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socalbricks
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Everything posted by socalbricks
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Finally got around to posting my revamp of one of my Brickscalibur (Trading Places category)! Horses are the dominant mode of transportation throughout much of Historica. Farriers are never short of work, with entire families taking up the trade. One such family are the Ogden family, with all three generations of men taking part in the family business. Though advanced in years, Josiah Ogden still has the prowess needed to tend to horse hoofs. His son, Johan Ogden, focuses on preparing horse shoes, while also teaching his own son, Jeremiah, the tools of the trade. Many farriers will also accept centaur clients, with one such client being Brielle Valken on one of her (much needed) days off. Healthy hoofs make a healthy centaur! From left to right: A weary traveller named Tomas and his steed, Ochre Jeremiah Ogden Johan Ogden Josiah Ogden Brielle Valken Comparison: Original vs Revamp The original MOC was cobbled together at the last minute. I submitted entries for every category, and this unfortunately suffered from having the least amount of time allotted to it. I'm glad I was able to revisit it! More images of the revamp:
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Built for Brickscalibur (Labor of Love category) as part of a collab with @Sympatik Brick One beautiful summer morning on the coast, a man named Nemyk (wanting to beat the “morning rush”) went down to his favorite fishing spot. What he found instead was a basking mermaid named Lorena, who wanted to take advantage of the first rays of the sun while out of the sight of “land dwellers”. Both caught off guard, the two engaged in some awkward small talk before parting ways. As fate would have it, the two would encounter each other again the following morning, and the morning after that, and so on. Gradually warming to each other, the two poured out their hearts, and (after a few months) were deeply in love. On the anniversary of their meeting, both decided to surprise each other with a gift. Nemyk sought a rare flower that was only found deep within the inhospitable Rakath mountains, while Lorena sought a crystal in the cold abyss of the ocean. Neither were prepared for the dangers that awaited them… Here's @Sympatik Brick's half of the collab! About the Giant Valyrian Anglerfish: Additional Images: Brickscalibur has just reached its epic conclusion, and it's time for me to start posting my entries. This was my first-ever collaboration, and it was an absolute blast! Best of luck to all of you who submitted entries!
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GoH 10 B: A History of Akmaddian Centaurs and Chariots
socalbricks posted a topic in Guilds of Historica
Built for the "Old but Gold" category! It is a (very loose) update on this MOC of mine from 2019! I rethought the concept over the years, and I thought a chariot might be even better for a centaur-human duo than simple riding. I understand that it's quite the aesthetic departure. Even if it gets disqualified on those grounds, I still had a lot of fun bringing this concept to life! 700 years ago, The Akmaddian Empire sprawled central Historica. With its formidable cavalry's lightning tactics, it was able to conquer a massive area ranging from the cool steppe of southern Avalonia to the arid scrublands of northern Kaliphlin. Among the many races that fell under its domain was a large population of centaurs. Military cooperation between centaurs on non-centaurs (referred "two-legs" by the former) was historically limited. There rare instances of archers sitting on the backs of centaurs to operate as "tail-gunners", but these were rare. The Akmaddians implemented a new role for their centaur soldiers: drawing chariots. A centaur didn't need to be controlled by whoever was in the chariot, allowing those inside to focus on the battle. Passengers could include archers or pike men. Usually fighting in duos, these teams were trained for years to master their craft, something which would pay off as they blazed a path across the continent. The Akmaddian God-Emperor would eventually fall in battle, and the empire would fracture as his children battled for the throne. Though the empire only lasted 20 years, its effect on "central Historican culture" and ingenious tactics are still studied by military strategists to this day... The original MOC: -
Built for 10C "Miscellaneous" Category and for Brickscalibur "Frozen Wilds" Category! Amir had spent years gaining the trust of his employer. When he finally gained access to his massive vault in Barqa, he made sure to pocket some on every "accounting check". Sure, the old geezer was nice, but he was also gullible, so Amir reasoned that he deserved it! He planned to sail away to Valyrio once he had enough, and buy a quiet villa overlooking the sea with his ill-gotten gains. As it turned out, the old man was not as senile as Amir thought. Noticing a discrepancy (and hiring his own investigator), he discovered the plot and ordered Amir arrested. Amir was able to get out of town with only a sack full of the pilfered gold. It wasn't ideal, but it was better than being imprisoned or worse - authorities in Kaliphlin did not take such offenses lightly. Now he was on the snowy slopes of Mitgardia. Nice and far from Kaliphlin, but he wasn't safe. He recalled his response when he heard the news. Sitting in a tavern a few hours prior, he overheard from some travelers that a massive bounty had been put on his head. As if that wasn't bad enough, it turned out that Kars was one of the many hunters vying for the reward. Amir had heard stories of Kars for years - a tall, lean man of few words with a bizarre mask. It was said that his silver eyes pierced the soul and drove his quarries to regret the choices that led them there. Nicknamed "the Bloodhound", he was said to be the best tracker in all the land. Countless stories told of his incredible feats - Amir never fully believed them, but the news still caused him to panic. Making an inconspicuous exit from the tavern, he made his way further north. Rounding a bend, he froze in place. There he was waiting for him. All the stories were true. Drawing his dagger, Amir lunged at Kars. Faster than lightning, the bounty hunter responded with his own sword: a massive saber. In the hands of anyone shorter it would have been unwieldily. Kars dodged Amir's thrust and slashed him the back. Though only a shallow wound, Amir still cried in pain, and tumbled down the slope. Propping himself against an old birch tree, he watched as drops of blood colored the snow a bright red. He turned his head to see Kars approaching him, sword still drawn. Amir locked eyes with the bounty hunter. From behind his wooden mask peered two silver eyes; sharp as needles, they had hungry yet calculating look to them. More importantly, they peered into Amir's soul. For the first time in years, Amir felt shame and guilt for what he had done. He regretted everything that had led him to this point. Before he could beg for his life, Kars spoke. "You're lucky your employer wants you alive." More photos:
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GoH 10 B: A History of Akmaddian Centaurs and Chariots
socalbricks replied to socalbricks's topic in Guilds of Historica
@W Navarre Thank you - I'm happy with how the chariot turned out. As for the centaur, I'm really happy that people view it as an improvement! @Kai NRG Thank you - I'm really happy with how it turned out! @Ecclesiastes Thank you! I was worried that I diverted too much from the original - I'm glad people see it as an "evolution"! -
@LordDan Thank you - I love trying to incorporate Bionicle/CCBS parts with "System". The anglerfish was a joy to build!
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Built for Brickscalibur (Medieval Micro category) Legend spoke of a massive citadel within Enchanted Isles. Crafted from obsidian, it served as a brutal prison for particularly dangerous inmates. One such inmate was an elderly sorcerer. Worshipping the almighty White Wyrm, he prayed for salvation and a chance to escape from this awful fate. His prayers were answered in a dramatic fashion...
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@T-86(swe) Thank you! I'm really happy with how that one turned out! @A_Forest_of_Lego Thank you! @LordDan Thank you - I'm glad it turned out well! @Grover Thank you - that means a lot! @Simon_S Great eye - thank you for the kind words!
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Celebrating Guilds of Historica, final contest!
socalbricks replied to Ecclesiastes's topic in Guilds of Historica
Congrats to all the winners! You all had some truly great entries. I especially liked the "Old but Gold" category - it shows how far we've all come in just a few years! It's nice to see the Guilds thriving! -
Around the time of the Winter Solstice, many in Historica's cooler regions will decorate pine and fir trees with a star and various ornaments. Ayra and Kars (wearing a scarf knitted by Ayra's mother) plan to continue that tradition, with Ayra rearing up to top the tree with a star. No ladders needed - only balance (something Ayra is struggling with). Meanwhile, Gerard is savoring his mulled wine, and Cobold is trying his hand at a snowman, all while a rabbit bounds outs of the snow! What a year this was - I slapped this MOC together for Christmas. I know its a day late, but there are people around the world (including my relatives in Austria) who are celebrating St. Stephen's Day (Stephanitag) or Boxing Day. So it's technically not late! None of the characters had any major changes, except for Ayra. I really like how her winter attire turned out, especially with the fur collar and leg bindings. This has been a great year. I hope you all had a Merry Christmas, and I look forward to seeing what the New Year brings!
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[Freebuild] Tree Decorating in Historica
socalbricks replied to socalbricks's topic in Guilds of Historica
@Grover Thank you! I'm glad the design as able to work at such a small scale. -
Built for Brickscalibur ("Where's Waldo?" category). The infamous thief Odlaw thought this would be an easy job. Break into Baron Ruprecht's private collection, take as much as he could carry, and leave as quickly as possible. Suddenly he heard the footsteps of an approaching guard. Panicking, he searched for a hiding place somewhere in the collection. Can you find Odlaw? Hint: look for the eyes...
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@A_Forest_of_Lego He is indeed! If you zoom in on the dark green one, you should be able to see a pair eyes! @Grover Thank you! I know the lighting makes the eyes difficult to see (spoiler: they're in the dark green armor) - sorry about that! I also appreciate the photography comment - I've been trying to improve my Lightbox photos, and I think they've improved since I took this photo! @Guyinaplaguemask Close! He's in the dark green one. @N-4K0 You're 100% correct - good eye! @Simon_S Thank you! LEGO has made some really interesting parts - I saw the Islanders Mask and Orient Expedition "Lion-Dog with Jun-Chi Pattern" and knew I had to use them in something!
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Other Work: CDC2 CMF: socalbricks [Freebuild] Cobold's Crusaders (REVAMP) I'm back! After last year's fun CDC2 CMF, I was inspired to make more characters for the guilds. Enjoy! Geovana Guild: Mitgardia A sorceress who was adopted at a young age by amethyst-worshipping monks. Taught to harness the stones' power, she is now the last of her order. Despite this, she has vowed to defend the amethysts from pesky dwarven miners until her last breath. Boab Guild: Kaliphlin A blind naga assassin who can “see” through heightened senses of hearing and smell. His strongest ability is his sense of touch, using his hands, tail, and the hollow end of his spear to track nearby movements. A being of few words, he is steadfastly loyal to the Desert King (his mentor and first employer). Maridia Guild: Valyrio A mermaid who has made a small fortune selling the treasure she found at the bottom of Valyrio's harbors. Having learned water sorcery from her fellow merfolk, Maridia travels all throughout Valyrio's coastal cities, resting on a floating pool of water. She is currently making a sizable amount of money salvaging sunken treasure from Valyrian harbors and selling it in Canal Square. She has heard many tales of far-off lands from her customers; she plans on seeing all of them once she has enough money! Sko-Khan Guild: Nocturnus A soldier who was stranded in a massive pit during the war against Raavage, Sko-Khan spent weeks fighting off (and eating) giant scorpions (it was during this time that he ripped off a scorpion's claw and uses it as a weapon). After climbing out of the ravine himself, he became a muscle-for-hire for various Nocturnan warlords. He still carries the claw to this day, and has adorned his armor with matching scorpion imagery as a sign of respect for his old foes. Dombard the Doom-Bard Guild: Nocturnus Most bards lift the spirits with stories of bravery and heroism. Not Dombard - for reasons still unknown, he aspires to make his listeners as angry and miserable as possible. His lute (forged from and doubling as an axe) is unpleasant to the ears, and his voice is described as sounding like “nails on a chalkboard” and “a vulture being strangled” It is said that the latter is so grating that it can send members of races with “sensitive hearing” (such as elves and centaurs) into catatonic shock. Garrus Guild: Nocturnus Garrus saw his home of Abyssian turn to ice at the hands of Raavage’s forces. Though he survived the attack, his forearms did not, and he had them replaced with primitive prosthetics. Filled with rage, he decided to track down those responsible for the attack, adding massive swords to his prosthetics. Leaving a trail of bodies, he soon heard word that Raavage had already been killed (thus depriving him of his revenge). With no home, family, or outlet for his rage, the hulking reptilian became a brutal bounty hunter. Though he has mellowed with time, his infamous reputation remains unchanged (as does his enthusiasm for violence).
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[Freebuild] Citizens of Historica Figbarf
socalbricks replied to socalbricks's topic in Guilds of Historica
@BlackGloveBricks Thank you - I'm glad you like them! -
@LordDan Thank you so much! @Exetrius Thank you! I appreciate the feedback, especially regarding the hinges at the base of the trees. The layer of stones sounds like a good solution! @Ecclesiastes Thanks! I've been working on my storytelling - glad it seems to have payed off here! @Umbra-Manis Thank you! I loved using a bunch of those Slope 3 x 3 Corners!
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LittleJohn 1 point Aurore 1 point Zilmrud 1 point
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Soccerkid6 1 point Aurore 1 point Ecclesiastes 1 point
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[Minifigs] Miscellaneous Historicans (UPDATE: Carnival in Varlyrio)
socalbricks replied to Aurore's topic in Guilds of Historica
Love all three of these! Really ingenious parts usage throughout. My favorite would have to be the Phoenix - those parts feel like they belong together! -
[Freebuild] Embervale Castle - Elvish Crypt (Chronicles of Embervale Ep.04)
socalbricks replied to Aurore's topic in Guilds of Historica
It's great to see this story continue - Alrune's mother sounds like a real piece of work! As for the build itself, the parts combos on everyone are great (as usual). I really like the combo used for Evrart - where is that torso from? I also love the burial shroud and the torches open each side of the gate (which I may have mentioned in your "Miscellaneous Historicans" post)! -
I love how this turned out! The "flying" rocks look great, and I really like how you constructed the serpent (especially the head - nice parts usage on that lower jaw)! It was a joy to collaborate with you!
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@W Navarre Thank you! @Kai NRG Thank you so much! The Mantax head served as the "seed part" - the rest was history! I really appreciate your comment on scale/quality, too. I have a small workspace/parts collection at home, so I used to worry that I could never compare/compete with builders who create these massive MOCs. @Simon_S Thank you! You're close - animals with bones (such as dolphins) have flippers, but animals that lack bones (such as fish, which have cartilage instead) have fins!
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[Minifigs] Miscellaneous Historicans (UPDATE: Carnival in Varlyrio)
socalbricks replied to Aurore's topic in Guilds of Historica
Lovely parts usage on all of these! I especially like the combos used for Josephine von. F and Bertille S. The backgrounds are nothing to scoff at either - I really like how you built the torches behind Alrune!