Ian Nottingham
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Summary
Lord Ian Nottingham is the direct decendent of Sir Guy of Gisborne, made villainous in the legend of Robin Hood as the enemy of Richard the Lionheart. Using his family's considerable fortune, he systematically bought the township of Nottingham and the surrounding environs, where he set himself up as a modern day baron.
From his exploitation of his lands and holdings, as well as the stripping of Sherwood Forest, Nottingham has unearthed what he believes to be the "Truth" about Robin of Locksley and is currently hunting down the survivors of the legendary band of outlaws to address some "deep, wounding wrong in the history of this land" and restore honor to his family name. His primary focus seems to center around several objects of power (see below), which he has vowed to possess.
The History of the Hood
According to Nottingham, the Robin Hood myth is a smokescreen to deflect anyone looking for the truth about Gisbourne's involvement with the throne at the time of Richard the Lionheart's involvement in the Crusades. Nottingham alleges that Gisbourne was actually an agent of the Knights Templar, in place during the King's absence to watch for ursurpers to the throne.
Interestingly, two of the descendents of Robin of Locksley's original band of men have come forth with an identical story about Robin Hood. John Little's family and Alan A'Dale's family have publically denied Nottingham's claims, calling him a "confused and sad man." Each claims that the other was actively trying to seize power during King Richard's incarceration. Each points to the other's actions as proof that they worked against the throne.
The Objects of Power
Where the two camps' stories differ is with Nottingham's assertion that Robin of Locksley wielded considerable magical powers and he imbued at least five ordinary objects in the possession of his trusted inner circle with an array of powers. These object include: John Little's quarterstaff, Will Scarlet's longbow, Friar Tuck's cup, Alan A'Dale's lute, and Maid Marion's comb. What these objects did, if anything, is unknown. Curiously, the Merry Men's families have neither confirmed nor denied Nottingham's claims.
Current Status
Nottingham's whereabouts are unknown. He was last seen during a break-in at the British Museum in late 2008. Reports of the incident are contradictory, and while the museum claimed that nothing had been taken, the Middle Ages exhibit was completely struck, citing repairs needing to be made. When it was re-introduced three months later, a number of notable artifacts were missing. PRIMUS believes that Nottingham gained possession of either the comb or the cup at that time, but British authorities have been uncharacteristically uncooperative in the matter.
Nottingham's next most likely target is Jill Scarlet.
