In Progress Let's Play Conquests of the Longbow

[Darth Roxor]

You go ahead. The widow needs my comfort for a short while yet.

RUH-ROH

'Brother', he said, 'don't expect much of the Abbot, after all he is a fat, uglisome, lazy, stupid coward and entirely corrupt.

 

[Drakron]

No ordinary ring, either. My master -- God save the King! -- saved the life of a magician during the siege of Jerusalem.

Richard, its a Crusade for the faith, not against it ... what the fuck were you doing saving the life of warlocks?

 

[Sceptic]

Day 7: The Green Giant

After two rather full days, this is another quick-playing one.

Notice the two monk disguises. The game lets you keep them in case you don't get everything you need on days 5 and 6. You can also get some fun game overs with them on day 8.

Time to go meet Marian and give her the scroll.

A good place to start would be the willow grove.

As before, Robin lays down his weapons before entering the grove.

'Tis good to see you safe, Robin.

How do you know when I seek you here? It's most uncanny.

The willows gather messages for me from all parts of the forest. I know you've been to the Monastery.

Did the willows tell you of Fulk?

The King's Fool? What of him?

I rescued him from torture at the hands of the monks.

Oh, Robin! I'm very fond of Fulk. Was he badly hurt?

I found him before the strappado had worked much damage. He's gone to the Queen.

I'm so glad to hear it. Thank you for saving him.

To see your smile, I would brave a hundred torture chambers.

Don't say that! Let us speak only of good news and future plans.

Let's give her back her scroll first.

You are so clever! Now, I have a gift of great importance to bestow upon you.

A kiss?

Oh Robin.

Robin! Cease being a rogue for but a moment and watch closely.

Your life and all our plans will depend upon knowing what I will now show you.

She holds up the scroll.

Letters fade in as she raises it to the light.

Long ago the Druids devised this Hand Code. By touching the tip or a part of each finger, the thumb or the palm, you signify a certain letter.

In this way, you can spell out words upon your hand.

The letters are branded in my mind. I close my eyes and see them still.

Aye, the spell upon this scroll has that power. That is why I had to have it.

But let us be sure. Spell out 'Robin' with the Hand Code.

The hand cursor automatically goes to the letters, which are now invisible.

Keep the scroll safe.

So I may study the code again?

Nay, only a priestess such as myself can make the letters appear.

The game doesn't expect you to remember the code, it's actually laid out in a diagram in the manual. It's another form of copy-protection.

But you must give it to the Queen's spy. The Queen has a lady who will teach the Hand Code to her most trusted Knight.

It will be that Queen's Knight who will receive whatever ransom you have when the time comes.

And this Queen's spy?

Soon, the Saturday Fair begins in Nottingham. The Queen's spy will come disguised as a Scholar.

Amidst the numerous merchants and vendors from all parts of England, he can mingle more safely.

He'll carry a book containing royal coats-of-arms.

Mayhap he will mingle freely enough, but you've said naught of how I shall perform this miracle.

I would do it myself, but I'll be too closely watched.

If you doubt you can carry out such a difficult task--

Reverse psychology!

Little vixen! You prick my pride, knowing full well I'll die of shame before I fail you.

And how prettily you blush, knowing I've caught you out.

I keep forgetting you're not like other men. But truly, if it IS too dangerous, I won't ask it of you.

The Prince will also have spies there.

Do you think you could keep me away from Nottingham's largest fair? The archery tournament alone would draw me in.

As the Sheriff will expect.

I can fool the Sheriff.

Robin, if you do meet me in the town, we must act as strangers.

I'll take care not to endanger you.

Now, how am I to find this Queen's spy? There could be more than one Scholar.

Aye, and he'll be testing you as well. When you speak with him, you must ask him to show you the coat-of-arms of The

He'll open his book and show you coats-of-arms. You must be sure he shows you the right one.

When you see the correct coat-of-arms, give him the Hand Scroll at once.

This is all basically detailing what you need to do on day 8... and incidentally it will be yet another form of copy-protection.

And after the fair, shall I meet you here again? Or will you come to my camp and meet my men?

Why...I'd like that. I'll come on the night after the Fair.

I'll watch for you.

There's something I wish you to do even before then.

What? Another task?

This is for your own protection. Now that you know the Hand Code, you must seek out the Green Man who dwells in the ancient oak.

I know the grove and the oak well. You seem most anxious about this.

The Sheriff has been raising a force of men and threatens to scour the forest clean of outlaws.

If you can gain the Green Man's protection, it could save your life.

I'll heed your words and do as you ask.

The Green Man's protection? Yes, copy-protection.

Anyway, let's chat with Marian a bit more.

Is there more you can tell me of the Green Man?

He'll test you and the test will require all your wits, and if you fail.....

If I fail?

You must not. That's all I can say.

This news of the Sheriff raising more men concerns me greatly.

He swears he'll not rest until he's searched every glade of Sherwood.

Is there a chance he could find your camp?

We're well hidden. I worry more for you in town where I cannot protect you.

When a land has no justice, no place is safe.

There are a number of things we can show her, starting with Fulk's verses.

These are most interesting verses. I know this hand.

Were these written by Fulk?

Aye, he gave them to me and told me to look for a deeper meaning within.

I thought perhaps he had something else hidden inside, as he did a magical ring. But the shaft is empty.

Fulk only plays the fool, but he is no man's fool at all.

If he bade you study them, he had good reason. Therefore, I bid you do the same.

There's the wooden box we stole from the abbot on day 5.

Is that the Abbot's?!

Aye. Has he missed it yet?

I shall say he has! What a fine fit of temper he had when he found it gone.

I've heard rumours it contains a magic ring.

I've been told this myself, but I've yet to open the box.

Perhaps you'd care to try.

Nay, you're bound to be more clever with such a thing. Keep trying.

Next is the Water Ring.

This ring has a wondrous good feel to it.

It's a magic ring which can command spirits of the water.

Ah, that explains it, for I have a great affinity with water through my willows.

It belongs to King Richard. Perhaps you should keep it.

I trust you to guard it. It pleases me to know you have it.

And we leave the best for last! Remember Marian's reaction when we showed her the emerald the first time? This is the symbol of their love. We will continue where we left off last time.

Have I mentioned how much I love the music? The piece that plays here is stunning. The entire soundtrack is perhaps Seibert's and Allen's finest, and considering their usual level of quality, that is mighty fine indeed.

Now that we've spoken of spies and danger, perhaps the sight of this stone will bring to mind more pleasant thoughts.

Truly, I should go....

Marian, will you always run from me?

I feel I've caught the shadow of a dream, while the true woman runs like a doe at my merest touch.

I fear to entangle your heart too deeply. 'Tis not Prince John alone who is my enemy.

The Abbot suspects that I serve the forest powers. If he should find me out--

What has this to do with our love?

Oh, Robin. Already I feel that I would die if anything happened to you.

I don't want you to feel the same about me or to rush foolishly into danger if I should be caught.

Then you're too late, sweet lady. I love you with all my soul.

Will you let fear destroy the only moments of sweetness we may ever know?

Kiss me, Marian.

Take more than one kiss, my beloved. Take all I have to offer.

She's technically not a maid anymore, but anyway...

I'll look for you at the Fair.

Look only for the Queen's man disguised as the Scholar.

Think of your mission, not of me, for your enemies will be all around you. Farewell.

And with that she leaves.

Robin takes his weapons and leaves as well.

Let's go get the Green Man's protection. He's at the ancient oak, which I showed on day 1.

Talking to him doesn't do much.

Green Man, spirit of Sherwood, come forth!

I didn't think that would work.

What you need to do is use the golden net that the widow gave us back in day 5 to capture a forest pixie, and ask it to take us to the Green Man. The pixies appear after you idle in any forest screen for a bit.

This shows my (failed) attempt at capturing one. They move fast, and the game is a bit peculiar about timing and aim. We finally catch one though.

No wish! Pixie no wish!

What do you mean? You can't grant wishes?!

Pixie no power. Green Man big power. Green Man sleep oak, dream magic all forest.

Say go. Pixie take Green Man. Green Man all wishes. Say go!

Very well. Go!.

All good! Follow!

The pixie takes us to the great oak.

Old Man Oak.

Father Tree.

Green Man Green Man.

Come and See!

The Green Man comes out.

Do you rule the forest, Green Man?

I am its heart and soul. My wil moves from root to root.

My thoughts sough in the leaves.

The pixie said you grant all wishes.

They are acorn-imps, foolish and rootless. Wishes are the dream-stuff of fleshlings.

Mine is the power to grant you the protection of the Druid trees.

But my protection is not easily earned. My riddles are perilous.

Those who fail my test join the forest and are nevermore clothed in flesh.

Dwell upon that before you speak again.

Robin is no coward!

I'll risk the peril of your riddles if that is the only way I may earn your protection.

It is the only way. Let us begin.

He turns Robin's lower half into a tree!

Tongue cleave! Speak no more!

Legs to wood, toes to root! Deep into the earth you dig!

Half man, half tree, only the freedom of your hands I leave thee.

If you pass my riddles, I will restore you.

If you fail, you will become a full oak, never walk as a man again.

I will pose the riddles. You must spell out the answer in the Druid code.

I will begin.

As he spelled out, the goal is to figure out the answer and give it in the hand code.

Spoiler

You can get 2 wrong answers.

Nay, that is not it. You may try again.

Nay, you are wrong again. Once more you may try before all is lost.

But on the third wrong one...

You have failed!

He turns Robin into a full tree.

Wait until you drop your first acorns and feel the birds nest in your branches. Then you will know true contentment.

Doesn't sound like such a good deal to me!

Since this is copy-protection, you're not expected to remember the code from that brief glimpse, but rather to consult this handy page in the manual.

This one is not as irritating as the gems, but you can still brute-force it, by clicking randomly and making a note where each letter is, essentially recreating the diagram. Anyway we figure out the answer to the riddle, then use the diagram in the manual to it in code.

Aye, that is the word. Two more riddles you must answer. Here is the next.

Once again.

Aye, you are right again. The final riddle is upon you.

The game chooses three from a larger pool, I think they're chosen randomly.

As we get the last one right, we become fully human again.

Spoken like a true fleshling. Now heed me. From this moment on, my protection is yours.

I have laid a spell upon your form and the clothings of your flesh. In this form alone will the trees know you.

When danger is upon you, seek out the heart of a grove of Druid trees. Only within the grove is the magic powerful enough.

Spell out the secret name of the Druid trees and they will hide you until the danger is past.

But only the true Druid name spelled in code will serve.

I weary of this man speech. Farewell.

And with that he retreats back into the oak tree.

The gist of it is that Robin can use the hand code to disguise himself as a tree. However it will only work if he has his outlaw grab (none of the disguises will work), and only if he is within a grove, and spells out the name of the tree in code. I'll show this in action on day 9. For now, that's the end of this day.

Aye, with a smile that won't fade and a dreamy look in your eyes.

Aha! There can be one cause for such contentment! And her name is Marian.

She loves me as truly as I love her. You'll meet her soon and judge her worth for yourselves.

What of this task she sets for you?

I'll worry about that when the Fair begins. I must also find a way to enter the Tournament.

And avoid Prince John's spies.

No risk is too great for our King.

Day 8 will have quite a bit more to do.

 

[Abelian]

Look like it's no fun being Jack-In-The-Green.

 

[Darth Roxor]

 

[Sceptic]

Day 8: The Fair

Previously:

Soon, the Saturday Fair begins in Nottingham. The Queen's spy will come disguised as a Scholar.

When you see the correct coat-of-arms, give him the Hand Scroll at once.

I'll worry about that when the Fair begins. I must also find a way to enter the Tournament.

This is a fun day, with a ton of little easter eggs. As usual with this game, most of it is optional but plays into the best ending. There are also many, many ways to die. And more copy-protection.

You can see both monks' disguises on the ground. At this point neither is useful and neither should be used, for obvious reasons considering what we did on days 5 and 6.

Spoiler

Of course we can still go ahead and use them.

I'll need to take care if I'm to pass as one of these militant monks. I'll take with me only what I feel is necessary.

When we head to the Fair in this garb, we are greeted by an unpleasant welcoming committee.

You dare to show your face here, imposter?

You men, arrest this false monk!

If we go as an abbey monk instead, we get another abbey monk that recognizes Robin.

You there! I've seen your face!

Solders, arrest him! That's ROBIN HOOD!

Both game overs lead to the same conversation by the Merry Men.

Aye, after all that's happened, you can be sure the local monks and Sheriff's men would be keeping a sharp eye out for him.

Better he'd entered in a guise less likely to arouse suspicion.

Aye, you could say it was a bad habit.

Groan.

On the way out of the cave, Robin is greeted by his men.

What ho, lads? You all look a trifle glum?

Have you forgotten? Today is the Saturday Fair.

The town will be filled with merchants from all parts of the world, fine goods...

...the archery tournament...

...good food...

How could I forget my mission? I must find a safe way to go to the fair today.

But if that's what worries you--

Of course not. We're wishing WE could go.

Well, go! You're all clever men. If you can find a means and wish to risk your necks, by all means do so.

That's all we wanted to hear, Robin. We didn't want to get in your way.

Rubbish! Be off with you! But don't get caught!

We need a new disguise for the day. As usual, the Overlook is the answer.

An archer coming down the road, when we need to enter an archery tournament. How convenient!

I bid you welcome to Sherwood Forest, good Yeoman.

Good day.

You're going to Nottingham?

Ayup, that I am.

And from the looks of you, to shoot in the archery tournament.

Ayup, that I am.

You're a man of few words.

Ayup, I be a simple man of the north country.

You seem little afraid. Weren't you warned of the bold outlaw, Robin Hood? It is he who stands before you.

I fear God and I fear the devil, but I fear naught else.

Well said, my friend. And if I want a payment from you before you pass along Watling Street?

I've naught but three pennies to pay my way to town and compete.

That's why I go to shoot. The prize is a golden arrow. I mean to win it, for the lass I love canna wed me until her father finds me worthy.

But if ye seek to rob me, I'll nae stand idly by, mark ye that.

There are little hints here that this is not your usual Watling encounter and that intimidation or violence, which usually work in other encounters, is not an option here.

What manner of archer are you, to think you can compete with the finest archers in the shire?

I've fired a hundred arrows every day since I was but the height of me father's knee.

Aye, but so have I and more. The odds are against you, my friend.

Mayhap. But it'll nae stop me from trying.

Aye, and if you shoot well enough, the Sheriff might offer you a place in his service.

Win or lose, I return to the north country.

I've heard nae good of this Sheriff that I should want his favour, and me lass waits for me with loyal heart.

The yeoman is not a bad guy, which is also the game's way of telling you not to deal with the situation aggressively.

Spoiler

There are a number of ways to to mess up here. One, of course, is to simply threaten to shoot.

I've a need for those clothes you wear. Will you give them to me, or must I test your courage?

Ye'll take nothing from me, outlaw!

I'll not warn you again.

And I warn ye, don't try to outdraw me. I'm as swift as any man.

You don't actually get a second chance, Robin immediately draws.

Unfortunately, just because Robin Hood is the quickest draw doesn't mean someone as quick isn't out there.

Aye, we return from the Fair and find him alongside the unknown Yeoman, both skewered as neat as can be.

Robin must have made some terrible error in dealing with the fellow and met his match rightly enough.

I thought Robin was faster than anybody, but I guess even Robin Hood can get careless.

A wise lesson, Much. There are old outlaws and bold outlaws, but there are no old, bold outlaws.

Another stupid thing to do is to just take out the horn and sound it.

Why do ye sound that horn?

I'm calling my men. I've a mind for them to be here.

Your men!?!

Even stupider? Tell him why.

Bloody stupid outlaw. D'ye think I'd stand here and be surrounded like a lamb to slaughter?

Aye, I thought he was simply so well disguised, not even I could recognize him.

I thought it odd he didn't show up for the Tournament. And when I said 'naught but death would have kept him away', little did I dream I was being prophetic!

He must have met his match, but whoever killed him is long gone now. We shall never know what error led him to this unfortunate end.

Another bad option is to try and approach the yeoman too close, which makes him feel threatened.

I've no wish to do ye harm, but if ye not lay down your bow and quiver, I'll loose this arrow!

I shall swear to let you pass--

Ye shall let me pass upon my terms! Lay them down ere me fingers slip!

Stand ye aside and make no move until I am gone.

I mark you well, friend. I'll not play target for your practice today.

The road is yours.

By the Virgin, I admire a man so bold as to hold me at bay!

He's hurried on, but if I'm clever, I can yet catch him further south upon the street.

Unfortunately I cannot figure out any way to catch up to him. I think there are alternatives to getting into the Fair but I didn't explore them for this playthrough.

There's really only one way to get the disguise, and that's to convince the yeoman that an up-front payment is safer than taking a chance with the tournament. Unlike encounters like the beggar, small change won't do here.

I'll make you a bargain. You see, I've a need to enter Nottingham today, and your clothes would make a fine disguise.

Ayup, so's you could try for that golden arrow for yourself, I reckon. Nay, keep your coins, I'll--

Wait. My purpose is more urgent than the tournament, though I could indeed put that golden arrow to a greater use than you can guess.

You may be a fine archer, but I know the competition and I say, without slighting you, that you stand little chance.

Here's what I offer--a purse of silver worth 50 marks and a new suit of clothes in fine Lincoln green.

'Tisn't half the worth of the golden arrow, but a respectable sum, all the same.

In Nottingham you risk all and likely gain nothing. Here, you risk nothing and gain far more than you have now.

I'll not sell my bow or arrows!

Of course not, my friend. Would I want to shoot with other than my own bow?

I'll see that purse of silver first, if ye don't mind. Not that I don't trust ye, but--

Hahaha! Gladly will I oblige you.

Stand fast while I call my men.

This time, since a deal is being made, the yeoman doesn't shoot Robin when he calls his men.

This good Yeoman has made a fair bargain with me. Tuck, I've promised him a purse of silver worth 50 marks.

50 marks! For what?

Why, for his clothes. Will, bring him a suit of new cloth and fetch back an eyepatch for me as well.

50 marks!? For THOSE clothes?!

Will, you'll take my own garb and weapons back to my cave.

But 50 marks!

In before jokes about him not being christian.

Come, my penny-counting Friar, he does me a service and he has a fair lass to win to wife.

Bring him the purse and wish him well.

Hrmph...for 50 marks, she'd best be the most beautiful girl in the shire.

I need to make a count of the disguises Robin goes through by the end. So far I already have six different portraits for Robin.

One eye or two, no man will best me.

Escort our friend by the shortest way north through Sherwood.

I wager he's eager to find his way home, and to a certain lass, as quickly as his feet can carry him.

Ayup, that I am! God preserve you, outlaw. You be a good man.

The game even uses a different portrait for the yeoman now that he's in a different garb, and even though you only see it for two lines. I love the attention to detail.

Kiss the girl once for me!

What would Marian think?

I'll nae do that! But I thank ye all the same.

Time to get into the Fair!

The Fair consists of 4 screens going west to east, and we start at the eastmost. Going west from the fourth screen leads to the archery tournament. Some encounters are fixed on each screen, other people wander around and you have to follow them to talk to them. You can immediately notice the brightly coloured lady walking around. I think you can guess who she is.

[tipsfedora]

Sir, you are most bold. Please step aside.

I'd heard that the ladies of Nottingham are of unsurpassed beauty, and now I am convinced.

Sir, I must ask again that--OH!

She finally recognizes Robin.

Is something wrong, m'Lady? Can it be that we've met before?

Oh, I--nay, 'twas only that you reminded me of a certain rogue I know.

What? A rogue? You wound me!

He's a most foolish rogue, who forgets his danger when surrounded by enemies.

Nay, he never forgets, save when dazzled for but a brief moment by a vision of loveliness.

Then I must, by all means, be on my way.

There's not much else you can do with Marian.

The Fair is full of Sierra employees, some of which have some quite funny lines. Witness this little exchange between the Coles of Quest for Glory fame.

The man carrying wood is another one.

I tried finding Christy Marx herself but unfortunately could not, though I'm sure she's here somewhere.

Anyway we move on west to the next part.

There is a beggar in the lower left part of the screen that we can chat with.

How did you lose your leg?

In the Crusades, serving the King.

I took an arrow in it and the wound festered. The leech had no choice but to chop it off.

We of course give him a farthing, which gets us one step closer to the ideal of a good chartiable Christian a perfect score.

My thanks.

While wandering around back near the first screen, we see a scholar walking by. Let's see if he's the Queen's spy.

Eh? Oh, aye, aye, merry day to you.

I see you carry books.

Aye, aye, I'm a Scholar, you see. Would you care to buy a book? Every man should own a book once in his life.

Perhaps you have a book which shows the coat-of-arms of South Saxons.

Oh dear, oh dear, I'm not sure. I must have a look. Let's see....ah, would this be the one?

DOSBox ate this screenshot (why does it keep doing this?) but it showed the wrong symbol.

Oh, dear. It may be in one of my other books. I'll fetch it from home and bring it back.

There are three "scholars" walking around the Fair. Only one is an actually scholar. Of the other two, one is the Queen's spy, and one is Prince John's spy. What you have to be careful of is talking to the Queen's man and not with John's. As for this scholar, he's completely unaware of the political situation and is actually safe to talk to. It's even safe to show him the hand scroll, and his reaction is quite amusing.

Oh, my. This is...umm...I'm sorry, but this is quite useless.

Why it's not even a very good drawing. If it were an anatomical tract, why then I might be able to find a buyer for it.

We keep wandering around until we encounter another scholar.

Greetings, Yeoman. Whom have I the honour of addressing?

Puck is my name. That's a heavy book you carry.

Aye, knowledge is a weighty matter. Are you a seeker after wisdom, good sir?

Forsooth, I am, as you've rightly guessed. Have you a book with the coat-of-arms of South Saxons.

I can indeed help you with that. Is this it?

As he takes the coat-of-arms out to show, the two guards enter the scene and stand by. This is the game's not-so-subtle warning that you are treading on thin ice. In other words, that this is Prince John's spy.

Is this it?

This is your cue to not identify the correct coat-of-arms and simply walk away, at which point the guards leave.

Spoiler

If you insist on staying and talking to him, you can get a game over in a number of ways. The easiest of course is to simply hand him the hand scroll without further ado.

What a fool you are. Now Richard shall rot in Austria. Kill him!

Another one is to identify the correct coat-of-arms.

It is? Ah, aye, of course it is.

I believe you're the man we want after all! Seize him!

Yet another way involves repeatedly saying "Nay" to end the conversation.

You aren't doing so well, my friend.

At this point you should just leave, but you can talk to him again, and the guards reappear.

Are you sure you don't have that coat-of-arms?

I'll look again. Is this it?

You can keep saying "Nay" here until he goes through 4 or 5 different ones, at which point your actions would look suspicious to anyone.

There's something odd about you, Master 'Puck'.

If you're a Scholar, I'm the Queen of Spain!

You're a bloody fool, spy. Seize him!

All three ways I showed lead to the same game over, with the guards (Giles and Roger, yep, same as before) arresting Robin.

Look, he's got a good eye under this patch!

I know that face! It's ROBIN HOOD!!!

To the gallows with him!

Aye, his caution failed him.

He's learned better now.

'Tis a painful education when taught upon the gallows.

Let us hope that those who study their mistakes will learn from this lesson and improve upon their 'scholarship' in the future.

Avoiding the fake scholar, we keep walking around the Fair until we get to the fortune-teller, Myrddin, on the westernmost side of the Fair.

Tell your fortune for 2 farthings, sir.

Sure why not.

Thank you, sir. Stand still but a moment while I speak with the spirits.

He make some funny gestures.

The spirits say danger follows you like a dog nipping at your heels.

Easily guessed. I'm an archer and thus my trade could entail danger.

The spirits say you are not what you seem.

Vague enough. I've yet to hear my money's worth.

Robin is unimpressed.

Very well, Doubting Thomas, I'll not have you mock me.

I see a battle in which there is much gold, yet it is not for the gold you fight.

I see you in a forest, trapped as would be a stag surrounded by baying hounds.

I see the gallows and a rope around your neck.

I see a lady, a beautiful woman with black hair, and there is terrible danger for her very soon.

Well this is better. Each of these is actual foreshadowing for later events in the game.

How? What is this danger?

Ah, you do not doubt me now.

I regret I cannot tell you more, save that it comes from something she greatly fears.

This is all we can get out of him.

Before finding the real scholar (well, the fake scholar that we are supposed to talk to), we can buy Marian a couple of gifts, starting with the scarf seller on the west side here. His name is actually Bombyx Morris.

Your scarves are most fine.

They are that, they are indeed, all the way from the East, woven by delicate, dark-eyed maidens, every one a virgin (so they tell me).

They say only a pure maiden can weave the silk of the wyrm in such a fashion as you see here.

And the price?

They are but a penny and ha'penny each, sir, a bargain, a mere 6 farthings.

We buy one for Marian.

Thank you, sir! I trust this is a gift for a certain lady?

Aye. Select the finest and have it sent to the Lady Marian.

What? You will not deliver it yourself?

Why, when she sees this magnificent gift--

Nay, it must be done as I ask.

Say no more. 'Tis a secret tryst, then, I understand.

You may trust me, sir. I'll see to it at the end of the day.

One more act of charity before we move on, this one involving the beggar you see lying down on the green carpet.

Charity, please, sir.

What afflicts you?

'Twas the Sheriff's men wot afflicted me, sir.

One of them took my daughter and forced her to become his doxie.

I thrashed the rogue and kicked him soundly.

He returned with his bullies and while they held me down, he chopped off my foot!

Now I cannot plow my fields, and me poor daughter has a bastard babe to feed.

This fellow's sad tale has the ring of truth. Hearing it once is heartrending enough.

This is one of those times when Robin Hood HAS to give to the poor. It's also a little over-the-top in how much the game tries to portray the Sheriff's men as badly as possible, but that's true to the mythos in general I guess.

Bless you, sir!

Now we move back east through the Fair and find the apothecary, Hippocrates Socrates (yeah...) for another gift for Marian.

I'm sadly depleted. I've sold all my powders to settle the stomach, for it seems a man hereabouts has been selling a stew of dubious quality.

This fellow here before you has purchased all of my love philtres.

I have still some exquisite, scented oils for 2 pennies each.

It's a steep price and we're running out of money, but we must have our perfect score!

What's your desire, sir?

I wish something for a lady of unsurpassed beauty and subtle wit.

Only one thing will do then--the oil of the rose.

Smell this, sir.

Aye, that is perfect! But I cannot take it to the Lady myself, for reasons of delicacy.

Say no more. Give me the lady's name and I shall deliver it to her myself when the day is done.

Then take it to the Lady Marian, compliments of an archer named Puck.

It will be done.

We're done with all the side stuff. Now let's find the Queen's spy. We've already talked to two scholars, there's a third one walking around.

And what does a Yeoman want with a Scholar?

What else, save knowledge?

There are many forms of knowledge, my penurious friend. Speak your mind more clearly.

I've a mind to see the coat-of-arms of The South Saxons.

Ah. Well, let me see.

418

The coats-of-arms actually match historical ones (not surprising, since Christy did her research and it shows throughout) but the game doesn't expect you to know them. Rather, as I said, this is another form of copy-protection. Every time you start a new game, the game randomly picks a coat-of-arms that Marian will tell you about on day 7, and you are meant to consult this page in the manual to identify it.

Both spies will cycle through incorrect ones before showing the real one. But the Queen's will show the real one the first time you talk to him, and identifying it then gives more points than doing so on a future talk with him (which is still possible if you get it wrong - the game's not that cruel here, though with the manual getting the right one is supremely easy - you don't even have to remember the name from day 7, since Robin says it again here).

Once he shows the correct coat-of-arms, this serves as mutual identification.

In the name of Queen Eleanor, I bid you welcome.

Do you swear by the Virgin Mary that you are the Queen's loyal man?

Aye, and the King's. Now make haste and deliver what you have for me. Even now, our enemies search for us.

This is what we came for, so we hand him (pun not intended) the scroll.

Excellent! I thank you, yeoman.

I have little money with me, but please accept what coins I have. Use them as you see fit.

You can actually turn down the money. There is absolutely no point doing so, and the scholar will even stay around the Fair in case you change your mind. I will of course take the money. He gives us 7 pennies, 6 ha'pennies and 5 farthings, and since we were running low on funds, these will be quite useful.

I must leave now. God save the King!

Aye, with a bit of help from the outlaws of Sherwood Forest!

Only one thing left to do, and that's enter (and win) the archery tournament. We head all the way west.

Hold, yeoman. We've new rules for this Tournament. There's an entrance fee of one penny. Pay up or move on.

What new larceny is this? The Tournament has always been open to all comers without fee.

Well, now it's open to all comers with a penny in their hands. Pay up or move on!

Roger is an asshole, more news at eleven. Anyway aren't we glad we did take the scholar's money.

All right, take the center lane.

Spoiler

What happens if Robin gets cold feet and leaves the tournament?

Here now, if you leave the Tournament, don't come back. You're out for good!

And you don't get your fee back neither!

As always the game very generously tells you not to do it. If you do and come back once:

Leave the grounds or we'll throw you out!

Twice:

I told you to move on, knave!

And thrice:

All right, I've had enough of you! Grab him, men!

Look, he's got a good eye under this patch!

I know that face! It's ROBIN HOOD!!!

To the gallows with him!

I'd thought him wise enough to listen to warnings.

A shame he didn't shoot for the Golden Arrow. That would've been a sight worth seeing.

Were he here now, I'd warn him to be quicker and wiser and join the tournament while the time was right.

We take our assigned lane. The tournament doesn't start straight away, giving you some time to practice.

The arcade here isn't very hard. You just have to account for wind, which you can tell by the flag on the left. The wind does have a habit of switching with little warning, but it's not too hard to keep up. After a bit of practice, the tournament begins.

Each Archer shall fire three arrows in this round! Clym of the Clough shall shoot first!

Pff what a loser.

Puck of Barnesdale shall now shoot!

I of course make 3 perfect shots.

Adam Bell, Champion of Nottingham, shall now shoot!

Unfortunately, so does the Champion!

Clym of the Clough shall step down! William of Cloudisly, step forth!

Each Archer shall fire three arrows in this round! William of Cloudisly shall shoot first!

We go through another round of 3 shots each, and as before Adam and Puck are the best shots.

William of Cloudisly shall step down. Adam Bell and Puck of Barnesdale shall shoot to win!

One arrow shall be fired and winner shall take all! Let Adam Bell place his final arrow!

Well, what's Robin Hood famous for?

Puck of Barnesdale has won the Golden Arrow!

Let the winner stand before our exalted Sheriff and receive his prize!

Oh hello Mr Sheriff! Recognize me? Probably not.

I fear it is a post to which I cannot possibly aspire, Lord Sheriff.

Tut, would not a place of honour as my Captain be worth far more than a mere Golden Arrow?

I dare say it would...to another man. I will seek my honour elsewhere.

I accept this prize with the same grace as it was given!

Ah, if he only knew he was talking to the same monk who "blessed" him.

And this ends the day. We met the Queen's spy, got Marian some lovely gifts, and won the archery tournament. The value of the Golden Arrow gets added to the ransom treasury, which boosts it quite significantly!

I turned the arrow over to Tuck to add to the ransom hoard and joined my men for a cheerful feast.

I watched the Tournament from the crowd, Robin. Never have I seen you shoot better.

That Golden Arrow is a fine addition to the ransom price.

How could I fail, when the King's life is at stake--and my own pride as well!

I guarantee that the ballad I write about this deed will outlast me.

For once, Alan, I'll not argue with you. Men will tell and retell the story of the one-eyed archer who fooled the Sheriff and won the prize.

What?! You agree with me? Tuck, quickly, mix a potion. The man is ill!

Pleased as I am with today's work, it's not enough.

What if the treasure isn't sent from York as planned? I must find other means to raise more ransom, in case the worst should befall.

There's another place to look for riches--the Sheriff's own coffers.

Now there's a bold new idea to reckon with. I'll think upon it.

 

[Abelian]

How did you lose your leg?

In the Crusades, serving the King.

I took an arrow in it and the wound festered. The leech had no choice but to chop it off.

Wait, did the beggar actually say he used to be a crusader, but then took an arrow to the knee?

Also, that was quite a return on investment for the outfit's 50 mark price (which for some reason don't seem to have been deducted from the ransom amount).

The golden arrow's value of 10K marks seems way inflated. With a mark valued at 2/3 of a pound sterling, it comes out to over 6K pounds sterling (which in those days actually meant a pound of sterling silver) It's like buying a Nobel medal: the weight of the gold won't justify the cost and it will be common knowledge someone else won it.

 

[Darth Roxor]

Only one thing will do then--the oil of the rose.

more like oil of the snake amirite

 

[SerratedBiz]

A wise lesson, Much. There are old outlaws and bold outlaws, but there are no old, bold outlaws.

 

[Sceptic]

Regarding the scrolls, most of them seem to be based on the mentioned sources, or at least the authors are actual historical figures. The information is sometimes not historically correct, but would have been considered so at the time.

Thanks for all the info on the scrolls. Charlemagne was a big patron of knowledge, he pretty much set up the French system of higher learning and universities, favouring merit over nobility or wealth. The current system still owes to his ideals, including in having public universities be practically almost free.

And yes I will re-add the spoiler tags if/when the image resizing is fixed.

Wait, did the beggar actually say he used to be a crusader, but then took an arrow to the knee?

I hate Skyrim now for turning a mundane statement in a game made before TES even existed into yet another arrow-to-the-knee meme. DIAF, Todd.

Also, that was quite a return on investment for the outfit's 50 mark price (which for some reason don't seem to have been deducted from the ransom amount).

Yeah the value of the arrow is way over the top, and I did want to comment on how the ransom money isn't reduced when you get the outfit, which is odd since the game is generally quite good at keeping track of Outlaws and Ransom. Since it's possible to get the outfit but fail to get into the tournament, it would've actually been nice to have it deducted, at which point if you lose the tournament you also lose on those 50 marks out of the ransom.

more like oil of the snake amirite

Well it's pretty much perfume, so I don't think it turns him into a snake oil salesman. Rose petal or rosewater essence used to be pretty common as scented oils you could buy when I was younger, I've used it many times against mosquito bites, it greatly relieves the itch.

 

[Sceptic]

Day 9: Swindling the Sheriff

Previously:

When danger is upon you, seek out the heart of a grove of Druid trees. Only within the grove is the magic powerful enough.

There's another place to look for riches--the Sheriff's own coffers.

This is a quick-playing day, but it's a lot of fun.

Will has a warning as we step outside.

I was about to come for you, Robin.

There's a stillness in the forest that disturbs me.

I suspect some danger and I've warned all the men to be alert and stay close to hiding places.

What sort of danger?

I cannot say yet, but I urge you, go slowly and carefully through Sherwood.

I fear not even shortcuts will be safe today.

Your wood skills are subtler than mine. I'll heed your warning.

We can visit the widow, and she confirms the warning.

Robin, I'm pleased to see you safe. The forest is crawling with Sheriff's men.

Perhaps you should go to your sons and hide.

Nay, as long as I remain here and spin, they'll think nothing is amiss. I'm safe enough.

Notice that, as we walk around the forest, the quick travel icon is gone.

Sure enough, the Sheriff's men are combing the forest, and it doesn't take long before they spot Robin!

Spoiler

Standing around and waiting is not a good idea.

Don't look like much do'e?

Well, e's dead, ye twit. Whad'yer think he should look like?

I dunno. Bigger like.

Roger, if brains was a blemish, you'd be spotless.

He's plenty big enough f'me, lads. What wif the Sheriff's reward, we be rich men!

Get on wif it then. Cut off his head as proof and let's drink the pub dry!

This is where the Green Man's protection comes in. There are Duid trees all over the forest, usually laid around a grove. We need to find the grove, and use the Druid name of the tree in hand code to get protected while within the grove. The map I showed on day 1 handily indicates the groves, and the arrows coming out of each grove show where the same Druid trees extend.

If you examine the trees while in one of the screens where the arrows extend, the game will tell you in what direction you need to go to reach the grove.

In this case we run south and into the grove, as the Sheriff's men are not far behind.

This is yet another form of copy-protection. Normally I'd get really annoyed with a game that throws one every other chapter, but most of these aren't too bad, and I think the whole tree identification thing is quite fun. The manual has a page detailing information on the Druid trees, including what they look like and what their Druid names are.

You can immediately see from the drawings that we're in an Elder tree grove, which means we need to spell out Ruis in hand code. So we use the hand icon on Robin and do just that (referencing the hand diagram in the manual to locate the letters).

Hey look, there's a new tree in this grove.

The Sheriff's men pass by without ever knowing how close they've come to capturing Robin Hood.

With this little interlude out of the way, we can go on the day's business, which is, as the title indicates, swindling the Sheriff out of some marks, and making fun of him spectacularly while we're at it. There are 2 ways to do this. One is to take him up on his original offer that he made to Puck and spin it from there. The other is to find a new disguise, which is much more productive. I'll show the Puck way between spoiler tags first, and then the "real" progression will include the more fun new disguise.

Spoiler

The first thing to do as Puck is of course to don the yeoman disguise.

We then head to the castle to meet with the Sheriff.

Wish all you want. The Sheriff's too busy for the likes of you.

Were you not at the tournament yesterday?

I was on duty, as my foul luck would have it.

You may have heard of the one-eyed archer who won the Golden Arrow?

That I did! Was that you, then?

Aye, it was. Now will you let me see the Sheriff?

Don't see why I should. From all accounts, you turned up your nose at the Sheriff's offer of service.

I wager he wouldn't care much to see your face again.

I don't think much of seeing it myself.

You can bribe the guard to get in, but perseverance in talking also works.

My friend, I regret my hasty words to your Master at the tournament. Yet I come to do more than beg his forgiveness.

Indeed, I have news which will gladden his heart.

What news?

'Tis for his ears. But it may make him joyous enough to reward those who bring it to him.

It had better be so, yeoman, or you and I will have more than words to exchange before the day is out.

Roger! Giles!

The Sheriff, unsurprisingly, is not happy to see us.

Your pardon, Sheriff.

I assure you, feel no fear on my part.

Be warned, if your hand but strays toward the string of your bow, you'll be killed on the spot.

I would not dream of being so foolish.

I'm a busy man. Don't keep me waiting.

Let's play the role.

M'lord Sheriff, I've come to sharply regret the haste with which I refused your offer of service.

And well you might. The honour of serving me is one not lightly offered.

Especially to a man of your impairment.

With but one eye, I beat all comers.

Aye, that you did. And took the Golden Arrow for it.

What was your name again?

Puck of Barnesdale. Does your offer still stand, M'lord Sheriff?

I don't see why it should. I've enough archers.

He is quite petty isn't he.

Archers you may have, but none can rival my skill.

Or your boasting. What need have you of work, fellow? That arrow made you a wealthy man.

Alas, I no longer have it.

Hah! So now you come grovelling back to me, praying I'll be generous.

But I'm not so sure I want a man that cannot hold onto something valuable for even a day.

I've put that Golden Arrow to a use in your service in a manner that will prove to you my worth.

I gave it to the outlaw, Robin Hood.

See where this is going?

You GAVE it Robin Hood! Why, I'll hang you for consorting with outlaws!

With such a gift, Robin Hood thinks of me as a friend. Little did he guess that I would come to you with an offer that will make your heart glad.

Speak on, but it had better be good.

What is the Wolf's Head being offered upon the head of Robin Hood?

It was 300 marks, but I've increased it to 500.

Would you pay 700 marks to have Robin Hood delivered to you?

A dangerous game, but we know the Sheriff isn't the brightest, and when it comes to Robin, he takes it quite personally.

By my troth, I would!

With such great cunning have I gained his trust, that if I go to a certain place in the woods, we can come upon him alone.

I swear a solemn oath that if you will come with me, this very day Robin Hood will present himself to you without a single blow being struck.

And he's gonna keep this oath, too.

Deliver him to me here, and I'll pay you twice that sum!

Nay, it can only be done as I say. Bring the 700 marks, for I'll live up to my word.

And if not, you'll choke at the end of a rope.

I'll need about 20 men--

Nay! He's a cunning woodsman and will surely know if soldiers are about.

I'll not go alone, not into Sherwood, not on your word alone! I am not a fool.

Oh yes you are.

You won't need an army. Robin Hood will not run.

Bring 6 men, if you must, but let them follow at a goodly distance, far enough to not be heard, but close enough to hear you call.

Done! We'll go at once!

Giles, ready my horse and get 4 more men!

This is the place. M'lord Sheriff, I present to you - Robin Hood!

Where? I warn you, I see no jest in this, Puck.

You are blind even with two eyes!

But once I remove my eyepatch, you may suddenly see more clearly.

You have two good eyes? But...are you...ZOUNDS!!!

Zounds indeed.

Roger! Giles! Tom, Dick and Harry! Come at once!!!!

Since your men will not come, then perhaps my own will.

Little John! Friar Tuck!

Is all well?

Aye. We've captured all six of his men and bound them securely. They will not trouble us.

'Twas a stinking, cowardly outlaw trick.

Have a care with your words, or I'll rap some manners into you.

What difference does it make? You'll murder me sooner as later.

Not so. I give you my solemn oath that you shall depart this forest as whole as you entered it.

Save for a few belongings we shall take in payment for the banquet.

What banquet?

Why, the one that awaits you even now. Let us be off!

The banquet proceeds exactly as I will show later on.

Tricking the Sheriff as Puck is quite fun, but the game considers the path I will now show to be the ideal.

It should be a habit by now that, whenever you think you need a new disguise, you want to go to the Overlook.

And as usual, one comes along pretty quickly.

Greetings, merchant. What brings you through Sherwood Forest?

I'm on my way to Nottingham, what do you think? Why else would I be on this godforsaken road?

And your trade?

A lapidary, that is to say a jeweler, to your uncouth ears, a specialist in gemstones.

What do you want next, my genealogy?

IMO the jeweler is one of the most fun characters, in a game that has quite a colourful cast.

Faith, you've a sour disposition.

I've walked many miles and my feet hurt. I'm hungry and tired and thirsty and I've miles to walk yet.

And now I'm being harassed by a stranger of dubious intent. What's to be pleasant about?

Then let us remain strangers no longer. I'm known as Robin Hood--

What! Robin Hood the outlaw?

Just my bloody luck. All right, how much will it cost me?

I haven't asked for--

Oh, get on with it. How much will it cost me to get past you?

I warn you, I haven't much. You can look in my purse for yourself. I'm not a rich man.

Hold onto your pennies for now. First, I would know more of your business and why you travel to Nottingham.

I've said all I care to say. If you're going to rob me, get on with it.

If not, let me be on my way.

If you leave and catch the jeweler again further down the road, the conversation takes a turn for the hilarious.

Oh, bloody day. Not you again.

Haven't you got anything better to do, like rescuing maidens or bothering Abbots or something?

How did he know

Ah, but you're such a joy. I couldn't wait to enjoy your company again.

Listen, I hear a horn. Your men are calling you.

I hear no horn.

Aye, there it goes again. Maybe your ears are failing. Better go find out.

Hahaha! Jeweler, you're truly a rascal of the highest order.

And you're truly a pest of the lowest order.

We can let him go and then stop him yet again.

Well, here we are again.

Oh, joy, oh, rapture. Be still my heart.

Trying to call the Merry Men with the horn produces another entertaining exchange.

Aye, go ahead. Not man enough to deal with me yourself. I had no idea I was so terrifying.

You call me a coward?

Do I look like a fool? I'd never say such a thing to a frightened outlaw.

By my beard, I need no help to deal with the likes of you!

I won't argue with that.

If you keep chatting with him, it becomes obvious he's hiding something.

You say you're a jeweler, yet you carry no wares, no samples of your work. How is this?

Through these parts? What with you outlaws making the roads unsafe, what do you expect?

I don't believe you. I'll wager you have gems hidden upon you in some clever fashion.

Nay, nay, I mean to go into business when I get to Nottingham.

Without money?

Ah, well...I'll find a way. There's always a need for a good jeweler.

There's a false note to you, merchant. I know a lie when I hear one.

Go on, threaten me. Just what I'd expect. I knew you meant me harm the instant I laid eyes upon you.

My friend, if I meant you harm, you wouldn't be talking to me in this fashion right now.

Then please get on with whatever is fermenting in your feeble mind.

I want the truth from you, for I can tell you're hiding something.

Well, you can wait until Hades freezes over.

You can actually threaten the jeweler, but it's not a good way to proceed, and it even affects the ending. Since talking doesn't get us anywhere it's time to get more physical. Not aggressive mind you, but we'll have Robin search the jeweler.

This is all you have? Five pennies?

I told you I wasn't a rich man.

I suppose you're going to take it all. Leave me without a farthing in a strange town.

Stranded. Starving. Just what I'd expect from--

He deserves an entry in the Drama thread

Cease! You may keep every penny, especially if it'll still your whining tongue.

And what's in this little jar?

Jeweler's rouge, used to polish stones. I suppose you'll take that, too?

"Polish" huh? This should be a hint of what's to come.

So far I've taken nothing from you but the lashing of your tongue!

The jeweler is suspicious enough that it warrants searching him more thoroughly.

What's this bulge in the lining of your cape? You've not been honest with me.

It's nothing, just old stuff that I--let go!

I see why you kept this well hidden. What magnificent jewels!

Shrivel you, outlaw! If you take that, I'm ruined! It's all I have in the world!

I am named outlaw, but I'm no common thief and you'll not suffer unfairly at my hands.

But tell me truly now, what plans did you have in Nottingham?

I've heard that the Sheriff's wife has a passion for jewels. I proposed to sell this to her.

Then I'll see that you profit and save you the journey besides.

You'll have food and comfort in my camp while I borrow your clothes, for I've a mind to sell these for you.

Nay! You dare not! I mean, you know nothing about jewelry. I mean, not THIS jewelry....ah...that is...

Well well well.

You try my patience. Will you come willingly, or must I--

Wait! The truth it is then. These jewels are false.

False?! They are as fine as I've ever seen.

Of course. I'm a master of my trade and my trade is false jewels. Only the most expert eye could pick my stones from a true one.

The rouge is probably not for "polish" but to actually colour the "jewels", though the game never says it outright.

Then you meant to swindle the Sheriff's wife all along.

Ah...aye...that is the way of it.

Then be glad. From me you'll have a fat purse worth more than your false jewels and a new suit of Lincoln green.

I'll save you the risk of facing the Sheriff.

Hmmph. Fair enough trade, I suppose, though I'll miss the challenge of the bilking.

Stand fast while I call my men. We'll change clothes upon the spot.

Robin and the jeweler exchange clothes.

This pouch holds more than enough to cover my losses.

Unlike with the yeoman the game doesn't use an alternative portrait, sadly.

You've kept your word and I'll keep mine. I'll stay clear of Nottingham.

My men will see you on your way.

Don't trust me, eh? I don't blame you. I wouldn't either.

These words come grudgingly from my lips, Robin Hood, but I wish you luck.

Coming from you, my friend, I value it all the more!

Treat him well, men.

Only because you ask it, Robin.

Come on, you.

Our disguise is not quite complete.

Spoiler

We can go visit Lobb on this day (I tried with every previous disguise, and it sadly doesn't work. He's simply not in his shop)

Good day, sir. How may I serve you?

Look closely, Lobb.

Lobb gets closer.

Lar! Robin, it's you! Were my vision better I would have known you at once.

What do you here dressed as a merchant?

I've goods to sell to the Sheriff's wife, aye, and a trick or two to play upon the cur himself.

Do not! He has sharper eyes than mine and has sworn a most violent vengeance upon you. Your blonde beard is enough to betray you.

Escape Nottingham, while still you can.

Ignoring Lobb's warning is not a good idea. If we visit the Sheriff in this guise, we meet an untimely demise.

Why, it's the archer!

What archer? What are you saying?

The one called Puck.

He's more finely dressed and isn't wearing the eyepatch, but I recognize his handsome.... umm... I mean, distinctive face and blonde beard.

This is Matilda, the Sheriff's wife. She takes quite a liking to Robin, which in this specific circumstance is quite unfortunate.

Your Ladyship is surely mistaken. I've only just arrived--

Nonsense! I had a perfectly good look at you at the tournament.

Seize him! We'll get the truth from him quickly enough.

Had he been but a bit more careful, he might have had a hair's-breadth escape.

Aye, the Sheriff wasted no time lengthening his beard with a rope.

They say the Sheriff's wife wept through the whole hanging.

Small comfort for poor Robin! Would that she'd never recognized him.

Robin's blonde beard is quite recognizable, perhaps not from a distance, but this needs a bit more finesse. The jeweler's rouge can be used to change the beard's colour.

Spoiler

There's a bit of an obscure and fun game over you can get here which indicates that the game does pay attention to everything. If you approach the gate guard and walk around or try to enter the castle while disguised as the jeweler, but don't actually talk to him, you don't get admitted straight away into the castle. But then guard has now seen you. If you go away, dye the beard red, then come back, he will actually notice something's changed.

There's no need for such orders, my friend.

I mean to know why your beard has changed colour.

Ah, that. A trick of the light. Happens all the time.

Giles! Roger! Seize this man.

We'll find out soon enough what the trick is.

'Tis fatal to underestimate one's enemies.

I fear Robin's beard had become all too familiar a sight. Once they'd removed his disguise, they made short work of him.

I rue the rouge that robbed us of Robin, betrayed by the beard he'd bandied about in.

Looking through the game files, I can see a game over for having a red beard first and then changing it back to brown and being seen by the guard, but I don't know how to trigger this in-game.

So as I said, a bit of rouge to redden the beard.

Let's also look at some of the fake jewels we'll be selling.

Before heading to the Sheriff there are a couple of fun ways to test the disguise. First, we visit the widow again.

Why...I'm fine, I'm sure. Who might you be, sir?

I'm a friend. Look again.

I'm sure I don't know you. Though your voice...

Robin! You rascal!

Hmmm...I had hoped to fool you longer than that.

Oh, nay, Robin. It's an excellent disguise.

You can always try it out on Lobb when you go to town. He doesn't know you as well as I.

And let us do exactly that.

Good day to you, Lobb.

Have I served you before, good sir? You seem to know me.

Come, come, surely you know who I am?

Pardon me, sir. My mind must be as weak as my eyes, for I swear I've never seen you before.

Then I'm content and sure of my disguise. 'Tis Robin of the greenwood who stands before you.

Lar! Nay, surely not! And yet....aye, the voice is right, though the beard is most assuredly wrong.

But what need brings you here in this guise?

I've a mind to visit my friend, the Sheriff, and sell his wife some baubles.

'Tis a dire time to be risking yourself this way with the Abbot's treasure on the way to Nottingham and due to arrive any day.

You charged me to raise as much ransom as I could, friend Lobb, and the Sheriff is worth more than a penny or two.

Then I wish you all luck and I'll pray for your success.

This confirms that the disguise will indeed fool everyone this time.

Spoiler

Let's first take an interlude and do something supremely stupid and hilarious. We are going to give the Water Ring that Fulk gave us to the guard.

Aye, it fits the description of a stolen ring we were told to watch for.

Roger! Giles! Seize this man!

Aye, flaunting a stolen ring is not subtle.

Why'd he want to give a ring to that soldier anyway?

'Tis a mystery to me. If I could know what Robin was thinking at all times, I would not be a mere outlaw.

You'd be the richest game designer in history.

Let's go visit the Sheriff!

I have travelled many dangerous and wearisome leagues that I may lay before your vainglorious Master and his Callipygian spouse the humble, yet incomparable splendors of the lapidary's craft such as I possess.

Eh?

I have fine jewelry to show the Sheriff and his wife.

The Sheriff's Lady Wife will be most pleased to see that.

I'll have you escorted in.

Giles! Roger!

And send word to the Lady Matilda that a jeweler's come to see her.

This next part is extremely entertaining, especially as Robin flirts shamelessly with Matilda, the Sheriff's wife.

Sire, I can tell by your noble bearing that you must be the illustrious Sheriff of Nottingham, famed in song and legend.

And this rosy-cheeked wisp of a fair maid--could this possibly be your wife? Why, you must have married her as a mere child!

There, John! You see? That is how a cultured man speaks.

You're welcome here, sir. May we have the honour of your name?

Gucci of Beverly, your Ladyship.

Speak your piece. I'm a busy man.

Oh, hush, John.

Ignore him, Gucci. I am all attention.

Let's test their knowledge of fake jewelry, since we're about to sell them one.

Rumour of your knowledge has reached even to my distant town.

I have an unerring eye for jewels. With the merest glance, I know what is pure and what is flawed.

One could almost say I was gifted with divine grace to have such a skill.

It is a pleasure to deal with a Lady of such skill.

I'm sure it would be, if you'd show me something that I may judge.

Ouch. We're going to have to play this well, looks like we're in the presence of a true professional!

Feast your eyes upon this exquisite workmanship and the finest jewels of all creation!

I am an expert, you know, and I can see that these are jewels of the purest order.

Or... maybe she's not that much of a professional.

John, I simply must have them.

Matilda, your coffers are filled with jewelry--

JOHN!

What would you ask for this necklace and brooch?

Fie, whatever you offer will suit me fine.

50 marks for both.

As you wish.

Why, those jewels are worth far more!

Matilda! Still your tongue, woman.

I am quite content with the offer.

Then you'll take the 50 marks?!

Aye, it wearies me so selling the abundance of jewels I possess.

I have such a store of them, I could sell them for a penny apiece and still be a rich man.

You have that many jewels of this quality? How so?

Well, I--dear me, sir. The secret I was about to impart is not meant for...ah...uncouth ears.

You men, step outside until I call for you.

Robin's plan here yet again proves the Sheriff's greed is far, far deeper than his intelligence.

Come, my friend, tell me all.

It was by a lucky chance that one day I found myself lost within Sherwood Forest.

That is not what I would call luck!

Ah, but when I stopped to rest and regain my bearings, I discovered a cave.

No simple cave this, but a dragon's hoard from the days of Merlin the enchanter!

'Od's Blood! Did you slay the dragon?

Neither is his wife, for that matter...

Fortunately, the ancient dragon had died and naught but its mouldering bones and enormous piles of jewels remained.

Jewels heaped as high as a man's chest--rubies, emeralds, diamonds! Opals, pearls, topaz, turquoise!

Oh! Oh! Did you say diamonds?!

More than stars in the sky.

I tell you, the knowledge of this cave has nearly driven me to madness.

What I would give to be free of the burden, of wandering from town to town trying to sell them all, never knowing when I might be robbed!

You poor man! Are there sapphires?

Uncountable numbers of them.

Hsst, not another word, wife. This simple woodcock shall have his wish!

My dear fellow, perhaps I can aid in relieving you of this heavy burden.

I should be eternally grateful. For but 5,000 marks, I would gladly sell it all.

5,000 marks! That's a goodly sum.

Aye, but if it's too much, I'll take the 50 marks and depart.

Don't be hasty! I must, of course, see the treasure before I pay the fee.

My conditions are simple. You will bring the 5,000 marks packed upon your horse, while I go on foot before you.

When I've revealed my secret, then payment will be due and not before.

Fair enough. I'll gather some men and--

Nay, we will go alone.

Into Sherwood Forest?! Are you mad?! We'll take a dozen men--

If you insist. Still, were it me, I would not trust the location of such a dragon's hoard to common soldiers.

John, you listen to him!

There's hardly a one of them that wouldn't rob us blind.

Hngh, I suppose you're right, dear.

But I'll not happily set foot in Sherwood Forest alone without more proof than this.

MEN! COME BACK IN!

If my jewelry is not proof enough- -

It is not....quite. If you have what you say, give me more proof.

Well, we don't have a lot. However we do have that wondrous half-heart emerald. Remember we're not actually giving it to him, merely showing him a sample of the "hoard".

Well! That's a pretty emerald, but oddly cut. Not to my taste.

Now THAT is truly a magnificent jewel!

The next couple of lines are bugged and don't display, which makes the dialogue a bit weird. Yours truly has however fixed the LP to display the developers' true intentions.

Let me see it closely--

This one is not for sale.

But if you demand more proof than this, then I shall give up and leave at once.

Nay, he's convinced. Aren't you, John?

JOHN!

Aye, dear.

I agree to your conditions. Let us go at once!

With pleasure.

And her Ladyship may have this jewelry for naught, as a token of my esteem for her delicate grace and feminine beauty.

Oh! I shall never forget you, Gucci of Beverly.

Don't worry, neither will your husband

This part shall do nicely.

Why are we stopping here? Where is the cave?

I warn you, I see no humour in this.

I intend to fulfil my word - I shall reveal my secret and then payment shall be due.

Behold my secret!

Here Robin bows and take off his head covering, revealing blonde hair, but I wasn't quick enough with the screenshot.

Your hair...why, it's...you're...

None other than Robin Hood.

By my troth, if you think you can take me alone...

But we are not alone.

Come out, men, and greet our guest!

Oh hai guayz, fancy seeing you here.

Merry day, Sir Sheriff.

'Twas all a stinking, cowardly outlaw trick!

Have a care with your words, or I'll rap some manners into you.

What difference does it make? You'll murder me sooner as later.

Not so. I give you my solemn oath that you shall depart this forest as whole as you entered it.

Save for a few belongings we shall take in payment for the banquet.

What banquet?

Why, the one that awaits you even now. Let us be off!

It's party time!

This is an outrage!

I order you to release me!

The guest of honour is not amused.

Tuck grapples him and forcibly sits him down.

Is something amiss, Sir Sheriff? The food doesn't please you?

The ale doesn't suit your refined palate?

He clenches his jaw so tightly, he cannot swallow ale!

Enough play. Let's gut the pig.

Nay, Will. I promised him safe conduct and I'll not go back on my word.

I demand--

Plant your rump upon the stump!

I'm an official of King Richard! How dare you treat me this way!

Now THIS is the thing not to say, Mr Sheriff.

Heed me well.

You're a lying, traitorous dog and the only thing that keeps you alive is my word that you'd leave Sherwood Forest as whole as you entered it.

But if you dare mention Richard Lionheart again, you who conspire against him at every turn, I'll cut out your tongue!

I--you--eh--er...

Have some venison, fresh caught today.

One more crime against you.

What does it matter? One crime or a hundred, the penalty is the same--the rope.

Perhaps some music would soothe our guest. A ballad of bold Robin Hood....

Kill me and have done with it! You don't think I believe for a minute that you'll set me free?

Unlike you, I honour my oaths.

Another round of grog! Sing us your song, Alan!

And make it loud enough to drown out the grinding of M'lord Sheriff's teeth.

Well, they're not called the Merry Men for nothing.

Having enjoyed a wonderful time, the Sheriff is quite sad to leave such lovely company.

What, are you not as whole as when you entered this life, and clothed the same besides?!

Robin throws his head back laughing.

Stop laughing at me, you dung eating knave!

For every insult I've suffered today, I'll see that you suffer ten-fold!

Farewell, and be glad we left you your hat!

I swear I'll not rest until I have vengeance!

And my fondest regards to your Lady!

This is all fun and good, but Robin has a much more pleasant guest tonight.

By dusk, I paced the edge of the forest, desperately worried that she could not come, that some harm had befallen her. But at last her cloaked form glided through the trees to me and I guided her swiftly to our camp.

No one had eyes for me once the Sheriff arrived in town! What a merry sight that was!

He sought to clothe himself in curses, so loudly did he rail against you.

But I fear your lives will become more dangerous than ever.

Worry not about us, Lady.

When the King returns, he'll set things aright.

That he will, and he'll hear from me and from the Queen all that you brave men have done in his behalf.

Bless you, Lady Marian.

Please, 'Lady Marian' is the shy maiden who lives in town. Here I am only Marian.

Already you've captured my men's hearts as thoroughly as you've captured mine.

Have I? Then you are easily caught.

Nay, you are an enchantress. Marian, stay with me.

You tempt me greatly.

Of late, I've had such forebodings. I feel death near to me.

I would give my life to keep you safe.

I'm sorry to worry you. It's nothing.

I must tell you quickly about the Queen's Knight, then return to town.

Tomorrow I'll learn the password that he'll use. You must meet me in the willow grove so I may give it to you.

After the Abbot's treasure train has been seized, the Queen's Knight will meet you on Watling Street to receive whatever ransom you have to give him.

But he'll deal only with the man who can spell out the password using the hand code I've given you.

We'll be on watch for him. But we've had no news of when the treasure will come.

Lobb says within the fortnight. You'll have to watch the road every day.

I'll send scouts further north to give us advance warning.

Then that's all I can tell you until tomorrow.

I'll walk you to the edge of the forest.

I'd be most pleased if you did.

While you're gone, Robin, may I take away the disguises in your cave?

There's much good cloth there, and many poor folk in need of it for the winter.

As you like, Tuck. I doubt I could show my face in town in any of those disguises again.

We will no longer have any of our disguises, not that any would be useful after what happened. Also, if we hadn't stolen the box from the abbot's room, Marian would've given it to Robin here.

We're nearing the end of the game, though there are quite a few ending-affecting decisions left, but the information Marian relayed here foreshadow two major remaining events: stealing the treasure that Lobb mentioned all the way back on day 3, and giving it to the Queen's knight.

 

[Tigranes]

Ah, I remember the jeweler and the Sheriff trick. Surely, one of the most Codexian moments you will find in such a wholesome game.

 

[Abelian]

Day 9: Swindling the Sheriff Episode 12B: How to Recognise Different Types of Trees from Quite a Long Way Away

No. 1: the larch

Fixed


Btw, I think you used the wrong portrait when Lady Matilda asks about sapphires and answers herself "Uncountable numbers of them."

 

[Darth Roxor]

 

[Corvinus]

This is quite entertaining, Sceptic. It sure does seem like a good, well-thought out game to me. They don't make them like this anymore... Which is a shame. Think about how awesome the present-day version of this would be!
Full HD with immersive normal-mapping, a more accessible storyline, and the mandatory option to romance the lapidary and the tree god at the same time. Behind a shrubbery.

 

[Sceptic]

Btw, I think you used the wrong portrait when Lady Matilda asks about sapphires and answers herself "Uncountable numbers of them."

Thanks, fixed.

This is quite entertaining, Sceptic. It sure does seem like a good, well-thought out game to me. They don't make them like this anymore... Which is a shame. Think about how awesome the present-day version of this would be!
Full HD with immersive normal-mapping, a more accessible storyline, and the mandatory option to romance the lapidary and the tree god at the same time. Behind a shrubbery.

Thanks, glad you're enjoying it. It's really a great game IMO, with a great attention to detail. And make no mistake, even back then the game was pretty next-gen - graphics are great, and the soundtrack is superb. It's just that, back then, next-gen did not automatically preclude attention to detail and putting in some thought into challenging your players. The game's really not hard, what with all the optional content and the multiple solutions, but figuring out the best outcome is still very rewarding, especially since the game recognizes so many of your actions, and even the order in which you do them (see the beard changing colour).

I'm updating presently, and I'm out of town this weekend so no further updates until next week.

 

[Sceptic]

Day 10: Burn Baby Burn

Previously:

Ah, the maze has brought me out into the Witch's Court. It's entirely enclosed by the stone wall with two large wooden gates set in the northern wall. They're closed now, but when open, they would allow a large crowd of spectator to enter.

I see a lady, a beautiful woman with black hair, and there is terrible danger for her very soon.

Of late, I've had such forebodings. I feel death near to me.

This is a very short day, but the way you tackle it and whether you succeed or not has a huge effect on the endgame.

First, it's time to open that puzzle box we stole from the abbot all the way back on day 5. The key to unlocking it is found in the scroll Fulk gave us (and which contained the Water Ring).

This is an acrostic poem. For those who don't know, it means that there is a hidden word in the poem, usually combined by taking the first letter or last letter of a word in a specified position in each verse. In this case, the last sentence tell you which words to look for: "every tree is first, and first they are in order spoken". This mean you look for the Druid tree names and take the first letter from each. This spells out ARDENS.

And we get another ring!

...a magnificent ring with a fiery ruby set in flames of gold.

I'll slip the ring into my pouch.

Good, now I can dispense with carrying this clumsy box around.

I'll hide it for now and give it to Alan after supper tonight. He'll enjoy studying it.

This is the Fire Ring, sister to the Water Ring that we also got from Fulk. Both are essential to completing the game.

Now that we have the ring, it's time to step out. We have some bad news waiting.

The Abbot has charged Marian with witchcraft.

He will burn her in the Witch's Court of the Abbey today!

Last night when she was afraid...if I'd only listened....

I should have kept her here.

Don't be a fool. You know she wouldn't have stayed, not when she had to meet the Queen's messenger.

Nothing will save the Abbot from me if a single strand of her hair is singed!

What will you do?

I must think upon it.

The sheriff will be expecting a rescue attempt.

It changes nothing. I must save her.

Whatever you ask of us, we'll do.

This is our cue to sound the horn.

Only Will shows up for now.

Will, I must find a way to save Marian.

Aye, our hearts are with you.

I've been talking to the men. The Witch's Court will be difficult to assault.

Even if I must go alone--

Still your foolish tongue! We wait only for your word to go to her rescue.

Give another loud blast upon your horn and we'll speak of strategies.

We blow the horn again.

This is an interesting sequence (and one that will be repeated on day 11). Each of the Merry Men will outline a plan, and as Robin you get to choose which one to enact. One of them is definitely more optimal than the others, and it should be obvious to see its merits when you compare it to the others.

Set aside your guilt. Even did I have those disguises, they would now be watching warily for them.

It occurs to me that all the Sheriff's men and Abbot's Monks will be at the Witch's Court to watch the burning.

They may well suspect a rescue, if they've learned of Marian's connection with Robin.

Let me hear all your thoughts before I decide.

Both the Sheriff and Abbot will be there, will they not?

Let us concentrate all our force not toward the Lady, as they expect, but towards taking them prisoner.

Once we have such hostages, we can demand that Marian be set free and even guarantee us safe passage to the forest.

I would incite the mob to riot, for the Abbot is feared and hated by the common folk.

Set them to create confusion and draw the soldiers into the streets where we can attack in full force outside the Court while you slip inside and rescue your Lady.

My counsel is to try subterfuge.

By whatever means you can, enter the Court secretly so that you can seize the Lady from the fire unhindered.

When it seems certain you've found a way in, I'll lead a two-part attack through the town.

Half our men from the north and half from the south converging upon the Court.

I'll take your horn and when you hear me signal you upon it, you'll know the moment is upon you to act.

One strong wedge driving straight through the nearest town gate will serve us best, with you in the lead.

We'll cover you while you reach Marian and free her from the stake.

Let's attack the soldiers and taunt them and then pretend to run away in all directions.

The soldiers will split up and run all over the town after us.

Then you, Robin, with maybe 5 men, can go after Marian while we keep the soldiers busy running after us.

Alan and Much's plans are both quite foolish. Will is usually smart but his plan amounts to nothing but brute force. Tuck's has some merit, especially since we know from Robin-as-narrator that the general populace of Nottingham hates the Witch's Court. But the best plan by far is John's, especially since we do have a backdoor into the Court - the Hedge Maze and the secret door there. For someone who knows the maze and has thoroughly explored the abbey during that part of the game, his plan is the most sensible, and it is also the one with the best outcome.

As soon as we select his plan, the map of Nottingham appears. We can't rush directly to the abbey, since this involves walking through the city, but we can try the pub - the idea being that the guards are more likely to be at the burning than hanging around the pub.

As expected, our old friend the innkeeper is the only one here.

Are you mad to come here within the shadow of the castle? Leave at once!

Do you know who I am?

You've the look of an outlaw and that's all I need to know. If you're found here--

I'm Robin Hood.

I believe it. No other outlaw would be so bold.

Well, Robin Hood, I hear good of you from the poor folk and evil of you from the rich and powerful.

And you?

As for me, I've yet to make up my mind.

I need your help.

Now listen here, outlaw, if one of the Sheriff's men comes by--

But they've all gathered to watch an innocent woman burn.

Perhaps you should join them.

Be damned. I take no pleasure in such vile things.

I only ask that you unlock your cellar door and let me pass.

What good is that to you?

I know of the tunnels and where they lead.

And if they catch you and ask how you found your way there?

They'll never hear word of you from my lips.

A man will say anything under torture. You ask too much.

The key to getting past the innkeeper is to keep talking to him and insisting. He's not a bad sort, as is obvious from his lines here and his dislike of the Sheriff and the monks that he expressed on earlier days. You can also threaten him, but how you treat him factors into the endgame.

In the Name of the Virgin, I beg you to let me pass or the Lady Marian will die!

What? It's the Lady Marian they're burning?!

You did not know?

But...they said it was a witch!

Why, she's one of Queen Eleanor's ladies and loyal to our King!

There's no more time! Even now they may set the torch--

Aye, aye, come at once!

He unlocks the cellar door.

I'll not forget your help this day.

Never mind that, just be on your way quickly, before someone comes in.

We know the drill!

As you may recall the east path leads to the abbey, while the north one goes up into the castle.

Spoiler

Let's take a little detour.

Through the secret door in the castle prison.

Hey no one's around! This seems like a great time to explore the castle.

Roger! It's an outlaw!

Seize him! It's ROBIN HOOD!

Or maybe not.

Aye, he'd gotten past the Innkeeper and into the tunnels. Very clever.

And then he walked right into the heart of the castle!

Maybe he thought all the Sheriff's Men would be at the burning.

There's always guards in a castle. I don't know what he was thinking.

I guess we'll never know. Let's hope our next leader keeps his wits about him.

We follow the passage towards the abbey.

And the into the secret door.

Let's hope the way is clear...

As I hoped, the place is empty. The Abbot and his scabrous toadies will all be in the Witch's Court to watch Marian's execution.

It is!

Spoiler

Hey, lovely weather we're having. Let's go for a stroll on the streets of Nottingham.

It pleased the soldiers well enough.

Aye, it's not often the most famous of outlaws walks guilelessly into their hands.

I certainly hope it's not often. It's not a tale worth repeating.

In other words, "don't do it again you dolt"

We've been through here before and we know the way.

As we enter the maze, Robin can already hear what's happening at the Court.

And there... faintly... I hear the Abbot's voice calling out above the crowd.

Bring in the Witch!

I have little time! They will light the fire at any moment!

And this is one reason you want to go through the abbey and explore the maze on the earlier days. You have very little time to go through here, certainly not enough to map the maze.

Spoiler

If you take too long going through, Marian burns.

I am too late! Marian! MARIAAAAAAAAAN!

It is grievous indeed that he came so close, but lost himself in the maze.

It's too bad Robin didn't explore the maze earlier when he had disguises and more time.

This is a pretty explicit hint, though of course at this point it's a little too late.

It makes too grim a tale to sing, for they found Robin in the maze, mad and raging with grief.

But the Sheriff had no qualms about hanging a madman, all the same.

Robin could not save his soul, but let us hope he saved a game.

Fortunately we did go through the maze and map it (well, used the hintbook map, but whatever).

We retrace our steps to the secret door as quickly as possible.

Burn the Witch!

I'm barely in time!

Spoiler

Now, what would have happened if we hadn't called the strategy meeting and Robin had rushed on ahead by himself? He's also run into the Court here, without any of his men providing the needed distraction.

The White Knight comes to the rescue!

...and gets promptly shot down.

Clever? But he's dead!

I said it was clever, I didn't say it was wise.

I shall make a tragic ballad of 'Robin's Daring Rescue' which failed because he forgot to think of what would happen when he found himself at the mercy of scores of armed enemies.

If we'd only known he meant to be so clever, we might have aided him.

There are times to act alone and times to seek the advice of your comrades in arms.

Fortunately we acted wisely and have John providing a distraction.

Just then a horn sounds.

I hear Will's horn. I must act NOW!

Let's rush in!

The guards are being attacked by John's men.

And he's doing a pretty good job clearing the way. However the pyre is already lit!

Thankfully Robin is just in time!

Spoiler

And by this I meant just in time to burn.

He should've paid more attention to what Fulk told him.

It gives a whole new meaning to lyrics about the fires of love burning hotly--

That's in very poor taste, Alan.

Pray pardon me. But then, I'm not the one foolish enough to jump into a fire without protection.

Of course BEFORE rushing in we made sure to equip the Fire Ring.

This makes Robin immune to fire and lets him rescue Marian without danger.

He picks her up and runs out with her.

Things aren't so good though, since Marian is badly injured.

This outcome is different depending on the plan you choose. The others result in more serious losses, which can affect the success of a future day, and in turn the endgame.

The instinct, of course, led him to the willow grove.

She can scarcely breathe. The smoke has seared her lungs.

If I cannot save her, she'll die within minutes!

Marian CAN die here, and it does not end the game. It does massively affect the ending though.

Remember what Marian said about the emerald and diamond's healing powers, all the way back? Time to put them to the test.

The diamond! Somehow she's fooled her captors and kept it clutched within her hand!

And it works!

Oh, not the fire! Robin! Robin!

Marian, I'm here. You're safe.

I-I thought I was dead.

You were healed by the power of the heart-stone.

I must tell you the password, quickly.

Shush, rest, my love. There's plenty of time now.

I cannot rest until I tell you. The Queen's Knight will know you when you spell out the word RANSOM.

Your duty is fulfilled. Don't tax your strength further.

I'll take you to a safer place.

We reached a plan, then I kissed my love farewell and I joined my men for the evening meal.

Well enough. I've placed her in the Widow's care and set Hob and his brothers to set watch.

I'd deem it most unwise for her to return to Nottingham.

She will not! The Widow has a sister in Blythe and will take Marian there to hide until it's safe to return.

I swear by the Blessed Virgin, for what he's done to Marian, depriving the Abbot of his treasure is scarcely enough.

But it's a start.

If God wills, the King will finish the rest.

Whether God's will, or our skill, we must not fail.

I fear that Prince John's nerve has failed and the treasure will never come.

 

[Karwelas]

Whoa. I heard about Sierra legendary games, but never about that one! Sir, you are great! Thanks you for making this LP. Wait to May 12 and I will brofirst your ass!

 

[Darth Roxor]

And by this I meant just in time to burn.

 

[Drakron]

The Abbot has charged Marian with witchcraft.

Well is he not wrong about that you know ...

But they've all gathered to watch an innocent woman burn.

"Innocent"?

 

[Corvinus]

Can't wait until next episode!

I will brofirst your ass!

Poor choice of words?

 

[Karwelas]

I will brofirst your ass!

Poor choice of words?

Actually, no.

 

[Sceptic]

Whoa. I heard about Sierra legendary games, but never about that one!

It is unfortunate that, compared to the usual Sierra series, this one went under the radar. It's a truly great game. Glad you're enjoying the LP.

"Innocent"?

I think the implication is that the real reason he's having her burned is her connection to Richard and the Queen. The Abbot is not exactly the best poster boy for a good christian, and there's no reason for him to bother with burning "witches" whether they really are or not, otherwise than to create fear in the populace (Robin says so outright when you enter the Court on day 5).

 

[Sceptic]

Day 11: The Great Train Robbery

Previously:

This treasure will be sent from York, which means it must travel here along Watling Street. If it could be captured--

I fear that Prince John's nerve has failed and the treasure will never come


This is the shortest day in the game - it's literally a one-action day. However, it's another one where the success of a choice is affected by previous choices, and the out come here changes the ending.

Just as we get out, Tuck arrives running.

By the Virgin, I've never seen you breathless before. Is there a wolf at your heels?

Houf...houf...Little John sent me to tell you...houf...

Catch your breath or I may never learn what you have to tell!

Tuck sits at the table.

The signal's been passed from our northernmost scouts.

Will remains on watch at the Overlook.

Good. Then we have time to plan.

Calling the cavalry!

The men are on the alert. They'll be here as quickly as they can manage.

Aye, I hear Little John coming already.

Time for another council of war.

Baron LeFevre rides in the fore. The treasure is carried upon 3 mules in line behind him.

Upon each side of the mules he has 20 heavily armed men, of which 10 are crossbowmen and 10 carry shields and spears.

So we face 40 well-armed men in all, plus the Baron. What do we know of this Baron?

If he's in the service of Prince John, he must be a man of dubious honour.

But no less dangerous. If he rides in the fore, he is no coward.

Shall we present our strategies?

Aye, let me hear them all.

Let us concentrate all of our fire from the Overlook where we're best protected.

We'll strike without warning and simply keep firing relentlessly until they are scattered or surrender.

This battle will cost us men, no matter what tactic we choose.

We should demand a surrender first in case this Baron has more sense than courage, but set upon them from all sides if they refuse.

There's no glory in an ambush. I couldn't even make a simple song out of it!

We should show our strength from the Overlook with a blare of horns and beating of drums, singing the praises of Richard Lionheart!

If they fail to surrender on the spot, then we open fire and let fall a deadly rain of arrows.

Against such trained soldiers we have but one advantage--surprise.

It must be a sudden ambush and we must fall upon them equally from both the Overlook and the far side of the road.

Let's round up some wild boars and drive them into the road.

The horse and mules will panic, the boars will gore some of the soldiers and then we can move in and take over.

Just like with Marian's rescue, we get to pick which plan to go for.

And just like with Marian, Much and Alan's plans are completely retarded. John's assumes the Baron to be honourable, which is dubious to say the least. Will's could work, but Tuck's is by far the best. We know from rescuing Marian that a multi-sided surprise assault works best. We go with Tuck's plan then.

There's a fun little cutscene as the Baron's men are attacked, and they fall one after the other.

And once the Baron himself falls, the treasure is ours!

Notice that, with Tuck's plan, we didn't lose a single outlaw, despite what Little John said. And the treasure contributes quite a hefty sum towards the ransom!

The best outcome works here when you have 34 outlaws, the maximum you can get (by not losing any men when rescuing Marian, and by rescuing the widow's sons). Had we lost some these men earlier, some of the choices that work here wouldn't with fewer men, and you'd end up failing to capture the treasure. This is great C&C IMO.

And to Robin Hood!

And to the King!

And to the suffering of Prince John and all whipped dogs who lick his boots!

A finer day's work we've never done.

When the Queen's Knight arrives, we'll have a magnificent gift for his sovereign lady.

Watch the road well. We dare not miss him.

 

[Azira]

So one more update left?