Challenge III. Cat A:Rise of the Reptilians

[kahir88]

After a hard day, it's good to take a rest in the local tavern, with your friends. Deerhill was a known hunting place, now only the name reminds the locals what was this place. The fields around the small hill are now full of orchids and gardens. The animals already moved away, deeper in the forest, only small rodents give troubles to the local farmers.

  Three friends having a good time and cold beer together at the Tipsy-Owl tavern. Talking about their trade, the weather and about the women. The Sun almost got behind the horizons, when another band of refugees arrived from Noctornus... Ravaage was stopped long ago, but the country was still in peril, and not everyone was prepared for that.  This is why the Avalonian High Council, allows them to take refuge here, while the things turn good. And the new king, De Gothia, won't reject them. Only the locals arguing...

- Another band of those... - said Icke, the blacksmith, while he raised his eyebrow. - I can't believe they allowed them to came here.

- Relax mate! - David the farmer tried to calm his friend down. - They have their problems, don't give them more. They are escaping from war, it's isn't their fault.

- We can't trust them! Nothing good came from Noctornus! - answered Icke, but lowering his voice, when the next traveler passed away near him.

- I like the Nocturnian pumpkin pie! - the third man shared his opinion. His name is  Tom, and he works as a tailor.

- Like I said. - Icke turned to Tom with a cold gaze. - Nothing good came from Noctornus. Who eats pumpkin pie? The Nocturnians are barbarians!

- Why you hate these folk? Did any of them harm you? - David tried to calm his friends once more.

- Didn't you hear about them? - the two others shook their heads. Icke took a long sip from his drink, and continued his story:

- I heard a rumor, about a race of lizardmen, they are shapeshifters! They can take anyone look, and can infiltrate to anywhere. They were spying for Ravaage, they are evil I say! They are kidnaping folks from all over  Historica. Drag them to their underground caves, and took their look, and blend in, and continue their life like they are the same person. No one knows, what they want, but they are spying for a new overlord, or just preparing for an invasion. I'm sure some of our rulers are already replaced by them!

  The two others were listening to their friends' conspiracy theory.

- I don't believe in this nonsense, I'm sure they are friendly and don't want any trouble. Right, Tom? - and with that, he patted Tom's shoulder so hard, he dropped his drink.

- Oh sorry mate, I spilled your drink. Here let me get you a new one! - offered David.

- Ah, don't bother about that. It's already late for me. My... wife and... kids... are waiting for me. - rejecting Davids offers Tom, and with that, he waved goodbye to his friends and went home.

Just a minute passed. David and Icke suddenly looked at each other:

- When did Tom get married?

Spoiler

A picture from the other side of the build.

 

 

 

Edited June 3, 2019 by kahir88

[Louis of Nutwood]

Hey, that looks very good!

I really like the design of the tavern. The red roof fits well, and the stone representation of the "tipsy-owl" is so cool! It made me laugh. Nice addition. 
The rockwork is solid, the vegetation is well positioned, the stone path is nicely made. I like how you added bits of wood in the whole structure as well. 

The story is very interesting and compelling. It has a touch of comedy and still, remains the feeling of suspense. 
I sure wouldn't want any of my folks to be captured (and substituted?) by those lizard-people. 

Nice touch. Great MOC.

[zoth33]

Nice texturing on the building.  The red roof really pops.  I like the pathway and the little bits of vegetation on the corners.  Figs are neat looking and interesting story to go along with the build.  

[W Navarre]

So one of the guys imagines his buddy could be impersonated? Haha!  Very cool, I really can't tell how you did the mirror effect, it looks great!  Also it's a well thought out rumor (ironically enough), and an enjoyable tale. 

[kahir88]

On 6/6/2019 at 2:31 AM, W Navarre said:

So one of the guys imagines his buddy could be impersonated? Haha!  Very cool, I really can't tell how you did the mirror effect, it looks great!  Also it's a well thought out rumor (ironically enough), and an enjoyable tale. 

 Thanks! Not really imagines him as a reptilian. There are some weird videos, about this topic. Some of the so-called reptilians in our world sometimes lose concentration and we can see their yellow eyes (lol). I wanted to catch this moment, and I was glad to have this surprised crocodile head. :D

The mirror effect is very simple: Precise figure posing and a window panel. :D You can see it, in the hidden picture.

A small EasterEgg: I made a little research about this, and find the main conspirator about this... theory. His name is David Icke. ;)

[Grover]

Lol, the Tipsy Owl tavern!  What a great name, and the stone owl drinking out of the chalice!  Very nice build.  I really like the infusion of humor and the story supporting the build.  The real show stopper for me is the mirror--it's spectacular!  I love the reptilian reflection!  The caverns with the sand green interspersed looks very good, and the upside down seaweed (or whatever that part is) looks great, too.  I'm a fan of the old roof slopes, and I like the red roof.  These pictures seem a bit dark to me--maybe a bit more light on the build could help, although they are in focus and well done.  I was thinking about using some of those snake-folks from the Ninjago line for an antagonist at some point, so this has given me some ideas.  The idea of shapeshifting reptiles, especially with Tom's head popping into lizard form, is great.  Well done!

[mccoyed]

It's really strange to see David Icke referenced here in a generally non-insane, non-political environment. He's an infamous crank and possible (probable) anti-Semite.

But nice build, kahir.

Edited June 12, 2019 by mccoyed

[kahir88]

6 hours ago, mccoyed said:

It's really strange to see David Icke referenced here in a generally non-insane, non-political environment. He's an infamous crank and possible (probable) anti-Semite.

But nice build, kahir.

Hmm.. in that case. I will rename them. If there is trouble with his name...

 

[soccerkid6]

Terrifying rumor The reflection affect is super cool, and I also like your candle stick design in that interior.

Good looking inn, with a fitting name And the Avalonian colors look great in the border

[en_zoo]

hahaha awesome! I love the concept of this particular rumor as well as how you put it into effect. The last 3 vignettes really made me laugh As for the tavern, I guess it could be a little taller, as a matter of proportions and you could try and make the roof eaves look a little smoother or simply more realistic (the roof normally overhangs), as a matter of my personal taste Really nice one overall, oh and 'Tipsy Owl' sounds very appropriate!

On a side note, I'm curious to ask you if it was your intention to mention the topic of immigration, and the locals' reactions to it, as a reference to the current problematic situation in the EU (I know you're European like me) or if it's just coincidence? [not that the situation in the USA is much less problematic, for that matter, but still..]

 

EDIT:

On a second thought, I guess this isn't the right place to talk about politics... Let's just say, if you did make a reference to the real world, I do appreciate it, as I think it's always nice to bring important discussions about through builds in a peaceful, civil manner However, we can continue this conversation in PM or something.

Edited June 29, 2019 by en_zoo

[de Gothia]

Haha! Lovely idea and I like how you have put it into bricks. Your moc has a really classic castle feel to it! Like it with the new bricks incoporated into it.