Mike S

Victor Revolword? Is there some significance to that name that I'm missing?

Continuation of the History of Mikel Kalores: Part 3 For those of you that wish to read the parts that came before: Part 1 Part 2 It wasn't until the ninth day of our journey that we finally encountered the seas of sand for which Kaliphlin is known. On the eighth day of our journey, we had left the Kaliphlin settlement just as the morning light began to show in the east, as we were told that the next Kaliphlin settlement was eighty miles to the south. We ended up having to set up camp that night on the road in the heart of a great woods. I ordered the wagons to be arranged in a circle large enough to set up tents for everyone within. I then ordered a perimeter line to be setup with ropes and rigged pieces of metal to act as chimes to alert us should anything cross over. Lastly, I set up the guard shifts in two hour intervals so that no one would be too tired to travel on the morrow. We struck camp as soon as the morning light once again began to show. After roll call and ascertaining that our camp had been undisturbed throughout the night, we set out again. I ordered our pace to be quickened a bit for I wanted to be sure to make it to the next Kaliphlin settlement before dark. This was perhaps the hardest day we had so far encountered as we were now in uninhabited country unfamiliar to us and were rushed to make it to the next town before nightfall. We were relieved when as the sun was close to setting, we emerged from the great woods and saw a settlement in the plain below us. It was also then that we first saw the seas of sand stretching far to the east and south as far as wecould see. We arrived in the small settlement at the junction of the road leading to Eastgate just as the sun had dipped below the horizon. We were welcomed and the inhabitants did what they could to lodge us but as our group was so large and there were merchants and other travelers already lodging for the night, some of our group had to pitch tents again. I once again inquired of the local townsfolk of the distance to Eastgate and found that it was close to sixty miles to the west. The distances between towns was something new for me, for back in Avalonia for the most part, towns were adjacent to each other. I decided that sixty miles even with a days rest before it, was still to far to attempt to travel with my group in one day. So once again we would set out at dawn on the morrow, hoping to be able to find a good safe location to stop and setup camp for the night. The remainder of the evening I spent trying to learn as much about Kaliphlin as I could. It seemed like everyone was talking about the black oil and how one could become wealthy overnight should he discover a new oil reserve that had not been claimed. As I was not familiar with black oil, I did not even know the first thing about how to find an oil reserve so I didn't put much faith in that being a substantial source of our colonies economy. Looking back to that day now, I realize that I was still thinking within the bounds of Avalonian culture and did not realize that if I was to survive here in Kaliphlin, I would have to adapt to Kaliphlin ways. I made sure that everyone in my group retired to bed early as we still had a trek ahead of us on the morrow and I had no wish to deal with drunken hangovers in the morning. That evening as I was returning to my tent from one of the taverns of the town, a man came up to me and welcomed me to Kaliphlin. “That wealth and health will be there for you!” he said as he bade me goodnight. I did not know it at the time but later I found out it was the renowned Lord Damaximus of Mpya Stedor. So it was an hour before sunrise, we began the final leg of our journey to Eastgate but little did I know that my travels were far from over. I cannot remember much about that day or the next but we had no mishaps and reached the gates of Eastgate before they were shut for the night. Also of note is that we did not travel far into the desert for the road to Eastgate juts off to the west along a loess plain and eventually runs alongside the Red River. At long last we had finally made it to Eastgate. On the morrow I hoped to have a meeting with Dugal MacLean and discuss our plans to build a settlement. To be continued....

Lovely build! The wood plank flooring, arched ceiling, wall trim, fireplace and mantle, the whole build is nice. PS. Is there a way to edit a topic title? I would like to edit the title for my coffee house build and I'm thinking that you might be wanting to edit "his" uncle as well.

Agreed, a university is a great idea!

A more detailed Barqa map.

After thinking about the idea some more I think the location for the zoo should actually be Petraea instead. As much as I would like to have the zoo in Barqa, I think guild builds like this could be put to better use building up our capitol city. Other possibilities for guild builds using the "exhibit" system would be a museum and market. EDIT: I found this useful tool for city planning: Lego Scale Converter Check out how many studs it takes to make a minifig mile!

Interesting! Whenever Rasputin Jones happens to be in Barqa, he and I should dine for lunch at my favorite coffee house and he can tell me more about this Holy Order. And if no one minds I shall go on with backstory of the Knights of Aslan. Kcaj and Gex, thank you for your advice should I encounter a Jivana Cusana. Do not fear for I never travel alone as there are creatures out in the desert evidently far more dangerous than the Jivana Cusana such as the Lerik'ai, Lizardmen, and various other inteligent species and dreadful beasts. The thought has occured to me while working on my "Backpackers Guide to the Greater Siccus Badlands" that after my castle is complete, I may begin construction of a zoo in Barqa and perhaps if the other guildmembers are interested, each could contribute an exhibit that will be kept on permanent display in Barqa. I considered undertaking such a thing myself but as I have many plans for the building of Barqa, I think such a task would overextend myself. Lord DaMaximus, thank you for your clarification on the Kaligem history. I now have a better understanding of how the legend came about. As for the gods, I understand the current belief system. However it occured to me that with no basic guidelines a god might "return" and reek havok on Historica. So while there may be a belief that a certain god cause lightning for example in a certain valley, the fact is that it is a natural occurence and while the gods may exist as it canot be proved that they do not exist, they do not manifest themselves as a certain other guildsmember said.

I like it. My only suggestion would be to perhaps add a hinged back wall. Also like the roof drainage opening. Hope no one spills anything up there as the drunk might get wet...

Those walls are awesome but I can't figure out what pieces you used. I would love to see an entire city wall built like that as the walls look like they are made from solid stone blocks.

Great story and presentation! I do have a question though... Is the Rasputin the same Rasputin Jones as your sigfig? And the duke... I have never yet encountered on of his kind before. His race needs to be added to my "book". CptMugwash- A delightful... or should I say what a dreadful creature it is. Any tips on how to banish it from this world should I encounter one on my travels? NiceMarmot & SkaForHire - I agree that the history should not be to detailed. In fact the only historical fact I am interested in is what great event could have caused the Siccus Badlands. In reality it most likely could not be the gods, as it raises the question as to what has happened to the gods now. Gods would really complicate Historica storytelling because of their super powers and in all actuallity we are the "gods" of Historica since we are creating this world. In my opinion, gods probably do not exist in "reality" in Historica. However due to myths and legends, many Kaliphlin residents firmly believe in gods. One such example is the religious order that I have created, The Knights of Aslan. They are loyal to the lion god who they believe created Historica and reserve an empty throne in belief that he will one day return. Such an order can remain indefinately as Aslan has never existed in the world of Historica. (one theory as to where the legend of Aslan came from is that some Narnians traveled through one of the portals and ended up in Historica. I am not sure if reference to other "worlds" is accepted so until I get permission, this is just a theory. As a note the Chronicles of Narnia were the first fantasy books I read as a child and opened up the fun and adventure filled world of fantasy so it is a kind of tribute to the books.)

Nice! I think I can build a few of the Lerik'ai myself. I will add your pics to the list soon. I'm at work so can't do it now. I was thinking that we should maybe work together cohesively to come up with a history of Kaliphlin and how the green fields were turned to sand. Someone, I think DaMaximus, wrote a history on the wiki. Is this going to be the official history or is it just a myth. It is a nice story but I was also wondering if the four guild leaders had a past history that wasn't revealed yet as the history of Kaliphlin probably is linked with the other three guilds history. I would hate to make up a history that would conflict with official/others histories. Hence so far my histories have been vague beyond recent history of Kaliphlin.

Sounds like something to try... But I'm not sure that offering sour milk to a guest would score me any favor points. Maybe I could use camel's milk as a test first to see how they react to the taste? EDIT: Could a mod possibly fix my post Title? I had a bad headache when I posted it so I didn't type it exactly the way I wanted to. It was supposed to read: A Coffee House in Barqa - Kaliphlin Free Build An interview with a Grelf Also I am still not sure how to use multi quote to reply...

I've been meaning to comment on this. Very nice city you have. I wish more people would make these micro scale versions in LDD to give a rough idea what the city looks like in 3D.

Thanks Jakon! Maybe next time I shall offer him a little wine in hopes that he will open up a bit more. Not sure if that works on Grelves though...

Thanks! I'm curious as to what story? NiceMarmot Thanks! It really didn't take as long as I thought it would to line the tiles up... And those Grelves, yes they are not very informative. Perhaps they may open up a bit if they get to know you beter... we will see. CptMugwash Glad you liked it! Gabe Thanks! Yes, the Entwives influenced my story a bit. However, (spoiler alert) there is more hope for the Grelven women than the Entwives. Skalldyr Thanks! I originally had a flat tiled roof but wasn't satisfied. As I was running out of time because I wanted to post this yesterday, I happened to open a BL order and found the tiles I had ordered on a whim to bulk up the order. I may experiment and flip the tiles over and see how that looks as the roof is supposed to be a rain catcher- note the big barrel in the left corner. robuko Thanks robuko! de Gothia Thanks! I'm still working on my photo skills.

I'm sending Kucuk Kartal, an old friend of mine to compete in the tournament as all my personal archers use only crossbows.

Gabe- I most definitely am not forgetting the centaurs, or the minotaurs.... I'm sure there are quite a few more that I have not added as of yet. I have several projects going on simultaneously so updates might be a bit slow. I do plan on adding backstories and descriptions of each of the races but I am waiting to see how they fit "naturally" into the Siccus Badlands. As more of Historica's past is revealed, the more descriptions I will be able to complete. Also congratz on winning the Kaliphlin prize! SkaForHire- sure I am willing! And for the record, The backpackers guide to the Greater Siccus Badlands is an open work... meaning I would be happy for anyones contribution to it. The "by Mikel Kalores" thing is just a character background for my sigfig; I'm trying to portray him as an explorer and writer... I finished "An interview with a Grelf" but put it on the front page as it turned out to be a free build. Hope you all like it!

Greetings fellow travelers of Historica, Recently I had the pleasure of meeting a Grelf and thinking it might interest you, I have recounted the experience here. Upon hearing that a Grelf had arrived in Barqa, I seized the opportunity and hurriedly sent a page to invite the Grelf to dine with me for lunch. I eagerly looked forward to my first conversation with a Grelf and hoped to learn a bit more about them. The Grelf's name was Yesil. We dined in a favorite coffe house I like to frequent, one of those outdoor ones that have begun to spring up all across the growing city of Barqa. We greeted each other as is the custom and sat at our prepared table for the meal. "I have begun writing a book on the inhabitants and locals of the greater Siccus Badlands," I began. "I was hoping that you could educate me on the history of Grelves so that I may describe your people more accurately in my book." "History of what Grelf wish you, for me, you to educate?" Yesil asked. "Well, I suppose your history would be a great place to start, if you do not mind," I replied. "Yesil mind, do not," Yesil stated. "Ask away and answer, Yesil shall." "Splendid!" The conversation was going well, I thought to myself. We were interupted by the coffee house host bringing us drinks. After the host had left us, I continued. "Let us start at the beginning. Where were you born?" "Matter does it, where born I was? Matters only that born I was and continue to live, I do," Yesil answered. I could not tell if my question had offended him for his tone and facial expression remained the same. "That it matters, is not the reason I asked." I subconsciously began to assemble my sentences like Yesil and realized it only after I had spoken. I did not want to appear condescending so I made a conscious effort to speak as I normally do. "I only asked because I am sure my readers will be curious to know where Grelves originate from. However, if you do not wish to talk about your childhood, I will not press you." "Childhood of mine, far in the past it is. Far in the past, best it is," he replied. "Perhaps then you would be inclined to share with me the secret of how Grelves are all so wealthy?" I plied a slightly different topic. "A secret it is not, and wonder do I as to why asked, is such a question. Long lives have Grelves lived. Logical it only is, that accumulated wealth have we." Once again Yesil's response was not what I had expected. I took a bite of food and washed it down with a swig of raspberry lemongrass juice, buying myself time to analyze the conversation and think of a line of conversation that would extract some information from Yesil without making him uncomfortable. Suddenly I realized that his is reply to my last question gave me a lead to a new question. "You say all you Grelves have lived long lives. May I ask how many years you have lived?" "Years, Grelves count do not, but when born I was, the Siccus Badlands, fields of grass and forest were." His answer was again vague but I had finally gained a new piece of information about the Grelves. They were old, very old indeed. And so this thought led me to my next question. "Having lived so long, you must have many generations of grandchildren," I queried. "Families, Grelves have not," was his reply but to my delight he continued without me having to ply him with another question. "For women Grelves, no more are." I choked on my food. I had been trying to avoid unpleasant topics yet I had inadvertently broached a topic that I was sure near the top of Yesil's list of unpleasant topics. I knew that for now I should end my quest into the Grelven past and turn the conversation to a lighter topic of the present day but I could not help myself. I had to ask one more question. "Do you mean that in all of Historica there is not one Grelven woman left?" I asked. "The day the fields of grass and forest to sand and dust were turned, lost all Grelven women were," was his reply. I quickly brought the conversation to the present times. For the remainder of our meal, we discussed the various Guilds of Historica, the growth of Barqa, and various other affairs currently taking place in Historica. We parted on a pleasant note and I assured Yesil that when my castle was completed, I would always have a room ready for him for whenever his travels brought him to Barqa. And so ended my interview with a Grelf

I have never gone to a Lego show before but it is something I really want to do. I'm not sure if I can make it this year or not. When is the deadline for registering?

That is pure awesomeness from the start!

I do believe good sir, that understanding more about the inhabitants of a place does much to increase the understanding of the architecture and culture of such a place. As there seems to be quite a bit of interest in the Grelf, I am pleased to announce that luckily I was able to dine with one for lunch and learned a bit more about them, one thing of which they are not the most informative of creatures. I was hoping also after finding out the age of the Grelves that perhaps they could help us in search of the Water Crystal, but after my Interview with a Grelf (I plan on placing it in the description of the Grelf tomorrow) I am convinced they will not reveal anything even should they know the answer. The Lizardmen are funny indeed! However my painter does not share the same feelings for he became covered in paint when he jumped in fright as the Lizardman charged at him. But he had nothing to worry for I had my trusted guards ready with the nets and no one was harmed. I must say that I have fallen in love with the Siccus Badlands and look forward to discovering more about it.

Sorry for the tardy welcome... I've been absorbed in my projects, but here is warm welcome for you! Glad to have another member added to this amazing guild!

Thanks! My creative side has really been inspired by all of you so I'm having a lot of fun with this!

This is a continuation of A Backpackers Guide to the Greater Siccus Badlands Beasts (here) and Intelligent Species (this post) of the Siccus Badlands EDIT: I decided to make a new post for the intelligent species encountered in the Siccus Badlands because the original post was getting too long. I want to eventually make all pics the same size. Also plan to add a humorous description to every entry. Intelligent species of the Siccus Badlands Ay'Kabile– A seafaring humanoid. Meaning "moon tribe" in the ancient Col'dili language, their skin radiates a soft blue hue in the moonlight. It is quite possible that they are the cause of many of the "ghost ship" sightings, for from a distance in the moonlight, they have a spectral appearance. Centaurs - A humanoid having the lower body of a horse and a torso and head of a human. (painting by Dugal MacLean) Dwarves - A humanoid of short stature that loves to grow a long beard. They are found in just about every land of Historica. Elves- A humanoid with long ears and large eyes. They are of only few numbers in the Siccus Badlands as they for the most part do not enjoy the heavy heat. Grelves– A humanoid rarely encountered, not much is known about them. However it is concluded from all encounters that they are a powerful and wealthy race. Humans - The most common intelligent species of Historica. As the Siccus Badlands has a multitude of races, it is not yet known whether Humans are in the majority here. Jivana Cusana - As described by Kcaj Nosnikta: "They lurk in tainted ruins across the plains of the Siccus Badlands, they hide in the shadows and ambush unsuspecting victims taking shelter, the Jivana Cusana suck the very essence of life away from you until there is no more. With enough life essence the Jivana Cusana can live forever until they are banished from this world." (painting by Kcaj Nosnikta) Karinca– A humanoid of the desert known for their orange skin and their custom of painting white markings on their bodies to ward off desert spirits. Lerik'ai- As described by Dugal MacLean, "They call themselves in their native tongue "The People of the Flame" we traders of Kaliphlin know them as indigenous peoples of the badlands, bandits, pests, evil-dwellers, devils, but most commonly we refer to them as Lerik'ai. They are humanoid, but have strange red, black, or gold skin colorings that set them apart from humans even from the farthest distance. They do not use animals for transportation, but can travel quickly over the desert sands. They live in small hobbles and in the rare cave or cavern within the badlands. They worship the black life force that the badlands provides, and hate that we traders take it from the ground. In fact, many a trader has lost their life to such a creature because they brought from the ground this crude. With the oil they tend to the ceremony of the flame - burning a vat throughout a ten day period in order to cleanse their souls. The Lerik'ai tend to be reclusive, and it is said if you see one, you know you will be attacked shortly. Oddly, Lerik'ai rarely leave their tribes - for they are hunted down and killed if they do. This has presented one of the few known instances of Lerik'ai entering a city or lands not parched like the badlands - as soon as the traitor has been dealt with, they return to the sands. They are a dangerous people, but just one of the many threats in the badlands. Beyond this, not much else is known about the People of the Flame." (Painting by Dugal MacLean) Lizardmen- Minotaur - A bull in humanoid form. Mountain Mummy Tribes- A humanoid that wraps himself in scraps of cloth to prevent dehydration found primarily in the Siccus Badlands. It is rumored that they are hundreds if not thousands of years old.

Totally agree!