MassEditor

Wow, this warzone has produced some amazing entries, and this is definitely amongst the top! Lovely architecture, you really executed the bathhouse look perfectly here. The arches, white tiles on the parapets and multi-level design are all wonderful details. That pool is awesome too, especially with the floating petals and then the blood running into the water. Amazing work, like Blufiji said, this doesn't need words!

My entry: A Treacherous Road

What a feast for the eyes! This is easily the most beautiful, impressive entry for Queenscross yet. Such an enrapturing build, the colors are so lovely here, as is that elegant architecture. The tan gate, gold accents, white pillars and gold statue blend into a truly mesmerizing build. Very pretty, your finest entry into this challenge yet! Also, impressive mummy army you have here!

If I were to win, I'd like to pick F2 as the next warzone. Aymeri's retreat from Katoren depended heavily on the use of mobile fortifications. While these lumbering defenses succeeded in repelling Ulandus and Desert King attacks on the well-maintained low roads, they fared poorly on the rugged mountainous paths and proved to be easy targets for enemy ambushes. Those driven by oxen were particularly vulnerable as the animals could not easily navigate the rocky terrain. One by one the fortifications fell, often to fire and landslides trigged by enemy forces. Below, a group of Desert King soldiers use a tree they dug up to destroy the advancing wagon: These High Council soldiers weren't given much time to duck: Somewhat of a transformable aspect to this build: The blood requirement: The wagon by itself: ------------------------------------ Phew, almost didn't have a build for this warzone. This was quite the challenging contest - I had plenty of fun ideas, but virtually none that would fit within the maximum footprint of this warzone! Finally threw this together, and it definitely isn't my most inspired build. Still, this was an interesting warzone and there's been some really neat builds enter it. Thanks for looking, feedback always appreciated!

My Entry: The Battle for Queenscross

My warzone pick, if I win, is O17. Compelled by their recent victories, the Desert King's forces marched day and night to reach Queenscross. They reached the great city just hours before the High Council army appeared. The Desert King's men swept aside the Queenscross city guard, and fortified favorable positions within the city to meet the coming High Council onslaught. One of these positions included the Well of Vlasik, named after one of the city's ancient kings. In Queenscross, where water is considered a precious commodity, officials went great lengths to accentuate its city wells. The structure around the Well of Vlasik, though completely ornamental, proved to be a valuable fighting position. A copse of blood ash trees, attracted to the well by its moisture, also provided cover for anyone occupying the small hill. A mixed squad of mummy regulars and Royal Warrioresses were tasked with the defense of the well, and pledged to hold the ground to the last soldier. When the battle finally erupted, High Council commanders were quick to target the well - with temperatures soaring above 40 C, the High Council realized water was as important to its troops as swords. But, despite possessing a numerical advantage, the High Council soldiers were unable to push through the defensive ring surrounding the well. The Desert King's troops proved their superior training and repelled wave after wave of enemy soldiers. Yet, with each wave they saw their small number reduced even further. After countering countless attacks, the defense finally cracked. True to their word, the Desert King troops fought until none survived. The High Council soldiers, fatigued and disillusioned by their heavy losses, were not able to celebrate the small victory. Its forces were meeting stiff resistance throughout the city, and the promised breakthrough would not be made. That evening the High Council collected their dead and wounded, and they abandoned the battle. Morale among the High Council soldiers sank, but their commanders knew they could not risk the obliteration of their army in Queenscross - larger battles were still to come. The Desert King soldiers were surprised to find themselves in sole control of the city the next morning. It had been a lucky turn of fate, for so battered were the Desert King defenders that another large attack by the High Council would likely have pushed them out of the city. Although bards would long write of the bravery demonstrated by the Desert King's soldiers at Queenscross, those who had fought there would remember only the brutality and death of that day, and how many others would be lost in this terrible conflict. A pic of the whole MOC, and some close ups: Sans-figs:

Great counter to MKJoshA, very nice little build and fig posing! Also, you've been getting really good with your photography!

Excellent build LJ, such a quaint, lovely scene! I really like the classic-style architecture for the castle wall, and the little path. The white building definitely steals the show here, such wonderful detailing and that bead door is a great touch! Awesome work on the working mill too!

Woah, this is massive! What an awesome surprise it was to see this massive tower after your first, misleading photo! Love the evil architecture here, and I think the black/blue palette was a great choice. The various levels are great as is that flying serpent. Glad to see events are not on hold in the Darklands!

Beautiful as always Jakorin, awesome to finally see the castle of the great Swift-Swords! Really love the clean design here, and especially that brilliant base. The arrow slits look good too. I agree a few flags would add some nice color. Otherwise, this is perfect!

Great work Garm, I really love this castle style you've been developing lately. The way the bottom castle walls are slanted is a small but fantastic touch. Also, superb idea with the soldiers hiding in the hay! The landscaping is good too, but I think it would have stood out a little more if the ground had been built up more and given the bridge a bit more height over the river. In any case, sweet build!

Stunning build, this has a wonderfully dark vibe to it! Great color choice here, the contrast is very striking. So much to appreciate here, some of the highlights include the SNOTed landscape, the architecture and especially the fig/statue posing. You really have a knack to posing, and it's something I always look for in your builds. Top notch entry here!

Hey you High Council members, I've got a list going of all of the High Council builds so far in this challenge. This will be useful to show your faction's activity in this challenge all in one list, and will help me tally your personal points thus far. I'm still working on it, but can I PM someone in the High Council when I'm done so they can double check it in their mass faction PM? That way everyone can look at it and double check the links and the listings, and then let me know what I've missed. From there, I can start tallying up some points. Thanks!

Thanks Robuko! Indeed, prophesy has shown itself here! Glad you liked it! Haha, thanks Gideon! Yes, I wonder if the " " is a bit superfluous after such a kind comment. Really glad you liked the story here. I didn't mean to portray the HC in such a negative light, but considering events thus far in the challenge, the story seemed at least timely. The thing I really wanted to avoid was showing a war-torn, half-destroyed Petraea. Such a beautiful city deserved to be taken with a minimum of collateral damage, and having the DK sneak in seemed like one of the few ways to do so. But I agree, I'm afraid there is much more in store for Petraea before this conflict is settled! Thanks LV! Haha, I knew you would worry about that, but don't! All this Kaliphlin building has got me aching for some action in Nocturnus. I promise, my heart is still as black as ever! Really glad you liked it Jacob, and I am glad to be on your team! Thanks LJ! Thanks! Thanks, but I had to pick the DK - his victory is prophesy, and there is no hope in altering divine fate! Thanks a lot Balbo! Wow, thank you very much for the great comment and feedback! I totally agree about the advantage of having one or two buildings off-angle - it would have certainly given this build a bit more dimension. Where were you when I was building this thing? Oh, the tall building in the back has five roofs, though you can only see three. Also, the white balance is the one thing I didn't think of, so I appreciate the pointer! I'm prone to leave the WB on auto, but I will take extra note of this in the future. Thanks again Basiliscus! Thanks G-man! Glad you liked it! Thanks! Thanks Dr. Cogg! Glad you liked it Kai, always means a lot to an outsider like me to get praise from a longtime Kaliphlin builder! Thanks man! Gideon's build is a wonderful source of inspiration and I'm sure it will provide an excellent standard for other Kaliphlin urban builds. I will certainly give this a try in the future! I figured out how to photograph black MOCs properly before this challenge began, but I had no idea that tan had its own troubles! Wow, thanks Captain Dee for this detailed and kind comment! Glad you noticed the flowers!

Gorgeous build and photography Marcu! Love the torrential look of the water, as if Poseidon himself is preparing to storm the beach. Interesting trees and landscaping too. The boats and fig posing are exceptional as well.

Again the Desert King demonstrates his generosity and selflessness! Self determination is an inalienable right of all people! Great GA LordDan, another pretty scene here. The podium and irreg base look good, though those trees could use a little more height imho. Other than that, nice work sir!

Pretty landscaping and tree! Nice work on those SNOT rocks.

Thanks again guys! I guess I'll take it as a compliment that I have to face two counters against this build.

Pretty scene! The landscaping here looks great, the regular green looks great here too! I'll have to echo others and compliment that wonderful fence and those nifty little boats. Nice entry Kai!

Nice looking interior, the timbering and mosaic floor are great touches. Glad to see you continuing this story too!

Arash proves himself to be on the wrong side of History with his support of the High Council! Oh well, there's always more weapons to distribute! OoC: Great counter, I was hoping someone would take a stab at it! Great looking building, the gold and wood accents really make this stand out. Pretty landscaping too, the path and SNOTed rockwork look really good. Really glad to see you building for this challenge!

Excellent tower Bregir, the color combos are very nice here. Love the water too, it has such an excellent tidal effect. Great fig posing up top too. Great entry!

Excellent counter to Kai's build, nothing complicated but shows how a little effort can really bring such a small build to life. Great looking figs and gold details, this has a very realistic courtroom feel to it.

Great looking temple facade, the colors and architecture look perfect. The roof in particular is quite striking, great idea with that design! Excellent build and GA idea. Looks like the Desert King is winning the hearts and minds of the Kaliphlin people. That is what this war is about!

Great work on the wooden armor for that salamander, and great looking swamp too!