Merry Men of Sherwood

If the stories are to believed, the men in Sherwood are merry indeed. With the roves of treasure they've taken from the clergy alone, I suspect one could live free of the duties - moral or practical - of regular men.

— The Sheriff of Nottingham

The Merry Men of Sherwood are a criminal organisation that rose to prominence in the Council of Camelan hundreds of years after the fall of the Kingdom of Camelot. They, believing the laws of the land to be unjust, assembled their own band of outlaws in Sherwood Forest.
Their true numbers at unknown, but if sources are to believed they have steadily increased since the organisation's known origins. Very little is truly understood about the people who choose to join these bandits - only the methods they employ and their targets. Infiltration is even rumoured at the highest levels of local politics, some say that their leader, Robin Hood, used to be a member of the local gentry. None of these tales can be verified.
Local minds, especially those of the destitute and hungry, only need to know one thing. The Merry Men of Sherwood serve the people, and them alone.

Structure

Though very clear that Robin Hood is their leader first and foremost, their structure is otherwise left open. Those who have good points to offer are allowed to do so regardless of rank or time they have been an outlaw. It is believed this structure (or lack thereof) is what makes those who follow him feel validated and consistently high in morale. 
However, those who don the hoods cannot shirk responsibility. All members have their unique place within the outlaw's circle and assist in ensnaring nobles and others with coin to spare on their travels. They also assist each other through times of need or illness.

Culture

The Merry Men operate on the principle of equality - no man is born better or worse, but through his actions becomes bitter or good. This ingrained belief means that although they commit criminal offenses too extensive to list here, they also humour their captives with unusual civility. Ever since their early days of banditry, they have vowed to never kill a man or deliver excess punishment, recognising that their true targets are the dukes directly subjecting their citizens to misery. Anyone less is in just the same bind of servitude. 
Their members as a result come from all walks of life and Robin's views become contagious. Women, youths and former knights all gather under the groves of Sherwood, hoping one day for their brand of justice to come to Camelan once again, if it ever had. They hold up Camelot as a kingdom of virtue and its former king, Arthur Pendragon, as the definitive ruler who kept even the poorest on the foremost of his mind. 
Those besieged by Hood and his band of outlaws report that their primary tactic is to offer entertainment and food as a rest from their long journey. The victim assumes these services are free or cost little, since they appear good-natured and only wish to see them on their way. Pleasantly surprised they have not yet been accosted with weapons or robbed, the victim agrees to this arrangement. After all is said and done, Robin and his rogues then coerce or threaten their rich client into giving them all their money as payment for their hospitality. Those who return are left terrified and refuse to enter Sherwood again.

Public Agenda

The Merry Men seeks to take money and goods from the undeserving rich and give it to the poor. Their high standards of honour also make sure that they help anyone in need of their help, especially those with few other options. They never rob honest workers - only nobility or prominent clerics.

Assets

Most of their assets are taken directly from their targets. They keep stores of gold and silver coins for needy locals and travellers, knowing they are rendered unable to spend all of it themselves unless in disguise. Most of their other assets are supplies - rations, cooking pots, bowstrings, arrows, tools for maintaining weapons and sewing up holes in clothes - rather than horses or fortifications. 
All members wear the signature Nemlin Green when not in a disguise as a show of unity. It also helps them remain somewhat unseen by unsuspecting lords travelling through Sherwood. They buy this fabric directly from the labourers to support their otherwise meagre incomes, though are careful to never shop at the same place twice.

History

Robin Hood's own origins are left unclear to the public and law enforcement alike. Though no one is sure how or why he came an outlaw, Robin has become a fixture of Sherwood ever since the Merry Men were founded. Most speculate that as leader, he was the one who brought this organisation into being and therefore its rules against killing.
As the Merry Men grew in influence, they brought on the attention of the Sheriff, who demanded their execution for their long list of crimes. He thus hired Guy of Gisbon - an outlaw himself - to take down the outlaws and bring Hood to trail. Though failing many times, his efforts earned him lands and distinction and thus he became the Parish Constable of Gisbon. Guy's career in this position has since been devoted - almost excessively so - to the capture and ridding of the Merry Men of Sherwood Forest, to little success. 
A certain change occurred after Maid Marian (as she was called) accepted Guy of Gisbon's proposal and married him, bringing most of her lands under his watch also. The Merry Men were seen little after this point and neither were they daring enough to enter towns and cities without caution. Though their activities were far less brazen and the band was markedly less willing to save people from the stocks or hangings - much was the dramatic fashion of their earlier crimes - they persisted in Sherwood.
Latest rumours from travellers fixate on an inn that has materialised within Sherwood. No one knows the true owner of this establishment, it is apparently run by a man that fits Robin Hood's description. Rich clients pay all they have for a day's lodging, but the impoverished are allowed to stay for no charge. Some even return with treasures in tow...

For the poor, for the King

Founding Date

1115

Type

Illicit, Rebel

Alternative Names

The Merry Men, Hood's Men, (archaic) Squires of Sherwood, Leaf Hoods

Training Level

Semi-trained

Veterancy Level

Experienced

Related Historical Events

• 1115
  Merry Men of Sherwood Emerge