Louis of Nutwood

Thank you, Sir Isaac. I did struggle a bit in order not to use grey or bley pieces. The dungeon ended up being very earthy, and I acknowledge this might not be my best work. But it came together and I’m happy with it. At least I can go on with the story, now. I do have a couple other continuations (still in Svälg Keep’s dungeons) that I plan posting and submitting as Freebuilds. I’m hoping it will give some extra breath-points for our heart-warming Mitgardia. Cheers!

I'm amazed by the microscale Qa'te. The palm trees, the water effects, the temple itself for how simple, yet complex it is, and the rockwork. Just a perfectly balanced and beautiful combination. And on the inside.. woow. That's a big hall! I lang the hanging banners and the candelabra. Plus, the floor design is pretty unique. Excellent quality on the pictures too, mate. Cheers! Excellent entry.

Thank you, my friend. I'm pretty happy with this water effect too.

Beautiful work. Outstanding colors, as always. The red goes impressively well in the top part of the house. My favorite part is the swampy part with the brown vines. Really astonishing build.

This is beautiful, mate! I can see the influences you mentioned, but you still managed to build something very unique. I like the fantasy style and the colors you used. The rooms are incredible! The tomb/crypts is my favorite. It looks very tall too! And 6000 pieces! Woow, man! Outstanding job, fellow builder.

Thank you, Sir Kai! I always try to remember to take these pictures from minifigure perspective. To me they look super cool too! Thanks a lot, fellow Mitgardian Wallace! I'm happy the story fits the building. It really is a challenge, sometimes, to build the environment we picture in our minds. I was a bit unsure about the water - it was the first thing I built - but as you said, the splash of color is balanced in the end. I'm glad you liked it, mate! Thank you, Master Blufiji! It's a pleasure to get a review from such an inspiring builder. It was the first time I tried this "flat base" technique - which I'm pretty happy with - and the crashing waves effect, as well. To me, it is really a cool effect. And I'm glad you enjoyed it, man! Thanks, adde51! I'm pretty happy with the final result. The worn-down tower looks just as I imagined it. And I'm getting that this water technique might be a bit controversial, but super happy it worked out here. Cheers!

This palace is simply absurd! The domes, the beautiful color choices (the acqua blue and the inside greenery are mind-blowing), the water stream, the tiny little details that make each house and tower unique... It's just perfect. The brick work on the orange-flesh outer walls is fantastic! The vine-sprouts growing sideways on the inner walls is outstanding. The market stalls filled with sauces, spices and fish is perfectly positioned. The cart is so good! The wooden balcony on top of the main tower is beautiful. And the way you add layer over layer of arches in the main entrances and sides is majestic. Breathtaking build, Duke LittleJohn. Truly impressive.

Nice shades of brown, here! The upside down table looks great, and the rack supporting the keg on the right looks cool. The thick logs representing columns are a great addition too. My favorite part, though, is the inside of the cabinet - are those suppose to represent bottles? Or glasses? - They look perfect. Congrats on the build, mate!

Thank you, fellow Knight! I am particularly proud of the trees and the bird. And I'm glad you liked the story too. Skol!

Thanks again, sir Grover! Your precise evaluation is always thoroughly expected.When I thought about the approaching boat, I knew I had to use THAT head-piece for the queen. I think it is the first time I've tried this technique for the water, and I like how it shows a little effect of reflection on it. Thinking about the queen, I don't like to think it is the absolute END of her. Just think she needs a moment to grow and think things over. The Queen and Sir Hallocan were actually in Albion, Sir Grover (correct me, please, if there is something unusual going on in Albion that I'm not aware of). Sir Hallocan needed only to receive his last report of moving troops to decide how to proceed, and Albion sits in a strategic position. It is highly fortified, so it could protect the queen in any distress. It sits near Cedrica, should they decide to retreat, lock themselves inside the castle and fight back. And finally, it is close to the sea, should the reports show more foes than expected and they decide to flee by boat (- as they did). Although they left through the eastern gates of Albion, the roads lead them to the west, where the open sea (and the Ystwythan Bay) is. The Ystwythan Bay is a small bay located in the southern part of the Mystic Isles, in Avalonia. The Själens Torn is actually positioned in one of those isles, protected by a mystic mist. I hope it all makes more sense, now. Does it clarify? I truly appreciate your attention to detail, Sir Grover. It really makes us think further and strategically in this living world called Historica. Thanks again, Sir Zoth. I tried to add some mystic-eerie feel to the tower, and I'm happy you captured the spirit of it. As a fairly small build, I had to keep the boat and the dock to a minimum piece count. But I'm satisfied with the scale. I'm thrilled you liked it, sir.

Not mistaken at all, sir Grover. You've just spotted it! I wanted to try something different, bolder. I usually stick to more neutral and dark colors, as you know. But I really enjoyed adding different splashes of color. You do have a great eye to spot details, so I'm very pleased you liked the color choices. Thank you a bunch, sir Grover! I know how much you appreciate those deeply thought choices and references. Happy you liked the story (which is a true personal family story) and the build. Cheers!

A superb, epic tale, sir Grover. *clap, clap, clap. While standing. Your storytelling skills must be applauded. A bunch of twists - can the queen be trusted if she keeps hiding people in hidden rooms? Then the dwarves won't show up, but appear on the last minute to raise the stakes. Excellent action play. I really enjoyed the first room, filled with books and scrolls. And that feast it tasty! Then, deep in the mines, I almost felt the cold and damp ambiance. The central pool is outstanding! But seeing the Mitgardians riding their bears and pounding every elf in front of them payed the ticket. Can't have enough of northerners axing stuff. I wasn't expecting the blood and gore, but they came nicely and artistically. Finally, seeing everyone raise their glasses at the inn made my heart pound harder. It is good to see everyone bound together to fight against those damned elves. Also, I appreciate the idea of still having work to do with those scripts found in the mines. Those would be excellent future challenges for each of the guilds. Really well thought of. ... still not sure about the queen, though. Great entry, mate! Skol!

Oooh, man! That's dark! Many questions popping up, but the main one being: who are those hooded figures, the skulls?! What are their plans? Why do they keep their faces covered?! How are they pulling the strings of the current clans and perpetuating disagreement throughout the kingdom?! BUT Is the Queen behind it?! - I bet she is, and it makes me even angrier! I really like your story line. A lot of tension going on, and I'd really like to know more about what you've come up with. As for the build, congrats! I like the feasting room and all the built up banners. The wall detailing is very well thought and even the floor has some unique design to it. Great job! My favorite part, though, is when the room got filled with fire. The picture is pretty cool too. Cheers! Nice entry, mate.

Great story! I love the mythical aspects of it. An independent Mitgardia is a stronger Mitgardia! Beautiful trees, there. Very spiky! And the whole swamp-forest area is excellent! I love the way you built the water, and the effect of the bones rising from inside the lake is no short from fantastic. The wooden path through the forest is also very cool. Specially the burned part. I do think the shamans can be decisive before battle, as they bring the gods closer to the men. I feel Mitgardia getting stronger, and I can see the enemy fleeing in desperation. Victory is near, my friend! Great entry, fellow warrior of the North. Skol!

Such a lovely and vivid build, Sir Gideon. I would take pride of my collection of exotic plants if they looked like this. But maintaining this sort of vegetation in Mitgardia is a task most certainly to go wrong. I love your tree technique with sprouts coming out of the leaf piece. It sure gives a marvelous effect to it. The roofing is spectacular! I like the mixing of magenta/terrain colors. Using the crown piece as a vase is a great idea, specially in this color. Very inspiring and beautiful build. Cheers!

Hey, thanks, fellow builder! The bird was the first thing I've built, and it certainly was the most challenging feature. It's the first time I've built something like this, and I'm very happy with the result. Thank you for the comment, mate! Glad you liked it.

Entry for category A: The crown in danger. Down with the queen. For a prosperous and boulder Mitgardia! Hope you all enjoy the story.

Entry for Book III Challenge IV, Category A "The Crown in Danger". Själens Torn - The Tower of Souls ... Sir Hallocan didn’t knock before pushing the door open. In times of distress, such formalities could be overlooked. Queen Ylspeth walked in circles inside her chambers, expecting his arrival. - So? – She asked, rubbing her hands together. Her eyebrows arched up. - It’s true, my queen. Our guardsmen in the north have already left their position, retreating. The watchmen in the west have asked for reinforcements, and from the south, the main roads are already blocked. We don’t have much time. – Explained the queen’s most trusted counselor. - But... Our walls are packed with soldiers and archers. - They outnumber us tenfold, my queen. We might even hold a battalion or two, but we can’t expect to keep hoards of men bursting at our gates from every corner of this kingdom. Air came out of the queen’s lungs and left a half-opened jaw hanging loose. Sir Hallocan continued. - I’ve arranged you a mount. - I’m... I’m not fleeing! What will the folk say? I swore to protect them from any harm. I pledged to rule fairly! I would never abandon my people. I can’t... run away. – Queen Ylspeth was enraged. Sir Hallocan turned away. He stepped back and lifted his chin to face the queen once again. The golden light of sunset reflected on the queen’s hands, where she held a silver dagger pointing at her stomach. - Leave me. – She said in a feeble voice. Sir Hallocan approached her and covered both her hands with his. Her fists trembled, though if from fear, anger or sadness, he could not say. - You will rule no kingdom if you are dead. Thrones can be reclaimed and reconquered, but I can’t say the same about your life. By the end of this day, people will be fighting for your crown. I say let them. Let them start a bloodshed and kill each other. Let them divide and find out for themselves that they are not fitting for this burden. Your people will remain true to you, my queen. As I will. So, live another day, and keep protecting the people you swore to protect. Her eyes filled from within and the sound of clanging metal echoed through the room when the dagger hit the floor. - Where are we going, Sir Hallocan? - Cover yourself. It is best that you don’t know. – He put on his hood, covering his face. Sir Hallocan took her hand and ran. They left the castle into the market square. People ran in every direction while guards handed wooden shields and spears to the ones designated physically capable of fighting. How did it come to this? There were no remaining horses on any of the stalls, noticed the queen when entering the stables. Sir Hallocan walked past the stalls and entered a door by the end of the corridor. Then, a sound cry of a horse echoed, and he left pulling two mounts. The horses galloped through the eastern gates. Two hooded figures distanced themselves from the city walls, opposing the flow of peasants looking to protect themselves. Nearing the blue shores of the Ystwythan Bay, Sir Hallocan began to slow his pace and stepped down from his horse, next to the water. - There! – he pointed at an empty wooden boat tied to a tree, fitting for two people. Sir Hallocan and Queen Ylspeth entered the boat and paddled away from the shore. The kingdom’s walls and towers turned smaller and fainter in the distance, while the salty and cold water of the bay splashed on the queen’s face and soaked the tail of her velvet green dress. The coast was no more than a distant green line when Sir Hallocan stood up inside the boat and raised his hand to his forehead, protecting his eyes from the light. He stared into a darksome cloud, formed in the middle of the ocean. He paddled again, and the boat slid into the mist. Inside the fog, the dark silhouette of an island formed before their eyes. A tall decayed tower, partially destroyed by time, stood amidst the few remaining plants that survived in such stranded environment. The tower hung over a stoned cliff, where the waves crashed and washed away the hanging seaweeds. On the lower part of the granite wall, a wooden deck welcomed any unlikely visitors. The place was empty. Lifeless. - Själens Torn – The Tower of Souls... Don’t worry, my queen. No one will bother you here. – Sir Hallocan said as they approached the boat to the wooden dock. - Why are you so sure? - People say the tower is cursed. - And is it? - The queen moaned. - I guess we will find out. The queen stared into the ocean, disappearing into the mist. I’m no longer queen, she thought. I’m no longer anything. ________ Make sure to check my entry for category B of Challenge IV too: Hope you all like it. Louis of Nutwood.

Thank you, Kai! I’m happy you found my carefully hidden Easter egg. Yeah, I agree that the tree is not the most realistic interpretation, but I did shoot for more of a cartoonish style. Since this is a memoir, I believe we tend to relive good moments as if they were brighter, cheerful and more colorful than they actually were. Hence, the color choices too. I’m not really used to working with brighter colors, but I really liked this result. I’m glad you enjoyed it as well! Skol!

Entry for Category B: The crown in daily life. For Mitgardia!

I'm speechless. This looks absolutely incredible! It's awesome to see all these great potential additions to our beautiful and chilly Mitgardia. But Wyrmfall, specifically, is jaw-dropping. The roofs with black shields are fantastic. The tops of the towers with rounded slopes are really cool. All the snow is perfectly positioned. The vegetation, scarce but present, fits great. The whole castle design, with open areas (I imagine for the wyverns and dragons to fly around) are very unique. The wooden parts add color and texture, which is perfect. Specially the first ring, where the stables are, surrounded by wooden walls, is outstanding! And it fills my frozen heart to see that floating yellow and green banner, proudly all over. Absolutely beautiful work, man. Very inspiring. Skol!

Entry for Book III Challenge IV, Category B "The Crown in Daily Life". Memoirs. I jumped out of bed, panicked with the pounding sound coming from the other side of my chamber door. No sunlight came from the outside, meaning it was still dawn. I ran out of the room and there, covered in the shadows of the trees, stood a tall man with a thick brown bush under his nose. - Five minutes. We are going fishing. My father was not an early riser. But if something could take him out of bed before the sun casted its first light, it was important. That morning, he had fetched a horse, tied his bags onto its saddle and prepared breakfast so we would not starve on the road. Make no mistake. It was important. The days in our village were cold, frosty, windy, and slippery. Everyday, through the whole year, through each of the seasons. But there were these other days – only a handful of days, when the gods were good and the clouds would clear out, the wind would stop, and the sun was so warm it made our skins burn. Those were the days my father would go fishing. He taught me the art of catching fish. But not only choosing a bait, casting a net and waiting for a bite. No. He taught me to read the tides and the wind. To hear the forest and perceive the scent of the trees. To observe the animals and learn from their instinctive survival drive. That was fishing for him. - Hear that? It’s a cormorant. This big black bird, called cormorant, I learned, was known for hunting fish. According to my father, no animal in the forest could smell fish like a cormorant bird. So, we would track this big black bird and follow him to the shores, only to find a pond flooded with either salmon, trout or bluegill. - Now, just remember to be patient. Move slowly and steady. Put your hands together and dip them into the water. Feel the flow. Just focus. Breath in. Breath out. It could be a matter of seconds or even hours. - You never go for the fish. You let the fish come to you. And when it does... You grab it. But it sounds much easier that it is. __________ Hope you can all find the hidden crown piece. Let me know what you think. Make sure to check my other entry for category A in this challenge: Louis of Nutwood.

I respect your bold color choices, my friend. Very distinctive and very unique. Amazing work here, mate. White for the chimney, green on the roof and orange/flesh for the house. Awesome palette! The green base is also greatly done. Kudos! Keep them coming.

Impressive color scheme and attention to detail. The house architectural design is outstanding! The chimney on the side is perfect. The natural elements as foliage are balanced and beautiful. The white, orange, brown and green are terrific together. And the base really stands out. Very interesting, very inspiring. Cheers!

Oh, man! Such a lovely build. I love the color scheme, the rock textures, the architectural design, which is simple, but great! The foliage is marvelous, and the banners add so much more personality to it. Impressive! Really great build. Cheers!