Aurore

Looks like the head of this SW minifig :

@W Navarre Thank you very much! The stuffed crocodile hanging from the ceiling is a must-have in any self-respecting magic shop, right? @jtooker Thank you so much! So glad you enjoy the illustration photos - I had to retake the second one so many times before getting everything right...

My CDC2 minifigs are nearly ready and my ancient wonder build is starting to resemble to what I have in mind. So here is a sneaky episode to link the Chronicles of Embervale prologue and the CDC! Like the prologue, it's also available on my blog. ---------------------------- The builds Embervale Summer Fair - Elgwi's Curiosities Embervale Summer Fair - Ivo the Baker ---------------------------- The story - Chronicles of Embervale Episode 1 : the Summer Fair “Can I have a pony?” “No, Grog, it’s not lunchtime yet,” Evrart replied absently. “Not a pony for eating, sir! A pony for riding. Like the Boss’ white horse but smaller and less freaky? Please?” Alrune turned her head to glance at the goblin with tender amusement, and Evrart had to hastily pull her aside to avoid a collision with a pot-bellied dwarf carrying a barrel. She awkwardly thanked him while struggling to regain her balance – and her dignity. The natural grace of elf maidens, what a hoax! It was the third day of the summer fair in Embervale, and a colourful and boisterous mob had stormed the otherwise quiet village. Trying to work her way through the erratic crowd, Alrune was feeling like a cockleshell trying to navigate through a sea of freighters. She was contemplating the idea of casting a shockwave spell to clear a way when, much to her relief, they soon reached calmer waters and their destination. Nestled in a cosy nook behind the inn, it was a huge stall kept by a tiny halfling. The stall was full of strange minerals, colourful vials and odd trinkets, everything thoughtfully displayed and impeccably polished. It certainly was the most dapper spellcraft shop Evrart had ever seen – even the stuffed crocodile hanging from the ceiling looked fresh as a fiddle. “Hi there, your Ladyship!” the halfling cheerfully shouted when they reached the stall. “Geez, what a gloomy face you make!” “Good morning Elgwi. The crowd is horrific today,” Alrune replied with a sigh. “You may hate it, but it’s good for business, your Grace! Anyways, I have everything you requested. Just wait a moment, I’ll be right back.” The halfling vanished into the depths of the stall, and she soon reappeared with a bag and a heavy-looking grimoire. Alrune’s face brightened. "There you are,” she whispered, lovingly leafing through the pages of the book. “Hundreds of illustrations drawn in the author’s hand, reviewed and annotated by Archimage Willibert himself,” Elgwi said with a little self-satisfied smile. The two girls went on cooing over the book for a while, and a small but full purse changed ownership. A few moments later, as Evrart was holding the bag and ready to escort Alrune back to the castle, Elgwi handed her a thick envelope. The elf frowned at the mere sight of the blood red wax seal that closed it. “I almost forgot,” the halfling said. “That’s a message from your mother.” “Seriously. She has dozens of servile minions, and everyone at the court considers her wish as their command. Yet she uses you as a messenger.” “She did not give any explanation, your Highness. She just said it’s private and personal, and she’d rip my eyes out to feed them to her crow if I don’t convince you to read it – and do what’s written.” Elgwi had spoken lightheartedly, but Evrart realised that Alrune was taking the threat very seriously. “Fine, I’ll read it,” she hissed. On their way back to the castle, no one dared to shove her. She was so obviously seething that everyone moved out of her way. To be continued...

@Garmadon Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed both the build and the story!

Great micro! The shape of the build, seen from the angle you used for the photo, is very elegant (the snow almost looks like drape!). And Jelsa looks like a lady after my own heart!

This is as impressive as it is intricate. So many details, so many delicate ornaments, so many diverse inspirations and yet such a consistent and harmonious build! Absolutely wonderful!

Embervale, Avalonia Somewhere deep in the Enchanted Forest. HSS Builds (BOLD+CAPS = requirements for Hamlet, grey = no build in Embervale for this category) - AGRICULTURE - MILITARY : - Embervale Castle command room and armoury - Religious : - The goblin guards' crypt (level -2 of the castle basement) - Medical - HOSPITALIY : - The Adventurers' Guild Also : - Ivo the Baker (at the Summer Fair), - Embervale Castle well and kitchen storage room (levels 0 and -1 of the castle basement), - Embervale Castle cheese cellar (level -4 of the castle basement) - LABORERS - CRAFTSMEN : - Luthier - Elgwi's Curiosities (at the Summer Fair) - Services - Scholars : - Alrune's Study (in Embervale Castle) - Entertainers : - Minstrels and cup and balls performer (at the Summer Fair) - Administrative : - Embervale Castle meeting hall Other Builds - Falconry Training

@mrcp6d Thank you! I'm pretty sure I had already seen that technique used before, but I can't remember where..

Oh my! The Carnival Man is absolutely magnificent. The sphinx is briliant, as are Frida Kahlo, Don Quichotte and the sleuth. Nice use of the long leg part for Pumpkin Man! And my absolute favourite is the Supreme Leader. Ready for world domination.

@Henjin_Quilones Riiiight! Oh well, I need to re-read Historican lore...

Hmmm...this does not sound good for Historicans! But anyways, it's an amazing build! The rockwork on the arch is neat, and the cross is very clever. I like the angles and lighting you've chosen for the illustrative photos too, they really set the mood.

@Servertijd Totally sneaking the freebuild points to Mitgardia . But also definitely starting a new storyline in Avalonia... @Spader Thank you so much! So glad you enjoy the details, they were really fun to build. @socalbricks Thank you very much! I randomly stumbled upon those medium blue helicopter blades / dragon feathers and immediately thought of castle tapestries. We do need more oddly colored parts like that! @Grover Thank you so much for your detailed review! As for the vines, I had to sneak in some greenery even in an interior-focused build... @Kai NRG Thank you so much! Given your talent with writing, I'm really glad you enjoyed the story! I have an overarching idea of the pitch, and two more "filler" episodes fully written. If I end up building something for the current Ancient Wonders challenge, though, I may have to add an episode inbetween! @Cube Brick Thank you very much! The nexo shields are my home decor castle decor crush. The printed ones make perfect wall decor, and the plain ones make perfect floor tiling! @Niku Thank you so much! Given the way I'm displaying the build in my room, it felt too odd to not decorate the exterior. And it was too much fun to miss the opportunity of adding vines!

The forge is really impressive and cavernous. I love the massive and no-nonsense architecture, with still a subtle pattern in the walls and some statues and banners. The sliding door is a great idea too. I especially enjoy the photo of Grinberd : that slightly glowing molten iron looks perfect. Poor boy would sure deserve the title!

Embervale Castle - Great Hall | Aurore | Mitgardia Ivo the Baker and Elgwi's Curiosities | Aurore | Mitgardia Arkax' Carnival Costumes | Aurore | Mitgardia Embervale Castle - Command Room & Armoury | Aurore | Mitgardia Embervale Castle - Basement | Aurore | Mitgardia Embervale Castle - Elvish Crypt | Aurore | Mitgardia Embervale Village - The Adventurers' Guild and the Luthier | Aurore | Mitgardia Dark Elven Carriage | Aurore | Mitgardia (I should probably change for Avalonia in the next Book, since I'm now mostly building in Embervale, Avalonia... )

@Ecclesiastes Thank you so much! Those sleek, modern benches were much needed to offset the more traditional and ornate style of the hall. Or so did Alrune think after reading the last issue of the Elven Living home decor magazine.

@Henjin_Quilones Ooooh, such good news! Then I'd definitely would like to build Embervale in Avalonia (a remote corner of the Enchanted Forest would be perfect). @Ecclesiastes Would it be possible to move this topic to the Guilds sub-forum? Sorry for the inconvenience!

The texture of this tower is really wonderful. I love how you used all those slopes and wedged corners. The landscaping looks great too, the overall shape of the base compliments the tower quite well.

This round tower is gorgeous! Actually, both your castles are gorgeous. Modernised Classic Castle! I especially like the 1x1 tiles you put as decor under the arches. So asthetically pleasing!

@GeoBrick Thank you very much! I had a lot of fun decorating the room and I'm so glad you enjoy the details! @Henjin_QuilonesThank you so much! Do you really think it would? In this case, I'm ready to humbly request a moderator to move the topic! I have not put it in the Guilds because I have not found out how to fit it there, actually. It definitely does not belong to my Mitgardian village (and does not fit in Mitgardia in general). It could fit in Avalonia given the aesthetics I have in mind for the castle and its surroundings, if dark elves and goblins may live in Avalonia, but I can't build for both Mitgardia and Avalonia, right? @zoth33 Thank you very much for this detailed comment! Really glad to hear you like the story too!

@jtooker @evancelt Thank you so much! The light through the window and the window sone decor are, in a way, the seed of the whole build. I was drafting a few window patterns when the actual sunset light came through my actual window... I can't really take credit for the vines colour palette though, as I got inspired by a gorgeous image on artstation : ArtStation - Vegetal Chasm, Sylvain Sarrailh

This is what happens when a storyline I've had in mind for ages for a webcomic collides with my heartfelt reunion with my LEGO bricks and this year's Summer Joust "Creating an atmosphere" category... ---------------------------- The build : A castle, somewhere in the Enchanted Forest of Avalonia... ---------------------------- The story : Chronicles of Embervale - Prologue* *Also online on my brand new blog Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, lived an elf maiden. She was fair and wise, with eyes bright as jade and hair dark as shadow. Alas! The Elf Maiden’s heart was shrouded in sadness, for she lived alone in a secluded tower. “Wait, what? I’m not sad, and I’m definitely not alone. I have three cats, a company of goblins, and…and you!” “Right.” With the hint of a smile, he wrote: Her days were only lit up by the gentle presence of her caring uncle. Alrune sighed and turned to the window. “You know, Uncle, when I asked you to write our chronicles, I was thinking of something less lyric. Just a straightforward record of what happens in Embervale, actually.” “Well, sweetheart, nothing ever happens in Embervale. I mean, we do have the occasional invasion of dire rats. Worgs in the forests. Dragon attacks. And way too many surprise visits from your mother. But nothing really interesting!” Alrune smiled, absently watching the sunrays flickering in the rustling leaves in the courtyard below. She had willingly left the imperial court to carry on her research in peace and tranquillity, and her uncle Dresghar had been ordered to go with her. Much to his dismay. She knew he missed the court’s thrilling and refined lifestyle. She also knew the poet in him enjoyed the beauty of the mountains around Embervale, the quaint charm of the castle, and the simplicity of village life. Soon, for sure, he’d love this place as much as she did. --- “There are people requesting a hearing, Boss!” the goblin guard hollered from the entrance of the hall. “From the village!” The goblin gestured for the visitors to enter. A pack of peasants hesitantly moved forward, impressed by the grandeur of the hall and its dignified architecture. Though small and provincial, Embervale Castle radiated a solemn atmosphere even the unseemly attitude of the guard could not tarnish. “Good morning. What would you like to talk about?” Alrune asked after an awkward moment of silence. “There’s a monster in the forest, my lady! We lost two lambs and several hens.” “Sheep and chicken? Are you sure this is not a mere worg? Or even just a big fox?” Wringing their hands, clearing their throats, the villagers did not reply immediately. And then they all began to talk at the same time. “It screams at night, my lady. Bloodcurdling cries. Worgs are decent creatures, they do not screech like that!” “My brother Ivo, he saw a beast, my lady! Green, as big as a horse! With horns and a shell like a tortoise!” “It breathes fire!” Moments later, if the words of the villagers were to be believed, it appeared that Embervale was threatened by a six-legged armoured monster with the head of an eagle and the tail of a dragon, taller than a house and faster than a hare, able to breath fire and spit venom. “I see. Probably something mightier than a fox, then. Horns and a carapace – a tarasque, perhaps?” Alrune speculated. “Go back home and stay safe behind the village walls, we’ll deal with it.” “So, sweetie, how exactly are we going to deal with that dubious monster?” Dresghar asked as soon as the villagers left. Alrune avoided his gaze and remained silent, more concerned than she let on. --- “Someone else, Boss!” the guard yelled again. “The guy who works for the neighbour!” The goblin let the man in, a weary soldier with a stern face who gracelessly bowed to the Elf Maiden. He was no stranger in Embervale, as he had already delivered numerous messages from his quarrelsome master. “Good morning, Evrart. What’s the matter this time?” Alrune asked before he even uttered a word. “Does a tree from my forests cast an outrageous shadow on your baron’s crops again?” “Most likely, my lady. The old baron is…was a stickler for proper ground maintenance. But this is not my reason for coming.” He paused, obviously searching for words. “He happened to die a few days ago. The old baron.” “Good to know! … Huh, sorry – I mean, sorry for your loss.” Despite his lack of manners, the human did have the grace to go on as if the Elf Maiden had not foolishly cut him off. He was speaking in a low tone, his voice bitter as if his own words hurt him deeply. “The young baron said he needed new blood. Dismissed us all who served his father. So I end up on my own, and I was wondering if you were hiring.” A silence fell, somewhat altered by the squealing of Dresghar’s quill on the parchment as he decorated an initial. “Well, actually, I have a problem with a tarasque…” “A tarasque, my lady?” “Or maybe a very weird fox. Whatever it is, it instils fear in the village. Investigate, find out what’s happening, and I’ll try to find you a place here.” --- A few days passed, and the human came back. By his side were the two guards of Embervale the Elf Maiden had sent to escort him, as well as a small, armoured creature with tiny horns. “And who’s that cutie?” Dresghar cooed, putting the Chronicles aside to kneel and pat the creature on the head. “It’s a tarasque cub, sir. We found the remains of its mother in the marshlands,” Evrart replied. “It’s rather friendly, actually. It bites only when it’s scared.” “It followed us home, Boss, can we keep it?” one of the goblins asked, coyly glancing at Alrune. “Please, Boss?” the other one added with what he intended as a charming smile. The Elf Maiden was gentle in heart – the kind of person who genuinely cared for stray kittens and fledglings fallen from the nest. Hence, at the end of the day, Embervale had welcomed two new denizens: a lovely little critter, and some ordinary human.

As expected, this is impressive and I don't know where to start. The roof is absolutely perfect, although I'm afraid the birds will soon have spoiled those nice black tiles. Did the gulls on the roof ridge bring a starfish up there?? (EDIT : oh yes, they did...it's obvious on the additional photos down the thread!) The sculpture above the door is beautiful, decorative and yet quite sober. Very appropriate for a utility building in a castle. I love the crane - well designed, efficient, perfect! And most generally all the interior elements, which really look functional and close to your source inspiration. Also, it's really cute how the dogs follow the ladies everywhere during their visit. Last but definitely not least, I'm really impressed by the amount of research you did for the build. I learned so much just by reading the text!

Done! But just like @Lego David, I missed a part where I could explain what I find to be currently lacking (i.e....Castle!).

Congrats to the winners...and to all participants too!

Sure! *rolls up her sleeves. From left to right and top to bottom... - Golden candlestick : 6326425 - White long sword : 6351361 - Black long sword : 6351360 - Black short sword : 6349964 - Head with mask : 6350030 - White short sword : 6349968 - Brown curved window : 6343651 - White helmet (closed) : 6349971 - Golden owl : 6352684 - White helmet : 6349975 - Opal green pauldrons : 6337854 - Medium nougat curly long hair : 6353754 - Golden mid-length hair : 6350237 - Hair & with hat combo : 6354158 - Golden pirate wench hair : 6347610 - Dark brown long, straight hair : 6337121 - Sword : 6020190 - Dark orange hair with bun : 6357937 - Dark brown braided ponytail : 6353138 - Magenta pigtails : 6351467 - Coral pirate wench hair : 6336757 - Pink flowy hair : 6347539 - Black braided ponytail : 6318218 - Medium blue short hair : 6368302 - Blue villain stand : 6343980 - Torso with jacket and scarf : 6354764 - McGonagall's torso : 6354762 - Torso with dark orange sleeveless jacket : 6354761 - Snake head : 6353601 - Black printed legs : 6341728 - McGonagall's skirt : 6350869 - Witch skirt : 6353928 - Red wings : 6336778