Robin Hood

“We may thieves but we are more noble than any takes from those less fortunate for their own ends.”

Quite possibly the greatest archer in England. Not much is known of his past (by anyone other than Millie) but late in 1192 he took up the moniker Robin Hood and began to oppose the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham, Robert Giscard. A man of great daring, Robin struck without fear at targets others would avoid using surprise and threats as his weapon of choice. Many of his 'attacks' were resolved without a shot being fired or a sword being drawn, others were settled quickly by demonstration of his skill and charm. The one thing that kept Robin from taking the most dangerous of risks is his concern for the men who have banded to him. While small in number there is a strong bond between the Merry Men.

Fighting for the people of Nottingham and Sherwood, opposing Tyranny and standing as a figure for inspiration and tale is what Robin stands for. He steals from the rich to give to the poor but in truth his targets are not the wealthy, but those who gain wealth through corruption and greed. Robin Hoods attempt to draw out Rohen d'Aincourt after hearing the lord to be a good man inadvertently also drew the attention of Sagehollow's emissary Essel and after a brief and somewhat confusing introduction all three forming a bond. This led the Merry Men gratefully accepting Sagehollow as their home and safehaven between strikes against Giscard and his allies.

Essel, Arianwen and others believe this Robin to be a faerie attracted to the fictional folk tales inspired by their former ally, Robin of Loxley...

Description
Born: Unknown (apparent age, 28) Height: 5'10" Weight: Lighter than he seems Build: Athletic Nationality: Saxon?

Notable Features: A heroic posture. His trademark hat. Incredibly light footed.

Downtime: Robin is typically seen with his Merry Men which he is clearly quite involved with, whether they be planning their next attack or simply enjoying life and each others company. He is eager to befriend the folk of Sagehollow, even extending invitations for some to become honorary Merry Men, though he only drinks with those who have become part of his band. He and his men are generally happy to do their part around Sagehollow since it is their new home.

Fun Fact: Despite his forestry skills and knack with stealth, Robins confidence occasional gets the better of him causing him to reveal himself deliberately.

Greatest Fear: Losing one of his Merry Men.

Characteristics
Intelligence -2 Perception +1 Strength +1 Stamina +0 Presence +1 Communication +1 Dexterity +2 Quickness +2

Might: 10 Reputation: Bandit 3 (Sherwood)

Virtues

 * Increased Might (Recovers one every two and a half hours)
 * Improved Pretence (Puissant: Unmatched Bowman)
 * Humanoid Faerie (No special effect)
 * Reputation as Confidence
 * Pretentious (Close bond with his group, three advancements per year)
 * Lesser Powers:
 * Allure (+3 to Impress/Convince others. 2 cost, Sun)
 * Black Arrows (+5 Weapon Damage. 3 Cost, Diam)
 * Personal Power: Flight (Being only Narrowly Cognizant Robin isn't aware he can fly, only that he can balance perfectly and easily manage jumps or 'climbs')
 * Ways of the Forest (Major)
 * Passes for Human (Free)
 * Narrowly Cognizant (Free)

Flaws

 * Susceptible to Deprivation (Needs Air, Food & Water)
 * Enemy (Major: Robert Giscard, unaware of the difference in Robins)
 * Overconfident (Major)
 * Compassionate
 * Higher Purpose (Freeing People from Tyranny)
 * Careless with Stealth (Confidently announcing himself)

Personality Traits

 * Brave +3
 * Heroic +3
 * Loyal +3

Key Pretenses

 * Unmatched Bowman
 * Master of the Woods
 * Athletics
 * Charm
 * Sherwood/Nottingham Area Lore

Languages

 * English 5
 * French 3

Abilities

 * Area Lore: Sherwood/Nottingham (Giscards Allies) 3
 * Artes Liberales (Astronomy) 1
 * Athletics (Showmanship) 4
 * Awareness (Forests) 3
 * Charm (Making Friends) 3
 * Etiquette (Nobility) 1
 * Folk Ken (Judging Demeanour) 3
 * Guile (Giscards Allies) 3
 * Language: English (Those in Need) 5
 * Language: Norman French (Courtly Terms) 3
 * Master of the Woods* (Finding Paths) 4
 * Military Lore (Ambush) 1
 * My Merry Men** (Inspiring) 3
 * Stealth (Forests) 3
 * Swim (Short Distances) 3
 * Unmatched Bowman*** (Archery) 5

* Combines Hunt & Survival but only within Forests. ** Combines Carouse & Leadership but only with sworn allies. *** Combines Longbow and Quarterstaff only. Combat Soak: 4 Encumbrance: 0

Typical Gear
Sturdy Longbow, Hat, Fine Rope, Heavy Ragged Cloak with Hood. Sagehollow Aegis token.

Opinions of Others
Essel – An impressive woman. She fooled me well and had the wisdom to see she had been deceived by the man Loxley, welcoming me to Sagehollow in his stead. Arianwen – A quiet sort, calculating perhaps. I have yet to win her over. Rohen d'Aincourt – A young lord with a fair mind. I hope I did not trouble him unduly in my efforts to encourage him to extend an invitation to meet. Farnesfield will benefit from our alliance I have no doubt. Millicent "Millie" the Inquirer – Such a curious and bright soul, more than welcome to join my band! Understands the value of a good hat. I consider her a friend. Friar Tuck – Truly a good man and always quick with a smile. He praises my actions and I praise his. Without him it would be far more difficult to distribute goods to those who need them. Much – A trusted and good man with a bow if not startled, though hopeless with a sword. His skill as a huntsman is always valued. I hope to continue to be worthy of his admiration. Alan-a-Dale – Perhaps the finest minstrel in Sherwood, certainly the finest poser with a bow despite his inability to shoot. His tales of our exploits are truly moving. David of Doncaster – It was terrible to see disillusionment in one who has served his king in battle. I hope he will overcome his caution in time by my example. There is none better at escaping trouble and finding places to hide. Loxley – It saddens me to see men let greed overcome duty. I can only hope he first took up my name with the intention to do good before harsh times led him astray.. The same for his men. On his return he has shown a different side than was first implied. Perhaps good will triumph over greed after all! Attacan – A good man, one of the most loyal I have met. True to his word and honest. Robert Giscard – A lost soul, corrupt beyond redemption. I would put an arrow through his heart but unless his crimes are first brought to light I fear his replacement would be no better..

The Legend
1193 The dear Friar has insisted the new lord at Farnesfield was a good, if not pious, man. Trusting his judgement we hatched a plan... Having ambushed one of the vile collectors me and my band awaited Rohen d'Aincourt's reaction. In time it came, the young lord chose to watch over a cart himself – Naturally I accepted the invitation and greeted him as it would turn out he himself had hoped. Rohen was accompanied by servants of another lord. One I hadn't heard of named Ser Humphrey. They, as with Rohen himself, proved to be good people who disagreed with Giscard's actions. On hearing that the wealth had been redistributed they came to trust me and as hoped we came to an agreement. Rohen would use his courtly family knowledge to ensure I strike only at those allied with Giscard or guilty of their own corruption!

For my part I agreed to return Farnesfield's funds which had been held back in the hope our dear Friar's words showed to be trust, as they did. Before that however word came that some imposter using my name had stolen funds Ser Humphrey intended to help the young lord avoid Giscards wrath... I knew my name and deeds would inspire, but I had hoped it would be good. The mislead imitator led a large band, I was disheartened to see that greed attracted so many but one of Ser Humphrey's servants proved a powerful caster of magic.. Between that and myself, and Millie, subduing their leader there was thankfully no need for bloodshed.

The woman, Essel, is a mage of a great Order. She has hidden her magic from her lord and asked that Rohen and I do the same. Since they too are enemies of Giscard I agreed. In turn she has welcomed me to their safehaven, a refuge in Sherwood named Sagehollow. I had hoped for an ally and information to help fight Giscard's oppression. We found not only that but much more! Sagehollow will be our home, from which we will strike against Tyranny and the other ills of this world...

My imitator returned to Sagehollow! I allowed him a clean hit to my face in compensation for the one I delivered to him, after which we shared a drink. He seems to have agreed to swear of some of his greed too, I can only assume that seeing the true nature of the man who inspired him has led him to rethink his ways. It would be grand if we could become friends of a sort.