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"Inspector Clurog here! Gotta check over your pumpkin pies. Productions standards, ya' know. Everything has to be ship-shape." "Welcome! I'm Kilos, one of the workers here, and we've been expecting you! You're just the ingre-oomph!" "Inspector, he was saying; I'm Tozna, head chef of the kitchen. Follow me and I'll show you exactly what we put into our famous pies. Highest quality ingredients, let me assure you! Watch your mouth Kilos, or I'll bat your ears in," Tozna growled below his breath as the inspector moved towards the first shelf. "And what do you keep in these bottles, eh, daises?" sneered Clurog. "I should say not! Only the finest quality slime is used in our pies! And we make sure the bottles are spotless before filling them with fresh slime. That jar there contains seeds from our own Venus fly-trap, adds some kick to the pies!" "So you say, so you say..." Clurog muttered, as he scribbled some notes on his paper. "What are you doing now, trying to pull the walls in?" queried Clurog as Tozna grabbed a knob embedded in the wall. "Hahaw! Nothing like an inspector with a sense of humor!" guffawed Tozna, "These are storage drawers. See, swamp flowers from Moruth. Kilos! Keep an eye on that pie! I'll have no burned crusts around here." "Well how many drawers do you need? Isn't a roomful a bit much?" protested the inspector as they moved to the corner of the kitchen. "Those are just for show, no real drawers there. Though we have some potent mushrooms, and carrots here. No Avalonian imports, we maintain a strict Nocturnus grown policy. These also are thoroughly washed before use." "That seems decidedly un-Nocturnian! A few bugs here and there never hurt anyone, I find them quite tasty myself. You chef's always claim to have the best of the best, but it's the inspector's job to see what's really going on." "Of course, of course. Well here's a fresh pie now, why don't you check it over for yourself?" "Yes indeed, I have to say with your obsession for cleanliness, I doubt it will even be edible. And It had better be good, or I'll report this kitchen to the PPA." As Clurog moved to sample the pie, the whole kitchen crew (except for Kilos that is, who was busy watching another pie) gathered around expectantly. "Well, it does smell alright," Clurog admitted reluctantly, leaning in to sniff the odorous pie. And then with a swift gulp, the pie dragged Clurog in! "AAAAHHH." "Well boys, good job, this pie passes the test! You can send it out to the Pumkpin Pie Associatin for distribution now, Erus." "Yes sir, Tozna! One more pie for those ridiculous tree-huggers coming right up!" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Built for the Kitchen category of the Pie minichallenge. This build started with the Mixel ball-joint wall design, which I’ve had lying around for a while now. I quite like how it turned out, and will probably be using it more in the future. The working drawers were very fun to make as well. Lots more pictures on brickbuilt. Thanks for looking, C&C appreciated
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Victory and Vengeance [Book II, Chapter V: Prelude, Part II]
MassEditor posted a topic in Guilds of Historica
Lord Raavage entered the castle like a tempest. He made his way to the command room, pushing his way through the Black Spire solidiers who rose to salute him. Throughout the halls could be heard the victory celebrations of drunken soldiers. Until yesterday the castle had belonged to the Nocturnian Resistance. Located near the Mitgardian border, Mortag Keep served as a convenient staging point for foreign troops assisting the resistance. It had long been a thorn in Raavage's side and he was glad to have it in his hands. Raavage listened in on a soldier who retold the story of Mortag Keep's capture to a group of reserve troops who had missed out. "So, we snuck up to the castle in the boats, all quiet like, while their soldiers were still sound asleep in their beds. They hadn't expected anyone coming from the swamp, the road was the only thing the sentries had their eyes on." The soldier took a long pull from his drink. "We gathered in the woods, wondering what to do next. Then up came one of Lord Raavage's wizards. He carried about some jar filled with black powder, placed it at the base of the wall, spoke a few words under his breath and told us to run." "Good thing we did, aye! Next thing we know the jar explodes and there's a hole in the wall. We rushed in and took the whole damn place before they knew what happened. When we found the commander he was still trying to put his trousers on! The rest of the survivors we rounded up and sent off to Lord Raavage's slave camps." It was a tactical victory, no doubt. Until word of Mortag Keep's fall spread, Raavage's forces could launch ambushes on any enemy troops who thought it was still in friendly hands. Foreign troops wishing to aid the resistance would have to enter Nocturnus along a more difficult route. Yet this victory was worth much more - more than anyone knew, save Lord Raavage himself. The inhabitants of Mortag Keep, a motley array of Resistance fighters, had discovered a map hidden in the nearby caves which led to something only a few knew existed - an ancient artifact so powerful that Raavage hungered for its possession. With such power, Raavage reminded himself, Nocturnus will fall into my hands, and then all of Historica." The thought of such power caused Raavage to salivate. He wanted the map in his hands, now. Raavage entered the room and interrupted the soldier's story. "To your feet! The Black Spire celebrates your victory here, but drunkenness and laziness on duty are punishable by death. You will return to your posts at once or else you will find yourselves hanging from the trees outside!" The soldiers rushed to their feet and hurried to their posts. Raavage stopped one of the troops. "Soldier, where is your commanding officer? I must speak to him immediately." The soldier stammered, obviously frightened by the Black Lord's presence. "Ssss…irrr…, he is upstairs, in the private quarters." Raavage turned and stormed towards the fort commander's room. Inside were several Black Spire officers, including General Azuk, who had commanded the force which captured Mortag Keep. A bandage on his right arm betrayed a grievous wound. "Azuk, congratulations, good work, well done and all that, but where is the map? I must have it now. I travelled a great distance to be here and I will not wait a moment longer." Several officers looked at each other with grave expressions, and then left the room. Only Azuk, Raavage and two of his Royal Guards remained. Azuk looked at his hand and then Raavage. "Lord Raavage, the map has been lost. A Resistance spy broke in last night and took the map, along with my hand. She was killed, but another agent was able to retrieve the map. We lost track of him in the swamps." A great fury took over Raavage, like a storm ready to destroy all in its way. He began to shake and froth at the mouth. "What to you mean, LOST THE MAP? To a Resistance SPY? You bumbling, incompetent, ungracious fool! You disgusting, treacherous lout! Anyone could have taken this lousy fort - I tasked you with recovering the map and this is the news you share?" Azuk backed up, cowering. "M'lord, there was nothing I could do! I will recover the map, please spare me! She took my hand, have I not suffered enough?" Raavage's lips twisted into a crooked smile. "You do not know the meaning of suffering, not yet. I should exterminate you where you stand, but that would be the easy way out." Raavage turned to his Royal Guard and gestured towards Azuk. "Take his other hand. Then his eyes and tongue. I want him kept alive. When you are done with him, throw him into the mine pits where he will repay his betrayal to our cause!" Azuk fell before Raavage to no avail. His pleas could be heard throughout the fort as the guards carried him away. Raavage smashed his fist on the commander's table. The crash echoed through the halls like an explosion. "Dammit! I am surrounded by fools and traitors! I will find this rebel spy and tear him to pieces. Then I will take back what is mine and then all of Nocturnus shall lay at my feet!" (And some pics of Mortag Keep. I tried incorporating more shots of the castle itself into the story, but after the forest collapsed several times, I was tired of messing with it! -
The Falling Darkness [Book II, Chapter V: Prelude, Part I]
MassEditor posted a topic in Guilds of Historica
Darkness, growing ever blacker, falling ever deeper, consuming ever more. In Nocturnus, there is no escaping it. The light grows dimmer, the darkness more encompassing. These lands have never known true peace. War and death are staples here. Since the Obsidian Spike rose in the East, Nocturnus has bathed in the blood of its own. From its gates the Black Spire lord, Raavage, unleashed his army across Nocturnus. His quest for power and the resulting Civil War cleaved Nocturnus in half. Father was pitted against son, sister against brother, countryman against countryman. The conflict speeds to all corners of the land, and few escape its brutality. In recent times the war had slowed to a stalemate. Lord Ssilyrrlith, the nominal leader of the Nocturnian Resistance, remains holed up in the capital, Abyssian, besieged by a Black Spire army. Leadership of the resistance has fallen to Lord Vladivus of Shadowmere and an assortment of commanders united in their hatred of Raavage. Bravely they hold the line, attacking the Black Spire where it is weak and falling back only when they must. Allies in other Guilds send what they can to bolster the Resistance armies. Shamans, wisewomen, sorcerers and witches offered blessings for the Resistance troops and provided safe places of worship. But now the resistance lines are beginning to weaken while the Black Spire's grow stronger. Despite setbacks, and there were many - the treachery of the Drow and the Valyrian, Count Basil; the Zugal's turn against the Black Spire; the failed trap at Lagash Ur; and the defection of Anfauglir from Raavage's Covenant allies - the Black Spire has shown no signs of faltering. New armies are emerging from the Obisdian Spike's gate to bring Raavage's rule to the remaining Resistance enclaves. Raavage is clever and merciless, his armies powerful and numerous. With help from new allies, Raavage threatens to crush all in his way. Senurhem Nogad, the Covenant lord, continues to support the Black Spire with his powerful armies and dark magic. Other new and fearsome allies arrive from far off lands to assist the Dark Lord. The power of the dark spirits are not lost by Raavage's forces. They, too, seek divine assistance and to curse their foes. Futhermore, rumors spread among the Resistance leadership that Raavage seeks a mysterious and powerful artifact to aid his conquest. Such power threatens the precarious balance of forces. Failure to stop him would allow Raavage to spread his influence to all of Nocturnus and possibly beyond. The leaders of Historica's other Guilds watch with despair the events in Nocturnus. Kingless and without a united front, Historica holds its breath and prays for Raavage's defeat. What this renewed war will mean for Nocturnus, no one is sure. But one thing is certain: the bloodshed is only just beginning. -
The lock on the door clicked, then two figure walked in the room. The torches suddenly catches on fire, and lighted the kitchen. As the lich looked around with despise, he turned to his companion. His voice wasn't pleased. - You call this a kitchen? It's more like a junkyard! - Sorry master! -whined his new assistant, as he covered his face. - Please dont hurt me! - When you said, that you own a kitchen, where i can begin the preparations for the contest. I thought it is well equipped! - But it is master! There is a nice fireplace, tables, shelfs, bowls, tools and... - SILENCE! - the haunting voice echoed throug the kitchen. - The kitchen in my tower had better equipment, then this "professional" kitchen... Where is the ice chamber? My chamber was full with Midgardian never melting ice, from the Frozen Beyond. And no dragon powered fireplace? - No master, that is just a simple fireplace, for simple baking. A fireball appeared in the hands of Igronow, then he throwed it to the fireplace. With a loud blast, it fell apart - Now, show me, where can I get a yellow eyed thorned black dragon. - Master... - he covered his face. -They already exticted... Igronow turned once more to his assistant, and let out a sigh. - Must i do everything? A pen and a parchment appeared from the thin air. It started writing a list, while followed Igronow around in the kitchen. -Take this parchment, and follow me! They went to the nearest graveyard, where Igronow reanimated some dead. -They will help you gather the ingredients. Do precisely as it on the parchment, or your fate will be worse then death! The life in the kitchen returned, after a few days later. While his minions gathered the required ingredients, Igronow captured a dragon to replace the fireplace, and instal an ice chamber in the place of the storeroom. The dead kitchen helpers start working, after Igronow showed them, the recipe, and the process: ************ Ingredients for the Enchanted Pumpkin Pie: - First of all: You MUST steal everything! Remember: Everything tastes better, if you steal it! This is why my pie was so popular in my days! - Flour from Avalonia - Eggs from a Griffon - Mountain goatmilk from Midgardia - and if you find, butter too - Sugar from Kaliphlin - Cinnamon from Kaliphlin - Pumpkin from Avalonia - Powdered dragon scale extract - I recommend black, but red is good to. Do not use green, unlees you want to poison some one The process: - Enchant your pumpkin! It is up to you, what enchantment you put on it, I already experimented which tastes better, but I wont tell you, which tastes better. - Knead the flour, sugar, butter and eggs togethet. - Roll out the dough, and cut a sphere form out of it, this will be, the bottom of the pie. - Cast a warding spell on the dough, or if not a magic user, knead some powdered dragon scale exract in the dough. So the fire wont harm the dough. - Poke your dragon three times - If you got a red one, poke it five times. - Hold the dough in the breath of fire just for a few seconds. The warding spell, or the extrack will protectit. - Put the baked dough in the ice chamber to cooled down. - For the filling, cut the already enchanted pumpkins, and smash them in a mortar. Season it with cinnamon. * - Spread the pumpkin filling on the cooled dough, and put it back, so the filling can harden in the cold. - For serving pour some whipped cream on top of it. I marked the part, when you season the filling. The pie don't need additional taste. If I wanted to make a goblin ear wax pie, then I will season it with that. I only use cinnamon to give a more characteristic taste. The whole point in the enchanted pumpkin pie, is the tasting of magic. Not the other ingredients, like bat hair, or troll drool... ************ Igronow oversees, how his minions creats his pies. But he needed another plan, to ensure his victory: - Hm... I think, I must visit this, Lord Raavage personally...
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It seems something is brewing in the Darklands of Nocturnus. Click the picture for a link to the first prelude for the final challenge of Book II in the Guilds of Historica.
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A Build on behalf of the Resistance: The Spiderwitch Although some part of her history has already been related here, it behooves us in this post to delve a bit deeper into the past of the Spiderwitch using the lovely, and deliriously intoxicating, power of authorial omniscience. It is true that very little is known about her by the outside world, save the rumors that fly faster than her six spider legs and two human arms can pursue, and it is also true that no one has ever come out of her labyrinthine lairs yet living. But it is furthermore true that there are many undead and semidead and other post-death individuals roaming Nocturnus, and, given the number of deaths she has caused, it is no surprise that at least some of those individuals are her victims. However, their accounts are notoriously unreliable, and so I, the author, am going to give you, the reader, a behind-the-scenes look at the best pie baker in all the land. First, it should be noted that even some things are unknown by even the most learned authors, such as the identities of the Spiderwitch's mother and father. However, it does not take much learning to speculate that her mother was likely related to that ancient and noble line of giant female spiders, those of treelight-sucking and high pass-dwelling fame, and her father, well, since they are spiders, her father was likely her mother's first dinner-date. The Spiderwitch herself has a name, though she does not like it to be spoken out loud, as Maybelle is just not intimidating enough for the most powerful arachno-human magic user--and best pumpkin pie baker--this side of the Rakaths. She only tells that to a man on the second date, and, well, that has never happened. But how did she become such a powerful mage? And where did she get her baking skills? Well, let me tell you. Once, long ago, when Maybelle was very small, merely giant tarantula sized, she was crawling around an enchanted pumpkin patch at night, waiting for the spirit of the Great Pumpkin to come and bless her with many toys and other gifts (the Iron Maiden was very popular that year). The full moon was just rising over the dark treetops of the murky wood when a coven of witches came swooping down from the sky, cackling on their brooms. Maybelle hid herself behind the largest of the pumpkins and listened to the conversation of the old hags. They talked of many things, but what they spoke of most was the Great Pumpkin, the most potent deity of those parts. But they were not venerating him, as would be proper for a deity; but instead they were saying that he was such a pumpkin head, a useless old gourd, a puffed up, over-important squash, and other things unfit to repeat in even unpolite company. Maybelle could scarcely believe her ears. She rushed out from behind her pumpkin and told those witches off, explaining how the Great Pumpkin was the greatest of all the vegetable gods and the most loving, beneficent, orange colored-object ever to have existed. Now, did those witches start laughing at that! A small arachno-human telling them, full-grown witches, what to believe and how to act! The very idea of it all brought them to tears of mirth. Maybelle was embarrassed at their laughter, but adamant in her defense of the Great Pumpkin; and so the witches took out their willow wands and began a long and complex incantation, dancing and singing their way through the patch. But just before they were to say the final words of their spell, something unexpected and amazing happened. The large pumpkin, upon which Maybelle was sitting, suddenly began to float up into the air and grow many times larger, glowing so orange that orange no longer even applies, oranger than any fruit or vegetable could ever be, oranger even than the politicians and celebrities down in the big city. It was the Great Pumpkin! He had heard her prayers and was coming to bless her! What joy of joys, night of nights! The witches shrieked, as only witches can, and tried to hop on their brooms and fly off; but the Pumpkin of pumpkins caught them in one of his outstretched vines and reeled them back in. He was shaking with rage, as Maybelle could feel beneath her many feet, and in one powerful curse he caused the whole coven to disappear. Maybelle, however, began to grow larger herself, and could feel some new power coursing through her limbs that had never been there before. And the Great Pumpkin said to her: "My faithful servant, you shall be given the key to many new things, but none so great as the nature of pumpkin-ness, an insight into my very soul. You shall be a mighty sorceress, with the power of thirty witches inside your hairy abdomen, unmatched by any other of your kind. And you shall have my love, my sweet Maybelle." Maybelle heard and was overjoyed. She remained all that night and the next, and an entire week, in the tender embrace of the Great Pumpkin, and at the end of the week she cooked him into a pie and ate him. Now she has the power of thirty witches and the Great Pumpkin within her, and no one can ever create a pumpkin pie better than hers, who knows everything, and I mean everything, in every way, about pumpkins. _________________________________________________________________________ .................................................................................................................................................. Thanks for looking! C&C welcome.
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Nocturnus Minichallenge III/a: Igronow the Black... Baker
kahir88 posted a topic in Guilds of Historica
I am Igronow, the Black Baker. But, centuries ago, they called me just Igor, the Black. I maybe not well known, but I am the original creator of the Enchanted Pumpkin Pie. And this is my story: I was a necromancer, but not the study in the black arts made my famous. My master always said: "You can't practice magic, with an empty stomach!" And soon I realised, that my undead minions can't cook... It was up to me to teach them, so I had to learn it to... Soon, I started mixing, magic and cooking, and I started experementing, to infuse food with magic. The pumpkin was the best choice, because it can store whatever magic you cast on it. And that was the day, when the first Enchanted Pumpkin Pie was created. It was my masterpiece, but, fate wasn't kind to me. No one knows what happened to me, just me, and a few barbarians. The savages stormed in my tower, killed me and destroyed all of my research. I'm sure, some one hired them, cause, after the events, chefs started making my pie. How do i know this? That night I didn't died. The barbarians interupted my ascension ritual, to become a Lich. I stuck between this world and the afterlife. As a spirit, I wandered the moral world, for centuries. But, soon i started regretting the ritual. Those ibeciles, who call them self chefs... They ruined my pie! First, they started replacing, or adding more ingridients, cheaper, more common... Bah! Then skiping important steps, from the process, making a whole different sweets, and they still call it Enchanted Pumpkin Pie. Bastards! If i can only finish the ritual... I would show them how to make it right! Finally! Fate was kind to me. A young chef summoned my spirit. He read about my, and my work, and he ask for my help,to win a contest. This was the chance, for what i waited centuries! I tricked him. The fool, knowing nothing about black magic, helped my and finished the ritual. As reward, he become my mindles servant, and he can assist my, to win the Enchanted Pumpkin Pie contest! Now I am the Lich, who calls himself Igronow the Black Baker! -
The full moon was shrouded by clouds. The Obsidian Spike was darker, then ever befor. The candle just blowed out in Lord Raavages bedroom, as he put his book on the nightstand. It was a long day for him, so many paperwork, spy reports, executions. He turned around in his bed, and fell asleep. No one knows, how many time did he actually slept, minutes, hours... He woked up for a haunting voice, calling his name: - Lord Raavage.... He sat up in his bed, rubbed his eyes and looked around. The moon was no longer shrouded by the clouds. - Who dares disturbe Lord Raavages sleep? Show your self coward! As he reached for his candle, he notice a dense white fog, around his bed. Then suddenly a figure materialized in the fog. Raavage quickly recognized his visitor. Skeletal body, ragged robes, a staff with a gem on the top of it... A Lich. Igronow slowly steped out from the fog, and stoped at the end of the bed. - Good evening Mylord. I am Igronow the Black Baker. -introduced him self the lich. Lord Raavage understanded everything: - Hm... Let me guess. You are here, about the contest. - Then you know who really am I! - a little hope can be felt in the lichs voice. - It doesn't ring a bell. - answered Raavage. - But dosn't really matters. - It matters a lot! - the voice of the lich quickly changed. - I am the creator, of the original Enchanted Pumpkin Pie! - Only one thing matters. That you are here to bribe, or threaten my. But I must disappoint you, you can't. - I'm only here, with an offer for you. - replyed the lich, as he grabed his staff with his other hand. - Hear my out, and then decide, it is a bribe, or a threat... The gem on the staff starts glowing, and a nother figure materialized from the fog. But it was huge, almost reached the ceiling of the beadroom. The giand held a huge mug, as he puted down milk spilled out on the ground. Lord Raavage almost got amazed. - Behold! - started Igronow. - My gingerbread golem! Announce my as winner, and i bake for youan army of golems. They will not only help you takethe Darklands, but to conquesr all of Historica! The face and voiceof the lich suddenly changed. - Or, feel the consequences... - What consequences? -asked Ravaage, as he tired to reach for his axe... - Be patient... I will show you. - the gem once more started glowing. The golem started moving again. With his hands, he reached for Raavage. But Raavage was faster then the clumsy golem, and quickly striked down his arm. But the hardened sugar blocked the strike. The golem easily grabed Raavage by his leg, and lifted him up. With his other hand, he teared the weapon out from his grip. - Put me down! Thats an order! - yelled Raavage, as he tired to escape. - Reject my offer, and my golem will find you. Then he will dip you in milk, and bites your head off, LIKE THE HEAD OF A GINGERBREAD MAN! - yelled back the lich, with a hellish voice. The golem pulled closer his mug of milk, and roughly stardet diping Lord Raavage in it. - Blblblll.. stooo.. blublubl.. I comma.. Blublbl... - Lord Raavage tired screaming but every time his mouth was full of milk. He stopped fighting against the golem, he was exhausted. Then the golem stoped the diping, and once more he lifted him in the air. Lord Raavage was unable to move. He only heared the hellish laugh of the lich, felt the golems breath. Stinkt like confectionery. Lord Raavage woked up, covered with sweat and gasping for air. He looked around. He was in his bedroom, no fog, no lich, no giant bingerbread golem. - What a nightmare... -wiped down the sweat from his forehead. - It was so realistic. I guess the last sip of wine was too much for me. He lied back on his bed, but his jaw quicky dropped down, as he discovered something on his nightstand. - Or it wasn't a dream... ***** And If interested: the room, the furniture and the golem.
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Legends speak of the pumpkin pie found in Nocturnus, its magical taste and vicious properties are sought by wizards and lords alike. Great thunder rolls in the sky upon the creation of a new pastry within the darklands of Historica, and only a master of the deepest secrets will be able to create a pie that is truly Nocturnian. Those who are not fully versed in the art have been swallowed by their creations, or worse. In the wilds of Nocturnus, is often where Harkran wanders. Most visitors to his shack will be greeted by a note, scrawled in the local dialect: “Gotnet Fotr Itngretditetnts, titmet otf rettutrn utknotwn.” Outside of the few days he spends concocting his masterpieces; Harkran wonders the deep, unexplored depths of Nocturnus looking for ingredients to improve his pie. His guides are his instincts, and the Etyet otf Tratckitng, a gift from his father long ago. Also never leaving his side is a well-used pan, dented but polished to a shine. New ingredients must always be tested, although leaving it for some creature to eat first is usually a good idea. Poison isn’t exactly an uncommon thing in Nocturnus. Currently Harkran is scouring the shores of Butcher’s bay for a new variety of pumpkin rumored to be a deep purple or red in color. The red variety is at the top of Harkran list, as he has a feeling that the color of the resistance will be very popular in the coming months. The search may go on for more than a month, but he is confident that a single pumpkin will be useable to grow many more. I was unable to create entries for the other categories due to a big test on the 19th, but I'm pretty happy with how this guy and his story turned out! All parts are existing elements in existing colors. C&C welcome!
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Nocturnus Minichallenge IIIC: The Proposal of the Spiderwitch
Henjin_Quilones posted a topic in Guilds of Historica
On behalf of the Resistance: The Proposal of the Spiderwitch After the events of the previous two builds (here and here), the Spiderwitch, intent on winning the pumpkin pie contest, at long last decided to emerge from her darkened lair to pay a visit to Lord Raavage, the contest judge. The Lord of Darkness, Raavage himself, had left the towering edifice of the Black Spire to go visiting some of his other fortresses, and in late October decided to stop by the halls of Ereknydd Castle, home of General Skellek, the great Drow warleader. A great feast was held in Raavage's honor, with many guests invited, including some Hand members, dark dwarves, witches, and the odd goat-wolf-man. The wine flowed as freely as the tears of the Avalonian elf kept in the cage by Raavage's spiky throne. Suddenly, a loud knock on the doors of the great hall echoed through the chamber. The massive portals swung open, revealing a quartet of low orcs bearing a giant, delicious-smelling pumpkin pie on a bier. After depositing their burden on the table the orcs left in a hurry, leaving the doors open in their haste. A silence hung through the hall as all of the guests smelling the savory scents began to salivate. Suddenly, out of the pie, burst the figure of a woman, all blue and scantily clad with seductive head tails dangling behind her. She emerged from the pie and began dancing her way towards the steps and the throne of Lord Raavage. Raavage, entranced by her beauty, stood to greet her, meeting her halfway. While everyone was enraptured by the woman, a mysterious form, the Spiderwitch herself, crept into the hall and began to descend from the high rafters. She plopped her hairy black body down beside the throne of the Lord of Nocturnus, who was startled by her sudden presence and leapt back into the seat he had vacated when the blue woman had approached him. The seductress was standing calmly on the steps, waiting for the business of the witch to finish. The guests all eagerly watched to see what might happen next. A stillness hung over the hall as the Spiderwitch and the Lord stared at each other, wits matched in a mental game of chess. Finally the Spiderwitch smiled broadly and gestured at the pie and the woman. "Eat your fill, My Lord, it is all yours," she said. "And when you are finished with both, I shall be waiting for you in your chambers. You see, it has been many years now since my husband died, and I have been so very, very lonely at night, needing the strong embrace of a powerful and virile man. Will you marry me, Lord Raavage?" "What if I say no?" asked Raavage, a hint of nerves appearing in his voice for the first time as he pulled back from the many hairy spider legs. "You have two choices, My Lord," replied the Spiderwitch. "Either award me victory for my pie, or be my husband. Of course, I would prefer both..." The End. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ........................................................................................................................................................................................ The build with no figures: Thanks for looking! C&C welcome! -
Ok everyone, it's time to get building in Nocturnus! And for the chance to win some sweet PRIZES!!! Just so everyone knows, these are not part of the next chapter of Guilds of Historica, but just some fun minichallenges to get new and old builders back into the Darklands! Minichallenge 1: Foreign Aid The need for experienced soldiers in the ongoing Nocturnus Civil War is prompting both sides to seek help from outside the Darklands. Whatever their motivation - be it gold, glory or sympathy for one or the other sides - fighters from across Historica are pouring into Nocturnus. However, one does not simply walk into the Darklands. Those entering Nocturnus must face the challenges of the Kelra Labyrinth or bypass this obstacle by scaling the Rakath Mountains or entering from the jagged, dangerous coastline. Minichallenge requirements: You should show foreign forces entering Nocturnus for either the Black Spire or Nocturnian Resistance. However, they must be depicted passing through the Kelra Labyrinth, traversing the Rakath Mountains or entering Nocturnus from the sea. You can show off one fighter or as many as you can fit within the size limit. Show off your best Avalonian, Mitgardian and Kaliphlin warriors as they intercede on behalf of the Nocturnus Struggle! Size limit: 32x32 with limited overhang Deadline for entries: 11:59 p.m. anywhere in the world on October 1st Prizes will be awarded to the top builder for the Black Spire and the Nocturnian Resistance. This challenge is open to all GoH members, not just Nocturnus. The side you pick to build for has no bearing on future challenges/contests so feel free to pick whichever side you like! If you're sigfig is a member of the Nocturnian Resistance but you want to play devil's advocate and build for Raavage, then do so! Judging will be based on the MOC's story, details, composition and how well it follows the requirements. You must post your entry in a separate thread and provide the link on this thread. Please prefix your entry thread with the title "Nocturnus Minichallenge I:" and then enter the name of your entry. Also, please note at the top of the thread if you are building for the Resistance or the Black Spire. Feel free to discuss the minichallenge in this thread! Here's some recent Nocturnus history for those who need it (this is from the first page of the Nocturnus Discussion thread, if you want to read more): Following the defeat of the Black Mage at Cedrica, the guild of Nocturnus was invaded by the Black Spire, a group consisting of Hand of Corruption soldiers, Varlyrian shock troopers and Drow rebels. Nocturnus is now in chaos. The Black Spire quickly conquered nearly all of Nocturnus before Lord Sslither's forces rallied from Cedrica and a band of brave Historicans from the other three guilds made a brave stand at Abyssian castle, Nocturnus's capital. During the battle at Abyssian, disgraced Avalonian General, Trian Buress was killed by Black Spire forces. The push back from the Nocturnians weaken the Black Spire's grip, but did not break it. Today, the Black Spire has conquered over half of Nocturnus and constructed a fortress, the Obsidian Spike, to serve as a command center for their forces. The Spire now controls all of the eastern and southern portions of Nocturnus while those still loyal to Sslither hold the northern and most of the western lands. And, in case you'd like an example of the Kelra Labyrinth, here's one by the Nocturnian Master himself, IScreamClone: Alright everyone, the moment you've been waiting for: the winners of this challenge! Jacob Nion is the winner in the Black Spire category! Henjin_Quilones is the winner in the Nocturnian Resistance category! Congrats to these two, and a big thanks to all who have participated! Nocturnus has never looked so awesome!
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Ok everyone, it's time to get building in Nocturnus! And for the chance to win some sweet PRIZES!!! Just so everyone knows, these are not part of the next chapter of Guilds of Historica, but just some fun minichallenges to get new and old builders back into the Darklands! Minichallenge II: Paying Tribute Nocturnus is a deeply spiritual land, with its residents worshipping numerous gods, deities and saints of the local pantheon. Leaders on both sides of the Nocturnus Struggle have recognized the importance of worship in attaining their goals - the Black Spire much more reluctantly, for Raavage does not easily tolerate sharing fealty, even among celestial beings. As the two sides prepare for battle, various shrines and temples are visited by the troops and civilians alike to pray for victory and safety. Minichallenge requirements: You should show troops or civilians worshipping or visiting sacred sites in Nocturnus. This is a pretty open challenge and builders will have a variety of options for their entries. Statues, temples, shrines, holy sites and other venerated locations are acceptable. Size limit: 16x16 Deadline: 11:59 p.m. anywhere in the world on October 1st Prizes will be awarded to the top builder for the Black Spire and the Nocturnian Resistance. This challenge is open to all GoH members, not just Nocturnus. The side you pick to build for has no bearing on future challenges/contests so feel free to pick whichever side you like! If you're sigfig is a member of the Nocturnian Resistance but you want to play devil's advocate and build for Raavage, then do so! Judging will be based on the MOC's story, details, composition and how well it follows the requirements. You must post your entry in a separate thread and provide a link for it in this thread. Please prefix your entry thread with the title "Nocturnus Minichallenge II:" and then enter the name of your entry. Also, please note at the top of the thread if you are building for the Resistance or the Black Spire. Feel free to discuss the minichallenge in this thread And the winners are: Captain Flint in the Black Spire category! LordDan in the Nocturnian Resistance category! Congrats to these two guys and their awesome entries, and thanks to everyone who participated! Nocturnus is great, isn't it?
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Nocturnus Minichallenge IIIB: The Pies of the Spiderwitch
Henjin_Quilones posted a topic in Guilds of Historica
The Pies of the Spiderwitch (on behalf of the Resistance) Somewhere in southern Nocturnus, perhaps nestled into the tumbled foothills of the Rakath Mountains, or perhaps near the shores of the salty sea, dwells the Spiderwitch. No one quite knows where she came from, or what she is precisely, or even how long she has dwelt in her halls of weathered stone; but everyone knows to avoid the roads and paths that lead to her treacherous snares. That being said, it seems, for the unwary traveler, especially those merry men from Avalonia come to fight in the civil war, that all paths for miles around lead inexorably towards her tower, as though drawn to the center of a vast web, no matter which direction one turns or how quickly one runs. It is said that she prefers it when they run. She likes the excitement. It is also said about her that no one has ever tasted a pumpkin pie better than that of the Spiderwitch. The veracity of those accounts may be doubted, as no one has ever left from her den alive to spread the tale abroad, but those same rumor-mongers quickly add that no one leaves because they cannot bear to live without the pie. The pumpkin pie is so magical, so enchanted, that even the hideous form of the Spiderwitch is rapturous in its beauty and charm to those under its spell, and the men and elves, and everyone else, never leave because they are so in love with her. So love has blinded them. But who can truly say? If you ever care for a bite, stop by. You might just find yourself a permanent inhabitant. Or ingredient. Bon appétit! Occasionally the Spiderwitch has been known to forget the pumpkins altogether, substituting other, just as tasty, ingredients. But usually she just puts everything into the pie and says the right spells... Edit: In case anyone is wondering how to properly make a pie of this sort, here is the recipe: 6 Avalonian heads, drained 3 medium sized pumpkins, baked and blended 2 c. green slime 2 c. beer 3/4 c. dragon horn, powdered 6 c. shredded carrots 3 stewed orc tongues 5 c. fireweed stalks, diced and cooked 8 c. sugar 1 c. cobweb 2 medium dragon eggs 3 tbsp. cinnamon 1 tbsp. nutmeg 1 tbsp. pure vanilla extract 2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. pixy dust 1 pinch eye of newt Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix all the wet ingredients in a large mixing bowl. In another bowl, mix together the dry ingredients and then gently mix into the wet, being careful to stir briskly to avoid clumps. Grease a large pie pan and pour in the pie mix while muttering the crust incantations. Bake for 45 minutes or until the center is firm. Allow to cool for several hours. Serving suggestion: Whipped Avalonian blood topping and a nice pumpkin spice beer to wash it down. Serves 10-15. __________________________________________________________________________________ .................................................................................................................................................................... Thanks for looking! C&C welcome. There are more pictures on Flickr, too, if you click on any of the pictures above. I do not have a light brick, but by shining a flashlight through the back of the oven I thought it created a nice fiery glow. -
The Black Spire calls for reinforcements. The gears of war are finally put in motion and the terrible, most devastating fate of the Darklands takes its course. While the armies of Historica march to Nocturnus, a single colossus comes down the northern Rakath at the border to Mitgardia; the giant seeks neither glory nor riches, the pure lust for destruction and chaos makes him leaving his home in the mountains and entering the vale. Where he plagues the land, he erases villages. He devours the cattle and leaves nothing but desolation and death.
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Nocturnus Minichallenge I: Through the land of Worrakaths
Captain Flint posted a topic in Guilds of Historica
Build for the Black Spire. From Orcish Marshes, through the snowy mountains of Mitgardia and deeper into darklands the orcs for help the Black Spire now traveling through Rakath Mountains, the area inhabited by mysterious creatures Worrakaths, which with its long tentacles catch and kill everything in their path. Even the bravest orcs are afraid of this terrible way. -
Nocturnus Minichallenge I: Crossing the Sayn Gwinos River
Henjin_Quilones posted a topic in Guilds of Historica
Resistance sympathizer King Zalgel has sent Urkan, his chief general, from his city of Griznâg in the depths of the Enchanted Forest of Avalonia to join with his royal cousin, Frykka the Brown, in Nocturnus in battle against the traitorous Black Spire. To get there, the band of orcish soldiers has had to brave many hazards, from fierce-eyed Elvish hunters, roaming human cavalry patrols, deserts, fell beasts, and now, at last, the towering Rakath Mountains. On the eastern side of those lofty peaks runs a river, red as freshly spilled human blood, called the Sayn Gwinos River by those who have made the maps. A single bridge crosses the that crimson stream, passing through the ensnaring webs of many deadly spiders. Will the orcs make it to Frykka's warband alive, to swell the ranks of the Resistance against Raavage's tyrannical reign, or will they perish in the mountains, struck down by noxious rivers and venomous arachnids? Time alone will tell... ___________________________________________________ ...................................................................................................... Introducing my second build for the Nocturnian Minichallenges. The photography hopefully looks quite a bit better for this one as I took some advice I was given and took the pictures outside in a shady spot with my old point-and-shoot digital camera. All the grey for the rocks makes me appreciate LittleJohn's Nordheim Fjall that much more... -
For the Black Spire. Many centuries ago, a large spherical object appeared in the lands now called Nocturnus. The inhabitants of this land found the stone-like sphere, unsure of what it was, they approached the sphere and as the grew closer to it, a low humming sound could be heard originating from the object. Scared they attempted to move it, it could not be moved, pushed, lifted, nor rolled. So they tried to break it, open it maybe, believing the humming was maybe coming from a creature inside, no matter what they tried, how hard they hit, even the magic of powerful wizards wouldn't lave but a scratch. Learning of the near indestructibility of the sphere, the inhabitants fear grew stronger towards it, so they turned to praying to the sphere in the hopes that whatever was inside would not harm them if ever it emerged. They built a shrine for the sphere, and only the combined magic of the most powerful wizards could lift the impossibly heavy object, to place it in the shrine. Back to the present day, and the Sphere still remains in the shrine after all this time, a mage known as the Purple Mage has learnt of the existence of the mystical sphere and wishes to harness its power and invulnerability. After studying ancient documents, him and his assistant have found the location of the shrine of the Sphere. - Come you foolish creature, it is here, the ancient Sphere! - I will require drops of your blood... The Purple Mage slices open the hand of L'aark, letting out a small snort. - Now place your hand on the Sphere... Not that one you fool, the one dripping with blood! As L'aark placed his bloody hand on the Sphere, and The Purple Mage chanted and ancient spell, the red markings on the floor progressively started growing until they reached the large ston bowls. The cristals light up and shot blood red beams of light into the sky. Clouds gather above the shrine creating a swirling storm, lightning striking the small sphere atop the shrine, sending electricity surging through into the sphere. Magenta smoke whirled around the Sphere, before being absorbed by the mages staff. Its power had been extracted, the Sphere crumbled into pieces... Only realising the deadline for Nocturnus Minichallenges I and II was today, I decided to whip something up quick. Always wanted to use the Indiana Jones boulder, so this was a good opportunity. Thanks for looking!
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moc Nocturnus Minichallenge II: The Altar of Kazag'thri
Umbra-Manis posted a topic in Guilds of Historica
For the resistance The wilds of Nocturnus contain a great number of monuments and altars that honor forgotten, or nearly forgotten gods. Lord Raavage's end has been foretold in the stars and in the swamps, and this solitary worshipper seeks some final moments of solace before the coming storm, a storm which will define Nocturnus beyond the lifespan of any living resident. This worshipper will soon join the foot soldiers of the resistance, and will likely never be seen again. Kazag'thri, or the meaning of the inscriptions on the Altar may die with him, but the Altar will remain. This is Nocturnus, nothing dies here. I completely forgot about the deadlines for the non-pie related challenges, so unforunately this is all I've got for the first two. There is a light brick built into the structure on top, but I couldn't render it. C&C Welcome, and check out the 360 on Mecabricks -
Building for the Spire read first: For days now they had been marching through the mountains. Yvern had found a pretty large group of Bulls willing to join them, after talking to Davok. Now the expedition, under formal lead of Thornn and Spyrus, and Davok and Yvern, was crossing the Kyrrath Mountains. Tonight they could rest in the ruins of an ancient abandoned Orc fortress, Khazrat. Yet when they came closer, there was an unusual stench in the air. Spyrus and Davok went on, while the rest halted. When they neared the entrance to the fortress, Spyrus said: "This is Orc-scent. That would be that Resistance regiment. See? He didn't wipe them out, filthy Yudha. "How did you call me?" An unwelcome but familiar face appeared above them, just outside the gate the ruins of Khazrat Spyrus: "Why... what... what are you doing here?" Yudha: "Easy...helping my new friends to prevent some impetuous young men from assisting the spire... They pay me well enough" Davok: "Treacherous scum... Is mony indeed all you are after?" Yet Yudha disappeared through the gate. Davok: "The fortress will be occupied. Yet there is no way back now. The fortress doors have rotten away over time, so our best chances are to rush in..", and he shouted a signal. Immediatly the whole expedition started to run, with their weapons ready, not knowing where the enemy might appear... the ruins of Khazrat the ruins of Khazrat the ruins of Khazrat the ruins of Khazrat So, I have been working on this for a pretty long time: I wanted to hit some birds with one stone: I wanted to make ruins, and to make a round tower. I am pretty happy with the architecture of the (front) wall and the tower, yet they don't really get the attention they deserve in this build, I think. The tower has an half collapsed part, and the wall has some chunk out of it, made with different slope bricks.
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The Civil war and the events which occurred on Hemresa left a lot of folk in despair. The elves took over the Avalonian island with the help of the dark and vicious drow. Every man, creature and other inhabitant of Hemresa was enslaved by those ruling the island. Nar Bilu was banished to the island of Norra and disappeared when he faced the wars in Kaliphlin. Recently he was released of his curse by his future great grandson and together they travelled back to Hemresa to reclaim their heritage. The tremendous amount of loyal followers gave them the opportunity to fight off the elves and gain control of the greater part of Hemresa. This event reached the outer parts of the island, freeing the slaves and giving Nar Bilu the opportunity to make new alliances with the races of the island. Now it is time to pay some respect to those who fouled the pride of Avalonia. Nar Bilu decided to take a hand full of archers and footmen to Nocturnus. The drow will have to face their trial. Out of the northern, rocky part of Hemresa came an unexpected alliance. Those of the Giants of Rock. A strong ally who will surely make the difference. The master builders of Avalonia designed an armour for the Giant and together with the army they faced the Kelra Labyrinth. With the towering creature looking over the walls, every challenge was dealt with and almost in a straight line they found their way into Nocturnus. Ready for a fight!
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The elementals have upset the earth and my Master is awake. Though his physical body is still held by the magic bonds that chained him eons ago, his mind is free and his thought is everpresent. I carry his spark and I shall spread his word and be his voice in this turmoil He is B'deesh, The Great Wyrm and once he is free he will reshape the world! I am known simply as The Speaker. The Cult of The Great Wyrm has gathered and is growing ever so swiftly. We stand with the Black Spire and we shall support Lord Raavage, the rightful ruler of Nocturnus! ...at least for now... Here is our clergy: In the back you can see the lowly Acolytes, they have yet to prove they are worthy of serving B'deesh. On the far sides you see the Ascended - priests who have embraced The Wyrm's awesome powers and are changed forever. In the middle you can see the War Priest and The Master Ritualist. Here are our Holy Warriors Like the Ascended, they also carry the spark of The Great Wyrm in them (which can be noticed by the red glow in their eyes). Our strength is in our secrecy, The Great Wyrm is calling and many will answer throughout Historica Maybe some in Avalonia, maybe in Mitgardia, maybe in Kaliphin... who knows... :) The Portal awaits, and once we have gathered the power necessary we shall dispell the bonds and our Master will be set loose upon this world. I have spoken...
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Previous: Wyvern's War Part I: the Ebon Band The Ebon Band, under command of Hector Mithrades, is continuing its march on Wyvern's Reach, where the local ruler and nephew of the Band's second-in-command, Gareth Larconne, has declared for the traiterous Black Spire. The Band is currently encamped a day's march outside the territory of Wyvern's Reach, preparing their assault. Their camp is thrown up around an ancient barrow, one of many that dot the landscape of Nocturnus. Nocturnus' bloodsoaked history has known countless great warriors, mighty warlords and devious sorcerers, many long forgotten. So, too, the barrow on top of which Hector has established his command post. It has been a landmark for as long as the locals can remember, even being remarked by the founder of Wyvern's Reach. Ancient tombs like this are often better left undisturbed. Who knows what horrors might have been left to guard it, or have taken up residence in the centuries since it was built? Unbeknownst to the men and women of the Ebon Band, an ancient warlord known as the Sire of Serpents is interred beneath the smooth black stone of the tomb. He was obsessed with all manner of snakes and lizards, and bred them for war. Great beasts they were, some constricting his enemies by the dozens, others devouring them whole. However, they had one great weakness: they couldn't get over sufficiently high walls, and their Sire had the greatest trouble taking castles and cities. Seeing the might of the aerial dragons, he decided that he would give his beloved creations wings. And so he bred a new breed of lizards that possessed membranes behind their front limbs: the first wyverns were created. After the warlord's fall his great beasts were set free or escaped, and went on to haunt Nocturnus. One of the wyverns took up residence on a mountaintop in the Rakath Mountains, and become known as the great wyvern Cordath. His slaying earned Jericho Larconne the name Wyrmscourge, and on top of his nest was the city of Wyvern's Reach built. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The murmurs stopped as Hector Mithrades entered the tent, followed by lady Cassandra Rothmere. 'Friends, comrades, we've finally reached the lands of the traiterous Aidan Larconne. Within a few days we'll march for the city. But first we should discuss our strategy for taking it. Gareth had a notion on how to make it somewhat... easier. Gareth.' 'Indeed I do. The city is built on top of a mountain. The slopes are steep, nearly impassable, and the only road runs under the walls and is vulnerable for attacks from above. Storming the main gates will undoubtedly result in great losses.' Razgrim, commander of the orcs, scowled at him. 'Are you afraid of some arrows and rocks? Me and my men, we'll storm up that road and take the gates before you humans are done trimming your nails [1].' Gareth sighed. 'And lose the greater part of them. No, my plan will involve us getting inside the walls without needing to storm the gates. See, the mountain Wyvern's Reach is built on is in fact an old, long-dead volcano. Many old tunnels molten rock used to flow through still criss-cross the interior. This is not known to many, in fact it's being kept a secret within House Larconne, so as not to expose our weakness.' He grinned. 'Of course, they never expected someone in House Larconne to want to attack the city from the outside. I know the location of the entrance of a tunnel that will lead to inside the city. My ancestors were cautious enough to close off any tunnels in or out of the main citadel, so we won't get any farther than inside the walls. Once there, we can use the chaos to subdue the Wyvern Guard and, with luck, take the main citadel by surprise.' Razgrim grunted, looking daggers at Gareth, but remained silent. Hector looked around the circle of his commanders, and when none spoke, he continued. 'If we fail to take the citadel by surprise and find the gates closed, we'll still have a trick up our sleeve. Before we enter the city, lady Saelena will go ahead and slip into the citadel. If we find the citadel closed to us, she'll open it for us. After that it'll just be cleaning up.' The commanders remained silent for a while, looking over a map of the city and pondering the strategy laid before them. Then Cyrus Irving spoke up. 'It won't be as simple as that. I don't doubt we'll be able to enter the city and even the citadel, but once inside we'll have to fight the Wyvern Guard in a city guerilla. We'll have to push them back street by street, in a city they know much better than we do. They'll be pouring out of alleys when we least expect it.' Gareth smiled knowingly at him, as if he'd expected the objection. 'That would indeed be a problem. But you forget that we will have the benefit of surprise. They won't be expecting an attack from inside the gates. In addition, our approach has been noted. The Wyvern Guard will be posted at the gate and on the walls to be on guard against an army they think will storm the gates. If we move quickly enough, we will be in and through the tunnels fast enough for them not to notice that we're not headed for the gates. Finally, when we've entered the city, we will make sure they know who we are. There will be plenty of city folk, and guardsmen, that aren't happy with young Aidan joining the Black Spire. If we can offer them an alternative, one that is still of the blood of the Wyrmscourge, some might join our side and many will at least be confused. All this will contribute to the chaos that will allow us to take the city quickly. I will also give you a final warning: you will not kill anyone as long as it's not necessary. That will not help our image as liberators, and we want the city and its army whole. Is that understood? ' He looked around, lingering his gaze on Razgrim. Everyone nodded, even the big orc, though reluctantly. Hector took over again. 'Good. Then on the morrow, we march for Wyvern's Reach.' ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [1] Orc nails are more claw-like than human nails, and are generally used so often that they don't need trimming. Trimming, to orcs, is a sign of a quiet, peaceful, and civilized life, all of which are disdained. The fact that human nails are relatively weak and fragile and need trimming is just one more reason orcs generally see humans as weaklings. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Welcome to my latest MOC everyone! I've been gone from the forums for quite a long time as I've been away from my lego a lot, but now I'm back. The latest installment of the Wyvern's War consists of the Ebon Band's encampment near the border of the territory of Wyvern's Reach. It includes a small horse pasture, a couple of cooking fires, a plains orc on cooking duty (making some delicious-looking brown stew), a watchtower, the command tent and an ancient tomb. It's also my first real attempt at landscaping, and I quite like how it turned out. Of course, I'm open to any tips. I really liked building this, the tomb was especially fun. I'd also like to claim UoP credit for this build, in Military Science - Military Camp and Landscape Design - Studs Up Rocks and Cliffs (mostly focusing on the section posted below). Finally, I'm happy to be back on the forums! I hope I'll have more time in the coming months (I'll be where my lego is at more, but university is starting again, so I'll just have to see), and I hope to participate in the two challenges! I already have an idea for the first one.
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Introducing: the Ebon Band! The Ebon Band is a warband of hardened warriors, loyal to Nocturnus but fighting elsewhere as mercenaries as well. During the Elemental Crisis, the Band was stranded far away from Nocturnus and have missed most of the civil war thus far. They have now returned to join the Resistance, but will first be taking care of their own business: the conquest of Wyvern's Reach. The Ebon Band is led by Hector Mithrades, a former Kaliphlin soldier dishonourably discharged for savagery on the battlefield. He left the lands of his birth and traveled to Nocturnus, where he found his place in a warband. Over the years he climbed up through the ranks to become its commander. Hector is a fierce warrior and relishes the thrill of battle. He is always in the forefront of the fighting, leading by example. Hector's second-in-command is Gareth Larconne, a grizzled veteran swordsmaster. He is Hector's main advisor when it comes to strategy. The Larconne family is old and renowned, tracing its ancestry back to Jericho 'Wyrmscourge' Larconne, who slayed the great wyvern Cordath and built the moutaintop city of Wyvern's Reach over its nest. Gareth was born a second son, and had always lived in his older brother's shadow. Because of this he left Wyvern's Reach and joined the Ebon Band, long before Hector would become its leader or would even join. A few years ago, Gareth's brother died and his son took over as Lord of Wyvern's Reach. When the Obsidian Spire rose in rebellion, this young Aidan Larconne joined them. Gareth, loyal to Nocturnus, pleaded with Hector to take the Band to fight his nephew. The prospects of battle, serving Nocturnus and the addition of the Wyvern Guard, the army of Wyvern's Reach, were enough reason for Hector, and he committed the Band. They recently passed into the Darklands again, and are now marching on the eastern Rakath Mountains, were the mountain stronghold of the Larconne family is located. A significant part of the Ebon Band's fighting forces consists of orcs, led by the fearsome Razgrim Bearflayer. Well-armed orcs fill out most of the warband, but a number of heavily armoured Clawed Berserkers and Stalkers can also be found. Other infantry units include the Ebon Blades, the elite heavy infantry of the band. They are led by Cyrus Irving who, it is whispered, has fled Avalonia after killing his entire stepfamily. He was born the only son of a noble house, and was raised to follow in his father's footsteps. In his youth, he lost his mother, and his father remarried. She had her own sons though, and boundless ambition. When Cyrus' father died as well, Cyrus was still too young to take over as Lord, and his stepmother took that place. Cyrus was shoved aside in favor of his stepbrothers and was eventually reduced to stablehand. After years of callous treatment and festering resentment, Cyrus murdered his stepfamily in their sleep and fled the castle. Cyrus himself is silent on the matter, but he has a clear dislike of nobles, which often causes him to clash with Gareth. The infantry is further filled out by a small regiment of Avalonian crossbowmen that had joined the band after their army was smashed during the Elemental Crisis. They have been somewhat uncomfortable with the method of operations of Hector and the Band, but have still decided to come along to Wyvern's Reach, if only to work against the Obsidian Spire. The Ebon Band's scouts and outriders are a group of orcs from a plain-roaming tribe. They have joined the Band in the hope of bringing back spoils and glory to their tribe. They fight from horseback with spear and shortbow and are best at harrying actions. Their leader is Graedo Greataxe, who, in contrast to his fellow tribesmen, fights with a massive double-bladed axe. Rounding out the Band's main fighting forces is a unit of heavy cavalry led by Cassandra Rothmere, an unusually fierce Avalonian Lady who had run away from her life as a noble and had become a mercenary. In the Band as well are the Kobold brothers Klabward (left) and Hufward (right). Both are exceptionally ill-tempered and are often avoided by the other members of the Band. They are still valuable members, as Klabward is a veritable storm of pointed steel balls on the battlefield and Hufward keeps an eye on the Band's treasury and documents. (which no one else is willing to do, they're warriors, not scribes!) As avoided as the Kobold brothers is the eerie beastmaster Hir. No one knows what has caused his horrifying visage, and no one cares to know. But he is an exceptional trainer of beasts of war, such as the troll he is depicted with. Deregrim Kraghide is the Band's engineer, building catapults, rams or siege towers when necessary. He is helped by his two Shraliek (I'd come up with these seperately from Legonardo, but thought I should use the name as the tribes are canon) helpers. Finally, the Band also includes a mage and an assassin. Lucio Zintoya is about an average mage. He can hurl a fireball when needed, he can heal deadly wounds, but he won't be summoning any creatures or raise the dead. Which is fine, as some members of the Band are distrusting of magic as is and they are managing fine. Saelena Hacim is a mysterious assassin, who keeps her face wrapped in black cloth at all times and only shows two blazing blue eyes and pale white skin. No one knows what exactly she is, but none care. Thus far, she has succeeded on every mission given to her, from opening the gates of a city to silently dispatching a well-guarded noble, no matter how impossible it seemed. And finally, a shot of the entire Ebon Band so far! I hope to get some more figs together, there are only two heavy cavalry figs... Anyways, what do you guys think? I'm pretty happy with how everything turned out, and I quite like the cart.
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The Exetrius Saga (11): Festival of the Ranks (part 3)
Exetrius posted a topic in Guilds of Historica
Exetrius Saga 1: Fallen leaf 2: Message in Kyrrath 3: Equipment upgrade 4: Subjection of a legend 5: Family Dinner 6: Attack of the Hunters 7: Taking the Runestone 8: Supplies Arrive! 9: Festival of the Ranks (part 1) 10: Festival of the Ranks (part 2) Episode 11: Festival of the Ranks (part 3) It is the seventh day of the festival. About three hundred battles have taken place in the arena over the course of the last six days, with day six for resting, recovering and - for those who were still able to - celebrating. The city council had made sure that this year's party was extra grand, compromising a triathlon across the city, a two-course buffet for all of Zotharith and finally, a magical arts and fireworks contest. In addition, many pubs were offering free booze to the participants, which might have been the reason for the half-empty arena the following morning... Whatever the case, Exetrius wasn't bothered by the lack of crowd at all. The loud folk was absent. A healthy dose of quietness and suspense filled the atmosphere; perfect conditions for concentrating on what would probably be his last chance at a good battle. In his arrogance, he had lost his first fight in the blink of an eye. Even though the team fight had turned out better than expected, especially considering it was only his second fight for the regular combat ranking, it would not effect his rank as a mage. There would simply be no room for another blunder; the only way of compensating the first match and maintaining his upper middle class status was through the upcoming fight. He'd better go for it! One thing was, probably, in his favour: it was already day seven. The newbies, lower-ranked classes and those in the intermediate regions had all had their battles. Now, a whole different league was about to take the stage. Exetrius was, apparently, deemed worthy enough to enter this tiny pool dominated by big and dangerous fish, like taskforce commanders, dragon slayers and sub-elite sorcerers. If he could win against one of them... Exetrius and his opponent entered the battlefield. Like his first rival, this.. mysterious character did not have a visible weapon, which implied that he/she/it either had spells bound to the body, or integrated in the clothing and armour. Consequently, his opponent would always have an advantage in mobility, due to having both hands free. On the other hand, spells bound to cloth and skin are vulnerable, because they could be rendered useless by a small rupture or wound. He decided that he would start with a few energy blasts as a speed test. "My son, you might as well give up right at this moment, if this is the only technique you are going to use against him." Onicius thought. Exetrius was struggling hard to keep his rival at a distance. Whatever his opponent was; beast, human, or something in between, it was incredibly fast. He had never seen anyone with this level of skill in mobility and strength enhancing magic. It was using the sides of the arena to gain extra speed forward, at an increasing pace. Exetrius started to loose track, so he created an pillar under his feet to get an overview. Within seconds, his rival was blasting right towards him. This was the chance he had been waiting for: a full-frontal charge in midair, nowhere to go. He wouldn't be able to dodge this! A giant rock boulder shot straight out of the ground, towards his rival. But, he soon came to realize that something was not right... His confidence was turned into outright fear, as his opponent's right leg started emitting a powerful green glow, and it was aiming right for the boulder! The devastating impact of the kick blew the giant rock to smithereens, together with all Exetrius' hopes of standing a chance against this monster... ..who, by the way, appeared to be surprisingly friendly. This would be as far as it would go, this year. He would stronger next time around! For now, all he could do was waiting for his results, praying that he would not drop down into the lower ranks again... To be continued.... in the next episode: The ranks are out! So, I guess that concludes the Festival of the Ranks. I was planning to have a few more exciting battles with interesting characters, but school has started and a lot of other contests suddenly showed up, so those will be saved for another time then. I hope you enjoyed anyway. This build is also a CBC 2016 entry in the category "The Final Duel". Once again, if you feel like creating a little magic action scene related to this festival, go right ahead! C&C is always appreciated! -
The Den Mother, is a guardian spirit. The first recorded encounter with this spirit was centuries ago, when a child went missing. The residents of the village, searched the wilderness for days, but didn't found the child. Befor they gave up the searching, one of the villagers saw a big black wolf with glowing red eyes. They thought, the beast took the child, they wanted revenge. The hunt begined, after a long pursuit, the beast returned to her den, the hunters went after her, but didin't found the wolf. Just the missing child. This event not yet started the Cult of the Den Mother. But after a dozen, similar events, Den Mother shrines, across Noctornus were builded. There is two common representation, of the spirit. One is a woman with res eyes, holding a child, the other is a black wolf, with the same red eye. The representation of the following pictures are unique. The statue bears both aspects, from the women, and the wolf. In this troubled times, many residents of Noctornus visits these shrines, Praying for protection. Edit: Although, the shrines are open for everyone, for praying, for the recent events, the priestesses don't welcome any member from the Black Spire.
