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.

Soak: 1 Size: 0

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

Opinions of Others
Mages Essel – An impressive woman. She fooled me well and had the wisdom to see the good we could do together. She makes mistakes and has shown herself human after losing her friend but she has grand ideals I can only be impressed by. Arianwen – A quiet sort, calculating perhaps. I have yet to win her over.

Companions 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.

My Merry Folk 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. 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. Mill Scarlet – 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. 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.

Others - Sagehollow Alfred - A good chap but not one to rely on. Attacan – A good man, one of the most loyal I have met. True to his word and honest. Also an amazing shot! If he has faults it is that he puts loyalty before goodness and does not always think his actions through to the end. Cass - A smart lass if a little peculiar. She was more than willing to rob from the rich but I do wonder if she would stop there... 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!

Others - Elsewhere 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.. Guy of Gisborne - A fool who follows his master without question is no better than the master himself. Lord William Marshal - A truly great man. Even in our brief encounter I could see that he values life and loyalty over the likes of Giscard. Marion - What beauty did my eyes befall? Duty comes before love but perhaps fate will cross our paths again. Leopold, the German - A talented archer with ties to Giscard it seems, but what more I know not. Mary - A good-hearted woman making the most of her difficult situation. I will make sure that Friar Tuck keeps an eye on her where able.

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.

~ ~ ~

Giscard held another contest. Perhaps it was to bolster his standing with the great William Marshal but I have no doubt he skimmed some coin of his own from it. The trap was obvious, an archery contest? Please, and to reward gold when Richard is in such need? Foolish beyond measure. Naturally I attended, how could I not?

Attacan accompanied me, along with two from Sagehollow though only one seemed to have her head about her and any skill. We each found what we could, even learning of where we could listen in on Giscards men to learn more about this prisoner he is holding captive. Allies too were met which proved our quest right. I had no doubt as to our upcoming success.

The contest went as expected, with Attacan performing above expectations, until a gust of wind distracted me from my aim. I struck at one of the cruelest of Giscards men who was bearing over the crowd, which led me to be recognised.. Giscard had hoped for me to play his game to the end and was angry at his plan going astray until Marshal insisted the contest continue, valuing honour over the sheriffs trickery. Attacan reluctantly stepped out leaving me and Leopold to match up. The man represented his home admirally but I proved victorious, sending Giscard over the edge!

His men came for me but I would not simply flee. Trusting the men would not fire into the crowd I lept atop the stand and rushed to meet Giscards eye, doffing my hat to stir his fury - Marshal and the Kings niece, Marion, were more amused and impressed. Guy made a lackluster attempt to give chase but before he could face me a shot from the crowd wounded Giscard.

Cass and I united where planned, trusting the others had to lie low elsewhere. There we listened to the meeting between the worried members of the guard. We learnt information which may aide the rescue of the captive, Erin. I would have tried a rescue then with all distracted and on edge from the days events but doing so would have endangered those with me and perhaps even have spoiled the spirits of the good men and women who had attended the festivities and rallied together at my betrayal.. As such we returned to our forest home after rejoining our last companions.