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HISTORICAN SETTLEMENTS Historica is home to many towns, villages, hamlets, and even a few Cities. The Royal Cartographer's Guild of Albion and the Avalonia's foreign affairs minister wish to officially recognize the many settlements of Historica. As a prerequisite to official recognition and inclusion in the "Royal Registry of Historica's Locations of Note" and "Avalonian Sites and Monuments: a comprehensive guide" each settlement must prove that they contain the minimum facilities to provide for their residents. To establish your settlement, you must post MOCs from the following categories. These MOCs CAN be already completed, but they MUST not already be referenced to a different location. (if you try to alter a description of an existing MOC to fit this challenge, you will not be allowed to enter ANY settlements, so do not edit topics you already posted. you can add a post later on in your topic, but if I see that the topic was already posted before Feb 14th, but edited after Feb 13th, it will not be allowed as part of this challenge.) There are a couple of building types that can be counted for multiple types (a Fishery for example can be counted as a nautical AND agricultural). Here are the categories: REQ - Agriculture - Grains & Produce: Farm*, Mill, Granary, Orchard Agriculture - Livestock: Farm*, Cattle/Horse Ranch, Swineherd, Sheepfold, Fishery Nautical: Harbor, Shipwright, Quay, Fishery*, Ferryman REQ - Military: Keep, Barracks, Gatehouse, Tower, Castle, Fort Religious: Chapel, Monastery, Temple, Shrine Medical: Apothecary, Herbalist, Infirmary, Physician Hospitality: Food & Beverage: Bakery, Butcher, Winery, Brewery, Tavern REQ - Hospitality - Lodging: Inn, Stables, Coach House REQ - Laborers: Lumber Mill, Mine, Stone Cutter, Mason REQ - Craftsmen - General Goods: Cooper, Wainwright, Tannery, Dyer, Glass Blower Craftsmen/Merchant - Arms & Armor: Blacksmith, Bowyer, Fletcher, Armorer Craftsmen/Merchant - Clothing: Cobbler, Seamstress, Furrier, Woolen Mill Craftsmen/Merchant - Specialty: Candle Maker, Wood Carver, Bookbinder, Jeweler, Potter Services: Herald, Cartographer, Money Lender, Scribe, Courier, Shipping House Scholars: Observatory, Alchemist, Philosopher, Astrologer Entertainers: Minstrel, Fortune Teller, Performing Troupe, Theatre Administrative (Town or City only): Town Hall, Chancery, Forum, Courthouse Now, the examples provided are not the only things you can build in a category, they are just options. Also, the build must be substantial - showing an interior of one room, or throwing a bunch of bricks up on a plate will not be acceptable entries. Hamlet - There are 5 categories that are required for a Hamlet (the minimum recognized settlement) - Agricultural (either one), Military, Hospitality (either one), Laborer, and Craftsmen. Village - For a Village, you must meet the Hamlet requirements plus meet a total of 8 of the 16 categories. Town - For a Town, you must meet the Hamlet requirement, plus a minimum of 2 Craftsmen buildings, both Agricultural categories, and both Hospitality categories, plus meet a total of 10 of the 16 categories. City - For a City, you must meet the requirements for a Town, plus one administrative building, plus meet a total of 14 of the 16 categories. Port - For a Port, you must meet the Village requirements, including one Nautical building. For this task, there is no time limit, and again, is open to all Historicans. I will be starting a separate thread for this once I get home tonight where you can post a link to your topics. Each person should have only one reply in this topic, where they will post all of their entries. You can have more than one settlement recognized if you wish. You should only have one post per Settlement. Feel free to ask questions, but I will delete them once they have been answered, and compile the answers in the thread below. Do not post for a settlement unless you have a build to post. I will delete any topics that do not contain a link to an existing MOC (no MOCs in progress allowed either) Let me know if you have any questions. The list below captures almost all of the various ideas that have been used over the years in this thread. But again, even this extensive list is not exhaustive; if you think your build qualifies for a category, put it there. Creativity is always encouraged! Additionally, some items could go into other categories. For example, a wizard might be a scholar or an entertainer. An astrologer could be scholar or religious. An adventurer's guild could be hospitality food, or lodging depending on the offerings, etc., so ask if you have questions, but don't be too worried about the category. Build something awesome to your imagination and we will find a category for it. Agriculture Grains and Produce Farm Garden Mill Granary Marketplace Vineyard Orchard Foraging grounds Irrigation system Livestock Farm Cattle/Horse ranch Dairy Swineherd Goatherd Sheepfold Marketplace Kennel Beekeeper Fishery Hunting grounds Pastures Nautical Harbor Shipwright Quay Fishery Ferryman Port Dock Lighthouse Military Keep Barracks Gatehouse Tower Castle Fortified Bridge/port/manor/etc. Wall Beacon Cavalry Stables Ballista Tower Fort Religious Chapel Church Monastery Tomb Crypt Catacombs Cemetery Temple Mosque Shrine Monument Medical Apothecary Herbalist Infirmary/Hospital Mortician/Necromancer Torture Chamber Barber/Physician Hospitality Food & Beverage Bakery Butcher Winery Kitchens Brewery Café/Street Food Tavern Adventurer's Guild (and/or lodging depending) Pizzeria Shisha Cellar (wine, cheese, etc.) Lodging Inn Stables Coach house Celebrations (fits into Food or Lodging, depending) Wedding Festival Laborers Lumber Mill Grain Mill Mine Stone Cutter Wood Cutter Mason/Adobe Maker Stable Hand Cleaning Workers Field Hands Foresters Carter Diggers Quarry Wheelbarrower/Hauler Trapper (fur, etc.) Craftsmen/Merchants General goods Cooper Wainwright Tannery Carpenter Dyer Marketplace Fishing Rod Merchant Farrier Arms & Armor Blacksmith Bowyer Fletcher Siege workshop Armorer Clothing Cobbler Seamstress Textiles Furrier Woolen Mill Specialty Candlemaker Wood carver Stone Carver/Sculptor Goldsmith Bookbinder Florist Jeweler Horse Tamer Merchant's Hall/Guild Coal Merchant Magic/Potion Vendor Tinker Potter Luthier Mushroom groomer Glassblower Services Herald Cartographer Money lender General Store Scribe Courier (incl. Pigeons) Trading Post Shipping house/Warehouse Falcon trainer Scholars Observatory Alchemist Philosopher Library University/Academy Astrologer Astronomer School Wizard Entertainment Minstrel Fortune Teller Street Musicians Performing Troupe Brothel Sports Arena Theatre Presdigitator (magician) Fighting pit Ostrich racing Puppeteer Administrative (Town or City only) Town Hall Chancery Forum Council Building/chamber Administrative Building Meeting Hall Customs House Palace Embassy Courthouse

The Stories of Everwater and Sam Weatherstone - Story Index 01 Return to Everwater More pictures in the spoiler: - - - - - Spring has come to Avalonia and to Everwater, but not only sunshine has arrived. Terrible news has reached Sam Weatherstone and Alric Ellerion in Petraea, where they are currently studying. 'Sam, Sam!' cries Alric. 'My father... he's dead! He's dead!" With a shaking hand, he hands Sam the letter that had arrived that morning. His eyes speak of grief and disbelief. Sam reads the letter, his hand shaking as he holds it. His other hand is on his friend's shoulder, trying to comfort him. The letter reads: Dear brother, Our father is dead. They speak of tragic circumstances, but nobody knows exactly what happened. They found him in the tower chamber — you know the one, he loved to be up there, looking out over his beloved sea and counting the ships entering the bay, freeing his mind. Master Grenich was also up there with him. They found him dead in a side corridor, he must have fought to the last second as he was covered in wounds. Our own uncle, Ureth, has tried to claim our father's position, but my sources have provided me with information linking him to our father's death. It must have been an assassination. Our loyal friends have stood by me in my accusations. Heated arguments led to a skirmish. Now that Master Grenich is also dead, our troops are leaderless. However, Eric was able to gather some of them and fight back. Ureth fled with some troops to the nearby forest, claiming that I was trying to take over my father's position. With Mother long gone, and now Father too, I am the last of House Ellerion in Everwater. You must return immediately, you are the rightful heir to our father. We need you back in Everwater, and you must bring Sam with you. The troops trust him, you and I trust him, his family has stood by our side for decades, and I miss him. We must seek truth and justice in this matter. Your loving sister Anna Sam looked at Alric, barely processing what he had just read. 'Alric, we must immediatly return to Everwater' Sam said with a shaking voice. Alric looked at his friend, 'let's return home Sam' With that, Sam Weatherstone and Alric Ellerion set off for home, back to Everwater. Their journey gave them time to think about what had happened in Everwater, to grieve, and to make plans. One sunny day, they reached the county border. They had taken a narrow, less travelled path through the hills, but even then, an Everwater watchtower marked the border and greeted the new lord of Everwater. On smaller paths like this one, a simple tower houses a watch troop of four soldiers; on bigger routes, there could even be a castle guarding the border. - - - - - I had great fun building this MOC (my first bigger MOC and the first in the stories of Sam Weatherstone and Everwater) and even greater fun writing a short story about why Sam and Alric have to return to Everwater. I hope you also enjoy it!

The Tales of Lady Gwenllian Castle Construction at Prenmôr The winter in Prenmôr had been cold but largely uneventful. No more work on the castle was possible with the cold weather, which prevented any new mortar from setting, and the partially built walls were covered with straw and daub to insulate them until spring. Aside from winter brewing, which kept Lady Gwenllian and some of her household busy, there was little to do besides repairs and sharpening tools. The same had not been true for Ambassador Gisela. Gisela had learned from her father Staffen that the revenge for her brother's death was at hand, and she had traveled back to Varlyrio to take part. The usual fraught and overly complex machinations Varlyrio was known for had transpired, but this time her father wound up on the losing side. Staffen had been betrayed by cowards, as she told it, and Poppa had been kidnapped in Kaliphlin from her secret location, with her bodyguard Tsiri, the Kaliphlin Champion, having been murdered in the process. Gisela, ruthless as ever, had bribed, threatened, and eviscerated her way through the secrecy surrounding the kidnapping, and, again as she told it, rescued her sister from a fortified residence in Kaliphlin where she was held captive by mercenaries paid by the De Carlo family who (at the time) sat in the Rego's chair in Varlyrio. Presently, Lady Gwenllian walked through the brisk spring air, observing progress on the castle construction with Gisela and her younger sister Poppa struggling to keep up with their long strides. Mohatu, ever watchful, trailed not far behind. "So you did not have to fight the De Carlos?" Lady Gwenllian asked. "No, m'lady, only the mercenaries, who were no match for our hired muscle. The De Carlos had left Poppa with them, since they themselves were too incapacitated from the qui amat capras disease." "Isn't that the uniquely caprine venereal affliction arising from direct contact?" Lady Gwenllian asked. "Yes," Gisela nodded. "It is fatal and victims deteriorate quickly once symptoms appear, but it can lay dormant for years. Fortunately, it cannot be passed from person to person. Unfortunately, or so it would appear, there was a family proclivity for a, er.... herd mentality, since few of the De Carlos were spared," Gisela quipped. "I guess that's one way to ... goat," Lady Gwenllian commented, smirking at her own jest and rather proud of herself for being able to make a pun in the Historican language that was still at times a little new to her. "I am glad that you are back. The winter allowed some fine brewing, and we are now have a large stock to sell. Are you ready to find some trading partners?" she asked. Gisela smiled her crooked, mischievous smile. Seeing the expression on Gisela's face, Poppa skipped a step, understanding the trouble it meant. However, she knew that Gisela's scheming would not be directed at her, so she picked her skirt hem up off the ground a bit more and ran forward another few steps to catch up. "Yes, I believe there are some nearby dwarven communities that are always thirsty," Gisela said. Lady Gwenllian nodded her approval. "We will need plenty of gold to finish the structure." She turned to face the construction and nodded toward the workers. Gisela and Poppa watched the work with her. "Why are the walls so thick, m'lady?" Poppa asked. Lady Gwenllian smiled. "The walls are thick to stop rocks and other devices fired from siege equipment, and to hold all the weight of the stone above." She pointed to the round tower and wall section being constructed in front of them. "The lower part of the wall flares out, and is called a batter. It not only strengthens the construction because the base is wider than the top, but it also deflects missiles dropped from the defenders on the wall above out into the attackers below." Poppa's eyes widened. "The inner and outer part of the wall is solid stone that is held together with mortar, but the inside is filled with gravel, lime, and other small rocks. This provides solidity and also pours out onto attackers if the wall is ever breached, say, with a battering ram." Lady Gwenllian pointed to the scaffolding. "The walls are built with natural placement for scaffolding. The workers call them 'putlog' holes, and logs are stuck into these recesses in the stone wall. These form a ramp upward, and are braced to the ground with other logs. To these are added a ramp and then further supports. Every so often, there is another set of holes. In this way, ramped scaffolding all around the structure allows workers to slide heavy mortar, stones, or gravel up the ramp without having to lift and carry it up stairs." "Putlog holes at the top of the wall are even and allow for hoardings to be installed on the walk in times of war. These project out over the wall and allow cover for defenders to drop missiles and other weaponry onto attackers." Poppa watched the workers for a while, fascinated with all the simple, yet rather ingenious engineering and design principles that went into this structure. Gisela tugged at Poppa's sleeve. "Let us return to Lady Gwenllian's house. You shall remain under constant guard until we are assured the threat from Varlyrio is passed, and that may not be for some time." Lady Gwenllian nodded, and turned to Poppa, bending over and putting her massive hand on Poppa's small shoulder. "I give you my word I will protect you while you remain in my care," she said to Poppa, who smiled up at the enormous warrior. Lady Gwenllian couldn't be sure, but she thought she saw a slight smile of approval on Muhato's leonine face out of the corner of her eye. ---------- Well, it has been a while! After my (hopefully final) move, it took quite a while to get the house fixed up and my Lego collection organized, but I am back in business now and hope to be putting out some more builds soon! It took me some time to learn how to insert images now that BBCode is gone, and I'm still unsure how to do spoilers or if that is even possible, so hopefully this post isn't too cluttered. Glad to have Lady G moving along again, and hope that we can get some new fires lit here in the guilds. As always, C&C welcome!

"Sometimes a successful hunt is the one you can still walk away from..." - Avalonia proverb. This scene is set in the snowy Wizard's Spine mountains in the heart of the Enchanted Forest (which I've previously explored here and here). This is my entry for the Brickscalibur 'Capturing Character' category.

It has been very challenging for me in 2024 to find the time to advance the Chronicles of Embervale, and I've lost track of my own storyline. Perhaps the initial plan for a vast and intricate narrative was a bit overambitious. However, my passion for this project remains strong, and I want to continue it in a new format. Instead of one long story, expect shorter, sometimes even standalone tales. Please, dear readers, accept my apologies for setting aside the story arc started in 2023 (time really does fly!). I hope you'll enjoy this reboot! -- There were few things Alrune, Mage-Governor of Embervale, loved more than the quiet solitude of her study at dawn. The rest of the castle was, at this hour, caught up in the intricate choreography of the staff’s breakfast preparations - a swirling ballet of clattering pans and arguments about eggs. In less than an hour, her uncle would interrupt her blissful silence, armed with the kind of unwavering politeness that would somehow make refusing breakfast feel like declaring war on her own kitchen staff. And shortly after, the village bell would ring, summoning her to listen to the endless stream of complaints, questions, and deeply inventive interpretations of Imperial Laws presented by the good people of Embervale. But for now, it was just her, her cats, and the soothing dripping of a gelatinous cube becoming ectoplasmic distillate. -- Note: this is also my entry for the "Capturing Character" category of Brickscalibur.

This topic shall collect the stories of Sam Weatherstone, of his friends and foes and of Everwater, a small city and county of the mighty realm of Avalonia. Dear reader, please enjoy these stories. This topic will be updated as new chapters and informations about Everwater are added. Everwater [Avalonia] The city of Everwater is located at the northern coast of Avalonia. It is the capital of the county with the same name. Although small in size, the county has several small villages besides the capital Everwater. The landscape is dominated by the seaside consisting of cliffs, beaches and the relentless sea, and the backcountry made up of thick forests, lush meadows and fields. The people of Everwater make their living from the sea, the forest and from the meadows and fields. A large parts of the people of Everwater work as farmers, fishermen, carpenters or some other profession connected to the land they life in. The city of Everwater has the only large port of the county and has therefore become a central trading hub of the nearby region. On the markets of Everwater the products produced from the land and the goods manufactured in the city are traded and shipped to other cities of Avalonia or transported into the backcountry. Avalonia Task 1. Troops of Everwater The troops of Everwater 1. Cavalry 2. Heavy Infantry 3. Light Infantry 4. Crossbowmen 5. Rangers 2. Sam Weatherstone and his friends Sam Weatherstone and his friends From left to right: - Eric Uliah: Grew up as the son of a fisher and joined the Everwater troops as a young boy where he met Sam. Trained as an infantryman, he is a master of the sword and axe. Quick with his mouth he gets the group into and out of trouble. - Mal Berenthal (short for Maleric): He and his twin sister Alera grew up as children of the forest. Quite literally... their family lives on the edge of the great forest in the hinterlands of Everwater. Their adventures in the forest have honed their skills as rangers. They soon joined the ranger troops of Everwater, where they became part of this group of friends. Mal is a trained medic and swordsman. - Alric Ellerion: The new lord of Everwater. Alric Ellerion grew up as the heir to the county of Everwater and joined the troops of Everwater where he quickly rose through the ranks before going of to university to study and be prepard to one day rule and lead the county. Sam is his right hand and his close group of friends will always stand by his side. Trained as a swordman, he knows how to handle himself, but his biggest strength is his charisma. - Sam Weatherstone: Grew up as the youngest member of House Weatherstone. A family well known in the county of Everwater for their loyalty and friendship to the rulers of Everwater, House Ellerion. Their family members have served as members of the troops of Everwater and held other important positions at court over many decades. The family business is carpentry, which is also well known throughout Everwater. Sam originally trained as a carpenter, but soon joined the troops of Everwater, where he rose through the ranks of the infantry division. He later accompanied his close friend Aleric to university, where he studied engineering. Like his friend Eric, he is a master of the sword and axe. - Alera Berenthal: She and her twin brother Mal are the greates rangers Everwater has ever had among their troops. She is a master of the bow and her excellent orientation skills have lead the group through many perils. Having grown up in and around the forest her connection to the woods is especially strong. Everwater Story Index 01 Return to Everwater

Task 1 Avalonia: The troops of Everwater I am happy to present to you the troops of Everwater as Avalonia Task 1. The county of Everwater has a small but well trained army. The troops are devided into five categories, each with their distinct specialisations and tasks in and around Everwater. Since Everwater is located at the northern coast of Avalonia, all infantry troops are trained to fight on land, as well as on a deck of a ship. Left to right: 1. Cavalry Like any good Avalonian army, Everwater has a cavalry division. Although not as heavily armed as their counterparts in other realms, these light cavalry have proven to be a strategic advantage in the Everwater backcountry. Equipped with a lance, shortsword and shield, they can cut through enemy formations. 2. Heavy Infantry The heavy Infantry are the special forces of the Everwater troops. They undergo the toughest training and are selected for special missions. Despite their heavy chainmail, they are quick on their feet. Equipped with sword and axe, they can handle anything and any situation. 3. Light Infantry The light infantry is the heart of the Everwater troops and by far the largest division of the army. Besides being a large part of the troops they also form the city guards of Everwater. Equipped with a spear, sword and shield they are common soldiers. 4. Crossbowmen The light infantry that forms the main division of the troops and the city guards is accompanied by a division of crossbowmen. They are also at the heart of the Everwater troops and are part of the city guards as well. Everwater is known for ther crossbowmen, who are accurate not only on land, but also on a moving deck of a ship. 5. Rangers The ranger division is a small group of the troops of Everwater. They are typically equipped with a bow or sword and sometimes trained as medics. Nobody knows the forests of Everwater better than they do and their tracking skills are legendary. In times of need Everwater selects their best soldiers among their troops and forms special units, known for their abilites. In recent years this group has consisted of Sam Weatherstone (heavy infantry) and his close friends Eric Uliah (heavy infantry), Mal Berenthal (ranger), Alric Ellerion (light infantry) and Alera Berenthal (ranger). For a further read about them see (Everwater [Avalonia]).

Years of dedication paid off when Lord Baldric commissioned Guildmaster John and his fellows for an elaborate stained-glass window. Despite showing off their best designs, the wealthy patron wanted something grander than they had ever attempted. The challenge was daunting, but the promise of wealth and recognition fueled their efforts; Martin, now a master glassblower, felt convinced they could pull it off. Notes This was my contribution to the Summer Joust collab with Geneva and John. This was my first time dabbling with cheese slope mosaics and I got quite hooked on trying to make identifiable designs for within those window frames. I was heavily committed to large MOC for an upcoming convention in New Zealand, so with time scarce I had to make sure my Summer Joust build could also be used in the diorama. Unfortunately that made photographing the build quite challenging as it wasn't really built for an immersive scene. Hopefully you enjoy and it was great to get back to participating in a competition. Thanks Geneva and John for the push! Please also see:

Hey all fabulous Guild-people! Its been far too long since I put something together for my Dandelume-storyline, so I built this small vignette with some landscaping-techniques I haven’t used in a while. “In the western parts of Dandelume the people among the hillsides are specialised in breeding cattle. The different farmstead landlords have been given heritable sections of the area. However, due to the large amount of cattle and often narrow undulating landscape, each landlord is forced to form systems of small pastures under their control. Each of these pastures have an appointed and responsible group of peasants/breeders living with their herds-large or small. The peasants have build sheds, shacks and homes on the slopes in the rangelands and can therefore monitor the cattle at any given moment of the day. From these insignificant hills the cattle will be brought to the farmstead-lords to be sold or used to breed. From there the meat or finest stock can be moved far away all over Historica.”

Long ago, dark and dim in the shadows of history, the land of Avalonia was inhabited by powerful Druids. But over the years, their numbers declined, and declined, until only one was left. Using all the power left in his old body, and the powers of his brethren stored in the stone of his staff, he cast one final spell, hiding the greatest treasure of the Druids and their most sacred shrine from the world. No one has ever found the shrine, hidden somewhere in the mist-shrouded Mystic Isles, nor the treasure it contains, though many have spent or lost their lives looking... __________________________________________ .................................................................................... C&C welcome, and all that. This build spiraled out of control, measuring at final count something like 110x80 studs. And I have now sworn off immersive landscape builds...

Hi all, I decided to do a build for GOH again, here it is! The city wall of Oxenfurt. The citywalls of Oxenfurt by jesse van den Oetelaar, on Flickr The citywalls of Oxenfurt by jesse van den Oetelaar, on Flickr detail 1 by jesse van den Oetelaar, on Flickr detail 2 by jesse van den Oetelaar, on Flickr

Jelsa's Ice Castle A freebuild for Avalonia set in Mitgardia Far to the north in Mitgardia, at the edge of the Frozen Beyond (whether in the Frozen Beyond or just on the Mitgardian side is hard to say, as the cartographers are rather imprecise about that region), there is a small kingdom ruled by a kindly, though rather stupid, old king. His wife died many years before, and he spends his time playing with a sophisticated system of interlocking toys and trying to convince his only child, his spoiled and deeply loved daughter, that she should marry some prince. The daughter, Princess Jelsa, however, had other plans, and, since she is also a powerful ice witch, she froze every suiter her father brought to her. But one day, things went so far that she ran away to the back of the North Mountain and built herself an Ice Castle with her powerful ice magic. And there she stands, and there she will stay, unbothered by the cold. Cold hands, colder heart, they say. Unedited version: ______________ ............................. I built this for the Summer Joust's vignette category. It is, of course, Elsa's Ice Castle from Frozen, but I could not resist putting it into Mitgardia, where an Ice Princess seems to fit quite well. Jelsa, however, is a creation of mine for my (as yet unpublished) 10th Anniversary GoH CMF series: Consider this a sneak peek! Comments and criticism welcome.

Of Dragons and Druids Chapter 4: The Apprentice It had been several long years that Gahlen had been stuck working with the dwarves. He didn't dislike dwarves, per se, but he did not like doing dwarf work. It was hard, backbreaking work, especially for a growing boy of half-elf and half-human stock like him. His small frame was not meant for such strain. Or at least that's what he was always telling his father. But of course, Henjin merely smiled and said, "It'll build character," or something else awful like that. The worst of it was that Gahlen really just wanted to be out flying with his dragon, but he was not allowed to ride Koeden for more than an hour or so each day, and only short flights at that, since the dragon was still young and his mother did not trust either the dragon or her son to not over-tax themselves or worse, get lost somewhere out in the Mystic Isles that Druidham sat in the midst of. Folks got lost out there and never were heard from again. Actually, that wasn't the worst of it. The worst of it was that despite working as an apprentice to Stenkarlek for three years, Gahlen had still never been allowed to pick up a hammer and beat any metal at the forge. Never. He was stuck hauling things for the dwarves, like finished helms that needed to be set in the growing pile of arms outside the armory of Druidham. The armory itself was full, so the forge floor outside it was now piled high with armor, swords, helms, and shields. And it was Gahlen's job to haul it and stack it. Blaegrid and Injini got to pound on metal and make stuff, like swords and lanterns and pots. But Gahlen had to haul a barrow. Grinberd could pour molten iron to make swords and cool stuff. But Gahlen had to haul a barrow. The pile outside the armory was growing and growing, and still Gahlen had to haul his barrow, his face covered in grime and soot from the air inside the forge. It certainly wasn't from getting close to the glowing forge itself. Except when it was his job to haul coal to the coal pile in his barrow. And sometimes he even got to shovel the coal into the furnace! What delights! Gahlen noticed that Stenkarlek was talking to his parents, who were standing in the doorway with Koeden. He wondered what they could be talking about, but knew better than to try to eavesdrop. In the noisy forge, full of the clang of metal, the ringing of hammers on steel, the shriek of wheels grinding edges, and the whooshing of pumping bellows, it was impossible to hear anything without getting very close. And very noticed. "How has he been doing, Stenkarlek?" asked Henjin Quilones, greeting his old dwarf friend with a handshake. "Is he working hard?" "Oh, yes, very hard," said the old dwarf. "Though not with a smile on his face." "Smiling is hard when you are working hard," smiled Galaria, watching her son trudge around the forge floor. "Not for a dwarf it isn't," grumbled Stenkarlek. "We take joy in hard work. The harder the work, the bigger the smile." "Humans and elves are different," said Henjin thoughtfully. "Perhaps he should have a day off to fly with Koeden. Would you like that, Koeden?" The dragon nodded his head, his eyes lighting up at the suggestion. "Very well, then, how about tomorrow?" asked the Druid leader. "Fine," muttered the dwarf as he walked away. They could hear him saying something about soft elves and weak humans as he entered the noisy forge. But they just laughed, knowing that the dwarf was only half serious. And old enough to appreciate the differences between the races. "Shall we go back to the orchard, my love?" asked Henjin, escorting his wife by the arm. "Look, Rokka is picking apples. Perhaps he will share one with us." ____________________ ........................................ It has been a long time since the previous chapter of the story, a long time indeed. Chapter 3 was over two years ago now! Yeesh, things get busy. So I tried to keep the style similar to previous Druidham builds, like the library, kitchen, and hall, but this time to add a bit more detail to the walls. It's subtle, but there. This one might also be bigger than the rest, especially since it includes the outdoor scene. I am also using this for several HSS categories, notably Military: Armory, Craftsmen: Blacksmith, and Agriculture: Orchard. I just need to get a build with laborers and I can have a settlement on the map. Unless I decide to count Gahlen as a laborer... Oh, and Comments and Criticism welcome, as usual. I do plan to take a picture or two of just the dragon, for those who ask for such things. I know I haven't done it before, but I really do plan to do it this time, since I am rather pleased with this little guy. [Edit: the picture of the dragon is in the spoiler below]

This new challenge gave me an opportunity, to came up with two ideas, but after it was restricted, for only lego parts, I had to release the second idea, and go full with the first one. This time too, I want to show you, another dark part of Historica. The... Crime and Punishment Collectible Mini Figures. As I saw other entries earlier, It was mostly, about simple residents, trades, professions, and sometimes heroes. I want to show you what crimes can be committed in Historica, and how justice will be served! Every Guild has its own ways, to inflict pain, so, let's get started: ---------------------------------Avalonia-------------------------------- - Mask of Shame Punishment for various small crimes. Not every punishment requires blood to flow. Sometimes a little humiliating is good enough. It could be any, smaller disruption, like swearing, brawl, deception, etc. The person must wear a metal mask, with a little bell on the top of it. It will remind the nearby locals, who is coming, so they could greet with a nice word or some rotten food. The victim also has a sign, what was his or her crime. The time also differs, how long must they endure all of this. - Poachers Fate Punishment for poaching. The elves could be cruel too. Especially, when they caught you, poaching and desecrating their forest. First, they catch you. Then, they tie your hands back. And the fun part here starts. They put a bee or wasp hive on your head. Then they release you. They will laugh at you, but you wouldn't hear anything both from your screaming and from the buzzing insects. It could end up in different scenarios: You could blindly run in the forest till you die, from the stings, or smash into a tree, hoping the hive cracked, and not your skull. If you are unlucky, a big brown mammal will join in the pursuit, of the honey. - Witch Burning Execution method. Not everyone likes magic. The simple folks, sometimes couldn't handle it. They see magic as an evil tool, which must be eradicated. The villagers gather in big riots, dragging the suspect in front of the village elder. And he must consider, to save the girl and face the angry crowd, or just simply kill her, so the residents could calm down. Nothing extra, they gather up logs and sticks, tied the girl to a pole, and light the fire. In rare cases, they actually kill a witch, but in many cases, the trials are against girls, who are weird or someone who is envious of her, and this is the best way, to remove her. --------------------------------Kaliphlin-------------------------------- - Hot Situation Punishment for peculation. In Kaliphlin there is a lot of ways, to punish the wicked. For example, for peculation, the accused is dragged outside the desert, tied to a cactus, or buried to the neck. But they gave them hope. A flask of water is placed next to him. So, it will be ironic, die by dehydration, why the water was in arms reach. - Boiling Point Punishment for recidivism. Get punished for a crime, is one thing. But if you keep committing crimes, and you won't learn anything from the punishment, is an error, which needs to be solved. The kind leaders of Kaliphlin came up with this method. With a hammer and chisel, they carve a little hole in your skull. The next step is to boil some water, when it's ready, they simply pour it into your skull. You will never have a sinful thought. Or any other thoughts. - Artifact Compression Punishment, most commonly, for cheating. Magic using isn't a common sight in the art of torturing. It's mostly causing pain, but sometimes there are business gaps. The target audience is the cheated wifes and women, thirst for revenge! The man is lured into a trap, and the paid sorcerer casts the spell on them. Removing moisture from their body, and Turning them into small statues. They won't die, but they not lose consciousness. They remember these times, like a never-ending dream. Oh, and don't forget the thirst. If you want them, to turn back, just simply toss the little statue into water. They will suck it up, like a sponge. Soon a dried and wrinkled raisin-like figure appears. He won't cheat you again. --------------------------------Varlyrio-------------------------------- - Sleep With the Fishes Execution for piracy. Sometimes the executions don't need to be so fancy and expensive. Just grab a chain, some weight, and toss them out in the open sea. While sinking into the depths, with your last breath you can think about, "being a pirate is alright with me"... - The Last Laugh Interrogating method. This time you will have the last laugh. Everyone has their weakness, which the torturer will gladly exploit. They will take off your pants, and put you in the stocks. Then the torturer brings in various equipment, to tickle you. Most commonly, they use feathers, but it could be a plant with irritating touch, long animal fur... even they dip the victim's feet into salted water, and brought in a goat, to lick it. Tickles can be really harmful, if they do it, for long, like vomiting, incontinence, losing consciousness, or die. - Belt of Virtue Punishment for fornication. Not everyone is able to close their legs at the right time. Fortunately for them, this device will not let any intruder in and will remind you all the time during your punishment. It's important, to be clean it unless you want to wear a rusty iron belt around your private parts or stink like a sewer. Don't worry ladies of Historica, there are male compatible models too! --------------------------------Mitgardia-------------------------------- - Freeze to Death Execution method for desertion. No one likes deserters, this is a fact. And there are many ways, to punish them, for abandoning their duty. In Mitgardia, they knock them out, brought them into the northeast point of the country, and left them there. If they wake up, they could try to get back to the civilization, before they freeze to death. Not many could achieve this, and the many frozen statue in his region is a bad sign for them. But, if they still manage to return, they are branded for life. The frostbites on their body will remind them for the rest of their life, what they have done. - Breaking Wheel Execution method. One of the gruesomest ways, to end someone's life. With this public execution, the viewers will think twice, before committing any crime. The victim was tied to a large wheel, and with a large hammer, the executioner started breaking the limbs. One by one. Why the wheel? It says, it was invented by a lazy executioner, who was too lazy, to go around the victim, to break all their limbs. He simply just turned the wheel, to strike down. When all of the limbs were broken, they killed the criminal, and erected the wheel, with the broken body, as a warning to all criminals. - Punishment Shaves Dwarven humiliating method. This method is most commonly used on dwarfs, but there are cases, when it was used, on other races. Dwarves' prestige is measured in their beards. It's a shame if a dwarf must shave it off. And bigger shame, if someone shaves it, for them. So the dwarf has to start growing their beard back again and earn his respect and prestige back again. And to endure the humiliation of others. --------------------------------Nocturnus-------------------------------- - Rat Torture Interrogation method. The torturers are very keen-eyed persons. The best of them don't need expensive devices, just look around, grab a bucket, a torch, and a rat, like... the usual stuff in a dungeon. Put the animal in the bucket, then squeeze the bucket into the victim's stomach, and start heating it. The rat has only one way out, and if you won't start talking, you will be in the way, for the rat's freedom... - Slow Slicing Interrogation method. Every living creature can endure pain. And the torturer's job is to find out, what are their limits. This method is simple, you will need a really sharp knife. Steady hands aren't required. And you start slicing your victim, like a juicy ham, until they stop screaming in agony, and start telling the information, what you need. - Ravaage's Stool Interrogation method. Thanks to Lord Ravaage, many exotic torturing devices were used, during his reign. This four-legged stool, with a wooden pyramid on the top. They started lowering the nacked accused on the pointy edge of the pyramid, ensuring it, to cause pain... "Where the sun doesn't shine". The time for this torture differs, minutes, hours, days, some they hang weight on the accused's feet, to maximize the effectiveness. Torturer And there weren't be any torturing without the specialist. No one knows, what twisted thoughts are in their minds, and what history they had, to drive them in trade. Without pity or remorse, they do their jobs, inflict as much pain as they could, and make sure, the accused cough up the information that they needed. It's a thankless job, but somebody got to do it, or else they would find themself on the wrong end of their devices. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I hope everyone liked my Minifigs. C&C welcome, as always. And tell me down the comments, which one is your favorite? (So I would know how sick you are )

My CDC2 minifigs are nearly ready and my ancient wonder build is starting to resemble to what I have in mind. So here is a sneaky episode to link the Chronicles of Embervale prologue and the CDC! Like the prologue, it's also available on my blog. ---------------------------- The builds Embervale Summer Fair - Elgwi's Curiosities Embervale Summer Fair - Ivo the Baker ---------------------------- The story - Chronicles of Embervale Episode 1 : the Summer Fair “Can I have a pony?” “No, Grog, it’s not lunchtime yet,” Evrart replied absently. “Not a pony for eating, sir! A pony for riding. Like the Boss’ white horse but smaller and less freaky? Please?” Alrune turned her head to glance at the goblin with tender amusement, and Evrart had to hastily pull her aside to avoid a collision with a pot-bellied dwarf carrying a barrel. She awkwardly thanked him while struggling to regain her balance – and her dignity. The natural grace of elf maidens, what a hoax! It was the third day of the summer fair in Embervale, and a colourful and boisterous mob had stormed the otherwise quiet village. Trying to work her way through the erratic crowd, Alrune was feeling like a cockleshell trying to navigate through a sea of freighters. She was contemplating the idea of casting a shockwave spell to clear a way when, much to her relief, they soon reached calmer waters and their destination. Nestled in a cosy nook behind the inn, it was a huge stall kept by a tiny halfling. The stall was full of strange minerals, colourful vials and odd trinkets, everything thoughtfully displayed and impeccably polished. It certainly was the most dapper spellcraft shop Evrart had ever seen – even the stuffed crocodile hanging from the ceiling looked fresh as a fiddle. “Hi there, your Ladyship!” the halfling cheerfully shouted when they reached the stall. “Geez, what a gloomy face you make!” “Good morning Elgwi. The crowd is horrific today,” Alrune replied with a sigh. “You may hate it, but it’s good for business, your Grace! Anyways, I have everything you requested. Just wait a moment, I’ll be right back.” The halfling vanished into the depths of the stall, and she soon reappeared with a bag and a heavy-looking grimoire. Alrune’s face brightened. "There you are,” she whispered, lovingly leafing through the pages of the book. “Hundreds of illustrations drawn in the author’s hand, reviewed and annotated by Archimage Willibert himself,” Elgwi said with a little self-satisfied smile. The two girls went on cooing over the book for a while, and a small but full purse changed ownership. A few moments later, as Evrart was holding the bag and ready to escort Alrune back to the castle, Elgwi handed her a thick envelope. The elf frowned at the mere sight of the blood red wax seal that closed it. “I almost forgot,” the halfling said. “That’s a message from your mother.” “Seriously. She has dozens of servile minions, and everyone at the court considers her wish as their command. Yet she uses you as a messenger.” “She did not give any explanation, your Highness. She just said it’s private and personal, and she’d rip my eyes out to feed them to her crow if I don’t convince you to read it – and do what’s written.” Elgwi had spoken lightheartedly, but Evrart realised that Alrune was taking the threat very seriously. “Fine, I’ll read it,” she hissed. On their way back to the castle, no one dared to shove her. She was so obviously seething that everyone moved out of her way. To be continued...

Near the borders of the continent, where the Mystic Isles starts. There is a floating rock. Thanks to the strange nature of this place, it is a very common sight. The lighthouse, erected on the rock, serves as a guide, for those, who lost in the dense mist. Or more likely as a warning, to turn back...

After the castle forge was completed, attention was turned to the brewery. Many castles had a small brewery, but Lady Gwenllian had planned a large facility located prominently in the inner ward next to the kitchen since it would be a significant source of her household income. The structure sat directly over a small fissure that had been excavated into a makeshift cave that allowed for a climate-controlled fermentation area. Like the blacksmith shop, it would eventually form part of the inner curtain, so the roof was built to slope only one direction. The brewery had been completed just before Ambassador Gisela was to leave for her journey back to Varlyrio to avenge the attempt on her brother's life. Lady Gwenllian wanted to tour Gisela through the brewery before she left, and they now walked to the large new building. As they entered the finished brewery, Lady Gwenllian showed Gisela around. Mohatu stood guard outside under the pentise, having learned to trust Lady Gwenllian as much as his training would allow. Looking around, Gisela noticed that someone had filled barrels with water and grain, but no one was around aside from several terriers that scurried about. "Might I ask who you have found to brew, m'lady?" Gisela asked. "I have not seen any new servants, and I see no one here." Lady Gwenllian laughed. "I myself am brewing." Gisela raised her eyebrows, but had learned not to be surprised by her liege. "Brewing was my family's business, so I am well versed and I will have to do the work myself until I can train a brewmaster," Lady Gwenllian replied. Gisela bowed her head. "As you will, m'lady." "How familiar are you with brewing?" Lady Gwenllian asked. "Not particularly. Could you please explain it? I would be remiss if I did not understand the intricacies of my community's largest industry," Gisela replied. "Of course," said Lady Gwenllian. "The first ingredient is the grain. The best is barley, but almost any grain can do. Oats are the second choice. Wheat can be used, but is usually combined with another grain since it's hard to brew. Once you choose your grain, you soak it in water for several days." Lady Gwenllian showed Gisela the sacks of grain and the malting vat. "This is the first step in the malting process. Any fresh water will do at this point, so we will use river water since it is abundant." "Then you dump the wet grain out onto the floor to let it germinate," she said and gestured to a slight depression in the stone floor. "It just sits on the floor?" Gisela asked, both surprised and somewhat disgusted. "Not entirely. You have to turn the seeds, which involves picking them up with a wooden shovel and tossing them lightly into the air once a day for a week. If you think of the grains as seeds, it makes more sense. They are sprouting, which makes the seeds able to brew. If you want a detailed explanation, you'd have to talk to a druid or a sage, but if you don't let the grains sprout, they won't brew." "So that's why the floor is tiled with stone?" asked Gisela. "Yes, and also to keep the dust down so the beer is cleaner," replied Lady Gwenllian. "The real trick to malting is to kill the new seedlings before they grow too far. Not enough or too far and you can't brew," Lady Gwenllian finished. "How does one kill the seedlings?" Gisela asked. "Great question. There are two methods." Lady Gwenllian held up a finger. "The first is to air dry them. Air drying is best in the summer, when there's a lot of sunlight and heat. It usually means a smoother tasting ale, but it's slower and less precise, so sometimes you lose yield to spores that grow too far. We mark the barrels containing the summer’s air dried brews and charge more for them since they have a cleaner taste but are lower yielding." She held up a second finger. "The other method is kiln drying, which you can use year round. Our kiln doubles as a heat source for boiling." Lady Gwenllian pointed to the kiln. "Kiln drying is more precise and kills the seedlings quickly, but it can be tricky. Too hot and you scorch the grains, making them useless. If you use a smoky fuel, the ale tastes like the fuel. Sometimes you want that, but usually you don't. I prefer to use straw or sea-coal, but most people use peat or simply wood. It's more expensive since you have to pay for the fuel, and since fuel around here is in fairly short supply, we will have to minimize kiln drying until we establish a good fuel source. The expense of the fuel is made up for in the extra yield from killing the seedlings precisely and from the higher price charged for the ale made from the air-dried malt." "At this point, your malt is done. Malt is easy to store for a year or more. We will make sure we always have an ample supply on hand in the case of a siege. Once our reserves are full, we will sell the excess. Small breweries without enough floor space will pay for malt to avoid having to malt their own grains." Gisela nodded. "I shall make it a priority to cultivate trading partnerships with such establishments." She looked at the barrels of malted grain on the floor, then to the storage of grains in the rafters above. A few cats roamed the overhead storage, while on the ground level, several terriers happily patrolled about. "M'lady, may I assume that the animals are for rodent control?" Gisela asked. Lady Gwenllian reached down and scratched one of the terriers behind the ears. "That's right. The dogs are easier to train to stay in a territory, so they get the brewery floor. The cats roam freely in and out, but they can get into the higher and tighter spaces. Mice and rats are always a problem with the amount of grain stored here, but we should be able to keep the population under control with the dogs and cats." Next, Lady Gwenllian led Gisela to a large contraption with a hopper and three stone rollers in the corner. "The next step is to mill the malted grain." She pointed to the odd equipment. Gisela looked confused. "This does not appear to be any mill that I am familiar with. Are not mills usually two large, flat stones that lay atop one another and turn to grind grains?" "Many people grind their malted grain with traditional mills as you describe, but this type of grinding damages the husks too much, which makes the next step, the mashing process, more difficult. Small breweries get around this by hand crushing the malt in a mortar, but it's too time consuming for larger operations. My family invented this rolling mill for crushing the malted grains while being gentler on the husks." Lady Gwenllian demonstrated the hand crank that spun the three stone rollers. Gisela imagined the malted grain falling down from the hopper above and getting crushed in the rollers before falling into the barrel below. "It's been copied by a lot of breweries over the years, so it's not a great secret anymore." Lady Gwenllian walked past the door to the kitchen to the next corner of the brewery where a large lead vat sat atop the stone kiln. Next to it, a long trough stood, sloped slightly downward, and below it sat a barrel. Some steps led up to a wooden walkway around the lead vat. Lady Gwenllian climbed these and Gisela followed her. "The crushed, malted grain is dumped into this vat, and water is added. This time, the water should be fresh and as clean as possible, so we will have to cart in water from some of the nearby springs that feed the Afondraig River." "How is water sourced in times of siege?" Gisela asked. "In the case of a siege, we will use any stored clean water, but after that we can use either well or river water. Although it won't produce as high a quality brew, it will sustain our troops," Lady Gwenllian replied. Continuing, she gestured to the vat. "The mixture of crushed malt and water is heated from the oven below. This is called mashing and is the trickiest part of brewing. The temperature must be exact, or the brew will fail. Too cold and the mash is not activated. Too hot and the life of the brew is killed. The whole mashing process takes around an hour." "How do you know when the right temperature has been reached?" Gislea asked. Lady Gwenllian smiled at her. "That is the art of brewing!" she laughed. "The truth is that most brewers feel the temperature with their hands and only the good ones get it right all the time. My great grandmother found a way around this, and made our family famous for producing a consistently good beer." Lady Gwenllian climbed down to the floor again then unlocked and opened a chest, removing two candles: one white and one black. "These candles are made from special waxes by a secret family process. A cut of wax from each is placed in a small glass dish and floated on the surface of the mash. When the white wax melts, the temperature is hot enough. If the black wax melts, it's too hot, and you have to cool the fires quickly to avoid spoiling the brew." Gisela was suitably impressed. "Of course, these are actual candles, too, so their true nature is hidden well and if need be, you can burn them to prevent the secret from being revealed," Lady Gwenllian said. She reminisced for a moment on her old life. "When I escaped from Albers, I brought three chests from my family's castle. They contained gold, a few family heirlooms including the recipe books for our ales, and these candles. This is the secret of our craft that we must protect." Gisela nodded. "Of course, m'lady." Lady Gwenllian replaced the candles in the chest and locked it. She stood and dusted her hands. "The mash after heating is called the wort. Wort is sweet with the sugars, and has to be separated from the grains. The vat is drained from this spigot," she pointed to a metal spigot, "through a cheesecloth into a barrel to filter out the spent grain. The grains are poured back into the vat and warm water is used to filter it again, and then the process is repeated. Each filtration has less sugar in it, and makes a weaker brew. This is called parti-gyle brewing. The first extract is the 'single beer' and is sold. The weaker brews are called 'small beer' and are reserved for servants. The spent grains, called draff, are fed to livestock." "At this point the wort can be flavored. Many brewers flavor their drinks with herbs and spices. My family did as well, but hops can also be added as a preservative. Hops add a bitter taste so must be used carefully so as not to be overpowering, but the beers last much longer and are easily transported for sale great distances away. In Albers, there was another preservative plant, but I have not seen any here in Avalonia yet. If hops or other preservatives are used, the wort must be boiled with them for at least an hour. This uses more fuel, but the beer keeps much longer. Most brewers boil their beer anyway, since it kills some of the bad growth, which helps keep it a bit longer even if hops aren't added. Boiling also leaves a foam that is skimmed off, which improves the clarity. I have noticed that a few brewers here in Avalonia forgo hops and boiling to make their brew more quickly, but it spoils just as quick and has a sour taste." "M'lady, you have used the terms brews, beer, and ale. What distinguishes between them?" asked Gisela. "Brews are anything that is brewed, so it is a generic term," Lady Gwenllian began. "The other terms are more confusing. Back in Albers, we had a term called 'beor', which meant a drink made from honey, although I believe it is called 'mead' here. Brewers in Albers describe ales as a type of beer that ferments at warmer temperatures with a particular kind of yeast (lagers being another type), but here in Avalonia any brews made without hops are called ales while those made with hops are called beer." Gisela paused and looked like she wanted to say something, but didn't. "It's confusing, I know," Lady Gwenllian replied. "I'm not sure the terms have global agreement yet, so be careful to ask when you travel to different places to make sure it's clear what you're talking about. Ask what the brew is made from and if it has hops or not, and you should have a good idea." "Yes, m'lady," Gisela replied. "Once you boil the wort, you must cool it. The faster the cooling, the better tasting the beer, since less time is allowed for the growth of unwanted spores and such. To that end, we pour the hot wort into this long, shallow cooling trough." Lady Gwenllian pointed to the large trough that sat above barrel. "Because faster cooling leads to better beer, the best brewing is done over the winter, when the air is cold. This building is designed so the doors and some windows in the roof can be opened to speed the cooling process. If there is snow on the ground, it can be packed around the troughs for even faster cooling. For these reasons, malt is usually made and stored in the summer, and the brewing takes place during the winter. Poor quality brewers will make beer in the heat of summer and can have their brews 'foxed' if it's too warm outside. Foxed beers have a red color from unwanted growth. Our location on the coast helps keep the summer temperatures down, so we can start brewing earlier in the fall than some of the inland brewers." "After cooling, there's usually some sediment that falls out. You can see that the valve for draining the trough sits a little above the bottom. That prevents some of the sediment from draining. Small particulates are filtered out by a bit of cotton stuffed into the end of the valve. It drains more slowly, but has better clarity, and the plug is changed out each brewing." Lady Gwenllian walked Gisela over to a large wooden crane with various pulleys on it, suspending a barrel above some doors on the floor. "And now we come to the purification process. Yeast is added to the cooled and filtered wort, and the barrel is sealed with a lid. This part of the process takes a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the strength of the brew and the desired end taste. Usually the purification process must take place in a cellar to hold the beer at the right temperature. In our case, we were lucky to take advantage of a natural fissure in the rock that we dug out into a makeshift cave that serves the same purpose. These large doors close to keep the temperature in the cave constant. The barrels are lifted in and out of the cave by this rig," she said, pointing to the large wooden scaffold. "With the pulleys, a single person can easily lift a full barrel up and down without difficulty." "Is that rig built to the dwarven designs?" Gisela asked. "Yes, Sven used the design that you negotiated from the local dwarves to build this contraption. It is counterweighted with some stone from the top, and has gears underneath that allow the entire apparatus to turn back and forth to load the barrels. Nice work getting the design for such a low price!" Lady Gwenllian complimented. "Thank you, m'lady," Gislela curtsied. Pausing a moment and looking at the barrel, she then asked "Where does the yeast come from?" "For now, we're buying it from the baker in town, but eventually we will be able to hold back some of the yeast that settles out of our brews to begin our next batches, and in time, we will have enough to be sold to others," Lady Gwenllian replied. "Are the beers sold in the purification casks?" Gisela asked. Lady Gwenllian shook her head. "No, once the brews are purified, the barrels are hoisted back out of the cave and are opened and poured into new, clean barrels of various sizes. Excess yeast is harvested that can be used for the next batch of beer, and more sediment falls out, again improving the clarity. Then the casks of beer can be sent back to the cave for storage during the summer months, or stored in a shed in the winter before being sold or tapped and drunk." Lady Gwenllian led Gisela outside through two huge doors, finding Mohatu waiting for them. "The large doors allow for a horse cart to be pulled into the brewery to load the barrels," Lady Gwenllian explained. She gave Gisela a serious look. "Our first brews will be sold, since we need a source of income. I have spent most of my family's fortune on the beginnings of the castle, so it is important that you bring us the best prices you can for our beer, or we will have a hard time next year. I will mark each barrel with the flavors they contain and discuss prices for you to negotiate their sales." Gisela nodded. "I understand, m'lady. I will make sure that our beer is sold widely at the best price possible." As Lady Gwenllian closed the large doors behind her, she turned back to her new ambassador. "I'm sure you will. I wish you well in avenging your brother. I have assigned a small contingent of my guard to accompany you to help with your endeavor and keep you safe." "Thank you, m'lady," Gisela replied with a curtsey. Lady Gwenllian took her hand in a warrior's grasp. "Go with speed and luck!" she wished her new ambassador, and then watched Mohatu follow her down the rock outcrop to her waiting ship.

In Avalonia there can be found a multitude and a variety of forests, yet the most intriguing continues to be The Enchanted Forest, that very few dare to enter. Natural Harmony by Arfelan Nest, en Flickr I am very happy of building a forest scene. Hope you like it. Thanks for watching.

A place of knowledge and refuge, guarded by arcane power and a dragon. In the early stages of the war, it was the site of many councils between Avalonia commanders. It was here that the planning was carried out for the relief of Albion in the First Great War. The Citadel remained in the mages hands afterwards. Hope you like it. Thanks for watching. Citadel of the Mage by Arfelan Nest, en Flickr

The Old Mill A freebuild for Avalonia There are countless old mills around the countrysides of Avalonia, along every stream and river, wherever the local farmers can bring their abundant harvests from their fertile fields. They vary in style, with some being powered by the current of the river from below, while others, like this one, are powered by water falling over the top of them. More than any other building in Avalonia, more than the castles, the towers, the palaces, the mills symbolize the wealth, prosperity, and fertility of the realm. May the mills never stop grinding in the green fields! And it spins, too, if a tad aggressively due to the only LEGO motor in my collection being a single-speed RC car. C&C welcome!

Hi all, Trying to push out more builds to get my city on the maps :). I present you "The Peaceful Shrub". An Inn located in Oxenfurt, Avalonia. The Peaceful Shrub [GOH] by jesse van den Oetelaar, on Flickr The Peaceful Shrub Inn [GOH] by jesse van den Oetelaar, on Flickr The Peaceful Shrub Inn [GOH] by jesse van den Oetelaar, on Flickr The Peaceful Shrub Inn [GOH] by jesse van den Oetelaar, on Flickr

This is what happens when a storyline I've had in mind for ages for a webcomic collides with my heartfelt reunion with my LEGO bricks and this year's Summer Joust "Creating an atmosphere" category... ---------------------------- The build : A castle, somewhere in the Enchanted Forest of Avalonia... ---------------------------- The story : Chronicles of Embervale - Prologue* *Also online on my brand new blog Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, lived an elf maiden. She was fair and wise, with eyes bright as jade and hair dark as shadow. Alas! The Elf Maiden’s heart was shrouded in sadness, for she lived alone in a secluded tower. “Wait, what? I’m not sad, and I’m definitely not alone. I have three cats, a company of goblins, and…and you!” “Right.” With the hint of a smile, he wrote: Her days were only lit up by the gentle presence of her caring uncle. Alrune sighed and turned to the window. “You know, Uncle, when I asked you to write our chronicles, I was thinking of something less lyric. Just a straightforward record of what happens in Embervale, actually.” “Well, sweetheart, nothing ever happens in Embervale. I mean, we do have the occasional invasion of dire rats. Worgs in the forests. Dragon attacks. And way too many surprise visits from your mother. But nothing really interesting!” Alrune smiled, absently watching the sunrays flickering in the rustling leaves in the courtyard below. She had willingly left the imperial court to carry on her research in peace and tranquillity, and her uncle Dresghar had been ordered to go with her. Much to his dismay. She knew he missed the court’s thrilling and refined lifestyle. She also knew the poet in him enjoyed the beauty of the mountains around Embervale, the quaint charm of the castle, and the simplicity of village life. Soon, for sure, he’d love this place as much as she did. --- “There are people requesting a hearing, Boss!” the goblin guard hollered from the entrance of the hall. “From the village!” The goblin gestured for the visitors to enter. A pack of peasants hesitantly moved forward, impressed by the grandeur of the hall and its dignified architecture. Though small and provincial, Embervale Castle radiated a solemn atmosphere even the unseemly attitude of the guard could not tarnish. “Good morning. What would you like to talk about?” Alrune asked after an awkward moment of silence. “There’s a monster in the forest, my lady! We lost two lambs and several hens.” “Sheep and chicken? Are you sure this is not a mere worg? Or even just a big fox?” Wringing their hands, clearing their throats, the villagers did not reply immediately. And then they all began to talk at the same time. “It screams at night, my lady. Bloodcurdling cries. Worgs are decent creatures, they do not screech like that!” “My brother Ivo, he saw a beast, my lady! Green, as big as a horse! With horns and a shell like a tortoise!” “It breathes fire!” Moments later, if the words of the villagers were to be believed, it appeared that Embervale was threatened by a six-legged armoured monster with the head of an eagle and the tail of a dragon, taller than a house and faster than a hare, able to breath fire and spit venom. “I see. Probably something mightier than a fox, then. Horns and a carapace – a tarasque, perhaps?” Alrune speculated. “Go back home and stay safe behind the village walls, we’ll deal with it.” “So, sweetie, how exactly are we going to deal with that dubious monster?” Dresghar asked as soon as the villagers left. Alrune avoided his gaze and remained silent, more concerned than she let on. --- “Someone else, Boss!” the guard yelled again. “The guy who works for the neighbour!” The goblin let the man in, a weary soldier with a stern face who gracelessly bowed to the Elf Maiden. He was no stranger in Embervale, as he had already delivered numerous messages from his quarrelsome master. “Good morning, Evrart. What’s the matter this time?” Alrune asked before he even uttered a word. “Does a tree from my forests cast an outrageous shadow on your baron’s crops again?” “Most likely, my lady. The old baron is…was a stickler for proper ground maintenance. But this is not my reason for coming.” He paused, obviously searching for words. “He happened to die a few days ago. The old baron.” “Good to know! … Huh, sorry – I mean, sorry for your loss.” Despite his lack of manners, the human did have the grace to go on as if the Elf Maiden had not foolishly cut him off. He was speaking in a low tone, his voice bitter as if his own words hurt him deeply. “The young baron said he needed new blood. Dismissed us all who served his father. So I end up on my own, and I was wondering if you were hiring.” A silence fell, somewhat altered by the squealing of Dresghar’s quill on the parchment as he decorated an initial. “Well, actually, I have a problem with a tarasque…” “A tarasque, my lady?” “Or maybe a very weird fox. Whatever it is, it instils fear in the village. Investigate, find out what’s happening, and I’ll try to find you a place here.” --- A few days passed, and the human came back. By his side were the two guards of Embervale the Elf Maiden had sent to escort him, as well as a small, armoured creature with tiny horns. “And who’s that cutie?” Dresghar cooed, putting the Chronicles aside to kneel and pat the creature on the head. “It’s a tarasque cub, sir. We found the remains of its mother in the marshlands,” Evrart replied. “It’s rather friendly, actually. It bites only when it’s scared.” “It followed us home, Boss, can we keep it?” one of the goblins asked, coyly glancing at Alrune. “Please, Boss?” the other one added with what he intended as a charming smile. The Elf Maiden was gentle in heart – the kind of person who genuinely cared for stray kittens and fledglings fallen from the nest. Hence, at the end of the day, Embervale had welcomed two new denizens: a lovely little critter, and some ordinary human.

In the glorious city of Albion, the capital of Avalonia, there are many taverns and inns famous for their fantastic food and drink. This particular tavern is a popular hangout for Avalonian guardsmen and servers a large variety of ales and other spirits.\ I built this nearly a year ago now, but I was waiting to try and build a landscape to go with it ( which never happened), and I forgot that I hadn't posted it to GoH yet.

The Royal Joust: The nobles’ indulgence Each year, the Dragon Clan fortress hosted a great festival, culminating in the Royal Joust. The most brave knights fought for the favour of the queen! In the royal gallery, we find of course the royal couple but also many personalities from the surrounding kingdoms: dwarves from the northern lands, elves of the Avalonian forests, nomadic orcs of the desert, and nobles from the island province of Valyrio. This was my contribution for the Brickscalibur contest in « the Rich and the Poor » category, partnering with Eyrezer.

The hamlet of Marginea is expanding rapidly, its border location between Avalonia and Kaliphlin makes it a regular crossing point for merchants and traders of all kinds. The establishment of the armies of the dragon clan significantly increases the number of mouths to feed. In the oven and in the mill, a couple is active night and day to grind the grain, make and bake the bread. There is no shortage of work, we will have to think about recruiting.