Shadows

Shadows, Princess Alyss, Flangdor, Master Pent, Bluervo and Boney are all standing outside the Lost Tavern. We just don't know what to do about it. Bet you never figured that I'd get the old geezer out of his tower, did you?

L-13 Black Knight territory Majestic Tower TAP TAP TAP. TAP! TAP! TAP! Oh, blast is all, what is that? Master Pent rises from his chair to investigate the sound, only to find Bluervo at the window. He quickly opens it and Bluervo flies in. It must be important for you to be so impatient. There is something very wrong, just west of here! There isn't much out there but wilderness. And that tavern. What tavern? There isn't any tavern west of here for a long way. Then maybe you'd better come with me, because there is one right now! Lord Kenneth, Diana, some friends of hers as well as Flynt and Grandoth are inside it, and I can't get in. It's as if it's magically locked. I investigated the area and saw black wraith demons in the woods nearby as well. Oh my! This is serious! Maybe it's why it's taken Fernando so long to get back as well. Fernando? That flea bitten old owl is probably off sleeping. Bluervo! Be nice! There's no time for nice, we need to get back there and help them! You're right, of course. I could send a squad immediately. They'd be there in a few hours. A squad? Of normal soldiers? Are you crazy? Some have wondered... er... no, you're right, that would never do. I'll go personally! That's more like it! I'll need to pack, and have my carriage prepared, and ... WHAT? You doddering old fool! You aren't taking a carriage, you're teleporting! NOW! Oh heavens no, I couldn't. I am old, as you say, and I'm not up to that. Aluvar is twice your age and he does it all the time. This is vitally important! I... oh... YES! You're right! I must! Just let me get my hat. You wizards and your hats... Trust me, you'd prefer I bring it. Master Pent puts in his hat, collects a few small items together, and begins to concentrate on the teleportation spell. I don't know where I'm going. I can't sense anything there, there is no tavern. Right! Um... exactly! Exactly. Don't be confusing. Teleport to the place where there is nothing at all, that's got to be the tavern! That's so stupid it makes sense, but I don't think I want to go barging right in if it's a trap. I'll teleport a few yards from there. Good plan! Now you're thinking! Master Pent starts his spell again, mumbling a few ancient words. They disappear in a puff of smoke. K-18 Castle Town The roof of Crown Church Boney lands on the roof of the church and immediately begins looking for the right roof tile. Finding it, he slides it aside and flies down into the secret chamber. Empty? How can it be empty? Oh... He notices the shattered skellies, still lying where they fell. We've been discovered. Now I'll never find my master... I don't know what to do. Can I really trust Aluvar? I shouldn't... Maybe I can find that other crazy wizard! Boney quickly leaves the chamber and begins circling the streets of Castle town, careful to avoid being noticed. Down below, he sees a lovely woman being followed by an equally handsome man and an old man in a really big hat. That's him! That girl was with Aluvar before, though I don't know the one in the weird clothes. Well, I'll have to wait until it's safe to approach them. For the rest of the day, Boney follows the group around from shop to shop until they finally return to the castle. As they pass through the Royal gardens, he approaches. Wizard! What? Oh no! It's one of them! HELP! Huh? Shadows looks up, and seeing a strange skellie bird, casts a containment field around it, bringing it to the ground for closer inspection. How do you two know each other? Is this another of your friends? They aren't my friends! He belongs to the head skellie, the one I took my orders from here. Ah, and now he's trying to find you because all of his little friends have been dealt with. Hey you, with the funny clothes! You don't have to talk about me like I'm not here! Shadows, Flangdor and Alyss look at each other with surprise, then sudden realisation. Aluvar. It has to be. No one else would do that. You all know Aluvar? That's perfect! Though I'm still confused by your part in this, wizard... He isn't the only one around, so keep a civil tongue. I don't have a tongue. No, you don't. That's quite amazing, really, you speak so clearly. It's hard to explain. Wait a minute! I'm here on important business. I'm sure you are. Bluervo sent me to find Aluvar. Those knights he was traveling with were captured in some kind of weird tavern that isn't. Tavern that isn't. Sounds interesting. It's west of Majestic Tower, in the woods. I've never known of a tavern there. That's sort of the point, isn't it? I guess so. Or he's lying. I don't think so. Does this mean what I think it does? Yep. Shadows drops the containment field from around Boney, then begins a teleportation spell encompassing the whole group. A few moments later, they disappeared, much to the dismay of some passing guards. K-13 Black Knight territory Outside the Lost Tavern In two, simultaneous puffs of smoke, two separate groups appear, about 10 feet apart. Well, hello there! It would seem that you've been invited to this little party as well. I... who are you and why are you traveling with that idiot and the Crown Princess? IDIOT?!??! I'll have you know! Shut up Flangdor. I'm Shadows. You might know my grandfather, Aluvar. Excellent! But what about that bird... We're not too sure about him, but for now he's been helpful, much like Flangdor. I take your meaning. Oh, and where are my manners. Good evening, Princess. Hello Mast Pent, it's been ... well, you know how long. Oh yes dear, I'm still so sorry... Don't be! What? Aluvar and Shadows saved my mother, she's better than ever now! WHAT? This is madness! I swear, if any of you make a Sparta reference, I'm leaving. Sparta? Silly birds never do make any sense. You know, we should probably be attempting to determine what is happening here. Oh yes, good idea, lad. You wouldn't be related to any of the famous Phessy family, would you? Not that I'm aware of, why? Just checking. Shadows, Master Pent, and Flangdor examine the building, paying special attention to the doors and windows. Clearly, it's magically sealed. But why can't I sense it? Because it doesn't exist, of course. It exists! Look! Flangdor bangs on the wall. It's a trick. The whole thing is some kind of energy field designed to act as a portal. They aren't inside, they're wherever it sent them, though I doubt they know that. Oh, that's ... confusing. So what do we do about it? I have no idea. No idea at all.

Ok, I've got all that, no problem. I'll pm you my Paypal info and you can put down a deposit. I couldn't let it all go for a penny less than $395,000 though, so we'll need to talk. Seriously, what on earth are you doing here?

LEGO Islanders are Caribbean based. Arawaks if they're considered peaceful, or Caribs for the cannibalistic side. LEGO always made it clear that it was the Caribbean.

Anything I make is available for personal use. I'd love to see that one in action. I pretty much don't care what happens as long as no one sells/takes credit for them. You know how that goes.

It's times like these when I remember why I signed on to this show.

Right! I almost mentioned that and forgot. Ok, that is seriously cool! In other words, I'm a 20yr old fun fun partying Swedish college girl who likes diving. Now it's all so clear. As if I don't get enough weird pm's now.

1. I get a kickback on everything the kid makes. 2. He still kicks the megablocks out of that other guy, plus he does a pretty good Winston Churchill. 3. It's that much less time he can be annoying me. Great pics, by the way.

Many Bothans died to bring us this Chinese take-out latest chapter from dragonator. All it needed was an ESPN logo at the bottom and a better play by play announcer. You know, the whispering guy. "dragonator has chosen his sword. He steps up to the knight, carefully surveying his position. Yes, I think he's chosen the right sword, but he's going to need to really put some extra punch in it if he's planning to get it all the way through his neck. The crowd is silent. He swings... ooooh dear, that isn't the hit he wanted. Looks like a slice. He's going to have to clean that up on his next attempt or it's going to be a long day here at St. Dromindur's."

Freddie was kind enough to supply links to the required images, so I am currently recreating the decals to the Hamburger Stand, as well as some strays from the same sheets (they were in classic Idea Books). At this point, the hamburger itself is done for anyone who wants to restore their set or start a new one. Click for full size. (1.551cm x 1.089cm) Then you'd want to visit... Wong's in Chinatown

I don't think he needs to worry about that too much.

Orange tie with yellow polka dots. Ok, since you all asked, I google imaged it up and it seems as if he shouldn't have a vest, though I think it looks a lot better with than without. Depending on the shot, the shirt sometimes looks like it's reflective gold, and others look ruffled. I just went with a light yellow, which is close to what they both look like. The look isn't strictly movie or poster accurate, but clearly, the jacket came out of his closet and the rest of the outfit is just one of the many random things he might wear. It fits his personality, that much is for certain. This is exactly the kind of thing you wear when walking along chocolate streams and having contract negotiations with oompaloompas, I'm sure. Mafia customs? Interesting, and a nice black version, Faramir! It's a challenge because you have to replace the border without making it too obvious. I experienced this with the Sr. Palomar decal, so I applied the same method here. I use the official LEGO black as the accent, because in reality, LEGO part black is basically pure black, but the decal black is lighter, so it gives it the look of having a slightly reflective silk edge, which is perfect in this case. I came up with this: He'd be a good old English butler as well. Whether touring chocolate factories or making offers that can't be refused, we really need a "make your own custom minifig and put it in a vignette" contest sometime. Until then, enjoy!

Welcome to another exciting episode of Whack Staudie with a Hammer! I'm your host, ImperialHinckleDinkleShadows, and... CUT! The director comes out on stage. Seriously Shadows, it isn't funny anymore. Did I ever mention that both my grandfather and I are time travelling interdimentional wizards who could zap you into a black hole if we just happened to feel like it? No, I think I'd remember that. That sounds like a good idea. Er, yes it does. But just because I'm such a nice guy, I'll do this your way. Oh thank you! ROLLING! Welcome to another exciting episode of EB News Presents! I'm your host, imperialshadows, Staudie will be finding new and innovative ways to get under my skin, and our special guest this week might be able to help with any resulting itching from having to put up with Staudie, since he's none other than Holodoc! Normally at this point in the show, I like to say a few words to the audience. You know, chat it up a bit, give you a look into the way my mind works and so on. Well, I haven't got anything. Seriously. I've been using up all my best material in the EBRP, and as much as I think you'd all enjoy it, it's 182 pages long now, or maybe 13, and I don't know if you'd get through all the big words. But hey, give it a try, it's good stuff, and you'll understand more about just who I am, as well as about my grandfather Aluvar. It's full of fun and adventure and romance and the occasional guest appearance, including a scene that happened during another episode of this very show! Well, you might like it anyway. A familiar voice calls from offstage. I could tell jokes, or sing, or dance, or act, or something! So... let's get right to the interview, Staudie! Yes sir! Q. Why the name Holodoc and are you a Trekkie? A. Trekkie? What´s that? Of course, I am a Trekkie! I loved to watch the original series in my childhood. It was on Tuesday evenings on the second channel. But my favourite “part” of the whole spin-offs certainly was TNG, the next generation, because of this fantastic Jean Luc Picard! What a smart guy he is! DS9 caught my attention very late, when I realized the very interesting plot spanning over more than just one or two episodes. In all of those series you had one guy representing some kind of alien, trying to understand human feelings and their whole “way of life”. Spock, Data, Odo. But the most interesting figure in my opinion was the “Emergency Medical Hologram” not just representing a guy from another part of the universe but a technological being. (I always liked the techno-babble in Star Trek). So I decided to make this guy my avatar, representing not only one of my favourite science fiction series, but also my job. Q. How long have you collected lego? A. I started in 1979 with the release of Space (here we go again ). I´m pretty sure my brother and me had those older figs with the big heads before that date, but there was no real love for them. In 1979 the whole family went shopping to Cologne to buy some Christmas presents. I realized they bought several bigger sets what my parents tried to hide. On Christmas I got 920, 926 and 928! And it continued the following years. I managed to collect all sets of five years 1979-1984. The only sets I remember not belonging to Space were a small police car (set 600 - the ones you weren´t able to put a minifig in because they were too small…) a bigger one with road barriers (6681), a police helicopter (weird – I can´t find it at brickset) and the fire station 6382 with an additional fire engine 6650. Then there were the Dark Ages! I returned 2003 while looking for Christmas presents (what a coincidence!) for my older son, Lukas. We had to choose between Playmobil and Lego. I´m still shocked we even considered Playmobil… We started over again with Trains. Yeah – definitely a right decision. Then there were Technic sets: Cool functions I wanted to figure out and do it myself. Mindstorms: Computing and Lego – that´s what my heart was yearning for! Older 9V sets like the Technic control centers I+II. I went ebaying again and again. And I'm tracking my parts. Every single brick is put on an Excel chart. I want to know whenever I start building, if I can finish the build with the parts I have (in the right color, of course). I know this is absolutely crazy – you don´t have to tell me. But fun, too! Q. What are your 3 favourite sets? A. This is the question I have been waiting for. I asked myself when reading the last interviews: What would you answer? Here's my list in order of appearance: 6980 Galaxy Commander :classic: Even better than 928 Galaxy Explorer. Great colors (blue canopies) and you could separate it into three parts! Was that cool?! The front starfighter section: Swooshability at its best. The mid section – allright, nothing really special. But the lab was terrific! Woa – I played with that beauty over and over again! (And when I stopped playing with Lego I sold it to my cousin. Aaaaargh! – But I was able to get back another copy two years ago .) The second one. I had to rethink the second favourite set. Maybe the 6285 Black Seas Barracuda. This is the only pirate set I have and I really like it. It offers a great playability with all that minifigs and cannons (as long you' re living outside the US ). Along with the Skull's Eye Schooner, these are the best pirate ships ever! On the other hand I like the Mindstorms and NXT program as well. A very different approach of TLC to let kids play with Lego. It combines my two favourite hobbies: Bricks and computer. Very cool to see the robot actually do what you programmed. At least most of the time... And I liked all those 9V stuff (lights, motors, etc.) made before Mindstorms. The last one is a no brainer: 10182 Café Corner :classic: This is the beginning of a totally new design. Great way of building and the first set addressed to AFOLs (I think). Bigger sets – not only in parts count, but the sheer size of the houses, SNOT-technique - all still minifig-size. I love TLC for releasing this particular set. The Green Grocer may be better with the interior, but the CC marks the beginning of a new era. My latest MOC is made in this surrounding. (see following question) I always like someone better when they give good answers to this one, as if it gives us something new in common. Nice job! Q. What is your Favourite Theme? A. I have to say City and especially modular houses. Because of the lack of space in my house I hardly have room to display anything. So I restrict myself to display a city surrounding with the sets I have or build modular houses. I´ve been working on a CC-style building, a post office. You can read more about that here. Q. What is your actual sig-fig? A. Do you mean my avatar or my signature? I´m always confused by the term sig-fig... Well, I believe you are talking about my signature. It was the Santa-Fe train I´ve built last year (including A-unit, B-unit, and 6 cars – the usual 5 normal cars from set 10022 and 10025 + a dome car). For castle month I had changed it for a medieval scene with my avatar examine a patient (medieval style, of course). Now, as the theme month has finished, I changed to another subject I´m working on: Collecting 2x4 bricks in as many colours as possible. The colours show the bricks I already have. It will increase after our event. I wondered what that colour bar was for, now it makes perfect sense! I've been trying to collect those as well, but then I forget to do it and ... oh whatever. And don't feel too bad, he can't quite figure out what my Sigfig is most of the time. I still don't know where he got that 'cape' if you can call it that. Q. Best In Real Life Lego Moment? A. Oh, I have to split the answer here. On first thought I would have answered: Last event 2007 in Günzburg! But I will come back to that on the next question. There are some other good moments besides Eurobricks. One thing has to be the moment when I realized there was soo much more Lego related stuff waiting for me in the internet. Finding peeron.com and brickset.com was a boost for my hobby. From that point on I was able to look for every single set ever released. And I was able to even look at the bricks used. Other great moments were catching some cool sets from ebay or buying Lego from people who never thought what treasures they were selling. I remember this topic. Another great moment was displaying my first MOC on an official Lego-event in Frechen this year. Read more about it here Q. And, for that matter your best EB moment? A. This is definitely event No.3 in Günzburg last year. You cannot imagine the excitement when I met jipay (he was the first I met), Hobbes, Kim, Sne, Yoda, morten, TT, Apo, Aredhel, Legocastlegirl, Copmike and Ras for the first time! I haven´t been to an event earlier but I was “ON” from the very first moment. Thank you guys for making it an extraordinary weekend! Q. Star Trek Lego? A. I would be one to buy Star Trek sets of course, but I doubt that there is a market for those sets. With ST:ENT (Enterprise), the latest spin –off in the Trek universe, which didn´t do very well on TV, the interest in Star Trek vanished over the last years. I´m curious what the next movie will bring. I think many people will become interested in Star Trek again, but that enthusiasm will not last very long. Too short at least to let TLC produce some sets with that license. Q. What sets would you like to see TLC produce? A. As a townie I would like to see more everyday life sets like normal cars, a bus, a bus stop and so on. A church would be brilliant, but thinking of the number of parts used for such a building none of us would be able to afford that any more. Like the most of us I would be overjoyed if TLC would bring back Pirates and Wild West. Someone in the forum asked for Romans. I would appreciate that for sure! These themes offer a great playability. And kids can learn history from that themes if done correctly. What do kids learn from Exo-Force and Agents??? Q. How about specific new parts? A. That's an excellent question, isn't it? I´d like a 1x1 round tile. 3x3 plates would be cool. I´m still awaiting a 2x4 brick (the anniversary brick, you know) in dark blue to be produced. Minifig accessories. We need so much more: For example we have a knife, what about a fork and spoon as well? Just to name a few. Q. So your a doctor? Well, Shadows there has had what he calls a "Pain in the neck" since EB News began, can you look at it for him? A. Sure. But I don't believe YOU would like it... And the answers just keep getting better! Q. Can we see your lair? A. Yes. But my “lair” is somehow spread all over the house. I have no decent room to put all my Lego in. Most of it is kept in my working room. Around my computer, on the shelves, on the windowsill, a larger spot in an open space of the cupboard and of course on the floor. It continues on the stairs up to my childrens sleeping room. My older son owns quite a lot Lego, too, so we have our stuff mixed at his place. Some sets (including the UCS MF and another Santa Fe) are still unopened. My collection of trains currently is hidden in paper boxes to be able to carry it somewhere else (exhibition purposes and so on). Or, in pictures... My working space : Some goodies had to be placed on top of the shelves: This is how we (my son and I) store: By colour. My train layout, all packed in 2 big boxes, + the shed on top: ... the missing train sets belong to my son. Some more sets are disassembled and stored away in a cupboard, the UCS-MF is still sealed. Q. Am I Annoying? A. Is the world flat? No, but his head is. Q. Who should we Interview Next? A. What? Finally! Is the show over already? Thank goodness Wow – time flies! I would like to read about Alex (sorry if you did that already)/SimonWillems/Klaus-Dieter. No one watches the show. So there you have it, folks! We still have about 2 minutes left, so I guess... YAAAAAAAAAAAY! Hinckley runs out on stage and begins singing. I'm makin' my way back to Chicago I'm makin' my way come rain or shine I'm gonna find true love waiting for me I'm gonna make it all work out for good this time Well, that was unexpected. Not as much as this. Shadows pulls the power switch. Everything fades

K-13 Black Knights territory Outside the "Lost Tavern" Well, great. I can't get in the door, I'm not playing freakin' Santa Claus and going down the chimney. They can't hear me. I can't hear them. There are demons in the woods. There's no telling when Boney will reach Aluvar, if he can even be trusted. Master Pent... Yes. Bluervo begins flying due east. L-12 Black Knight territory What am I doing? I'm supposed to be spying on them, and I'm trying to help? They're humans, they can't be trusted. This could all be a trick. What kind of trick? I can't see any possible gain for them in this. Great, now I'm talking to myself. I'll return to my master, he'll know what to do! Boney continues on toward Castle town. ??? Druth Castle North Tower Aluvar begins banging on the door. Go away, or I'll make you wish you had! Miss Flangbottom! It's me, Aluvar! WHAT? LIES! I'd know if you were here! Er, I'd know if you were Aluvar and here! Oh, it's my cloak, hold on. Aluvar chants a few words, lowering his magical protection. ALVY! DARLING! After a series of sliding and moving sounds, the door opens and an older, but fairly well kept woman in purple comes rushing out. She stops for a moment, glances over at the guard, then returns her attention to Aluvar, who she proceeds to give a huge kiss. Oh for heaven's sake, stop that woman! Nelth can't help but laugh out loud. Aluvar casts him a deadly glance. Nelth almost stops laughing. Call me Elmyra, dear. Ah, the same old Alvy, though I think your beard is a little longer. We're all aging. Not me. I must admit, I don't know how you do it, Elmyra. Clean living, of course. Oh, I'm sure... Are you saying?!?!? Do I need to? Not really. Elmyra laughs an evil laugh that echoes through the empty halls. I do enjoy my life, when I'm not trying to stay away from a power mad idiot, that is! Yes, I've already dealt with him. I thought I felt this place brighten up a bit, I just didn't know it was you, darling. You're doing it again. Don't give me any ideas. I don't think you need any ideas. Oh, you are so right there! You were the one who sent me the letter, right? Of course, Alvy! Am I really the new Regulator? Well... not exactly. We need to call a general meeting of the League for that, but I couldn't exactly do that with that moron locking everyone up. But you wanted to make sure I'd come, even knowing that he'd try to lock me up too. Exactly, and it worked, didn't it? Actually, no. I didn't come because of that, I came because I need to call the Council together. The Council? We haven't met since... well, you know. We never even filled her seat. Oh yes, I know. I have a bit of news on that front as well. Nelth coughs. Oh, right, sorry. Elmyra, this is Nelth. I believe you've met. Yes indeed. Good lad, he didn't report my little excursion to the kitchen, and I didn't turn him into a skunk. Uh, thanks. Nice to meet you too. He's a cute one. Can't you keep your mind on one thing at a time? Have I ever been able to? So... as I was saying, I brought her back. You what? She'll die, we can't cure her. I cured her. Amazing! How did you do it? Well, I went and picked up my grandson to help with matters, and when we came back, we ended up in a Skellie outpost. You never did have very good teleportational direction. It wasn't my fault, I think it was destiny that drew us there. We met the commander of the outpost, and after Shadows did some of his usual charming, they helped us. I met this amazing herbalist who knew the cause of her illness, and the cure. He didn't want to help us initially, but after we explained the situation, he came around. But I had heard that the Skellies were making small incursions in preparation for a large scale invasion. Yes, well, they aren't. They were being told that we were planning an attack. It's all a huge trick to start a war that neither side wants. Who would do that? You know I had two sons, right? One was killed in the Battle of Monmouth Falls. We lost many that day. He isn't dead. He isn't alive either. He's a Skellie. Even he isn't sure how it happened, but that day, after we had retreated to our former positions, a dark energy passed over the area. Suddenly he was awake again, but dead. It made him what he is today. I don't think he's truly evil, but the energy is controlling him. I'm not even sure he knows what it is, but it's the source of all of this, I know it. It's manipulating some of the older Skellie generals to use their forces to trigger this war, then it plans to take over everything. I'm so sorry... Aluvar and Elmyra look at each other for a moment. Enough of this! It is time for action! We've a war to prevent, or one hell of one to put on! I don't care at this point. It's time! Oh Alvy! Oh no.

Having grown up in the shadow of the Mouse, I can tell you... they really are huge! No, I mean the ones in the park. I'm over 6'3" and those blasted character costumes are bigger than me. It's like a giant freak show! Still, I take your point. I expect it would be very difficult to make them, unless you found a brick based solution, and all that I can come up with goes beyond minifig scale. Now, there is one method, but I hate to mention it, as I tend to hate it when it's done in Star Wars. Basically, you find some company that makes figures with the heads you want, decapitate them, and stick the heads on normal minifig bodies. Since you're working with cartoon characters, it might produce a tolerable result. As I said though, I hate to even mention it. Maybe a talented sculptor with a lack of fear of the Disney Corporation will come along and make an offer. Good luck!

Yeah, it's crazy. I remember the Enchanted Island review noting how cheap they go, but in the US, I haven't found the right one yet apparently. It really would be easier in the UK for some reason...

I don't know how many characters you want to make, but if it's just Mickey and Minnie and Pluto, you could check on these. I know nothing about custom molding and casting, sorry.

Each to his own level of intellect.

I didn't see this one coming... Probably because that huge white beard got in the way! Was this "Shadows impersonates Aluvar" week or something? :laugh: Ok, this wasn't the worst thing I've ever seen. We can try a real one in the future. The not too near, but maybe not too far future. I guess. Where is that a map of, anyway?

I should try making the decals to that hamburger stand, if there is any interest. Well, and if anyone has a really good dead on front shot of them. The bigger the better. If they're a little beat up, I can fix that. I checked Bricklink but no one is selling the sticker sheet alone. I'd buy the already stickered parts, but they're all out of the country and in 2 different stores. Bah. I want to build one of those now. On a similar note, I was very disappointed to find that the big Pizzeria sign was a huge sticker. Still love the set though.

Wow, I haven't seen a YT-2000 since playing X-Wing Alliance, I'd almost forgotten about it. Now that I recall it, I remember thinking how much nicer it would be to fly one of these, sitting in the direct center, as opposed to the unbalanced feel of the Falcon. You did a fabulous job here, thanks for sharing it!

Despite all the decals I draw, I really love a purist solution to minifigs more than any other, and these are all quite nice, even if I did have to look up Giovanni Belzoni. Nice job!

Henry is a good guy. He does his research, he doesn't cause too much trouble. He called the dog Indiana. My point? None. Here's his torso though. Now to be fair, he's easy to get in his official form. It's a $10 set. You've probably got 3 of him already. So why do him? Variations. Lose the Grail diary and think of the possibilities! Wouldn't he be a great snake oil salesman in the Wild West, or maybe a mad inventor of some crazy contraption in your Steampunk scene? Maybe he could sell books in your town? I sure think so, that's why I made all of these, ranging from the serious to the eccentric. You can make your own, too, and if you do, I hope you'll share them. It's a lot of fun, really. He's purple! He's crazy! Looks pretty good though. Go figure.

Oh no, you're not gonna trick me into commenting on this, nope, not gonna happen.

K-13 Black Knights territory North of the "Lost Tavern" Bluervo flew around, taking in the scenery and looking for anything useful. This place, it's a lot like those villages from earlier... I don't like this. I know! Bluervo flies back to the carriage and pops open the compartment where Boney is hiding. Oh geez, couldn't you have let me out sooner? It's so cramped in there! No, I couldn't, we never have explained you to the rest of the group, and I don't want to start now. Where are they? In that tavern, probably stuffing their faces. Point is, I don't like the looks of this place and thought you might be some help. Really? Sure. Boney flies out of the compartment and the two of them begin circling the area. Where are we? Western Black Knights territory. I don't recognise this place. Or that tavern. Or any of the little buildings around here. I've never been here before. Me either, but I've been through here many times in the past. It doesn't make sense. I think I should report in. What's that? Down there! I don't see ... oh! Shadows in the trees! Black wraith demons! You were telling the truth, there really is an invasion! Yeah! We'd better report back! What about me? I'll explain you, it's no good having you hide the whole way, you didn't ask to be on this crazy mission. I could just leave. Report back to Crown castle. That's a good idea. Go find Aluvar, he'll know what to do. I don't think he likes me much. Well, you don't know anyone else except Rangdar, if you can find him. Right... Boney heads south as Bluervo circles back to the tavern. Tap tap tap. Tap tap tap. Tap tap tap. No answer? They've got to be inside, the carriages are still here. Something is very wrong... ??? Druth Castle Dungeon Aluvar and the guard go down the stairs to the dungeon. Tell me your name. I'm Nelth. Pleasure to meet you Nelth. Sorry that you've been caught up in the middle of all of this. I... It's just part of my duty. No, this has all been wrong. Yodarth was abusing his authority, and as such, you. I never really knew what was going on. I tried to object, but no one would listen. I understand... Aluvar and Nelth reach the bottom of the stairs where they meet two more guards, one with a sword and one with a pike. Ah, another one, Nelth? I don't know if we have room for him, what with that big hat and all! Hahahaha, stupid old fool. I told you I didn't like this. We shouldn't have locked all these people up. Don't be an old woman. We're following orders, we do as we're told. And we get to have a little fun with 'em, too. Fun, eh? Shut up you, you're a prisoner now, you need to learn respect. The guard raises his sword, preparing to strick Aluvar with it's handle. Aluvar waves his hand, sending the guard flying into a nearby wall, the sword clattering to the ground loudly in the dead quiet dungeon. Cheers of approval sound from behind the cell doors as faces begin to appear, trying to catch a glimpse of what is happening. Oh ho, a live one, eh! The guard swings his pike at Aluvar, who shoves it aside magically, slapping the guard in the face with it. OW! Aluvar reaches out, causing the cell door behind the guard to swing open with a force sufficient to knock him out. The other guard tries to run, but Aluvar simple trips him. There is a loud crack as his head hits the stone wall. The inhabitants of the now-opened cell rush over to Aluvar, thanking him for saving them. He's mad! He locked us all up! He said we were evil! We're just students here, we meant no harm! Now now, everything will be fine, and I just might need your help, so how about you unlock the other cells with these keys and we can gather together in the Grand Hall. Yes sir! Oh, and lock these two in your cell before they cause any more trouble. Most certainly! Aluvar and Nelth return up the stairs. Where is Miss Flangbottom? The headmistress? She's locked away in her tower. Forceably? No. When Yodarth declared himself acting Regulator at the funeral, she was visibly shocked, but when he began locking up the students, she retreated to her tower. No one has seen her since. Ah, the funeral. I wasn't informed, for some reason. It's odd, really. I can sense anyone in the world if I focus, and changes in the general magical flow are felt like ripples, but it doesn't cross over to this place, it never has. When did Mirindalast pass on? A few weeks ago. Only Lord, er, Yodarth, Miss Flangbottom and her students attended. It seemed very strange to me. He must have made certain that no one was notified. He's been planning this for a while. So she's been in there this whole time? I saw her once, outside of the tower. Really? Tell me about it. It was the middle of the night. I, uh, thought I heard a noise and went to the kitchen to investigate. So you were getting a snack. Well... yes. And there she was, doing the same thing. What happened? She looked a bit startled, but I told her that it was fine and that I never saw her. She smiled, collected her food, and disappeared in a puff of smoke. I think she winked at me too. I thought I might have been dreaming. Oh no, that sounds like her. I need to see her immediately. I just don't want to. I'm confused. She must have been the one to summon me here, which leads to questions I need answers to. It's just... she's always... she's in love with me. In love? Oh my! That's ... Shut up. Yes sir. Nelth chuckles a bit as Aluvar turns red.