gedren_y

Nice use of the statuette as a bowsprit. Is the 'promised reinforcements' a bricklink order?

I wonder if Castle + Exoforce + Atlantis + Power Miners will work. I can see it in my head.

I have finished the build proper of NOMEA, but still have the set dressing to do. I plan to have a Peregrinus causeway guard vomiting into a barrel, but haven't decided from what yet. Probably the food. Looks like there's going to be a Kaliphlin mini-challenge, I may do a small scene with two mages. I also have begun work on Visiting Herbologists, but that may be a late Febuary build. I also have an LDD build finished, and am just working on the story to go with it. Plus Challenge VI which should begin with the planned Nestlands Market. I can say this, I have figs to represent all the guilds ready to go.

Yes, the mountains north of Qarkyr have snow. The southern end of the range tends to be sub-tropical. Just be sure not to wander too far south with a bird carcass. Eat it soon, because the Nestlands Clans of the Armored Eagle Goddess have very harsh punishments for killing a bird.

That is a good practical design for an opening manhole, but I would invert it so that the hinge is below with this (http://www.bricklink....asp?P=3960pb13) on top of the dark bley 4x4 round plate. It seems to be the closest thing to the look of a manhole cover.

Black as wet or rich soil might work if you pepper it with 1x1 round plates. Use reddish brown and old brown for tilled, nutrient rich soil as these could be decomposing plant material. The grey and yellow/tan/orange families of color can be used as loose rocks in the dirt, just make sure you use the same color family for any large rocks or boulders in the scene. It would be prudent to use the lighter colors of green for your plants near the black soil, to help with the contrast and simulate new plant growth. A good place to use dark brown with black would be as a muddy riverbank, where a gradation of color is appropriate: the lighter color on top of the darker color. Hope that helps. gedren_y

NOMEA should be finished tomorrow, but photography may have to wait until Monday. The roof design for Visiting Herbologists has been changed to a non-Lego wooden piece that I have been wanting to use for over a year. Both of these will inform the lead-up to my Challenge VI build story. I also have an LDD build using exotic pieces in colors in which they do not exist. This is just for story, and as a fantasy wish for the parts in these colors. I don't expect it to be eligable for guild points.

My current build, Nestlands Office of the Minister of External Affairs, will have a time setting of just before the winter solstice. Several Mpya Stedor soldiers will be in the scene. In my future builds I will add aproximate dates to my accompanying tales. Here are the whereabouts of my current cast of characters. Sdair Zuuree is currently still in Cobalt Vale with Minister Aturl Prndrn. The Minister is currently in talks with representatives from Mpya Stedor, Berigora and a minor Mitgardian trade fleet. A group of Avalonians are expected to join the talks soon. They will bring word of the fall of Cedrica. The contingent of the High Guard from Ghuin Nol has remained in Cobalt Vale to bolster the city's defenses and to be ready when the Nestlands Clans of the Armored Eagle Goddess decide to join the greater fight for Historica. Durgen Abirneend, Shay Liih and Namses Setesh have by now returned to Cobalt Vale. On their way back they passed through the remains of the carnage at Behduri. Wahl Zuuree and his twin brother Lohp have to listen to their uncle's tales of his 'adventure' over and over again. Habneeb Shabneeb Babneeb and his caravan train never returned from Cedrica. They are believed either captured or dead. Captain Ahmnatt Sanib has returned to Petraea. He was part of the holding action during the fire elemental attack, while most of the city guard got citizens to safety. For this he was promoted to Major and has had new armor commissioned. Snuggf Gruumish is now under his command. Podnik Tok still runs the Dromedary Drinking Hall despite the depressed market. Joop Yah is still a regular patron, and has gone off pizza since no anchovies have made it to Petraea yet. Avalonian Guardsman Gifinim Cireneg was killed in a bar fight in Albion by someone believed to be a member of the Avalonian Assassin Guild. This could not be confirmed, though. Uurd Huurg left the Petraea court on a mission of vengance for Kathyrin Flagg. His plan was to find the Hammer of Onng'Ng and use it to slay Victor Revolword. Dextrus Flagg had Ourfin Mm'Driig and Lakid Mm'Driig go with him, since they botched giving Uurd the news. Their whereabouts are unknown at the moment. __________________________________ I have more characters to add to my tales, but I will hold off until I firm up the stories for my planned builds. gedren_y

Right about the name. Fixed. The wall with the two windows is where the tiles are. Against that wall is the bed. A headlight brick on its side would jut into the interior.

Yes, whimical psycosis is the order of the day. Including a dirty sock under the bed. Is she breeding dust bunnies for sneezing powder? Oh, and DZ's ZCerberus' (apologies) fix would affect the placement of the bed, sock and bedside table.

What I was thinking is a calendar of events listed like DaMaximus' example, but with dates (where available), post specific links (like in my previous post) that took you directly to the story originally posted, and if the Wiki has it fleshed out more a link to the specific details. It would take some work, but if you link to the previously posted content instead of restating everything, people can go to the pieces they are interested in. This might also inspire more guildmembers to create real stories for their MOCs.

The slave revolt is told on page two in this post: http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=62115&st=25#entry1117417 Two posts down our Guildleader supports this as Kaliphlin cannon by claiming to be one of the slaves freed. I would be very happy if the event of the Nestlands Clans of the Armored Eagle Goddess revealing themselves would be included.

Glad to hear that Belt Mutanji has survived its first contamination episode. Some Dun Nol clansmen had seen some ill animals whilst hunting. Quality distilleries are made-to-order by several smiths in Cobalt Vale. Be sure to specify alcohol or water purification. A timeline of major events, with major character locations, would be very helpful. A pre-history would be welcome as well, describing major events in the formation of the guilds (ie, the Kaliphlin slave revolt).

Epic. The details you have already are well spaced for the size. Keep going, I want more. It is the BrickArms Claymore in Gunmetal.

The similarities of Thundercats and Silverhawks extended to the end of show lesson scenes. Now I'm wanting to watch my old VHS tapes. I'm sure that there is some centuries old painting of a warrior with a sword held in that position. Actually, in the original Thundercats, Lion-O would line the hilt with his eyes, the small blade would transform into a sword during some slashing moves, and then he would go into the sword above head pose. The dimensions of the minifigs would make that move impossible during play.

You got that right. As to similarities, I was also reminded of one of my favorite cartoons, Silverhawks. That was more about the vehicles, though. As to the He-Man and Thundercats similarities, I always thought they came out of the same animation studio house (look at the original art). I may want to look that up. I actually have original VHS episodes of Silverhawks and Thundercats. I had no interest in the remake of Thundercats, as I saw some of the new designs in a line of toys and was dissatisfied with the look. There may have even been a building toy set. I like the look of some of these sets, and others I can see uses for the parts. The story and games I have no interest in. I might MOC some original Thundercats and Silverhawks one day, just for fun.

Joining this challenge may be dificult, because this month my focus will be split between my current builds and at least two of the Sci-fi theme contests. I'm almost done with NOMEA (after having to re-build it at least four times), and have begun the design proper on Visiting Herbologists. I also have Nestlands Market planned, which will be on a 48x48 baseplate. I could probably do something with the figs and story to adapt Nestlands Market as one of my three allowed builds. I'll also have to get back to the character of Sdair Zuuree. Writing as the character is a challenge in itself, and this challenge is about the story. I will enjoy that part.

I am nowhere near a purist, so the design of the heraldry isn't that important to me. That being said, I wouldn't mind a blue or dark blue version of the Royal Knights. Oh, btw, my favorite shield design came from the later wave of KKII, Sir Kentis' unicorn. I agree that Danju's purple wolf was a fail (both of them). There are also several ways for even purists to make shields in colors more to their taste. Anyway, we should not pre-judge the heraldry by the current photo. The actual design of the sets, from what I can see, are very play oriented, as were all the great classics. I'm not saying these will be, but some kid of today may in ten years remember these sets fondly for the amount of fun they had with them. Forest Ambush: Footsoldiers for both factions in a skirmish is the intent of this set. Yes, the tree is weak, but this will obviously be an army builder. You can get more trees from plenty of other current sets. Gold Getaway: It is hard to discern from the photo if the structure in the midground is part of the set or one of the other sets from an oblique angle. An enclosed, jail-cell-like cart with a black horse (hopefully with a normal face printing) and a ballista are your play functions. What peaks my interest are the cart's roof design and the hitching that works with the horse in that fully reared position. Gatehouse Raid: Here's your small siege set. From the color, the walls appear to be mostly brick built, with wooden parts. Roof or upper wall, it is hard to say from the photo. Some interesting detail without all those stickers, plus a horse with the new barding and helm. Dragon Mountain: Your slay the dragon set as well as an enemy base. Yes, probably some BURP usage, but it looks like you get a dragon's nest (probably with a treasure hord), a bridge, a cave, and the inevitable wizard/witch's tower. Far better in design than the Fantasy Era version, and more open and active than the Kingdoms Prison Tower Rescue. Is there someone to save or is it just trying to get to the gold? The box design suggests just gold, but it's hard to tell from the photo. King's Castle: The big set. Lots of panels, but some good design around them. Built design, not stickers!!! Open spaces for hands, but not illogically so. At the side wall the enemy can breach the defenses, or the defenders can get away if the castle is over-run. The king's (or more probably the hero knight's) horse gets the new barding and helmet. I can't tell if the ladder in the back is a single piece or made of fence pieces. Lots of potential action from both sides, whereas Kingdoms just had the footsoldiers attacking. A far better execution of the idea that KKI's King Leo's Castle was supposed to portray. There is a lack of civilians in these sets, but your Kingdoms people are easily transferable. Hopefully there will be a second wave to get some civilians, like in Kingdoms.

I just looked at the image again, and realized something. At the top of the page and on the boxes there is an image of gold and gems that includes the gold bars. Here's hoping. Also it appears the blue may be dark blue. The torso in Gold Getaway looks more like http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=973pb437c01 than http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=973p4dc02. I also agree that TLG is keeping the lion because of the molds for the lion brick exist. There are also several versions of a wolf-man head, so a wolf faction seems appropriate. Also, the dragon molds exist from Fantasy Era and are more geared towards children, ie 'swooshability'. I doubt Smaug will be made that way, considering the potential scale of the movie version.

Read Challenges 3-6 for your answer.

I first saw this when it was blogged about at Brothers Brick, and the Flickr stream went directly into my Favorites Techniques folder for later study. Be proud, because it takes quite some skill and ingenuity to become reference material for me.

I'm with DaMaximus on the heraldry id. I liked the Royal Knights, but I prefer blue over red as a color scheme. That is a plus IMO. Some people here don't like the new wall panel pieces. I was on the fence for a while, but I've found a way to incorporate them into my building arsenal. The newer wall pieces, with a little offsetting, can be used to make 2x thick walls with glass filled windows. I was able to do this trick with the old 2x5x6 panel pieces without an offset, but had a problem with either the lip showing a gap or having an unwanted overhang. I may have to re-build this in LDD to show you how to accomplish this.

Inspired! Now I'm tempted to spend my holiday money on trans-(color) 1x1 plates. Any plans to take this to a convention? If you could, I would suggest MegaCon. I'm betting there'd be some kind of award for this.

The mine has dark tan Burps, and those horns on the cow skull appear to be a new mold. Oh, BTW, Turner Classic Movies is showing a Lone Ranger movie at this moment.

I considered trying to join my closest Lug, GFLug, but making the meetings would be a challenge because they usually meet in Tampa. I thought, since most of the members are part of a train builders' group, they would enjoy the local celebration Yulee Day here, but the last few years there have been problems. The display engine has been in the shop, bad weather, and this year the organizer was too sick and no one took his place, so no Yulee Day. Next year the city has moved the date from June (around my birthday) to March (during MegaCon), for better weather, to avoid competition from other towns during Railroad Days, and to coincide with the time the first trains came through on the tracks David Yulee's company laid. All that consideration to hopefully convince the GFLug to visit my little town, so I might find a way to at least be associated with the Lug. The only Lug in Florida I could find. Sorry about the rant. Go for something that people often need in high volume, that very few bricklink stores offer in that kind of volume. I can't tell you how many times I have needed more of these in light bley: http://www.bricklink...tem.asp?P=3046a