gedren_y

Those Sports bases are a wonderfully economic way of making sandstone walls. It is a simple snot technique, but the connection points allow for quite an array of decorations to be employed. There are two mag wheels parts in this build as well, in the staffs of Neord Bloodmane and the Avalonian nobleman's son. They came mainly on the skateboards of the Sports era, and are much more useful than the trolley wheels used today. I had about half of my pearl gold 1x2 triple slopes in this build, and nearly all of my pearl gold 2x2 round tiles. Those 2x2 bricks are metallic gold, but I think they blend in nicely.

I do most of my Lego photography outside with my cell phone camera. Thursday I had no overcast, but I had a deadline. I'll retake when I have better conditions. I hope I can improve my photography skills, because I have an evocative image planned for a future build. Here's the hint: Milky Way. The ladder was pathetically easy. Getting the stall (mostly the roof) designed to fit on the statue base took me nearly three hours. I always intended to use the original Jabba's Sail Barge sails, but tried six other set-ups before I ended up with this one. I am considering doing the marble statue on the base as it appeared in ancient times. That white thing in the middle of the build is supposed to be the last remnant of the statue that wasn't carted off to be reused. My main idea for this build was to show the ramshackle part of the city. That, and to set off a chain of events that would escalate in intensity. And what will happen when the Goddess returns to flesh?

So, is Heinsen going to walk over the caldera of a supervolcano, or do something with geothermal vents?

Flickr offers, I believe, a terabyte of image storage free. There is a premium service, but it is mostly unnecessary.

In the Bricklink parts list you should look here and here.

UoP DoH +1 for all claims.

Mine's even later. SG: Sali Dahlib's Stall

I've got my Sultan's Gate build up.

Millenia ago in the frozen north the Armored Eagle Goddess left the material world (and her flesh body) behind. But as she went, the Goddess told her people she would return. <In a time of heavy persecution my faithful will make a great pilgrimage,> the Goddess foretold, <Far to the south they will find a great Nest of Metals, and settle there. Many generations will pass, and life will be good. After a war with magic, involving many peoples, the fervent will take up a quest to find my Egg. When my Egg is found by a true believer, then my flesh will be reborn into this world.> This is the tale of the quest to fulfill the Goddess' word. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The caravan from Lost Vega had taken an intentionally confusing course, but finally Sdair Zuuree and Kynkayd Hernbolnd were in the 'Old Quarter' of Sultan's Gate. Their holy quest to find the Egg of the Armored Eagle Goddess will require some very specific maps. Maps of the ancient Drow tunnels. DS Overall by gedren_y, on Flickr In Lost Vega, Sdair was informed by the casino masters that to obtain the maps he needed, he would have to visit the merchant Sali Dahlib. He was told that he would find the stall atop a pedestal on which a giant marble statue once stood. DS Barter 01 by gedren_y, on Flickr "Ah'm in need of sum maps," Sdair said after his climb up a rather flimsy ladder, "Ah'm told ye'd be da one ta see fer what Ah need." DS Barter 02 by gedren_y, on Flickr Sali Dahlib hesitated a moment at Sdair's accent, but then replied, "Sali Dahlib got maps. Stone maps, scroll maps, an' even a big globe map. Quality. No cheep." "Ah'm in need of sum vera special maps," Sdair lowered his voice, "Drow tunnel maps, as old as possible." At Sdair's request Sali Dahlib looked frightened. As the merchant swayed from foot to foot considering, Sdair looked about at the wares on Sali Dahlib's shelves. Nothing seemed really promising. "Dat, dat," Sali Dahlib stammered, "Dat Sali Dahlib no gots. But Sali Dahlib gots map to where youse be gettins it." "A map ta get a map?" Sdair snorted, "What dross is dat?" "Home of Driz Urdon on dat map," Sali Dahlib pointed to a stone tablet on the shelf to his right, "Him usedta be a Drow. Hims a wraith elf now. Him lives in dangerous place. Likes be alone, but him gots what youse need. Youse pay four rubies, and no say where youse gots map. Yes?" Sdair had nearly as much trouble understanding Sali Dahlib's diatribe as the merchant had with his own words, but he understood and agreed to the terms. --------------------------------------- DS Waiting by gedren_y, on Flickr Kynkayd Hernbolnd waits with their horses and Sdair's gear. It was advised that they not try to carry anything heavy up Sali Dahlib's ladder. ---------------------------------------------- Here are some other shots of this build: From above to see the roofs. The pedestal base. Look, a scorpion is looking to have frog meat. Just a bit of sand detail. Look, Sali Dahlib has a kitty. The back of the horse corral is the crumbling remains of an old wall. More of that wall, and a horse not sure of the feed. ----------------------------------------------- I took Sali Dahlib's wares off the shelves for these shots. Maps and scrolls. Some foodstuffs. Naughty. (The middle isn't a drow head, just an orc head made to look that way. Don't be fooled by imitations.) Other stuff. -------------------------------------------- I hate the quality of these pics. I'll try to get some better ones later, but I had to get this posted today to qualify.

I have finished my Sultan's Gate build, which is also the first of the Quest for the Egg builds. I'll be photographing it tomorrow, and should have my thread posted before midnight Pacific time.

Due east of Qarkyr is the mouth of a river and inlet, with a small island off the coast. It is a good spot for lush greenery, and is along the trade route to several Nocturnus ports. Between there and the Nestlands is Mountain Mummy territory. I believe there is another's territory north of Qarkyr, but am unsure of the exact location. In the southern sea there are some islands, but the sea is treacherous. Gabe set one of his Book 1 challenge builds there: Quest for the water crystal - The isle with no name.

Behemoth asks about the mountainous region. Here is a map of the Nestlands. Each mountain is claimed by a sect of clans, upon which dot several villages. The valley town, Cobalt Vale, is where all the heads of the clans meet, the center of trade for the clans, and where political relations with outlanders are settled. The area around the villages is sub-tropical rainforest. Map of Nestlands by gedren_y, on Flickr

Forgot to post it here. The other build I finished yesterday: An Ancient Treasure

Millennia ago, when the great city of Kaligem was at it's height, a magical golem was created to serve the Emperor. It was controlled with a small carving of red jade topped with gold, but only the ruler of Kaligem could make the golem respond. Over time the golem was needed less and less. Eventually it was moved into the secret treasure vault, to help the Emperor manage the vast amounts of gold and gems. ---------------- Fourteen hundred years ago the Kaliphlin Emperor had moved to the new capitol, Cedrica. When it was decided to move the treasure to Cedrica as well, the current Emperor could not make the golem move. The Emperor was no longer the ruler of Kaligem. Workers tried to move the golem for days, but they couldn't get it to budge. Even the pedestal it stood upon wouldn't move. Eventually it was decided that the golem would have to stay. The control carving was later placed in the Cedrica treasure vault, and simply forgotten about. Centuries later, the current King (before his fall) unknowingly gifted the control carving to the Mitgardian Jarl, who gave it a place of honor in Valholl. ----------------------- During Victor Revolword's occupation of Cedrica, his brother Kaïn discovered the secret of the golem and became obsessed. And when rumors began to circulate about Kaligem being found, Kaïn's obsession passed into a determined madness. Kaïn's capture at, and subsequent escape from, Valholl was orchestrated for the sole purpose of finding the control carving. Now he has it. If he can find and conquer Kaligem, the golem will be his to command. --------------- "I feels it, Master," Gibble, the deformed orc babbled, "It's down, Master. Down! Down! Down!" KR Top 01 by gedren_y, on Flickr Kaïn had no magical senses, so he was forced to rely on Gibble, and had been following him for days in the badlands. KR Top 02 by gedren_y, on Flickr Kaïn swung his scimitar into the sand, only to have it clink against solid sandstone millimeters down. "No entrance here," Kaïn growled, "But we are close, and Kaligem itself shouldn't be much farther." "Down, Master, down!" Gibble continued to babble, until Kaïn chopped his head off and took the control carving. KR Bottom 01 by gedren_y, on Flickr KR Bottom 02 by gedren_y, on Flickr ------------------------------- Here's the top without figs. KR WO Figs by gedren_y, on Flickr

I am claiming Anthropology: life in Kaliphlin - 1 credit for Goings on at the University. Later I will take the time and go through all of the pending credits still needing votes.

Please note that I have added a UoP DoH claim to the first post. I am glad the story is appreciated, as it took hours to compose. I thought Neord Bloodmane and Lord Vladivus would get along well, as Neord's attitudes about zombie raising are more liberal than the average Nestlands clansman. If you can build him, feel free to include him in your Shadowmere builds. Just don't feed him bird meat. I can't build on your epic scale, but I do my part to remind people that we Kaliphlin are a mineral rich guild. The grass pattern was originally supposed to be the floor of some great hall, but when reworking the back of the build I realized that it could easily be a beautifully planted and manicured lawn. The shield decorations were the last detail added to the walls. It took all of three minutes to decide what to do, but twenty to find the parts.

Yes, we Kaliphlin talk a lot, especially when we visit foreign lands. But that is because we have so much history and many tales to share. As to Mitgardians in Kaliphlin waters, the shipping magnate Lord Andrius Hierre will be making his way back home soon. His first first Mitgardian port on this voyage is expected to be Thorshaven, where it is planned that the new Nestlands Ambassador to the Ruling Government of Mitgardia, Icemaiden Ryssa Kend, will be taking up residence. (Hopefully, if kabel is willing and able, she might appear in some future addition to Thorshaven.)

I was only able to get one of the builds posted. Goings on at the University Good night.

The Grand Lawn at Petraea University is an artful creation. Designed by Professor Oyal, and maintained by second and third year mage adepts; the Grand Lawn is a favorite of study groups and professorial lectures. Kaliphlin dignitaries have also been known to address their people in this idyllic place. --------------------------- Eight weeks ago: Minister Aturl Prndrn called together all the remaining Nestlands soldiers, mages and volunteers who served during the Revolword War. PU Overall by gedren_y, on Flickr They gathered in a circle at the northwest corner of the Grand Lawn, where the Kaliphlin and Avalonia walls meet. To the Minister's left: PU Gathering 01 by gedren_y, on Flickr The Minister's dedicated guardsman, Sdair Zuuree(gedren_y). PU Gathering 02 by gedren_y, on Flickr Aturl's longtime friend and companion, Namses Setesh. PU Gathering 03 by gedren_y, on Flickr Ehfrik Daffys PU Gathering 04 by gedren_y, on Flickr Munruh Kihllwhit, Icemaiden Ryssa Kend, and High Ministry Guard Shay Liih. PU Gathering 05 by gedren_y, on Flickr Hahndus Mohr and Ghuin Nol High Guard pikemen Ruhgd M'Goll and Alsor Frggsun. To the Minister's right: PU Gathering 06 by gedren_y, on Flickr Sdair's younger brothers (twins), Lohp and Wahl Zuuree. PU Gathering 07 by gedren_y, on Flickr Kynkayd Hernbolnd and one of Namses Setesh's loyal guardsmen. PU Gathering 08 by gedren_y, on Flickr Fleshmage Neord Bloodmane. PU Gathering 09 by gedren_y, on Flickr Neord's apprentice, Olik Funrirr. ------------------------- "Now that everyone is here," Minister Prndrn began, "The strongboxes from the High Treasurer came today. Payment to date for most of you is ready now." Much of the group began talking at once. The Minister silenced this with a wave of his hand. "For our good volunteers, along with to date pay, I have service extension and release authority," the Minister continued, "And for our official guards, I have some new orders." "Oooh, goodie," Wahl drawled, "Ah 'aven't been able ta get in sum good pr'ctice wit me bow." Aturl glared at Wahl before he continued, "Wahl and Lohp, you two are being transferred to Captain Shay Liih's command. The High Ministry has decided that the three of you are needed in Cedrica, to shore up the city's depleted defenses." "Dat's hogwash," Wahl replied, "Don' get me wrong, M'nstr. Ahv' been wantn' ta see Cedrica lihk ma bro, but da three uv us won' really be that much help." "Yes, but the Drow invasion of Avalonia needs watching. That's your real mission," the Minister cut him off, "Relations with the Nocturnians are strained since the Black Spire's forces control most of Nocturnus now. We have to appear as neutral as possible, that's where Neord comes in." "It's official now?" Neord asked. "Yes, you are officially the Nestlands Ambassador to the Ruling Government of Nocturnus," the Minister answered, "I hear that you have a residence ready to go." Neord nods and replies, "Lord Vladivus of Shadowmere has given me the use of a fortified house on the edge of his lands. I already have it arranged to my liking." "Wonderful," Aturl sighed, then asked, "Is your apprentice Olik ready to take over your duties in Cobalt Vale?" Neord looks over at the young mage, smiles and nods. "The two of you will need to head back to Cobalt Vale tomorrow, so you can make arrangements for your new duties," the Minster continued, "Ryssa." "Yes, Minister?" Ryssa replied warily. "The Ghuin Nol High Guard pikemen are under your command for the return trip," Aturl announced, "When you arrive, they will return to their garrison, but you will have to make the same preparations as Neord." "Then I'm?" Ryssa stammered. "Yes, the Nestlands Ambassador to the Ruling Government of Mitgardia," the Minister laughed his reply, "You, and those that go with you, will have a long sea voyage ahead of you. Lord Andrius Hierre will be shipping out from Berigora, on a voyage all the way to Thorshaven. There he'll help you make arrangements for offices, and an introduction to the Mitgardian Prime Minister." "Thank you, Minister," Ryssa mumbled, glassy-eyed. "Sdair," Aturl said, turning to his loyal guardsman, "I'm sorry to say that your payment will have to wait until you and I get to Lost Vega." "But, M'nstr," Sdair said cautiously, "Ah thought we wuz headin' home, too. Ya know I was plannin' . . ." "I know, Sdair," the Minister cut him off, "Your holy quest. When we get to Lost Vega, your pay to date will be ready, and you can leave my service. The casino heads there have assured me that they can get you to Sultan's Gate. There your Quest for the Egg can truly begin." "But M'nstr, I canna leave ya till yer safe home," Sdair argued. "Don't worry about me, Sdair," Aturl sighed, "I can arrange for guards in Lost Vega. Besides, I'm pretty good with a blade myself, remember?" "A'ight, M'nstr," Sdair conceded. "Ehfrik Daffys," the Minister continued, "I have to ask, are you ready for your release orders?" "Ah, weel, Ah wuz hopin' ta c'ntinuu wit Cap'n Shay Liih," Ehfrik replied, "Iffin she'll 'ave me." "I can sign extension authority over to her," Aturl agreed, "If she agrees. What do you say, Captain? Do you want him?" Shay Liih gives Ehfrik a considering look, then nods. "Done," the Minister decreed, then continuing down the line, "Munruh Kihllwhit, how about you?" "Ah'm of a mind ta see da ancestors' lands," Munru replied, "So, Ah'd lihk ta offer meself ta Miss Ryssa, here." Ryssa nods before Minister Aturl can even ask. "Alright," the Minister agrees, "Hahndus Mohr, you?" "Ah've seen ennuf warrin', but am willin' stay servin' yerself till ye see home," Hahndus answers, "Sdair's quest is a holy one, an' I wuldn't want 'im ta be worryin' 'bout you wiles 'e's on it." "Thank you," Aturl accepted, "And you, Kynkayd Hernbolnd?" "Ah'll be doin' de same as Sdair," Kynkayd said intently, "Da world need da Goddess sumthin' fierce, an' Ah mean ta do sumthin' about dat." Sdair gave a rare, wide smile and nodded. "Go on now," the Minister dismissed the group, "See to readying yourselves." As the different groups begin to form up, Namses Setesh sidles over to the Minister. "I and my guardsman are with you, my friend," he assures Aturl. The two friends embrace for a moment then head out. Sdair takes a moment to stop at Captain Shay Liih's group to say, "Ah hear dat Cedrica's got some verra old scrolls. Be lookin' fer some mention of da Egg, will ya?" "Will do," Shay Liih replies with a smile. It isn't long before the groups leave the Grand Lawn with purpose. ------------------------------------------- During the Nestlands meeting, there are still other things happening in the area. ------------ PU Catwalk 01 by gedren_y, on Flickr Above the Grand Lawn on the Catwalk, a newly ordained Priest of the Armored Eagle Goddess is demonstrating a ceremonial dance. PU Catwalk 02 by gedren_y, on Flickr His mother, High Priestess Miisha, looks on proudly while Professor Illam Shiek'spar composes some verse about the dance. PU Catwalk 03 by gedren_y, on Flickr An Avalonian nobleman's son is enjoying the spectacle, while his guardsman watches something in the sky with firm interest. ------------- PU Student 01 by gedren_y, on Flickr Inside, a student rushes back to her dormitory with her part of a scavenger hunt in hand. PU Proposal 01 by gedren_y, on Flickr Hopefully she won't run into J'on as he proposes to Nefer-Amun-Nut. PU Proposal 02 by gedren_y, on Flickr --------------------------------- Here are some shots of the build w/out the figs. PU WO Yard 01 by gedren_y, on Flickr PU WO Wall 01 by gedren_y, on Flickr PU WO Wall 02 by gedren_y, on Flickr PU WO Corner 01 by gedren_y, on Flickr PU WO Catwalk 01 by gedren_y, on Flickr PU WO Catwalk 02 by gedren_y, on Flickr PU WO Catwalk 03 by gedren_y, on Flickr PU WO Catwalk 04 by gedren_y, on Flickr PU WO Catwalk 05 by gedren_y, on Flickr PU WO Hall 01 by gedren_y, on Flickr PU WO Hall 02 by gedren_y, on Flickr (I am sorry about the quality of a couple of the shots. I have some better images of the figs on my Flickr photostream.) ------------------------------------------- Edit: I'd like to make the following Doctorate of Historica claim. Anthropology: Life in Kaliphlin - 1 credit

I just finished photographing two builds, but it will be later this evening before I'll have the pics edited and posted. I have another build for Sultan's Gate that should be finished and up by next Thursday. It will also be part of the Quest for the Egg storyline. It will be interesting to see what Ska has come up with. Hopefully he can adapt my story to his needs.

More Mpya Stedor! UoP DoH +1 on both claims.

My Petraea University build is nearly done. All I have to do is decide on the shields on the walls and place the figs. A change to the perspective makes the principle scene an exterior one. The floor design is now going to be a specially seeded and manicured lawn. There will be an upper catwalk, and an interior hallway.

UoP DoH +1

I think a great way to reboot Vikings would be as Norse Fables. There is a lot of folklore to draw from, including Beowulf. Mixing that with some actual historical events of Viking exploration, and you have a great theme. If you don't mind, ED-209, I'll try my hand at a version of the designs you've shown us in LDD. There are a lot of new pieces that can make for some great design elements.

UoP DoH +1 on all claims.