Sirens-of-Titan

Historica and its sub-forum aren't going anywhere. What we mean is that the official challenges will end after challenge 6. The world of Historica will still be very much alive and will be carried by original MOC's, member contests and things like the Builder's Academy. Have no fear, GoH will be a part of Eurobricks for many years to come.

That means a place within the camp that is thematic to the mystic location you pick. If you want your camp in a dwarven mine, perhaps this can be a dwarven throne room. If your camp is in a mystic forest this location can be reserved for a magical pond, or a mystical tree that bears strange fruit etc. It's merely a suggestion, you don't "HAVE TO" include any of the items in that list.

If you have questions, please read the first post in the thread. All the details are laid out there.

Although you're right that a bigger layout gives you more flexibility and space to work, we are trying to move away from "Big" MOC's. The entrees will not be judged by size or grandeur but by creativity and aesthetic and how well they fit the criteria. I assure you that a great 32X32 design will be much better than an OK 64X64. There are enough sites out there where people rank creations by size alone, but we don't share in that policy. Another thing to note is that you don't have to build an entire camp, (You'd need a MOC the size of a dining room table for that)you should build just part of one. Think of it as a random sample of life in the camp and surrounding area.

Interesting ideas Nice Marmot and Mikel Kalores. Allow me to offer my own take on each of these issues in the order that MK listed them: 1) Contests. Yes there is something about the competitive nature of these that drives a lot of the more-reserved members away. At the onset of GoH we had a choice to make; do we run it as an open-world, role-play experience or do we make it into a series of story-driven contests. The latter seemed to have the greatest appeal for a few reasons, namely because a key goal of the project was to challenge the builders and make them build outside of their comfort zone. We felt it was much more interesting to have a few builders going head-to-head and developing new mocs and techniques, than to have a few hundred contributing unrelated content and saturating the world without a common direction. After all we do have an RPG forum that focuses on characters/stories and role play, and we wanted and still want GoH to be primarily a place for building. I'm not convinced everyone who left did so because of this category. We had some excellent and dedicated builders in the first round(Busboy, the Inventor, Dan Church, Viceroy come to mind), who perhaps got it out of their system and decided not to participate after challenge 1. I also know quite a few people found out they cannot meet the time constraints of the builds and did not enter. 2)World Building. I think we've had quite a few very good contributions to the lore of Historica, but it seems that once the boundaries were established and the typical picture of, say an Avalonian homestead were set, people did not innovate past the established/expected vision. Thurs, the "land" may have become a bit stale in some people's eyes. There's something that happens when you build castle builds for too long... I think I have it... What's a nice way to put it? You don't want to build @#%#@*!#@ castles anymore! 3) Building Skills: I don't think anyone has left because they weren't learning anything new. We have excellent ideas in every MOC posted here, and every member can only learn and innovate by seeing them. 4) I would pin the huge membership drop on one thing alone; novelty factor. At the onset we had incredible excitement as it reminded people of a castle community build, which are rare. I don't think anyone thought it would go on for so long though. I think GoH will be a great project to remember in Eurobricks history. It's almost at its conclusion, and then it's on to bigger and better things! (And you' re all invited to come along! Not that I know anything about it... )

Challenge V is officially up. Enjoy!

Still under construction, the list you saw was preliminary and contained more rules than will be in the final challenge. Still, it should be more-challenging than 4. Cheers!

Challenge V: “The Mystic Sanctum” * Art by Mats Minnhagen, Copyright 2007 Story: "And so it was that the land of Historica fell into darkness. The elemental monsters summoned by Victor Revolword tarnished the land, banishing Historica’s people all across the Kingdom. As countless refugees sought shelter form the elements, the dark forces of the “Hand of Corruption” pillaged the land, abducting guildsmen and forcing them into service of the black mage’s ever-growing army. From these times of hardship rose countless brave Historicans who swore to avenge their homes and loved ones, and bring the rule of Victor Revolword to an end. Directed by the insight of an ancient order of wizards, the displaced guildsmen soon learned of the magical power of ancient sites. Shrines and temples, mystic groves and ancient ruins, Dwarven mines and all manner of caves and crevices were long ago endowed and saturated with an arcane type of magic, deadly to elementals. As Historica’s people make their way to these ancient, mystic sites new hope overcomes the gloom of desperation. The heroes of the Guilds assemble in their mystic sanctums, and gather strength for a final push against the usurper and his minions." Task: Build a refugee or war camp located within an ancient mystic location. The build should show the temporary buildings of you Guild’s warriors and contain scenes from their daily activities within these camps, but the core of the MOC should represent an impressive ancient location. (See list of suggestions below) The MOC must create a clear dichotomy between the “old” architecture and materials which have been present for hundreds to thousands of years, and the “New” temporary architecture built hastily in times of war. Rules: • MOC must be based around an ancient mystic location. Suggestions include: shrines, caves, burial chambers, Elven forests, dwarven ruins, abandoned castles, mystic forests/clearings/waterfalls, occult locations, and any other fantasy locales you can think of and create. They must feel unique and have a specific style. (A barren field, or a regular forest are not enough) The scene may be an exterior, or an interior; the choice is yours. • MOC’s must contain the war camp with distinctive architecture which should believably look hastily built. (Not poorly; designing this part is just as important as the mystic part of the build)If building in an interior such as a dwarven ruin or cave, the camp does not have to include full buildings, but there must be guild-made structures and additions within. • The camp should show signs of daily activity and life within the camp, and may include any number of following sub locations. 1)Combat Training area 2)Mess hall with cooking fire and table 3)Prison with captured “Corrupt Hand” forces. 4)You hero’s personal; area/tent/sleeping chamber 5) A recreation area for music/dance/drinking 6) An area with a wizard from the Order of Eden who is practicing elemental destruction magic. (The minifigure look is up to you) 7) A location belonging to the original structure to add to the lore. (Ex. Within a mine, perhaps a mining gallery, or within a mystic forest an area of flowers/animals. 8) A workshop for construction of siege weapons. • The builds must be on multiple levels and elevations, or separated by walls so that each area feels distinct from the previous. (If walls are implemented, make sure they feel like part of the scene, not like artificial additions.) • Size will be set to a minimum of 32X32 and a maximum of 52X52. • Photoshop or other editing software may be used to clean up the background and add titles to your pictures, but the appearance of the bricks and overall MOC should not be altered. (please don’t add post-capture special effects) The deadline for this challenge is Sunday, November 11, 2012 We look forward to what you the builders can come up with for this challenging round, and hope that you have fun with it! -Sincerely, The Guild Leaders

Looking good so far everyone!

You ask a lot of questions... Why would this be something big? It's not like it's ominous...

Yes, by all means if you want to get your feedback/score, PM me.

Another great review Fangy! :thumbup: I got my hands on a few of these and I'm far from disappointed. Having said that, I'm not nearly as excited for these as I was for series 7. Those rehashed figs are getting a bit too repetitive, and I wish that their slot in the series would be filled by usable and original figures next wave. Still can't wait to see Series 9 though... I guess I'm addicted to the thrill and endless possibilities each new reveal brings. A question for you guys: The review claims the Santa Clause bag appears in the new city sets. Dopes anyone know which sets?

You two are always pushing the frontier of creative brick use! You know, from the thumbnail the melted variant looked like an extremely elaborate Lego build. I thought I was looking at your most complicated build to date. Little did I know! Whoever is calling this wasteful should look into the history of festivals such as the ones held in Spain in which floats are meticulously decorated and made beautiful for hours and then burned in the town square. It's the same concept, not a loss. And I was one of those kids whose parents didn't get them lots fancy toys, but guess what, I always preferred Lego over anything else,despite the price difference. (One small Lego set > any large set of other clone brand) So save it; I'm not buying the argument.

Good to have you back! It's a nice homestead you've built here; it's got a very traditional and homely feel. I like the LOTR part usage, and the part selections in all the minifigures. Hope to see more from you around GoH Forum!

If you mean "can you submit a smaller vignette with wildlife", then no. If you mean "can you show brick-built animals as part of your population/picture of your citizens and leader?" then yes. I'd like to keep all entrees within the same format, so lookm at what's been posted already and use it as a guide. MikeyB, and Ecclesiastes did a great job laying it out.

Great stuff! You managed to take a perfect picture; your main pic is Lego catalog worthy; perfect colors, in focus, angles, background, and textures are sharp and glassy.

Glad you liked it! All the parts are up on mocpages, I haven't linked to them.

Thanks, its clear on top of green. It was a green baseplatete underneath he tiles so it was literally the easiest thing I could have done.

Beautiful effort guys! :thumbup: It's truly a treat to look at and take in. The colors are much more exciting and pleasant to look at than even the movie version. It's riddled with fantastic techniques, part usage and overall beautifully balanced and original! You two have outdone yourselves with this one! Looking forward to more! Cheers!

Prelude to Challenge 5: And so it was that the great Elemental Plague washed over Historica from border to border. From the frozen plains of Mitgardia, to the lush forests of Avalonia, all the way to the sandy expanses of Kaliphlin, and the boiling volcanoes of Nocturnus, great elemental monsters devoured villages and towns, forcing the citizens of Historica to flee by the thousands. Only the great capitals and largest cities continue to hold out against the elemental threat. While the monsters at his command decimate the landscape, Victor Revolword plots the overthrow of Historica’s Capital Cerdica. In a dungeon not far from the High King’s mighty city, a well-dressed gentleman fears for his life. He is a servant to the High King; one of a myriad of fateful lackeys sworn to his majesty’s service, who finds himself in a dire situation. The door to the small dungeon room opens and the black wizard himself steps through. Victor: “Do you know who I am, servant?” Servant: “Yes. You’re that wizard… The one who unleashed the elementals. Please don’t hurt me! I don’t know anything, I swear!” Victor: “Silence! You’ll do well for yourself if you rethink your loyalties. Now, keenly pay attention to what I say. Rumor has it that the king’s servants use a secret entrance in and out of the capital city. The rumors go on to say that this entrance leads out somewhere in the wilderness by the Hammerhead lake. If that were to be true, I very much want to know about where the entrance is. Now speak, I am a busy man.” Servant: “What? There’s no such a thing! The only way in and out is through the guarded gate! You have been misled, good sir.” Victor: “Careful, servant. Lying to me has dire consequences. I ask again; where is the hidden entrance inside the city?” Servant: “I swear to you, there is no such a thing!” Victor: “Very well, then we must do this the hard way” He walks towards the door and calls out. “Rellik, come in here.” A tall, intimidating character steps through the door. He is armored from head to toe, and yields a mighty war ax. His face is blistered over and muddy, his eyes a piercing shade of blue. He walks in, bows, and stares down the terrified servant. Victor: “Are you familiar with “The Hand of Corruption” servant? Of course you are; you must have heard stories about them your whole life. I’d like you to meet their leader, my trusted general and the agent of your Guilds’ undoing! This is Rellik Nam; the Scourge of the Eastern Kingdoms.” Servant: “Impossible! The Hand of Corruption is just a folk tale!” Victor: “Oh, it’s more than a tale foolish servant. It’s a cursed legend. “The Hand” forgives no one; its grasp is far reaching, and its retributions are swift. Look into Rellik’s eyes servant, and tell him you don’t know anything about a secret entrance in the wilderness.” Servant: “I beg you sir, please realize I know nothing! I fear for my life, and your general fills me with terror… Alas, I cannot give you what you want, as it does not exist. Please good sir, let me go, I’m merely a servant. I know nothing of the affairs of the High King…” Victor: “Enough. Rellik, this tight-lipped and stubborn servant won’t tell me what I want to know, and I grow impatient. Persuade him to speak. I shall be outside.” Rellik Nam: “Yes my lord. My pleasure.” Servant: “Wait! No, please sir, I swear I don’t know anything! Oh no!!!” Victor leaves the dungeon cell, and closes the door shut behind him. After a few minutes of horrific screams and sounds of struggle, Rellik opens the door and flashes a rotten grin to his master. Victor nods, and walks in along with blistered creatures who carry the mark of the “Hand of Corruption” on their armor and shields. The servant lies on the ground, bloodied, weeping and clutching at his side. Victor: “Well Rellik? What did he say?” Rellik: “There is a small town on a lake near the capital. Above the lake is a windmill; isolated from the rest of the village. A trapdoor in there will lead us directly into the antechamber of the King’s Summer palace.” Victor: “Wonderfully done Rellik. It appears we are ready for our little escapade. How large is our force?” Rellik: “Five hundred strong; more are joining every day my lord. “The Hand” has ways of corrupting the mind. Very soon Histroica’s own defenders will be marching under our banners.” Victor: “Excelled Rellik! Now… we no longer need this spineless worm. Feed him to the wolves.” Rellik: “Yes my lord.” ----------------------------- Meanwhile in the Mitgardian capital of Valholl an old Norse warrior steps through the threshold of a well-lit library room. He looks preoccupied, and the haste in his step suggests purpose and timeliness. Jarl Nibelung: “Ah, Hersir Chorian! You’ve come just in time! Step closer, tell me; what is the situation outside of Valholl?” Elon Chorian: “It’s pandemonium out there Jarl Nibelung! The damned elementals have devoured everything east of Ondylion. My city is taking on thousands of refugees. I make a great sacrifice coming here today; I pray you have something important for me.” Jarl Nibelung: “I do Hersir. We may have found a way to dispel the Elemental magic used by the traitor Victor Revolword!” Elon Chorian: “By the gods! Do tell Jarl!” Jarl Nibelung: “I received a visitor late last night. He came to the palace all the way from the top of the temple on Mount Varocha. He is a monk of the Order of Eden. He brought a curious scroll along with him. He claims that the magic described herein can dispel any elemental monster.” Elon Chorian: “Magic? That’s what we resolve to? We’re Norsemen men Jarl! We fight with sharpened steel. I’ve seen these monsters with my own eyes; I hardly see how a magic spell can knock them down! And why am I summoned to hear about it? I am no wizard, Jarl Nibelung!” Jarl Nibelung: “No, but there is something you should know. Let me introduce the monk to you. Brother Hemli, please come over.” A man dressed in a grey tunic, yielding a magic staff, stands up in the opposite corner of the library. He puts the book he has been reading down, and walks towards the Jarl and the Hersir. Brother Hemli: “Yes Jarl?” Jarl Nibelung: “Brother Hemli, this is the Hersir of Valholl, Elon Chorian. He needs to hear what you told me about ancient sites of power.” Brother Hemli: “Ah yes! It’s a fascinating scroll we have here! It describes the elemental magic used by the black wizard Victor to raise the elementals. Interestingly enough, it appears that the elementals, while mighty and powerful, are susceptible to a particular type of ancient magic. This is the same energy present at mystic sites throughout Historica! Elven villages, mystic forests, haunted cavers, and many other locations emit this benevolent type of magic; harmless to people, but deadly to the Elementals. As a result they won’t go near these sites!” Jarl Nibelung: “You see Chorian! This is a major advantage to us! There are areas throughout Historica where these elementals cannot go! We can use them to organize our forces; make camps for our soldier and refugees, and eventually use the magic to drive these abominations back to Oblivion!” Elon Chorian: “With camps like these, we can organize a resistance and fight back towards the cities! But can we move this magic around?” Brother Hemli: “Yes! Mages trained in this magic school can accompany your forces and drive the monster back!” Elon Chorian: “Then we can win this war! This is great news indeed!” Jarl Nibelung: “There is unfortunately a complication. Victor has not been seen since the attacks started. Without knowing where he is, we have no way of stopping him. While we can hold back the elementals, he too can summon them without end. We risk turning all of Historica into a permanent magical battlefield, the consequence of which will be severe for generations to come! Worse yet; I’ve heard news from our friends in Avalonia; they say regiments of the “Hand of Corruption” roam their countryside, abducting young men, forcing them to join the ranks of Victor’s corrupt forces. It seems that the wizard is planning something big. Brother Hemli: “Yes… they are corrupt creatures from the eastern Kingdoms, led by an infamous blood-thirsty fiend. If the wizard manages to raise himself an army of them, the elementals will be the least of our problems.” Elon Chorian: “Then we must move quickly to secure locations around Historica! If they are indeed safe from elementals, we can use them as war camps to hunt down Victor’s forces and to find him!” Jarl Nibelung: “That was my plan yes. But we must move quickly.” Elon Chorian: “I will return to Ondylion and prepare a war party!” Jarl Nibelung: “Good. Brother Hemli will go with you; he will ensure the city is safe. Meanwhile, the other Guild leaders have already begun preparations of their own. The armies of Historica move to its ancient places, and prepare for the coming storm. Let’s pray to the gods that we are ready when it comes.” ----------- In the High King’s summer palace, the royal steward is frustrated. After calling on the servants several times, not a single response has come from his majesty’s kitchens. Steward: “Unbelievable! What kind of servants are you!? If the King was here he’d have you booted from the high tower from taking so long to answer! I said what kind of…” As the Steward raises his voice in annoyance, he suddenly falls silent. Instead of the neatly dressed royal staff he commands, a raggedy group of repulsive creatures storm into the chamber. The steward is taken aback by their ghastly appearance, and he stumbles backwards as they approach him. Steward: “What in the name of his majesty’s sacred honor is going on here?! Who are you?!” Victor: “I am the next High King of Historica. Your Kingdom will tremble before my might. Now where is the High King?” Steward: “Usurper! Traitor! Curse you and your abominable minions! This chamber is sacred! GUARDS!!!” Rellik: “Your guards are dead pathetic human. All that’s left on this floor is you. Now answer my lord’s question, or you shall join them.” Steward: “Merci! Merci! I will tell all! The King is at the theater! He loves the plays! He’ll be back soon; must be no more than an hour until his return! Please don’t kill me!” Victor: “How comical that your High King enjoys the finer things whilst his Kingdom burns. Which way does he come back into the palace? Speak!” Steward: “He’ll come from the Eastern corridor! He’ll be escorted by two guards, no more! I swear it!” Victor: “Excellent! I like this servant. He knows what’s good for him. Let’s keep him around. Rellik, prepare a little surprise for his majesty. Make sure he is taken alive and brought to me.” Rellik: “Yes my lord.” (He bows and leaves) Victor sits on the throne. Victor: "The reign of the High King is coming to an end and my glorious reign is beginning. Soon, Victor the Black Wizard will rule all of Historica, and all will bow down before him." ------ Soon to follow: Challenge V

Prelude to Challenge 5: And so it was that the great Elemental Plague washed over Historica from border to border. From the frozen plains of Mitgardia, to the lush forests of Avalonia, all the way to the sandy expanses of Kaliphlin, and the boiling volcanoes of Nocturnus, great elemental monsters devoured villages and towns, forcing the citizens of Historica to flee by the thousands. Only the great capitals and largest cities continue to hold out against the elemental threat. While the monsters at his command decimate the landscape, Victor Revolword plots the overthrow of Historica’s Capital Cerdica. In a dungeon not far from the High King’s mighty city, a well-dressed gentleman fears for his life. He is a servant to the High King; one of a myriad of fateful lackeys sworn to his majesty’s service, who finds himself in a dire situation. The door to the small dungeon room opens and the black wizard himself steps through. Victor: “Do you know who I am, servant?” Servant: “Yes. You’re that wizard… The one who unleashed the elementals. Please don’t hurt me! I don’t know anything, I swear!” Victor: “Silence! You’ll do well for yourself if you rethink your loyalties. Now, keenly pay attention to what I say. Rumor has it that the king’s servants use a secret entrance in and out of the capital city. The rumors go on to say that this entrance leads out somewhere in the wilderness by the Hammerhead lake. If that were to be true, I very much want to know about where the entrance is. Now speak, I am a busy man.” Servant: “What? There’s no such a thing! The only way in and out is through the guarded gate! You have been misled, good sir.” Victor: “Careful, servant. Lying to me has dire consequences. I ask again; where is the hidden entrance inside the city?” Servant: “I swear to you, there is no such a thing!” Victor: “Very well, then we must do this the hard way” He walks towards the door and calls out. “Rellik, come in here.” A tall, intimidating character steps through the door. He is armored from head to toe, and yields a mighty war ax. His face is blistered over and muddy, his eyes a piercing shade of blue. He walks in, bows, and stares down the terrified servant. Victor: “Are you familiar with “The Hand of Corruption” servant? Of course you are; you must have heard stories about them your whole life. I’d like you to meet their leader, my trusted general and the agent of your Guilds’ undoing! This is Rellik Nam; the Scourge of the Eastern Kingdoms.” Servant: “Impossible! The Hand of Corruption is just a folk tale!” Victor: “Oh, it’s more than a tale foolish servant. It’s a cursed legend. “The Hand” forgives no one; its grasp is far reaching, and its retributions are swift. Look into Rellik’s eyes servant, and tell him you don’t know anything about a secret entrance in the wilderness.” Servant: “I beg you sir, please realize I know nothing! I fear for my life, and your general fills me with terror… Alas, I cannot give you what you want, as it does not exist. Please good sir, let me go, I’m merely a servant. I know nothing of the affairs of the High King…” Victor: “Enough. Rellik, this tight-lipped and stubborn servant won’t tell me what I want to know, and I grow impatient. Persuade him to speak. I shall be outside.” Rellik Nam: “Yes my lord. My pleasure.” Servant: “Wait! No, please sir, I swear I don’t know anything! Oh no!!!” Victor leaves the dungeon cell, and closes the door shut behind him. After a few minutes of horrific screams and sounds of struggle, Rellik opens the door and flashes a rotten grin to his master. Victor nods, and walks in along with blistered creatures who carry the mark of the “Hand of Corruption” on their armor and shields. The servant lies on the ground, bloodied, weeping and clutching at his side. Victor: “Well Rellik? What did he say?” Rellik: “There is a small town on a lake near the capital. Above the lake is a windmill; isolated from the rest of the village. A trapdoor in there will lead us directly into the antechamber of the King’s Summer palace.” Victor: “Wonderfully done Rellik. It appears we are ready for our little escapade. How large is our force?” Rellik: “Five hundred strong; more are joining every day my lord. “The Hand” has ways of corrupting the mind. Very soon Histroica’s own defenders will be marching under our banners.” Victor: “Excelled Rellik! Now… we no longer need this spineless worm. Feed him to the wolves.” Rellik: “Yes my lord.” ----------------------------- Meanwhile in the Mitgardian capital of Valholl an old Norse warrior steps through the threshold of a well-lit library room. He looks preoccupied, and the haste in his step suggests purpose and timeliness. Jarl Nibelung: “Ah, Hersir Chorian! You’ve come just in time! Step closer, tell me; what is the situation outside of Valholl?” Elon Chorian: “It’s pandemonium out there Jarl Nibelung! The damned elementals have devoured everything east of Ondylion. My city is taking on thousands of refugees. I make a great sacrifice coming here today; I pray you have something important for me.” Jarl Nibelung: “I do Hersir. We may have found a way to dispel the Elemental magic used by the traitor Victor Revolword!” Elon Chorian: “By the gods! Do tell Jarl!” Jarl Nibelung: “I received a visitor late last night. He came to the palace all the way from the top of the temple on Mount Varocha. He is a monk of the Order of Eden. He brought a curious scroll along with him. He claims that the magic described herein can dispel any elemental monster.” Elon Chorian: “Magic? That’s what we resolve to? We’re Norsemen men Jarl! We fight with sharpened steel. I’ve seen these monsters with my own eyes; I hardly see how a magic spell can knock them down! And why am I summoned to hear about it? I am no wizard, Jarl Nibelung!” Jarl Nibelung: “No, but there is something you should know. Let me introduce the monk to you. Brother Hemli, please come over.” A man dressed in a grey tunic, yielding a magic staff, stands up in the opposite corner of the library. He puts the book he has been reading down, and walks towards the Jarl and the Hersir. Brother Hemli: “Yes Jarl?” Jarl Nibelung: “Brother Hemli, this is the Hersir of Valholl, Elon Chorian. He needs to hear what you told me about ancient sites of power.” Brother Hemli: “Ah yes! It’s a fascinating scroll we have here! It describes the elemental magic used by the black wizard Victor to raise the elementals. Interestingly enough, it appears that the elementals, while mighty and powerful, are susceptible to a particular type of ancient magic. This is the same energy present at mystic sites throughout Historica! Elven villages, mystic forests, haunted cavers, and many other locations emit this benevolent type of magic; harmless to people, but deadly to the Elementals. As a result they won’t go near these sites!” Jarl Nibelung: “You see Chorian! This is a major advantage to us! There are areas throughout Historica where these elementals cannot go! We can use them to organize our forces; make camps for our soldier and refugees, and eventually use the magic to drive these abominations back to Oblivion!” Elon Chorian: “With camps like these, we can organize a resistance and fight back towards the cities! But can we move this magic around?” Brother Hemli: “Yes! Mages trained in this magic school can accompany your forces and drive the monster back!” Elon Chorian: “Then we can win this war! This is great news indeed!” Jarl Nibelung: “There is unfortunately a complication. Victor has not been seen since the attacks started. Without knowing where he is, we have no way of stopping him. While we can hold back the elementals, he too can summon them without end. We risk turning all of Historica into a permanent magical battlefield, the consequence of which will be severe for generations to come! Worse yet; I’ve heard news from our friends in Avalonia; they say regiments of the “Hand of Corruption” roam their countryside, abducting young men, forcing them to join the ranks of Victor’s corrupt forces. It seems that the wizard is planning something big. Brother Hemli: “Yes… they are corrupt creatures from the eastern Kingdoms, led by an infamous blood-thirsty fiend. If the wizard manages to raise himself an army of them, the elementals will be the least of our problems.” Elon Chorian: “Then we must move quickly to secure locations around Historica! If they are indeed safe from elementals, we can use them as war camps to hunt down Victor’s forces and to find him!” Jarl Nibelung: “That was my plan yes. But we must move quickly.” Elon Chorian: “I will return to Ondylion and prepare a war party!” Jarl Nibelung: “Good. Brother Hemli will go with you; he will ensure the city is safe. Meanwhile, the other Guild leaders have already begun preparations of their own. The armies of Historica move to its ancient places, and prepare for the coming storm. Let’s pray to the gods that we are ready when it comes.” ----------- In the High King’s summer palace, the royal steward is frustrated. After calling on the servants several times, not a single response has come from his majesty’s kitchens. Steward: “Unbelievable! What kind of servants are you!? If the King was here he’d have you booted from the high tower from taking so long to answer! I said what kind of…” As the Steward raises his voice in annoyance, he suddenly falls silent. Instead of the neatly dressed royal staff he commands, a raggedy group of repulsive creatures storm into the chamber. The steward is taken aback by their ghastly appearance, and he stumbles backwards as they approach him. Steward: “What in the name of his majesty’s sacred honor is going on here?! Who are you?!” Victor: “I am the next High King of Historica. Your Kingdom will tremble before my might. Now where is the High King?” Steward: “Usurper! Traitor! Curse you and your abominable minions! This chamber is sacred! GUARDS!!!” Rellik: “Your guards are dead pathetic human. All that’s left on this floor is you. Now answer my lord’s question, or you shall join them.” Steward: “Merci! Merci! I will tell all! The King is at the theater! He loves the plays! He’ll be back soon; must be no more than an hour until his return! Please don’t kill me!” Victor: “How comical that your High King enjoys the finer things whilst his Kingdom burns. Which way does he come back into the palace? Speak!” Steward: “He’ll come from the Eastern corridor! He’ll be escorted by two guards, no more! I swear it!” Victor: “Excellent! I like this servant. He knows what’s good for him. Let’s keep him around. Rellik, prepare a little surprise for his majesty. Make sure he is taken alive and brought to me.” Rellik: “Yes my lord.” (He bows and leaves) Victor sits on the throne. Victor: "The reign of the High King is coming to an end and my glorious reign is beginning. Soon, Victor the Black Wizard will rule all of Historica, and all will bow down before him." ------ Soon to follow: Challenge V

Prelude to Challenge 5: And so it was that the great Elemental Plague washed over Historica from border to border. From the frozen plains of Mitgardia, to the lush forests of Avalonia, all the way to the sandy expanses of Kaliphlin, and the boiling volcanoes of Nocturnus, great elemental monsters devoured villages and towns, forcing the citizens of Historica to flee by the thousands. Only the great capitals and largest cities continue to hold out against the elemental threat. While the monsters at his command decimate the landscape, Victor Revolword plots the overthrow of Historica’s Capital Cerdica. In a dungeon not far from the High King’s mighty city, a well-dressed gentleman fears for his life. He is a servant to the High King; one of a myriad of fateful lackeys sworn to his majesty’s service, who finds himself in a dire situation. The door to the small dungeon room opens and the black wizard himself steps through. Victor: “Do you know who I am, servant?” Servant: “Yes. You’re that wizard… The one who unleashed the elementals. Please don’t hurt me! I don’t know anything, I swear!” Victor: “Silence! You’ll do well for yourself if you rethink your loyalties. Now, keenly pay attention to what I say. Rumor has it that the king’s servants use a secret entrance in and out of the capital city. The rumors go on to say that this entrance leads out somewhere in the wilderness by the Hammerhead lake. If that were to be true, I very much want to know about where the entrance is. Now speak, I am a busy man.” Servant: “What? There’s no such a thing! The only way in and out is through the guarded gate! You have been misled, good sir.” Victor: “Careful, servant. Lying to me has dire consequences. I ask again; where is the hidden entrance inside the city?” Servant: “I swear to you, there is no such a thing!” Victor: “Very well, then we must do this the hard way” He walks towards the door and calls out. “Rellik, come in here.” A tall, intimidating character steps through the door. He is armored from head to toe, and yields a mighty war ax. His face is blistered over and muddy, his eyes a piercing shade of blue. He walks in, bows, and stares down the terrified servant. Victor: “Are you familiar with “The Hand of Corruption” servant? Of course you are; you must have heard stories about them your whole life. I’d like you to meet their leader, my trusted general and the agent of your Guilds’ undoing! This is Rellik Nam; the Scourge of the Eastern Kingdoms.” Servant: “Impossible! The Hand of Corruption is just a folk tale!” Victor: “Oh, it’s more than a tale foolish servant. It’s a cursed legend. “The Hand” forgives no one; its grasp is far reaching, and its retributions are swift. Look into Rellik’s eyes servant, and tell him you don’t know anything about a secret entrance in the wilderness.” Servant: “I beg you sir, please realize I know nothing! I fear for my life, and your general fills me with terror… Alas, I cannot give you what you want, as it does not exist. Please good sir, let me go, I’m merely a servant. I know nothing of the affairs of the High King…” Victor: “Enough. Rellik, this tight-lipped and stubborn servant won’t tell me what I want to know, and I grow impatient. Persuade him to speak. I shall be outside.” Rellik Nam: “Yes my lord. My pleasure.” Servant: “Wait! No, please sir, I swear I don’t know anything! Oh no!!!” Victor leaves the dungeon cell, and closes the door shut behind him. After a few minutes of horrific screams and sounds of struggle, Rellik opens the door and flashes a rotten grin to his master. Victor nods, and walks in along with blistered creatures who carry the mark of the “Hand of Corruption” on their armor and shields. The servant lies on the ground, bloodied, weeping and clutching at his side. Victor: “Well Rellik? What did he say?” Rellik: “There is a small town on a lake near the capital. Above the lake is a windmill; isolated from the rest of the village. A trapdoor in there will lead us directly into the antechamber of the King’s Summer palace.” Victor: “Wonderfully done Rellik. It appears we are ready for our little escapade. How large is our force?” Rellik: “Five hundred strong; more are joining every day my lord. “The Hand” has ways of corrupting the mind. Very soon Histroica’s own defenders will be marching under our banners.” Victor: “Excelled Rellik! Now… we no longer need this spineless worm. Feed him to the wolves.” Rellik: “Yes my lord.” ----------------------------- Meanwhile in the Mitgardian capital of Valholl an old Norse warrior steps through the threshold of a well-lit library room. He looks preoccupied, and the haste in his step suggests purpose and timeliness. Jarl Nibelung: “Ah, Hersir Chorian! You’ve come just in time! Step closer, tell me; what is the situation outside of Valholl?” Elon Chorian: “It’s pandemonium out there Jarl Nibelung! The damned elementals have devoured everything east of Ondylion. My city is taking on thousands of refugees. I make a great sacrifice coming here today; I pray you have something important for me.” Jarl Nibelung: “I do Hersir. We may have found a way to dispel the Elemental magic used by the traitor Victor Revolword!” Elon Chorian: “By the gods! Do tell Jarl!” Jarl Nibelung: “I received a visitor late last night. He came to the palace all the way from the top of the temple on Mount Varocha. He is a monk of the Order of Eden. He brought a curious scroll along with him. He claims that the magic described herein can dispel any elemental monster.” Elon Chorian: “Magic? That’s what we resolve to? We’re Norsemen men Jarl! We fight with sharpened steel. I’ve seen these monsters with my own eyes; I hardly see how a magic spell can knock them down! And why am I summoned to hear about it? I am no wizard, Jarl Nibelung!” Jarl Nibelung: “No, but there is something you should know. Let me introduce the monk to you. Brother Hemli, please come over.” A man dressed in a grey tunic, yielding a magic staff, stands up in the opposite corner of the library. He puts the book he has been reading down, and walks towards the Jarl and the Hersir. Brother Hemli: “Yes Jarl?” Jarl Nibelung: “Brother Hemli, this is the Hersir of Valholl, Elon Chorian. He needs to hear what you told me about ancient sites of power.” Brother Hemli: “Ah yes! It’s a fascinating scroll we have here! It describes the elemental magic used by the black wizard Victor to raise the elementals. Interestingly enough, it appears that the elementals, while mighty and powerful, are susceptible to a particular type of ancient magic. This is the same energy present at mystic sites throughout Historica! Elven villages, mystic forests, haunted cavers, and many other locations emit this benevolent type of magic; harmless to people, but deadly to the Elementals. As a result they won’t go near these sites!” Jarl Nibelung: “You see Chorian! This is a major advantage to us! There are areas throughout Historica where these elementals cannot go! We can use them to organize our forces; make camps for our soldier and refugees, and eventually use the magic to drive these abominations back to Oblivion!” Elon Chorian: “With camps like these, we can organize a resistance and fight back towards the cities! But can we move this magic around?” Brother Hemli: “Yes! Mages trained in this magic school can accompany your forces and drive the monster back!” Elon Chorian: “Then we can win this war! This is great news indeed!” Jarl Nibelung: “There is unfortunately a complication. Victor has not been seen since the attacks started. Without knowing where he is, we have no way of stopping him. While we can hold back the elementals, he too can summon them without end. We risk turning all of Historica into a permanent magical battlefield, the consequence of which will be severe for generations to come! Worse yet; I’ve heard news from our friends in Avalonia; they say regiments of the “Hand of Corruption” roam their countryside, abducting young men, forcing them to join the ranks of Victor’s corrupt forces. It seems that the wizard is planning something big. Brother Hemli: “Yes… they are corrupt creatures from the eastern Kingdoms, led by an infamous blood-thirsty fiend. If the wizard manages to raise himself an army of them, the elementals will be the least of our problems.” Elon Chorian: “Then we must move quickly to secure locations around Historica! If they are indeed safe from elementals, we can use them as war camps to hunt down Victor’s forces and to find him!” Jarl Nibelung: “That was my plan yes. But we must move quickly.” Elon Chorian: “I will return to Ondylion and prepare a war party!” Jarl Nibelung: “Good. Brother Hemli will go with you; he will ensure the city is safe. Meanwhile, the other Guild leaders have already begun preparations of their own. The armies of Historica move to its ancient places, and prepare for the coming storm. Let’s pray to the gods that we are ready when it comes.” ----------- In the High King’s summer palace, the royal steward is frustrated. After calling on the servants several times, not a single response has come from his majesty’s kitchens. Steward: “Unbelievable! What kind of servants are you!? If the King was here he’d have you booted from the high tower from taking so long to answer! I said what kind of…” As the Steward raises his voice in annoyance, he suddenly falls silent. Instead of the neatly dressed royal staff he commands, a raggedy group of repulsive creatures storm into the chamber. The steward is taken aback by their ghastly appearance, and he stumbles backwards as they approach him. Steward: “What in the name of his majesty’s sacred honor is going on here?! Who are you?!” Victor: “I am the next High King of Historica. Your Kingdom will tremble before my might. Now where is the High King?” Steward: “Usurper! Traitor! Curse you and your abominable minions! This chamber is sacred! GUARDS!!!” Rellik: “Your guards are dead pathetic human. All that’s left on this floor is you. Now answer my lord’s question, or you shall join them.” Steward: “Merci! Merci! I will tell all! The King is at the theater! He loves the plays! He’ll be back soon; must be no more than an hour until his return! Please don’t kill me!” Victor: “How comical that your High King enjoys the finer things whilst his Kingdom burns. Which way does he come back into the palace? Speak!” Steward: “He’ll come from the Eastern corridor! He’ll be escorted by two guards, no more! I swear it!” Victor: “Excellent! I like this servant. He knows what’s good for him. Let’s keep him around. Rellik, prepare a little surprise for his majesty. Make sure he is taken alive and brought to me.” Rellik: “Yes my lord.” (He bows and leaves) Victor sits on the throne. Victor: "The reign of the High King is coming to an end and my glorious reign is beginning. Soon, Victor the Black Wizard will rule all of Historica, and all will bow down before him." ------ Soon to follow: Challenge V

Prelude to Challenge 5: And so it was that the great Elemental Plague washed over Historica from border to border. From the frozen plains of Mitgardia, to the lush forests of Avalonia, all the way to the sandy expanses of Kaliphlin, and the boiling volcanoes of Nocturnus, great elemental monsters devoured villages and towns, forcing the citizens of Historica to flee by the thousands. Only the great capitals and largest cities continue to hold out against the elemental threat. While the monsters at his command decimate the landscape, Victor Revolword plots the overthrow of Historica’s Capital Cerdica. In a dungeon not far from the High King’s mighty city, a well-dressed gentleman fears for his life. He is a servant to the High King; one of a myriad of fateful lackeys sworn to his majesty’s service, who finds himself in a dire situation. The door to the small dungeon room opens and the black wizard himself steps through. Victor: “Do you know who I am, servant?” Servant: “Yes. You’re that wizard… The one who unleashed the elementals. Please don’t hurt me! I don’t know anything, I swear!” Victor: “Silence! You’ll do well for yourself if you rethink your loyalties. Now, keenly pay attention to what I say. Rumor has it that the king’s servants use a secret entrance in and out of the capital city. The rumors go on to say that this entrance leads out somewhere in the wilderness by the Hammerhead lake. If that were to be true, I very much want to know about where the entrance is. Now speak, I am a busy man.” Servant: “What? There’s no such a thing! The only way in and out is through the guarded gate! You have been misled, good sir.” Victor: “Careful, servant. Lying to me has dire consequences. I ask again; where is the hidden entrance inside the city?” Servant: “I swear to you, there is no such a thing!” Victor: “Very well, then we must do this the hard way” He walks towards the door and calls out. “Rellik, come in here.” A tall, intimidating character steps through the door. He is armored from head to toe, and yields a mighty war ax. His face is blistered over and muddy, his eyes a piercing shade of blue. He walks in, bows, and stares down the terrified servant. Victor: “Are you familiar with “The Hand of Corruption” servant? Of course you are; you must have heard stories about them your whole life. I’d like you to meet their leader, my trusted general and the agent of your Guilds’ undoing! This is Rellik Nam; the Scourge of the Eastern Kingdoms.” Servant: “Impossible! The Hand of Corruption is just a folk tale!” Victor: “Oh, it’s more than a tale foolish servant. It’s a cursed legend. “The Hand” forgives no one; its grasp is far reaching, and its retributions are swift. Look into Rellik’s eyes servant, and tell him you don’t know anything about a secret entrance in the wilderness.” Servant: “I beg you sir, please realize I know nothing! I fear for my life, and your general fills me with terror… Alas, I cannot give you what you want, as it does not exist. Please good sir, let me go, I’m merely a servant. I know nothing of the affairs of the High King…” Victor: “Enough. Rellik, this tight-lipped and stubborn servant won’t tell me what I want to know, and I grow impatient. Persuade him to speak. I shall be outside.” Rellik Nam: “Yes my lord. My pleasure.” Servant: “Wait! No, please sir, I swear I don’t know anything! Oh no!!!” Victor leaves the dungeon cell, and closes the door shut behind him. After a few minutes of horrific screams and sounds of struggle, Rellik opens the door and flashes a rotten grin to his master. Victor nods, and walks in along with blistered creatures who carry the mark of the “Hand of Corruption” on their armor and shields. The servant lies on the ground, bloodied, weeping and clutching at his side. Victor: “Well Rellik? What did he say?” Rellik: “There is a small town on a lake near the capital. Above the lake is a windmill; isolated from the rest of the village. A trapdoor in there will lead us directly into the antechamber of the King’s Summer palace.” Victor: “Wonderfully done Rellik. It appears we are ready for our little escapade. How large is our force?” Rellik: “Five hundred strong; more are joining every day my lord. “The Hand” has ways of corrupting the mind. Very soon Histroica’s own defenders will be marching under our banners.” Victor: “Excelled Rellik! Now… we no longer need this spineless worm. Feed him to the wolves.” Rellik: “Yes my lord.” ----------------------------- Meanwhile in the Mitgardian capital of Valholl an old Norse warrior steps through the threshold of a well-lit library room. He looks preoccupied, and the haste in his step suggests purpose and timeliness. Jarl Nibelung: “Ah, Hersir Chorian! You’ve come just in time! Step closer, tell me; what is the situation outside of Valholl?” Elon Chorian: “It’s pandemonium out there Jarl Nibelung! The damned elementals have devoured everything east of Ondylion. My city is taking on thousands of refugees. I make a great sacrifice coming here today; I pray you have something important for me.” Jarl Nibelung: “I do Hersir. We may have found a way to dispel the Elemental magic used by the traitor Victor Revolword!” Elon Chorian: “By the gods! Do tell Jarl!” Jarl Nibelung: “I received a visitor late last night. He came to the palace all the way from the top of the temple on Mount Varocha. He is a monk of the Order of Eden. He brought a curious scroll along with him. He claims that the magic described herein can dispel any elemental monster.” Elon Chorian: “Magic? That’s what we resolve to? We’re Norsemen men Jarl! We fight with sharpened steel. I’ve seen these monsters with my own eyes; I hardly see how a magic spell can knock them down! And why am I summoned to hear about it? I am no wizard, Jarl Nibelung!” Jarl Nibelung: “No, but there is something you should know. Let me introduce the monk to you. Brother Hemli, please come over.” A man dressed in a grey tunic, yielding a magic staff, stands up in the opposite corner of the library. He puts the book he has been reading down, and walks towards the Jarl and the Hersir. Brother Hemli: “Yes Jarl?” Jarl Nibelung: “Brother Hemli, this is the Hersir of Valholl, Elon Chorian. He needs to hear what you told me about ancient sites of power.” Brother Hemli: “Ah yes! It’s a fascinating scroll we have here! It describes the elemental magic used by the black wizard Victor to raise the elementals. Interestingly enough, it appears that the elementals, while mighty and powerful, are susceptible to a particular type of ancient magic. This is the same energy present at mystic sites throughout Historica! Elven villages, mystic forests, haunted cavers, and many other locations emit this benevolent type of magic; harmless to people, but deadly to the Elementals. As a result they won’t go near these sites!” Jarl Nibelung: “You see Chorian! This is a major advantage to us! There are areas throughout Historica where these elementals cannot go! We can use them to organize our forces; make camps for our soldier and refugees, and eventually use the magic to drive these abominations back to Oblivion!” Elon Chorian: “With camps like these, we can organize a resistance and fight back towards the cities! But can we move this magic around?” Brother Hemli: “Yes! Mages trained in this magic school can accompany your forces and drive the monster back!” Elon Chorian: “Then we can win this war! This is great news indeed!” Jarl Nibelung: “There is unfortunately a complication. Victor has not been seen since the attacks started. Without knowing where he is, we have no way of stopping him. While we can hold back the elementals, he too can summon them without end. We risk turning all of Historica into a permanent magical battlefield, the consequence of which will be severe for generations to come! Worse yet; I’ve heard news from our friends in Avalonia; they say regiments of the “Hand of Corruption” roam their countryside, abducting young men, forcing them to join the ranks of Victor’s corrupt forces. It seems that the wizard is planning something big. Brother Hemli: “Yes… they are corrupt creatures from the eastern Kingdoms, led by an infamous blood-thirsty fiend. If the wizard manages to raise himself an army of them, the elementals will be the least of our problems.” Elon Chorian: “Then we must move quickly to secure locations around Historica! If they are indeed safe from elementals, we can use them as war camps to hunt down Victor’s forces and to find him!” Jarl Nibelung: “That was my plan yes. But we must move quickly.” Elon Chorian: “I will return to Ondylion and prepare a war party!” Jarl Nibelung: “Good. Brother Hemli will go with you; he will ensure the city is safe. Meanwhile, the other Guild leaders have already begun preparations of their own. The armies of Historica move to its ancient places, and prepare for the coming storm. Let’s pray to the gods that we are ready when it comes.” ----------- In the High King’s summer palace, the royal steward is frustrated. After calling on the servants several times, not a single response has come from his majesty’s kitchens. Steward: “Unbelievable! What kind of servants are you!? If the King was here he’d have you booted from the high tower from taking so long to answer! I said what kind of…” As the Steward raises his voice in annoyance, he suddenly falls silent. Instead of the neatly dressed royal staff he commands, a raggedy group of repulsive creatures storm into the chamber. The steward is taken aback by their ghastly appearance, and he stumbles backwards as they approach him. Steward: “What in the name of his majesty’s sacred honor is going on here?! Who are you?!” Victor: “I am the next High King of Historica. Your Kingdom will tremble before my might. Now where is the High King?” Steward: “Usurper! Traitor! Curse you and your abominable minions! This chamber is sacred! GUARDS!!!” Rellik: “Your guards are dead pathetic human. All that’s left on this floor is you. Now answer my lord’s question, or you shall join them.” Steward: “Merci! Merci! I will tell all! The King is at the theater! He loves the plays! He’ll be back soon; must be no more than an hour until his return! Please don’t kill me!” Victor: “How comical that your High King enjoys the finer things whilst his Kingdom burns. Which way does he come back into the palace? Speak!” Steward: “He’ll come from the Eastern corridor! He’ll be escorted by two guards, no more! I swear it!” Victor: “Excellent! I like this servant. He knows what’s good for him. Let’s keep him around. Rellik, prepare a little surprise for his majesty. Make sure he is taken alive and brought to me.” Rellik: “Yes my lord.” (He bows and leaves) Victor sits on the throne. Victor: "The reign of the High King is coming to an end and my glorious reign is beginning. Soon, Victor the Black Wizard will rule all of Historica, and all will bow down before him." ------ Soon to follow: Challenge V

Prelude to Challenge 5: And so it was that the great Elemental Plague washed over Historica from border to border. From the frozen plains of Mitgardia, to the lush forests of Avalonia, all the way to the sandy expanses of Kaliphlin, and the boiling volcanoes of Nocturnus, great elemental monsters devoured villages and towns, forcing the citizens of Historica to flee by the thousands. Only the great capitals and largest cities continue to hold out against the elemental threat. While the monsters at his command decimate the landscape, Victor Revolword plots the overthrow of Historica’s Capital Cerdica. In a dungeon not far from the High King’s mighty city, a well-dressed gentleman fears for his life. He is a servant to the High King; one of a myriad of fateful lackeys sworn to his majesty’s service, who finds himself in a dire situation. The door to the small dungeon room opens and the black wizard himself steps through. Victor: “Do you know who I am, servant?” Servant: “Yes. You’re that wizard… The one who unleashed the elementals. Please don’t hurt me! I don’t know anything, I swear!” Victor: “Silence! You’ll do well for yourself if you rethink your loyalties. Now, keenly pay attention to what I say. Rumor has it that the king’s servants use a secret entrance in and out of the capital city. The rumors go on to say that this entrance leads out somewhere in the wilderness by the Hammerhead lake. If that were to be true, I very much want to know about where the entrance is. Now speak, I am a busy man.” Servant: “What? There’s no such a thing! The only way in and out is through the guarded gate! You have been misled, good sir.” Victor: “Careful, servant. Lying to me has dire consequences. I ask again; where is the hidden entrance inside the city?” Servant: “I swear to you, there is no such a thing!” Victor: “Very well, then we must do this the hard way” He walks towards the door and calls out. “Rellik, come in here.” A tall, intimidating character steps through the door. He is armored from head to toe, and yields a mighty war ax. His face is blistered over and muddy, his eyes a piercing shade of blue. He walks in, bows, and stares down the terrified servant. Victor: “Are you familiar with “The Hand of Corruption” servant? Of course you are; you must have heard stories about them your whole life. I’d like you to meet their leader, my trusted general and the agent of your Guilds’ undoing! This is Rellik Nam; the Scourge of the Eastern Kingdoms.” Servant: “Impossible! The Hand of Corruption is just a folk tale!” Victor: “Oh, it’s more than a tale foolish servant. It’s a cursed legend. “The Hand” forgives no one; its grasp is far reaching, and its retributions are swift. Look into Rellik’s eyes servant, and tell him you don’t know anything about a secret entrance in the wilderness.” Servant: “I beg you sir, please realize I know nothing! I fear for my life, and your general fills me with terror… Alas, I cannot give you what you want, as it does not exist. Please good sir, let me go, I’m merely a servant. I know nothing of the affairs of the High King…” Victor: “Enough. Rellik, this tight-lipped and stubborn servant won’t tell me what I want to know, and I grow impatient. Persuade him to speak. I shall be outside.” Rellik Nam: “Yes my lord. My pleasure.” Servant: “Wait! No, please sir, I swear I don’t know anything! Oh no!!!” Victor leaves the dungeon cell, and closes the door shut behind him. After a few minutes of horrific screams and sounds of struggle, Rellik opens the door and flashes a rotten grin to his master. Victor nods, and walks in along with blistered creatures who carry the mark of the “Hand of Corruption” on their armor and shields. The servant lies on the ground, bloodied, weeping and clutching at his side. Victor: “Well Rellik? What did he say?” Rellik: “There is a small town on a lake near the capital. Above the lake is a windmill; isolated from the rest of the village. A trapdoor in there will lead us directly into the antechamber of the King’s Summer palace.” Victor: “Wonderfully done Rellik. It appears we are ready for our little escapade. How large is our force?” Rellik: “Five hundred strong; more are joining every day my lord. “The Hand” has ways of corrupting the mind. Very soon Histroica’s own defenders will be marching under our banners.” Victor: “Excelled Rellik! Now… we no longer need this spineless worm. Feed him to the wolves.” Rellik: “Yes my lord.” ----------------------------- Meanwhile in the Mitgardian capital of Valholl an old Norse warrior steps through the threshold of a well-lit library room. He looks preoccupied, and the haste in his step suggests purpose and timeliness. Jarl Nibelung: “Ah, Hersir Chorian! You’ve come just in time! Step closer, tell me; what is the situation outside of Valholl?” Elon Chorian: “It’s pandemonium out there Jarl Nibelung! The damned elementals have devoured everything east of Ondylion. My city is taking on thousands of refugees. I make a great sacrifice coming here today; I pray you have something important for me.” Jarl Nibelung: “I do Hersir. We may have found a way to dispel the Elemental magic used by the traitor Victor Revolword!” Elon Chorian: “By the gods! Do tell Jarl!” Jarl Nibelung: “I received a visitor late last night. He came to the palace all the way from the top of the temple on Mount Varocha. He is a monk of the Order of Eden. He brought a curious scroll along with him. He claims that the magic described herein can dispel any elemental monster.” Elon Chorian: “Magic? That’s what we resolve to? We’re Norsemen men Jarl! We fight with sharpened steel. I’ve seen these monsters with my own eyes; I hardly see how a magic spell can knock them down! And why am I summoned to hear about it? I am no wizard, Jarl Nibelung!” Jarl Nibelung: “No, but there is something you should know. Let me introduce the monk to you. Brother Hemli, please come over.” A man dressed in a grey tunic, yielding a magic staff, stands up in the opposite corner of the library. He puts the book he has been reading down, and walks towards the Jarl and the Hersir. Brother Hemli: “Yes Jarl?” Jarl Nibelung: “Brother Hemli, this is the Hersir of Valholl, Elon Chorian. He needs to hear what you told me about ancient sites of power.” Brother Hemli: “Ah yes! It’s a fascinating scroll we have here! It describes the elemental magic used by the black wizard Victor to raise the elementals. Interestingly enough, it appears that the elementals, while mighty and powerful, are susceptible to a particular type of ancient magic. This is the same energy present at mystic sites throughout Historica! Elven villages, mystic forests, haunted cavers, and many other locations emit this benevolent type of magic; harmless to people, but deadly to the Elementals. As a result they won’t go near these sites!” Jarl Nibelung: “You see Chorian! This is a major advantage to us! There are areas throughout Historica where these elementals cannot go! We can use them to organize our forces; make camps for our soldier and refugees, and eventually use the magic to drive these abominations back to Oblivion!” Elon Chorian: “With camps like these, we can organize a resistance and fight back towards the cities! But can we move this magic around?” Brother Hemli: “Yes! Mages trained in this magic school can accompany your forces and drive the monster back!” Elon Chorian: “Then we can win this war! This is great news indeed!” Jarl Nibelung: “There is unfortunately a complication. Victor has not been seen since the attacks started. Without knowing where he is, we have no way of stopping him. While we can hold back the elementals, he too can summon them without end. We risk turning all of Historica into a permanent magical battlefield, the consequence of which will be severe for generations to come! Worse yet; I’ve heard news from our friends in Avalonia; they say regiments of the “Hand of Corruption” roam their countryside, abducting young men, forcing them to join the ranks of Victor’s corrupt forces. It seems that the wizard is planning something big. Brother Hemli: “Yes… they are corrupt creatures from the eastern Kingdoms, led by an infamous blood-thirsty fiend. If the wizard manages to raise himself an army of them, the elementals will be the least of our problems.” Elon Chorian: “Then we must move quickly to secure locations around Historica! If they are indeed safe from elementals, we can use them as war camps to hunt down Victor’s forces and to find him!” Jarl Nibelung: “That was my plan yes. But we must move quickly.” Elon Chorian: “I will return to Ondylion and prepare a war party!” Jarl Nibelung: “Good. Brother Hemli will go with you; he will ensure the city is safe. Meanwhile, the other Guild leaders have already begun preparations of their own. The armies of Historica move to its ancient places, and prepare for the coming storm. Let’s pray to the gods that we are ready when it comes.” ----------- In the High King’s summer palace, the royal steward is frustrated. After calling on the servants several times, not a single response has come from his majesty’s kitchens. Steward: “Unbelievable! What kind of servants are you!? If the King was here he’d have you booted from the high tower from taking so long to answer! I said what kind of…” As the Steward raises his voice in annoyance, he suddenly falls silent. Instead of the neatly dressed royal staff he commands, a raggedy group of repulsive creatures storm into the chamber. The steward is taken aback by their ghastly appearance, and he stumbles backwards as they approach him. Steward: “What in the name of his majesty’s sacred honor is going on here?! Who are you?!” Victor: “I am the next High King of Historica. Your Kingdom will tremble before my might. Now where is the High King?” Steward: “Usurper! Traitor! Curse you and your abominable minions! This chamber is sacred! GUARDS!!!” Rellik: “Your guards are dead pathetic human. All that’s left on this floor is you. Now answer my lord’s question, or you shall join them.” Steward: “Merci! Merci! I will tell all! The King is at the theater! He loves the plays! He’ll be back soon; must be no more than an hour until his return! Please don’t kill me!” Victor: “How comical that your High King enjoys the finer things whilst his Kingdom burns. Which way does he come back into the palace? Speak!” Steward: “He’ll come from the Eastern corridor! He’ll be escorted by two guards, no more! I swear it!” Victor: “Excellent! I like this servant. He knows what’s good for him. Let’s keep him around. Rellik, prepare a little surprise for his majesty. Make sure he is taken alive and brought to me.” Rellik: “Yes my lord.” (He bows and leaves) Victor sits on the throne. Victor: "The reign of the High King is coming to an end and my glorious reign is beginning. Soon, Victor the Black Wizard will rule all of Historica, and all will bow down before him." ------ Soon to follow: Challenge V

All the builds you see here exist at the same time. I did have to disassemble them completely from chapter to chapter as my collection isn't large enough to sustain display MOC's and story MOC's. But I do have a large amount of specific pieces. (I found that it;s esthetically attractive to have a lot of repeating units in build, and it makes sorting/disassembly much quicker and easier.)