Shadows

Anything on a sprue is one piece. Coins, tools, speargun thingies. 1 piece each. You're a sneaky one. ;-) I'm going to give this some consideration before I answer, but am inclined to allow it for heads, for some reason. I'll confirm this later tonight.

Welcome back! I knew you couldn't resist this contest! *y* As for more pieces... No. No. No. BUT... if this contest is as successful as I hope it will be, perhaps we can try another in the future, with higher piece limits. So, work to make this a success, and you just might get your chance!

That is one serious Fort. I especially appreciate the way it maintains elements of the original and expands upon them, creating a large, but believably supersized Legoredo. *y* Needs a train. ;-) Oh, and what's up with that guy laying down on the job, in the front right corner? *wacko*

That it is. Been a good idea ever since I posted it in the Entry Thread ;-) I'm also pleased to note that Duke, our first entry, followed that rule to the letter. *y*

7zip is nice. It will let you create a variety of formats as well as manipulate others. Plus, if you're compressing something for your own use, 7z is a very efficient format. I haven't been to their site in a long time, but it was freeware before, and I'm sure it still is.

You can place multiple pictures in a single .zip and it will unzip them for you, in the current folder. You won't get any compression out of it, but you'll be able to process a lot more files per shot.

A better picture will replace this one shortly. Name: Aluvar Race: Enchanted Human Age: 190, but doesn't look a day over 76. Alignment: As good as he can be. Faction: Tolerated by many, claimed by none. His alignment keeps him away from the evil factions. Sworn enemy of the Skellies. Hierarchial Position: Traveling Wizard, something of an Adventurer. Armament: A simple staff, a few wands, some somewhat confused magic. Armour: None worn, none needed, just a basic black cape. Clothing: Black robes and hat. They're slimming, and people confuse you for an evil wizard and tend to not bother you much. Special Ability: Saving teleport. Only spell he always gets right. Something goes wrong... *POOF*. Part of why he's made it to 190. Possessions: A chest of improbable volume. Basically, it can hold whatever you can get through it's opening. It's primarily filled with Aluvar's modest riches, books, potions and ingredients, small odds and ends he's picked up here and there, and bird food. It cannot hold anything ridiculous like a horse. Hobbies: Wandering the countryside looking for people who need help and then generally mucking it up. Hilarity ensues. Companions: 4 talking birds. In the very first installment of the Aluvar Chronicles, as I'm planning to call it, he'll cast a spell to make them speak in English. It might even work. Aside from being his only source of decent conversation while traveling (and he travels a lot), they are able to deliver messages much like carrier pigeons, except with clearer accents. Background: His parents were a forestman and a princess, a union not entirely endorced by her family (they disowned her completely). Raised poor, he was often seen wandering the countryside collecting herbs and other little items for his experiments. A kindly wizard eventually saw his potential and trained him, but died before his training could be completed. Having been taught the rare skills of reading and writing, he was able to continue his own training, though it didn't always go perfectly. His parents died in a Skellie attack while he was away studying. As he has aged, his spellcasting has become even more unpredictable, so you might be cautious when standing near him during one of his attempts. Personality: Prone to make jokes, sometimes even funny ones, frequently using wordplay. Can talk his way out of almost anything, and has had to on quite a few occasions. Used to host a mildly amusing talk show, which confused a lot of people who didn't really understand the concept. Seems to run in the family ... :-$

This is really the night for temptation. At least for some of us. ;-)

That's exactly what you said before that little incident in Puerto Bricko... One entry and a lot of "working on it." Aye, that it be. What good is a contest without a challenge?

Don't worry, I keep Alice more than impressed. >:-) ;-) Such a setup line... MUST RESIST. >:-)

You two ought to head over to the Ladies thead and troll for Aussie chicks >:-)

Whoa, how did I miss this? Happy Birthday Copmike! May your arresting personality net you a large haul of everyone's favourite addictive substance! And cake! ;-)

As a fellow Captain, you should know good natured name calling on the high seas, so don't get your panties in a knot! ;-)

Excellent spirit there, Mr. Phred! Hopefully these ladies laddies X-D will find a way to live up to the challenge and match that! Yes, the gauntlet has been thrown down, it has indeed. :-P Despite hosting the contest, I will build entries. Not official entries, as I won't be in the voting, but I will also furnish a decent 200pc ship for the large class.

Lemme think... 12 of the original Endor (mostly bought in $2.50 clearance sets) 4 of the rereleased Endor 1 from the Clone Turbo Tank 1 Dooku's 1 Anakin's 10 from the Clone Battlepack 1 custom Bounty Hunter speeder (merged from a normal one and something else) I would use for my sigfig, but it doesn't accomodate capes well 2 Hoth I'm missing something... If I think of it, I'll come back.

He appears to be a man of few words, and even fewer questions, but we like our guests as comfortable as they can be around Staudie, so we don't push it. Too much. Usually. X-D

Yes, it is pirate lego, soldier lego, armada lego, guard lego, or islander lego. Could even be more than one of those. :-D Good luck on your entry!

Welcome to another exciting episode of EB News Presents! I'm your host, Captain imperialshadows, asking the questions this evening will be First Mate Staudie, and our special guest is Admiral Giddens! Ah, it will be nice to finally have another chance to chat with a true man of the sea... This small but sturdy vessel is mine, leftover from my days as a, um, man of the sea. Now, it serves as the official governmental transport of EB, making it a consular ship. Uh... good evening, Lord Vader. I wasn't really expecting a visit, we're filming the show, you know. Hey, shadows. Er... Don't act so surprised, you weren't on any mercy mission this time! Huh? I heard you say that this is a consular ship. Yes, I did. Well, if this is a consular ship... where is the Ambassador? Oh, he'll be along in a few minutes. He's our guest for the evening. You can see his rowboat approaching now. Wait. You mean you've really got an Ambassador coming? Of course. Drats. I usually get to choke people after that line. Are you sure I can't choke anyone? Staudie will be along in a minute. Oh no, I can't tolerate that kid. I've got to go... I think the Emperor is calling me. Collect. Hmmm... that was unexpected. What was? Oh, nothing. Why are you dressed like that? I dressed like this for our special guest. I don't get it. He's an Admiral. Yeah! Wasn't that smart of me? Um... let's just move on, our guest is arriving now. Ahoy there! Permission to come aboard, Captain? Of course, welcome aboard! Why is he dressed like that? Why are you dressed like that? I always dress like this. Oh great, it's catching. What is? Staudie. What? That's "what, sir?" or "what, Captain, sir?" Uh. Ok, sir, Captain, sir. That's better. Now I just wish I understood why you two are dressed like that. Whatever the case, let's have a seat. Oh, thank you. I brought along a friend, if you'd like to meet him. This is ... Oh, we know him. Yeah, he's always trying to get on the show. I'm sure that can't be, he hadn't even heard of you before I mentioned it. First Mate Staudie! Aye, Captain? Toss him overboard. With pleasure! Wonder if he can swim... We shall see. >:-) WHY DID YOU DO THAT? We put up with a lot of his shenanigans, but this time he's gone too far. He came as my guest! I've known him for years, he didn't mean any harm! Look, Hinck has been finding ways to get on the show for ages now, trust us, we know what we're talking about. I have no idea who this 'Hinck' is, nor do I wish to, but here is a picture of us together, with his name clearly printed. Doctor Phineas Pepper? Dr. Pepper??? HAHAHAHA He expects us to believe that? HAHAHA Can you imagine how stupid someone would have to be to fall for a name like that??? Oh, sorry. Even I didn't fall for that! You people are weird. Fine. We'll pick him up, since you seem so certain about this, but you're taking him home, don't even think about leaving him here for us to deal with. That's our cue to start the interview! Aye, aye, Captain! Q. Would you mind explaining your name & SF to our viewers? A. The online name Admiral Giddens came long ago in a forum far far away... Mark Sandlin and I were creating MOCs without likenesses in them, he was Grand Admiral Sandlin and I had made mine Commodore Giddens. I got a promotion for getting donuts for the Grand Admiral. My sigfig is this element http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=3626bpb023 in Life on Mars outfit (with yellow epaulettes). Some pics I have of him are an older homemade version of this. Mmmm... donuts. Q. How long have you collected LEGO™? A. I got my first BASIC set in 1977. Queen was writing "We Will Rock You" at the time. I got my first true space set in 1979/80. Q. Can you tell us a bit more about what you do as a Ambassador? A. The Ambassador's share ideas, complaints, observations and opinions from the communities we inhabit to LEGO via our Ambassador forum. LEGO listens, sometimes asks questions, and we answer. Q. How long have there been ambassadors, and did they effect this year's sets in any way? (Personal guess is yes :-) ) A. The Ambassador program has been around for 3 years. I've been in all cycles and this will most likely be my last. I've had my spot for long enough. If you look at what Lego is doing and producing, you can see input from the fan community. Look at the Modular House sets. Look at Factory stuff (especially space... LOOK AT IT!!!). And while being an Ambassador doesn't mean you do Factory sets and stuff, it does mean that LEGO is paying attention to the adult fan. Even complaints about quality of brick and color are getting heard. Mostly from longtime fans who notice the difference. Q. What are your top 3 favourite sets? A. Ever? Huh. It's kinda funny. I'm partial to spaceships, but ground vehicles are some of my favs... The http://www.peeron.com/inv/sets/6950-1 Mobile Rocket Transport is my all time favorite. Simple build, amazing playability. The second is http://www.peeron.com/inv/sets/6886-1 the Galactic Peace Keeper. Just a spaceship that looks awesome. Third is http://www.peeron.com/inv/sets/7890-1 AMBULANCE?? That set represents a lot to me. Pure Lego building, simple concept, great look, low price point, and great parts make it great. It's what LEGO should be for under $10. Not a pirate ship in the lot. For shame. Calls himself an Admiral... Q. It seems to me that you are rarley active in sections other than the Embassy, why is this? A. I visit A LOT of sites. Classic Space, FBTB, Brothers-Brick, FLICKR ect... It's hard to be highly visible on them all. After a point it gets difficult to keep up with every thread everywhere. E-mail and PM's work well if folks have a question. I'm sorry if me or other Ambassadors aren't as vocal as some think we should, we're just fans trying to keep up. And thank you for the job you do. Now, would you imagine that the theme of this evening's program could be a hint of the direction that some of us with LEGO would take? ;-) Q. What are the Ambassador's Current objectives? A. Actually, the program is undergoing to redevelopment and re purposing at the moment. Q. Best IRL Lego related moment? A. Mine? I've had many, I've been blessed. Getting to meet Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, having Jørgen Vig Knudstorp hang out and talk and remember my name, and seeing my name on a LEGO set rank up there. Sharing the hobby with my kid tops all that. Q. Best EB related Lego moment? A. The moment I joined and got my $1,000,000 prize. Oh and sharing about the Space Factory set here. Great conversations. Q. Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavor on the Bedpost Overnight? A. Only in December. How did I end up with a couple of space cadets? :-| Q. Am I annoying? A. Ask yourself. Don't. He'll do it. :-/ Q. Who should we interview next? A. Homer Simpson. On the list. Q. One last question, any teeny weany info you can tell us about the future? :-P A. One day someone will invent a jetpack that works, and all food will be in pill form. The pills are plate sized and hard to swallow. Much like this show, sometimes. So there you have it, another informative inside look at a LEGO fanatic, just like you, except I hope you like Pirates more... Speaking of which, it's time for a commercial! A commercial? We don't do commercials, do we? Of course we do, we're a highly sought after program, people are lining up around the corner for our commercial time. Isn't that where the bathroom is? Whatever. Captain imperialshadows is proud to present an exciting Classic Pirates Themed Contest with three distinct classes of entries! Impulse, Small set, and Large set! With prizes donated by some of your favourite EB personalities! Join in now before you miss all the fun! And on that note, thank you for joining us and be sure to keep tuning in for more interviews and hijinks as we sail the seven seas of news! That was corny. Do you swim well? No, not really. Why? Look around. >:-) Oh. *gulp* Sorry boss, er, Captain, er, Captain boss, sir! *camera fades*

Assuming you don't go insane with it and rig up something massive, one piece. If I see this being abused, I'll reconsider, so be good everybody ;-)

Very nice work, Thrash! After I saw your face decal, I though about making the official one, and now that I come back, you've already supplied it. Great job! *y*

Aye, that be a good idea for an Impulse set, Captain Green Bucket! :-D

Whoa dude. Seriously, there is a lot more going on here than just "it's been ruined because I've seen it, played with it, etc." I am not going to go point by point through the post, playing psychiatrist, but honestly, it shouldn't matter if he gets a set first, and no one can make you play with them unless you want to. Therefore, if he gets something you want and somehow it is really that big of an issue for you, don't build/play with theirs. Tell them you're waiting until you get the set, tell them you're not interested, whatever, but don't let your mind trick yourself into thinking that they're somehow tainted because your cousin got them first. OR ... buy old sets you know they don't have. Either way... wow. Just, wow.

Oh cool! The drunk guy and the red and green vest guys are mine! I've wanted to see how any of my decals would look in use, and now I have (and they look great, if I say so myself). Nice job printing and applying! *sweet* I must be missing Avatar boobiegirl though...

n00b... :-P As Staudie pointed out, those terms stand for big ugly rock piece and little ugly rock piece. and More like a playset. What we're hoping for is the kind of thing that LEGO would release themselves, and they love the play features.

Wow... Pippi LEGO. I never dared to dream. :'-) Funky Hair On! *y*