Template:Mobians King Robert O'Hedge, better known as Rob o' the Hedge, was the cousin of Amy Rose and the leader of the Crazy Kritter Freedom Fighters. Residing in Deerwood Forest outside of Eurish's former Kingdom of Mercia, Rob spent much of his adolescence combating the rule of Dr. Ivo Robotnik's Sub-Boss - the High Sheriff. As well as being a Freedom Fighter, Rob acted as a sentry for the city of Albion. When Knuckles the Echidna came to Mercia with the Lost Tribe of Echidnas, Rob o' the Hedge assisted Knuckles in freeing them from the High Sheriff's forces. Following this, Rob helped them locate Albion. After the death of Robotnik and the High Sheriff regaining his free will, Rob acted as Albion's eyes and ears to the events going on in the rest of the world. His role as Albion's sentry ended after it was destroyed by the Eggman Empire.
History
Early Life
Following Dr. Ivo Robotnik's successful military takeover of the Kingdom of Acorn, he soon turned his eyes on the distant Kingdom of Mercia in Eurish. Rob realized that the situation continued to grow worse after his uncle and aunt (Amy's parents) were captured and roboticized. Hoping to prevent his cousin from being roboticized as well, he sent her into the sanctuary of Knothole Village where many had fled from Mobotropolis during Robotnik's coup. (StH: #112)
Freedom Fighter
Shortly after Amy was sent away, Mercia fell to Robotnik's forces, and the Sub-Boss known as the High Sheriff was placed there to quell any future rebellions. Rob assembled a team of Mobians who had managed to escape capture and roboticization, forming the Crazy Kritter Freedom Fighter group, while also becoming king of Mercia in the stead of his father. However, the entire group except for Rob was captured and roboticized by the High Sheriff. Rob remained in Deerwood Forest, vowing to fight until he freed the Crazy Kritters and put an end to the High Sheriff's rule. (StH: #58, KtE: #12, SU: #46)
Assisting Knuckles
During Knuckles' tenure as Mitre of the Lost Tribe, he came across Rob O' the Hedge while leading the tribe through Deerwood Forest. When the Lost Tribe was rounded up by the High Sheriff and his Robian minions, Rob' helped to liberate them along with Sonic the Hedgehog and Tails. During this adventure, Rob met the Echidna woman Mari-An, and after a brief confrontation the pair fell in love. When the Lost Tribe made it out of the High Sheriff's castle, Rob set it aflame and acted as a diversion so that the Robians did not give chase to the escaping Echidnas. After Sonic and Tail's departure, Rob' lead the Lost Tribe to the edge of a cliff, stating that the "siren call" beckoned him. From there, Knuckles and the Lost Tribe walked over the sea to the city of Albion, finally reuniting them with their homeland. Knuckles however returned to Angel Island, while Rob remained in Mercia, Mari-An choosing to stay with him and her parents congratulating the couple. (StH: #58, KtE: #12)
Rob with his wife Mari-An and their son Jon
After the Dark Legion used the Quantum Beam on Angel Island and Knuckles found himself floating alone in the sea, the Guardian used the Guiding Star Gem to take him to Deerwood forest after the spirit of his ancestor Athair told him to seek out Rob O' the Hedge's help. Rob o' the Hedge was soon met by Antoine D'Coolette, Bunnie Rabbot and his cousin Amy. At first, Rob assumed Antoine was the High Sheriff due to the similarities in appearance. He also was unable to identify Amy, as she had aged herself with the Ring of Acorns. Knuckles soon arrived on the scene and explained everything to Rob, as was unable to believe the strangers before him. Shortly afterwards, the group embarked on their journey to Albion to discover what had become of Antoine's father and the citizens of Angel Island, as Knuckles was unaware the Dark Legion was responsible for his people's disappearance. (StH: #79, #88, SSS: #14)
Unfortunately, the High Sheriff, who was being held in Albion and was to be dismantled, managed to break free of his confines while being inspected by Knuckles and Yanar. In the ensuing battle, Knuckles was transformed into Chaos Knuckles. Rob had the idea of sneaking into the fray by disguising himself, Amy, Bunnie, and Antione as firemen. Unfortunately, the Echidnas of Albion refused to deal with them and Knuckles was forced to warp Antione and Bunnie back to their ship with the High Sheriff in tow, while Rob and Amy wound up back in Deerwood Forest. (StH: #89, #90)
Trip to Knothole
Rob and Amy in Knothole.
Some time later, Rob escorted Amy back to Knothole, just in time for them to help deal with the Arachne for control of the Sword of Acorns. Shortly thereafter, he was shocked to see the High Sheriff living amongst the rest of the Mobians. Amy informed Rob that the High Sheriff had his free will restored by the Sword of Acorns and was no longer a threat. Rob, ever suspicious of the Sheriff, remained in Knothole for two days to ensure that it was not simply a ploy by his former nemesis. After spending some time with the former High Sheriff, Rob realized he was not the same villain he used to be, having had his free will restored. Now comfortable in the fact his cousin was safe, Rob returned to his home overseas. (StH: #111)
The Xorda Conflict and Afterwards
During the Xorda's attack on Mobius, Rob participated in the global alliance to combat the Quantum Dial from destroying their world. (StH: #125)
During the year of Sonic's absence, Rob o' the Hedge's role as sentry to Albion ended after Dr. Finitevus betrayed his people and allowed the Eggman Empire to destroy the city by providing its location and sabotaging its defenses. (StH: #182)
In 3237, following Sonic's return to Mobius, Rob attended the ceremony which had Amy Rose officially named a freedom fighter. (StH: #142)
Working with Silver
Some time later, Rob was standing at Never Lake when his wife Mari-An approached him, having just put their son Jon to bed. The two stood at the lake together when, to their surprise, Silver the Hedgehog appeared and asked Rob if he was Sonic. Rob replied he was not but he knew him, to which Silver responded he needed to find Sonic as his future depended on it. (StH: #194)
Rob explained to Silver they could find Sonic at Freedom HQ. Using Silver's Super Warp Ring, the two travelled there together. Silver and Rob arrived together to find Sally and Alicia arguing about stranding Sonic and Amy Rose in Moebius. Sally explained to them what had happened, and thus Silver transported to Moebius with
Rob and Silver arrive on Moebius.
Rob. Once there, the two hedgehogs met up with Sonic, Scourge, Amy, Rosy Rascal, Metal Sonic and Shadow the Hedgehog. During the brawl, when Silver threatened to kill Sonic, Rob targeted him with his bow and arrow and demanded an explanation. Silver then explained that someone betrayed the Freedom Fighters, thus dooming the future, and that it was most likely Sonic due to his power. Rob explained to Silver that Sonic was more than trustworthy. Following this, Rob teamed up with everyone else to take down Scourge. Scourge, refusing to give up, used the Anarchy Beryl in his throne to transform into Super Scourge. (StH: #195)
After Super Scourge's transformation, Rob was initially overwhelmed and taken down with ease. Once he recovered though, Rob subdued Rosy to ensure she would not get hurt and then worked with all the Freedom Fighters and the Suppression Squad to try defeating Super Scourge by linking arms in a massive dogpile to hold him down until his power was burned up. His efforts failed, however, but Sonic was still able to outsmart and defeat Scourge. With the battle over, Rob later returned home. (StH: #196)
New Enemies
With the increased threat of Grandmaster Mordred Hood and the Mercia Dark Egg Legion, who attempted to kill Jon on at least one occasion, Rob took his family into hiding for their own safety. He left his loyal lieutenant Bow Sparrow in charge in his absence. Acccording to the Egg-Net, they were last spotted at Never Lake, but the Eggman Empire lost them, though Bow Sparrow had his suspicions as to their whereabouts. (SU: #46, #47)
Personality
Rob is a friendly character though very suspicious of people he doesn't know. He also speaks in "old English" or Shakespearian language with a tendency towards dramatic flair. He is generally jovial but committed to justice and willing to take on much responsibility without complaint. As king, he has a great love for his people and his homeland, but willingly admits to preferring life in Deerwood Forest to the duties of a monarch. (KtE: #11, CSE)
Rob with a flame-tipped arrow.
Abilities
While Rob is highly agile, his true talent lies in archery, having incredibly accurate aim. In addition to normal arrows, he also uses trick arrows with various functions. These include heavy orbs to stun opponents as well as cuffs and ropes to restrain a target without harming them. (StH: #196, KtE: #12)
Romance
While helping to liberate the Lost Tribe from the reign of the High Sheriff, Rob met the Echidna woman Mari-An. While their first meeting ended with her knocking him into a pond, they almost immediately fell in love, and Mari-An remained with Rob after the rest of the Lost Tribe went to Albion. The two had a child together named Jon and continue to live in Deerwood Forest. (StH: #58, #88, KtE: #12)
Background Information
- Rob o' the Hedge is an obvious parody of the English folklore character Robin Hood.
- Rob also shares some similarities to DC Comics character Green Arrow who in turn is also based on Robin Hood.
- It is possible that Rob also has a brother that has neither appeared or has been mentioned, as the only information of his possible existence is when Scourge mentioned that Anti-Rob was killed by his brother.
- Rob is one of several characters who will most likely never appear in the comic again due to being created by former writer Ken Penders.
Appearance
Rob is a teal hedgehog with light green eyes. He typically wears a shirt, hood, belt with pouches, quiver, and heavy gloves and laced boots, all in browns. He is sometimes drawn with a rag tied around his leg. An unused concept design created by artist Patrick Spaziante featured an unusual two-spine design with a bandanna tied as a headband of sorts.
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