kahir88

After a hard day, it's good to take a rest in the local tavern, with your friends. Deerhill was a known hunting place, now only the name reminds the locals what was this place. The fields around the small hill are now full of orchids and gardens. The animals already moved away, deeper in the forest, only small rodents give troubles to the local farmers. Three friends having a good time and cold beer together at the Tipsy-Owl tavern. Talking about their trade, the weather and about the women. The Sun almost got behind the horizons, when another band of refugees arrived from Noctornus... Ravaage was stopped long ago, but the country was still in peril, and not everyone was prepared for that. This is why the Avalonian High Council, allows them to take refuge here, while the things turn good. And the new king, De Gothia, won't reject them. Only the locals arguing... - Another band of those... - said Icke, the blacksmith, while he raised his eyebrow. - I can't believe they allowed them to came here. - Relax mate! - David the farmer tried to calm his friend down. - They have their problems, don't give them more. They are escaping from war, it's isn't their fault. - We can't trust them! Nothing good came from Noctornus! - answered Icke, but lowering his voice, when the next traveler passed away near him. - I like the Nocturnian pumpkin pie! - the third man shared his opinion. His name is Tom, and he works as a tailor. - Like I said. - Icke turned to Tom with a cold gaze. - Nothing good came from Noctornus. Who eats pumpkin pie? The Nocturnians are barbarians! - Why you hate these folk? Did any of them harm you? - David tried to calm his friends once more. - Didn't you hear about them? - the two others shook their heads. Icke took a long sip from his drink, and continued his story: - I heard a rumor, about a race of lizardmen, they are shapeshifters! They can take anyone look, and can infiltrate to anywhere. They were spying for Ravaage, they are evil I say! They are kidnaping folks from all over Historica. Drag them to their underground caves, and took their look, and blend in, and continue their life like they are the same person. No one knows, what they want, but they are spying for a new overlord, or just preparing for an invasion. I'm sure some of our rulers are already replaced by them! The two others were listening to their friends' conspiracy theory. - I don't believe in this nonsense, I'm sure they are friendly and don't want any trouble. Right, Tom? - and with that, he patted Tom's shoulder so hard, he dropped his drink. - Oh sorry mate, I spilled your drink. Here let me get you a new one! - offered David. - Ah, don't bother about that. It's already late for me. My... wife and... kids... are waiting for me. - rejecting Davids offers Tom, and with that, he waved goodbye to his friends and went home. Just a minute passed. David and Icke suddenly looked at each other: - When did Tom get married?

Nice castle mate! One thing: you forget ti mention the challenge iii in the title. Judt warning you, for not getting into trouble for that.

My entry for this challenge: https://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?/forums/topic/171752-challenge-iii-category-b-to-protect-our-own/

For the people of Deep Garden, the constant fear from danger isn't unknown. Between their runaway landlord and Conrad's arrival, the region was infested with bandits and renegades. They already knew, how to defend their homes, farms, and gardens. But thanks to their new protector, they could rest easier now. But this is no longer an option. Conrad is planning something, and he split his army into smaller groups. Some soldiers still patrol the roads, but there are rumors about new threats. And the locals no longer feel the safety. The town leaders are tired to talk to Conrad about how they feel right now, but the mercenary leader always looks too busy. The towns decided it is time to take up again their tools and defend their self once again. They tired their best, but the region only has forests and orchards. There aren't any quarry, and most of the residents don't know the stonecutting trade. The only way to make new fortifications are to sacrifice many of their local trees. It was a hard decision for them, but everyone came in the same conclusion: dead man can't harvest the corps. Axes, shovels, and pickaxes are gathered from the towns, and the works started. Digging trenches, cutting down trees, raising planks, road blockades are made. This is the only way a poor man can defend themselves. The trenches are filled with traps and sharp wooden spikes. Even simple watchtowers are raised, to overseer the surronding area. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was hard, to find anything to fortify in a region there aren't any bigger town. I pictured this region, like in the Witcher 3 Velen, small farms not too far away from each other. The farms are a collection of 2-3 families, who tends the land. There are some bigger villages, they serve like junctions. They fortified them mostly, so the local farms can take shelter there... whatever danger they have to face it. They are simple people, so they had to use simple methods, to protect them self.

Really cool stuff mate! I was too thinking, to build a large ballista, to protect my towns against, evil or untamed dragons. But it wouldn't work in a smaller community. My country doesn't have larger towns and cities. I had to think and build smaller. The stonework is really good. The progress too.

My entry for the polybag contest

Also, my entry for this contest.

My entry for Ninjago Polybag Contest: I chose an older set, Underwater Scooter, and recreate like this:

My entry for the Ninjago Legacy Contest. I chose the Skull Motorbike, and upgrade it a bit:

Should we use the same amount of pieces, and or should the Ninjago version resebles the original?

Gah! I just read my post, and noticed I forget to write down the story! What a shame :D I filled the missing part, hope every will read it again. @Grover, @soccerkid6, @Henjin_Quilones, @Servertijd, @The Last of Nergoue

So in short, pick a set, and modify, upgrade it, to become a legacy set?

Long live to King de Gothia! And thanks Henjin, for making this challenge too!

Thanks to the comments guys. I needed taller trees, to Scarlet made her escape. Sadly, still not have more green leaves to make a thicker forest. maybe for one or two trees. But it's good to hear, many of you like this tree design, I will try to perfect it more. For the final backstory, you have to wait. If it is true, and a new book3 challenge will come in May, I want to focus on that. And after that, You can read how Scarlet joined to them. Don't want to spoil everything, but maybe it will have mature content. :D

I want to say: My favorite heraldry is my own upgraded Wolfpack heraldry, but I can't say it. :D http://Generals of the Wolf Brigade by Miklós Neszt, on Flickr We made a small RPG club more than a decade ago, and I came up with a similar logo for us. Which was inspired by the wolfpack heraldry. Now I'm using this, for my army in the GoH forums. So, this is why my most favorite heraldry is the Wolfpack.

Two great build, but there is only one place for a king! My vote goes to @de Gothia

Really good build from you, as always. It would be shame if you didn't share with us. The window is nice, the light and the crowd gives a really coronation feeling. I not really understans, whats the problem with the columns, what is preventing them to stay straight? The dragon shaped throne is a good idea, but I would say, it's too much. You had to squize it in that small place, and I think this wasn't a good idea. A smaller throne with not so much details could fit there nicely, but for this, you need a bigger space. Like in the show, the iron throne is in a really big hall, the columns and the side walls are far awa, from the throne, not next to them. The wings too not really fit on that throne. A dragon with small wings looks so cartoonish, like in the how to train your dragon movie. And maybe I understand why you chose this way with the wings. If they were bugger, it would steal the focus of the picture, and also they would block too many lights from the window. I know this, I too always fell in this too. Create a scene, with te right accesories and figures, then I can't fit them in and the crowded scene ruins the build, and had to think it over again. Cheers mate, you mare a fantastic job, helping out Servertijd!

This is beautiful! A lot of figures, but not so crowded. The hall is clear, the light and the colors really catches the feeling of crowning an Avalonuan ruler.

Conrad met many interesting people in his life so far. Most of them become his allies, few of them his enemies. But there is only a handful of them, who has remarkable stories, how they joined, to the Wolf Brigade. This is their stories: This is the story of Boris, the Houndmaster. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Conrad was happy like a child. After many years of only hearing about the most famous bounty hunter on this side of the Rakath Mountains, he finally meets him. Boris acquired quite a fame during his long working years. It says if you want to get rid of someone, the hardest part, to find Boris. After that, you can rest assure, cause Boris always finds his target. - I told you, boy! - grumbled the old bounty hunter to Conrad. - I'm not interested in your boy scouts team. Sod off! Conrad didn't intend to give up that easy. If he could recruit the old man, his mercenary army can be more reliable. A famous person in their ranks, he needs to break his stubbornness. - But Boris. Your name is known for decades. But let's face it, you grew old. There will be a day when you won't be able to complete your task, and your fame will pass away. - Conrad grabbed his cape and pulled it. cause a tree branch was stuck on it. - If you join us, you don't have to hunt alone anymore. We can provide you intel, gear, manpower. Whatever you need. - I'm never hunting alone! - said Boris, and pointed to his two hounds. - They always at my side. They are loyal, never whining for a share. - he stopped and looked back to Conrad's escort. - Like most of the humans. - But... - Conrad wasn't able to continue, Boris raised his finger to his mouth signaling to be quiet. Then pointed to one of his hounds. The dog was motionless, her ears were raised, sniffing in the air. The other dog did the same. They were listening to a bush, a very suspicious bush. And then at the same time. The dogs charged to the bush and a shadowy figure jumped out and started running away from the pursuers. - Hah! I knew it! - Boris followed his hounds. - No one escapes from me. I don't need any help, especially from you boy! - We shall see it... - said Conrad in a lower voice, while smiled. Then ordered his men, to follow Boris. The pursuit didn't last for long. The wanted person quickly climbed up to a tree, with cats agility. The hounds followed and started barking at the tree. Soon, the others arrived. - Alright, come down. You can't escape. - shouted up Boris to the top of the tree. - We will see about that! - said the runaway in a female voice. Woah, the old man didn't see that coming. With that said, the woman continued her escape, by jumping to a tree to tree. - As you wish! - Boris puts a bolt in his crossbow and lifts it. - You will be good as dead. - and he aimed. But he was old, as Conrad mentioned earlier. He tried to focus on the women, but she was faster. He scratched his eyes and lifted his crossbow again to shoot, but it didn't help. The woman was a blurred point now. The old man put down his weapon and looked to the smiling Conrad. He was angry. - Alright, alright! - shouted to him. - Don't just smile there, and help me get her down here! - Aaaand? - asked Conrad with a bigger smile. Conrad was victorious once more: - Alright Scarlet, we got him! - shouted to the woman. For Boris surprise, the women stopped and started jumping back. She arrived at the tree, where she started and jumped down. - What the hell? What is the meaning of this, answer me! - he was completely lost. - Calm down, darling. - the women asked nicely, while she removed the hood. She has a scar across her face. Then she turned to Conrad: - Did it worked? Is he with us? - Not yet. But he said, if I get you down here, he will reconsider my offer. - Oh, you son of a ... - a loud bird tweeted not far away. - You tricked me! It was all your plan, isn't it? - Your mind is sharp as ever. - said Conrad, and reached for a pouch of coin, to pay Boris. - She is Scarlet. She works for us too. - the women bowed. - This was the only way to meet with you. I still ask you to come and be part of our army. Now you admit it too, you need some help, and we also need you. Boris looked at Conrad. If you could kill someone by looking... He took the money and grumbled something, then whistled to his hounds and left the mercenaries. - Is this is a yes? - Asked Conrad with hope in his voice. - As I said. - Boris didn't turn back, to answer him. - I will reconsider it. - You know where to find us! - shouted Conrad. Boris stopped and turned back. He also smiled: - I always find who I'm looking for...

“When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground.” Damn, I forget to say this, when the time was right. :D

Aye, I think, many of us, who was thinking about this situation will accept it fairly. Like I do. We still need a good king on ouf throne!

In my opinion: There was in the core rule of the challenge, If someone can't build something, the challenge can be extended. I'm agreeing with Grover. Choose someone, who will representative Wilfred Sigurd, or forfeit THIS ROUND, not the previous one. Also, I too wanted to congrats to you to become a dad!

As @Grover gave the idea, before I continue the next backstory, I should tell more about my trees with red leaves. Avalonia is full of mystery and secrets, and there are so many myths and legends about this region, there are many theories, about this type of trees. Let's stick to this one: The story of Redhgar, the Red Druid. Like the other druids, Redhgar helped shape Avalonia. In this era, most of the plants get their look, thanks to the druids. But at old age, Redhgar had a stroke. He recovered, and he was able to help the orhers furthermore. But. He didn't recovered fully. Now he had partial colorblindness, he mixed some of the colors, but mostly ghe red and green. He didn't understand, why the otheres coloring the leaves to red, and he tired to correct it. The others first, tired to warn him, about his wrongdoing, but he was also a stubborn old man. Later, they try to correct it, but they become tired of this, and leave it. "No one will ever comply about why have some trees reddish leaves..." This is how they encourage each other. Many centuries later, looks like only the trees are still here, the other plants lost this gene. They become rare, but in every tree's genes, there is a chance, to have red leaves. Imagine this like the blond hair gene.

Good idea! :D Thanks to the comments so far. About the forest. I was trying to please the community, by making this build, less colorful. Using only dark green and brown as the ground, and trying creating less flora, so everyone can focus on the story, the figure posing. I think I find a balance between the amount of the figures and nature in a, smaller build. As the leaves, that's all :D If I had more, I'm sure I would put them on the trees. The indoor of the watchtower was fun to build. First, the furniture, then the tower, and for last, wreck it all. I must mention the small stool, I saw it in the Avalonian mini-challenge from @TheLordOfBricks, and I knew, I must use it in this build. The story is dark, yes. I like the dark stories, with some dark humor too. I think I draw this darkness, from the Witcher books. I really like how Sapowski write!

Conrad met many interesting people in his life so far. Most of them become his allies, few of them his enemies. But there is only a handful of them, who has remarkable stories, how they joined, to the Wolf Brigade. This is their stories: This is the story of Zan, the Black Arrow. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was almost autumn, in the same year after meeting with Lok. Conrad was traveling with some soldiers, to find a new recruit. This time, a psychopath. His name was Zanzarah, he is an expert archer, many claims, he is better than most of the elves. A wanted person, for murdering, poaching and stealing... but mostly for murdering. Conrad was hoping, he would join them, or at least take the huge price for his head. His small party was approaching Zanzarahs last known location, a ruined tower inside the forest known as Deep Grove. The watchtower was built to keep away poachers and keep the forest safe. Ironic, now it is a hideout of a wanted murderer. The tower was in sight, stood in the middle of a grove. When they arrived at the border of the grove unusual sight welcomed them. The place was littered with skeletons, all of them died in the same range. None of them was nearer to the tower. The last victim was a young boy he was picking mushrooms. Looks like he ventured too close to the tower, poor soul. Conrad checked the boy. He was already cold and pale, maybe he was killed in the morning. He wasn't older than Conrad when he roamed the forests. - We will bury him, but first, we have business here. - gave the order Conrad, and slowly started to approach the tower. Suddenly, an arrow landed next to him. It came from the tower, as a warning. And if this wasn't enough, another warning came from the same direction. - That's close enough! - came the shout from the tower. - I already killed today. You should feel your self lucky, Go now, or the next arrow won't be a warning. - Zanzarah! I am Conrad, leader of a mercenary group. I'm here to talk to you! - shouted back to the tower, while he took two steps back. - I have an offer for you! - I don't wanna talk. Go and talk to your man, and leave me like the rest of the world. I'm not afraid of wolves...- shouted back the tower. A tough talker. This taught ran through Conrad's mind. Negotiation won't help this situation, maybe threatening... - You can't hide forever! Sooner or later someone will hire Boris... - Conrad took a pause in his speech, to give a weight it. - He will come for you, and there will be no mercy... Silence, no reply. - Alright! - came the answer finally. - If you can reach me in the tower, I will hear your offer. Before Conrad was able to react, one of his soldier step forward, and offered his service: - Boss, let me help you! - he raised his thick shield. - Stay behind me. - with that said, he started advancing to the tower. He didn't reach the border of the grove. A loud crack and he fell backward. The arrow penetrated the shield and killed the soldier with one shoot. This would be a remarkable feature if this act didn't cost one of Conrad's men's live... - I said, only you alone must come! - shouted the tower again. Conrad had to choose which is deadlier, the arrows, or the threats. - Or leave! To show you how generous can I be, I let you bury the deads. Conrad ordered his man, while he started removing his armor. - Boss, shouldn't you wear any protection against him? - Armor won't help in this situation. - he removed his shirt too. - I must rely on speed, to reach him. He took a deep breath, planned his path and start running. He quickly changed direction and rolled two, to reach a trunk. He was right, the next two arrows landed behind him. Behind the trunk, he panted: "Damn, he is fast..." thoughted Conrad. But before he could continue with his thoughts, he heard a crack above his head. "Damn!" And he jumped away from the trunk before the next arrow penetrated it. He remained out of sight. - Hey Conrad! If you still draw breath, wave out from the tree! Haha! - again, the shout came from the tower. Conrad was trapped. He was sure his next move will be his last. He saw the trunk with two arrows, the path in the leaves from the jump.... Leaves. Got it! He quickly signaled his men and told them his new plan. ... Meanwhile, in the tower, Zanzarah was waiting for Conrad's next move. - Which way will you jump away from behind that trunk? - smiled the archer. - I bet you will go right... They always go right. But something wasn't right. No movement from the leader. And then he saw it. Fiery arrows. Came from the forest, but only reached the bottom of the tower. Not reaching the tower itself. - Amateurs... - thought Zanzarah. - You must come closer to smoke me out of this tower. Sadly, if you came closer, you will die. But this time he was wrong. The dry leaves catch on fire and the dense smoke covered the entire tower. The archer damned their luck, he quickly tore his clothes and covered his face. He tired to look outside, but the smoke covered the place. - Clever move... *cough* - smiled the archer behind his mask. But before he could say another word, down there, the door smashed open, and footsteps can be heard on the stairs. - Damn! -turned Zanzarah around and aimed to the hatch, while counted the steps. The tower has fifty stairs, and a ladder to the top. He knew it, cause he had to climb it every day. - Forty-four.... forty-five... - continue the counting. - Come on thee more! Forty-eight.. forty-nine... And silence... only the crackle of the fire can be heard. He was beneath the archer, only the hatch separated them from each other. Zanzarah was ready to fire his arrow. He held his breath, the next breath would end in coughing. He was wondering, how Conrad wants to reach him, in caution open the hatch with something. Or will he charge in? No one will ever know how the mercenary leader wanted to reach the top of the tower. Zanzarah couldn't hold back his breath any longer, he took his last breath. He was right, and he hated when he was right. He coughed... His location was revealed. But it was too late for him. A loud crack could be heard from beneath his feet, and before he could react, another followed it, and the whole floor collapsed, and both he and the furniture fall down to the next level of the tower. When he freed himself from the debris, Conrad was already there, stand next to him, with his axe. Zanzarah looked around, his bow was far away, and his arrows were scattered. This was truly a defeat. He was escorted down, during that time, the mercenaries take out the fires, and waited for their leader. - So, what's next? To the authorities? - asked Zanzarah. - Maybe. - replied Conrad, while he re-equipped his armor. - Or you can hear my offer. Join us! You won't be a wanted person any longer. Don't have to hide in the forest, and fight for survive. - he paused. - And thanks to you, there is a job opportunity in our ranks. There won't be a next time If you won't take it now... - Then, mercenary life, or the gallows? You gave my tough choice. - scratched his neck the archer. - But sounds good to me this new life. Today, Zanzarah died in the tower. Call me Zan. My friends called me that if I had one...