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Here is my entry for Challenge 11. In Mitgardia, deep in the Heavenly Mountains dwarves are mining. Very brave men who spend most of their time deep under a dangerous mountain. The mines are rich in iron ore and attract blacksmiths from distant lands. Their mined ore makes the best iron from which they make powerfull weapons for fearless warriors and strong pickaxes for hardworking miners. A real treasure of Mitgardia.
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My contribution for Challenge 11. It’s a simple build that brought back a lot of memories as most of the techniques are things I used frequently years ago. Which made for a straightforward and relaxing build process. Timber is in high demand as the guilds rebuild. Leading to many new lumber yards popping up in Mitgardia. Located along trade routes and near sawmills they constantly receive new loads of wood and in turn load caravans traveling between the guilds. Additional photos on Brickbuilt.
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Magnus Gudmund, Lord of Spróggefjell in southeast Mitgardia, had recently had his farmlands raided by a band of thieves. Rumour has it they took to the coast, so Gudmund hired a group of soldiers to patrol along the Southern Shores. So far, the search has been unsuccessful. This build is a modified version of my Summer Joust collab entry (see spoiler) from three months ago. I was happy with the ship, but the water and terrain wasn't convention-worthy. So I tore down the water, I acquired a lot of dark blue tiles (just barely enough, though!) to cover the new base, which I shortened on both front and end. I finished the creation halfway into August, but there was a problem: no camera! I had been borrowing my sister's camera for years, but at last she permanently reclaimed it, so I had to get my own. And then holidays happened, and other LEGO projects, a job application, Skaerbaek Fan Weekend, LEGO World Utrecht... but this weekend I finally spent some time figuring out my new camera (Nikon D3300) and taking pictures. Little note: I didn't bother changing the figures of the collab, but I did change the story to fit Guilds of Historica. It's not much, but it's something. Glory to the Guilds! C&C appreciated!
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And so, Ravynne the witch of Heedwor ends up that way. I also had this in mind for the Guilds of Historica's anniversary challenge, but didn't finish it in time. I hope you like it!
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Built for 10C "Miscellaneous" Category and for Brickscalibur "Frozen Wilds" Category! Amir had spent years gaining the trust of his employer. When he finally gained access to his massive vault in Barqa, he made sure to pocket some on every "accounting check". Sure, the old geezer was nice, but he was also gullible, so Amir reasoned that he deserved it! He planned to sail away to Valyrio once he had enough, and buy a quiet villa overlooking the sea with his ill-gotten gains. As it turned out, the old man was not as senile as Amir thought. Noticing a discrepancy (and hiring his own investigator), he discovered the plot and ordered Amir arrested. Amir was able to get out of town with only a sack full of the pilfered gold. It wasn't ideal, but it was better than being imprisoned or worse - authorities in Kaliphlin did not take such offenses lightly. Now he was on the snowy slopes of Mitgardia. Nice and far from Kaliphlin, but he wasn't safe. He recalled his response when he heard the news. Sitting in a tavern a few hours prior, he overheard from some travelers that a massive bounty had been put on his head. As if that wasn't bad enough, it turned out that Kars was one of the many hunters vying for the reward. Amir had heard stories of Kars for years - a tall, lean man of few words with a bizarre mask. It was said that his silver eyes pierced the soul and drove his quarries to regret the choices that led them there. Nicknamed "the Bloodhound", he was said to be the best tracker in all the land. Countless stories told of his incredible feats - Amir never fully believed them, but the news still caused him to panic. Making an inconspicuous exit from the tavern, he made his way further north. Rounding a bend, he froze in place. There he was waiting for him. All the stories were true. Drawing his dagger, Amir lunged at Kars. Faster than lightning, the bounty hunter responded with his own sword: a massive saber. In the hands of anyone shorter it would have been unwieldily. Kars dodged Amir's thrust and slashed him the back. Though only a shallow wound, Amir still cried in pain, and tumbled down the slope. Propping himself against an old birch tree, he watched as drops of blood colored the snow a bright red. He turned his head to see Kars approaching him, sword still drawn. Amir locked eyes with the bounty hunter. From behind his wooden mask peered two silver eyes; sharp as needles, they had hungry yet calculating look to them. More importantly, they peered into Amir's soul. For the first time in years, Amir felt shame and guilt for what he had done. He regretted everything that had led him to this point. Before he could beg for his life, Kars spoke. "You're lucky your employer wants you alive." More photos:
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Back to Svalg Keep To the very end of a treacherous dirt road, west of the Bay of Storms, lay a small fortress called Svalg Keep. The fortress was erected by the Old Men, where the winds were heavy, the temperature was low, and no man had reason to pass by. For behind those doors, nested only chaos and destruction. My stallion trotted through icy roads, as small bits of the fortress appeared between the snow-covered pines. The dim light of the lanterns that kept Svalg Keep alive looked blurred and weak from a distance. The more we approached, more it looked old and forgotten. I have been here before and promised never to return. Never to open the gates of chaos. Never to access the memories I prayed to forget. “But there is such joy in chaos. Stow all the world's evils behind a door and tell men that they must never, ever, open the door. And it will be opened because there is pure joy in destruction.” As I stood by the gates of Svalg Keep, the wind whispered a desperate cry, hustling through the trees and fading in the distance. Iron chains hugged tight to the rusty handles, to ensure what was in, would never come out. I chuckled. Every path would lead me here. Where everything began. For chaos and destruction live in every warrior’s soul. And only amidst chaos, we can find our peace. Built for Guilds of Historica's Anniversary Challenge, Category B: Old but Gold _________ I've built Svalg Keep back in 2019. By the time, I had just started writing my own stories. The castle came alive as I built it the first time -- much more alive in my imagination. And I've always wanted to revisit it. It was also my first build to be featured. That build made me start interacting with you guys and the LEGO community in general. And I believe it was my entry-ticket to the Guilds of Historica. Re-imagining that build was a way to revisit those days I got introduced in the frozen lands of Mitgardia, my proud and heartfelt homeland. That's my way of saying thank you. For years of fun-creative-building-storytelling time. Here is the old (but gold) version: Hope you like it, folks. I've made some considerable adaptations. But luckily you can grasp the resemblance. Let me know what you think. Skol! Louis of Nutwood
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Sheepsville is a small hamlet located in Mitgardia. Despite being small and isolated, it is well known for its thriving sheep trading industry and is an exporter of sheep to all parts of Historica. Today Dan is visiting Sheepsville in an ambassadorial role, meeting with the village headwoman and discussing trade agreements for Avalonia. Nearby, some of the locals are wrangling up some of the sheep that have gone a little wild. “Hey! How’d ya end up over there!?” Here are some additional detail pictures:
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It loomed in the distance, rising high above the trees. A silent sentinel keeping watch over the surrounding wilderness. My heart raced with anticipation as the faded banner flapped in the whispering breeze. There was no mistake. I was in the right place. But as I drew nearer, dread crept up my spine. Hand locked in the pommel of my sword, I approached cautiously. My throat tightened with every step. My chest burst with foreboding, for inside was the answer I pursued. The man I followed all along. And by the gods, I would not let him escape this time. As I climbed the creaking stairs, frail and unstable, the air grew thick with the stillness of a forgotten time. I heard the whispers within the shadows. Mocking, doubting. My grip stiffened when at last I reached the top. Shafts of sunlight filtered through the narrow windows. Dust and cobwebs hung heavy in the air. And the silence... was deafening. I scanned the room for any sign of life. But the place was hollow. Dead. Except... Over a small wooden table, exhausted by time, lay a curled piece of paper, coiled in a scroll. The parchment crackled softly in my unsteady hands. The scroll unrolled to review the writings that only I could recognize. I... See... You. I heard the whispers within the shadows. The probing eyes upon me. Mocking. Doubting still. _____ Louis of Nutwood Hope you all like it. Comments and feedback are welcome.
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I’ve taken way too many roads to remember them all. I’ve ventured through the unknown, into the white horizon. Fearlessly, bravely. But once I stepped on this one road I knew so well... I shivered. “To move forward, you need first to face the demons of your past. It cannot be changed, forgotten, tossed in the wind, or buried in the snow. It can only be accepted”. I was not ready to come back. But destiny unraveled, and there I was. Looking for answers in the memories I tried to bury. Høydefür, as I remembered, was once an imposing fortress. A mixture of stone and timber, admired for its fortitude. Big and strong and solid. Thick walls and towers that could reach the skies stood vibrant amidst the white peaks and mountains of the North. ... But that was years ago. It’s funny how time plays its part. For in the distance, hidden in the bleak stillness of nature, a shy and lonely fort stood still. Høydefür, the strongest of the northern castles, remained untouched, unchanged. Just as I remembered. The cold wind tightened on my throat. And every step towards the wooden gates was a tough reminder of the years gone by. But the closer I got, clearer it became. The green boy I thought I killed, lived within me still. Inside the walls, the sound of metal clang and the crackling of wood resounded in my chest. Like a beast, opening its mouth to swallow the prey, the wooden gates yawned open, welcoming me to my own past. Høydefür was no more than a decaying shack. A hollow dump I used to call home. ________ Entry to the GoH 10 Challenge, Category C: Miscellaneous. I hope you all like it. Høydefür is a little story about going back to a familiar place, and finding it just as it was, but still completely different. It's funny how sometimes a little distance can change your whole perspective about a subject. It's not always comfortable to adventure through your own past. But it sure makes us grow. The green boy I thought I killed, lived within me still. Louis of Nutwood.
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This is an entry for the Old but Gold category. When I saw this category, I immediately knew which build I would revamp and it is a house from 2014. A normal day in a frigid wonderland, and for Gunther it's a successful day. He captured Ravynne the witch of Heedwor. Bad day for her, great day for him.
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Made some AI-generated concept art for Mitgardia too. You are welcome to use any of these pictures however you want! I would also happily accept ideas for improvements and especially ideas for other environments to try to generate Sometimes things don't go as expected, asked for a ranger hunting moose...but it turned out to be more of a fusion between the two But I thought they looked a bit cool so I'll put them here.
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This is an entry for the Old but Gold category of the current challenge. I took some time deciding which old build to revamp, and eventually settled on this candlemaker’s shop I built back in 2014 (is it really that long ago ). It was one of my favorite medieval buildings for a long time, and it was a lot of fun revisiting it. Like the original, it features a full interior and this time uses the floating cobblestone technique we have previously shared a tutorial on. Glorfindel and Eryl continued on their journey after stopping at the Wayfarer’s Den, eventually coming to Hradheim. There Glorfindel was able to visit his old friend, Kenan, who owns the candle shop Wax and Wick. It sits in the shopping district of Hradheim which is always bustling with folks going about various errands or hawking their wares. Some sweet treats purchased from a baker’s stall nearby were just the thing to provide energy for another day’s travel. See more images on Brickbuilt and full resolution on Flickr.
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Winter time means castle building time! Isaac and I collaborated on this tavern, building it over a three week period. Building time was pretty sporadic in those weeks due to the holidays, but we had lots of fun with it. We were primarily inspired by this artwork from Jinwon Yun. All the windows are lit to add to the inviting warm look contrasting with the frigid winter environment. It is an entry into the Trading Places category of Brickscalibur and the Miscellaneous category of Guilds of Historica anniversary challenge. We’d be curious to hear if you can pick out what sections each of us built! The Wayfarers’ Den is a well known tavern nestled into a wooded valley near the crossroads between Valholl, Omurtag, and Daydelon. Being a full day’s journey from the nearest town, it provides a natural rest point and warm refuge for the tradesmen and travelers trekking through Mitgardia’s frigid mountains. And with its well equipped larder and large central hearth, customers are often tempted into staying an extra day or two. While Glorfindel has often stopped there on his journeys, he always eagerly welcomes the sight of its sturdy walls amidst the pines. Due to his young age, Eryl has seen comparatively few taverns. And most were modest affairs when compared to the Den's three stories. His first visit was an experience he will always remember. Cold and exhausted from a day's journey, he was relieved to hear Glorfindel say they would stop for the night. So weary was he , that he hardly noticed the inn until a stable hand helped him off his horse and urged him indoors. The warmth, light and laughter inside quickly reinvigorated him - along with a heaping helping of stew. The night progressed and he listened in rapture to Mitgardians from all over the country swapping stories and telling tall tales. Finally he followed Glorfindel upstairs and tumbled into a bed beneath thick furs to sleep soundly. Thanks for looking, feedback always welcome!
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The outer reaches of Mitgardia are home to only a hearty few. Clan and brethren alike will withstand the bitter cold to protect the honor of their homeland. Boy, it's been a long time since i've posted on this website. This is my entry for the 'Old but Gold' category of the 10 year anniversary Guilds of Historica contest. I have reinvented an old Mitgardian watchtower that I built in the early years of GoH with some modern flair and an upgrade in fortitude. You can see my original tower below (and the original thread Linked Here).
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Other Work: CDC2 CMF: socalbricks [Freebuild] Cobold's Crusaders (REVAMP) I'm back! After last year's fun CDC2 CMF, I was inspired to make more characters for the guilds. Enjoy! Geovana Guild: Mitgardia A sorceress who was adopted at a young age by amethyst-worshipping monks. Taught to harness the stones' power, she is now the last of her order. Despite this, she has vowed to defend the amethysts from pesky dwarven miners until her last breath. Boab Guild: Kaliphlin A blind naga assassin who can “see” through heightened senses of hearing and smell. His strongest ability is his sense of touch, using his hands, tail, and the hollow end of his spear to track nearby movements. A being of few words, he is steadfastly loyal to the Desert King (his mentor and first employer). Maridia Guild: Valyrio A mermaid who has made a small fortune selling the treasure she found at the bottom of Valyrio's harbors. Having learned water sorcery from her fellow merfolk, Maridia travels all throughout Valyrio's coastal cities, resting on a floating pool of water. She is currently making a sizable amount of money salvaging sunken treasure from Valyrian harbors and selling it in Canal Square. She has heard many tales of far-off lands from her customers; she plans on seeing all of them once she has enough money! Sko-Khan Guild: Nocturnus A soldier who was stranded in a massive pit during the war against Raavage, Sko-Khan spent weeks fighting off (and eating) giant scorpions (it was during this time that he ripped off a scorpion's claw and uses it as a weapon). After climbing out of the ravine himself, he became a muscle-for-hire for various Nocturnan warlords. He still carries the claw to this day, and has adorned his armor with matching scorpion imagery as a sign of respect for his old foes. Dombard the Doom-Bard Guild: Nocturnus Most bards lift the spirits with stories of bravery and heroism. Not Dombard - for reasons still unknown, he aspires to make his listeners as angry and miserable as possible. His lute (forged from and doubling as an axe) is unpleasant to the ears, and his voice is described as sounding like “nails on a chalkboard” and “a vulture being strangled” It is said that the latter is so grating that it can send members of races with “sensitive hearing” (such as elves and centaurs) into catatonic shock. Garrus Guild: Nocturnus Garrus saw his home of Abyssian turn to ice at the hands of Raavage’s forces. Though he survived the attack, his forearms did not, and he had them replaced with primitive prosthetics. Filled with rage, he decided to track down those responsible for the attack, adding massive swords to his prosthetics. Leaving a trail of bodies, he soon heard word that Raavage had already been killed (thus depriving him of his revenge). With no home, family, or outlet for his rage, the hulking reptilian became a brutal bounty hunter. Though he has mellowed with time, his infamous reputation remains unchanged (as does his enthusiasm for violence).
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A vignette with just 99 elements for the RogueOlympics. Always good to build in Mitgardia again, and this time I even gave Glorfindel an outfit change Sir Glorfindel enjoying the frigid beauty of Mitgardian winter. Thanks for looking, feedback appreciated
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The sun descended on my back and was lost under the pine trees. In its place, a black veil covered the world, and the faint light of a rusty lantern was the only thing guiding my steps. But the dim light I held close, faded, and faded until it was no more than a shy firefly in a winter night. Black walls closed in. The thick winds of the northern evening tightened on my neck, and a single step forward felt wrong, adrift. But there, up in the distance, amidst the dark mantle that wrapped the forest, a bright silvery gloom shone between the trunks. I followed the ivory light, until I reached its source. It gloomed as bright as the sun, poking out of the ground, twisted, and crooked. A bare skeleton of a long-gone beast. The thick roots sticking out from the ground felt rigid and warm to the touch. And as if washed by a blessing, darkness gave way to a path of pale trees made of bones. Suddenly and clearly, I saw the path I was destined to pursue. Louis of Nutwood ________ Really hope you liked it! I was looking for different techniques for trees, and came up with this bone-claw-toothy structure. A perfect addition to the Mitgardian lore. This is a 12x12 entry for the Brickscalibur contest as well. Skol!
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Kallstark Stronghold Amidst the frozen silhouette that divided the horizon, a wooden needle pierced the clouds. Once again, I knew I was close. And once again, I felt my heart ache. Iron rings clinked in my ears, and I stroke my wrists, heavy with the memory of captivity. I prayed I would never return to Kallstark... yet our destinies remain in the hands of the spinners. So, there I was, standing on a narrow path by its impregnable gates. Only this time, it was different. All was different. For once, I was armed. Spear in hand and boiled leather over my chest. And those would keep me for... a second? Ten? No. I was armed with a weapon sharper than any sword or spear. I was armed with the knowledge that there was only one thing the Jarl wanted more than my head on a spike. And that... was revenge. I was the only one who could grant him his wish. And I was willing to handle it in a platter, served with ale and music and dancers, so he would bathe in the sweet nectar of his revenge. The gates opened in a crackling sound... A smile crossed my lips. And the pain in my heart was no more. Louis of Valnötsträd ________ Really hope you like it! This is a contribution for the Castle category of the CCC. New pictures coming soon. Skol!
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Hired Hands of Historica Queens rule and warriors battle, but workers propel Historica forward. These are the hired hands of Historica. I created these minifigures for the Guilds of Historica 2nd count down challenge. There are members from all five guilds as well as Cedrica. Kaliphlin Jaffar the Monkey Trainer The aristocracy of Kaliphlin likes their monkeys trained, might as well collect extra profit while I’m at it Pouri the Attendant Fanning the king is exhausting Sesur-hat the Scribe Drawing one map is fun, a dozen copies is not Varlyrio Drad the Deck Hand After two months at sea, I long for the harsh Wastelands Sofia the Back Stabber If the poisoned apple doesn’t work, the direct approach will Elias the Net Maker Mending nets is better on my back than reeling them in full of fish Mitgardia Thodil the Ice Cutter I don’t know why humans don’t get their own ice, mining it is much easier than mining rock Aðalgeir the Furrier Harsh winters create the best business Gjertrud the Snow Shoveler I’d give half my wage for a sunny day Avalonia Ailmer the Lumberjack 𝅘𝅥𝅮 I’m a lumberjack and I’m ok… Fanes the Farrier My work is all the separates you from the ground Neddi the Gardener If you step on my flowers once, you won’t do it again Nocturnus Mudgul the Miner At least there is no ghastly sunlight down here Ruak the Bone Craftsman I’m the best in the over and underworld Koglodzar the Slave Driver I can’t believe I get paid to do this! Cedrica Esther the Chambermaid You wouldn’t believe what the Queen did last night!
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You could smell it before you could see it. That salty, damp, stench of rancid meat, exposed in the open sea. Fish. As far as the eye could see. Fish hanging from balconies. Fish hanging rom hooks. Fish rotting in boxes and nets. Fish guts, fish fins, fish oil. And everything smelled the same. Fish. Smugglers, wanderers, fugitives, fishermen, sailors, and outlaws, they all came to Skaldar Port looking for an opportunity to star over. And for some reason, dealing fish seemed like a good start. For me, something else was at stake. I wasn’t looking for a new start. I was looking for a man that has been hiding in the shadows for way too long. The sack of coins tinkled as I walked the narrow streets of Skaldar. Glancing at signs and banners, I tried averting those eyes filled with temptation that arise in the depths of misery, and searched for the place where the dealer said he would be. The Smelly Inn. Sounded just right. I had the coin and now a target on my back. I could only hope Res would have the information I craved from the moment I left home. But I couldn’t help but think... something smelled fishy. ________ Louis of Nutwood. Skaldar Port. Probably one of my largest builds so far. Really hope you like it. Let me know what you think. Skol!
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Guilds of Historica Collectible Minfigures: Homecoming Yes, I remember now... I don't know why, or if this is common, but I tend to forget where it all started. How I ended up doing what I do. But as I set out to write this topic, it came back to me. I think it was around 2014 that Guilds of Historica caught my eye. I'm sure it must have been one of the many awesome castle builds that guided me to this forum. I went over the New Member Guide, the Guild topics one by one, and saw the maps. And then I saw minifigures, unlike any I had seen before. Custom factions, armies, fantasy races, built from official lego pieces! Up to that point, my (teenage) creations were based on official LEGO themes, built to be populated by official LEGO minifigs. With Guilds of Historica, it all started to change. A new world opened up for me, a journey, and a place to belong. I started building custom figures myself, eventually a sigfig and his family, friends and foes, and joined the Guilds a year later. So looking back at it, the figures have always been there, sparking new builds and stories. Perhaps that's why I have this feeling of homecoming. Introduction by Exetrius Welcome to Historica, fellow adventurer! On my travels through this land, this mighty continent, I have seen many wonderful people, creatures and other beings. Of course I can't tell you about all of them, that would take days, weeks, months probably! But, don't worry: I have made a selection. Let me introduce you to some of those I have met, or heard about. From the cold North to the hot South, from the tumultuous East to the calm West, from the world above to the world below, and from places within to places outside the continent. Let's start with the four guilds on the continent, and Varlyrio. Mitgardia Magnus, Lord of Spróggefjell Keep "Staring at my armour isn't going to help you get through the winter, get to work!" Yffreya, wilderness hunter "A mercenary job? Sorry, but I don't hate humans that much. Do I look like I do?" Kaliphlin Madame Quarrat, mine owner "This deep pink sapphire came from the latest expansion. Work for me, and you might find one too..." Norri, badlands nomad "This is Bërtah, my favourite of the herd. She's a little shy around strangers, though." Avalonia Fiona, Mystic Isles messenger "It's mostly good news from Albion this time around, so I can afford to take the scenic route. You can join me for a while, if you like." Jerome, salvager-carpenter "You are leaving your old wagon in good hands, sir. And, on behalf of the trees in our forests, I thank you!" Nocturnus Pandemonium, 6th wizard of Zotharith "Yes I burned the town, got a problem with that? There wasn't a good soul in the whole rotten place anyway..." Umdurin, Vacunani scholar "If I'm not mistaken Volume 467 of the Recorin Orbi makes mention of such a tunnel exit. I'll check with the archives." Varlyrio Don Giullio, art dealer "100% genuine, for certain. This is a one-time offer: 13 silvers and it's yours." Rebecca, maid and assistant-chef "I'd love to chat, but the market will be closing soon. Later!" Outside of the Guilds, there is also plenty of interesting folk. Some of them I never met in person, for better or for worse... Ghost Islands of Yureishima Yoshintamaru Sasekageojima, Master swordsman "I see your spirit is fierce, but you lack technique. And away with those runes, they ruin the flow between you and the blade!" Miyuko of the Dawn, folk legend It is said that those who meet Miyuko die on the spot, and depending on her judgement either get sent straight to the realm of the dead, or are reborn from their former bodies. The Underworld Zugal defector and Demorian informant "The war really changed the Clan, you know. I tell you: flying up and down the Underworld is better than serving Raavage." K'sirtllhisqr, Drow mage "Where do you think you're going, surface critter? Trespassing this area is strictly forbidden, even for Drow..." Cedrica Sabrina, spoiled brat "Say hi to Marco, I got him for my half-year birthday! Hey, I'm not spoiled, you're just too poor to understand!" Lunarius the Formidable, archmage "A City of Magic, you say? Sounds like something I need to keep my eye on..." ---- And there you have it: 16 figures! I wasn't feeling very inspired from the beginning, but I had said I'd participate so I didn't go back on my word. I found a way to produce solid figures nonetheless. There are a number of little hints to previous builds or other references baked into the figs and their bios, tell which ones you like! I could do a breakdown later. Thanks for looking! Criticism welcome, hit me with all you got. @Henjin_Quilones I'm not going to keep this from you: Fiona with nougat skin and white elven hair looked glorious. For example as a Hesperian dragon rider. However, it just looked wrong next to the carpenter... Maybe a fleshie figbarf isn't all that unlikely anymore.
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Chapter 13. Hideout Rotten and broken were the two words that came into mind the first time I caught eye of Glömt Torn - the forgotten tower. It stood fragile, exhausted. An ancient monolith from a previous time, wreathed in weed, mist and fog, like the last standing tombstone in a decaying and crumbling cemetery. Glömt Torn looked no better from the inside. If anything, it looked worse. No one had been here for the past hundred winters, and it had clearly been abandoned and claimed by nature, left to decay. The walls were blistered and mildewed, the wooden columns torn and pealing. Old, rusted chandeliers hung from a weak ceiling, cobwebbed and disused. Patches of black mold covered all the eye could see, covering the whole interior in one lengthy shadow, like darkness contained in a sealed jar. The walls felt wet to the touch, the air was chilled, and the damp made my skin itch and prickle. No living thing would ever feel warm in this place. We stood before the big and circular staircase that grew along the walls, looking around, speechless. “Big, isn’t it?” said Vekrod. None of us answered. ________ Louis of Nutwood
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Tōrō Nagashi Temple of the floating lantern We are different from one another. Each guild is set in its own ways. Each part believes in certain tools, certain gods, certain values. But there is one thing that binds us all. In the end of every battle, expedition or course of life, our destinies are tied together, bound to reach the same destination. Death. It is upon each of us to deal with it and understand what is beyond. Are the final days... final? Mankind has struggled with these questions and yet, the absence of our loved ones haunts our nights. The fear of the inevitable is in our shadows. And it is always going to be. The ancient scholars of the Yureishima Islands have pondered over the matters of life and death for over 3000 years. Their findings were written in a collection of tales in an old, forgotten language, and buried under their shrines and monuments of worship. Stories of honor, happiness and spirituality are spread across the world, waiting to be found and passed on. Some of these writings have influenced each guild, and how each family faces the last moments of one’s existence. One tale, called Toro Nagashi, described the journey of a grieving girl that followed the lanterns in pursuit of her passed grandfather, only to find comfort in remembering his stories. Toro Nagashi gives name to the ritual of the Floating Lanterns, a ritual that honors the dead and makes us remember. The ancient writings were roughly translated and are depicted here below. ________ The dim light of her lantern faded in the distance against the dark canvas of the night, and a single tear found its way across her cheek, leaping and vanishing into the snow. Tōrō Nagashi. It was supposed to be beautiful, to honor the souls of those who have fallen. But it made her heart ache, for that floating lantern only reminded her that even the strongest, the wisest and the most caring, perish before the gods. “Follow the lanterns”, Ojīchan said moments before embracing his eternal sleep. But her light had long vanished along the mountains, taken by the blowing wind. That night, she woke to a distant whisper. And beyond the white veil that covered the world, she saw a distant glow cutting the stillness of the night. A delicate sparkle sliced its way between the trees, into the unknown. As if pushed by the old spirits, curiosity found her, and she followed. Beneath a sea of stars, a radiant glare danced and twirled among the leaves, while the girl, ever so proud, ran in its pursuit. The closer she reached, the weaker it got, and when the glow turned as faint as the last remaining star, she found herself where only her dreams could take her. A frosted spear pierced the night sky over a brilliant gloom. Behind a torii gateway, she realized she was staring at the work of the ancient gods, stepping into a sacred ground. Inside, only one lantern shone. But its gleam, reflecting under the red leaves of an old maple tree, was as bright as the sun. Under a frozen roof of red leaves, she stood beside the one lantern that cleared the night and heard the familiar voice of her Ojīchan say “Follow the lanterns” to fill the void she carried. Eyes shut, her knees dug in the snow, she gasped the frigid air and found her Kokoro. Mind, body, heart, and spirit were one, connected to the invisible force that binds us all. A warm embrace held her tight, and she was taken by all the memories that gave immortality to the living. Ojīchan would always be there. Always. She opened her eyes, only to see the distant light of her floating lantern, flying away, beyond the crops, the hills, the mountain peaks. Arigatō, Ojīchan ________ It is said that those who have gone, walk among us. We need only remember their stories so they will live forever in our every action. Once a year, to honor their deeds and remember their legacy, the guilds perform a ritual of gratitude, influenced by the Toro Nagashi tale. Fluglytka, they call it in high Mitgardian. Aflygum Beorht in high Avalonian. Fanuteayim in Kaliphlin, and Uccelli Galleggianti in old Varlyrio. Each person has its own temple, its own place of worship, a hidden place in our hearts to meet those who are gone. Find that dim light, as faint as it may be, and follow it. And you will find your temple, your gratitude, and your own place of comfort. So, we realize they are never truly gone. We need only... to follow the lanterns. Louis of Nutwood, A tribute to my grandfather Ojīchan (also known as Fiobvr, The Wise), who now floats beyond the frosty mountains of the North. ________ CDC2, Ancient Wonders for Mitgardia. Please comment. Would love to know what you think.
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Jelsa's Ice Castle A freebuild for Avalonia set in Mitgardia Far to the north in Mitgardia, at the edge of the Frozen Beyond (whether in the Frozen Beyond or just on the Mitgardian side is hard to say, as the cartographers are rather imprecise about that region), there is a small kingdom ruled by a kindly, though rather stupid, old king. His wife died many years before, and he spends his time playing with a sophisticated system of interlocking toys and trying to convince his only child, his spoiled and deeply loved daughter, that she should marry some prince. The daughter, Princess Jelsa, however, had other plans, and, since she is also a powerful ice witch, she froze every suiter her father brought to her. But one day, things went so far that she ran away to the back of the North Mountain and built herself an Ice Castle with her powerful ice magic. And there she stands, and there she will stay, unbothered by the cold. Cold hands, colder heart, they say. Unedited version: ______________ ............................. I built this for the Summer Joust's vignette category. It is, of course, Elsa's Ice Castle from Frozen, but I could not resist putting it into Mitgardia, where an Ice Princess seems to fit quite well. Jelsa, however, is a creation of mine for my (as yet unpublished) 10th Anniversary GoH CMF series: Consider this a sneak peek! Comments and criticism welcome.
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Quietude “Close your eyes for a moment and cherish the dark. Can you feel the warmth of the sun? Can you feel the gentle touch of the blowing wind? Can you feel the waves moving up and down, washing the sand and taking away all your worries? With eyes closed, stare into the horizon. Embrace your past and face your future. Know that what is done cannot be changed, only accepted. And what lays beyond is your destiny, waiting to be written. One step. One stone at a time. What do you see?” “I see a little farm. Pine trees in a distance. Apples and cherries as well. Horses galloping free. I see water. Running, falling, washing the land anew. I see a thin breath of air swirling up, dancing out of a chimney. The air smells of rosemary bread. I can hear the bells ringing with the stroll of a cow. Feels like home. And I cannot wait to go inside. Someone is expecting me. Someone I have missed for so, so long. I open the door. There is a woman by the heath, curled in a wool blanket. Next to her, a furry thing coiled like a pretzel. “Is it a chicken?” “No! It’s a dog!” “Aw. Who is she?” “The most beautiful woman I have ever seen.” Her big brown eyes glistened, reflecting the world painted gold. Staring at me, I saw beyond every mountain and every sea. I saw the future I would pursue with every heartbeat. Louis of Nutwood __________ Summer Joust, Category 12x12 Hope you like it. Skol!
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