Black Knight (HD)

Spawns:	The Haunted Castle
Health:	3 HP
Damage:	Instant Death (Shield Crush) 1 (Contact)
Stunnable:	Yes
Corpse:	Yes
Size:	Normal (1x1)
Notes:	Drops his shield when stunned.

The Black Knight is the mini-boss of the Haunted Castle, usually found at the top of the level near the coffin that holds Van Helsing.

He is an extremely dangerous foe, carrying a large and impenetrable shield that blocks most attacks from the front. Although the shield reflects all projectiles, including sticky bombs, it does not defend him against the whip. The Black Knight can also use the shield offensively, charging at the Spelunker and using it to crush them against a wall for an instant kill.

Although the Black Knight appears to wear armour like the Green Knight, it does not block any damage. However, this also means he is capable of running and jumping as fast as an angered Shopkeeper, and his armor does not shatter when he takes damage.

If he is stunned, he will drop his shield. When this happens, he will begin to behave like a Green Knight, and is easily killed by picking up the Shield and using it against him.

Trivia

The Black Knight's journal entry is a reference to the Black Knight from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, wherein an imposing Black Knight duels with King Arthur, refusing to give up even after suffering severely debilitating injuries.

Amusingly, Spelunky's Black Knight will often kill Green Knights (and any other enemies in his way) as he charges at the Spelunker. This alludes to the Black Knight in Monty Python killing a knight wearing green armor as he is introduced in the film.