socalbricks

Great work! I figured that falcon would show up in a GoH MOC soon enough - I love the NPU for the lure as well! I love the codex entries too - they're great for world building! I second what Frike said - you have a very recognizable style. It's been cool to see it develop over the years!

Some great techniques all around! I particularly like how you did the mammoth eyes, ears, and the fungi on the side of the tree.

Around the time of the Winter Solstice, many in Historica's cooler regions will decorate pine and fir trees with a star and various ornaments. Ayra and Kars (wearing a scarf knitted by Ayra's mother) plan to continue that tradition, with Ayra rearing up to top the tree with a star. No ladders needed - only balance (something Ayra is struggling with). Meanwhile, Gerard is savoring his mulled wine, and Cobold is trying his hand at a snowman, all while a rabbit bounds outs of the snow! What a year this was - I slapped this MOC together for Christmas. I know its a day late, but there are people around the world (including my relatives in Austria) who are celebrating St. Stephen's Day (Stephanitag) or Boxing Day. So it's technically not late! None of the characters had any major changes, except for Ayra. I really like how her winter attire turned out, especially with the fur collar and leg bindings. This has been a great year. I hope you all had a Merry Christmas, and I look forward to seeing what the New Year brings!

@Kai NRG Thank you!

I was only planning on doing the chariot - no battle scenes from me! By the way, I'm currently building entries for BricksCalibur. Would it be ok to "double dip" and use my Frozen Wilds category entry for this contest's "Miscellaneous" Category?

Currently thinking about my entry for the "Old but Gold" category (haven't started building yet). My oldest GoH MOC is from 2019 - a brick-built centaur with an archer operating as a "tail-gunner" on her back. I'd love to update it; my centaur design has changed quite a bit since then. I'm thinking about having the centaur pull a chariot (inspired by this illustration I found online) instead of having someone on their back. Is that too much of a departure from the original MOC to qualify for the category? In short, the basic/underlying concept (centaur tailgunner) is the same; the execution (mount vs chariot) is way different, though.

Thank you! The "12 x 12" limitations were fun to work with. Thank you for the kind words! Thank you! The water was very "parts intensive" (it also made the MOC a little "top heavy"), but it was worth it!

I'm absolutely down for any challenge, event, etc! I recently finished up university, so I finally have consistent access to my parts collection!

Thank you! I'm really happy with how the water turned out. I definitely plan to focus on larger builds in the future! I already plan to "add on" to the kelp forest - I'm currently developing an underwater arena, complete with merfolk gladiators! Thank you! When I was browsing parts, olive green immediately struck me as the most "kelp-like" color! Those pieces were sort of the "seed part" for this build.

Thank you so much!

One of my favorite entries from this year's Summer Joust! Some really creative parts usage throughout; I especially like the use of the octopus tentacles and dragon legs!

My entry for the Summer Joust 2022 "12 x 12 Vignette" category! In the coastal waters of northwest Avalonia lie dense forests of giant kelp. Fueled by long daylight hours and cold, nutrient-rich waters cycling in from the north, they provide a bountiful ecosystem supporting all forms of life, from giant stingrays to diminutive hermit crabs. The forests are also home to large populations of merfolk, who harvest the kelp for food, garments, medicine, and much more. Merfolk communities will often have designated “kelp harvesters” (a prestigious position due to its importance), who go through the forests with ivory sickles. Other merfolk forage for clams. One such mermaid is Katalina, who has spotted a large one under a rocky outcrop. Excitedly reaching under, she fails to spot a lobster next to the clam – the crustacean will make sure that she pays for her carelessness! From left to right: Petra A kelp harvester with a love for the dark red algae that grows on the kelp forest's rocky terrain. It can be found in her wardrobe (such as her skirt and cuffs) and even in her hair! Some merfolk chafe at the “monotony” of harvesting kelp all day, but Petra actually enjoys it, as it gives her time to think and “unwind”. Plus, the prestige for holding such a valued position doesn't hurt! Katalina Young and headstrong, Katalina's recklessness has often gotten her into trouble with the village elders. They figured that assigning her to clam harvesting duties would teach her patience and keep her out of trouble – they were wrong! More Images: I finally found the time to post this to Eurobricks! I had a bad case of COVID during the end of the Summer Joust - thankfully, I had already completed the MOC, so I only had to photograph it! I've made a full, so I figured I would belt out a backstory for it! Background This MOC was inspired by the kelp forests that line the west coast of North America - particularly those off the coast of Southern California. I snorkeled amongst these kelp forests while on a school trip to Catalina Island (also the inspiration for the "Katalina" name). Most of the creatures in this MOC are inspired by the local wildlife, such as garibaldi (represented by the orange fish), hermit crabs, the giant pacific octopus, lobsters, various anemones/starfish, and stingrays. Katalina's accident with the lobster was actually inspired by an incident involving one of our snorkeling guides. We were night snorkeling, and our guide (seeing a lobster in a burrow) wanted to dive down, grab it, and bring it up to show it to us. As he was about to reach into the burrow, he noticed (at the last possible second) a scorpion fish next to the lobster! He quickly drew his hand away; had he not noticed it, he would have likely been "stung"! I was inspired to create the "ocean surface" when I saw Grant Davis's "Seaside" at Bricks Cascade 2022! This is the largest MOC I have ever posted online. I've mostly stuck to "figbarfs" in the past, but I'm trying to broaden my horizons. Creating it was a lot of fun, and it has inspired me to add even more to it. I have already created several more merfolk, and want to develop a village scene of some kind! This challenge was incredibly fun, with some great entries from everyone. As we continue into the "judging period", I wish everyone the best of luck! Previous MOCs: Cobold's Crusader's (REVAMP) Citizens of Historica Figbarf CDC2 CMF: socalbricks

Saw this entry on Flickr a while ago - green might be my favorite color, so I loved how this turned out! My favorite part might be the dark green masonry. I was not sure how useful they would be when I first heard about them, but you put them to great use!

Great work on all of this - where do I even start? Your minfigures and rock-work continue to impress. My favorite details include the rat tunnel, Van Gogh painting, well, the ladder construction (I can't recall ever seeing that technique), and the upside-down brackets used as torches. I especially like the cheese cellar (nice parts usage - I'm sure that rat is fan of it ) and the "Eriaxis Monstrosa" (I love the use of the Miek and Orchid/Demogorgon heads)!

Great build! I especially love the printed slope you used for the chimney, that little design you built directly beneath it, and the stone "lion's head" on the opposite wall!

@zoth33 Thank you! I'm really happy with how he turned out. @Red Rackham Thank you - I spent way too much time on it! The mask is official, and comes from the LEGO Marvel Super Heroes Erik Killmonger minifigure. Kars' face is (officially) a mystery, but I used a head from a Spyrius robot to get those "silver eyes". @dathil Thank you - that means a lot!

Previous: CDC2 CMF: socalbricks [Freebuild] Citizens of Historica Figbarf I made a whole post about a group of adventurers called "Cobold's Crusaders" back in October. I've made a few changes (more on that at the end) - everything in this post is now the new "canon". Enjoy! From left to right: KarsKingdom: Avalonia Race: Unknown Sex: Male Age: Unknown Height: 6’4” (1.93 m) Bio: A mysterious (if not “eccentric”) bounty hunter with tracking abilities that border on being supernatural. Little is known of his early life - what is known is that he was found drifting down a stream (on the verge of death) by the Valken family, who nursed him back to health. During his time on the farm, he developed an unbreakable sibling-like bond with their youngest daughter, Ayra. Records indicate that Kars would leave the Valken farm after a year (for "their own safety") and join the Avalonian military in the war against Raavage. His skills in tracking and wilderness survival would eventually see him transferred to a Cedrican Commando unit led by Cobold McTavish. After the war's end, Kars would return to mercenary work. Tracking everyone from bail jumpers and escaped criminals to kidnapping victims, he would acquire a fearsome reputation for "never losing a quarry". Some targets (upon discovering that Kars was tracking them) purportedly opted to surrender and spare both parties the trouble. It was during this time that he would receive the nickname "Silver Eyes" (as his steely gaze "cut like a surgeon's knife into your soul") and "the Bloodhound" (due to his uncanny senses). During the war, Cobold had become a mentor figure for Kars, who would gladly answer the call of duty when Cobold would form the "Crusaders" a decade later. With the group in desperate need of a medic, Kars would recruit Ayra to their cause, who was more than happy to help. Due to his personality, Kars has very few friendships/relationships. The few he does have are incredibly valuable to him, though. Skills: master tracker, wilderness survival, stealth, enhanced senses (especially sight), proficient swordsman, lanky build hides surprising physical strength Hobbies: birdwatching (a hobby he shares with Ayra), tracking anything/anyone ("if you love your job, you will never work a day in your life") Personality: introverted, analytical, intensely loyal, socially awkward (has no understanding of sarcasm), hates people who are "picky"/"high maintenance" Cobold McTavishKingdom: Kaliphlin Race: Dwarf Sex: Male Age: 96 (48 in Dwarf years)Height: 4'8" (1.42 m) Bio: A dwarf of many talents, Cobold is engineer/chemist/toy maker from the Rakath Mountains. A demolitions prodigy, he was recruited by the Cedrican royalty to create a bomb that could turn the tide in the war against Lord Raavage. The result was a revolutionary design – though large and unwieldly (needing at least two people to carry it), it could bring down a wall and end a siege within minutes. The bombs would see deployment on the battlefield by Cobold and his commandos; it was on this crack team of elite soldiers where Cobold would meet Kars (a mysterious tracker from Avalonia) and Ulriq (a hulking refugee from Nocturnus). Cobold hoped the bombs would be used to bring down walls, and nothing more. Doing so would end a siege much quicker and save the lives that would've been otherwise been ground up by slow progress. Somehow, his designs (which were supposedly well-protected by the Cedrican Royal Guard) found their way into Nocturnus. They were used by Raavage's forces to devastating effect, who targets them at soldiers instead of walls. Cobold realized that he created a monster – not only were they being used against his own men, but if his designs proliferated enough, they would make war more destructive than ever. As Raavage’s forces were obliterated and scattered throughout the Nocturnan wastelands, Cobold made a point of destroying every blueprint and model of the bomb he could find, doing so until he was satisfied that he had eliminated every trace of his creation. After the war, Cobold returned home with Kaliphlin, and decided to follow his passion of being a toy maker. After all that destruction, he decided it was time to pursue something creative. In recent weeks, news had begun to trickle out of Nocturnus of a militia group known as the “Crimson Wind”, led by one of Cobold's former soldiers Ulriq. Lending out their services to the highest bidder, they strike fast and disappear just as quickly (cleaning up any remains of their attacks). However, a few pieces of shrapnel have managed to escape their grasp. The evidence is clear: Cobold’s bombs are back in production. With this revelation, Cobold has decide to assemble a team to venture into Nocturnus, defeat the Crimson Wind, and destroy every last trace of his creation. Having always had a "flair for the theatrical", the dwarf has named his team "Cobold's Crusaders", much to the chagrin of his "lieutenant" Kars. Kars thinks it sounds "silly" - Cobold jokingly retorts that Kars is "no fun". Queen Ylspeth and Cobold are both aware that there is a traitor somewhere in her government. Directly funding his mission would require much manpower on her part (increasing the risk of the traitor being privy to their plans). However, she has referred him to the Sinclair family in Valyrio, who have agreed to bankroll his mission. For now, all the young Queen can give is her tacit support. Skills: toy making, master chef, demolitions expert, engineer, master tactician, skilled hand-to-hand combatant, small size obfuscates physical strength Hobbies: toy making, cooking, axe-throwing, military history Personality: boisterous, passionate, leads from the front, can be somewhat stubborn and impulsive (something tempered by his lieutenant Kars), intense guilt over past actions Ayra Valken Kingdom: Avalonia Race: Centaur Sex: Female Age: 26 Height: 7’5” (2.26 m) Bio: Growing up on an isolated farm in Avalonia, Ayra Valken had an simple and idyllic childhood. Her family (consisting of her father, a combat medic, and her mother, a former school teacher) were always willing to take in anyone passing through their neck of the woods, even adopting a young centaur named Brielle. While Mrs. Valken would homeschool them, Mr. Valken would instruct them both in the ways of combat medicine (a field which involved fighting off attackers just as much as tending to your allies). Brielle and Ayra had different takeaways from this: Brielle would eventually become a fierce knight, sworn to protect the innocent, whereas Ayra would become a gentle healer who avoids violence whenever possible. As a centaur, Ayra knew that a single kick from her hind legs could kill a man - all the more reason for restraint. Some time before the war against Raavage, Ayra found a bloodied Kars on a riverbank near the farm. Taking him in, the family nursed him back to health. To repay their kindness (and to "lay low") Kars stayed on the farm for over a year, during which he developed a sibling-like bond with Ayra and Brielle. Around the same time, Ayra began showing signs of the "Emerald Flame"; an exceptionally rare magical power that could heal any wound imaginable, albeit at a cost of energy to the wielder. The more severe the wound, the more energy required. The magic could also be used to create impenetrable barriers and telekinetically move anything from fallen debris to injured people. In combat situations, the magic is only supposed to be used defensively. After this revelation, Ayra would travel throughout all of Historica, helping those in need. She would accept no monetary payment for her services, only being "paid" in food and lodging. When Kars approached her (on the orders of Cobold) and asked if she wanted to join his "Crusaders", she heartily accepted, both out of desire to help those suffering at the hands of Crimson Wind and out of loyalty to her old friend. One of Ayra’s worst fears is her fear of being a burden on someone. When someone does a favor for her, she always insists on repaying that debt in some way. It’s a trait viewed as equal parts flattering and annoying. This fear also causes Ayra to not voice her misgivings regarding a particular issue - when repressed, this can sometimes lead to bitterness/passive-aggressiveness. She also has several phobias, including claustrophobia, thassalophobia (fear of deep water), and acrophobia (fear of heights). These fears largely stem from her physiology (and are shared by many of her fellow centaurs). Centaurs generally do poorly in tight spaces (due to their "unique" proportions), are awkward swimmers, and prefer to have their hooves placed firmly on the ground. Though she will travel anywhere she is physically able to help those in need, Ayra also has a strong dislike for large cities. Their narrow streets and small shops are crowded with people (playing into her claustrophobia) and her naturally heightened sense of hearing (common among centaurs) makes it hard to tune out the constant noise. Though this leaves Ayra somewhat susceptible to “sensory overload” upon entering a city, she won't let it stop her from helping those in need. Being so well-travelled means that Ayra has been to an endless number of restaurants, taverns, and inns all throughout Historica. As a centaur, she has a large stomach, with a large appetite meaning that she can take several items from the menu in one sitting. This has left her uniquely suited to being a restaurant critic, and she is currently compiling a book with her reviews. Skills: healing magic, "practical medicine" such as herbalism, heightened hearing (shared by all centaurs), can deliver "a mean kick" from her hooves (but never does so because of the potentially fatal results) Hobbies: food criticism, bird watching (due to her heightened hearing, she can supposedly identify most birds by sound alone), herbalism, relaxing walks through the woods Personality: kind-hearted, gentle/easy-going, avoids violence whenever possible, worries about being a burden/has multiple phobias, has a reverence for nature and all forms of life, unofficial "team mom" Gerard Renwick Sinclair IIIKingdom: Valyrio Race: Human Sex: Male Age: 31 Height: 5’11” (1.80 m) Bio: As the youngest son (and only bachelor) within a Valyrian aristocratic family, Gerard Renwick Sinclair III has struggled to stand out and make a name for himself. Having so far lived an uneventful life, he is the only member of his family without any heroic tales to tell. This has caused him to worry about being the disappointment of the family. Since the War against Raavage, the Sinclair family have become steadfast (tacit) allies of Queen Ylspeth. The queen has referred Cobold's Crusaders to the aristocratic family, who has agreed to bankroll their mission. Gerard has also agreed to join them, seeing it as a golden opportunity to prove himself to his family. Though he is eager for adventure, he still has to get used to life on the road, where people sleep in the dirt and make-do without three meals a day. Gerard often butts heads with Kars, who has little patience for his complaints and "fussy" behavior. Due to his aristocratic upbringing, Gerard received a massive education, making him the team's resident negotiator, historian, etc. Skills: master fencer/sword-fighter, master negotiator, knowledgeable historian, knowledge of "aristocratic etiquette" Hobbies: wine-tasting, fencing, classical literature/art Personality: gregarious, obsessed with manners, picky, desperate to prove himself, has an affinity for "the finer things in life"

@zoth33 Thank you - I'm glad you like them! It is! I got the head years ago (not sure where; it might've been a Bricks & Minifigs store). The piece comes from the Fifth Brother - he's become super expensive after the recent trailer for Kenobi!

Other Work: CDC2 CMF: socalbricks [Freebuild] Cobold's Crusaders (REVAMP) I'm back! After last year's fun CDC2 CMF, I was inspired to make more characters for the guilds. Enjoy! Geovana Guild: Mitgardia A sorceress who was adopted at a young age by amethyst-worshipping monks. Taught to harness the stones' power, she is now the last of her order. Despite this, she has vowed to defend the amethysts from pesky dwarven miners until her last breath. Boab Guild: Kaliphlin A blind naga assassin who can “see” through heightened senses of hearing and smell. His strongest ability is his sense of touch, using his hands, tail, and the hollow end of his spear to track nearby movements. A being of few words, he is steadfastly loyal to the Desert King (his mentor and first employer). Maridia Guild: Valyrio A mermaid who has made a small fortune selling the treasure she found at the bottom of Valyrio's harbors. Having learned water sorcery from her fellow merfolk, Maridia travels all throughout Valyrio's coastal cities, resting on a floating pool of water. She is currently making a sizable amount of money salvaging sunken treasure from Valyrian harbors and selling it in Canal Square. She has heard many tales of far-off lands from her customers; she plans on seeing all of them once she has enough money! Sko-Khan Guild: Nocturnus A soldier who was stranded in a massive pit during the war against Raavage, Sko-Khan spent weeks fighting off (and eating) giant scorpions (it was during this time that he ripped off a scorpion's claw and uses it as a weapon). After climbing out of the ravine himself, he became a muscle-for-hire for various Nocturnan warlords. He still carries the claw to this day, and has adorned his armor with matching scorpion imagery as a sign of respect for his old foes. Dombard the Doom-Bard Guild: Nocturnus Most bards lift the spirits with stories of bravery and heroism. Not Dombard - for reasons still unknown, he aspires to make his listeners as angry and miserable as possible. His lute (forged from and doubling as an axe) is unpleasant to the ears, and his voice is described as sounding like “nails on a chalkboard” and “a vulture being strangled” It is said that the latter is so grating that it can send members of races with “sensitive hearing” (such as elves and centaurs) into catatonic shock. Garrus Guild: Nocturnus Garrus saw his home of Abyssian turn to ice at the hands of Raavage’s forces. Though he survived the attack, his forearms did not, and he had them replaced with primitive prosthetics. Filled with rage, he decided to track down those responsible for the attack, adding massive swords to his prosthetics. Leaving a trail of bodies, he soon heard word that Raavage had already been killed (thus depriving him of his revenge). With no home, family, or outlet for his rage, the hulking reptilian became a brutal bounty hunter. Though he has mellowed with time, his infamous reputation remains unchanged (as does his enthusiasm for violence).

Great work! I really love the roof shingles, the stained glass, the sign out front, and the angled door in the cellar! My one nitpick would definitely be the lack of a base (it didn't have to be anything elaborate; just a few plates). When I first saw the build (ie. in the first picture), I thought it was the "top half" of a larger build. The shot of the interior clears up any confusion, though.

Great job! From the lettering to the planet/figures, you absolutely nailed this! My favorite detail might be the use of that "Scout Trooper face with goggles" for Palpatine!

I meant to ask this earlier (but forgot) - how did you make that "table of contents" at the start of the calendar?

Great work - I particularly like the use of unicorn shield and gold candelabra in the kiosk! The use of those Chima heads as "masks" is quite creative! The figures are great too. I have to get some of those "angel wings"!

Great work - you really made this village look lively! It's always nice to see those dark red awnings (I believe they are from Prince of Persia) and I love the castle/hills in the distance! Did you build this behind the MOC (thus employing "forced perspective" or did you add those "in post" (PhotoShop, etc.)?

Great work all around! I especially like the well (love the masonry and roof), the stone floor and bed in the interior, and the trees (they look so natural, and those colors are perfect).