Shadows

Thanks guys! As one would expect, there was plenty of ABS involved and a good time was most certainly had. I'm so old now...

Somewhere in Skellie territory East of wherever we were yesterday Are we there yet? Not yet. Are we there yet? Not yet! Are we there yet? NOT YET! No one ask again! Grouchy. I haven't even seen a convenience store in hours. A what? Nevermind. The carriage continues heading east as Shadows thinks it's the weirdest way he's ever spent a birthday. Except for that one time in Acapulco.

Welcome to another exciting episode of EB News Presents! I'm your host, imperialshadows, Staudie will be doing whatever it is he does, and our special guest this evening is Athos! So... before we begin, I should just take a moment to announce the winner of our very special drawing that we've been holding for all of you, our regular viewers. For those who haven't been watching, I'll explain, and give you a dirty look, not necessarily in that order. Ok, basically, for each of the past four weeks, during the ending credits, we've been asking you a very special question. You were supposed to answer those questions, then write it all on a postcard with your name and all that and send it in. We received an incredible number of entries, it was truly surprising. Once we threw out the ones in crayon, and the ones that smelled funny, and the ones with incorrect answers, we were down to the finalists. We put all of those remaining cards in a drum, and Staudie will now draw the winner! I can't draw the winner, I don't even know what they look like. Funny. Very funny. Pick a card. *Staudie reaches in the huge drum* Um... I can't reach a card. Well, stretch more. But there are only two cards in there and they're all the way at the bottom. I'll help. *shoves Staudie in the drum* OW! I always said they were scraping the bottom of the barrel when they hired you, now I have pics to prove it. Oh, haha. Here! *Staudie hands me a card* And the winner is... Um... no. It can't be. Who is it? I, uh, can't read it, terrible handwriting... What exactly is the prize for this travesty, anyway? I think we said we'd have them on the show. Oh crap. Hand me the other card. *Staudie hands me the other card* Just as I figured. Time to start the interview! But you haven't ... START THE INTERVIEW! RIGHT AWAY, BOSS! Q. Why the name Athos? Explain the sigfig? Is that even your sig fig? Why do you have the title of a 'Good Sport'? A. When I joined Classic-Castle, I'd just finished reading the Three Musketeers and liked the character of Athos. So I went with that. I'd probably go with something different, if I was to do it over again. The sig-fig used to be a Musketeer, but I read Stephen King's Dark Tower series and decided to go western. I also have a bunch of specialized figs for holidays and special occasions. I chose the face, because its harder to come by, so there won't be a lot of people using it. I used to be titled "Village Whiner" because, I guess I have a reputation as a complainer. I'm critical and hard to please and like to complain (just ask my wife, poor soul). But I guess I was a good sport about it and got the title changed. Q. I see that most of your mocs are Vigs, is this correct? Is there a reason for this? A. Simplicity. They don't take a huge investment of time or space, which can always be a problem. They also let me explore themes I wouldn't normally build in. And if you find something you like, you can always do a series. Q. How long have you collected lego? A. As long as I can remember. I'd guess I was about 5 when I got my first set. So about 25 years. Q. What are your 3 favourite sets? A. Kings Castle. Its a great set that's designed well and has some sentimental value, as I remember getting it for Christmas, in 1984 or 1985. Carribean Clipper. Also a sentimental Christmas gift. Kings Mountain Fortress. A lot of people don't like this one. It doesn't have many pieces and isn't a great build, but I love how it looks. Plus you get the great princess. Q. What is your Favourite Theme? A. Castle is very high on the list and so is Adventurers. Its probably a tie, but I've got to vote with the underdog, and choose Adventurers. Q. Best In Real Life Lego Moment? A. Tough call. People who know me personally, know I'm not a very excitable person, so its hard to choose a best moment for me. Getting to have a Lego cake topper at my wedding was pretty cool. We also had a Lego bouquet. I also won the Classic-Castle Storytelling Contest, which was pretty cool too. Don't know if that counts as real-life, though. Q. And, speaking of which, what was your best EB moment? A. See above. Getting to be a fellow was good, it was nice to know I was respected enough to be invited. They invited me too. Yeah, so how much of an honour can that be? They didn't invite you, did they? Waaaaaaahhhh! Q. What themes do you think TLC should consider? A. Farm Zoo or Safari Romans/Greece Pretty much anything that will give us new animals. Maybe a Staudie family reunion set. Q. What is your opinion on the recent loss of 3 staff members? A. Its always a pity when people have differences that they can't resolve. Its not surprising or unexpected though. It just happens. I didn't really notice anything was amiss, until it happened. I think EB will go on, just fine. There are enough people committed to the site. Q. A.. B... C... Why did your ABC Castle vigs end at J? (Correct me if I am wrong) A. I finished it. There might have been a significant lag at 'J,' there was at other letters, but I eventually finished. Check it out here. Q. Can we see your evil castle of ultimate good sportsmaship? The place where you keep your lego is fine too... A. Well I've actually got them scattered across four rooms in two states (a bedroom at my parents, a shed at my parents, a spare bedroom at my apartment and the livingroom of my apartment... did I mention my wife is very patient?) Q. Do-do-de-dah! A. Isn't that da-doo-run-run...? Please don't get him singing... Q. Am I Annoying? A. I've encountered worse. Stop looking at me. Q. Who should we Interview Next? A. Hmmm... that's a tough one. You see I don't read your interviews, so I don't know who you've already talked to. I was going to make a nasty comment about that "don't read" crack, but I realised I don't either. It does explain your view of Staudie... So, there you have it. He doesn't actually read these, so we don't really need to say anything more about him. Might as well just run some extra commercials or talk about something else. Oh yeah, who won the contest? Um. Well, that Athos is a really nice guy, isn't he? I thought we weren't going to talk about him. He's our guest, of course we are. You really are the rudest kid sometimes. But you said ... When did you ever listen to what I said? I was trying to, but you won't answer my question. Fine, I'll answer it. You see, when a mommy brick and a daddy brick really love each other... Not that question! Oh look, we're out of time! We still have ... NO TIME LEFT! Right. Roll the credits! *camera fades*

Other Themes Continued Block Block Contest 1. 2. 3. 4.

Fabuland is open to and welcomes all, no permission required, just the desire to do it proud.

Unknown Location Unknown Time Hurry lad, we must attend to the king immediately. The king, eh? Do you see any kings around here? Aluvar takes a moment to look around. Erm. I'm fairly sure this isn't where I intended to reappear. No, I'm sure it isn't. They are standing inside a weatherd stone courtyard. A fully armoured skeleton approaches, sword drawn. Several similarly equipped skellies flank his sides. It would seem that you are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Perhaps so, perhaps not. Don't try to doubetalk me, wizard, I know your kind. You're probably behind this whole invasion. What invasion? Going to play dumb? Fine. The skellie points his sword at Aluvar and company. Turn around and go up those stairs... and no tricks, humans. Great job Aluvar. Well, I'm a little out of practice when dealing with more than just me and the birds. Right, well I guess we'd better do as he says, and no tricks out of us humans... *cough* Oh yes, you're right there, us humans had better behave. Enough talk, get moving! Aluvar and Shadows turn around and begin heading up the stairs. Pinky and Bluervo, having fortunately reappeared above the skellies field of vision, wait for the right moment, and, just as the party reaches the midpoint of the stairs, swoop down, knocking the skellie commander off the stairs and down to the hard floor below, shattering his legs. So much for the element of surprise, looks like it's time to fight! Aluvar pulls out his staff and Shadows his cutlass. Positioned back to back, they wait as skellies approach from above and below. Aluvar begins chanting and a bubble appears around them. The skellies poke at it with their swords, but realising that they can't penetrate it, decide to just wait for the magic to run out. Now what? Do we just try to walk out? It doesn't seem like a heavily guarded fortress. I don't even know where we are, we might be walking into even more trouble. Well, there is an alternative. Let's go talk to the commander. Uh... sure. Aluvar and Shadows walk down the stairs together, careful not to break the magical shield protecting them. Commander. I'm not talking to you. Commander, look... we didn't mean to come here, and we don't know what invasion you're speaking of. The only invasion we know about is the one that your people are leading against the Crown Kingdom. The what? We are doing no such thing! Then who is, and using skellie forces? I... I don't believe you, it's a trick. It most certainly isn't! A talking bird! I'm getting so tired of that. Look, I was in Crown Kingdom and it's a complicated story, but I was told that someone is manipulating the skellie army into making attacks against the Crown, but that it isn't supported by your king. Do you know anything of this? I have heard rumours that some of the older commanders wanted to start the war again, but not of any actual attacks. They wouldn't dare, without support. We believe they have support, in the form of a traitor to the Crown family, someone who wants to seize power by starting a war, pitting your people against mine. Yours? You mean humans? No, I mean the Crown. I am the voice of the King, as specified in this letter. Aluvar holds out the letter, then realises how silly that is, with the magical shield and all. Ahem, well, it says that I have say in all matters regarding Crown Kingdom. I want to avert this war. You seem to feel the same. Will you help us? It's unheard of! An alliance between us... it's madness! And yet, it might be our only chance... Please consider it carefully. We need to stop these attacks or the other kingdoms may unite against you, and that will lead to all out war. Guards! Stand down, we are among friends. I am Skartok. I will do what I can to help you, but I am not authorized to make any kind of agreement, you will need to see the king. I need to save my king first, he is dying of a strange disease that I have only seen once before, a disease that killed his wife before him. A strange disease? You should speak to Brondith the Herbalist. I will take you to him. He knows more about death than all of humanity combined. No offense intended. None taken, though I doubt you can take us anywhere in your condition. Sorry about that. My legs can be fixed, though it will take a few hours. We haven't a few hours. Allow me to try. Aluvar begins chanting a particularly arcane spell. Slowly the broken fragments reform into whole bone. Ah, yes, that is much better. I am impressed. I didn't think that your magic could work on our kind. It's our magic that brought you into being... Well, yes, I see your point, though it isn't one I wish to discuss. A sore subject amongst our people. I can understand that. Shall we go to this Brondith now? Skartok orders his men to prepare their fastest carriage, led by a team of four undead horses. You sure we ended up here by accident? What do you think? Skartok and 2 of his men board the carriage. Aluvar and Shadows sit behind them, the birds preferring to fly. The unlikely group heads east toward the home of Brondith the Herbalist.

I thought I was the only one buying up the dark orange, it's great to see it used so appropriately! This MOC is almost a shopping list of parts I need to pick up. Brown lattice windows, printed planks, curved fences... Hey, what's that over there? *points, then grabs the MOC and runs while everyone is distracted* From the chilling story to the desolate surroundings and ghostly luggage, this has it all. I have to wonder if the Grave Stone story could be featured in a book one day, your creations tell quite a tale. Until then, I can't wait to see the rest of the station!

In todays episode of The Aluvar Chronicles, we present time travel, add a new regular character in the form of ... me, and feature a couple of guest appearances by EB members, though one remains nameless. I bet you'll be able to figure out who he is though. We will now be returning to Crown Kingdom to kick some megablocks, take some names, and see if we can solve a mystery!

M-10 Dromindur The Ravine Aluvar just sits, watching the argument around him. I do wish these children would behave. Pinky and Bluervo fly down the stairs and straight to Aluvar. No one notices. I just got back! I've got terrible news! What is it? What is so important? It's the King! He's dying. No... It's just like before! I... I should have seen this coming. I should have expected it. This whole meeting has been a distraction! Attacks are breaking out across the kingdom, but he was seeing to it personally and they were keeping out the invaders, but then he got sick and now the battle isn't going so well. Of course. OF COURSE! The ensuing arguments stop for a moment, everyone having become suddenly aware of Aluvar again. Oh, go back to what you were doing! The arguments continue. We must act immediately, but there is no time to return by carriage. Oh no, you don't mean... Yes, I do. I hate this. We have to make a stop along the way too, you're going to hate that more. Where are we going? No... it's more a matter of when. Oh, forget it, leave me. I can't handle that! It'll be fine, just be quiet and let me write this note. Aluvar scribbles a note explaining the situation, which he gives to Dragonator. Dragonator quickly reads the note. I understand. I will see to it that she is protected and returned to Crown Castle as quickly as possible. It will take several days. Good, I should have things under control by then. Good luck, friend. Aluvar begins chanting, then suddenly he and the two birds disappear in a puff of smoke. The room is suddenly quiet again. Unknown Location Unknown Time I can't believe you finally agreed to have me back on. Well, you've asked so often that we just thought it was about time. Plus we didn't have anyone else booked. Shut up. Sorry boss. Aluvar and the birds appear in a puff of smoke. Shadows! I need your help! Aluvar? Oh no, not again. I am not going to follow you on some damn fool idealistic crusade like my father did. What is this? Why is this old geezer interrupting my interview? But this is serious, it's King Tiberius, he's dying. Uh, he's dead. Has been for a long time. HELLO? Are you always this annoying? Your face is annoying, bird. Hey, wait, a talking bird. Well, you know what I mean. I do... Fine, give me a minute to wrap this up. We just started! You just finished. Oh, don't worry, Staudie will host the rest of the episode. I will??? YAY! A promotion! Don't get any ideas. Just try not to burn the place down. Oh no, I won't. I figured out how it happened last time, anyway. Yeah yeah. Ok, I'm going now. Going where? Not so much where as when. More like when can we get back to talking about me? Have fun, kid. Er, thanks, I think... Shadows grabs a backpack containing all of the necessary travelling supplies including a towel, of course, and walks over to Aluvar. Let's get this show on the road. Right. Aluvar chants a few words and the group disappears in a puff of smoke. As the camera fades, we hear the announcer. Where will Aluvar and Shadows appear next? Will Staudie burn down the studio again? Will the guest ever finish talking about himself? The answers to these and a few other minor points like that whole deal about the king dying and war breaking out will be answered in upcoming episodes of ... EB News Presents! The Aluvar Chronicles!

Today we learned that Aluvar doesn't particularly appreciate backtalk.

M-10 Dromindur The Ravine Aluvar stands. Thank you Lord Dragonator. Good gentlemen, I am Aluvar. Some of you may know me personally, others only in name, but you are most certainly aware that my words are always true, of that there has never been doubt. Even in my land we know of your honour. So, can you verify anything that he has told us? First of all, you will address Lord Dragonator with the respect that you seem to have forgotten at the door. You are here by his invitation, for the good of all, act accordingly. I... *gulp* Yes, it is so. I am sorry, but I am concerned for the future. We all are, we certainly have reason to be. Here, here! As for the Black Wraith Demons, I can assure you, they're quite real, and most dangerous. I've dealt with many in my life, the most recent just a few days ago, not a mile from this meeting. You see, I was ambushed by them, because they knew we would be here. How exactly do you think they knew, hmmm? Aluvar glances around the suddenly dead silent room. Yes, do think about that carefully. As for the situation in Crown Kingdom, as the representative of the kingdom, I can assure you that all appropriate steps are being taken to stop the attacks against our soil. Further, information has come to light that indicates that the source of our troubles is not what we once believed. It's the skellies! You can't turn that around. We need to kill 'em all! They're already dead, fool. Don't start on me! You know what I mean! Suddenly Aluvar reaches over and picks up his staff which he proceeds to slam against the table with a force one wouldn't expect out of a 190yr old man. The room is again quiet. That will be all of that. If you can't behave, I will personally make you. Are we clear now? Gremoth jumps up. What gives you the right to ... Aluvar narrows his eyes, giving Gremoth a look that would freeze the heart of most men. I... *cough* Gremoth sits. Now that we've settled that, I believe we should return this meeting to the capable hands of Lord Dragonator, and I trust you will all pay attention to what he has to say. Aluvar looks around the room again, but this time he seem something he hadn't before. He sits, just a bit more pale than he had been previously.

Hmmm.... Skellies are funny minifigs. I mean, battledroids are easily counted as parts, skellies are a bit more specific, but still... Old skellie or new? If it's the new kind with the robot arms, you can use it as 5 parts. If it's the old kind... oh, go ahead, but I'd prefer it was the newer style.

That is a happy looking family there. Will we be seeing where they live, eventually? Oh, and I think the mother should just give up dying her hair if she can't cover the black roots. Clearly he didn't marry her for her cooking. Him: "I'm in from a hard day on the range and I'm starvin'! What's fer supper?" Her: "Red tile." Him: "That's the third time this week!" Her: "I didn't hear you complainin' last night..." Him: "Heh, heh, that's different." Her: "Not if you want a fourth." Him: "Yes, dear." If you ever need the father to go into town and get in drunken brawl, you can always switch him to the werewolf torso, which is a tattered version of the same shirt.

Only the Shadows knows!™ I feel bad for all the kids who won't get that reference, but not enough to explain it.

You don't want to scroll back to my first post in the thread, or you might begin to get a complex that you're as weird as me. Just trust me on this.

These choices reveal a lot, when analyzed properly, and I personally voted based on the best potential for new parts/minifigs. Take them individually. 1. The Arrest. Existing Kit and Mace, practically existing Emperor. Add one (or dare we hope, 2) new Jedi. No ships, no major play features except for a window to blow out. An exciting desk. Goes against everything LEGO traditionally aims for in a set. 2. Cloud City/Slave I. Lando, Lobot, Boba, Leia, Han, etc. No one new. Maybe, if you're really trying to make the fans happy, toss in an ugnaut, but mostly just a repeat. A lot of people missed Cloud City (I didn't, and I could tolerate a new room or two, at least, especially if it was designed similarly enough), but how many of us really need another Slave I? 3. Mon Cal Cruiser/Hangar/A-wing. The best potential for new figures. Ackbar, Mon Mothma, Crix Madine? I can't see them giving us that much in new figures, but we can dream. The rest can be rehashed from old sets. Another A-wing? Sure, but it's the only chance for new figures who honestly can't be made anywhere else. The Jedi could all be released in other sets, but Ackbar appears once, unless they go Expanded Universe. Bottom line, for me, #3 gives me the most that I won't get otherwise. That said, I'm confused a bit by the range of offerings, not because of what they are, but because of their likely prices. #1 sounds like a $30-40 set. How much office can you build? #2 could be anywhere from $70-150, depending on just how much Cloud City we're getting with that Slave I. #3 should top out at $100 to match the ISD, unless they go Hoth style and then it's cheaper. That part seems odd to me, maybe the only really odd part of the whole deal. The incredibly long wait for the announcement tells me that we can expect none of these items to appear individually before then, so if you've been hoping for any of the parts of this, plan to wait. Shall we mention again that this isn't even vaguely related to the 10th Anniversary set, so any requests made there are similarly unrelated? Plus, who knows what other channels they've used to find out what people want? The point is, they (TRU) are working on their own to come up with something and were presented with some options. They're trying to listen to the fans by having this survey. Be glad of that much.

M-10 Dromindur The Ravine I really think I should go along, they won't refuse me entry. Oh no, my dear, I'm sure they wouldn't, but I think it's best if we don't reveal you at this point. Some of them know I'm here and who I am. Yes, but they don't understand the importance of who you really are, only the royal side. You mean... Exactly. When the time is right, however, everyone will know. I guess you'd better go on alone then. That's a good girl, your mother would be very proud of you. Aluvar leaves the room, going downstairs to find his seat and join the meeting. Glancing around at the assembled emmisaries, he sees a number of familiar faces, old and new. Realising that things aren't quite ready to start, he begins to meditate, reaching out to his surroundings, feeling the inner spirits around him. He senses concern, confusion, anger, and in one case, a dark whirlpool of deception. I've got a bad feeling about this ...

Here we stand, lads, on the eve of battle. Tomorrow, we go forth into a new land, a land of voting. Or do we? Ready for the next big announcement? The Next Big Announcement in the Continuing Saga! There are a few little violations in the current batch of entries. There are people frantically trying to finish some things. There are still good ideas unused. There are two different contests currently in the voting stage. Therefore, in the interest of fun, the contest has now officially been extended. How long? I'm not telling you. Yes, that's right. I'm not going to give you a final date, or you'll just put off finishing. It might be 2 days. It might be a week. The point? Go over your entries and make sure you're up to code. Finish up those unfinished ones and submit them. Post here to let me know that you're working on it, it might make the difference in time you need to get done. It might not. Har, there be uncertain seas ahead, lads, steady hands and iron will shall get thee through! GET BUILDING MEN!

Excellent purist customizing here! I like seeing what can be done with new torsos, and these are all fantastic. In my head, I'm trying to sing the Monkey Man theme song, which sadly doesn't exist. It's quite a challenge, but it involves bananas. Great job!

And a fine topic it was, so fine that I have merged the two together. Good call.

Very nice job! In order to prevent an accident like that from happening again, I've created a new colour chart topic, as well as a new, more complete, chart. If you'd like to post the one you have in that thread as well, please feel free. Should be able to maintain it a little better there. Thanks again!

Realising the need for a more complete colour chart, I made one. Much like most of what I do, it's a bit excessive. It also serves as a guide to the colour names as used by Bricklink, Peeron, and LEGO, which makes it useful when looking things up on those sites. I know I've been stumped by some of the names that LEGO calls things, not even referring to standard green as green. They're funny like that. I hope it serves you well in your customizing needs. Remember: These are the official LEGO colours as are used for parts. They may use more or different ones when producing patterns on pieces, and some would be difficult to replicate, such as the metallics and pearl effects. These colours are only a guide and should not be considered a limitation to what can be used. They simple serve to provide some uniformity to designs and help your designs to the pieces you would apply them to. Try to remember that some pieces are more readily available in certain colours and take that into account while designing. It isn't realistic to make a torso decal that requires a colour in which one has never been made, for example. If you use a different chart, please feel free to post it in this thread as well.

While that most certainly is a towel, which earns it a degree of respect by it's sheer existance, it seems lacking in LEGO style, outside of the required logo. Why, exactly, does a towel earn such respect? Allow me to quote from the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy entry on towels: Beyond that... shame on you, TLG! You don't pay for an available pirate license in the form of PotC, then mimic them to make a towel, while taunting us with the prospect of a new line. Bad form, bad form indeed. Am I being a bit too critical here?

I think we did the new Fellows months before anyone else noticed them. We're cutting edge like that. "Technical difficulties" is news business code for: Staudie forgot to do an interview. Everyone is too busy. Everyone is too busy to reply to Staudie (including me). Oh, and there was that week I went through 3 sets of pics and still got a boring result. Staudie can't get his girdle off. Staudie can't get his girdle on. Staudie. Just Staudie. Oh, and for an inside scoop... we actually had one guest who answered all the questions, but while it was being edited, wrote to cancel their appearance for personal reasons. News is a weird business, you never know what will happen. Heck, sometimes Staudie's tank gets towed for no reason at all, right out of his personal parking space by the dumpsters.

That is one I look back at often, though only in scanned form. Aside from the ridiculous space subplot, it's an incredible book, especially the lighted parts. I miss the whole lighting concept and guess it wouldn't appeal now. I'd like to see the current Beach House lit up, for example, as it most reminds me of the 80's style houses we don't get anymore. Even with brick built horses and thoroughly wrong wheels, I can't find fault with those castle pages either. Ah, the memories. Think I'll go look at it again ...