1st, forgive me if I've missed this in another topic. If so, please direct me to the answer.

What is the difference between:
1) The Bard's Tale (/game/the_bards_tale),
2) The Bard's Tale Trilogy (/game/the_bards_tale_trilogy), and
3) The Bard's Tale IV: Barrows Deep Ultimate Edition (/game/the_bards_tale_iv_barrows_deep_ultimate_edition)

Aside from the obvious parts. And that #3 is the 4th in the series.
Does #1 include #2? (#1 is costs less than #2)
Does #3 include #2? (as it seems it does)
Is it worth it to get #1 (a remake)?
Is it worth it to get #3? Or is it better to get a lesser edition (std / prem / plat) and also get #2?

Regarding #3, what are:
A) Fire Horn (a weapon?)
B) Kaels Axe Puzzle Weapon (a weapon?)
C) Red Boot
D) Bardic Brian Skin & Booty

Is the Hi-Res Map worth the extra cost?

Thank you to all in advance!

1) A 2004 game
2) A remastered version of the original games (first published 1985-1988)
3) A 2018 game

The version of the original trilogy which comes with #1 is NOT the remastered version of the trilogy (#2), it's an emulated Apple version.

#3 currently comes with #2 only if you purchase the BTIV ultimate edition.

As to the other questions you asked, I don't own BTIV so I can't say for sure, but the references are:

A) An item from the original trilogy
B) A weapon from the original trilogy (Kael's Axe)
C) A joke DLC for Wasteland 2
D) Brian Fargo

Buy 2 ($15) and 3 (~$35). Then, if you like those well enough you might want to buy #1, which is a satire on the Bard's Tale genre.

#1 does not include 2; #3 does not include 2. A = weapon, BTIV
B= weapon, BTIV
c= special boots found in BTIV
d= you can play with an avatar of Brian Fargo decked out as a Bard--a part of BTIV--it's funny, but you might tire of looking at him....;) (So, pick another...) What extra cost? You are welcome! My advice is to buy the Trilogy first for $15 ($5 a piece.) Then wait for InXile to release the next patch for BTIV, which will make some fundamental changes in the game that are going to be very nice. If you buy now you'll just have to start over when the patch is delivered--should be any day now on that patch, btw.

Bard's Tale 2006 I'd wait on, at least until after you've played the Trilogy. Then make up your mind as to whether a satire on the BT genre is something you'd like--the game is pretty funny, though!

Presumably he means the fifteen buck difference between the Standard Edition (no map) and the Premium Edition with all the digital extras, including the map.

IMHO, the editions are way over priced.

Standard $34.99
Standard to Premium +$15. This is a bit pricey, but does have several extras. It is missing the sound track which is a pretty bog standard first tier upgrade.
Premium to Platinum +15. um, no. 15 bucks just for the soundtrack? 30 really, if you don't care about the digital package.
Platinum to Ultimate. +15. Sooooo, you want me to pay more than buying the Platinum and the trilogy separately? 79.99 vs 79.98 (64.99+14.99). I get it's just a penny, but really.... Your last tier is a full price + a titch add on.

Wishlisted, but on the 10 max wishlist, not 50% off of way overprice wishlist.