Dragonator

I'm currently reading for the third time the wonderful series known as The Wheel of Time, written by Robert Jordan. Sadly he never managed to finish the series before he died, although someone else is going to be finishing it for him (not sure if that is a good thing though). Anyway, I am currently up to book 8, The Path of Daggers. For those of you who don't know the series, it is science-fiction at it's best, set in a world in which the Dark one is breaking free (classic good verse evil thing). Robert Jordan has an amazing eye for detail and is most noted for his amazing character development, which is really something in itself. It is very rare that I see writers developing their characters to the extent that Jordan does. Well there you have it, it's a great series and I would recommend it to anyone with a bit of time on their hands.

Nice interview, very informative about our site policies and about the site itself. Love this classic Hinckley line, too: Anyway, a nice interview to advertise the awesomeness of this fantastic community! Five strawberries from me as well.

L7 Dragon's Keep; The Throne Room Lord Dragonator, or rather, King Dragonator as they called him now, stood peering off into the distance. It had been a tiresome few days, and with little reward. My Lord, I have just been informed that Lord Rotrigous is in the city, and staying with non other than Lady Areaith, High Seat of House Dinquith. It looks like he is likely to gain her backing sometime soon. Support for yourself does not look good amongst the nobles. Many still question your right to rule here. And so they should. After all, what do they know of me? I do not have any family for them to link me to, nor do they even know of my origins. Why should tey not question me? My Lord, what are you saying? The point is, my friend, that humans are humans, and always will be. When faced with a crisis, they want to know who's fault it was in the first place, rather than actually solving it. When times are good, greed and corruption sets in. It has happened before, it is happening now, and it will happen again. I had high hopes for the people of this kingdom, but in many ways they are the same as those in any other, possessed by their own needs and their desires for more power. Is it really worth me taking the throne? Marcus tried to say something, but Dragonator continued. A darkness is rising in the land Marcus, and I fear it does not bode well for any of us; human, dragon, or anyone else for that matter. Fighting is already breaking out in the west, where the races are most strongly mixed, and yet a darkness is rising even here, in this very kingdom. The question is, what form will this darkness take, and how does Rotrigous fit into all this. Is he just another petty human squabbling for power, or is there something more here? Running footsteps interrupted Dragonator's musing, and a rather wearing Captain of the Guard ran into the chamber. King Dragonator, I came as fast as I could. The army splitting, many fighting amongst themselves. I understand that the soldiers were become discontent with the situation and wanted to do something about it. The Air Marshal Fortress has been guttered, and your few loyal men are fleeing. What are your orders? Dragonator slammed his fist against the windowsill. The Captain decided it might be best he left. So much for your loyal army, Marcus. Looks like this kingdom is being eaten from the inside out. I mean to find out what is causing this havoc. Excellent, I can organise a counter strike soon and- No Marcus. I fear it is to late for that. I must go somewhere, and no, I cannot tell you where. You mean to abandon the kingdom? You mean to abandon your loyal subjects to the rule of Rotrigous!? After we have worked so hard to get this far!!? Marcus, if there were any other way then I would take it. You are one of the few people I have come to like, and so I shall try my best to save you from this disaster. I want you and any others you can trust to go to Dormin. There you are to await further instructions. I must go else where, but I do not intend to be long. So this is it then. After all your efforts here, after so many years of toil and sacrifice, you mean to just abandon the keep to Rotrigous? For the moment, yes. But not forever. I have a goal, and I intend to see it happen, no matter how long it may take. This may seem like a terrible mistake, but you must trust me, it is the right thing. I trust you my Lord, I do. I just hope that the kingdom does not suffer to much for this. All will be well eventually. Now go. From what I understand, Lord Rotrigous will probably build up enough courage to try to take the keep by force in the next few days, and you no longer have an army to stop him. We still have the Royal Guards. Their loyalty is to the king and in their eyes, you are the true ruler here, not just because King Dracus named you so, but because of your victories against the Ankorians in not one but two wars. They may only number less than 200 men, but they are all loyal to you. Good. Mobilize them, and take them with you to Dormin. As for anyone else, I fear Rotrigous is going to make some changes around here, and they shall just have to adapt. As you say my Lord. May you live through this battle. And you also, my friend. Marcus departed, leaving Dragonator staring after him, wondering if he had done the right thing. You did the right thing, Draggy. Dragonator turned to the window, where Ragnir was peering through into the room. I know, but was it right for them? Many of these humans are going to suffer for this. Somehow, after all my time here I... I feel responsible for them. You have been summoned Dragonator, and nobody refuses the summons of the Council. Besides, won't it be nice to go home for a while? Yes it will. But I am not done with this kingdom, not yet. The people here may have forgotten the old ways, but I am sure if I could only eradicate the evil here, then they would once again be worthy of serving dragons. I am sure that the evil I sense is in some way connected to our little problem. I have my suspicions, but we shall have to wait until we are before the Council before I can voice them. Ah, so you are on to something. I knew that this whole time we have spent here would not be in vain. Yes, but we must still tread lightly. It is likely that there is an evil influence even in our own Council. We are juggling more than just the fate of dragon-kind here, we are juggling the fate of the world, and blindfolded. Well you've always been one to accept any challenge, no matter how impossible. Oh yes. I intend to best this evil, and I will succeed. Come let us be going. Dragonator quickly left the throne room, for there was much to be seen to before the approach of night...

Welcome to Eurobricks, and also, welcome back to the hobby! Your wallet is not going to thank you, but it's all worth it in the long run. Enjoy the boards, and have fun.

From what I can see of the notebook, it appears that Anthony was on to something about the pictogram. The question is, what?I do not think he solved the whole case using just that however, perhaps he noticed something that the rest of us missed? Anyway, let us see go see if Max is right. The detectives return to the ballroom through the northern pair of doors in the east wall, and walk over to the safe. Max punches in 1940 and hits enter. A loud beep is heard and a second red light pops up above the display. Hmmm, that leaves only three more attempts. Remember that the accompanying note said a four letter word was required... Resetting the electronic clock to 3:18 does not render any results, nor does turning back the grand-father clock in the dining room. Putting them back to where they were (the electronic clock now shows 12:18), the group returns to the library, wondering what it is that they have missed. Oh, by the way Peter, you were asking for a pencil earlier, right? I have one right here if you want to borrow it. Most certainly Mr. Sinclair. I am simply a concerned colleague of Lord Chester, as I'm sure I said earlier. He failed to turn up to a morning meeting yesterday, and I want to know why. So, about that pictogram...

Correct, everyone is a suspect. Even myself, I guess.

The sudden demise of Anthony Blackwater has shocked the EB detectives. Suddenly the house seems awfully creepy. Who caused Anthony's death? Had he really figured out the murderer? Michael decides to take a look at the body for any clues. The man is quite obviously dead, a conclusion reached by the absence of anything resembling a head, however his body is still mostly intact, except for a few gory mangles caused by the chandelier. Searching through his pockets, Michael finds some car keys, a wooden pipe, a tobacco pouch, a box of matches, and a notebook. The notebook is new, and is labelled Mystery Manor. There is not much written in it, but it reads as follows: 1st December, Morning Background Limited time - didn't find much. One of the detectives has some connection to an underground organisation called The Red Dragon, couldn't find out what the connection is though and nothing about the organistation itself. Perhaps I will speak with him if it turns out to be relevant. Also seems that the DHPT has been furiously trying to secure the manor as an historic landmark, despite refusals. Perhaps I will discover more tonight... At the Manor Funny chap called Dragonator is accompanying us. Sure I've seen him before, can't recall where. What is his reason for being here? The rest look fairly normal, although there is one among them that seems to stand out to me. Perhaps I'll see something inside... The rest of the notebook just contains the clues you have found so far and working for the cryptograms. You skip past this and take a look at the last written-on page. Library Nice place, and with some definite clues. This pictogram seems to have them all stumped. By the looks of things, it must have something to do with WWII, but taking a glance around the library, it does not appear that there are many books on the period. Perhaps they are thinking to deeply on this. I'm sure they must be getting close with the 09-1940, but what could it relate to? There is also the matter of the cross and number. Possibly a page number? Or perhaps just nothing? Hard to tell. A few scribbles and some ink blots follow, and then the following: Ah right, got it! Think I know the murderer. Obvious really. Hah, this will show those police inspectors that I'm just as good as them! The rest of the notebook is blank. Meanwhile, the rest of the detectives look up at the ceiling. All they can see is a hole where the cable for the chandelier goes into the ceiling. The cable is still connected to the chandelier. There is probably a winch mechanism in the ceiling for lowering and lifting it, but it is to high up to get a clear look, especially with the dimmer illumination.

Unfortunately TheBrickster has found that he cannot continue in the game as he fell behind over the Christmas period due to his commitments to various EB contests. He decided he would rather drop out than hold the rest of you back. Thanks to the TheBrickster for participating, he will be a sorely missed asset to the detectives. I did enjoy him killing though... Note that this does not mean I'm going to let anyone else drop out, so don't you even think about it!

The EB detectives are stumped by this most recent clue. What could it mean? What are thy missing? These are just some of the questions they are trying to find an answer for. The detectives are surprised then to hear a shout of excitement break the quiet of the library. "I've got it!" shouts Anthony. Walking out to stand in the middle of the floor, he addresses the other detectives. "I have been thinking long and hard on this, and suddenly it all makes sense! I've figured out the meaning of this most recent clue, but first, I want to unveil... the murderer!!" The other detectives gasp. Could he really have figured who among them it was that committed the murder, when they haven't yet even found a body? "I can see your doubt, but I tell you truly that I know who it is. My many years as a private detective have allowed me to see many things that you have missed. But enough talk. The murderer of Lord Chester, who is standing here amongst us, is-" At that moment a loud groan is heard up above, and the chandelier that was sitting so gracefully amongst the rafters falls towards the floor. Anthony only has time to get out a quick squawk before the metal spike on the underside of the frame drives through his head. The other detectives jump back just in time and manage to avoid injury. This is not so for the poor PI, who is most definitely dead by the look of the blood running out from under the now very badly smashed chandelier. The detectives gradually get to their feet, having trouble coming to terms with what just happened. Eventually, someone manages to sum up what they are all feeling. M&g@bl%cks!!

Hmmm, it is tricky, isn't it? This operation Sea Lion you keep talking about, when did you say it was planned for?

So Peter, you want to look through these books do you? Nobody else seems to be interested in solving this, so why don't we take a look together, aye? The pair look through the green potions book but don't find anything. There are a lot of books on dragons (surprisingly), it'll take to long to look through all of them. The Illustrated Guide to Oversized Door Hardware also turns up nothing. Hmmm, perhaps we are missing something here. Why don't we take another look at the pictogram perhaps? I'm sure there must be more to it.

Welcome to the forums odinson1313, look around and enjoy our corner of cyber-space. I'm sure you will find the Star Wars forums very interesting.

Peter has an idea about the drawing, and following this thread, he goes to look at section 318 in the non-fiction section. Unfortunately it seems that there are no books in the library in this section. Feeling a little disappointed, Peter returns to the desk and pulls out the bible. The bible is the Good News Bible, 2002 edition. He flips to page 318. This page is in the 1st book of Samuel and shows verses 15 to the end of Chapter 18 (verse 30) and the first 8 verses of Chapter 19. You cannot see anything out of place. Miss Sandy meanwhile turns to page 318 in the European history book. This page has some text on the Cold War. There are no marked words or anything else out of place. John climbs up and retrieves the knife to take a look at it. It appears quite old, at least a couple of hundred years. There is a small dragon carves into the pommel. It looks quite clean. I don't think we have enough time to go through every single book in the whole non-fiction section, is there any particular book you want to look for or find?

Cpt. PB is a mind reader. Nothing more to add.

I've got all the clues planned out right to the end... thy're just not written down very well. Don't worry, I have a fairly good memory.

Peter walks over to the suit of armour and removes the helmet. There is nothing inside it, nor anywhere else in the armour. Feeling a bit disgruntled, he walks back to the desk and searches for a pencil. Failing to find one, he instead picks up the top sheet and pockets it for later. Following Peter's advice, Ms Sandy picks up the little gold key and tries it in the draw of the desk. A satisfying click is heard, and she opens the draw. Inside the draw is a single sheet of paper, depicting a cartoon illustration of a Sea Lion sitting on a rock in the sea. It is waving a Nazi flag in one hand, and is holding a musket in the other. Underneath the drawing is written the number 318. The only other thing on the sheet is a cross inked into the bottom left corner. Michael picks up the book on European history and thumbs through it. There are no bookmarks, and nothing falls outs. Putting that down, you go help steady the stool so Dr. Phil can look at the chandelier. The stool looks stable enough, and there are no markings on it or anything. With Michael supporting it, Dr. Phil stands on the stool and takes a look at the chandelier. It is well crafted in heavily gilded wood. You cannot see anything of much interest though. After much dispute, the small hunting knife is wrapped in somebodies hankie and put into a plastic bag. The detectives are still undecided as to who should look after it however... Dr. Phil, after climbing down from the stool, walks over to the two spears flanking the door they entered though. They are rather ornate, and are similar in appearance to those seen in the dining room. They are standing quite straight in their holders.

I wouldn't have a clue...

Excellent, great to see this is strating to make a recovery! Now that I'm back at home for a week or two I'll try and get something written. Thanks everyone for putting in the effort to get the game started up again, it is promising to be a lot of fun! Lord Dragonator is pleased.

Max tries to move the dragon statues, but they do not budge. Peter examines the small gold ring. There is no inscription, but it is finely worked with small scales and other details, making the serpent appear very much alive. John tries his key in the draw, however it does not fit. It probably only works with the draw in the ballroom... Meanwhile, much debate is going on as to who can be trusted with the knife. John thinks he should have it since he found it, while the chef wants it just to keep out of the actor's hands. But when it comes down to it, can you really trust anyone? Miss Sandy decides to inspect the suit of armour. It is very much similar to those seen elsewhere in the manor, such as in the entrance foyer. Pulling on the sword arm does not reveal anything, although it does make the helmet wobble.

Peter walk over to the desk and sits down in the comfy reading chair. Switching on the lamp, he can better see the desk. On the desk is a stack of blank paper, pens and ink, four leather bookmarks and a coaster. The top draw is locked, while the second draw contains a bible and a small golden ring in the shape of a serpent biting its own tail. You cannot find anything else of interest on the desk. Miss Sandy pulls out the green book on the large bookshelf. As it comes lose, a click is heard and the mouth of the dragon to her left opens. Inside is a small shiny gold key. The actual book seems to be an old potions book, dating back to the 16th century. The chef decides to take a look at the statues on the bookcase. The two dragon statues are carved in a black stone, probably granite. You cannot see anything unusual about them, although one of them has already revealed a hidden secret. Michael decides to take a look at the book on the stool. It appears to be a book on European history focusing on the 20th century. Might I ask how you plan on getting up there? John climbs up on the stool and looks on top of the bookcase. There is a small tin box which contains a small hunting knife with a handle made of deer horn and a sharp metal blade. There is nothing else there.

Peter throws open the doors, and the group moves through into the Library. The library is a long narrow room, with two entrances, the doors you just entered through at the north end of the west wall, and another set at the south end of the west wall. The library has a wonderful polished wooden floor, with wallpapered walls interrupted twice by a strip of wooden panelling. Two large chandeliers hang from the ceiling, casting a good light for reading in. The doors you entered through have two large ornate spears flanking them, leading into a reading area at the north end of the room. The reading area contains a large oak desk with two draws and a collection of things on it including a reading lamp. A comfy chair rests behind it. To the right of this is another statue, nicely filling the north wall. The eastern wall at this end has a single large bookshelf with a number of large tomes on it. Two small statues of dragons stand on either corner of this bookshelf. A small stool with a book on it completes the furnishings. The south end of the room (not pictured) looks very similar to an ordinary library, with both the south and the east walls covered with large bookshelves containing anything from small paperbacks to large hard covers and more. There are also two large free-standing bookshelves in the middle of the floor. The books on the eastern and southern walls all appear to be fiction, arranged by author from A-Z, while the books on the two bookshelves in the middle of the floor all appear to be non-fiction, arranged by the dewy decimal system. Right, well see what you can find in here then. ********** Remember that to win the game you must answer the following four questions: WHO committed the crime? WHERE was the crime committed (which room)? WHAT was the murder weapon? WHY was he killed (motive)? There is also the optional challenge of piecing together the events of the previous night. Try to find out as much detail as possible. For the full list of rules, please click on the picture at the top of the page or follow this link. Participants: 1. ImperialShadows - Peter Crawford; Lawyer 2. Sandy - Susan Greenwood; Receptionist 3. WhiteFang - Dr. Phillip Marshall; General Practitioner 4. Hinckley - Max Sinclair; Actor 5. Sir Dillon - Michael Dunne; CEO of Brick Plates 6. jipay - Bernard Knightly; President of the DHPT 7. ImperialScouts - Lieutenant John Spencer; Soldier 8. Sir Nadroj - Dermot Stephens; University Student 9. Mr. Mandalorian - Dr. Gregory Grimsworth; University Professor 10. TheBrickster - Anthony Blackwater; Private Detective 11. Erdbeereis1 - Chef Frederick Valentine; Chef

I humbly request to sign up for this little game of yours. I'm sure it will be just as much fun as last time.

Hey everyone, Thanks for all the great comments, I greatly appreciate them. Also a big thanks to Sir Dillon and I Scream Clone; I'll remember your advice for my future MOCs. Unfortunately it is to late for me to do anything with this entry, as I am currently on holiday up North. It shall just have to enter how it is. I've never really considered myself to be very good with placing minifigs, so I do find your comments very helpful, and will remember them for next time. Perhaps I'll get my act together next year and wont be so rushed!

Peter takes a look at the pictures for any clues as to the password. You cannot see any way to differentiate any of the names from any of the others. If one of them is the password, you cannot tell. It seems unlikely that one of these would be the password. It is agreed by those paying attention that the detectives will make their way through the east doors, as they seem to think there is something important there. Walking over, Peter throws open the doors, and the group moves through into the Library... Are they any closer to solving the mystery? And where is the body of Lord Chester, if there even is one? What exactly happened last night? Your guess is as good as mine, but it sure makes for good reading, right? End of Chapter Two We will now take a short break. Chapter three will commence on January the 2nd, 2009. Until then, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Enjoy the holiday season, and I'll see you all in the new year. I hope by then you are all eager and ready for some more mystery action!

Hey everyone. This is my entry in the CCCVI Siege Category, which I started work on at the beginning of last week. It was certainly very rushed in finishing it, as I am going away tomorrow, but I am still very pleased with the result. I'll only post my three entry pictures, because hopefully they are enough to show all the details etc. Please feel free to give feedback and comments etc, I'm always looking to improve! Anyway, I thought you'd be interested in taking a look. So without further ado, here it is! The Siege of Angthor Castle The Dragon Knights are known as ferocious warriors, and when Lord Chester of Angthor Castle hunted and killed an innocent dragon, the Knights were quick to seek revenge. Here we see the beginning of the siege of Angthor Castle. The Dragon Knights are attacking with their mighty Dragon Ram, while his Lordship desperately sends out soldiers to try and stop the beast from reaching his gates. He stands atop the battlements and surveys the attacking army, watching as the the Dragon Ram draws ever closer. Will the Dragon Knights conquer Angthor Castle? Most probably... Here is the Brickshelf Gallery when public; it has more detailed pictures.