Gangs of Sherwood: A look at the Major Oak

[h3]My fellow Rebels,

Just a couple more months before the release of Gangs of Sherwood!
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We can't wait to finally bring you this epic adventure we've been working on for so long. As I write these lines to you, we are working on the finishing touch of the game, we are tightening the bows and sharpening the daggers, to offer you the most enjoyable and immersive experience possible.

Do you recognize the tree in the art above? It is not just any tree. It represents a centuries-old tree whose roots intertwine with the stones. The most observant may have noticed ruins at its feet, mysterious ruins serving as a refuge for oppressed commoners, and as the headquarters of the nascent rebellion. Inside, a free and reimagined society takes shape, inspired by a new kind of hero, yours.

But that's not the only thing that inspired us: this tree is based on a real one, the Major Oak, which is in the heart of Sherwood Forest, England.

[h2]The origin of our inspiration, a historic tree with a fascinating story
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Allow me to share a little bit of history before we return to slaying those greedy folks.

This humongous tree is thought to weigh more than 20 tons and has a circumference of almost 10 meters. But where do these improbable measurements come from?

While scientists have not reached a definitive conclusion, it is possible that external factors played a role in constraining its growth, much like the deliberate pruning of a bonsai tree. Additionally, there is a hypothesis suggesting that this tree's stunted growth might be due to the merger of several younger trees approximately a century ago.

Although in the end, its measurements are impressive, you will surely notice that the "real" tree is much smaller than that of our concept art. Let’s dive into these differences!

[h2]Why we adapted and reinvented this tree
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Historians agree on the fact that the oldest and most reliable mention of a Robinhood dates to an obscure parchment from 1228. However, the Major Oak is supposed to be between 800 and 1000 years old, so it is very probable that at the time of Robin Hood, this tree was still only a shrub! Therefore, Robin Hood and his companions probably did not shelter there, as the legend tells.

Indeed, as tales and legends do, it is also the job of us creators to not simply repeat stories, but to reinvent them.

As you can see in this gif, we took some liberties to bring our Oak Tree to life. We placed the tree on a small mound, to emphasize its central role. We also chose to represent it in the fall, to showcase it’s bright red foliage through which the sun's rays pierce, making it even more majestic. Finally, we added two long metal pipes, symbolizing the fusion of opposing elements: nature and man’s technology, direct consequences of our steampunk reinterpretation of this timeless legend.
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From a physical reality to a concept art, from a myth to a video game, we hope you enjoyed this journey with us. We can't wait to tell you more about Gangs of Sherwood and look forward to your discovery of it in just a few months![/h3]