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Finally got around to posting my revamp of one of my Brickscalibur (Trading Places category)! Horses are the dominant mode of transportation throughout much of Historica. Farriers are never short of work, with entire families taking up the trade. One such family are the Ogden family, with all three generations of men taking part in the family business. Though advanced in years, Josiah Ogden still has the prowess needed to tend to horse hoofs. His son, Johan Ogden, focuses on preparing horse shoes, while also teaching his own son, Jeremiah, the tools of the trade. Many farriers will also accept centaur clients, with one such client being Brielle Valken on one of her (much needed) days off. Healthy hoofs make a healthy centaur! From left to right: A weary traveller named Tomas and his steed, Ochre Jeremiah Ogden Johan Ogden Josiah Ogden Brielle Valken Comparison: Original vs Revamp The original MOC was cobbled together at the last minute. I submitted entries for every category, and this unfortunately suffered from having the least amount of time allotted to it. I'm glad I was able to revisit it! More images of the revamp:
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GoH 10 B: A History of Akmaddian Centaurs and Chariots
socalbricks posted a topic in Guilds of Historica
Built for the "Old but Gold" category! It is a (very loose) update on this MOC of mine from 2019! I rethought the concept over the years, and I thought a chariot might be even better for a centaur-human duo than simple riding. I understand that it's quite the aesthetic departure. Even if it gets disqualified on those grounds, I still had a lot of fun bringing this concept to life! 700 years ago, The Akmaddian Empire sprawled central Historica. With its formidable cavalry's lightning tactics, it was able to conquer a massive area ranging from the cool steppe of southern Avalonia to the arid scrublands of northern Kaliphlin. Among the many races that fell under its domain was a large population of centaurs. Military cooperation between centaurs on non-centaurs (referred "two-legs" by the former) was historically limited. There rare instances of archers sitting on the backs of centaurs to operate as "tail-gunners", but these were rare. The Akmaddians implemented a new role for their centaur soldiers: drawing chariots. A centaur didn't need to be controlled by whoever was in the chariot, allowing those inside to focus on the battle. Passengers could include archers or pike men. Usually fighting in duos, these teams were trained for years to master their craft, something which would pay off as they blazed a path across the continent. The Akmaddian God-Emperor would eventually fall in battle, and the empire would fracture as his children battled for the throne. Though the empire only lasted 20 years, its effect on "central Historican culture" and ingenious tactics are still studied by military strategists to this day... The original MOC: -
Built for 10C "Miscellaneous" Category and for Brickscalibur "Frozen Wilds" Category! Amir had spent years gaining the trust of his employer. When he finally gained access to his massive vault in Barqa, he made sure to pocket some on every "accounting check". Sure, the old geezer was nice, but he was also gullible, so Amir reasoned that he deserved it! He planned to sail away to Valyrio once he had enough, and buy a quiet villa overlooking the sea with his ill-gotten gains. As it turned out, the old man was not as senile as Amir thought. Noticing a discrepancy (and hiring his own investigator), he discovered the plot and ordered Amir arrested. Amir was able to get out of town with only a sack full of the pilfered gold. It wasn't ideal, but it was better than being imprisoned or worse - authorities in Kaliphlin did not take such offenses lightly. Now he was on the snowy slopes of Mitgardia. Nice and far from Kaliphlin, but he wasn't safe. He recalled his response when he heard the news. Sitting in a tavern a few hours prior, he overheard from some travelers that a massive bounty had been put on his head. As if that wasn't bad enough, it turned out that Kars was one of the many hunters vying for the reward. Amir had heard stories of Kars for years - a tall, lean man of few words with a bizarre mask. It was said that his silver eyes pierced the soul and drove his quarries to regret the choices that led them there. Nicknamed "the Bloodhound", he was said to be the best tracker in all the land. Countless stories told of his incredible feats - Amir never fully believed them, but the news still caused him to panic. Making an inconspicuous exit from the tavern, he made his way further north. Rounding a bend, he froze in place. There he was waiting for him. All the stories were true. Drawing his dagger, Amir lunged at Kars. Faster than lightning, the bounty hunter responded with his own sword: a massive saber. In the hands of anyone shorter it would have been unwieldily. Kars dodged Amir's thrust and slashed him the back. Though only a shallow wound, Amir still cried in pain, and tumbled down the slope. Propping himself against an old birch tree, he watched as drops of blood colored the snow a bright red. He turned his head to see Kars approaching him, sword still drawn. Amir locked eyes with the bounty hunter. From behind his wooden mask peered two silver eyes; sharp as needles, they had hungry yet calculating look to them. More importantly, they peered into Amir's soul. For the first time in years, Amir felt shame and guilt for what he had done. He regretted everything that had led him to this point. Before he could beg for his life, Kars spoke. "You're lucky your employer wants you alive." More photos:
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Built for Brickscalibur (Medieval Micro category) Legend spoke of a massive citadel within Enchanted Isles. Crafted from obsidian, it served as a brutal prison for particularly dangerous inmates. One such inmate was an elderly sorcerer. Worshipping the almighty White Wyrm, he prayed for salvation and a chance to escape from this awful fate. His prayers were answered in a dramatic fashion...
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Built for Brickscalibur ("Where's Waldo?" category). The infamous thief Odlaw thought this would be an easy job. Break into Baron Ruprecht's private collection, take as much as he could carry, and leave as quickly as possible. Suddenly he heard the footsteps of an approaching guard. Panicking, he searched for a hiding place somewhere in the collection. Can you find Odlaw? Hint: look for the eyes...
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My entry for the Summer Joust 2022 "12 x 12 Vignette" category! In the coastal waters of northwest Avalonia lie dense forests of giant kelp. Fueled by long daylight hours and cold, nutrient-rich waters cycling in from the north, they provide a bountiful ecosystem supporting all forms of life, from giant stingrays to diminutive hermit crabs. The forests are also home to large populations of merfolk, who harvest the kelp for food, garments, medicine, and much more. Merfolk communities will often have designated “kelp harvesters” (a prestigious position due to its importance), who go through the forests with ivory sickles. Other merfolk forage for clams. One such mermaid is Katalina, who has spotted a large one under a rocky outcrop. Excitedly reaching under, she fails to spot a lobster next to the clam – the crustacean will make sure that she pays for her carelessness! From left to right: Petra A kelp harvester with a love for the dark red algae that grows on the kelp forest's rocky terrain. It can be found in her wardrobe (such as her skirt and cuffs) and even in her hair! Some merfolk chafe at the “monotony” of harvesting kelp all day, but Petra actually enjoys it, as it gives her time to think and “unwind”. Plus, the prestige for holding such a valued position doesn't hurt! Katalina Young and headstrong, Katalina's recklessness has often gotten her into trouble with the village elders. They figured that assigning her to clam harvesting duties would teach her patience and keep her out of trouble – they were wrong! More Images: I finally found the time to post this to Eurobricks! I had a bad case of COVID during the end of the Summer Joust - thankfully, I had already completed the MOC, so I only had to photograph it! I've made a full, so I figured I would belt out a backstory for it! Background This MOC was inspired by the kelp forests that line the west coast of North America - particularly those off the coast of Southern California. I snorkeled amongst these kelp forests while on a school trip to Catalina Island (also the inspiration for the "Katalina" name). Most of the creatures in this MOC are inspired by the local wildlife, such as garibaldi (represented by the orange fish), hermit crabs, the giant pacific octopus, lobsters, various anemones/starfish, and stingrays. Katalina's accident with the lobster was actually inspired by an incident involving one of our snorkeling guides. We were night snorkeling, and our guide (seeing a lobster in a burrow) wanted to dive down, grab it, and bring it up to show it to us. As he was about to reach into the burrow, he noticed (at the last possible second) a scorpion fish next to the lobster! He quickly drew his hand away; had he not noticed it, he would have likely been "stung"! I was inspired to create the "ocean surface" when I saw Grant Davis's "Seaside" at Bricks Cascade 2022! This is the largest MOC I have ever posted online. I've mostly stuck to "figbarfs" in the past, but I'm trying to broaden my horizons. Creating it was a lot of fun, and it has inspired me to add even more to it. I have already created several more merfolk, and want to develop a village scene of some kind! This challenge was incredibly fun, with some great entries from everyone. As we continue into the "judging period", I wish everyone the best of luck! Previous MOCs: Cobold's Crusader's (REVAMP) Citizens of Historica Figbarf CDC2 CMF: socalbricks
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Previous: CDC2 CMF: socalbricks [Freebuild] Citizens of Historica Figbarf I made a whole post about a group of adventurers called "Cobold's Crusaders" back in October. I've made a few changes (more on that at the end) - everything in this post is now the new "canon". Enjoy! From left to right: KarsKingdom: Avalonia Race: Unknown Sex: Male Age: Unknown Height: 6’4” (1.93 m) Bio: A mysterious (if not “eccentric”) bounty hunter with tracking abilities that border on being supernatural. Little is known of his early life - what is known is that he was found drifting down a stream (on the verge of death) by the Valken family, who nursed him back to health. During his time on the farm, he developed an unbreakable sibling-like bond with their youngest daughter, Ayra. Records indicate that Kars would leave the Valken farm after a year (for "their own safety") and join the Avalonian military in the war against Raavage. His skills in tracking and wilderness survival would eventually see him transferred to a Cedrican Commando unit led by Cobold McTavish. After the war's end, Kars would return to mercenary work. Tracking everyone from bail jumpers and escaped criminals to kidnapping victims, he would acquire a fearsome reputation for "never losing a quarry". Some targets (upon discovering that Kars was tracking them) purportedly opted to surrender and spare both parties the trouble. It was during this time that he would receive the nickname "Silver Eyes" (as his steely gaze "cut like a surgeon's knife into your soul") and "the Bloodhound" (due to his uncanny senses). During the war, Cobold had become a mentor figure for Kars, who would gladly answer the call of duty when Cobold would form the "Crusaders" a decade later. With the group in desperate need of a medic, Kars would recruit Ayra to their cause, who was more than happy to help. Due to his personality, Kars has very few friendships/relationships. The few he does have are incredibly valuable to him, though. Skills: master tracker, wilderness survival, stealth, enhanced senses (especially sight), proficient swordsman, lanky build hides surprising physical strength Hobbies: birdwatching (a hobby he shares with Ayra), tracking anything/anyone ("if you love your job, you will never work a day in your life") Personality: introverted, analytical, intensely loyal, socially awkward (has no understanding of sarcasm), hates people who are "picky"/"high maintenance" Cobold McTavishKingdom: Kaliphlin Race: Dwarf Sex: Male Age: 96 (48 in Dwarf years)Height: 4'8" (1.42 m) Bio: A dwarf of many talents, Cobold is engineer/chemist/toy maker from the Rakath Mountains. A demolitions prodigy, he was recruited by the Cedrican royalty to create a bomb that could turn the tide in the war against Lord Raavage. The result was a revolutionary design – though large and unwieldly (needing at least two people to carry it), it could bring down a wall and end a siege within minutes. The bombs would see deployment on the battlefield by Cobold and his commandos; it was on this crack team of elite soldiers where Cobold would meet Kars (a mysterious tracker from Avalonia) and Ulriq (a hulking refugee from Nocturnus). Cobold hoped the bombs would be used to bring down walls, and nothing more. Doing so would end a siege much quicker and save the lives that would've been otherwise been ground up by slow progress. Somehow, his designs (which were supposedly well-protected by the Cedrican Royal Guard) found their way into Nocturnus. They were used by Raavage's forces to devastating effect, who targets them at soldiers instead of walls. Cobold realized that he created a monster – not only were they being used against his own men, but if his designs proliferated enough, they would make war more destructive than ever. As Raavage’s forces were obliterated and scattered throughout the Nocturnan wastelands, Cobold made a point of destroying every blueprint and model of the bomb he could find, doing so until he was satisfied that he had eliminated every trace of his creation. After the war, Cobold returned home with Kaliphlin, and decided to follow his passion of being a toy maker. After all that destruction, he decided it was time to pursue something creative. In recent weeks, news had begun to trickle out of Nocturnus of a militia group known as the “Crimson Wind”, led by one of Cobold's former soldiers Ulriq. Lending out their services to the highest bidder, they strike fast and disappear just as quickly (cleaning up any remains of their attacks). However, a few pieces of shrapnel have managed to escape their grasp. The evidence is clear: Cobold’s bombs are back in production. With this revelation, Cobold has decide to assemble a team to venture into Nocturnus, defeat the Crimson Wind, and destroy every last trace of his creation. Having always had a "flair for the theatrical", the dwarf has named his team "Cobold's Crusaders", much to the chagrin of his "lieutenant" Kars. Kars thinks it sounds "silly" - Cobold jokingly retorts that Kars is "no fun". Queen Ylspeth and Cobold are both aware that there is a traitor somewhere in her government. Directly funding his mission would require much manpower on her part (increasing the risk of the traitor being privy to their plans). However, she has referred him to the Sinclair family in Valyrio, who have agreed to bankroll his mission. For now, all the young Queen can give is her tacit support. Skills: toy making, master chef, demolitions expert, engineer, master tactician, skilled hand-to-hand combatant, small size obfuscates physical strength Hobbies: toy making, cooking, axe-throwing, military history Personality: boisterous, passionate, leads from the front, can be somewhat stubborn and impulsive (something tempered by his lieutenant Kars), intense guilt over past actions Ayra Valken Kingdom: Avalonia Race: Centaur Sex: Female Age: 26 Height: 7’5” (2.26 m) Bio: Growing up on an isolated farm in Avalonia, Ayra Valken had an simple and idyllic childhood. Her family (consisting of her father, a combat medic, and her mother, a former school teacher) were always willing to take in anyone passing through their neck of the woods, even adopting a young centaur named Brielle. While Mrs. Valken would homeschool them, Mr. Valken would instruct them both in the ways of combat medicine (a field which involved fighting off attackers just as much as tending to your allies). Brielle and Ayra had different takeaways from this: Brielle would eventually become a fierce knight, sworn to protect the innocent, whereas Ayra would become a gentle healer who avoids violence whenever possible. As a centaur, Ayra knew that a single kick from her hind legs could kill a man - all the more reason for restraint. Some time before the war against Raavage, Ayra found a bloodied Kars on a riverbank near the farm. Taking him in, the family nursed him back to health. To repay their kindness (and to "lay low") Kars stayed on the farm for over a year, during which he developed a sibling-like bond with Ayra and Brielle. Around the same time, Ayra began showing signs of the "Emerald Flame"; an exceptionally rare magical power that could heal any wound imaginable, albeit at a cost of energy to the wielder. The more severe the wound, the more energy required. The magic could also be used to create impenetrable barriers and telekinetically move anything from fallen debris to injured people. In combat situations, the magic is only supposed to be used defensively. After this revelation, Ayra would travel throughout all of Historica, helping those in need. She would accept no monetary payment for her services, only being "paid" in food and lodging. When Kars approached her (on the orders of Cobold) and asked if she wanted to join his "Crusaders", she heartily accepted, both out of desire to help those suffering at the hands of Crimson Wind and out of loyalty to her old friend. One of Ayra’s worst fears is her fear of being a burden on someone. When someone does a favor for her, she always insists on repaying that debt in some way. It’s a trait viewed as equal parts flattering and annoying. This fear also causes Ayra to not voice her misgivings regarding a particular issue - when repressed, this can sometimes lead to bitterness/passive-aggressiveness. She also has several phobias, including claustrophobia, thassalophobia (fear of deep water), and acrophobia (fear of heights). These fears largely stem from her physiology (and are shared by many of her fellow centaurs). Centaurs generally do poorly in tight spaces (due to their "unique" proportions), are awkward swimmers, and prefer to have their hooves placed firmly on the ground. Though she will travel anywhere she is physically able to help those in need, Ayra also has a strong dislike for large cities. Their narrow streets and small shops are crowded with people (playing into her claustrophobia) and her naturally heightened sense of hearing (common among centaurs) makes it hard to tune out the constant noise. Though this leaves Ayra somewhat susceptible to “sensory overload” upon entering a city, she won't let it stop her from helping those in need. Being so well-travelled means that Ayra has been to an endless number of restaurants, taverns, and inns all throughout Historica. As a centaur, she has a large stomach, with a large appetite meaning that she can take several items from the menu in one sitting. This has left her uniquely suited to being a restaurant critic, and she is currently compiling a book with her reviews. Skills: healing magic, "practical medicine" such as herbalism, heightened hearing (shared by all centaurs), can deliver "a mean kick" from her hooves (but never does so because of the potentially fatal results) Hobbies: food criticism, bird watching (due to her heightened hearing, she can supposedly identify most birds by sound alone), herbalism, relaxing walks through the woods Personality: kind-hearted, gentle/easy-going, avoids violence whenever possible, worries about being a burden/has multiple phobias, has a reverence for nature and all forms of life, unofficial "team mom" Gerard Renwick Sinclair IIIKingdom: Valyrio Race: Human Sex: Male Age: 31 Height: 5’11” (1.80 m) Bio: As the youngest son (and only bachelor) within a Valyrian aristocratic family, Gerard Renwick Sinclair III has struggled to stand out and make a name for himself. Having so far lived an uneventful life, he is the only member of his family without any heroic tales to tell. This has caused him to worry about being the disappointment of the family. Since the War against Raavage, the Sinclair family have become steadfast (tacit) allies of Queen Ylspeth. The queen has referred Cobold's Crusaders to the aristocratic family, who has agreed to bankroll their mission. Gerard has also agreed to join them, seeing it as a golden opportunity to prove himself to his family. Though he is eager for adventure, he still has to get used to life on the road, where people sleep in the dirt and make-do without three meals a day. Gerard often butts heads with Kars, who has little patience for his complaints and "fussy" behavior. Due to his aristocratic upbringing, Gerard received a massive education, making him the team's resident negotiator, historian, etc. Skills: master fencer/sword-fighter, master negotiator, knowledgeable historian, knowledge of "aristocratic etiquette" Hobbies: wine-tasting, fencing, classical literature/art Personality: gregarious, obsessed with manners, picky, desperate to prove himself, has an affinity for "the finer things in life"
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Trouble is brewing in Nocturnus. In the midst of the civil war that has engulfed the kingdom for years, a new power has slowly emerged: the Crimson Knives. Armed with weaponry far more advanced than their rivals, they have engaged in a scorched earth policy that has left large amounts of civilians dead. One such victim was an ambassador (and dear friend) of the Desert King. Knowing that his citizens would be hesitant to take part in an all-out invasion of Nocturnus, the King has put an incredibly high bounty on all of the public figureheads of the Crimson Knives (including Ulriq, Bastio, and Magda). The instruction are simple: he wants their severed heads delivered to him. Such a high bounty has elicited enthusiasm from bounty hunters and assassins all over Historica. Average citizens also have something to gain, as mercenaries from across the land have congregated on "border regions" to eat, drink, rest, and buy supplies before venturing into Nocturnus. Such an influx of money has been a boon for the local economies. Not all are as enthusiastic though. Someone within Ylspeth's circle has been secretly sending information to the Crimson Knives. In order to find out who the traitor is, Ylspeth needs Ulriq, Bastio, and the others alive. To accomplish this task, she has secretly enlisted the help of Cobold McTavish and his team of adventurers! From left to right: Gerard Renwick Sinclair III, Ayra Valken, Kars, Cobold McTavish, Charis From left to right: Cobold McTavish and Kars Cobold McTavish Kingdom: Kaliphlin Race: Dwarf Sex: Male Age: 96 (48 in Dwarf years) Height: 4'8" (1.42 m) Bio: A dwarf of many talents, Cobold was engineer/chemist/seasoned chef from the mountains of eastern Kaliphlin. A demolitions prodigy, he was recruited by the Cedrican royalty to create a bomb that could turn the tide in the war against Raavage. The result was a revolutionary design – though large and unwieldly (needing at least two people to carry it), it could bring down a wall and end a siege in minutes. The bombs would see deployment on the battlefield by Cobold and his commandos; it was on this crack team of elite soldiers where Cobold would meet Kars (a mysterious tracker from Avalonia) and Ulriq (a hulking refugee from Nocturnus). Somehow, Cobold’s designs (which were supposedly well-protected by the Cedrican Royal Guard) found their way into Nocturnus, where they were used by forces allied with Raavage to devastating effect. Cobold realized that he created a monster – not only were they being used against his own men, but if his designs proliferated enough, they would make the "simple act" of waging war more destructive than ever. As Raavage’s forces were obliterated and scattered throughout the Nocturnan wastelands, Cobold made a point of destroying every blueprint and model of the bomb he could find, doing so until he was satisfied that he had eliminated every trace of his creation. After the war, Cobold returned home with Kaliphlin, and decided to follow his passion of being a chef. After all that destruction, he decided it was time to pursue something creative. Several years later, Cobold is working as the head chef of a prominent restaurant. Though his job pays well, he chafes at controlling nature of his boss. Without a means for expressing himself, he feels like he is suffocating. In recent weeks, news had begun to trickle out of Nocturnus of a militia group known as the “Crimson Knives”, led by one of Cobold's former friend/protege Ulriq. Though they strike their rivals fast and disappear just as quickly (cleaning up any remains of their attacks), a few pieces of shrapnel have managed to escape their grasp. The indications are clear: Cobold’s bombs are back in production. With this revelation, Cobold has decide to assemble a team to venture into Nocturnus, defeat the Crimson Knives, and destroy every last trace of his creation. Having always had a flair for the theatrical, the dwarf has named his team "Cobold's Crusaders", much to the chagrin of his lieutenant Kars. Kars thinks its "too cheesy"; Cobold jokingly retorts that Kars is "no fun". Queen Ylspeth and Cobold are both aware that there is a traitor somewhere in her government. Directly funding his mission would require much manpower on her part (increasing the risk of the traitor being privy to their plans). However, she has referred him to the Sinclair family in Valyrio, who have agreed to bankroll his mission. For now, all the young Queen can give is her tacit support. Skills: master chef, demolitions expert, engineer, master tactician, skilled hand-to-hand combatant, small size obfuscates physical strength Hobbies: cooking, axe-throwing, military history Personality: boisterous, passionate, leads from the front, can be somewhat stubborn and impulsive (this is tempered by his lieutenant Kars), guilt over past actions Kars Kingdom: Avalonia Race: Unknown Sex: Male Age: Unknown Height: 6’4” (1.93 m) Bio: Kars is a quiet, enigmatic mercenary who uses his borderline-supernatural tracking abilities to hunt his targets. Having grown up on the impoverished outskirts of an Avalonian city, he befriended Bastio and co-founded the criminal gang called the "Krenwald Cavaliers". The two would eventually have a falling-out that left Kars drifting down a river on the brink of death. He was found and nursed back to health by the Valken family. It was the first time he had a healthy relationship with anyone, and he would never forget the kindness they showed to him. Kars would “lie low” on the isolated farm for over a year, helping out with various tasks. Though they were a family of centaurs, the Valkens accepted him as one of their own, with Kars developing a sibling-like relationship with Ayra. Searching for work, Kars would eventually join the Avalonian military in the fight against Lord Ravaage. His skills in tracking and wilderness survival would eventually see him transferred to a Cedrican Commando unit (nicknamed “Cobold’s Commandos) led by Cobold McTavish. After the war's end, Kars would return to mercenary work. Tracking everyone from bail jumpers and escaped criminals to kidnapping victims, he would acquire a fearsome reputation for "never losing a quarry". Some targets (upon discovering that Kars was tracking them) supposedly opted to surrender and spare both parties the trouble. Cobold had been a mentor figure for Kars, and the closest thing he has had to a father figure. He would leap at the opportunity to fight alongside him years later, with the two of them determined to 1) destroy every last trace of the former's creation and 2) bring in their former friend Ulriq alive. Skills: master tracker, wilderness survival, stealth, enhanced senses (especially sight), competent swordsman, lanky build hides surprising physical strength Hobbies: birdwatching (a hobby he shares with Ayra), tracking his targets ("if you love your job, you will never work a day in your life") Personality: introverted, analytical, obsessed with “professionalism”, intensely loyal, socially awkward, hates people who are "picky", occasionally lonely (Kars wants camaraderie, but couldn't bring himself bring himself to actively seek it until he met Charis; before that someone would have to approach him first) From left to right: Gerard Renwick Sinclair III and Charis Gerard Renwick Sinclair III Kingdom: Valyrio Race: Human Sex: Male Age: 35 Height: 5’11” (1.80 m) Bio: As the youngest son (and only bachelor) within a Valyrian aristocratic family, Gerard Renwick Sinclair III has struggled to stand out and make a name for himself. Having so far lived an uneventful life, he is the only member of his family without any heroic tales. This has caused him to worry about being the disappointment of the family. Since the War against Raavage, the Sinclair family have become steadfast (tacit) allies of Queen Ylspeth. The queen has referred Cobold's Crusaders to the aristocratic family, who has agreed to bankroll their mission. Gerard has also agreed to join them; he sees this as a golden opportunity to prove himself and avoid being a disappointment to his family. Though he is eager for adventure, he still has to get used to life on the road, where people sleep in the dirt and make-do without three meals a day. Skills: master fencer/sword-fighter, diplomat Hobbies: wine-tasting, fencing, classical literature/art Personality: gregarious, obsessed with manners, picky, desperate to prove himself, has an affinity for "the finer things in life" Charis Kingdom: Avalonia Race: Unknown Sex: Female Age: 25 Height: 5’9” (1.75 m) Bio: Little is known about Charis' life. According to her, it was "so boring that it isn't even worth recounting". All that can be gathered is that she used to bowfish when she was younger, leading her to expert marksmanship and skill in all forms of archery. No one knows where she came from or why she has purple skin, webbed fingers/toes, and a pair of gills. None of that matters to her - in her view, all that matters is living in the moment, so who cares what her past was like? Adventurous and thrill-seeking, Charis has made it her life's goal to "avoid boredom" - this led her to pursue a degree in monster-hunting. It pays well, and the excitement is a guaranteed. To pass the time, Charis likes performing "trick shots" with her bow (such as firing the arrow using her feet) and playing pranks on her friends. Charis and Kars met a few years ago when they encountered each other going after the same bounty: a Dreerack. With a snake-like body, armored head, and mouth full of teeth sharp enough to bite through chain-mail, the monster would have been nigh-impossible to take down alone. Charis and Kars agreed to work together and split the bounty. The pair made a perfect team, with their strengths and weaknesses complementing each other nicely. Kars was a great close range combatant with extraordinary tracking skills, whereas Charis made for an impeccable sniper. Both were "loners" who loved the thrill of the hunt. Charis drove Kars to become more extroverted, whereas Kars drove Charis to become more introspective. Skills: master of all forms of archery, can breathe underwater, stealth Hobbies: fishing (especially bow fishing), sports-hunting, increasingly elaborate jokes/pranks, performing "trick shots" with her bow Personality: extroverted, easily bored/distracted, has no "filter" when speaking, "daredevil", mischievous Ayra Valken Kingdom: Avalonia Race: Centaur Sex: Female Age: 28 Height: 7’5” (2.26 m) Bio: Growing up on an isolated farm in Avalonia, Ayra Valken had an simple and idyllic childhood. Her family (consisting of her father, a combat medic, and her mother, a former school teacher) were always willing to take in anyone passing through their neck of the woods, even adopting a young centaur named Brielle. While Mrs. Valken would homeschool them, Mr. Valken would instruct them both in the ways of combat medicine (a field which involved fighting off attackers just as much as tending to your allies). Brielle and Ayra had different takeaways from this: Brielle would eventually become a fierce knight, sworn to protect the innocent, whereas Ayra would become a gentle healer who avoids violence whenever possible. As a centaur, Ayra knew that a powerful kick could kill a man; all the more reason for restraint. A year before the war against Raavage, Ayra found a bloodied Kars on a riverbank near the farm. Taking him in, the family nursed him back to health. To repay their kindness (and "lay low" to avoid Bastio) Kars stayed on the farm for over a year, during which he developed a sibling-like bond with Ayra and Brielle. Around the same time, Ayra began showing signs of the "green flame"; an exceptionally rare magical power that could heal any wound imaginable, albeit at a great cost of energy to the wielder. The magic could also be used to perform impenetrable barriers and telekinetically move anything from fallen debris to injured people. In combat situations, the magic is only supposed to be used defensively. Ayra would subsequently be sent to the Green Order (an order consisting those who possessed the "green flame") within northern Avalonia, where her skills would be further honed. Nowadays, Ayra travels around Historica, helping those in need. When Kars approached her (on the orders of Cobold) and asked if she wanted to join his "Crusaders", she heartily accepted, both out of desire to help those suffering at the hands of Crimson Knives and out of loyalty to her brother. One of Ayra’s worst fears is her fear of being a burden on someone. When someone does a favor for her, she always insists on repaying that debt in some way. It’s a trait viewed as equal parts flattering and annoying. This fear also causes Ayra not to voice her misgivings regarding a particular issue - when repressed, this can sometimes lead to bitterness/passive-aggressiveness. Ayra has several other phobias, including claustrophobia, thassalophobia (fear of deep water), and acrophobia (fear of heights). These fears largely stem from her physiology (and are shared by many of her fellow centaurs). Centaurs generally do poorly in tight spaces (due to their unique proportions), are awkward swimmers, and prefer to have all four of their hooves placed firmly on the ground. Though she will travel anywhere she is physically able to help those in need, Ayra has a strong dislike for large cities. Their narrow streets and small shops are crowded with people (playing into her claustrophobia) and her naturally heightened sense of hearing (common among centaurs) makes it hard to tune out the constant noise. Though this leaves Ayra somewhat susceptible to “sensory overload” upon entering a city, she won't let it stop her from helping those in need. Skills: healing magic, "practical medicine" such as herbalism, heightened hearing (shared by all centaurs), can deliver "a mean kick" from her hooves (but never does so because of the potentially fatal results) Hobbies: bird watching (due to her heightened hearing, she can supposedly identify most birds by sound alone), herbalism, relaxing walks through the woods, cooking/food in general (something very dear to most centaurs to their physiology) Personality: kind-hearted, gentle/easy-going, avoids violence whenever possible, worries about being a burden/has multiple phobias, has a reverence for nature and all forms of life, unofficial "team mom" (Pictured Below) Ayra and her sister Brielle make a new friend... I think that bird likes you! You think so? (Pictured) The Crusaders "messing around" If you've made it this far and read through my "Great Wall of Text", then I applaud your patience! I've been working on these characters for years, starting with Ayra back in early 2019 (time flies). After a lot of writing and rewriting, I finally have a team (complete with characters and character dynamics) that I'm happy with! I was considering portraying these backstories through MOC's, but going to college in Germany as an exchange student made that unfeasible. I won't be back home until Spring 2022. Seeing as how I have been sitting on some of these stories for years, I wanted to "get the story out" now so that I can focus on the "present day" events in these characters' lives (I think Charis would approve of "focusing on the present" ). That being said, I am absolutely open to going back and building key moments of these backstories (in "MOC form") in the future! Enjoy!
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Category C It was a splendid day in the kingdom of Historica. All the guildmasters as well as the king of all Historica, whom had been unseen by many until this day, were gathered for the Tournament Of Kings, which would decide the next king of Historica after the soon passing of the current king. The guildmasters had chosen their champions to fight for the title of king of all Historica and were ready to begin the battles. Elon Chorian- Ahhh it has been so long since we have all been together without fighting amongst each other. Lord Artorious- Yes old friend not since we banded together to fight Algus, and even then we still had our constant bickering. Dextrus Flagg- I agree but this peacefulness among us is quite sple… Lord Raavage- Speak for yourself fool. This peacefulness makes my body ache. I would rather be watching the battles and the blood and death.You are lucky I have decided to cooperate insted of taking the throne by force. Don't test my patience though, I'm still considering that idea. I have my men outside the stadium as we speak so tread lightly. Artorious- Oh Raavage you haven’t changed a bit!! Dextrus and Elon chuckle and Raavage gives a growl. *The King enters* Dextrus- Ah your majesty, shall you start the battles? King- Of course we shall, who shall fight first? Raavage- I Lord Raavag, the ruler of the black spire and Nocturnus, would like to present the power of one of my warriors. Artorious- As do I my lord. King- So it is settled Nocturnus against Avalonia in the first battle of the day! ____________________________________________________________________________ __ *Cheering and shouting among the crowd breaks out as they see Avalonia and Nocturnus’s gate opens allowing their fighters to step out* Raavage- This is where the fun begins. You will see Artorious, the power of Nocturnus. Artorious- I hope so old friend. Or else it would be such a bore now wouldn’t it. Raavage-Watch your tounge boy before I cut it off! *The the Avalonian warrior comes out from his gate and the Avolonians give a cheer* Artorious- avast Redirst show this Nocturnian your power! *The warrior lifts his sword in reply and the crowd screams louder* Raavage*to himself*- Where is Nioxo he is supposed to be fighting! Artorious- What is the matter Raavage? Did your Nioxo get scared off by the pure might of his opponent. *Suddenly the crowd falls silent as they see the severed head of an ogre roll out from the Nocturnus gate* Raavage*in outrage*- WHAT!!! You cheat you killed Nioxo so your fighter can get the win!!! I will see you killed by my hand you filthy cheat!!! Artorious*in shock* W-w-what?? Raavage I did no such thing. I have been up here with you the whole time remember?? Raavage- Liar!!! You killed Ni… *Just then a figure steps out from the Nocturnus gate. He is covered in all black and a purple aura radiates from his body* Raavage-You killed my Nioxo you will die!! Artorious- Don’t worry Raavage. Redirst, destroy this disruption of the battle!!! *Redirst charges at the man sword in hand and in a flash he is stopped in his tracks.The crowd stares in horror as they look upon the battlefield. The cloaked man had thrusted his hand through Redirst’s body and taken his life force from inside of him. The man pulled his hand from Redirst’s body, Redirst’s life force in hand. Then with a sudden movement crushed it in his hand. A scream left Redirst’s mouth and his body was engulfed by darkness and disappeared.* Raavage- W-w-what is he…. ____________________________________________________________________________ __ *The cloaked man removes his hood to reveal his identity which is still unknown to the crowd except to one man* King-Thradak… Thradak- Yes it is I, I have grown since the last time you saw me haven’t I sir. King- I thought that… Thradak- I was killed? No no. You see father… *The crowd gasps* Thradak*continues*- That night when the Hand attacked forcing you to leave me alone as a baby in the castle, a female orc came across me. She was a soft hearted woman and she took me and raised me as her own. I lived with a tribe of orcs on an island off the coast of Nocturnus and that is where I remained the majority of my years. On my 18th Birthday I left home and set out on my quest for power and to have revenge on you for abandoning me.One day on my travels I came across a cave and inside the cave was a tomb. I opened the tomb to find a skeleton with a locket in the shape of an eye around its neck. I felt a strange sensation pulling me towards it and I reached out and touched it.The eye opened and I was instantly encased in chaos. It covered me and changed me into what you see before me. Then I heard a voice, a female’s voice. She spoke to me in an almost enchanting tune. She told me she was “The Mother”, she told me she would give me the power I needed to obtain my revenge but in return I must awaken her from her slumber. Now alas that is my tale and that is as much as I am willing to tell as of now. It is time at last to do what i have wanted to do for 17 years. *He draws a massive sword glowing in a dark aura from the folds of his cloak and aims it at the King* Royal Guard- Protect the Ki..!! *In a flash a bolt of black and purple magic shoots from the tip of the blade and strikes the king in the heart. The king clenches at his heart as the chaos spreads through his body taking the color from the king’s body and constricting him but not enough to kill him.* Thadrak- What I came to do is done, for I am now ruler of all Historica and this is just the beginning. Just wait once you see what I have you will all tremble in fear. Even you, guildmasters… I tell you this, in order to awaken the mother I must create 5 lords of chaos and for each lord, a monster of chaos of their choice. After all 5 are awakened the portal to unleash The Mother opens and she is set free. I will select the 5 Lords one from each realm of Historica at random and one from a land a sea away from Historica. I will unleash one at a time and if your 4 best champions manage to defeat all of my lords then I shall allow them to have the way to challenge me but be warned I am 50x stronger than the final chaos lord. With that I bid you all farewell and good luck, you will need it. *With that wings of bone emerge from underneath his cloak and expand and he flies off. There is now much commotion and fear among the crowd and guild masters themselves. Raavage jumps from a top the colosseum down to the battle arena where the kings crown laid. He picks it up and he thinks to himself "If I can get close to this new threat, maybe I will be able to use his power to conquer Historica and when the time is right I will kill him myself and Nocturnus shall rule all of Historica!" To be continued…. ____________________________________________________________________________ __ What will be the fate of Historica? Will it fall under chaos or will the champions defeat Thadrak and his chaos lords? If this so happens to win category C I shall write the rest of the story and continue the next chapter as “The Rise of Chaos".
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After the recent events in Beggar's Inn, as many messengers as possible had been dispatched, to every corner of the guilds. One messenger, going near the Frozen Beyond to inform the small outposts there for the peril of the coalition of the Algus and the Spire, was not that smart. Not being a native Mitgardian, he grew very cold, and thus he made a fire, out in the open. From a nearby Algus outpost, a Can'gru Chariot was dispatched quickly. Those strong but quick beasts had been cultivated by the Algus long ago, and were used nowadays not only for meat, but also as mounts and beasts of burden. the Can'gru, even though they look so herbivorelikely cute, always hunger for fresh meat. The poor messenger is their incentive to bring their Algus masters to their superiors, to hand them the message. Algus interception by David de Rijke, on Flickr
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Hey everyone Decided to build a section of a library for GOH. The first floor has some bookshelves, desk and a statue. Second floor is more of a "cat-walk", which displays shields, weapons and the colors of Avalonia. As always, both positive and negative criticism is welcome. Thanks all for reading/viewing. ~Pat
