View source for Merlin, Archdruid of England

{{Featured article}}
{{Infobox person
| name             = Myrddin Emrys
| honorific_suffix = Archdruid of England
| image            = File:Merlin.jpg
| caption          = Merlin at Tintagel, prior to taking Uther's child
| birth_date       = Unknown
| birth_place      = Unknown
| residence        = Unknown
| occupation       = Druid, Exile
| known_for        = 
Obtaining Excalibur for King Uther</br>Incredible magical powers</br>Taking the child of Uther and Ygraine
| spouse           = 
| children         = 
| parents          = Unknown
| years_active     = Unknown, rumored to be several centuries
| ethnicity        = Cymric
|religion          = British Pagan
}}

'''Myrddin Emrys''' is the current Archdruid of England, known to most as '''Merlin Ambrosius'''. There are many legends concerning his background and history, and it is said that no man alive truly knows the truth behind the great sorcerer. It is commonly accepted, by most Christians at the least, that Merlin was the product of an unholy consummation between a devil and a virgin, and was intended to be the antichrist. Fortunately, a friar found the child and baptized him, successfully excising the demonic influence on the youth, but leaving him with a preternatural ability to see the future. Some claim that Merlin lives his life in reverse, accounting for his knowledge of events to come and allowing him the foresight to be exactly where he means to be at all times. Other stories claim that he is a representative of the Seelie Court, or perhaps the Unseelie Court, who was sent to interact with humanity for some unknown purpose. Still others claim that he was a child taken by the Tylwyth Teg as a baby and was raised in the [[Otherworld]].

His powers are shrouded in as much mystery as his own history, but he has been documented to have the ability to change his form at will, has an extraordinarily long life, and seems to be able to control the weather itself. Merlin was recorded as having visited Julius Caesar 500 years ago, and has also been recorded at times to be over 18 feet tall. Since becoming an adviser to [[King Uther Pendragon]], Merlin has turned a number of battles to the favor of [[Locations#Logres|Logres]] through the use of omens and magic. After using his powers, Merlin typically goes into a deep trance, sometimes for years at a time, in order to regain his energy. It is also well known that he can walk freely between worlds, often doing business among the Fae races and crossing beyond thresholds with little hesitation or trouble.

Merlin is currently in exile, having stolen the child of Uther and Ygraine, and has not been seen since. All lords of Logres are ordered to kill him on sight.

== Personality ==

Merlin is an enigma to many men. He can be very patient in his schemes, but he has a short-temper when confronted with the short-sighted. He is often rude, cynical, and bitter, but he seems to have a streak of idealism as well. Merlin often speaks in riddles which only become clear once he has attained his true purpose, and he is not above using others as puppets in order to attain his goals.

== Important Deeds of Note ==

Merlin's deeds of note stretch far back into distant history, but of most relevance are the deeds he has undertaken for Logres. He is largely responsible for the rise of Uther Pendragon to power, and seems intent on ensuring that Pendragon takes the throne of the High King of England, just as Uther's brother, Aurelius Ambrosius, did before him. Their relationship has not been without contention, however, and Merlin seems to grow ever more impatient with the shortcomings of King Uther.

In [[486]], Merlin encountered [[Characters_(Pendragon)#The Ursine Brotherhood|the Ursine Brotherhood]] for the first time. The young knights were finishing up an uneventful patrol around [[Locations#Salisbury|Salisbury]] when they were confronted by an old goat herd commanding them to go fetch [[Earl Roderick of Salisbury]]'s prized goat from on top of a hill. When the knights went off in search, they found a goat the size of a young bull which was quickly snatched by a small [[giant]]. Slaying the giant, the elderly man revealed himself to be Merlin himself, who led the knights into the forest. Eventually the knights found themselves transported into the Otherworld, where they were attacked by a [[nukalavee]] and a [[Fae hound]]. Defeating these enemies, the Ursine Brotherhood watched as Merlin took a small boat out to the center of the lake and was presented with [[Excalibur]] by the [[Lady of the Lake]] herself. Merlin thanked the knights for their protection and bade them farewell shortly after this incident.

In [[490]], Merlin helped Uther to avoid civil war by advising him on how best to deal with the difficult negotiations with the army of Cornwall. Later that same year, Merlin used his magic at the [[Battle of Lindsey]] to turn the tide in favor of King Uther's army, leading to the defeat of the armies of [[King Octa]] of the Saxons.

In [[491]], Merlin was present at the battle of Terrabil, but mysteriously disappeared prior to the sneak attack of [[Duke Gorlois of Cornwall]], and was later sighted at [[Tintagel]], having a private meeting with Uther prior to the strange sighting of Duke Gorlois at Tintagel, a man known to have been fighting miles away at Terrabil at that same moment. Uther has been noted as being somewhat uncomfortable around Merlin ever since this odd meeting took place, though he refuses to disclose the reasons behind his behavior.

In [[492]], Merlin appeared before the Ursine Brotherhood outside Tintagel, requesting that they delay attackers who would beset him. Trusting in him as an advisor to Uther, the knights set about an ambush and attacked the knights chasing Merlin. Unfortunately, they were Uther's bodyguards led by [[Sir Brastias]]. Meanwhile, Merlin made off with the infant son of Uther and Ygraine, though his purpose behind this action is not yet known. The infant's fate is unknown. The Ursine Brotherhood were tried for treason later that year but were declared innocent, and Merlin was sentenced in absentia to death. Any lords of Logres who see Merlin have been ordered to kill him immediately.