Louis of Nutwood

I can’t express enough how much it means that you liked reading through the story. I’m thrilled you liked the build and feared for the Minifigure. Cheers, man!

THIS is amazing. Thank you so much, Garmadon. It really is what I hope and expect to receive as feedback every time I post something. I always say "nah, this time I'm going to write only a small paragraph, and that's it", but words find their way into the story. As a non-native English speaker, it thrills me to know the grammar and vocabulary are sufficient (as I understand I might slip here and there). The ~cornering~ advice. Precious! Would not have a clue and would constantly keep using it. Now, ~skirting~ feels much more refined, and now enters my list of "new words to use". And yeah, I totally understand that the lore, putrid, darken vibe shows rather frequently in my writing. Stephen King and Lovecraft have recently been hanging in my nightstand - might be why. I'll keep the humor in mind, then. Splashes of gigglish human thoughts might do the trick. Thanks again for the support, man. Truly appreciate it! Skol!

Glad you liked it, Kahir. But don't bother! It is my responsibility as the writer to be crystal-clear when transmitting the idea, so I profoundly appreciate the feedback, as it makes us grow as builders and storytellers. Thanks, mate! Thrilled you liked it, sire Grover! Thanks for the feedback, and I agree the passage with the letter could have been more clear involving the Rego. And have you seen the amount of bones scattered around? The Rego is basically out of army. And you know what? It might not be only one werewolf. Tan tan taaan. I read and reread photographing tutorials. Still, it completely depends on the build and angles and colors, and it is always a nightmare. Yes! big Garmadon shoulder cloth. Very fitting, I thought. Again, thanks for the support, lad. Skol!

Best part of ending a challenge is your expected Aftermatch, Grover. The Amazon boxes are simply hilarious. And I feel for Bob - Is he always the one called to clear all the mess? I think I've seen him around. Avalonia, perhaps...

Grover, let me properly answer on your feedback, please, by saying how much I value that you caught the Rufus reference. Also, it thrills me to know you liked the story and that it "flows well". Happy to know you liked the build and understood my intentions perfectly when I built it twisted to achieve some height on the steep slopes of the Ridge Mountains. Glad you liked the dwarven architecture too, mate. Garmadon, sire, I truly appreciate your detailed feedback. It warms my heart (and fingers) to know you liked the story and praised a few references as, yes, it took us some effort (and sweat and blood) to put it together. We took it as an opportunity to add as much backstory as possible, and went through the effort of portraying different regions of Varlyrio, as you very well mentioned. I do feel that after this challenge, not only we KNOW more about Varlyrio, but Varlyrio has become more robust and rich as a whole after so many valuable contributions. But, when you mention "a few words you do not enjoy coming across", please let me know some examples, and I'll happily avoid them. I only hope you weren't embarrassed while reading about the Baiamontes. Thank you again, sire, for your support and kind words. Skol!

Thanks, Garmadon! I'm thrilled you liked the build. The landscape back home, in the Northern Hills of Mitgardia, tends to be chilly, so I gathered a bit of experience with snow in the past years. A lot of trial and error in an environment that challenges photography every time. Sir soccerkid is a great inspiration, as he contributed with a bunch of cold MOCs, but I'm glad I was able to add my touch and that it is to your liking. Hope you like the whole story too! Cheers!

@Grover , check again, lad! Rufus is right under the mighty Dragon. That guy dangling.. well, I don’t know who that is! Just some random dude on the wrong place at the wrong time, apparently.

Beautiful work! Could be a set on its own. It has height, playability and tons of minifigs! Awesome job, mate.

Very clever design, mate. I especially like the eyes and the main control cabin.

I would have never EVER imagined a monitor hiding inside such monstrous ship. Amazing build, incredible technique, impressive color scheme. Fantastic attention to details, especially for the not-too-packed and very delicate greebling parts. Truly impressive, man. Doesn't it overheat? Or gets in the way when shooting aliens?

A well-paced story, balanced with action, plot-building, and anticipation. Characters are well explained and we follow a cohesive quest from the first line to the last. Kudos to world-building, both in bricks and in words, as the latter describes the former with photographic precision. As was mentioned above, great addition of the elemental crystal plot from years ago (from a time when I wasn't even around the guilds) that certainly add some nostalgia and wraps former elements that contribute greatly to the story. I truly appreciate the balance between interior and exterior builds (2x2) and the fact that the first build shows as the last too, is an incredible storytelling wrap technique, very satisfactory to end this piece of tale where we began in the first place. I absolutely love the unexpected twists (last challenge was the Mitgardian Bear-cavalry), this time with the Rock Raider (oh, man! perfect addition of a non-castle creature) monster coming out of the marble. I'd say: very Grover-esque. Cheers! For the builds: @Grover astonishing interior and color scheme. The marble and golden bits are just what I imagine the halls in Varlyrio to be. The columns, the fountain, the balconies, and the foliage hanging from the back wall are simply exquisite. Plus, being able to put over 10 minifigs AND a monster in such a small space in certainly an achievement. @Aurore I knew it was yours the moment I saw it. You've been imprinting your own style since your first submission and it pays off to have a signature. I don't need to tell you how great and unique your foliage is, as I run the risk of getting repetitive. But if I'm not mistaken, I believe this is the first time you build something in a desert-like environment, am I right? Great to see you adventure, as personally I know how daunting it can be (heck, I went straight for the Ridge Mountains to embrace the Mitgardian cold, haha). Great addition of the hideout too. The only thing is that I feel the tan bush in front of the hideout's entrance (to the right), is a tad too high, and blocks too much of what's behind. I appreciate the fact you chose a tan background to mash with the ambiance, but the the texture on the cloth turns to be a bit distracting. Maybe adding a filter on GIMP. But really, absolutely minor things that don't compromise the building in any stance. @LittleJohn I'm slow clapping with a dropped jaw. This is a lesson on photography. Amazing work with the twisting trunks, the tangling roots and bits of trees. The brown details swirling around through the hall (especially the throne), covered by a net of foliage, plus the elevated staircase build such an amazing fantasy setting that I felt to be right there in the Kolgari Hall. The sense of depth is astonishing, and this was as unexpected as it is impressive. @Basiliscus A massive and imposing layout, that would easily impress if it were to be displayed on a convention. Nice choice for the unusual base formation. The long layout provided the necessary space to create a story with different scenarios in the same build, which is amazing. The architecture is very Varlyrianesque, and I like that the buildings are positioned in an angle. I see how challenging it is to build a large battle as you did, but you pulled that off with mastery. I do feel, however, that the green plains were a bit to flat. Adding some arrangements of sand green and dark green here and there, adding a bit more texture and depth would have made the broader parts more alive. To the far right side, a couple of trees (just like on the left side) would have added more attention to that area too (or even a well or a torn rock wall). And when I saw that gigantic tower, I immediately cheered in silence for it to fall over the guards. It didn't happen, but still we were left with an imposing and satisfying battle. Final thoughts couldn't be different: amazing work, team Conzaga. Skol!

Always a thrill to read through your analysis, Aurore. I'll certainly post more photos of the separated beast, and I'm glad you mentioned the cave. Truly a rush being able to submit two entries, but worth it in the end. Glad you liked it, Kahir! But "just a dream"? Sorry, lad. It was no dream at all. Bartosz ran away into the mountains a few days past and was not seen since. The beast, the putrid smell, the path of bones and rags, the drawings on the cave... all true. One cannot expect to survive the slap of such a beast, though. There he went, and there he lay alongside his neighbors, brothers and friends, and the royal guard sent by the Rego, attacked by the werewolf in the mountains. Now, it remains uncertain if this is the only one. The villagers are desperate, as no person has returned from the mountains yet, and the guard crumbles by the day. Well, back to the writing table to review, review and review.

AND intentional, of course.

Sir Navarre, I appreciate your much thoughtful commentaries, and look forward to hearing your thoughts on the full story too, once you have the time (remember that hot beverage, as Aurore will certainly agree it helps the process). Glad you mentioned the frame on the gates, and yes! The Ridge Mountains are a tasty dish for a Mitgardian builder, I must admit. I'm kind of proud we adventured through other venues and regions in the Islands, instead of remaining on those smelly canals. Thanks for the feedback and support, lad. Cheers! Ah, Lady Aurore. If you knew I used literally all my remaining grey-toned (and white!) slopes and was constantly in the brink of running out of bricks and ways to continue... But here we are, with a finished build in the Mighty Ridge Mountains. I'm glad you mentioned the path transition to the snow, as the effect (I think I've seen this from Mitgardian ruler SoccerKid6) is very nice. Thanks, Aurore! I also appreciate the fact that you were one who also adventured outside of the rat-filled canals in Varlyrio. Skol!

Thank you, Kai. It is always a delight to read through your thoughts, as personally, I really admire you as a storyteller an builder. So, having your feedback is much appreciated. As the background on the Baiamonte family was practically nonexistent, we focused to maintain a single storyline instead of connecting to much of the ongoing and established intrigue and conflict between the other families, except of the Rego himself. This way, were able to work on a clear arc and add much needed information for the Baiamontes. Even though realism fancies your interest better than magical extravaganza (and I'm with you on that), the mere fact that Varlyrio is a secluded island sparkled my fantasy side. And as we figured the other teams would attain to the stabbing, hypocrisy, lying and fight over power, what better way to swipe it all out with a mighty ferocious dragon? Thanks for the support, lad. Thank you, Lady Aurore! We're happy you liked the builds and followed through the story. You see, I believe the General was skeptical about the creature when entering the mines, so he didn't go through much effort to cover himself ALL up from the start. But once they started hearing the roars and falling rocks, Gen. Juan Rojas B. put on his armor and unsheathed his fancy golden sword, then. That's why they may differ a bit from the first set of pics, to the ones inside the mines. But I can understand the confusion, really. :) Glad you liked it, Aurore! I'm rushing to find the time to read through all of them. Can't wait to finish your story too. Skol! Sir, Kahir. I feel insulted. There's never such thing as 'too many dragons'. Pff. Seriously, though. Thanks for the support, mate. I'm thrilled you liked the builds (mentioning the Dwarven gate, yay!), and enjoyed reading through the story. I see that the dirty deeds follow each and every inhabitant of this nasty Island, but it feels good to flip the table and toss a mighty dragon to shut those fancy-pants wannabe rulers once and for all. And really, it's been sooo long last I've seen a dragon swiping cities and burning villages here in the guilds, I'm starting to miss it. Had it as an opportunity, and I'm glad we took it. Cheers, man! Can't wait to dive on your stories too.

I know I was part of the team, but again, it doesn't stop me from commenting, right? A great and inspiring build, Gideon. The monotone mines only add to the ambiance of solitude in the story. The splashes of color (white for the skeletons and gold for the accessories) is perfect, and draws the necessary attention to the main elements of the build AND the story. Rufus is beautifully depicted, here, and the positioning is just perfect. The Dwarven column architecture is excellent, very fitting with the mines of Rhangvar and the First Dwarven city of Derem'tor. And the fallen column on the lifeless beast is a delight to see. Great addition. And what a pleasure to work with you, sire. Skol!

What a delightful comment, mrcp6d! I'm glad the colors on the landscape are pleasant to your taste. The door frame was a great surprise, as it fit so well on the first attempt. But I do understand how another layer of thick rocks could add more depth to the illusion of the mines - but once the bucket of bricks is empty... there's not much to be done. I truly stretched with what was available, and I'm happy you liked the result. Thanks for the support, lad! Skol!

Great work, man! I appreciate the fact you managed to include two builds in one layout to tell your tale in different scenarios. I love all the ornaments and little details: the floor pattern, the chandelier, the puma trophy, the statues. Great story too. I wonder how many letters have been "lost" throughout the books, and contributed to the quarries and tribulations on the realm. But we all must agree - the Rego needs to better train his companions, or hire more trustworthy guys. His kingdom is falling apart due to pure bad management, in my opinion. What a disgrace to the Varlyrians, Rego. Cheers, mate!

I know I was part of the team, but that doesn't stop me from commenting. Beautiful work, Henjin. I keep coming back to admire this. The pale blue sky certainly defines the ambiance. Love the columns, the uneven water, the gondola, the foliage on the walls, the roofs are exquisite, and all the balconies are perfectly placed. Great to see so much movement going on with all the minifigs, not making it too packed. I have to mention the use of legs on the stoned bridge and the half broken sculptures by the canal. Impressive work, as always, mate. A pleasure to work with you, sire.

Thanks, brother! I'm thrilled you liked it too. I was skeptical to use only black for the beast, but gave it a shot knowing the struggle it would be to photograph. A hundred pictures later and just a bit of treatment paid out, in the end. But I'll definitely add a couple more pics of the separated (were)wolf. The minifig mash-up is something I'm particularly proud of too, so I'm happy you mentioned it. Thanks for the support, lad. Glad you enjoyed it. Skol!

Such a distinguished and polished technique. I knew it was yours the moment I saw it. And I was ecstatic. Incredible build, Actionfigure. I love the fact you keep the apparent studs and the use of color is exquisite. I particularly like the stand, which is very organic, but the horizontal claws for the Parakeet on the left, is just an amazing touch, really. Penetrating eyes, and top-notch positioning. Another fantastic build. Keep it up!

Sir Kai, we meet again! I was a tad unsure about the dual toned rockwork, but these were literally ALL the slopes I had left unused, and I think they turned out fine, too. Glad you enjoyed the minfig shots, as I feel they are always the best part of a MOC - it feels great to see the world in the eyes of a minifig, right? Skol!

Thank you, sir Kai! Always a blast to read through your thoughts. I agree that the black turned a bit hard to discern - photographing black frequently becomes a rather painful job, but I'm satisfied with the result. I'm thinking of photographing the beast separated, as I feel this post doesn't do full justice to the actual thing, still. I've been trying to use the claws this way, as fur or feathers, and it does present a sort of different effect, right? Once again, I'm thrilled you liked it. Thanks for the support, lad. Skol!

Always a pleasure, sire Navarre, to read through your thoughtful comments. Past weeks have been busy in the lands of Varlyrio, I must say. But I'm ready to what lies ahead, eager to put brick over brick once more. There's so much literature, though! About Varlyrio, the intrigues and all. I'm thrilled you mentioned the cave. It was planned from the start, but wasn't sure how it was going to end. I'm trying to work on more creatures and movement, so I'm glad you liked the (were)wolf and that the story makes sense to the whole undergoing plot. Thanks for the support, man! Skol!

I'm thrilled you liked, Zoth33. And it warms my heart to hear "the story keeps your attention" - I'm trying to improve my writing craft, and it doesn't come without hours of effort and sacrifice. I've been trying to adventure myself in building more creatures and add more movement, too. So, I'm glad you liked my (were)wolf. It turned out a bit larger than I expected, but it poses nicely. Thanks for the support. Cheers, mate!