Brandon Stark

Thanks de Gothia! I will try to add other details in the next interior I do.

Thank you! The contents of the chest might be revealed in another build.

The keep is stupendous, with the amount of detail on the stone and the curve of the round tower. The timbered sections also use a unique technique that I find interesting and might use. And the snow and foliage on the ground is also a really nice part of this build.

Like Titus, I agree that the detailing on the ground is really cool, and the minifigures are great. The use of the wings on the camel is quite interesting. All the stuff on the horse is a great addition, and the mustache on the knight is a good detail.

Great job on the bear paw. The design is really interesting, and I think this is really good for a first mosaic.

Again, this is another great build from you. The path is really nice, and the timbered sections of the gate is also a great addition. Also, the stone on the gate and the rocks are probably the best part of the build. Overall, amazing.

After reading it somewhere, I'm guessing for Cat. A and B LDD is not allowed and for Cat. C LDD is allowed? I might build Cat. A in real bricks, although I don't have a 16x16 baseplate. Also, for Cat. C, is it possible to make yourself the new king of Historica?

A new chapter is up. C&C is welcome, as always.

Part 1, Chapter 1 Study by Brandon Stark, on Flickr Brandon and Corlys opened the door and entered a meeting room in the Great Keep of Avalonia. This wasn't the one the Council used, but rather each member of the council had their own meeting room. The two continued walked further, entering Brandon's study. Brandon hadn't been here in weeks, and as expected, piles of letters were sitting on his desk. Two letters on the table caught his eye. They were bearing the seal of Drond's Fields, and Shadowmere, respectively. They must be the responses, Brandon thought. Brandon sat down in his chair. He gestured for his brother to sit in another chair facing his. "So, Brandon, I trust your journey was pleasant? I have found much news from my travels to the capital. These are turbulent times, brother. I ran into some bandits on my way to the capital. Also some mummies and Drow. Didn't think they'd venture so far from their territory. I may have also seen that Nestlands girl that kissed you. Pity I wasn't able to talk to her. But I'm sure that's the one though. Armored girls aren't very common around here." "Surely you've found better news than that Nestlands girl. Though mummies and Drow venturing far from their territories is rather frightening. If the rumors are true; if my spies are right about Raavage allying with Drow and Algus, I fear nothing can stop him. Not with that Necromancer's Helm he could use to raise vast armies of undead." "Yes, the news is rather frightening, but there is hope, Brandon. The Necromancer's Helm might not even exist. And, the heir to Cedrica has been found..." "What? Corlys, I never knew you would succumb to rumors like that. The heir to Cedrica has been the subject of talk in half the taverns in Petraea. I'm not sure if there is hope. Mitgardia is spent, and will not be able to resist the Algus. Kaliphlin is divided, meaning the Desert King cannot make good on his promise to help Free Nocturnus. And even Avalonia; we were once one of the most powerful and prosperous, yet now the capital is shadow of its former glory and flooding with refugees." "It is true. I am sure of it. The resurrected Sir Trian Burress, Lord Dugal MacLean, and others are meeting in the Beggar's Inn south of the capital as we speak. If the rumors are false, why would they meet? There must be some reason. Brandon, please, for your family and those you hold dear, do not give up, for there is hope. For now, I must return to Drond's Fields. Goodbye, Brandon." "Thank you Corlys. Goodbye to you too." Now alone, Brandon pondered for a moment. Resurrected Sir Trian? He hadn't been seen for years. Brandon began opening the letters, hoping there was good news within. He began with the one he received from Lord Vladivus. "Greetings, Brandon, It gladdens me to know Historica has not forgotten it's shared plight. Ravaage is a threat to us all. Free Nocturnus is doing it's best to hold the Spire's rot at bay, but even Shadowmere's cannot hold out indefinitely. Allies are always welcome, and my mother spoke highly of your family. Make haste Brandon, there is little time to waste. Vladivus, Lord of Shadowmere and Free Nocturnus" After reading the letter, Brandon opened the one from Drond's Feelds. "Dear Lord Stark, We truly appreciate the fact that you will join our armies in the fight against the Black Spire. My husband, lord Alric, is already there with the best of our household guard. Though I wished I could give you more men, every man not in the Darklands already is needed here, to fend off the increasing Drow threat. My apologies. I propose you meet up with your liege lord once you are there, as to develop a shared strategy. Yours sincerely, Lady Elysabeth In name of her husband Lord Alric of the House Drondil, Lord of Drond's Feelds" Brandon closed both letters with satisfaction and relief. Both would be allies with him. He then opened the other letters and read them. They were mostly reports and updates from his agents across Historica. Many talked about the heir to Cedrica and the upcoming war. Others were of little importance; dealing with his incomes, among other things. Getting up, Brandon walked over to a chest, then began preparing for the journey. He pulled out his dragonsteel sword, then began placing a few other items inside. After a few minutes, Brandon walked out of his room. It would be long before he would return, and he wasn't sure if he would at all. As he walked out of his study, he spotted a servant in the hallway. Brandon pointed to the chest in his study. "Can you get this down to the Albion docks by this afternoon?"

Thanks! Thank you! I admit that the room is quite barren, but I intended this to be like the "guest room" of the manor, as Lord Stark's chambers are inside the Great Keep in Albion. The drawer could have had some details though. And though Lord Stark isn't really "spartan", he is more modest that most lords. Thanks! Thank you! This is one of my first times trying the rendering software, and I didn't zoom in close enough. I'll make sure to zoom in more in my next build. Thanks! Thanks!

Really nice build. This fits really well with Avalonia, and I like how you kind of made the hunting lodge hidden in the tree, if that's what you were aiming for. The tree itself is fantastic; I liked how you used two shades of green, and also the moss on the tree. The foliage is also a great addition.

There have been really nice builds from you lately, and this is no exception. The story is good and entertaining. The cottage looks really nice, probably the best one you've done, and the ground, with the mix of colors, has a really "Nocturnian" feel to it.

Awesome build. The colors and architecture of the building is really nice and fits in perfectly with the build. Now if only I could build like that. The grapevines are also superb, and your minifig posing also adds to this build. Lastly, the terrain is really nice and the roof style is also really cool.

That is a splendid set of builds you got there. Judging by the MOCs I've seen of Shadowmere and Skavenport, I think you stayed very accurately to their architecture. The story is also great and entertaining. Good job.

For a first build, I think this is a really great start. The way you completely brickbuilt the ship without those "ship pieces" is cool, and the waves are also really well done. I think you did a nice job on the prow too. The ship is also pretty accurate to the medieval era.

That is a great castle. I really like how you made the castle situated on a mountain of sorts, with the snow climbing up the rocks. As usual, the interior is stunning, and has a typical "northern" feel to it. The timbered sections are also a nice addition, and the red makes the castle really stand out. Overall, amazing build.

[The door opens, interrupting the silence of a mostly silent room. A traveler enters, clad in the clothing of a typical Avalonian noble, and bears the sigil of a dragon, a common symbol in Avalonia. He is carrying a sword and a few other items.] Master Gabbold: "Good day, ser. You're nobility I presume? We don't have nobles traveling the road much these days. There's too much danger. Traveler: "Yes, I am nobility. I am Corlys Lynderly of Avalonia, the half-brother of Lord Brandon Stark. And I would like some ale, please. That is all." Master Gabbold: "Ah, yes, I know your half-brother. He was in these parts a few months ago. Anyways, your ale with arrive shortly." [Corlys looks around. As expected, there are not many people here today. He had dealt with a small group of bandits on the way, and he knew there were many more lurking on the roads. Corlys eyes the only other people in the room, who are now heading up the stairs. "They must be from the Nestlands", he thought. His brother had mentioned being kissed by some "Nestlands girl" once. The thought crossed his mind that this could be that one, though he quickly brushed it off.] Master Gabbold: "Here is your ale, ser." [Corlys hands two coins to Master Gabbold.] Corlys: "Thank you, master." [The room is now empty, and there are many thoughts on his mind. He had been sent to the capital to gather information to his brother, and was now heading back. Yet there was still business to attend to. Reports to record, letters to write, accounts to manage. He is also supposed to ride home the next day, to accompany his brother on a journey. "Brandon needs to reward me with a lordship once I'm done", he jokes to himself. Corlys resolves he can't stay here any longer, and follows the two Kaliphlinians up the stairs to his room.]

Thank you! I have a map that I may add. Thanks! Thank you! Due to the lack of minifigure prints on LDD, I tried to think of something to look like a surcoat. Glad you like it. Thank you! Thanks!

Chambers by Brandon Stark, on Flickr Brandon entered his chambers in a manor house outside the capital. Though the master of court intrigues in the capital, he still needed to get away from the tiring politics of the capital for once. He sat down at his desk, picked up his pen, dipped it into the ink, and began writing a letter. The latest developments in Nocturnus meant that something larger was brewing, and Brandon had to write to the Resistance, reassuring them of their allies in the war to come. "To Vladivus, Lord of Shadowmere, and nominal leader of Free Nocturnus, In these tumultuous times it is my duty..." Suddenly, the door opened, and a man wearing a typical Avalonian courtier's clothing, clutching a letter, entered. Brandon looked up to see it was Kevan, the lord of this manor, and also one of Brandon's oldest and most trusted friend. Kevan bowed. "Lord Stark." he said. "I'd have appreciated it more if you'd knocked first, but anyways, that aside what news do you have for me?" "This is my manor, so my rules. Anyways, well, there is news from Nocturnus, which seems to be your focus right now. Around a month or so ago, Black Spire forces captured a fortress near the Mitgardian border guarding one of the only roads in Nocturnus. Mortag Keep, it is called." A little annoyed by Kevan's statement, along with the fact the he was reporting unnecessary information to him, Brandon replied. "And what significance does this 'Mortag Keep' warrant? Surely it is just another keep that we don't have to care about. The Black Spire's been conquering fortress after fortress lately. While worrisome, as of now, I can't really do anything about it." "You see, our spies tell that a map leading to the Necromancer''s Helm was in that fortress. The Necromancer's Helm makes the Elemental Helm that Revolword loved so much look as powerful as the water people go around trying to sell who claim it has magical properties. It is capable of raising vast armies of the undead." Brandon was taken aback. If the Elemental Helm had done so much pain and destruction to the lands of Historica, what could the Necromancer's Helm do? But then, was this whole "Necromancer's Helm even real in the first place? "Normally, I'd dismiss it as stories to scare little children, but I've seen enough to believe you. Continue, if you will. The council and I would be interested to know of this 'Necromancer's Helm' that Raavage covets. If this be true, it could determine the fate of this war, which will also determine the fate of Historica itself." "But my lord, none of our spies have been able to pierce the Obsidian Spike. In fact, we only learned of this from the Nocturnian resistance." "It looks like we should turn our armies toward Nocturnus. Once this is over, the only spike Raavage will get is the one his head will be mounted on. Three years ago, I didn't come to the aid of my fellow countrymen at Abyssian. It is time I make amends for that. How many forces do we have?" "But my lord, you could not have done anything then. Lord Artorious had promised exile of any one of us who left Avalonia. You could not have risked your livelihood then. But, right now, we have around 6,500, if the Council allows to use the Avalonian army. Otherwise, it is 500." He sighed. The memories of the First Nocturnian Civil War pained him. It came so quickly, after a time when Historica was only beginning to heal. He was also angry, angry that so many of his fellow countrymen had perished at Abyssian, fighting for a cause that was still getting defeated. "Send a raven to my father, and another to Lady Elisabeth of Drond's Fields. Alric is my father's overlord, and we will definitely need their help in the wars to come." "...- Brandon Stark, Lord of Dragonstone, friend of Free Nocturnus" "Also, Kevan, can you get this message to the ravenry? Tell them this is from the Master of Laws, and is an urgent message that will need the fastest raven. As for now, I will be leaving. I'm heading west. There are a few people I need to see. The storm is coming, and we will need many allies." "Yes, my lord. I will see that it is done. And safe journeys to you."

Well said guys ; i get that people are busy this time of year. I'm currently discussing a collaboration with someone, so I should be able to get a build soon. Also, Titus, about the collaboration you mentioned; is there any way I can be part of it? Anyways, my first build is up. C&C is welcome.

After seeing my recent post had only two comments, I'm feeling really down. So I have a few questions for my fellow Avalonians. How do you make people want to read your posts? I can admit that mine had less content and was in LDD, which seems rather undesirable here. Is it quality? Do people set a higher standard for LDD? Maybe I'm in the wrong here? Are there any tips you have for me? Thank you in advance; I'm just trying to find what I did wrong.

Tasks 1 - 3 are up! Again, I apologize for it taking so long.

Located in the north of the Mystic Isles, close to both Avalonia and Mitgardia, Dragonstone is a prosperous and thriving elven island. Led by the elven Lord Brandon Stark, the elves of Dragonstone founded the port city over 3,000 years ago. Even after the elves suffered major blows in their wars with the drow, Dragonstone continued to prosper. During the Hundred Kingdoms Period, the Kingdom of Dragonstone engaged in multiple wars with their neighbors. At its height, the Kingdom of Dragonstone stretched as far as the borders of Oros, but a multitude of rebellions and wars eventually drove the elves back to the coast, and in later years, back to their island. By the time Artorious Rex mysteriously arrived in Avalonia, the power and prestige of Dragonstone had greatly faded. The Kingdom faced many attacks from barbarian and evil Men from the mainland. After he defeated their enemies and restored them to a position of power once more, the elves of Dragonstone pledged their swords to Artorious Rex and the Guild of Avalonia, vowing to always defend it. Now, even with Artorious Rex gone, the Kingdom of Dragonstone still holds strong bonds with the Guild, and well still come to defend it when the time is right. Should Avalonia fall into darkness once more, the elves of Dragonstone will proudly stand by their human allies. Today, Dragonstone is medium sized island in the north of the Mystic Isles. House Stark rules from the castle of Dragonstone and the adjoining port city of the same name. Dragonstone is surrounded by many walls, built by the dwarves of Mitgardia to protect Dragonstone and instilled with a powerful ancient runic magic that makes it nearly impervious to siege weapons; the reason Dragonstone has never been taken by force. It is said 500 soldiers can hold the walls against 20,000. The walls stand as a symbol of the age-old friendship between the northern dwarves and the elves of Dragonstone. Through interactions with Men, the port of Dragonstone has a more Avalonian architecture than elven architecture, though that does not mean some aspects remain. The surrounding countryside of Dragonstone is covered in a large forest, where centuries of elven and some Druid magic have a profound effect on the land. Trees in the forest have small magical properties, and both elven and druid shrines dot the forest. Besides the forest, their are small patches of farmland. The local farmers know to respect the forest, refusing to clear land in there, and so farming is only a minor part of the economy in Dragonstone. In the middle of the island is a lone mountain, on which the castle of Dragonstone is located. Like the walls, the castle was also built by the dwarves and instilled with an ancient runic magic. Task 1 by Brandon Stark, on Flickr The military of Dragonstone consists of around 500 well trained elven warriors. From left to right are the Elite Guard, the best of the soldiers whose job is to guard the Lord of Dragonstone and the castle. Next is the common soldiers, the backbone of the Dragonstone army. Then, there is the Dragonstone City Guard, who are the law enforcement of the city, yet can hold their own in a battle. Also, there is the archers, some armed with bows, others with crossbows. As elves are great archers, these soldiers are many times the deciding force in a battle. Lastly is the light cavalry. Unlike the rest of Avalonia, there is no heavy cavalry as the strategy of the army is to be quick. Task 2 by Brandon Stark, on Flickr Although Lord Brandon Stark prefers to travel discreetly, avoiding detection, he will often travel with his two companions, Jason, the commander of the Elite Guard, and Kevan, the person who runs his spy network and also an adviser to him. Both are his oldest friends and have utter loyalty to him.

Well, both of the types of collaborations you mentioned exist. Since I have no contact whatsoever with any other members on this site, the kind of collaboration I'm talking about is where we include our sigfigs in each other's builds. It's basically two story lines connected.

It's okay if you don't have time [yet]. I could build first and you can build when you have the time. A collaboration with you would be great considering the proximity of Dragonstone to Oros. If you just can't, it is totally fine. There are always other Avalonians. If anyone else is interested, please answer. I think I can have around 3 people in this collaboration.