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Over the years, the small arms stall eventually evolved into a full-fledged forge and store. Gungnir's Point. After many winters of selling arms and protection, Bjorn Hamarmund put his time into learning the trade, to forge the weapons he sells, ensuring quality in every slit, stab, and slice. Gungnir's point was established. I have built multiple slight variations of Gungnir's Point, in order to give an idea of the evolution of the shop. Please don't mind the mess in a couple of the photos. I also wanted to showcase the Mitgardian tribesmen who have allied themselves with Ulfraut. C&C very much welcome, my friends.
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My phase 3 for the Gate category of AoM. I hope this is sufficient for the title :D I had fun making this, because I did not plan anything, and just looked how it would turn out. The building has some interiors, but the bad part of not planning, is that I couldn't really make pictures of the inside :P Im quite happy with how it turned out, especially with the stonework. I need to work on the roofing though, yet thanks for the guide SK :P I spent most of my salary on lego this month, but maybe I should go for a suitable camera one time. One way, I feel the money used for a camera could have been spent for bricks, but the pictures will probably improve a lot :) Usually I edit the photos with photoshop, but due to me quitting my studies, I do not have the license to use it anymore. Im starting an IT study this year, so I might get the licenses at discount :D Gatehouse phase 3, AoM by David de Rijke, on Flickr
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Shortly after rediscovering the ruins of the old watchtower, Alva and her men begin cutting down trees to rebuild the tower. Casks of food and equipment are placed outside until such time as a barracks or other fortifications and shelter can be established. The important thing for now is getting enough of a view of the surrounding countryside to make the tower worthwhile. After a few days, Alva is surprised to see that they have visitors. A pair of elves of the Briar Clan from the nearby Woody Hills come upon the camp saying "No, no, no... this won't do at all!" Though they are unarmed, they don't seem anything less than hostile as they look on the tower's woodcutting operation with utter horror. They explain later that the trees are younglings, the children of a particularly sacred and ancient Giant Pine. Though Alva's men counsel her to ignore the elves and drive them away if necessary, Alva thinks about Jarl Asbjorn and decides on a more diplomatic solution. Days pass in stalemate. The elves are happy to see Alva has ordered the men to not cut any more trees down, but they are also failing to help her find a suitable solution to the problems of shelter and industry required to fortify the location. She needs a solution that means not abandoning the tower nor insulting the Briar Clan in a time when Mitgardia cannot spare the blood for petty or avoidable grievances. Such a solution doesn't seem feasible for the time being... BONUS SHOTS: Flickr
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OOPS I gave this the wrong title. Can a mod please change this to AoM Tower Phase 3: Reconciliation? Phase 1 here, Phase 2 here... After several days of tense negotiations, the Arnarvhalli and local elves finally reached an agreement... but only after a contingent of Woody Hills dwarves arrived to see what all the fuss was about. Before long, the three groups were able (thanks to Alva's patience!) to secure a mutually agreeable solution. First, the dwarves appeared with wagons of tools, mundane lumber, and fine stone. Then, the elves and their druid began to work on regrowing some of the sacred treelings that had been cut down. After a few weeks, the new tower soared triumphant from the bones of the old one. Though the job looked well and done to the humans, the dwarves and elves have remained to make sure everything stays well and done. Alva's part of the deal was an agreement to allow dwarven and elven scouts to use the tower as temporary lodgings, and for information to be passed freely among all three groups in collective defense of the region. Though some of her men grumbled at having to share the sparse shelter available in the shacks they'd set up nearby, Alva believed this was the first step toward creating a secure holdfast. She thought ahead with excitement to the report she would write to her father. Bonus Shots:
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The hall was restless, Hagen noted. A tension hung in the air, a sort of electricity of bad things about to happen or that have happened. He knew the old sage had requested a gathering, and scanning the hall, he noticed many of his mightiest warriors had gathered today to see what the old man had to say. For months now, strange attacks have been occuring in the North, but the fancy political struggles in far south Kaliphlim have made it a problem Mitgardia alone will face. From the frozen lands of the great beyond, mysterious white warriors have been attacking small villages and settlements. But none of those white clad brigands have been caught so far. They seemed to come and go as fleetingly as a snowflake in an icy storm. Sage Knorr was pouring more herbs into the firepit, when he signalled his assistant to light the fire up. A thick black smoke started to rise, but then suddenly the fire burst into bright blue flames. Flames that almost looked as burning tendrils of ice. The smoke changed colour, and turned to a snowy white, and he was certain the temperature in the room dropped a few degrees as the warriors shifted uneasily as they looked on. He saw the outlines of a man... no, not a man, a demon. A demon that looked like it spawned straight from the big glaciers. "Behold" Knorr said "our scourge!" He had the attention of all gathered, as he continued in his raspy voice. "They have been sent by our Lord Odin himself, ressurected warriors of a bygone age. Mighty is their number, and cold is their touch!" "But why?" Bork Blackbeardson asked. "Why does Odin send these fiends against us?" The answer of the old sage send a shiver down Hagen`s spine. "He wants to test us. According to the legends, every 7 generations, he sends forth these fallen warriors to see if the People of Mitgardia still remain strong. They will make sure that we are still the wall that stands against the colds of the Frozen Beyond... and for that, he sends against us... THE ALGUS!!!" As the hall roared, and Wulf leaped on the table with his axe shouting he would defeat them all, Hagen could have sworn he saw a flicker of malignicy in the Raven Statue`s eye...
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Amir Navabi was at war. The estranged son of one of the powerhouse families of Kaliphlin was angry, and he was showing it. His parents, for whom he had precious little respect, had sided with the High Council. Determined to defy the people he felt betrayed by, Amir had sided with Ulandus. And he was a more than capable fighter. He, along with some other Ulandian soldiers, had decided to take the aqueducts, as many as possible. Using his superior ability, Amir forced the swordsman to jump into the river. The battle had been won, at least at this aqueduct. Now is where I come in. "Good Pastnoon," I called. "What are Vikings doing so far inland?" Amir questioned, looking curiously at the three of us. "We were shipwrecked. We need a guide to take us north," I replied, curtly. The ship had encountered one of the worst storms I had ever known. We were lucky to be alive. "Very well," Amir replied. "But it might be dangerous." "Why," Rollo asked. "No one has informed you. Kaliphlin is in Civil War," He told us. "Gorlog's breath," I murmured. "Of all the times to be in Kaliphlin Builder's notes: This build was a throw together, but I wanted to contribute SOMETHING to my side in the civil war. I would build more, but some unforeseen circumstances have stopped me. Sorry. Author's notes: Same. The story was rushed, really just an excuse to explain why my Vikings are stuck in Kaliphlin. For the Praise of His Glory! ~Andrew
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See the previous tales: Wyndor's Saga: Chapter 1 -What Has Past- Chapter 2 Part 10: A New Home Part 10.1:Blunted Edges Part 10.2: Cramped Spaces Part 10.3: Enthusiastic Worker Part 11.0 Part 11: Mysterious Death Part 12: Dark Meetings Part 13: Warm Yourself Part 14.1: Sisterly Visit Part 14.2: Proud Farmer Part 14.3: Mitgardian Household Part 15: Another Mysterious Death Part 16.1: The Council Meeting Part 16.2: Meeting with Wyndor (made by Glorfindel) Part 16.3: Feud in Teridyan Part 16.4: Great Elk Longhouse (made by Glorfindel) Part 16.5: Traveling Partners Part 16.6: Mitgardian Throne Room (made by Glorfindel) Part 17: The Cemetery Part 18: Home Part 19: Crowded Market Mayhem Part 20: Shooting Straight Part 21: Returning Part 22: Keeping Out or Keeping In Part 23: Talk in the Tavern Part 24: Mitgardian Long Sheep Part 25: Captive in the Barn Part 26a: At Ease Part 26: Long Awaited Reunion Part 27: Trouble in the Wolf Clan After their flight from the Algus’ attack on Beo’s village, Wyndor and Mattimeo had carefully made their way back across the northern reaches of Mitgardia. They had traveled with Beo and his family until they knew he would get away safely and then turned towards Mattimeo’s hideout. They stopped at a windmill near Dalig Ulv to catch their breath. “I know it seems like we have bigger things to worry about with the Algus on the move, but it will be weeks before their forces can move as far south as Dalig Ulv.” started Wyndor, “I need to know what’s happening in my city and I think it’s about time you told me what’s going on. Why are the dwarves being attacked?” “What do you know of Revelword?” asked Mattimeo. “Only what every Mitgardian knows, that he tried to take over Historica and destroyed many of our cities!” replied Wyndor. “Well, what most people don’t know is that he wasn’t alone in his efforts to take over Historica,” began Mattimeo. “There was a group of power hungry individuals who all were seeking the means to put themselves in control. Revelword was the craftiest of these people and sought to unify them all in their endeavor to overthrow the king. Most agreed with him that they could do more if they worked together. What they didn’t find out until it was too late, was that Revelword had only gathered them all in one place to make it easier to kill off the competition. The few who hadn’t gone alone with Revelword’s plan fled to distant areas of the guilds. Three of them ended up here, in Dalig Ulv where they promised the dwarves of Treacleheim great riches and power if they helped them in their pursuit of the throne of Mitgardia. These three, a warlock, a vampire, and a werewolf had agreed that taking over Cedrica was too much for them but they figured that taking over a single guild was within their grasp.” “So why isn’t Mitgardia ruled by this Triad?” asked Wyndor. “The dwarves who had at first been swayed by the Triad’s promises had a change of heart. But they couldn’t just kick the Triad out of Treacleheim, these were creatures of great power. So they got together their greatest mages and sealed the Triad within the city. The nature of the magic was fragile, such that if anyone disturbed the Triad’s resting place, they would be released. The dwarves, knowing that it was they who had made the first error in accepting the Triad’s proposal, left their great city, vowing to take its secret to their graves” explained Mattimeo. “Which it seems most of them have done” said Wyndor. “And if you haven’t been killing them, then that must mean that Edea has.” “Yes,” answered Mattimeo. “She has been quite meddlesome. When I found out that she was out to release the Triad, I had my men start following all the key dwarven leaders to protect their lives. Obviously we haven’t been doing a very good job of it.” “So,” began Wyndor, “How did Edea find out about the Triad?” “She studied under one of those who fled Revelword’s slaughter” answered Mattimeo. “The witch she studied under must have known about the Triad’s plans before they fled to Mitgardia and she to Nocturnus. What I haven’t been able to figure out is how she’s been able to get to the dwarves so easily. I’ve had my men watching them day and night yet every time she has managed to elude my men and get to the dwarves before they could stop her.” “Maybe she has a dwarf helping her?” inquired Wyndor. “Perhaps,” started Mattimeo. “But the dwarves are a close-knit race. It would take an exceptional amount of money to get one of them to turn on their own.” “Of maybe the promise of power?” asked Wyndor. “That could be,” thought Mattimeo. “But now we really must be going. We need to get to back to see if my men have been able to locate Edea. After that attack in the market, she and her sisters were spotted entering Treacleheim. I had done a thorough search of the city and couldn’t find the chamber where the Triad was sealed anywhere. But I fear with the knowledge she has gained from the dwarves she’s killed, she may be able to find it when I could not.” “Ok, so you are saying that we have to find Edea before she finds the Triad, or all of Mitgardia could be under attack from both the Algus and the Triad?” asked Wyndor. “Yes,” said Mattimeo “And what do we do if we get to Edea and she has already awoken the Triad?” Wyndor continued. “How do we take on Edea and these three creatures?” At that moment the door to the windmill opened and a dark stranger clad in red stepped out. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I couldn’t help overhearing your conversation” began the stranger. “My name is Vincent, and I specialize in hunting monsters and other unwanted villains. It sounds to me like you have a monster problem.” Mattimeo and Wyndor were a little startled, but Wyndor quickly responded, “We are in need of assistance with our ‘monster problem,’ as you put it. But who are you? It seems a little convenient that someone who has the skills you claim to have should be here right when we need him. How is that you come to be here and why would you be willing to help us?” “My story is a long and sad one” began Vincent, “I will not burden you with all its details now. I found it necessary to leave Nocturnus, where I am from originally, because it was becoming difficult to tell monster from friend. Makes my line of work difficult. I have made my way to Mitgardia because I have heard rumor of an evil approaching this land. I am willing to help you because I have experience with vampires, werewolves, and warlocks, and I imagine that you do not.” “It is true that we would be at a disadvantage facing the Triad,” said Wyndor, “But how do we know we can trust you?” “You can’t” was Vincent’s answer. “But maybe I can set your mind at ease. I know your brother, Natolyth. He and I were in Cedrica at the same time, staying at the Grand Griffon. He was studying the Drow and I was studying minotaurs in the libraries there. He spoke of his brother Wyndor, though I did not realize he had a brother name Mattimeo. I was actually on my way to see you when you stumbled across my path. I know Natolyth is not here to verify my story, but perhaps that will give you enough to trust me for now.” “Well, I know the farmer who owns this mill,” started Wyndor. “If he allowed you to stay here then he must have thought you meant no harm. That, and if what you say about meeting my brother is true, then it seems we have no choice but to ask for your help.” “Can you leave immediately?” interrupted Mattimeo. “Yes,” was Vincent’s reply. “I have nothing to pack. I travel light.” With that, the three travelers headed towards civilization. OoC: In case you were wondering, in the last couple of pictures, the windmill blades can turn without hitting either Vincent or the cart.
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Throughout the North, these creatures from the Frozen Beyond descend upon Mitgardians and bring to them death and destruction. Rather than the sword or the torch, they bring ice and cold the likes of which even the hardy Northern folk have never before seen. Everywhere they go, they blast the land with ice and snow, leaving behind eerie monuments to whatever ancient Gods they serve. Their victims are left as frozen statues as often as not, bizarrely similar in appearance to the creatures themselves. Lest they suffer the same fate, these poor villagers must run as they've never run, with the monsters from the Frozen Beyond dogging their every step...
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A little view inside life in Mitgardia while fierce fighting is going on in Kaliphlin... Unbenownst to most men in Mitgardia, coin minting is a core domain of the Mitgardian dwarves. And, before I forget it, I would like to claim UoP credits for: Trade and Law manufacturing Anthropology city scene Now, let us get back to the dwarves: Stage 1: melting of gold: Stage 2: gold is hammered into shape - using modern mechanics. Stage 3: gold is placed upon a belt Stage 4: the actual minting The finished coins are then assembled. Thanks for watching. C&C welcome. -
Bitter cold was sweeping into Mitgardia from the north, freezing everything in its path. But the citizens of Mitgardia would not flee, instead the construction of a mighty fortress was ordered, as a base from which to repel this new enemy. Rekkrfell, the warrior mountain: I will be completing Rekkrfell, and its my biggest castle yet. C&C welcome
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It was a hectic time in Mitgardia. Many of the guild's strongest men were down in Kaliphlin helping one side or the other in their civil war. And while they were away a long forgotten enemy appeared in the north, the Algus. Rumor of this threat had spread through the guild and the leaders of the guild had gathered in Valholl to discuss what action should be taken regarding the rumors. Not all of them believed the rumors and debate had been underway for a few hours when Infernum came bursting into the room. "The beacons have been lit!" he cried. "The beacons of Mitgardia have been lit! The people call for aid!" "Then we will answer!" replied Elon Choria. "We should travel north to where the first beacon was lit, and found out more about these Algus."
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A typical house in Volhaal. With the situation in the north many of the 1st sons have been called upon. It's great to be back This is my first build in a long time. I'm happy with how it turned out. Will have to try and put more detail and techniques into the next build All C&C welcome of course
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Not far from Thorshaven in Harald's Fjord, shortly after the beacons had been lid: Ulf, a veteran of the war against the elementals, had enough of it. Hadn't he lost everything in the last war already? Hadn't he given everything he could to take his family to this safe haven in order to start again? Ulf was tired of fighting, tired of moving, tired of giving up everything he loved so dearly. And so, he had drenched his house in tar and was now ready to put everything to the torch - no, these beast were not going to take his home from him! He'd much rather see all of it burn down infront of them than see them turning everything to ice. Sure, he didn't mind the Algus turning the ashes to ice, and if need be, his ashes as well. He didn't care anymore! Ulf's friend Harald, however, wanted his friend to live, wanted to rebuild everything next spring, if there ever was going to be another one. So he waited for Ulf to finally get moving and so he too saw the Algus approach freezing everything as they moved along: As soon as the Algus touched anything, it instantly froze and whereever they walked everything turned white and cold. Harald was so stunned to see these creatures that he forgot to push off the boat and take care of himself and so got to witness something amazing: As soon as Ulf's house erupted in a ball of flames the Algus stopped moving as if they were shocked. Ulf, actually expecting to freeze up every second, also noticed that with the torch in his hand noting happened to him. One Algus tried to freeze him from below his feed, but nothing happened! Ulf was surprised and slowly noticed that the Algus were avoiding his torches. Suddenly, he heard their leader scream an aweful cascade of sounds of an unintelligible language! Ulf and Harald didn't trust their senses. Was this it? Was this the answer to the question many wise Mitgardians couldn't answer? Was fire the way fight the Algus? Well, at least it kept them at bay for as long as the fire was burning and only the gods knew what would happen after this! Additional shots:
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In the city of Bruns Fall - on the west coast of Mitgardia - Captain Samuel Marron was worried: Beacons had been lit. Something was going to happen, most likely something bad. He rushed to the roof of the New Watch to lit Bruns Falls' beacon. The weather had been mild so far with just a bit of snow. But Samuel had the feeling that a coldness would come in from the North. Maybe a coldness worse than ice and snow. He watched the fire burn and the smoke going up in the sky. Little did he know what would lie ahead. Developer's note: I have added Bruns Fall where I would like to see it on the map. That may not be the standard process for getting a new city but I have no idea what that process would be. And I realize that I don't know which font you are using. Feedback to process and font is welcome! In the "Captain Braunsfeld's part of the Algus Saga" you are here: Part 1 1) The Beacon of Bruns Fall 2) Defending the North 3) Southern Comfort 4) Help from a Nobleman 5) Two Minor Victories 6) Water does not stop them! 7) What's that coming over the hill? 8) Where the Rainbow Spell came from 9) AppleCalypse Now!
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All across the North, fires are lit to warn the people and rouse their anger at the invasion of ice, cold, and the monstrous reavers that have come from the Frozen Beyond. Long has fire been the best ally against the winter, and as the beacons were lit in Mitgardia, that allegiance became more than symbolic. Alva Tyrnsdottir accomplished much on the ruined tower at the edge of her clan's territory. She united elves and dwarves and her own men in common purpose to build something that would one day protect them all. Unfortunately, today was that day and as she saw the nearest beacon-fire light up the night skies of the east, she knew what she would have to do. The people of Arnarvhall were remote, cut off by the forest and fearful of the consequences that a traditional beacon might wreak on such a densely wooded region. So Alva ordered her men to gather their things, to strike the camp they'd established around the tower, and to prepare water in case the improvised beacon-fire got out of control. As she watched it burn, her heart was heavy. But she remembered her father's words. He had said to her that sacrifice was sometimes the only way forward. That a warrior might give up an inch only to take a mile on some other day. She spoke these words aloud to her men as they too looked on the burning tower with uncertainty. BONUS SHOT:
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Dalig Ulv Alerted by the beacon of Dalig Ulv, Uridius orders the Keep's beacon to be lit to warn the others of the approaching danger. Ah, it was quite refreshing to build something in Mitgardia again after all the Kaliphlin Civil War stuff going on! Thanks for viewing, C&C are welcome!
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After hearing many disturbing rumors that the North was under attack Lord Dan sent agents into Mitgardia to assess the situation and find out what was going on. What they found was quite disturbing... Notes: Hey guys, this is my first Mitgardian build! Hopefully I didn't intrude too much on the secret Mitgardian frozen beyond conspiracy thing going on, I just really wanted to use these bionice pieces since they seemed perfect for this type of scene. C and C are appreciated
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It snowed last night, which was strange for summer, even for Mitgardia. Erik was shoveling some of the snow off the path when Olaf saw the Beacon of Marek burning. Leaving the pea soup at the watch fire, Olaf grabbed a branch from the fire and lit the beacon of the Bay of Storms as he wondered if it had anything to do with the summer snow or the rumors of snowy white demons. Hopefully he'd see the beacons of Arcium and Daydelon light up soon in the distance. I'd like to request UoP credit for: Landscape Design - studs up rocks & cliffs Some more angles on Flickr, C&C appreciated!
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The whole world looked white, like a sign of things to come. As cold steel rose up to meet colder ice, he remembered his footsteps stretching behind him. The green punctured the white, like a sign of things to come.
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Erak had been replenishing the firewood supply of the little cabin near Daydelon's beacon, when he was surprised to see a bright flare in the distance. He quickly realized it was the Beacon of the Bay of Storms, and dropping the firewood, he hastily grabbed his torch and ran for the beacon. Once it was lit, he realized the significance of what must be happening, for even during the threat of civil war in Mitgardia, the beacons had not been lit... I used my new rockwork technique again here, with much more noticeable results. If you're interested in seeing how it's built, check out this album on Flickr: link I hope you guys like this one, it was a super fun build
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Ever since their attack on the Wolf Clan, the Algus had been ravaging the northern reaches of Mitgardia. Their cruelty knew no boundaries. Whole villages were massacred, families were found unexplainably frozen in solid blocks of ice, and nowhere seemed to be safe.
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It's been a while since we last saw Alva Tyrnsdottir, but she's been very busy ranging and scouting on behalf of Jarl Asbjorn and the jarldom of Arnarvhall in western Mitgardia. Rumors of the attacks in the North have spread even to Tradewind Bay, the Woody Hills, and the forests of Arnarvhall. As such, Asbjorn has ordered the rediscovery and rebuilding of old defenses at the borders of the region. In conjunction with dwarven and elven neighbors, a defensive alliance has formed. Alva Tyrnsdottir leads a group of Arnarvhalli scouts into the eastern reaches in search of old holdfasts, towers, and fortifications. Here she has found the ruin of a stone watchtower that still commands an impressive view of the surrounding countryside. It is an excellent candidate for rebuilding. Builder's Note: This picture doesn't really do justice to one or two elements of the build. I'll post another one when I have better lighting. Here are those other angled shots to better show off the tower ruins and the tree growing out of em :D
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A New Hope Home for the City Watch Last week Samuel Marron and his men were able to move to a new headquarter: The captain was quite happy about this. The new place offered a secret exit through a rock piece in the foundation. Inside in the cellar were some installations said to be of "Elven origin". (Note: Well, it does not come out in this picture but it has got something to do with barrels...) C&C welcome!
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See the previous tales: Wyndor's Saga: Chapter 1 -What Has Past- Chapter 2 Part 10: A New Home Part 10.1:Blunted Edges Part 10.2: Cramped Spaces Part 10.3: Enthusiastic Worker Part 11.0 Part 11: Mysterious Death Part 12: Dark Meetings Part 13: Warm Yourself Part 14.1: Sisterly Visit Part 14.2: Proud Farmer Part 14.3: Mitgardian Household Part 15: Another Mysterious Death Part 16.1: The Council Meeting Part 16.2: Meeting with Wyndor (made by Glorfindel) Part 16.3: Feud in Teridyan Part 16.4: Great Elk Longhouse (made by Glorfindel) Part 16.5: Traveling Partners Part 16.6: Mitgardian Throne Room (made by Glorfindel) Part 17: The Cemetery Part 18: Home Part 19: Crowded Market Mayhem Part 20: Shooting Straight Part 21: Returning Part 22: Keeping Out or Keeping In Part 23: Talk in the Tavern Part 24: Mitgardian Long Sheep Part 25: Captive in the Barn Part 26a: At Ease Part 26: Long Awaited Reunion Also Previously Wyndor had done so much traveling that day he couldn’t remember a time when he was more saddle sore. Before leaving Mattimeo’s headquarters he had sent the two guards back to Dalig Ulv to warn Pjeter and the rest of the council about what was going on. Then he and Mattimeo had ridden north to the main village of the Wolf Clan. Mattimeo warned him before they left that he had not left Bëo’s care on the best of terms. They rode into the village surprised to not meet anyone until they got to the main hall. There they left the horses at the stables and Mattimeo greeted one of the clansmen. “Barnabas! It’s been too long!” “Welcome back Mattimeo, how goes everything with your Blue Wolves?” answered Barnabas. “It’s a bear to keep them disciplined,” replied Mattimeo, “But I couldn’t ask for a better group. I still wish you had joined me.” “Well, you know,” started Barnabas, “the village has need of good warriors too. Bëo has kept me busy. But now is not the time for pleasantries. Come, let me show you what’s happening.” The group walked over to the river where a solitary figure could be seen on the other side. “He’s been there for hours, chanting in some language we can’t understand” began Baranbas. “It started 24 hours ago when a small band of them showed up at the water’s edge and started shouting at our guards. They didn’t seem too friendly so our men fired a warning shot over their heads. That’s when the rest of the band left, leaving this one behind. When he started chanting we fired at him, not knowing what kind of sorcery he was conjuring up.” “I’m telling you!” said one of the archers. “It was witchcraft! Our bolts froze in mid-air and dropped into the water in front of him!” “This is worse than I feared,” said Mattimeo. “I must talk to Bëo at once.” The party headed up the path to the main lodge. Inside was Bëo, his wife, his two sons, his chief advisor, and some more men of the clan. Barnabas announced the pair of brothers, “My lord, Mattimeo has come as requested with his brother.” “So,” began Bëo, “the boy I rescued from the Frozen Beyond who couldn’t wait for his first chance to run away with Kaliphlin traders. And then he has the gall to come back and take some of my best men with him!” “Sir,” responded Mattimeo, “you know why I left. And I’ve tried not to let you down.” Bëo’s countenance softened, “yes, we both know the good your group of men have done for Mitgardia. But I needed you here!” “I’m here now,” replied Mattimeo. “Yes, and let’s hope it’s not too late,” this came from Bëo’s advisor. “Tell us, Mattimeo, in all your learning, what can you tell us about the stranger across the river from us?” “You have no hope, that’s what I can tell you” was Mattimeo’s answer. “I know very little about those from the Frozen Beyond, but what I do know is that we have no chance of winning against them if they decide to attack us. We must flee south as quickly as possible!” “You whelp!” shouted the advisor. “What do you know of our fighting strength!? We can handle ourselves against any natural foe!” “But that’s just the point,” answered Mattimeo. “This foe is not natural.” Bëo stepped down from his throne and approached Mattimeo, "We will not run like cowardly dogs! We will face our foes as clansmen! Will you help us with your knowledge or not?" Mattimeo didn't have a chance to answer because one of the clansmen burst in at that point, “Sir! The Frozen Beyonder is… doing something!” He ran back out and the men followed him. They came to the river’s edge and saw ice forming in the water. It was Summer and most of the ice had long since melted and floated down to the ocean. It was unnatural to see the process being reversed. Quickly the river was frozen enough to allow the Frozen Beyonders to cross and their force charged across at the clansmen. Just as Mattimeo had warned, the battle was a slaughter. Man after man fell. Bëo himself almost took a mortal blow, but Wyndor blocked it at the last moment. Mattimeo pulled at Bëo’s arm and got him half way up the path towards the hall before Bëo finally stopped struggling and went with Mattimeo and Wyndor willingly. Bëo told the two guards, “My wife and children should be safe by now, hold the door for a few more minutes, then run from here as fast as you can!” Wyndor wondered how Bëo’s family could have escaped when he didn’t see them leave the hall, but as soon as they entered again he saw how. The throne had been pushed over revealing a hidden passage. No questions were asked. The three men knew they were probably leaving the rest of the men outside to their deaths. But they also knew there was nothing else they could do. Mattimeo had tried to warn Bëo, but he waited too long. Now they fled through a tunnel like rats. Their only hope was to make it away alive so that they could warn others of the terror that was coming.
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Even in the far North of Mitgardia, midsummer is a time of green things and the flourishing of new life. That is the way the many bands of yeti have always remembered it, anyway. This year, however, something is different... where normally even their light summer coats are enough to keep them warm, these yeti of the Horned Mountain Tribe are finding themselves pierced by unusual winter winds, and not just the odd unseasonal gales that occur throughout the North on occasion. These winds are bitter cold, and bring snow that doesn't melt. For time immemorial, all yeti have shunned the use of fire. The bravest of them consider it bad luck, but the average yeti hold fire in primordial terror. If there were anyone around to see it, the sight of yeti creating stoking a fire and examining the unmelting snow would be something not even the skalds would believe. Eventually, even fire is not enough. The Horned Mountain Yeti, led by the elder Raimo, make their way to a known summer camp of the warg-hunting Wolf Tribe. They've recently had unusually good sport for the summer, a stroke of fortune they are disinclined to question because this year, there will be many hides and much trade with the humans. The leader of this pack of hunters is Theud, who looks on the Horned Mountain Yeti as friends. Today he thinks they must be mad, though, as Raimo explains that they wish to trade for the hides of a great brown warg taken recently. If yetis looking for animal hides wasn't strange enough, one of Raimo's band is carrying a torch. A torch! Were they mad? But they are not mad. The yeti may not know what has changed in the North to bring on such unnatural cold that even they are humbled, but they do feel deep down that the North is no longer safe. No longer a land for Yeti, Wolf Tribe, or Humankind. They give Theud a sincere warning before they depart, wrapping the hides around themselves for warmth. They travel South, where they have heard it is always warm even in winter. Along the way, Raimo's wife Heikki gives birth. The baby almost dies of the cold before Raimo manages to find a fur cap, which he liberates from the corpse of a frozen Mitgardian. Raimo does not know what killed him, but does not stick around to find out.
