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Come one, come all to Space Base H19. Smaller than H17, this Neo Classic space base features three landing pads filled with three new Neo Classic craft and a full lit design. And a closer look at the craft (until they have proper solo photos) can be seen here- with the Flickr photo set being even bigger and more clear. Click me for the below picture in the Flickr set

Anvil Class Carrier- LL 505 “Ark IV” Length: 180 meters Armament: Heavy laser turrets (2) Medium laser turrets (2) Centurion LOS medium anti-cruiser Magnetic Acceleration Rail Cannon, 1-“barrell” (2) Quad link anti-fighter laser turrets (12) Complement: Up to 24 Warden Class Interceptors Crew: 160 With the limited fighter capacity of the Forge Battle Cruiser, the Coalition commissioned a complimentary second ship, the Anvil Class Fighter Carrier. The Fighter Carrier had a much lower combat rating than the Forge Battle Cruiser receiving only a class 6 battle-rating (excluding the weapons capabilities of the fighters) due to the weapons configuration which consisted of 2 heavy laser batteries, 2 medium laser batteries, and 2 medium duty anti-cruiser single barrel MARCs (but no missile pods or peace keeper orbital weaponry) with the additional weapons mounts all dedicated to anti-fighter turrets. Despite the lower combat rating, the Anvil Fighter Carrier, is outfitted with an armor and design configuration which made the ship more durable than most other ships with carrier or support roles. Additionally, the hanger bay entry points in the middle of the ship allowed for better protection of the bays than traditional carrier designs with the hanger bay entrances located on the outer hull of the ship. The durability combined with the firepower of the Warden Class interceptors meant the combined battle-rating of the Anvil Fighter Carrier and a full complement of fighters was much closer to a class 8. This meant the carrier could be used on solo missions when battleships or long-range missile frigates were not anticipated to be in heavy use. The main drawback of the Anvil Class Fighter Carrier was its size. The carrier was nearly double the width of primary attack craft like the Forge Class Battle Cruiser of the Hammer Class Missile Corvette. This issue was often overcome by keeping the carrier in a support position behind heavy assault ships, or if the carrier was in closer proximity to the battle, using a unique design feature to separate the carrier in two. Separating the carrier in two provides for more flexibility in use and much smaller targeting areas, though it does lose some of its more appealing features such as the center mounted hanger bays and the ability to operate with two distinct shield generators for additional toughness. The separation feature also meant each half was required to contain a full range of critical ship’s systems. While this made the carriers more expensive to manufacture and crew, it also made them more reliable and durable. Eurobrick's exclusive- ship separated and showing one component half:

Project M continues with this blue dump truck. The cab is 6 wide, but in reality, the truck should be wider, so I made the dump bed and fenders about 8 wide to make it fit a little better and give a little more room for play. I embellished a little on the sides adding a control box that would be absent on a "normal" dump truck. The ones I saw either had an extra set of retractable wheels or nothing in the area, but I wanted to spice up the model a little. I the box design is a little off but it looks solid on display, so I am sticking with it. On some versions I saw, the mudguards were attached to the bed itself, but that would have cause issues with my truck, so I attached them to the frame instead. The skid steer loader getting the dump truck ready to haul some materials. Bonus shot. Checkout the Project M description and Excavator by clicking the picture ==>

Prilo, A Hand of Corruption agent, enters the throne room before Rokkar just as General Grimm reported he would. Prilo: Lord Raavage sends tidings to his great allies, the Zugal, in this important hour. Rokkar’s fingers glide gently over the scroll Grimm claimed he recovered from an agent of The Hand sent to Zar Strongfist and the Zugal's greatest enemies, the Dragon Masters. Rokkar moves his right index finger and thumb against his face as he leans hard on his elbow. Rokkar: Important hour? What news does Raavage send his great allies? What service can the Zugal be to their great master? Prilo senses the sarcasm in Rokkar’s voice. He looks nervously around the room and hears the soft clicking of the whispers of the Zugal host surrounding him. He had heard about Rokkar and Korrak, the wingless raven brothers with faces of birds and bodies of men; the brutal and fantastic duo that had trained and bred a whole host of raven warriors to capture this small piece of land from the Dragon Masters. To Prilo, the Eyrie was just another rock in the swamp, just like Abyssian, but to the Zugal this was the only place that had ever been home. Unease washes over Prilo, but he has no reason to know Rokkar’s temperament. He was sent to deliver a scroll, and so he would deliver it. Prilo: A message from your master and mine. Sealed and carried by me alone to your great fortress. It is sent directly from Raavage for your eyes only. A Zugal warrior flaps its wings, springing from the shadows to snatch the scroll from Prilo’s grip. The warrior flips the scroll to Rokkar as Prilo recoils in shock . Rokkar opens the scroll, reads it quickly and tosses it casually to his brother, Korrak. Rokkar: It appears authentic, does it not, Korrak? Korrak: Yes brother, just like the other. Prilo’s hair begins to raise on the back of his neck as the clicking from the Zugal becomes louder. Prilo: The other? Korrak and Rokkar grin, or whatever the equivalent of a grin is to the Zugal. Korrak: Yes Prilo, this is not the first message we have received from Raavage today. Rokkar quickly stops his brother from saying more. He would not have him reveal who delivered the scroll. He would seek to shelter Grimm for the great service he had performed, should it be true. Rokkar: Allow me to read a passage from another scroll sent to our enemy, Zar Strongfist, intercepted by my men today. “Zar Strongfist, I send you tidings in this, our most important hour.” Korrak glanced angrily over at Prilo. Rokkar: “I send this message with the hope that a new alliance between our two great nations will benefit our mutual interests. In exchange for your vow to help my army take the fortress of Abyssian, I, Raavage, Lord of the Darklands, promise a restoration of your lands in Avalonia…” Rokkar pauses briefly but there is no reaction from Prilo. Either he did not know of this second message or Grimm is a liar. The raven does not need to refocus his eyes on the scroll as he has already memorized the final passages of the scroll. Rokkar: “… and to cede the Zugal’s Eyrie to you, our new friends. I send this message in great confidence by my most trusted agent for your eyes only.” Prilo is not surprised by the words in the scroll. He considers questioning the authenticity of the scroll, but he can tell his voice and eyes will betray him. The outcome of this exchange seemingly inevitable, the only control he now has is over how quickly he dies. Prilo pulls a knife from a sheath inside his left sleeve and plunges it into his heart. A high pitched screech bellows out from the Zugal host. Korrak: Then Grimm has told the truth. The Spire seeks to betray us. Rokkar: Yes, it is true. When word of the agent’s death reaches the Spire, an attack will come. We must strike at our enemies now while we have the advantage. Release the ravens and ready my mount. We go to war! ********** About this MOC ********** A few months ago ZCerberus contacted me about doing a Nocturnus collaboration. We decided to pit his Dragon Masters against my Ravens (Zugal), and this is my contribution. The overall MOC was initially inspired by the Eyrie in the Game of Thrones universe, and the architecture was inspired by Noddy's Brother's Tower. ********** Other Parts of the Story ********** Throne Room at Farnhorn Collab Prelude Part I The Spider's Chambers Collab Predlude Part II The Ruins Collab Display Part I Dragon Keep Collab Display Part II Zugal's Eyrie Collab Display Part III Fracture Collab Display

Handrid is one of four known living dragons to be trained by the Dragon Masters. He was sired from the male dragon Harbone and the female dragon Dravin, twin of Dronis. Handrid is the only known dragon to be bred in captivity. As such, Handrid was favored by the Dragon Master leader Zar Strongfist even though Handrid is small for a dragon of his species. When dragons are trained by the Dragon Masters, their front claws are bound together. After the training is complete, the chains are broken in the Freeing Ceremony. If the dragon attempts to flee it is killed, if it remains loyal, it is never to be chained together again, though the chains are left in place as a symbolic gesture of breaking the dragon. During the battle between the Zugal and the Dragon Masters, Handrid defended Dragon Keep honorably, though the keep was ultimately lost and Handrid fled into the Rakath mountains as the Dragon Masters escaped to find their kin. Anzar Strongfist, son of Zar, seeks to discover where Handrid has fled. **********About the MOC********** This is a slightly beefed up version from the Fracture Collab, thought the major elements remain the same. He is actually quite sturdy with the new Mixel/Legend Beast ball joints, at least after I did some reinforcement here and there. A few of these shots can only been seen here on EB and not in the Flickr photostream!

Anzar Strongfist, son a Zar Strongfist, the slain Dragon Master feels as if the entire world is collapsing around him; his father slain by the black knight, and now the Zugal in full assault on Dragon Keep. Anzar is not the warrior his father was. He has no mind for tactics and no love for the glory of battle. If his brother, Tanzar were here, the Dragon Masters would have a leader. Word would never reach his brother at the Drake’s Den in time. For this battle Anzar was alone. Mere moments after his father’s dead body was dragged from the keep, Anfil, the Dragon Masters’ resident mage approaches the new leader. Anfil: The black knight must pay for this crime. Throw him from the parapets now and be rid of this scourge! The demand instantly snapped Anzar into focus. He was no tactician, but he was no fool either. He recalls the black knight shouting “The Zugal send their regards” before he committed the heinous act, but then why was a snake on the scroll Burress brought before his father? What’s more, why did he carry a token from Malicia Darkheart, a very dear ally of his father? Why did the guards allow the black knight before his father armed with sword and ax? A thousand possibilities ran through his head. Perhaps this was a Zugal plot, or maybe Raavage held a secret grudge that the Dragon Masters never joined his call to arms. Maybe Tanzar, Anzar’s own brother sent assassins hoping to replace his father as new leader. Perhaps Anfil , now desperate to silence Burress, enchanted the black knight seeking power for himself. The only thing Anzar knew is he must get more answers from the black knight. Anzar: No Anfil. We may need information from the black knight. Clap him in irons and lock him in the tower. Anfil, speechless for a moment, squints sharply, peering hard into Anzar’s eyes. Anzar meets the mage’s glare and in that moment Anfil knows it was not weakness that drew these words. The mage leans back slowly and cranks his head to the right. The Dragon Guard seems to be waiting on Anfil’s commands. Anfil: You heard your master- to the tower with the murderer! Anzar was too tense to be upset that the guards appeared to follow Anfil’s orders. Suddenly an archer calls down from the towers. Archer: The Zugal are in full attack! They have unleashed the raven from the Eyrie. What are your orders m’lord? Anzar leans over the parapets and sees the assault before his eyes. The Zugal warriors have taken full flight and the tides of war have already turned against them. Anzar gives the only order he can. Anzar: Open the gate. Release Handrind. Release the Dragon! A low growl is heard as the portcullis slowly creeps upwards. As the sunlight pours into the opening below the keep, Handrid emerges and lets out a great roar. While the results of this battle hang in the balance, the unity of the Spire does not. This battle can only result in one thing- fracture. **********Detail shots********** **********About this MOC********** The Collab MOC started around mid February when ZC asked Torgar if he would be up to do a collab for SpringCon, a comic book convention in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. The local LUG, TwinLUG, does a display every year and with ZC and Torgar becoming members, the opportunity seemed perfect for a collaboration. At the time, ZC had already built most of Dragon Keep, so he focused on covering the massive landscape while Torgar built the imposing Eyrie. The base is 80 x 288 studs. The project from that point forward took about three months. ********** Other Parts of the Story********** Throne Room at Farnhorn Collab Prelude Part I The Spider's Chambers Collab Prelude Part II The Ruins Collab Display Part I Dragon Keep Collab Display Part II Zugal's Eyrie Collab Display Part III Fracture Collab Display

On the road to meet the Dragon Masters, Sir Burress encounters an ally from his former life. In the ruins at the crossroads between the Zugal’s Eyrie and Dragon Keep, Nocturnus’s General paces the ruins praying his spies were correct, and that his former friend, Sir Burress, lives and is traveling the road alone. He had heard Burress was saved from death, but hopes it is not too late to save him from whatever dark magic the Hand has placed on him. Grimm sees a man dressed in black approaching from the distance and Grimm orders his guards to hide. He steps into the road to confront the black knight. He is startled when he can recognize his old friend in the eyes of the undead knight standing before him. General Grimm: Sir Burress- you’ve certainly seen better days. Sir Burress: Silence wolf. I would cut you down were I not on an important mission. Step aside and let me pass and I shall consider sparing your life. General Grimm: Nocturnus is a dangerous land, you think I would travel alone? General Grimm motions his hand and two Grimm Guards step out from behind the ruined walls. Sir Burress: And how do you propose to kill a man who is already dead? General Grimm: I do not plan to kill you Burress. Grimm and his Guard begin to circle Burress. The dead man draws iron and raises his shield when he hears a familiar voice. Miress Greenclove: Whatever magic the Spire has placed on you, I shall see it undone. Miress looks at Burress with a great pain in her soul. His skin is gray and dead, his silver hair has completely fallen out and his muscle atrophied. How he still stands in such condition is impossible for her to tell. Yet she can still see the “Green Knight” in his eyes. If realizes if she completely breaks Malicia’s spell Burress will die again. Instead she can only enchant Burress for a short period of time. Miress Greenclove: The damage is more extensive than I thought. He can only be healed in the Mystic Isles of Avalonia at the Altar of Hardool. We haven’t the time to bring him to Avalonia. I can place an enchantment on the Green Knight, but it will only last a few days. General Grimm: Will he remember what you have done? Miress Greenclove: He will remember nothing. Tell us Burress, what is your mission? Instead of speaking, Burress strikes at the nearest Grimm Guard and disarms him. Burress pulls the guard to his feet and places a blade at the guard’s neck. Sir Burress: Withdraw or I cut this man’s throat. General Grimm: If that is what it takes. Grimm nods and he and the remaining Grimm Guard rush Burress. Sir Burress slits his hostage’s throat and quickly decapitates the other guard before Greenclove’s hidden Elven guard and General Grimm tackle Burress to the ground. Miress Greenclove: If we you won’t reveal the Spire’s secrets to us, we shall extract them from you through the power of the elves! ******** About the MOC ********** This is the first MOC that is part of the larger collaborative build done by Torgar and me. Though I did most of the building, Torgar was a substantial contributor so I have decided to NOT tag this MOC with my signature. It was tricky to do a Nocturnus landscape build. We wanted it to look baren yet interesting at the same time. There will be more to see with this build when we reveal the entire collaborative display. ********** Other Parts of the Story ********** Throne Room at Farnhorn Collab Prelude Part I The Spider's Chambers Collab Predlude Part II The Ruins Collab Display Part I Dragon Keep Collab Display Part II Zugal's Eyrie Collab Display Part III Fracture Collab Display

In General Zurn’s Private Chambers, Basil enters, Malicia listens from outside the chamber door. General Zurn: The fool wishes to risk our pearl for what? That rock in the swamp? We should not stand for this treatment! Drow and Varlyrian forces account for seven of every ten warriors in Nocturnus, we could crush Raavage and the Hand. Basil can see his ally is seriously contemplating open war with the Hand. The Varlyrian Count realizes he must reel in his Drow ally yet again. Basil wonders why Raavage is so concerned with Abyssian, but much like Zurn he believes Raavage is acting out of fear of an assault on Avalonia. Basil knows their best option is to recruit new allies as both a sword against Avalonia and a shield against Raavage’s perceived cowardess. Basil turns grabs a chalice from the table. Perhaps some Blood wine will calm Zurn’s nerves. Count Basil: Open defiance of Raavage would be no better than an assault on Abyssian. We need his soldiers to take Avalonia. An internal struggle with the Hand could be just as dangerous as an attack on Abyssian. If the other guilds see our unity crumbling, they could prey on us and destroy our chances to take the West. Besides, the Hand has many spies and its ability to corrupt even the most loyal of servants could put us at risk of alienation from our own troops, or even worse, an assassination! General Zurn realizes Basil is correct. The Hand has many spies and tentacles in every guild and corner of Historica. He briefly wonders if Basil himself could be a Hand spy. Zurn grips the handle of a dagger on his belt while Basil turns to pour his own drink. He considers killing his “ally” at that very moment, but realizes Basil would never be so careless as to let such a secret slip. General Zurn releases his grip on the dagger and decides to propose an alternative that could give the Drow and Varlyrians what they want without open war with the Hand. General Zurn: Perhaps we need another way to inspire the coward Raavage to move his eye towards the West. There is a group of warriors who have abstained from the battle. If we could bring them into the fold, we could force Raavage to heed our demands and let us press our advantage against the Avalonians. Basil sees that Zurn has arrived at their common solution. Count Basil: You seek the Dragon Masters. General Zurn: Yes, the Dragon Masters. They were once Avalonians until the Westerners kicked them out of their lands for the capture and torture of dragons. They are no friend to Avalonia and with the promise of a combined Drow and Varlyrian assault on Avalonia, they could easily be convinced to assault their former oppressors. Count Basil senses General Zurn has not thought the entire plan through. Zurn would seek this alliance in open defiance of Raavage. Basil quickly steers Zurn towards hiding the plan from Lord Raavage. Count Basil: The Dragon Masters are sworn enemies of the Hand’s allies, the Zugal tribes. If we recruit them, the Hand and the ravens could revolt. Open war with either could stall our plans for the West- it could allow the Avalonians to gather allies and strengthen their defenses. General Zurn turns a wry smile. He knows Basil doesn’t think he has thought this plan through. General Zurn: If the Zugal find out, we must make them believe their issue will be with Raavage and not us. Perhaps a dispute between the Hand and the Ravens could be advantageous. We could keep Raavage distracted while we prepare the assault on the Avalonians. Basil knows the plan is risky, he does not fear the Zugal, but he does fear Raavage and the Hand. The Count quickly seeks to insulate Varlyrio from the Hand should Ravaage discover their plan. Count Basil: The Zugal and Dragon Masters are but a stone’s throw from each other. We must keep our alliance hidden for as long as necessary. Send your finest, stealthiest Drow warrior to conference with the Dragon Masters. Promise the Dragon Masters a full return of their Avalonian lands once we capture the West. Tell him to carry a Hand markings should the Zugal spot him on the road. General Zurn knows Basil likely has ulterior motive for sending the Drow to conference with the Dragon Masters. But if he sends the Drow to the Dragons, he can control the narrative, promise the Dragons part of the Varlyrian cut if they are not as easy to convince as he hopes. Zurn is briefly offended that Basil thinks he is such a fool, but he quickly realizes it is too his advantage. The General buries his contempt and gives a simple nod. ********** Back in the Farnhorn Throne Room ********** Malicia rushes into Lord Raavage’s throne room. Malicia: You were right to be suspicious M’Lord, the Drow and Varlyrians conspire against you. They seek to use the Dragon Masters to replace the Hand in an assault on Avalonia. In exchange, the Dragons would be allowed to reclaim their former lands in Avalonia. Lord Raavage can’t stop his nose and upper lip from twitching. Lord Raavage: Fools! I shall send my guards to end this rebellion now! Malicia sees she is quickly losing Raavage. She needs Raavage and the Book of Souls he possess to raise an army from the dead. She considers allowing Raavage to declare war with the Drow and Varlyrians, but she believes her best chance to capture Abyssian and the sphere is a combined assault with all three Black Spire factions working together. She knows Raavage prefers those who are direct. Malicia: Do not act so rashly M’lord. The Drow and Varlyrians make up a majority of our forces. An open assault would not be wise. We need the slime until we can take Abyssian and raise a new army from the dead. Lord Raavage digs his nails into the arm of the throne, but he realizes he cannot take Abyssian without the Varlyrians and the Drow. Lord Raavage: And you have a plan, Malicia? Malicia: Yes, M’lord. We should send my pet to meet with the Dragon Masters. They have much in common, they are both disgraced Avalonians who have found a new home in Nocturnus, and the Dragons could be very useful in an assault on Abyssian. If we can convince the Dragon Masters an Assault on Abyssian is the proper course, the Varlyrians and Drow will have to hold their plans to take Avalonia, giving us enough to time to capture Abyssian and the Orion sphere. Lord Raavage: Your plan is dangerous Malicia. The Dragon Masters are sworn enemies of the Zugal and the Drow promise them a return of their former lands. How can we persuade the Dragons to do our bidding while keeping peace with the Zugal? Malicia curls her lips in delight and tilts her head to look the Hand Lord in the eyes. Malicia: We promise the Zugal the Dragons’ lands once Avalonia has been taken. Lord Raavage snorts in frustration. He lifts his hand to motion a guard into the room. Killing the Drow and Varlyrian rebel leaders appeals to him once more. Lord Raavage: If we give the Zugal the Dragons’ lands, the Dragons will never support us. Malicia takes a quick step forward and to cut off the guard. Malicia: Which is why we must promise the Dragons they can not only have their Avalonian lands once Abyssian has been taken, but that they may also have the Zugal’s land once Nocturnus is ours. Once we have our army of resurrected warriors, it won’t matter who stands against us. Lord Raavage understands now. Promise the Zugal’s land to the Dragons for the assistance, and promise the Dragon’s land to the Zugal for their acceptance. Lord Raavage sees the danger, but knows if the Drow and Varlyrians turn the Dragons on Avalonia first, his ability to take Abyssian could be lost forever. Lord Raavage: Sacrifice our friends for Abyssian? You are most correct Malicia, our alliance with the Zugal should not stand in our way to capture Abyssian. Send your mutt, Sir Burress to convince the Dragons. Outbid the traitors by telling the Dragons we will cede the Zugal’s land AND we will help them retake their lands in Avalonia and I will send a Hand agent to tell the Zugal they shall have the Dragons’ lands once Abyssian is ours. The Zugal are loyal to me, I only fear your mutt will not be able to convince the Dragons to assault Abyssian. Malicia: Fear not M’Lord. I send Burress with a Dragon Master shield. It was given to me by one of their leaders, Zar Strongfist. Zar will know the message comes from me and that he can trust Burress. Lord Raavage leans forward in his throne. Lord Raavage: Trust Burress? Malicia, it is you the Dragons cannot trust! ********** About this MOC ********** Another day, another Mosiac floor. I built this MOC in the last two days to continue the story. I am using the Drow inspired black and red for the floor on this one and though Zurn also pimps a skull shield as his personal herald, the spider is more Drow-esque. The collab MOC parts are coming Starting Monday! ********** Other Parts of the Story ********** Throne Room at Farnhorn Collab Prelude Part I The Spider's Chambers Collab Predlude Part II The Ruins Collab Display Part I Dragon Keep Collab Display Part II Zugal's Eyrie Collab Display Part III Fracture Collab Display

Basil, Zurn and Malicia enter the Hand Throne Room at Farnhorn Fortress, a new hand outpost near Abyssian. Basil and Zurn are elated. Finally, they will be able to leverage their combined forces to invade the West. The Varlyrians have always had eyes for the Western plains, a climate and landscape more hospitable to the islanders, while the Drow’s hatred for the Avalonians and their Elven allies can only be slaked by blood. Count Basil: M’lord, we have raised the defenses throughout the land and have bested the Nocturnians in battle. General Zurn: We have pushed the Snake into his hole at Abyssian. We now control all of Nocturnus except the Snake’s lair. Lord Raavage snarls and angrily shifts his weight in the throne. He quickly realizes he must do his best to keep emotion in check. He needs the Drow and Varlyrians to take Abyssian and complete his plan to capture the Orion Sphere and raise an army from the dead. If he reveals too much, perhaps his allies will know he plans to slay them all. Even with this caution in his head, he can’t control his disappointment. Lord Raavage: And you think this is victory? I said I wanted ALL of Nocturnus. Count Basil looks uncomfortable. He knows an assault on Abyssian will be a hard battle and will cost many lives. He never wanted the Darklands anyway; his eye was always on the West. His elation turns to nervous fear as he shuffles his feet backwards away from Raavage. The Count hopes reason will be a satisfactory tool. He looks at his Drow ally realizing Zurn is also surprised by Raavage’s reaction. Count Basil: M’Lord, the Nocturnians rallied many allies to their cause and have managed to hold Abyssian. I fear a direct assault could leave us vulnerable to attack from the other guilds. Feeling emboldened by his ally, the Drow General speaks. General Zurn: We could choke the life out of the snake by placing a rock in front of his hole, but we see that Avalonia is weak and ready for the taking! Lord Raavage knows his plan to raise an undead army can only be accomplished by taking Abyssian. He tries to even his tone, but hints of his anger seep through. Lord Raavage: I care not for your excuses and “concerns”, you were given the task of taking all of Nocturnus, and we are not done until the black and white banner flies above Abyssian. General Zurn can no longer hide his frustration. He peers over at, Malicia, but she only smirks when Lord Raavage makes his pronouncement. He wonders why Raavage fears Abyssian. He begins to believe Raavage is fearful of an assault on Avalonia. The General begins to wonder if Raavage has any plans to attack Avalonia at all and speaks in a defiant, angered tone. General Zurn: M’Lord, you promised the Drow Avalonia. Raavage is annoyed with the charged, but this time he hides his emotions well. Lord Raavage: And you fear I will not keep my promises? What about your own promises? You agreed to take Nocturnus, and it is not complete until we have taken the Snake’s lair. I will hear no more of these insults. Prepare to press the assault on Abyssian! General Zurn and Count Basil glance at each briefly before each takes a bow and leaves the throne room. Lord Raavage is right, they did promise him Nocturnus, and it is clear the Lord of the Hand has his eyes set on Abyssian. The pair will have to find another way to move Raavage’s eyes to the West. ********** About the MOC ********** This MOC is intended to be a mini version of the Hand Throne Room from Challenge VI. It will be used to display Rellik Nam and Revolword in my LEGO room. It also happened to work well for the story that will unfold and lead up to the collab display that was done with Torgar. ********** Other Parts of the Story ********** Throne Room at Farnhorn Collab Prelude Part I The Spider's Chambers Collab Predlude Part II The Ruins Collab Display Part I Dragon Keep Collab Display Part II Zugal's Eyrie Collab Display Part III Fracture Collab Display

*Outside Marecroft Manor* *From a rocky ledge, Legonardo Davidy calls down to his old friend, Trian Burress who has been summed to Marcroft for a secret meeting.* Legonardo: General Burress, I am pleased the Green Riders were able to reach you. I heard the road to Asca Duin was overrun with Hand soldiers. Trian Burress: The road is certainly not safe, but the Green Riders are the best messengers in the land. I was surprised to be summoned here, to Marecroft Manor. I thought only Albion was safe for the elemental terror. *Burress climbs the steps to greet his friend* Legonardo: Yes, old friend, only Albion has withstood the Elemental attack, but spies from the Hand of Corruption have penetrated even the Pearl City’s cloak. Despair has set in everywhere. I have heard rumors of civil war in Kalphlin, Drow activity in Nocturnus and a Hand presence in the mountains of Mitgardia. Everyone is on edge. Trian Burress: I have heard whispers. There have been rumors of a plot from within Mitgardia to claim the throne of Historica as their own if the Usurper is defeated. Legonardo: Yes General Burress, the overthrow of the Usurper could leave a void in power that may plunge our lands into chaos, but the rule of Revolword, his elemental monsters and the Hand of Corruption must be undone. Though I do not know what lies on the other side of the Usurpur’s defeat, only a united Historica can hope to defeat the Usurper. Trian Burress: You’ve grown quite wise since last we spoke my friend. Tell me now, why have I been summoned here? Legonardo: I’ll let Lord Rex tell you himself, the others are already inside. *Inside Marecroft’s meeting room* Artorious Rex: I see Lord Flagg, Lord Sslither and Jarl Nibelung have brought their own protection- do we really trust each other so little? Dextrus Flagg: And Legonardo and General Burress are here for our own comfort? Dear friend, I find your hypocrisy amusing. Jarl Nibelung: Enough! Both of you are letting Revolword get the better. If we cannot trust each other or our finest generals, then who can we trust? Elemental monsters continue to ravage the country side and the Hand of Corruption turns even our most loyal servants upon their own guilds. Lord Sslither: What news issss thissss that comesss from the North? My spiessss sssssay the North hasn’t been hit as hard as the Easssst. I have heard your forcessss are twi-hissss those of Nocturnusss. Jarl Nibelung: Be careful Snake. I have been told the Drow run freely over your lands and the Hand of Corruption has already pierced your inner circle. Taking Nocturnus wouldn’t even be a challenge for Mitgardia! Lord Sslither: So you admit you still possesssss strength Bear? Confessss! Elon Chorian: If we do have strength, you should pray we use it as a shield and not a sword. We will need it all to take the Usurpur. *Room erupts into shouting and accusations* Dextrus Flagg: Enough! If we are done beating our chests, and lying about our strength, let us admit that none of us have the men to conquer Revolword alone! Erudhalion Sansael: Our spies would not disagree m’Lord. Mitgardia’s strength is as depleted as our own. Only Abyssian, Patrea, Albion and Valholl remain standing. We lose hundreds of soldiers defending those walls every day, and the forces in exile are not nearly strong enough to defeat the elemental monsters, even with the strength of the elemental mages. Dextrus Flagg: Yes, we can not hold out hope for a miracle savior, it falls upon us to unite and destroy the Usurper. Artorious Rex: But how can we hope to strike out from a place of strength? The noose tightens every minute, and we are spending our time here instead of defending our people. A full assault on the Usurpur’s castle would be nearly impossible! Lord Sslither Not but two daysss ago I fell into dissspair. I thought, “We have held this uneassssy peace long enough. Perhaps defending Abyssssian is all that is left for Nocturnussss. What can we hope to do againsssst such a powerful enemy?” But- then General Grimm came to me and reported Nocturnian spiesss have located an entrancesss to the High King’s palacessss. The Usssssurper cariesss the Elemental Helm with him at all timessss, but if we could destroy the Helm, perhapsss we could turn the tidesss and not all would be lossst. General Grimm: If we can distract the Usurper long enough, perhaps a small raiding party could slip in and destroy the Helm and end the elemental threat. *It occurs that the plan could work, and each guild leader quickly realizes the advantage to capturing the throne room. Before anyone else can speak, Artorius speaks up* Artorious Rex: And I suppose Nocturnus volunteers to enter the city and storm the High King’s throne room while the rest of us die at the hands of Revolword’s elemental monsters! Lord Sslither: We are, shall we say, well equipped to sssslide through the shadowsss and destroy the Helm. Artorious Rex: And I suppose we can trust a viper like you to vacate the throne as soon as you have sunk your fangs into Revolword? General Grimm: Silence pup, you are no worthy of addressing Lord Ssilyrrlith with such disrespect. Artorious Rex: Pup? You insult Avalonia’s Lord? Do you consider yourself more than you’re Snake Lord’s mongrel pet wolf boy? Avalonia will not act as Nocturnus’s shield in this fight! Elon Chorian: And so we are to believe Artorious would not place the crown on his head if he entered the thrown room as conquering victor? We could expect such restraint from the Dragon? From the one who already calls himself “Rex”? The one who already thinks he is the divine King? The mountain men refuse to allow the Avalonians anywhere near the crown. Rex and his mutt Sir Buress have long worn on my nerves. I would die before allowing the Dragon anywhere near the throne. Mitgardia should have this honor. Erudhalion Sansael: And why should Kalphlin be so easily dismissed? Do we not have the greatest watchtowers and longest spears? Are we not the Lions of Historica? Kalphlin would rather see the Snake on the throne than the Bear! Dextrus Flagg: SILENCE ALL OF YOU! It is clear our tender peace is reaching its end. *A stranger strolls through the entrance with a companion* Rego Amancio: Perhaps if you don’t trust each other, you would consider putting your faith in a perfect stranger! Artorious Rex: Who are you? Dextrus Flagg: This is Rego Amencio, leader of Varlyrio, the fifth guild of Historica. Lord Sslither: *turns to Artorious* You would bring thisss stranger in to our circle and trusssst him to be true to hissss word? Artorious Rex: I would trust a stranger as much as I would trust the Lion, Snake or Bear! But I did not call for his counsel. If he knew about this meeting- then perhaps we have a traitor in out midst! Rego Amancio: Varlyrio has just as many spies as the guilds of Historica. Our island has yet to feel the wrath of the elemental terror, but we know the Usurper’s lust will never be fully fed. It is only time that separates our fate from all of Historica’s! Dextrus Flagg: Varlyrio has long been allied with the Dragon and the Bear, which one of you toads brought this slime to our secret meeting place? Lord Sslither: We should cut them down now before they have the chancesss to do the same to ussss! Rego Amancio: I should cut out your serpent tongue Snake! Trian Burress: Enough! We can not fight each other and survive the elemental storm, and it is equally clear we do not trust each other to enter the throne room alone. The only solution is to form a party made from all five guilds to storm the keep and destroy the Helm. Erudhalion Sansael: And I suppose you volunteer yourself dog? Trian Buress: I will do as my Lord commands. Artorious Rex: And so I command. I will send Sir Burress to do this task. Who will represent the other guilds in this quest? Dextrus Flagg: I send Erudhalion Sansael. Lord Sslither: I sssend General Grimm. Jarl Nibelung: I send Lord Elron Chorian. Rego Amancio: I send Duke Vennicio. Artorious Rex: Then it is decided, these five men will take the passage to Revolword’s throne room to destroy the Helm while the rest of us rally all our troops to storm the walls against the elemental monsters and the Hand of Corruption! In three days time, the assault shall begin. *Outside Marecraft Manor* Artorious Rex: Though I fear the other guilds intentions are less than honorable, the elemental threat must end. I have sent the Green Riders to assemble all of Avalonia’s greatest heroes, for the assault. Legonardo here with me at Marecraft Manor- Lord Arlindus at the Forest Watchtower of Circardia- de Gothia watching the forges near the Kalphlin border And, Zakon Goldblade… I am sure you could guess where he can be found! (my sincere apologies to rogueang who's "hero habitat" was not completed in time). Trian Burress: Yes m’Lord, we must rally everyone to ensure Victor does not suspect the assault on the throne room. *Three days later, the assault of Cedrica begins. Though Mitgardia, Avalonia, Nocturnus and Kalphlin appear in full force, the Valyrians are missing. The Hand is backed in full force by Elemental Monsters, including a fierce fire Elemental and stinging wind Elemental. *As the Hand and Victor’s Elemental monsters defend the walls, the Guild’s raiding party reaches Victor’s throne room* Elon Chorian: It’s a miracle your Snake Lord even keeps you around mongrel. I didn’t see you slay a single enemy on our way to the throne. I thought the Nocturnians were great warriors! Maybe we should have allied with the Drow against your weak lands when we had the chance. It’s bad enough that the Dragon’s old dog is slowing us down, but to have dead weight like you is intolerable. General Grimm: Bite your tongue ice grandpa, we’re here to destroy the Helm, not recount our kills. Elon Chorian: Spoken like the sniveling weevil you are! Erudhalion Sansael: Quiet, both of you. We are nearing the throne room. General Grimm: I’ve caught a scent. It is Rellik and his elite guards. They are close at hand. Elon Chorian: Finally, a use for the Snake’s pet! The nose always knows! Trian Burress: No doubt it will take all of us to dispose of Rellik and his guards and battle Revolword. No rogues here, we must work together to finish this fight. Duke Vennicio: Varlyrio will not share this glory with you lowly peasant, to victory! *Vennicio charges the Hand guards* Elon Chorian: There goes our opportunity to surprise them. Trian Burress: Quickly before Duke Vennicio gets his head returned to Varlyrio in a box! *The heroes charge Rellik and his troops* *Battle ensues. Rellik is captured* Rellik Nam: And so the guilds have finally realized only their allied strength have any chance to take down Lord Revolword. I doubt it will do you much good. The Hand of Corruption lurks deeper than you can imagine. We have loyal members within your own ranks at every level and in every city! I have looked in your eyes, and I can see the lust for power has already corrupted a soul in your very group! This alliance doesn’t stand a chance, one will betray you all. Duke Vennicio: Silence slime! We can not listen to this beast or he will corrupt us. We must cut out his foul tongue before he poisons us against each other! *Grimm cleaves Rellik’s head from his body* Elon Chorian: So quick to finish the job Grimm? Perhaps you are the soul in need of cleansing? General Grimm: Nonsense, Duke Vennicio was right, we could not allow Rellik to speak our names and corrupt us. It had to be done. Erudhalion Sansael: And the wolf has finally registered a kill. On a defenseless man no less. Elon is right, you were too quick to silence the corruptor! Trian Burress: Perhaps we should take the Usurper before we blame Grimm for the collapse of Historica! Elon Chorian: And now the Dragon’s pet asks us to ignore Rellik’s warning? Perhaps you too have your eye on the Throne Sir Burress. Duke Vennicio: Again we argue when action is needed- for the glory! To the Usurper! *Vennicio charges through the doors to the throne* Victor Revolword: And so the Guilds of Historica have come to meet their doom! Guards, dispatch these slime! *The heros pounce into action and destroy the slimey Hand soldiers* Victor Revolword: Oh- the conquering heroes unite- *Duke Vennicio stabs Revolword and Valyrian guards enter the throne room* Duke Vennicio: My first act of benevolence as your new king shall be to spare you all from the ramblings of a crazy old man! Elon Chorian: King? I don’t see a crown on your head! King Venniccio: Who needs a crown when I have the Elemental Helm! And now the Bear, Snake, Lion and Dragon will bow before the new king! King of the seas, and now king of your lands. With the Helm- Varlyrio shall pilot our vessels to take what should be ours! In fact, our storm troopers should be arriving at Historica’s doorstep now! Too long have we toiled on our island alone, too long have we been forgotten and ignored. We strike first at Nocturnus! I command all elementals to cover our withdrawal from Cerdica as we forge onto Nocturnus where today we shall claim the darklands as our own, and tomorrow, all of Historica! General Grimm: Nocturnus will resist! King Vennicio: I welcome your attempts, but we shall swat you down like flies on the rear of an megablocks! Guards, dispatch of these swine while I move our new army into position! *The Valyrian guards back the heroes into a corner* Trian Burress: Vennicio, you slimy sea serpent! Hand over the Helm and justice shall be swift! King Vennicio: It appears I have the upper hand dog. Kill them all! *The four guild leaders back up the four heroes* Artorious Rex: It seems the odds have been evened Eel. Prepare to feel the might of a united Historica! *Fighting ensues and Vennicio is captured.* King Vennicio: Even if you defeat me here, the Hand of Corruption rips your guilds from within. This peace won’t last a week! Jealousy, greed, resentment… Your guilds will be plunged into chaos! My troops have already reached Nocturnus. You know the garrisons there will fall! There is no victory for the guilds today! *Vennicio reaches for a dagger and Dextrus Flagg cuts him down while Burress retrieves the Helm and shatters it with the Golden Axe* General Grimm: No! Nocturnus needed that Helm to repel the Varlyrian invaders! You’ve doomed Nocturnus, if not from the sea people, than from the Drow. Curses Avalonian swine! Elon Chorian: Sir Burress has only done what we sought to do. Destroy the Helm and end the elemental threat. Lord Sslither: Yesss Elon, Burresss has completed the quest, but at what cossst? I assssume Avalonia will send its revered Flight of Dragonssss to repel the Valyrian invadersss! Artorious Rex: Avalonia has its own rebuilding to do Snake. I would not send a single soul to your lands until ours are secure. Trian Burress: M’lord, Nocturnus will need our assistance. We can not allow Varlyrio, the Hand of Corruption or the Drow conquer their lands. We must send them aid. Artorious Rex: My command is to withdraw to the Pearl City. Any bannermen that follows you on this quest are on their own. Trian Burress: I would rather be an outcast than a coward. Mesodraconem will help the Nocturnians! Artorious Rex: If you ever return to Avalonia, be sure to knock first as it is no longer your home. Jarl Nibelung: Enough, the Hand of Corruption retreats. The city is ours! Let us not bicker but rejoice in this great victory! Dextrus Flagg: Rejoice? There is too much to be done to rejoice. We must find the King and purge the Hand of Corruption from our lands! Jarl Nibelung: And if the King can not be found? What then? Who will protect the crown until the King can be found? Artorious Rex: The question seems easy enough! Whoever holds the most Gold Deracis should hold the crown until the King returns. Let us have a final accounting of the riches we have assembled, and the leading guild shall hold control of the crown until the King can be found! *The End… or is it?* Historica- Chapter 2- Civil War! Avalonians- you have a choice! Do you assist General Burress in Nocturnus and risk exile? Or do you rebuild your homes in Avalonia under the rule of the Artorious’ newly named protector? Artorious has ventured into the Dark Isles to seek out a new power to help lead Avalonia into its Golden Age. Choose your side, Avalonia, or as Artorious calls Sir Burress and those who seek to help the Nocturnians, “Evilonia”. Noctunians- you also have a choice. Your lands and homes are in shambles. Do you seek refuge in another guild? Do you accept the rule of the Varlyrians? Or do you stay and fight along side your Avalonian allies? The Drow, Valyrians and Hand of Corruption have already formed an alliance calling themselves the “Black Spire”. The alliance welcomes any who will renounce Sslither and Historica. Choose your side, Black Spire or Nocturnus! Mitgardians- It was rumored your guild was spared from most of the Elemental assault, but shortly after Revolword’s defeat, an earthquake rattled the mountains, causing avalanches and rock slides to swallow entire settlements. What’s worse, it has become known that the Hand of Corruption is amassing an army behind the rockslides deep inside the Mitgardian mountains. The Jarl has served you well as leader, but perhaps the chaos gives you an opportunity to seek new power. Will you join the Jarl as he seeks out the Hand in the mountains, or put in a bid to replace him? Choose your side, Mitgardia or your own splinter band, seeking to replace the Jarl. Kalphlings- Dextrus Flagg has said even if the final accounting reveals Kalphlin to hold the most gold, he will lay no claim to the throne. Some believe he is no longer fit to rule. What’s more, a new power has sprung up in the desert, taking corporal form. While still weak from his awaking, the new King of the Desert (who many believe is a reincarnation of the High King) calls all Kalphlings feed up with Flagg’s leadership to drink the blood of the Desert Kings and claim their rightful place as Lords of Badlands. Will you remain loyal to Kalphlin’s government, or will you find new religion in the desert? Choose your side, Kalphlin, or the Desert Kings! Valyrians- What happened? The forces that invaded Nocturnus do not include Rego Amancio. There are whispers Rego was betrayed by Vennicio and did not know of his plot to invade Nocturnus. The rest of Historica has heard nothing from the spies it sent to Valyrio. What is going on at the island? Is it embroiled in its own civil war? Or does the engine of war create new Valyrian storm troopers every day? Tell the story or what is happening in Valyrio, or join the Black Spire in the fight against Nocturnus.

Asca Duin Imlad Before Lord Rex and the Flight of Dragons saved Avalonia from its “Wild Period”, the House of Baine tortured and tormented the inhabitants of Avalonia’s Eastern Plains and Enchanted Forest. The Greenclove Elven tribe was unmercifully tormented by the marauders of the House of Baine. Under order of their head priestess, the Elves evacuated many of their homes, temples and fortresses to seek refuge in taller trees and behind stronger walls. After the defeat of Baine at the battle for Eli’s Rock, when the fires subdued and peace returned, not every outpost, temple and city was reclaimed. For some Elves, the scars left by Baine simply cut too deep. One abandoned temple land was Asca Duin Imlad. Perched atop a rocky ravine with majestic waterfalls and lush forested lands all around, Asca Duin Imlad was said to be the most beautiful Elven temple in all of Historica. With the abandonment of the Elves came a new opportunity for Avalonia’s northern neighbors. Dwarven miners from Mitgardia descended upon the ravine and quickly began chipping into the stone in search of precious jewels and treasures. The Dwarves knew the newly founded Avalonian guild would push westward to claim the land as their own. When the Flight of Dragons finally reached Asca Duin Imlad, the cliff had been hollowed and many treasures had been poached. Today, Asca Duin Imlad is a fascinating mix of Dwarven, Elven, and Avalonian architecture. Its white Elven temple, statues and bridges mix with the brown wood and cold stone additions of the Dwarven miners and the makeshift camp of Avalonian refugees. Once again Asca Duin Imlad is filled with the chatter of friendly voices as Mesodraconem empties into this mystic place for shelter from the Elemental storm. Trian Burress calls upon Mesodraconem’s greatest mage, Latne Mele, to strengthen the mystical powers emitted from the shrine at Asca Duin Imlad and keep the Elementals at bay while plans to defeat the Usurper can be made. Top Side Details: After hitting their marks on the scarecrows, Hand of Corruption soldiers are led in front of Avalonian archers for some live target practice. A sword sits lodged in a stone, waiting for the new High King of the Elves to rightfully claim it and his throne. Trian Buress meets with Huntsman Raman and Pack Master Lucian, allies from previous adventures, to discuss battle plans. Three young students listen intently to the teachings of Latne. The leader of the Greenriders, escorted by Rossen Manor Elite Guards, is tasked with delivering an important message to Lord Rex. Refugees arrive from Avalonia with all the belongings strapped to their backs. Avid fishermen and novices alike catch fish to feed the masses. A brave Avalonian stands watch outside the Entrance to the dwarven caves. Cave Details: Avalonia’s Mesodraconem engineers and blacksmiths work the Dwarven forges. A hairy-footed Avalonian finds a precious treasure in the caves. Children under the watchful eye of their mother practice a warrior's craft A Daikini mage with a magic acorn chases down a pig after it escaped during the “disappearing pig trick”. A young Avalonian family finds a spot to call home. Two Avalonian lovers enter the cave through the falls. Another Avalonian hero recants a former war story to Avalonians in “hand-me-down” armor. The cave gives a place for Avalonians to store their food and poultry Some design notes: The size restriction was 52 x 52 which = 2,704 studs. I knew I couldn’t achieve the look I wanted with a square base, so I made the base area 66 x 40 = 2,640 studs I chose to go with a less “classic” vertical banding for the cliff side because when I thought about how a cliff would be formed through water erosion and the like, it occurred to me it would have vertical banding more so than the horizontal type formations we usually see in LEGO brick. I also went with wooden supports inside the mine/cave as opposed to the lighter colored bley since I surmised the Dwarven miners were trying to get as much from the caves as possible before Avalonians or the Greenclove Elves returned. I also made the door into the mine smaller than a typical minifig door as dwarves are much smaller. I also knew this thing was going to be difficult to move, so I made the base come apart in 5 sections. That way I could move the structure and also get some detailed photos of the interior. The seams for the separate sections can be found without a lot of difficulty from the backside, but I accepted that tradeoff for the mobility. There are several light bricks in the build to allow for some light to be shed in the dark recesses of the caves. There is also a red light brick in the forge and a yellow light brick in the top of the Elven temple to shine light down on the sword in the stone err… the elf king sword… I had problems with the photos. I got a few taken on Saturday with some natural light, then it started raining. I took the remainder in my garage today with as much lighting as I could muster, but it just isn't the same! Oh well. Maybe another day I will get another chance to take more of the pictures outside.