Mad King Thorn

Mad King Thorn is a former king of Kryta who is well known for telling jokes and his insanity. Although it is unknown when he lived, when he was alive he was married to at least eight wives; the fifth, who was burned alive, is said to be his favorite. During Thorn's rule, he had "many squabbles over the years" with Palawa Joko, who was an "up-and-coming king in Elona" at the time. Thorn held exquisite banquets for his court despite a devastating famine in Kryta. He is also known to have skinned villagers alive at some point. He is known for having a hatred for Tengu, Harpies, and Ettins, and he is known to fear Termites. He also had a spout with Qwytzylkak at some point in the past.

During a trip to Elona, he married an Istani princess, having convinced her into marriage by holding her father hostage, who later died under unknown circumstances. Wars are said to have followed after her death.

On the night of his death, he was deserted by his guardsman when a mob stormed the castle, who killed him with a carving knife and burned the palace. After his death, the mob is said to have been "very creative" with his corpse.

As a spirit, often referred to as a Spirit Lord, he lives in the "Mad Realm" within the Underworld and, due to a series of seals restricting him, he is able to return to Tyria for only one day each year: Halloween. The Lunatic Court are attempting to break the seals and bring Thorn back as an undead. The first seal broke when Salma took the throne.

Halloween finale
Mad King Thorn appears in the mushroom circle area in both Lion's Arch and Kamadan (since 2006) for the whole day on October 31st (PDT) for Halloween every 3 hours. Undead horsemen heralds routinely warn travelers of their master's impending arrival in both cities. When he arrives, he begins commanding people. If the players do what he wants - by using emotes - they receive Trick-or-Treat Bags (or different Halloween treats prior 2007). If they fail to comply, they die, but are resurrected before the next command. At the end of the game he gives everyone a festival hat. The game lasts for approximately 30 minutes and includes jokes, commands, rock-paper-scissors games, and a Simon says-like game at the end.

Locations

 * Prophecies
 * Kryta
 * (only during the Halloween finale)
 * Nightfall
 * Istan
 * (only during the Halloween finale)

Dialogue
See Halloween/Finale.