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It began like this: The Ulandians had no realistic estimate about the population size of the Nestlands, therefore the Blazing Swords Legion was dispatched in full force for the invasion. That was their mistake. The Ghuin Nol High Guard at Skywatch Perch spotted the army weeks out, and were able to warn the Clans right away. Most of the non-combat citizenry (children, pregnant women, the aged and infirm) were evacuated to the deep hiding places south of the Nols. It was decided by the High Ministry that the defense would be a retreating line. Warriors were ordered to make only a token resistance, then to disappear into the forests. The main force of the Nestlands Clans would gather in the tunnels and caverns of Edst Nol and Dun Nol. From there they could send out raiding parties to strike back at the invaders, once the bulk of the Ulandians were forced to move on. The Blazing Swords did exactly as expected. Once the major towns were secured, the occupying Ulandians set about inventorying what remained. They found precious little food, and no drinkable water (all the water distillers had been dismantled and removed). There was no choice, but for the bulk of the Blazing Swords Legion to move on to a more livable location. Several small units remained, supplemented by a unit of Guardians of the Garden, to catalog and examine all the interesting little devices made by the Nestlands Clans. ------------------------ It was decided that Skywatch Perch had to be retaken. Ghuin Nol High Guard Captain Gorgd MkTavsh, the new commander of the late Hugh Hos' unit, and Olik Funrirr, Bloodmane's apprentice, were afforded the honor of first strike. Using secret tunnels that the Ulandians has missed in their search, Gorgd and Olik made it all the way to the cavern beneath Skywatch Perch without encountering a soul. There they found a fireplace with eagle feathers and bones littered about. This sent Captain Gorgd into a rage, causing him to rush up into the main outpost. There was only one Ulandian inside at the time. Restus Solus, a Guardian of the Garden officer, had only microseconds to respond by crossing his blades. This did little to deter the furious Captain, and with his first blow sent Restus' right arm and his blades into the outpost foyer. The rest of him was smashed backwards into the cavern below. Mitus Dolum foolishly left his pilum inside while he examined the skyviewers. Olik made his way quickly to roof. The Leoparder slave had no chance. Grhiishir didn't even manage a mewl before his treachea was severed. Olik takes a moment to wonder if Leoparder might taste like mountain cat. "Grabbagh na bollagh, Sassenuk!" roared Gorgd. A blast of pain. Mitus' screams could be heard for miles, as his wrist is shattered and his hand barely remains attatched. The major artery in the wrist bleeds profusely before Mitus falls down the mountain dead. Thus Skywatch Perch was secured. --------------------- Some overview shots. Detail shots: Architecture Skyviewers Plants and rocks ------------- I may do some figless and bloodless shots later. CCC

(Early one morning in the middle of Kaliphlin. The Ulander advanced guard patrols the area.) Soldier 1: This is the most boring job ever... they could have at least positioned us closer to the river. These reeds are pesky enough to drive one mad! Captain: Ahem! What's that? Would you quit maltreating the reeds and keep a better look out already! Soldier 1: Alright, but there seems to be nothing to look at but reeds and- Soldier 2: I spy... another coconut! Captain: Would you stop that already!? You've been doing nothing else for the last ten minutes! Soldier 2: By the way, captain, do you have any idea what that gigantic coco- Captain: Arrgggg! If you mention a coconut again I'll- Soldier 2: No, seriously, check it out for yourself. (points toward to palm tree) Captain: Hmm! That does look odd, let me see (pulls out telescope and looks at the tree. After focusing it he jumps nearly his own height into the air and then rolls over laughing) Soldier 1: Well? What is it? Captain: (still laughing very hard, hands over the telescope) look at that for a second! (A little later, creeping up to the tree) Captain: Shh! Sounds like he's talking to himself. Mummy: (sipping his coconut juice, enjoying the swaying motion of the tree) Ahh! This's the best spy mission I've been on for a long time! Slurp! Quite a nice vantage point as well, ha! I would like to recieve UoP credit for: Landscape Design - trees (3) Geography - grasslands If I win I would pick L8 as the next battlefield. Thanks for viewing, C&C are welcome!

In the lush, dense undergrowth of the Arkbri Valley, the easiest way to manouver is often through the streams and irrigations canals crisscrossing the valley. There, vegetation and rock outcroppings are not hindering movement, although leeches, bugs, and the occasional crocodile can make it an unpleasant experience. Sand King Patrol by Beorthan, on Flickr This morning, a Desert King patrol is scouting for hidden routes to the Quenscross, as part of a concerted effort to covertly move forces towards the expected battle of that strategic chokepoint. Little do they know that their patrol is a about to meet an abrupt and violent end... Ambush by Beorthan, on Flickr With a marksmen posted on the cliffside and two seasoned fighters on the ground, Beorthan reckons the ambush will leave the patrol with little chance. Overview by Beorthan, on Flickr My entry for the High Council to Warzone 1: The Arkbri Skirmishes, in Guilds of Historica Book II, Challenge IV I shall await coordination with my faction before chosing which zone to attack next (should I win). Edit: Next warzone: E8, Queenscross On a side note, the description for this area reminded me of the "green zone" around the Helmand river in Afghanistan, so that was my inspiration. The patrols there often walk in the channels.

Here is my Guerrilla build against the High Council (at F12 Edit: changed to H6). The Ulandian advance guard cuts off a supply train, presumably sent with stores for Messahmuk: A closeup of the supply wagon: I would like to recieve UoP credit for: Anthropology - life in Kaliphlin and Trade and Law - shipping by land Thanks for viewing, C&C are welcome!

Warzone 1: The Arkbri Skirmishes (E7) A vast network of irrigration canals are providing water to the food production in the Arkbri valley. Not all of the crops have failed, but the increasing presence of soldiers from all factions have caused many farmers to flee and abandon their fields. Here, patrolling soldiers from Barqa have encountered a scouting band of mountain mummies who have been cornered against an irrigration canal and quickly surrender when their leader has been killed. My entry for the High Council to Warzone 1: The Arkbri Skirmishes, in Guilds of Historica Book II, Challenge IV

A NOTE to all those who have not signed up yet: Please still do so!!! Even if you feel as if the challenge has already started, there is plenty of time to build for all three categories! Ulandus needs members the most, followed by High Council, then the Desert King. choose by skaforhire, on Flickr Kaliphlin Civil War Book 2, Challenge IV Starts March 1st, Deadline for Category A &B: July 1st Aftermarket products that cannot be replicated in LEGO are accepted, but should not be the defining element of a MOC. Weapons / armor from aftermarket sources is always fine. (Final Preludes will be up soon (ish), but I thought we could get rolling on general signups.) Chapters so far: Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 The Civil War is a three way battle between the Ulandians, the Desert King, and the High Council of Kaliphlin. You may sign up for the civil war on this page. The roster is at the bottom of the post. When signing up, please note your first and second choice. We will attempt to put everyone on their first choice team, but if the teams get too uneven, some people may get their second choice. choosingsides by skaforhire, on Flickr There will be three categories to this challenge. The winning and runner-up side of each category will earn points towards determining which faction won the civil war. Category A: Consequences In this category you will show something that has changed since the war started. For example, It could be a MOC about a boy becoming a man because he has to work his dad’s farm, a MOC of a person turning to a life of crime after their livelihood has been destroyed, refugees, the aftermath of a battle, etc… Anything that shows how a individual(s) life has changed because of the war. The build should clearly represent a defining moment in a person or person(s) life. Story is not a major factor here, but it may help you clarify for the readers. Restriction: 32x32 studs with reasonable overhang. Challenge B Unlimited Build / Story Challenge The story of sir Brick-a-lot. It is your job to chronicle Sir Brick-a-lot’s journey in the Kaliphlin Civil War. Sir Brick-a-lot can be your sig fig, or another fig you used for the war (no, don’t actually name him Sir Brick-a-lot). The fig does not have to be a soldier, but you should have at least a couple builds to tell their story during the Kaliphlin Civil War. Each side will be judged on the quality of the builds presented and the quality of their Heroes’ tales. If you use your Category C builds in your storyline, there is a limit of ½ of your builds may be from Category C builds. IE: If you want to use 3 of your category C builds, you must have three additional MOCs to add to your story. Category C – Dynamic War and Map Challenge Please see this thread for now on the rules. This is the actual "game" thread. It has links to the mini-challenges for each week. Please do not sign up on the preliminary rules thread, please sign up here. Also, all discussion for Category C should happen in the category C threads, that is where you will report MOCs for that category also. Category D - Victory Parade Although it may be premature, each side is throwing a victory parade in their regional capital. Builders should put together a parade in no more than six pictures. There should not be more than six parade groups (bands, floats, military units, Zem Zem go-cart formations, etc...) in your parade. Although this category will impact the outcome of the war the least, it does show to some extent the pride your side has. There is no limitation in sizes, but remember to photograph carefully for detail so that all of your parade is covered well. Finally, there should be a final picture that shows the Grand Marshall of the Parade's stand with all the dignitaries inspecting the parade. The winner of this category will be known as the Grand Master of Ceremonies of Kaliphlin. LDD - LDD will be allowed in Category C and D, but not in Category A or B (as it has always been with official challenges). Since Category C is voted on by the public, there may be people that have some bias towards digital bricks, but we will let that play out. =+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Supporters declared: Ulandus Goliath Gunman Infernum Kai NRG Garmadon Narbilu Andrew Spader Lord Robin Alfadas Elostirion Gabe Bacon Potatoes Kayne Rconn0 Marcu22 Rogue Angel Dragonfire Igunnuk Eelu Desert King Hammerhand MKJoshA Tomsche Lord Vladivus MassEditor Emma Sir Gareth Blufiji Disco86 LordDan Jacob Nion Robuko The Lego Dwarf DrCogg Umbra-Manis Brick Man Studios Captain Braunsfeld High Council Carson Haupt De Gothia Gedren_y Soccerkid6 LittleJohn Mike S TheUtilityBelt Gideon Maxim I mrcp6d SarahJoy Mccoyed Bregir Adair Jakorin Scarst BrickCurve Graham Gidman MiloNelsiano J031 Ty3r IF I missed someone from the other thread, please let me know.

This post has been changed to a rules thread for Category C. Please ask your rules questions here. Here is a link to the "Game Thread" which has the links to the current mini-challenges / warzones. +_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_ Change Log: Mar 3 -- Added that every build must have two approvals from seasoned builders. Any builder with a GOH Tag may give a thumbs up approval. Added Victory Points chart and map. Mar 5 -- Clarified rules about guerrilla and counter MOCs. Clarified rules about approval system. Thread Title Tags added. Mar 7 -- Clarified Guerrilla Building - you call the location, cities(spaces that have multiple victory points, even if the city name is not on the map) must have multiple attacks per week equal to their victory points in order to have a successful attempt. Naming convention added for Guerrilla and Counters. Mar 25 -- Guerrilla Rules fixed Mar 27 -- language about safe zones extended to successful GAs (as intended by language already in the document about failed counters later on) April 1st -- Clarified language changed pictures. April 2nd -- Clarified counters further (using rules discussed in the thread) April 6th -- reiterated approvals. And changed going forward. Category C – The Dynamic War and Map Challenge. Category A and B of the next challenge will be similar to the past, however Category C is all new. I think there is something here for everybody. Think of this challenge as Team Iron Builder + Historica + Wargame First I will give a quick version of the rules (for you who are tired of reading!), and then a detailed version. NOT THE OFFICIAL MAP, just for demonstration. warmap by skaforhire, on Flickr Step 1: Choose sides Step 2: mini - challenges on the map are declared, using the map grid. Sea above. Step 3: Each mini-challenge has parameters and last two or three weeks. Step 4: After the due date, the entries are put into a voting tab, and all of EBs can vote for which side won the battle. Step 5: Winner (except where noted) gets to choose the next battle site according to the rules. Step 6 repeat, and multiple mini challenges, with different due dates will be happening at once. Step 7: at the end of three months points are tallied. Each square is worth at least one victory point, squares with cities are worth 2 victory points, battles won are worth 1 victory point. Queenscross, Sultans Gate, Barqa, and Xersia are worth 3 points each. Petraea is worth 4 victory points. Step 8 – Winner is the side with most victory points. Caveat: There is another way to “win squares” called the personal challenge, this is described in the detailed rules. +_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_ Category C The dynamic war and Map Challenges: Kaliphlin is divided by 3 powers, the High Council, The Desert King, and the Ulandians – Builders have a chance to declare for a side before the war begins. We may have to balance sides. As the war progresses, all late-comers are put on the weaker team. The map marks where the powers currently hold position. THE BATTLES Every week at least two zones will be up for grabs. (If it is popular, we will scale it up to 3 or 4 zones). I will put up a theme or mission, a little backstory, and a small geography lesson about the area so that the builds will have a general cohesiveness. Each challenge will be somewhat unique, but we will announce ahead of time “Major Battles” that builders have 4 weeks to prepare for. The minimum build time for a mini-challenge will be 2 weeks. Builders will make a MOC located in one of the zones (stated clearly in their post). Each builder may build one MOC per zone / per challenge. The build doesn’t have to be combat, it could be a supply train, or something else that fits into the theme given for the mini-challenge battle. JUDGING At the due date, I will compile all the builds in a voting thread, all EB members are welcomed to vote for which side won. People will be told to vote on their favorite build and which side won overall. They will be instructed to vote according to build and story, but not photography. Sometimes there may be certain judging qualifications needed specified. For example, if one side has an overwhelming amount of builds, we might ask that when judging, members should only consider the six best builds from each side. PERSONAL RANKS: On each side of the battle, winner, second, third, fourth, and fifth will receive points toward their “rank” in the war. All builders receive a base 2 points per build. There will be a rank system custom to each side. The ranks / point totals / will help determine a overall Winner of Category C. PICKING THE NEXT BATTLE ZONE When not stated otherwise, the highest scoring builder from the winning faction will decide which zone to move to the next week . It is advised that they coordinate with their team though. The wining builders should submit their target in the thread they post their build, so that we can immediately get started on the next mini-challenge if they win. They could move the battle to any “no-man’s land” zone, or any zone that directly touches their team’s territory that belongs to an enemy or to no-man’s land that their territory borders. For purposes of choosing, all nine squares around a zone are considered touching or bordering. warmap by skaforhire, on Flickr For example, if the red faction won the last battle, they could choose many different places on this map. They could pick H9, H10, J11, K11, or B10 for example because each of those spots fit the description of eligible battle zones. There are also many more on the map not named above that fit the parameters. The red leader could NOT pick I7 because it is not within one square of territory they own. (it is two no man’s land squares from Red territory. The red leader could NOT pick D5, because it is in the middle of Blue Territory. Lastly, some zones will be off limits, these zones will be marked in another color. Any zone in which a battle (Warzone or successful Guerrilla Attack) has just concluded, or concluded the week before is “Safe” from battle. This includes zones conquered through decisive victories, but not overwhelming victories (see special circumstances section below.) IF we get a situation where only two factions can reach a location (No no-man’s land to cross, or the third faction’s territory touching the warzone), then we may open up a “ flash war-zone”, where everyone can participate. This zone’s winner would not pick a new location. The challenge would continue, with most Sundays ending at least one mini-challenge. They will overlap one another, so that two challenges are going at all times. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: If a side builds more MOCs than the other two sides put together, and they win the challenge, then the second place scorer from the side can pick an additional square worth only one victory point that borders the battle zone, and claim the territory as an “overwhelming” victory. If one side wins 60% of the popular vote in a three way battle, or 75% in a two way battle, the second place scorer from the side can pick an additional square worth only one victory point that borders the battle zone, and claim the territory as an “Decisive” victory. +_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_ Hey, I don’t like making war MOC’s, this sucks! Well, there is a part of this challenge just for you! The Personal Challenge! (AKA Guerilla Phase) The Guerrilla Phase! This is worth 3 individual points in the rankings. Each builder can pick a location anywhere in a territory outside their faction and take a “guerrilla action.” Each builder can make one guerrilla action each week. It should be clear in the post where the action is happening. Guerrilla actions cannot happen in a zone that is off limits (Zones that recently changed hands will be off limits for two weeks, and will be clearly noted on the updated map.) IF attacking a city with a Guerrilla action, there needs to be at least the number of Guerrilla builders equal to the number of the Victory Points the city is worth. (IE: Queenscross is worth 3 VP, so in one week three MOCers from an enemy faction would need to coordinate their strike in order to make a valid attempt on the city) In a multiple Guerrilla Action against a zone, ALL GAs must win in order to turn the zone over to the attacker. (Personal ranking points are awarded no matter the outcome of the square.) The guerrilla action would be something to affect that area. It could be repairing a war-torn village, conducting a raid, a spy job, a hostage rescue, a mission to sabotage the other side, recruiting, anything that is not directly a battle between two sides. The builder would create this MOC, and then prepare for others to “Counter” it. 'Guerrilla Action MOCs require the same approval as battle MOCs. So make sure to have a good story, a well photographed build, and make it obvious that this isn’t a quick building with figs on a baseplate. It should be clear that effort was made in the build. At the end of the week, on the map I will mark where Guerrilla actions have been discovered. The counter-action – Each builder can make one counter-action a week, and this action is taken against any Guerrilla action in their territory. A counter-action is when a builder picks one of the sites of the last week’s guerrilla action that occurred in their faction’s territory, and builds a MOC to reverse it. This is worth 4 points. The challenge is, the build must be similar (think mirror building, but you can reinterpret the build) to the guerrilla attack. (IE: if the guerrilla builder made a farm, and set it ablaze, the counter attack should show the same farmstead [doesn’t have to be exact, but an interpretation of the farm] in transition back to working. Rebuild it, garrison it, etc…) Counter actors should make it known that they plan on countering a guerrilla in their territory so that there are only a few people working on a counter (that way your team can counter multiple threats). Counter builds cannot be larger than the Guerrilla build they are countering. The guerrillas build will be presented against the counter-builds in a general voting thread. If the guerrilla wins, that zone will turn over to their side and the builder earns an addition 6 personal points. All Guerrilla Builds should have their own thread, with a link posted in the Category C thread. The naming convention for Guerrilla builds from this point on should be: [G: Location, your faction vs the owner of the zone you are attacking] ie: [G:J13, DK vs U] Counter builds should look similar: [CG: location, your faction vs the guerrilla's faction] IE: [CG:J13, U vs DK], This naming convention will help us straighten out where things are happening. Counter-builders have at least a week to counter a guerrilla MOC. Their week starts the Monday after the Guerrilla MOC is posted and ends on the next Sunday. (IE: if the Guerrilla MOC is posted on Monday, the deadline to counter would be TWO Sundays from that Monday, whereas if the guerrilla MOC was posted on a Sunday, the deadline would be the NEXT Sunday) All counters should be posted to the Guerrilla Build's thread. The Guerrilla attack thread will be checked on Monday of the next week to compile all counter MOCs for voting. All cities (any place with multiple VP are cities on the map - check smaller Nice Marmot maps for details which city is where) have three weeks of counter time. Any zone deeply in enemy territory (More than two zones deep in all directions, including water) will have two weeks of counter time. Any zone in the "Special victory condition" area of the Desert King would also get two weeks to counter, since these are worth a lot at the end. GAs that go uncontested will be awarded to the attacker. This includes zones with multiple attacks. IE: If a zone is Guerrilla Attacked with two MOCs and the defenders only counter one of the MOC, the attackers win. Special rule: Failed Countered territories can immediately be guerrilla attacked the next week by the team that lost the territory. This gives the old team a second chance to get a valuable territory back. A failed counter is anytime the defender loses after a counter attempt is made. Uncontested GAs do not earn the same protection as a successful GA that was challenged and won. (IE: they are not protected from the third faction for two weeks) Attacks by all three factions -- In a 1 Guerrilla v 1 Guerrilla v defender zone situation there are two ways to resolve the outcome. If the defenders can create a counter MOC that takes care of both Guerrilla Attacks, then they can counter with just one MOC. In this case, the three MOCs will go head to head to head. If multiple "dual counter MOCs" are made, then the judges will be asked to apply the best counter (in their opinion) against the other two GAs in the head to head to head poll. If multiple single MOC Counters are made, and both Guerrillas win, then the next week both guerrilla action MOCs will go head to head, winner takes the square. If only one guerrilla MOC wins, the next week it will go head to head against the winning counter of the other GA. Personal points chart: Guerrilla Attack Build: 3 points. Requires 3 approvals Counter Attack Build: 4 points. Requires 4 approvals. Uncontested win by a Guerrilla Attack: 2 points. Contested Win by a Guerrilla Attack: 6 points. Best Counter (If the counter attackers win): 3 points +_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_ Finally, there will be a thread for each mini-challenge battle. This is where you report your separate thread that you posted your challenge entry in. Also, you should state where the next target is if you win. Again, teams should talk about possible targets so that they are declaring similar targets when they post their build. We will take whatever location the winning builder picked, even if their entire team picked another location. For Guerrilla actions, the builder should make a separate thread that displays their attack the thread should start with [Guerrilla] then title. Factions may want to start a general thread to coordinate their team for Category C, and even the other two categories. actions for points by skaforhire, on Flickr End game – at the end of the three months, the squares will be tallied, and this will go into deciding which side won the overall civil war. Each square is worth at least one victory point, squares with cities are worth 2 victory points, battles won are worth 1 victory point. Queenscross, Sultans Gate, Barqa, and Xersia are worth 3 points each. Petraea is worth 4 victory points. Below is a map with the locations that are worth more than one victory point. SPECIAL: Since the Desert King starts with a lot less victory points, they have a special condition. At the end of the war, if they control squares, A12, A13, A14, A15, and B12 they achieve a victory condition called "Keeping the Supply Line open" This is worth 15 points in the end of war tally. Victory Points Starting by skaforhire, on Flickr starting VP by skaforhire, on Flickr =+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Approvals: Every MOC must have two approvals from seasoned builders. Any builder with a GOH Tag may give a thumbs up approval. Starting April 6th, all approvals must be made by a neutral or enemy party. An approval is given with a " " symbol. Once a MOC has two it is eligible to win its contest, and the builder will be rewarded their points for the build. To keep the process running, voting threads will have all available MOCs present, even if they have not received their two yet. By the end of the week, when voting ends, any MOC that does not have two will be disqualified from winning, and the MOCer will only receive 1 point. This is the easiest way to do this, there may be a few builders that do not have GOH tag.shield that I may ask to be an "Approver" if we need more. =+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Thread Title Tags: Tags for battlezone MOCs should look like this so that we can recognize them right away: MOC Title [Warzone number:grid location, faction name] it should look something like the following: Patrolling the Fields of the Arkbri Valley [WZ1: E7, High Council] =+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ =+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Who will you declare for? The 1st Centurion by -Mike S-, on Flickr throneroom by skaforhire, on Flickrdesertking by skaforhire, on Flickr Petitioning the Kaliphlin Council by -Mike S-, on Flickr

Previous Prelude chapters: Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Food Shortage Barqa is located far enough away from the epicenter of the large earthquake that struck Kaliphlin to have been spared the worst of the destruction. However, all along the usually fertile Arkbri valley crop failures have happened for mysterious reasons, leading to widespread food shortages and famine. This has caused food prices in all towns and cities dependent on that food to rise dramatically. Reports of riots have made their way to Barqa, where the emergency supplies in the city's granaries and it's strong city guard has been able to keep major riots from happen. The only resort for many of the citizens is however to wait in long lines outside one of the city’s granaries, where the city council has authorized the city guard to start handing out some of the supplies stored inside. A sizeable force of guards is deployed around the granary to keep the peace and make sure that everyone keeps in line. Unfortunately, some of this food ends up on the black market even though the punishments for such offenses in times of crisis are very harsh. As food gets more and more scarce throughout the land, Gideon and the other officials of Barqa are increasingly worried that a refugee crisis might be growing as the rumor spreads around Kaliphlin of the still filled stores of the city. The fear is that people will start to flock to Barqa from smaller places where the granaries, if any, are rapidly emptying... Citizens waiting patiently in line, or at least they know that they will get thrown out of the line by the stern guards if they try to step ahead... Is this guy happy because he knows that his family will have food for the coming days, or for the money he will get for the food his “family” has received for free?

Traitors at Trade Day (Challenge IV Prelude, Chapter 5) Previous Prelude chapters: Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Traitors at Trade Day sandsend by skaforhire, on Flickr sandendonmap by skaforhire, on Flickr Lady Phlici Maderni of Sand's End stretched as she exited the Crown Inn. This was what was left of the Maderni fortune, her husband, killed at Queenscross during the battle against Revolword’s forces, had spent most of it trying to rebuild Sand’s End and defend its people. Now, the current drought in southern Avalonia and Northern Kaliphlin left the region a ghostly semblance of its former self. All her money was tied up in this Inn, that nobody ever visited. She was still the Lady of Sand’s End, and she still sat on the Council of Lords of Kaliphlin, although her husband had once been a High Lord. However, by the look of today’s trade day, perhaps Sand’s End would no longer qualify for even a spot on the lower council. One the first defense against northern aggression, Sand’s End had lost that importance and the council money for defense, when Northwall – a smaller, yet more fortified town to the north -- was annexed over a hundred years ago. Now the guild soldier called that town home, and kept the borders safe from bandits. Except… they weren’t. The Revolword War, the drought, the Drow, and now the Great Disturbance had taken a toll on Kaliphlin. The council sent less money and soldiers to Northwall, not at all to Sand’s End. The Lord of Northwall, Pryor Rhodes, barely sent the troops at his disposal out on patrol, and now Avalonian raiders, Centaurs from the Cedrican plains, and sand bandits cropped up all over Northern Kaliphlin. Her own men, the few she could afford, had to stay within the formable walls of Sand’s End to keep order within the town – they could not be spared to save the countryside. The Trade Day was the most recent casualty to the ongoing troubles in the region. DSC_1540 by skaforhire, on Flickr DSC_1533 by skaforhire, on Flickr As she strode out the door she was met by her Clerk and Mayor, Ronalo Suarn, a Varlyrian immigrant. He was always asking her to tighten her wallet, or else “the city will surely fall without due frugalness.” Today was no different. “My lady,” he said without bowing, “The payment for the guards is overdue!” W “I know, you will find we have this month’s wages in the strongbox in the inn.” She walked past Stelvin Crow, the last farmer within her domain. Stelvin was still trying to sell his gigantic carrots, but everyone in Sand’s End was sick of Carrot stew. When she ignored him, he almost attacked Ronalo. “Sir! These are the best Carrots in all of Historica!” He shouted in the mayor’s face. She tuned them out and noticed a strange pale man bowing to her. She had never seen him before. She moved to talk to Olgie Artsonbrose, the local fine craftsmen and jewler. Every week he swore he was not coming back to the market day. “No customers worth a grain of salt! And I haven’t seen a ducat in weeks, so I would be happy to receive salt!” He claimed last week. She looked around the market, nobody had even rented the large wall stalls and many tables were empty of wares– this was getting bad indeed. DSC_1543 by skaforhire, on Flickr She finally noticed her one-eyed guard captain, Smaley Al’Green, behind her. He was her only bodyguard nowadays. Olgie’s wares were fine, but also the same wares she had seen last week… and the week before… and the week before that. It looked like he really hadn’t moved any merchandise these last few trade days. She turned to Smaley, “Do you know who the man with the funny hat was? Where is he selling from?” “M’ladee” he said in one drawn out word, “ I am’nt aquainted wit da place he claims to call home, Ulanta I think?” he cleared his throat, “ But there’s ‘nother merch from tha place too. He brings books.” Books? She thought, incredible! She had not had a new book in her hand since her last visit to Petraea. She next went to Nelva’s table. DSC_1545 by skaforhire, on Flickr Nelva’s pitch was new. “I’ve got what this town needs, a baby mummy! He is the son of the risen Desert King!” She exclaimed. “ Only 100 Ducats! Think of the power you will bring to this town My Lady!” IF Only Nelva knew that Phlici barely had 100 ducats left, and by the turnout today, it looks like nobody would be staying in the inn tonight, and the receipts from table and stall rentals will be almost non-existent. Instead of answering Nelva directly, she turned to Ronalo, who was still being harassed by Stelvin, and said “Check if Nelva has the proper permit to sell ‘mummies’ within Kaliphlin Borders.” Nelva breathed quickly, an audible snort and blurted “well, maybe it is not a real baby mummy.” Phlici moved on to the Avalonian selling wine and beer. She hated that the only trader making money today was from Avalonia. She knew that Kendrick had free passage from the Avalonian raiders who now controlled the Cedrica Road. The same raiders that have kept her from making the last two council meetings. She turned to Smaely and said “Make sure that we collect all the taxes from this one.” DSC_1546 by skaforhire, on Flickr She bypassed the funny man with the weird hat’s table, it was basic prettys, but nothing she desired, and moved to the book cart. DSC_1553 by skaforhire, on Flickr “Greetings M’Lady, a caped man with a hook said with a very heavy southern Kaliphlin accent. “Are you a fan of the great works? I have many indeed.” He gave her a quick smile, but she was already thumbing through the titles. Edwin Kalphrate’s Seven Great Battles of Kaliphlin --- first edition!!!! Kaliphlin Proverbs and other short stories, author unknown. 1001 Tales of Princess Ali’De Shek Curlzon’s Greater Plane of Existence Smaley interrupted her. “I don’t like his slave.” He whispered to Phlici. Smaley didn’t like slaves in general, and Phlici refused to let them be traded within the town limits as her own distaste for the institution was widely known. However, they were allowed to come into the city. She glanced over and noticed a Leander man staring down Smaley – He had many scars, and did look on edge. However, she went back to look at the titles. Finally she asked “ Where are you from?” “I am one of First Centurion’s subjects.” He replied. “Who?” “I am from Ulandus” She looked at him hard now. “The sunken city?” “Much more than a city my lady, and we were never sunk, just lost. But that has all changed.” He smiled. Well, wherever this fool came from, he had some great books – many that had dates of publication hundreds of years ago that she had not heard of! He glee was then interrupted as Smaley threw her to the ground. DSC_1555 by skaforhire, on Flickr From the copse of trees came a very quick man, Phlici could not get a good look, but she was fairly sure he was Avalonian. Smaley parried the man’s blows as the Leander Slave jumped in front of his master who hit the ground also. Before she knew it the would-be assassin was dashing away with Smaley in pursuit. DSC_1556 by skaforhire, on Flickr Ronalo grabbed her and got her back inside the inn, where they bolted the door – definitely not making any money today, she thought wryly to herself. choose by skaforhire, on Flickr

The Serpent’s Crawl. (Challenge IV Prelude, Chapter 4) Previous Prelude chapters: Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 The Serpent’s Crawl. Fred’Ae Farsin was praying that this strong wind kept its force throughout the rest of the afternoon, he had not sailed this quickly between Berigora and Ras-el-akhen since the time he was caught with a typhoon to his back. With the time he was making, he almost sailed north to check out the wares at Mpya Stedor, but he did not know what effect the Great Disturbance had had on that city, and decided to stay his present course. It was odd, a minor tsunami had hit the region known as Peregrenis, but the bay that Berigora is settled in received minimal damage. However, reports had already flooded in from the mainland stating that not only was the Tsunami much greater there, but volcanic eruptions and an earthquake that lasted for hours had decimated much of the Kaliphlin landscape. Well, that was unfortunate, but good ol’ Fred knew profit where profit could be had, and natural disaster screamed gold duccats. He had loaded up his PGTC vessel, the Walrus, with foodstuffs, and decided to sail right for the middle of Kaliphlin in the hope to unload quickly before others took up the task too. This wind was a true blessing. It was getting to be late afternoon when one of his sailors screamed “Land Ho!” This was strange, as Fred had cut out wide from the mainland, hoping to just skim the Void Tide – The no man’s land of the Southern Ocean – and still take advantage of the off coast winds. This meant that he should be out of sight of land. Perhaps his Crossstaff was broken? He ran to the helm and gasped. crawl by skaforhire, on Flickr Across the water in front of him from north to south, as far as his eyes could see, lay a large piece of land. The rock formation seemed covered with fresh grass, as if it had been there years, and the formation twisted and turned, but remained north and south oriented. It reminded Fred of a large snake made of rocks, cliffs, and sea caves. As he sailed closer he noticed a wrecked ship among the rocks. The poor saps in that crew must have approached this area at night and missed this new formation altogether. Although he was unsure of it, he knew that this formation had something to do with the Great Disturbance. If he had to make a wager, he would say that all of this had to do with some sort of ancient magic. His thoughts turned to his current predicament. DSC_3867 by skaforhire, on Flickr He sailed closer to cliffs to investigate the wreck. There were no survivors. It was at this point that he saw what seemed to be the last light of day shining from within the sea caves. There must be a way through!!! Fred’Ae Farsin swallowed hard and gave the order to sail for the largest cave. If he found a navigable way through the caves, he would be a very rich captain indeed. DSC_3872 by skaforhire, on Flickr And so it was that Fred’Ae Farsin was the first man to navigate the Serpent’s Crawl, the new land bridge that must have been created by the Great Disturbance. Not only had the University of Petraea credited him as the first navigator of the sea caves, but he also has been credited with naming the new formation. Of course, Ol’ Fred soon quit his job and became a pirate in that same sea cave. That is truly a way to make money in this dire time. ------------------- On a OOC note... I had to put together a build to introduce the next story portion. I am not the best Micro builder, if anyone else wants to do a take on this story, I will gladly add your builds too! Oh yeah! NM's Map! kaliphlin-south-east by Map, on Flickr

Across the winding paths of the Rakath mountains a group of three picked their way cautiously. Two were explorers from Petraea University - a Doctor and his assistant - the other was their guide. "Here we are, sirs," began the guide. "But I beg of you, do not enter! Legend has it that there is a curse upon the remains of the dead king entombed here, a curse that will be lifted if he is disturbed!" "It's just superstition, man!" the Doctor replied. "Lead on." Trembling, the guide advanced into the dark cave, holding his torch up before him. After him came the assistant, and as he stepped before the coffin, he drew a lever from beneath his jerkin. In a low voice the Doctor exclaimed, "At last! Open it, that we may be sure we are the first." The assistant drew near, but just before he laid the tool to the crack in the coffin a cry of terror rang out from their guide. "Look!" he faltered. They all looked - and there, in the corner was a lurid orange light, coming undoubtedly from the head of the coffin itself. Awed, the assistant stepped backwards, but the guide was not waiting. Dropping his torch - which flared up breifly and then went out, leaving only the faint glow from the coffin - he rushed past his companions out into the air. They were not long to follow suit. "Surely it was merely our imaginations!" exclaimed the Doctor, as they stood outside looking at each other's frightened faces. "It had to have been," his assistant replied positively. But neither seemed inclined to return, and when the guide, still trembling, began to descend the slope they glanced at each other and followed him. A shot of the entire tomb interior: Comments and criticism welcome!