This is an adventure in Merry Old England during the High Middle Ages (1150-1300). It's a darker time than in most Romances say it was. There's no saving damsels in distress, and there are evil things in the countryside beyond the townes and villages. Bandits and Outlaws, wolves, and so forth are only the most mundane of threats.
the Denizens of Faerie still exist in the land. Goblins, hobgoblins, and trolls (the Norse version); elves and faeries, and monsters of all description.
Background:
King Richard has been captured by King Leopold of Austria, and Longchamps was kicked out a year before by Prince John, who is Prince Regent of England. In December of 1192, a company of men returned from the Third Crusade, finding that England is a different place.
Personalities
Cast of Antagonists
Sir Brian de Bois-Gilbert (pronounced "Brian dey Brau-Gilbear") -- Norman knight. One of the officers of the Knights Templar in England. (LE hm fighter 8).
Sir Reginald Front-de-Bouf -- A local baron who has control of Ivanhoe's lands and estate. His name means "Head of the Ox" in French. (CE hm Fighter 10).
Maurice de Bracy -- Honorable, landless knight with a company of mercenaries. He just falls into bad company. (LN hm Paladin 6).
Sir Guy of Gisbourne -- Sir Guy controls an estate in Nottingham and supports Prince John. The man is loyal to the Prince, as the prince is his liege lord. Sir Guy is over the Sheriff of Nottingham. (LG hm Fighter 7).
Eustace the Monk -- Outlaw churchman who comes out of history. Despite being a Monk, Eustace is a robber and a bandit. Eustace says he worships Christ, but his activities of Banditry suggest worship of a different Master. (CE hm cleric 7; Trickery domain)
The Bishop of the Black Cannons -- Unlike the Bishop of Canterbury, the Bishop of the Black Cannons is a Norman Bishop who is corrupt in his office. (NE hm cleric 10; Trickery domain)
Cast of Allies
Robyn of Locksley -- There are two Robins of Locksley. Robert the Yeoman and Robert, baron of Locksley. The activities of both confuse the Law into thinking they are both Robyn Hode. Other aliases -- Robyn Wood, Robyn Hood. (Yeoman: NG hm rogue 7) and (Noble: NG hm fighter 5/ranger 2).
Robert of Tornham, the Sheriff of Nottingham -- Allied with the PCs, but not necessarily allied with both Robyns. Robert of Tornham is Richard's man, and he is currently trying to catch Robyn Hood for a string of murders as well as for banditry. He's also after Eustace the Monk. (LG hm Fighter 6).
Cedric of Rotherwood -- Saxon baron who is plotting to replace the Plantagenets with an English king. His hope is in Aethelstane of Conningsburgh. (N hm Fighter 12).
Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe -- Son of Cedric of Rotherwood, Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe returns to find that he is Desdichado -- Disinherited. (LG hm Fighter 5).
Richard Plantagenet "Coeur-de-Lion" -- King Richard the First of England. A bad monarch for England, nonetheless, the Nobles recognize his Regency. King Richard does not like his English domain, but likes France a lot more, and rather enjoys fighting for the glory of it. (LG hm Fighter 15).
Lord Belcrath of Sarum, Earl of Salisbury -- Dragonborn man who is lord over the Dragonborn population in Saurum, Salisbury, and Avon. Supporter of King Richard, although many dragonborn hope for a dragonborn on the Throne of England. (LG dragm wizard 8).
It's Complicated
Prince John "Lackhand" Plantagenet -- Prince Regent over England, he kicked Longchamps out for his abuses of the Law. Prince John learns that King Richard is in prison in Austria. He sets about raising the money for his brother, and in so doing, becomes unpopular.
Savaric FitzGeldewin, the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Maid Marian Fitzwalter, possible love interest for the PCs.
Lady Godyf of Nottingham, another possible love interest for the PCs.
