Louis of Nutwood

That's cool as hell! (yeah, pun intended). Beautiful photography, lovely tale. And a phenomenal way to sneak peak on your minifig series category! Now, that's one. Fifteen more to go. Hope you don't get frozen in the way.

You're too kind, Spader. Thanks again for stopping by. I really appreciate your support. Glad you liked it. Cheers, lad!

I'm thrilled you liked it, sir Navarre. It makes me happy to see you took the time to appreciate the little details: how the gateway and the temple match in style and the use of backwards masonry bricks, for instance. Really glad it appeals to your high-level taste. Thanks for the support, bud. You're a great inspiration. ^This line is a good example of this. I'm just not really sure what is happening. Is she chasing a red smoke trail, or is this a floating lantern (or are those one and the same thing?)? I'm not a native speaker, so getting through literary English can still prove challenging, despite years of English education and practice. Also, I would have put everything that happens before reaching the Tōrō above the first picture, for better understanding of the story. Lastly: the lore; this is set in Mitgardia? I think it doesn't rhyme with the Scandinavian/Viking/Dwarven aesthetic for Mitgardia, so I would need some kind context to have that make sense. In Historica, east Asian architecture is concentrated in and around the Southern Rakath Mountains (including Ulandus, Quarkyr in Kaliphlin, and Zotharith in Nocturnus), and off the continent there is a collection of islands called Yureishima, which is essentially fantasy Japan. I think your build would fit into those places well without much explanation. Did you have a specific reason for locating it in Mitgardia? Lore aside, all the physical stuff here is outstanding, and I am really interested in your next builds! Dear sir Exetrius, I remember receiving your comments and feedbacks with much joy and gratitude when I first started posting my shy MOCs, only a few years ago. It means a lot how much you liked this last one, and how much you've seen in progress. There's a little learning with every MOC, every picture taken and every time GIMP is put to use. It feels amazing to be around such talented and inspiring builders, willing to give feedback and push us forward. So I deeply appreciate your support, Sir Exetrius! I'm honored you put Toro Nagashi as 'my best yet', as personally I feel the same way. About the lore, it's no secret I've been trying to improve my writing with every post. Along with the build, writing and thinking of the backstory is something I really like doing, so I appreciate any one who invests the time in absorbing whatever I put out there. I'm glad you think it's 'poetic'! When we think about tales and ancient writings, I feel the poetic adds something to the ambiance. But I understand it's not for everybody, nor fast-paced. Sir Grover also told me how when writing fantasy, sometimes, objectivity works much better than subjectivity, and it's definitely something I'm working on. I'm not a native English speaker as well, so reading your reactions is gold if I'm aiming to improve. Specifically about the "red ribbon", yeah! It's the lantern. I've struggled to find a different characterization / creative description but I recognize I might have taken a step too far. Haha. As for photo order: makes sense! I'll definitely change that. Finally, the LORE. Wait, wait wait... there's a part on our collective map specifically focused on Fantasy Japanese Mythology?! Maaan! That's fantastic news! I guess I'll head to the islands for a little while, as I nurture my manga-geek side. I honestly didn't know that. And I guess now... the Toro Nagashi ritual was indeed taught by the ancient scholars from the Yureishima Islands. Yes! I remember that now! The ritual has passed to the other parts of the continent, and each guild performs the ritual slightly adapted, under a different name. Fluglytka, as it is called in Mitgardia (as for other Guilds, I'll have to check). The Toro Nagashi Temple, however, is NOT set in Mitgardia. In fact, it is only set in our minds. It was depicted here only as the old writings of Yureishima have described it. Yet, it is not well described at all. A lot has been lost in translation, and they seem to have chosen to describe it subjectively. See, the ritual is set for us to remember those who have fallen. But when the need to meet them is too grand, we search for the path of the lanterns in our hearts. And if we follow the light of the lanterns, we will eventually land in a sacred place (each person will land in a different one), to meet with our fallen heroes. Honestly, I would love to see our fellow Guildies depict THEIR Toro Nagashi, ritual of the floating lanterns. I now wonder how Kali, Nocturnus, Avalonia, Varlyrio and Mitgardia each have absorbed from the ancient writings... I hope some of it clears your questions, brother. Again, it is a joy to read through your comments and debate about the lore, strengthening the reality of this world we build with every MOC. Such a pleasure, sir Exetrius. Skol! Thank you so much, Spader. You're the best!

CDC2 Ancient Wonders: Toro Nagashi Temple (Mitgardia)

Tōrō Nagashi Temple of the floating lantern We are different from one another. Each guild is set in its own ways. Each part believes in certain tools, certain gods, certain values. But there is one thing that binds us all. In the end of every battle, expedition or course of life, our destinies are tied together, bound to reach the same destination. Death. It is upon each of us to deal with it and understand what is beyond. Are the final days... final? Mankind has struggled with these questions and yet, the absence of our loved ones haunts our nights. The fear of the inevitable is in our shadows. And it is always going to be. The ancient scholars of the Yureishima Islands have pondered over the matters of life and death for over 3000 years. Their findings were written in a collection of tales in an old, forgotten language, and buried under their shrines and monuments of worship. Stories of honor, happiness and spirituality are spread across the world, waiting to be found and passed on. Some of these writings have influenced each guild, and how each family faces the last moments of one’s existence. One tale, called Toro Nagashi, described the journey of a grieving girl that followed the lanterns in pursuit of her passed grandfather, only to find comfort in remembering his stories. Toro Nagashi gives name to the ritual of the Floating Lanterns, a ritual that honors the dead and makes us remember. The ancient writings were roughly translated and are depicted here below. ________ The dim light of her lantern faded in the distance against the dark canvas of the night, and a single tear found its way across her cheek, leaping and vanishing into the snow. Tōrō Nagashi. It was supposed to be beautiful, to honor the souls of those who have fallen. But it made her heart ache, for that floating lantern only reminded her that even the strongest, the wisest and the most caring, perish before the gods. “Follow the lanterns”, Ojīchan said moments before embracing his eternal sleep. But her light had long vanished along the mountains, taken by the blowing wind. That night, she woke to a distant whisper. And beyond the white veil that covered the world, she saw a distant glow cutting the stillness of the night. A delicate sparkle sliced its way between the trees, into the unknown. As if pushed by the old spirits, curiosity found her, and she followed. Beneath a sea of stars, a radiant glare danced and twirled among the leaves, while the girl, ever so proud, ran in its pursuit. The closer she reached, the weaker it got, and when the glow turned as faint as the last remaining star, she found herself where only her dreams could take her. A frosted spear pierced the night sky over a brilliant gloom. Behind a torii gateway, she realized she was staring at the work of the ancient gods, stepping into a sacred ground. Inside, only one lantern shone. But its gleam, reflecting under the red leaves of an old maple tree, was as bright as the sun. Under a frozen roof of red leaves, she stood beside the one lantern that cleared the night and heard the familiar voice of her Ojīchan say “Follow the lanterns” to fill the void she carried. Eyes shut, her knees dug in the snow, she gasped the frigid air and found her Kokoro. Mind, body, heart, and spirit were one, connected to the invisible force that binds us all. A warm embrace held her tight, and she was taken by all the memories that gave immortality to the living. Ojīchan would always be there. Always. She opened her eyes, only to see the distant light of her floating lantern, flying away, beyond the crops, the hills, the mountain peaks. Arigatō, Ojīchan ________ It is said that those who have gone, walk among us. We need only remember their stories so they will live forever in our every action. Once a year, to honor their deeds and remember their legacy, the guilds perform a ritual of gratitude, influenced by the Toro Nagashi tale. Fluglytka, they call it in high Mitgardian. Aflygum Beorht in high Avalonian. Fanuteayim in Kaliphlin, and Uccelli Galleggianti in old Varlyrio. Each person has its own temple, its own place of worship, a hidden place in our hearts to meet those who are gone. Find that dim light, as faint as it may be, and follow it. And you will find your temple, your gratitude, and your own place of comfort. So, we realize they are never truly gone. We need only... to follow the lanterns. Louis of Nutwood, A tribute to my grandfather Ojīchan (also known as Fiobvr, The Wise), who now floats beyond the frosty mountains of the North. ________ CDC2, Ancient Wonders for Mitgardia. Please comment. Would love to know what you think.

I'm flattered you liked it, Servertijd. I went for a peaceful and tranquil look, and I'm glad it convinces. Cheers, bud!

What a treat to hear you liked it, MRCP!

I'm thrilled you liked it, Niku! I was going for a tranquil look, so I'm happy to have it resonating with you. Cheers! Really glad you liked it, Kai! Techniques here are simple, but effective. I'm just happy you enjoyed it. Cheers, brother.

Super glad you liked it, JTooker! In such a small footprint, every stud counts. Thanks for the support, fellow wanderer!

Quietude “Close your eyes for a moment and cherish the dark. Can you feel the warmth of the sun? Can you feel the gentle touch of the blowing wind? Can you feel the waves moving up and down, washing the sand and taking away all your worries? With eyes closed, stare into the horizon. Embrace your past and face your future. Know that what is done cannot be changed, only accepted. And what lays beyond is your destiny, waiting to be written. One step. One stone at a time. What do you see?” “I see a little farm. Pine trees in a distance. Apples and cherries as well. Horses galloping free. I see water. Running, falling, washing the land anew. I see a thin breath of air swirling up, dancing out of a chimney. The air smells of rosemary bread. I can hear the bells ringing with the stroll of a cow. Feels like home. And I cannot wait to go inside. Someone is expecting me. Someone I have missed for so, so long. I open the door. There is a woman by the heath, curled in a wool blanket. Next to her, a furry thing coiled like a pretzel. “Is it a chicken?” “No! It’s a dog!” “Aw. Who is she?” “The most beautiful woman I have ever seen.” Her big brown eyes glistened, reflecting the world painted gold. Staring at me, I saw beyond every mountain and every sea. I saw the future I would pursue with every heartbeat. Louis of Nutwood __________ Summer Joust, Category 12x12 Hope you like it. Skol!

I'm humbled for being chosen, distinguished Guild members. I build for the glory of this world, and for the glory of Mitgardia! Ahooo! May our tales and towers bring the strength and inspiration to wash away the dirt and fight another battle. Wield your brick separators! And join us, brave builders, for this is just the beginning. With each coming battle we pave our way into Valhalla. I salute you, mighty rulers of this world @Ecclesiastes, for blurring the lines between fantasy and reality. I salute you, great builders, for being the true architects of this world, expanding it with your values, bricks and blood. I drink from your pool of creativity and rejoice in your energy. This night, we celebrate. Skol!

May the gods old and new guide us through this unknown path. Let the 16 people we meet along the way be brave to teach us, and kind to let us tell their story. And may the wonders of the ancient world be as marvelous in person as they are in bedtime stories. We salute you, mighty builders! For the time to build, once again, reigns upon us all. Skol!

Thank you, fellow wanderer of the north. Skool!

Hahah. This is hilarious and totally relatable. Ooooh the pressure! So many great entries. And only couple votes to cast. But I know you will make the smartest choice, brother. Just.. follow the breeze coming from the northern shores. Or your heart. I don't know.

I'm really glad you liked it, Garmadon! I'm very proud of this one too. Glad you mentioned the studs-out section on the tower and the snow-work, two of the aspects that stand out for me as well. Cheers, brother! Thanks for the always welcoming support.

Really glad you liked it, Niku! The throne was a last-minute addition, and certainly a flash of inspiration. Cheers, mate! Thanks for the support.

1 pt: Adde51 1 pt: Ayrlego

1pt: The Stad 1pt: Henjin_Quilones

Woow, this looks really great, fellow Henry! Really a nostalgic look, filled with detail and certainly a great resemblance with the new Blacksmith set. A great addition to those figs story! Awesome work with the vegetation too. Skol!

It's such a treat to see a thick and heavy forest, filled with variations for foliage and terrain. Great eye for detail and perseverance to put everything together without overdoing it. Phenomenal work with fig positioning and way to go with the photography. Awesome work!

Skol, Piobre! And welcome to the Guilds. Let me first say Cane and his siblings will be a great addition to warm the heaths of the North. And I can't wait to see their story develop. About uploading photos: When I first started in the guilds I found it to be waaay easier to open an account on Flickr to upload all my photos. Then, once they are uploaded, I simply copy the URL link of each photo and paste them here. The resolution is better, the process is simpler, and all my headaches were gone. Hope it helps you too. Skol, brother!

Really glad you liked it, Mccoyed! The throne was a burst of inspiration, and I'm very happy with the result. I wanted to use a variation of the Faun for quite some time, and it seemed like a great opportunity. Skol, mate! Thanks for the support.

Hey, MCCoyeed! I'm thrilled you liked it. Thanks for mentioning and supporting. The stone sections on the tower honestly don't take as much pieces as expected. Using the regular snot technique with a bunch of headlight bricks and a plethora of height variations with plates and tiles takes much longer and many more pieces than the technique used here. This one was quite simple. It's a plate filled with slopes positioned in different angles. I didn't really bother with height variations as I would in terrain, for example. So there's little use of tiles and plates, focusing mainly on slopes. The result turned to be quite pleasing, and the process, quite simple. Very effective, imo! My thoughts are the same! I'm planning on using this further in future MOCs. Would love to see it scaled up. Skol, brother! And thanks for the support.

Wow! This is great! Beautiful design. Very unique, and still very cohesive in style. I love the addition of the four-leaf clover. The timber structure looks solid, and the interior is well though of. I'm glad you added a torture chamber in the basement. Personally, I believe ALL medieval structures had secret torture chambers underneath them. Including the vegetation is great as it gives some spots of color to break the brown-tan pattern. The only suggestion I'd give is to put the doors (and windows and hinges) inside the structure, instead of the outside. But that's just me. Cheers! Awesome work, mate.

Very beautiful build! There's a super nostalgic look, a very classic vibe with a bunch of well thought out details that modernize this build. The angles are amazing! I love the cloth you used for the sail, the Flacon shield up front is a great addition, and the pit opening in the center of the ship is the nicest thing. Amazing and very inspiring work. It's great to see a castle builder adventuring into a pirate's land of expertise. Keep it up. Skol!