NOMEA

[gedren_y]

Nestlands Office of the Minister of External Affairs:

History of the Office:

For twenty years, the young clans-persons of the Nestlands have petitioned the High Ministry to make widespread contact with the other peoples of Historica. Traditionally the High Ministry, made up of the five representatives of the mountains and the representative of Cobalt Vale, would only take a token vote on these petitions. Over time, the increasing threats of the Rakath Mountains slowly changed the opinions of the more conservative of the High MInistry.

Then the drow, lead by Yvonell, incited a civil war. Additionally, Valsharess went deep into the depths under the Rakath Mountains to make contact with the demon Lloth. Word of these events began a rising worry throughout the Nestlands of being conquered by the drow, or worse things. The High Ministry had to act for the safety of all the clans.

As quickly as possible, meetings were held, a new office was created, and people were chosen. Aturl Prndrn, as the new Minister of External Affairs, acquired an old estate on the northeast end of Cobalt Vale, near the East Gate. A flurry of activity began to turn the run-down building and courtyard into a presentable Nestlands Office of the Minister of External Affairs.

With this finished, a formal Declaration of Alleigance to the Kaliphlin Court was drafted by the High Ministry, and an envoy was sent to Petraea. Word of the Nestlands Clans of the Armored Eagle Goddess spread quickly in the lands of the Kaliphlin, and the neighboring sent trade emissaries.

History of the building:

It was less than a decade after the founding of Cobalt Vale, the Order of the Egg built a monastery near the base of Guin Nol, and began training for a quest to find the Egg of the Armored Eagle Goddess. The Order of the Egg during the first 300 years of their existance made seven great quests, all ending in failure. From generation to generation the Order of the Egg diminished, and the monastery was eventually abandoned.

When the Blue Walkers Trading Company was established, they bought the old monastery and rebuilt it with new architecture. The BWTC were the first 'secret traders' to go outside the Nestlands disguised as Mountain Mummies. The estate would be the head office of the BWTC for nearly a century before a new office was built on the west end of Cobalt Vale.

For a time after the BWTC moved, the Cobalt Vale City Guard East Gate Watch was billeted on the site. That would not last though, for a more suitable garrison was eventually built south of the Cobalt Vale East Gate. It lay abandoned again until it was appropriated and refurbished by the new Minister of External Affairs.

Current Events:

In the Historica timeline these events are between The Alleenridders riding out (http://www.eurobrick...l=+mpya +stedor) and Evacuation in Mpya Stedor (http://www.eurobrick...showtopic=78111).

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In Mpya Stedor, Squire Rikhard 'Redbird' Greisun was chosen as Trade Emissary to the Nestlands Clans. He was afforded three palace guardsmen, two market guardsmen and one archer from the city wall guardsmen. The reason for the force is that along on this journey would be an important Mitgardian tradesman, Andrius Hierre, and his daughter Ivonova.

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In Berigora, a trade emissary (unnamed right now) was appointed for an official visit to Cobalt Vale along with three court herbologists. Issues arrised in Peregrinus that delayed the envoy, but after the near distruction of the Causeway, the trip could not be delayed any longer.

Due to the potential dangers on the mainland, a contingient of Causeway guards (number unknown right now) and a centaur Berigora soldier (unnamed right now).

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Today in Cobalt Vale.

Guarding the Door by gedren_y, on Flickr

(Sdair Zuuree and the Captain of the Guin Nol High Guard)

"The city's been really bustlin' lately," I told the old soldier, "Lookit, even dem outlanders are enjoyn' the day."

"Hrmff," he replied gruffly, "Gonna be war soon. An' you an' me are gonna be in on da fight."

Two outlander warriors in scorpion livery came rushing by.

Showing off by gedren_y, on Flickr

(Mpya Stedor Market Guards)

"Look at this!" the first outlander yelled, waving his shield, "We got our shields decked out and new swords."

"Don't -huh-huh- forget the new -huh- waist armor and sashes," the second outlander gasped, out of breath from his run, "And the food in this town is weird. Good, but weird. Don't ask for chicken or duck, though. You don't want to be pelted with rotten fruit."

"Savages," grunted the old soldier.

Archer Admiring the gear by gedren_y, on Flickr

(Mpya Stedor City Wall Guard)

The outlander in red with the short bow snickered, but seemed to admire the new equipment.

Another Drink by gedren_y, on Flickr

(Mpya Stedor Palace Guards)

The two middle-aged outlanders in crown armor were too involved in their drink to be bothers.

"Idiots," growled the older outlander in crown armor, "Didn't you read the briefing about thier laws and customs? Now get to your posts, you'll be needed to escort Lady Hierre soon."

"Dat man knows whats importnt," my old companion muttered, "Now that fool on yer right, past my lads. He could learn a thing or two."

Upset Stomach by gedren_y, on Flickr

(Peregrinus Causeway Garrison Commander)

"Huurrhk," the man in the blue raptor livery vomited, not for the first time today.

"Yer lads aren't much better," I mumbled back, "They should be at attentshun, not snickering to each other 'bout an outlander who ate the wrong thing."

High Guard Laughing by gedren_y, on Flickr

(Young High Guard pikemen)

"Eisth da hieg ta. Nan ert iishur fo twit-twit!" the center lad bellowed in the old tongue. The other two laughed at the rude joke.

"Eh! A-TEN-SHUN!" roared the old Captain, "Watch for danger, not your own words. Idjits!"

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In the main foyer . . .

Conversation 1 by gedren_y, on Flickr

(Lady Ivonova Hierre and Squire Rikhard 'Redbird' Griesun)

The trade negotiations for Mpya Stedor have been finalized, but the Berigora emissary and the Mitgardian, Lord Hierre, were still deciding shipping deals. Without anything to do, Rikhard decided to wait in the foyer with Lady Hierre. He tried to spend his time examining an abstract representation of a dragon, but the Mitgardian lady woudn't shut up.

Conversation 2 by gedren_y, on Flickr

(an excited Mitgardian lady)

"Aren't these just the best?" Lady Hierre gushed, "My da got me this new helm and shield, and I got to order a new battle staff to be painted. It should be ready in a few days. And the food! Much better than what we usually eat on trade trips. Berry glazed lamb, mmmhm."

Conversation 3 by gedren_y, on Flickr

(a very bored Mpya Stedor squire)

"How interesting," Rikhard muttered, "Why don't you have the Market Guards escort you somewhere to find something tasty."

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Later, in the afternoon . . .

Me and the Minister for his favorite local drinkin' spot. He was gonna have some shwipper spirits, while I drink my favorite sour-schiet tea. As we were leavin', my brothers Wahl and Lohp were running to catch up with us. Wahl, as usual the more excitable of the twins, was in the lead.

Late Arrivals 1 by gedren_y, on Flickr

(Avalonians arrive in Cobalt Vale)

"Ho there, pinkskins!" came a yell from the east, "Which one of you is the Minister of External Affairs. We have big news."

Late Arrivals 2 by gedren_y, on Flickr

(Lohp with his fisher-hawk pike and Wahl with his longbow)

Me and my brothers were quick to react. Wahl and Lohp readied their weapons, prepared to teach this outlander some manners.

Late Arrivals 3 by gedren_y, on Flickr

(Sdair Zuuree and Aturl Prndrn, Minister of External Affairs)

"Minister," I said calmly, but with my sword and shield ready, "I believe you have some important visitors."

"Thank you, Sdair," the Minister said with cool detatchment, "Wahl, Lohp, you may stand down now."

The Avalonians dismounted, but didn't stow their weapons.

The Minister stepped back up to the door without a moment of concern saying, "Please, come in. Rest and tell us what has been happening in the green lands."

The Avalonians followed Aturl inside. Since the Minister included us, me and my brothers followed the Avalonians, with weapons low but ready.

"Big, bad news," the heavily armored knight said, "The wizard Victor Revolword has taken Cedrica."

"What!?!" Aturl yelled in shock, stopping all of us in the foyer, "We'd heard about the havoc his elementals are causing, but didn't think he could control them enough to actually occupy a city. Much less the grand Capitol."

"He has an army now," the man in chainmail said, "They call themselves the Hand of Corruption. Ugly, orc-like and the color of dead blood."

"We have to report this to the High Ministry," Aturl replied, quickly turning to go back out, "Would you two come with me?"

"Wait, there's more," the chainmail Avalonian said, "Tell them, sir."

"Alright," the knight huffed with impatience, then continued, "As we came up into the mountains, we watched another large army of dark things come out of a cavern. Some I think were drow, but most look to be some kind of un-dead. We watched for nearly a day, and they looked to be following the trade route from Qarkyr to Mpya Stedor."

"Ah . . . Sfodda ko agba!" the Minister swore. Then after breathing a moment, ordered, "Wahl, find the Mpya Stedor emissary, and have him bring a few of his men to the High Ministry building. Make sure he leaves someone with the Mitgardians. Lohp, get to Neord Bloodmane. We'll need the fleshmage's expertise. Sdair, soldier, Sir, come with me. This really is big news!"

As we all rushed off, I couldn't help noticin' the Minister seemed to have a spring in his step.

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Now for a better look at the build, minus the figs.

Front Detail C 1 by gedren_y, on Flickr

Front Detail C 2 by gedren_y, on Flickr

Kaliphlin Standard by gedren_y, on Flickr

Cobalt Vale Standard by gedren_y, on Flickr

Front Detail L 1 by gedren_y, on Flickr

Ground Detail L by gedren_y, on Flickr

Front Detail R 1 by gedren_y, on Flickr

Ground Detail R by gedren_y, on Flickr

Back Detail L 1 by gedren_y, on Flickr

Back Detail L 2 by gedren_y, on Flickr

Back Detail L 3 by gedren_y, on Flickr

Back Detail R 1 by gedren_y, on Flickr

Back Detail R 2 by gedren_y, on Flickr

Back Detail R 3 by gedren_y, on Flickr

Back Detail C 1 by gedren_y, on Flickr

Back Detail C 2 by gedren_y, on Flickr

Back Detail C 3 by gedren_y, on Flickr

Back Detail C 4 by gedren_y, on Flickr

(I'm sorry I didn't get a good overall shot, but the camera I was working with has it's limitations.)

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Here are some closer looks at some of the figs. (http://www.flickr.co...57632537151387/) There are seventeen close pics of figs, keep clicking next to see them all. Some aren't so good.

Note, I forgot to get the Minister, and omitted the Berigora Causeway Garrison Commander. I don't actually have the correct torso and shield for him yet.

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And here is, as promised, the standard planting scene from my innitial entrance post (http://www.eurobrick...50#entry1293954). Not a good pic, but I got it.

Planting the Standard by gedren_y, on Flickr

gedren_y

[Maxim I]

Finally we see the NOMEA!!!

First of all: congratz!! You managed to put some very great details in it! And thanks to all the different colours, it really gives it an atmosphere of an exotic place!!!

Also I love how you made some custom figures! (like the squire and the lady)!

Only remark is the quality of the pictures, but I understand this is not always very easy (look at some of my scenes in the past).

A long but very interesting story! As English is not the language I speak every day, I have to admit that I had some difficulties with the dialect, but I think I understood what everyone said

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The city of Mpya Stedor is very happy to have this really good relationship with the Cobalt Vale and we hope that this will continue in the future!

It was also a pleasure for us to protect the Mitgardian Lady on her trip!

[gedren_y]

NOMEA will stay together for a few more days, so I'll try to get some better pics tomorrow.

I'm glad you like the squire, as he should be returning to Mpya Stedor soon. With help. I made him pretty easy to replicate, if you want to use him. The only real custom on him is a Brickforge torso decal, and you can just have him change clothes if you can't get the decal. The hardest part of him is the head/hat band, as it takes a little control to position (I'll get a pic of it). Second to that is his cape, which is actually the CMF Bride's veil. It is positioned going up, then folded back down and held with the epaulette piece.

As for the dialect, it is the kind of speech you'll hear in rural Florida, but it is kind of hard to write phoenetically and be understood.

I'll be writing up character bios for most of my figs (with more pics) in the Kaliphlin thread soon. I was going to do some posting on the Wiki too, but not as many people go there.

[Rogue Angel]

I agree with Rob, Quite the use of color and figures. I don't think I've seen anyone use those Medium Blue KK2 figures before.

[Faefrost]

Wow! just some beautiful stuff in there. How did you achieve those metalic blue hex shapes on the doors?

[gedren_y]

Wow! just some beautiful stuff in there. How did you achieve those metalic blue hex shapes on the doors?

They are Catspaw Customs minifig hex stands. I got them here: http://www.brickarsenal.com/catspawcustoms.html

[gedren_y]

I have some more pics of the build up on the flickr page starting here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/53412428@N02/8407034314/in/set-72157632537151387

And some more fig pics:

Minister of External Affairs Aturl Prndrn by gedren_y, on Flickr

Our good Minister of External Affairs armed for a fight.

Captain Ahmnatt Sanib by gedren_y, on Flickr

The good Captain Ahmnatt Sanib, Officer of the Court of Petraea. Rumor has it he has been promoted to Major and has commissioned new armor.

Squire Greisun hat detail by gedren_y, on Flickr

A good look at how Squire Greisun wears his head/hat band.

Andrius Hierre by gedren_y, on Flickr

Ivonova's father, Andrius Hierre. He is a principal backer in a Mitgardian shipping fleet, with the authority to sign trade deals. What company would that be? Any thoughts?

Avalonian 1b by gedren_y, on Flickr

Avalonian 2b by gedren_y, on Flickr

A better look at the Avalonians. Look, even their swords are green, dark olive green to be specific.

That's all I have for now.

[Mike S]

Nice job! You have some interesting piece usage here and I really like how you designed the doors!

[NiceMarmot]

Lots of interesting piece usage, and wild colors too. Cobalt Vale looks to be quite an unusual place. Can't wait to visit.

[Rook]

The hexagons on the doors are cool what are those from?

[gedren_y]

Nice job! You have some interesting piece usage here and I really like how you designed the doors!

It took me quite a while to figure out the door set up. Mostly because the doors I am using are a little more than a half plate out of line with the bricks surrounding it. The large windows I actually had built for a different MOC, but I had to scrap it.

Lots of interesting piece usage, and wild colors too. Cobalt Vale looks to be quite an unusual place. Can't wait to visit.

Yes, Cobalt Vale is a brightly painted place. Lots of metals too. If someone wants to do a building here, just make it colorful, and remember that most of the citizenry are fleshies. There is an active market, though, so feel free to have characters from throughout Historica show up. Just be sure to read up about the Nestlands in my entry post here: http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=62115&st=1150#entry1293954

The hexagons on the doors are cool what are those from?

Answered:

They are Catspaw Customs minifig hex stands. I got them here: http://www.brickarse...pawcustoms.html

[kermit]

I love that particular blue on the minifigures.

[Gabe]

Wow, lovely stuff gedren_y! I love the white and blue highlights, and the custom peices that you've used really enhance the build. The shuttered grille windows look great too. You have a good eye for composition in your shots too, but the lack of focus and attention to depth of feild let you down a bit.

I hope that the herbologists are behaving themselves and not trampling over some of the more fragile mountain specimens? It also looks like someone picked up Sir Barold's gear after his death defending the causeway, we shall have to send an investigator to look into that - his family will want his effects back!

Great build, i look forward to seeing more of the Nestlands!