Today we have an interview with the talent behind Nocked's artwork, Amanda Spaid. We sat down with Amanda and asked her a few questions regarding her work:

1. What are your influences for the art in Nocked? How did you develop the style?

Long ago in an art school far far away, my primary method was watercolors on paper overlaid with colored pencils. The colored pencils provided the structure and the detail, and the watercolors provided the texture and the spontaneity. These days I don't work that way much anymore (sometimes that spontaneity can be difficult to control) but I hope to recapture the look in digital paint.

2. Tell us a little with about the process. How do you create the art in Nocked? Is this a new medium for you?

I've always dabbled in digital art but it's never been my primary medium. However, this spring I bought a fancy new tablet that makes the process feel more natural and engaging.I have a huge collection of photos that my friends, family, and I have taken in Ireland and elsewhere that make for a valuable resource.

3. We realize it's still a work in progress, but what's your favorite piece thus far?

So far I think my favorite is the "Sparse Forest." I love the idea of wild bluebells in patches of dappled sunlight. I'm really pleased that I was able to make that effect.

4. In that same vein, what's been the greatest challenge?

It's always a challenge to know when to stop when working digitally. The things that make digital painting such a wonderful medium also make it challenging and taxing. With traditional media there's only so much detail you can put in to a square inch, only so much pigment that can be applied before the surface just won't take any more color. You go "Oh, ok then I guess I'll move on to another section of the piece now, even if that isn't quite perfect." With digital painting there is no stopping point; you can keep going and going, endlessly tinkering and playing with the layers and adding detail on such a microscopic level that there's no way that anyone other than you will see it.

5. Is there anything you'd like to add for our readers?

When I was a kid I absolutely loved choose your own adventure stories; when I heard about Andrew's project it opened up my eyes to the small but growing world of interactive fiction. I can't wait to see the pairing of my work with Andrew's wonderful stories.

Thanks Amanda! You can see more of Amanda's work on her website. If you like the art of Nocked, it sounds like Amanda hopes to have some prints available as the game approaches launch. Keep your eyes on the blog, and we'll update you as soon as we know more.

The Continuing Adventures of Development Robin

Your choices will decide Robin's fate each week.

Results from last week's adventure:

Hampered by loyalty to his absent brother, Richard, John is not a strong ruler. Your effective support among the local nobility ensures a long and costly civil war should he refuse.

Under duress, John accepts your terms. England is divided, and you are crowned ruler of West Britain! Your rule is marked by wild, sometimes unpredictable swings of temperament, at times benevolent, at times calculating, but in all case uncannily effective. Your borders are inviolate, defended by a system of ponies and mirrors, and peace and prosperity is the rule. Even at the height of your power, you never forget the little people; a true middle class rises, bolstered by your generous economic policy.

You never marry, and on long, lonely nights, you sometime wonder what might have happened had you spent more time forging friendships and less creating alliances or grasping at power. Marian, especially, haunts your dreams, at least until your devoted servants enter with another glass of wine, and all is forgotten...

As for Marian and the Sheriff, you had them banished from your new kingdom. When you last heard from your network of spies, they had vanished on adventures to the far east, lost in that space on the map "Where there be dragons".

So ends this tale of Development Robin. Thanks for voting!

Do you want to play again, an all new tale, with wildly different choices?

1. Absolutely! I love playing by post!
2. This has been fun, but I'm ready for something different.

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, occasionally updated @ManOfNottingham.