Love is in the air, especially for Robin Hood, whose tale evolved over the years from that of a champion for the middle-class to one of noble grace and romance. What’s more romantic, after all, than a walk through the lost woods of Sherwood Forest? And Maid Marian, whether she’s an independent noblewoman or a ward of the state, seems hand-picked for Robin courting ways – especially when Robin is a man, and often a disenfranchised noble to boot (funny how these things work out).

In Nocked, Robin’s background and gender are not fixed, and neither are his or her romantic prospects. In fact, there are nine romanceable characters in the game, though you’d have to play through multiple times to see them all. In the true spirit of the Robin Hood tales, finding a partner is no easy feat, and demands both courtship and compromise from the characters involved.

That’s okay, because if romance is hard, it was even harder to write! Each romance had to develop at its own pace; had to be different and offer a unique in-game benefit; and had to have a balance of power (whether you’re the courter or the courted) that’s the hallmark of a strong relationship. Lastly, each romance had to be entirely optional, and to have an out – a situation where you or your intended could call the whole thing off.

I’d like to think I did it justice, and I hope you have fun – be it picking flowers for Marian, exchanging letters with Will Scarlet, or taking your chances with one of the other lovelorn outlaws of Sherwood Forest.

The Continuing Adventures of Development Robin

Your choices will decide Robin's fate each week.

Results from the previous adventure:

Part 8 - What are we going to do tonight, Robin?

You handily defeat the woodsman, who just happens to be good with a bow. Now that you're the best archer in the land, it’s time to begin laying plans for the Sheriff’s defeat.

The same thing we do every night, Little John...

1. The Sheriff loves dressing up. I hold a masquerade ball.
2. Dark Marian loves ponies. I host the fifth annual “Best Shetland pony” contest.
3. Free tours of the treasury! I set Little John up with an ambush.
4. These plans are ridiculous! I travel to France to get some perspective.

The Adventures of Development Robin are complete. Follow the story in subsequent blogs, or read the most recent blog to take part in our new adventure, Marian and the Sheriff, beginning July 26th!

This is the Nocked! True Tales of Robin Hood development blog. Every week I’ll discuss some aspect of the game’s development, show off some art, and give you the opportunity to create an entirely new Robin Hood story. And be sure to check out the butler's take on the Sheriff of Nottingham, nearly every weekday @ManOfNottingham.