avoided Mark and kept to her own series of rooms in Tintagel. For the next four long years, Tristram and Isoud led a modest life among the gloom at Tintagel. Jealousy and fear had reached a new height in Mark. He had heard Alisander's knewly-knighted son, Bellengerus le Breus, was already preparing to take his vengance on his great uncle. In the end, it led to his madness. One afternoon in 559 AD, as Isoud listened to Tristram's sad harping and Bragwine napped quietly beside the windowsill, Mark crept into the chamber. He raised a "trenchant glaive" (sharp sword) and brought it down on Tristram's back. Isoud shrieked. Bragwine rose in alarm, but it was too late. Tristram of Lyonesse lay dead. Mark looked menacingly to Isoud as well, but she knelt beside Tristram and touched his face for one last time. With that, she swooned upon his body and died of grief. The whole world seemed to shudder at the news. Indeed many say that when the land of Lyonesse was consumed by the sea the following year, it was in response to the horrible wrong that had been done to the greatest knight Cornwall had ever known. Mark had the lovers buried side-by-side. Thereafter many red roses grew upon Tristram's grave, and white roses upon Isoud's, for his soul was full of knightly courage, and she was always a true and pure lady. King Mark himself lived for six more years in ignoble disgrace. After the battle of Camlann, Mark raised a motley force of free-booters and used it to plunder the once-great city of Camelot. But when he returned to Cornwall, he found Sir Bellengerus le Beuse had pursued him to Tintagel. In this final battle Bellengerus, great-nephew of King Mark, took swift revenge for Mark's dishonorable murders of his own kinsman: his brother Boudwin, and his nephews Alisander le Orphelin and the good Sir Tristram, and for causing the death of his own queen, La Beale Isoud. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To: Peter Corless From: Matt Weltner "Tristram of Lyonesse - Character Statistics" Copyright (c) 1997, Matt Weltner. Excerpted from the work in progress "The Courts of King Arthur", Peter Corless, Editor. (Written for future publication by the Chaosium) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Name: Tristam of Lyonesse Homeland: Cornwall (Lyonesse) Culture: Cymric Religion: Christian Father's Name: Melodias Father's Class:King Lord: King Mark of Cornwall Current Class: Knight Errant Current Home: Cornwall Year Born: 495 Coat of Arms: Charge: Lion Rampant Or (Gold Lion, upright with forepaws raised) Field: Vert (Green) Glory: 40,000 Personality Traits Chivalry Bonus yes (total =80+) Religion Bonus: No Chaste 12 / 8 Lustful Energetic 19 / 1 Lazy Forgiving 17 / 3 Vengeful Generous 17 / 3 Selfish Honest 15 / 5 Deceitful Just 14 / 6 Arbitrary Merciful 10 / 10 Cruel Modest 14 / 6 Proud Pious 6 / 14 Worldly Prudent 2 / 18 Reckless Temperate 11 / 9 Indulgent Trusting 10 / 10 Suspicious Valorous 25 / 0 Cowardly Directed Trait: Loyalty (Lord, King Mark) 30 Love (Family) 18 Hospitality 24 Honor 30 Love (Isoud) 35 Equipment Carried Armor Type: 16 Clothing: 10 L Equipment: Statistics SIZ 21 (Knockdown) DEX 18 STR 21 CON 20 (Major Wound) APP 18 Damage ((STR+SIZ)/6) 7d6 Healing Rate ((STR+CON)/10) 4 Movement Rate ((STR+DEX)/10) 4 Total Hit Points (SIZ+CON) 41 Unconscious (HP/4) 10 Skills Awareness 28 Boating 15 Chirurgery - Compose 25 Courtesy 30 Dancing 22 Faerie Lore 14 Falconry 32 First Aid 19 Flirting 32 Folk Lore 10 Gaming 16 Heraldry 19 Hunting 35 Industry - Intrigue 12 Orate 14 Play (Harp) 30 Read (Latin) 6 Recognize 18 Religion (Christian) 2 Romance 22 Singing 18 Stewardship 12 Swimming 15 Tourney 23 Combat Skills Battle 21 Horsemanship 35 Weapon Skills Sword 38 Lance 38 Dagger 12 Spear 30 Great Sword 17 Grapple 18 Horses Best Warhorse Type: Shire Damage 10d6 Move Armor HP SIZ CON DEX