Khorne

Eric's eyes adjusted to the dark surroundings. The reeking damps of the sewers intruded his nostrils. The flickering light of the torch Maurice was carrying greatly aided the Nord's sight on this location. "Maybe it's an arrow pointing towards the exit? If that's the case, we should follow it in the other direction" Eric suggested. "I say we continue this way and look for another of the symbols or something similar. If we don't find anything we might still come back and take the other way. After all, we do have three hours to get out of here."

Began was still talking. Eric was only half listening to the man's explanation and occassional boasting. The greatsword Godricsleif was resting on the Norseman's broad shoulder as he threw a quick look over at one of his partymembers. A rather pale looking wizardess. Eric didn't really know her and was anxious to see how she would fare in battle. The merchant seemingly stopped talking, for now. He had given the Heroes their basic instructions. Maurice was given some sort of really special bag, which just looked like any other bag in Eric's eyes. Nothing spectacular. "So, Began, how do we know where to collect these items? Do you have a list of some sort or are we supposed to somehow sniff out these contacts of yours?" the Raider said with a slight grin. @DD: Sorry to bother you again about this, but Godricsleif and Grom are my weapons.

Eric trailed behind as the others entered the building. As he drank the last of the bottle of mead he had brought from the Hall, he looked around and eyed the building and its interior. From the corner of his eye his noticed a man apparently named Drakes, or something, enter the room. Eric didn't pay much to attention to the man's babbling, instead he took a look at his Questmates. He was relieved to see that Tesni was amongst them. Apparently she was pleased as well and greeted the Nord. He kindly nodded and smiled back. Another familiar was Maurice, the Cleric. Eric and him had some history, taking out Jolly Roger's fortress together. The Cleric started babbling and Eric shook his head. "Cleric, you talk too much" he thought. Eric decided not to speak against the elder man, as not to bring tension to the party. However, when the Cleric suggested that he should carry the goods, Eric just couldn't help but object. "Since these goods are so valuable for the succes of our mission, wouldn't it be better that the strongest member of the party carried these? I suggest our party leader, Tesni, carries the goods. She is currently the strongest member." @DarkDragon: Maybe it would be handier for you if you added the abilities of my weapons to your post? Godricsleif (WP:11; Ice-elemental) Drengazuli Grom'az (WP:6; Twin axe*, Lightning-elemental) *Damages two enemies in one hit

Just wanted to say that I'll be gone 'till Monday. In case I still get picked for Quest 27: Badger Badger Badger, the party leader can decide my actions until I'm back .

Congratulations on hitting the 10 000 fan mark on CUUSOO! It's a great build and the whole story behind it is really nice to read. It's amazing how it so suddenly gained attention all over the internet (and the media in general). Also, I read an article about you and your creation today in the newspaper. It's so awesome to see AFOLs get in the papers with their creations. It shows that people are fascinated by what one can achieve with a simple building toy . I really hope you can get your MOC to become a real set. I'm rooting for you ! EDIT: For those interested, I found the online version of the article. You can read it here (but it's in Dutch only) .

Eric re-entered the Hall. As usual his first stop was the bar, where he ordered another bottle of mead and a meal. Eric took a seat and started eating. Scherehazade sure know how to please a hungry Nord. Her food was delicious.

Eric stepped into the marketplace again and walked straight towards Anwyl, the fake Dwarf. He lay His weapons and the topaz on Anwyl's bench. "The topaz goes with the axe. Then you can work your magics on the sword once more, see if you can unlock more of its potential" Eric ordered. His attitude was grim and arrogant, more so than other times. The Dwarven blacksmith simply nodded, grumbled and took the pieces to his working place. After a rather long time, Anwyl returned, both weapons in his hands. Eric took the weapons from the Dwarf's care and tossed him some coins. He returned to the Hall while admiring Grom. Little sparks jumped out of the axeheads. This would certainly sting Eric's enemies. Starting budget: 215 Income: 0 Expenditures: -160 (50+110) Total: 55

Next time, please refrain from quoting the entire picture in your post when you only want to say just thanks . Thanks.

Eric slowly stood up from his chair. He pocketed his topaz and slung his mighty sword back over over his shoulder. Taking another sip of mead, he started walking towards the exit. No way he would be able to utilize the full, raw power of the topaz as it was. He'd need to implement it in a weapon. The Nord had been thoroughly amused by the actions an unknown shaman had taken towards two noisy newcomers. If his chair hadn't been so comfortable and the drank so nice, Eric might've taken action himself, but he was glad someone else had done so already. People seem to look down upon Barbarian and the likes most of the them, but at least we get things done, Eric thought. He exited the Hall, passing by a laughing Haldor. Eric simply nodded towards his kinsmen and left for the market once more. Spring was coming to Eubric and the temperature outside was tangibly rising. For a man of the North used to cold surroundings, the South was getting slightly too hot. It was still a bearable heat, luckily softened by cold breezes, but Eric certainly didn't look forward to summertime. Sure, he loved the touch of the sun, but he simply wasn't used to the heat. Normally, Eric would go to Northern regions once the South started warming up, but now he was tied to Heroica and Eubric. He couldn't simply leave.

Eric sat slumped in comfortable chair, his head resting on his hand. His icy blue eyes stared forward. In his other free hand he held his latest purchase: the topaz. Next to him, his great sword Godricsleif stood. Eric's mind wandered and thoughts were racing through his head. He shook his head, as if to get rid of the thoughts. He picked up a bottle of liquor standing next to him on the ground and took a hefty swig. His craving for battle and adventure, the famed Nordic wanderlust, was resurging again. He wanted to roam the world. He had no place here, no home, no connections. He was no Hero. He had joined Heroica in search of eternal glory and a chance to redeem himself, all of the loot was a nice extra. He joined so he could return home again. He had lost that reason now. The gods had forsaken him, so had his home and its people. Maybe it was the only fair course of events that was possible after what he'd done all those years back? "No..." Eric silently muttered, putting the glass bottle to his lips once more. His mind was quick to back up Eric's opinion. No man should be punished this hard. No man should be taken everything. Perhaps it was time to take it back? Maybe the Nord could carve out a powerbase for himself here? He was more of a man and infinite times the warrior most of these Southern Eubrican residents were. If a rabble of thieves can gain power here, surely a Norse prince was capable of something similar. His cold gaze turned back to the topaz he held in his hand. "Maybe I should be a god instead" the Nord softly spoke again. Godricsleif hummed violently as he uttered the sentence, cold fumes breaking free from the blade. Eric smirked.

He never said anything about censoring, Capt. Kirk even explicitly stated "I think banning war-like creations would be ridiculous because everybody should be free to build what he/she likes...". All he was talking about was the idea to maybe make some sort of symbol/logo/watermark/whatever that the community can use to place on photos of war MOCs, so it doesn't get associated with the LEGO Group . I think this is a great MOC, Kris. It somehow vaguely reminds of a multiplayer map in the first Call of Duty game. The buildings are well-built and the way you made the fencing is interesting, too. The MOC could be easily converted to represent "normal" railroad buildings and warehouses.

After a long time of absence Eric returned to the hall once more. His throat was dry and his stomach empty. He made his way to the bar upstairs and dealt with more important things first. He ordered a meal and a pint of mead. As Scheherazade prepared his food, Eric went back downstairs and walked towards the Questboards, to see if anything new and interesting had come up. Reading the first Quest Eric muttered: "what a greedy jackass. The guy owns an entire quarry, but won't even pay us decently to do his dirty work. I'd rather kill myself than be paid in shovels and pickaxes!" He then read the two remaining Quests on the board. "Perilous journey and nice pay, eh? Consider me in!" the Nord said as he wrote his name down for Quest 27. Since he was already holding the quill in his hand, Eric decided to put his name down for Quest 28, as well, even though he didn't quite fit the picture of the people they wanted. The Norse Raider was certainly not representative for the Heroica Guild, nor did he even think him to be a Hero, at least not the Southern pansy kind of hero. Actually, he coudln't care less about science and industry, but the pay was good and he had read Haldor's name listed amongst the other candidates, so why not? Eric then went back up and was glad to see his meal waiting for him. He took a barstool and started eating. Eric signed up for Quest #27: Badger Badger Badger and Quest #28: The Breakthrough.

Eric had wandered the streets of Eubric for some time now, half-dazed by the continuous drinking of alcohol. He felt light-headed. Still, he was focused enough to have heard the rumour of the Witch's arrival. The mystical Elphaba, selling unique goods. He walked up to her cart and offered his bone. He received 5 gold, which is more than a usual seller would pay. Eric then cast a look over at her other wares, mostly gems. He also recognized an Ether Core, the likes of which was used by the Ji'Pei to power their automatons. The Nord was enthralled by the power with which the crystals were radiating. The Topaz, granting the control over Lightning, particularly caught his attention. How would it feel like to wield the power of a god? How would it feel to steal Torrik's gift? Alas, Eric was no mage and the only way he was able to use the gems would be to imbue them in his weapons. He made purchase and bought the Topaz. Eyeing the rest of the wagon, he also bought a Scroll of Sleep. He wasn't able to use it, nor did he understand any of the technicalities enscribed within, but maybe he could sell it later on, when Elphabe had left Eubric. Starting budget: 360 Income: +5 Expenditures: -150 Total: 215

Thanks to all of you guys! I got the magnificent 10220 - Volkswagen T1 Camper Van. I'm still working on it, but I'm loving it so far. A real must-have for any VW-lover .

"I had a wife in the past. We didn't stay together for too long, though. Married life just isn't cut out for me. I hate being tied down to one person and one place. I much prefer the great outdoors." the Nord grinned. Eric finished his beer and then bade evrybody farewell. He then left the Hall to wander Eubric again.

"I decided to pick up my old Raiding trade again. There wasn't a lot of new stuff the Copper Fox could teach me. I guess I'll just have to hone my pickpocketing skills on the streets later on." As Eric was talking with Hybros, Johon interfered again. It was obvious the kind-hearted Barbarian was looking for a companion, but Eric was in no mood to aid him in his search. "I think you mistake me for the wrong guy. I never went on a farmer's Quest." Eric said, again not really paying any attention to Johon.

"Hybros, my friend. Take a seat, join us. Have a beer" Eric said in between swallowing his food and shoveling new food in his mouth. He handed a bottle of ale to Hybros. "I'm okay. Nothing special happened since we last met. I have trained with the Copper Fox indeed, nothing really special, though. I think I could think him in a battle." Eric boasted, grinning. A stranger walk to the table. Eric briefly looked up to see who was adressing him, but then returned his gaze to his plate of food, which he had almost cleared. "We've met? I can't recall that happening..." the Nord said, not even bothering to look at Johon. He then continued eating and drinking, leaving Johon standing there perplexed. He hated it when random folks started adressing him as "friend" while they barely knew each other. He especially detested such behaviour during meals.

Eric smiled. It felt good to be among friends again. Especially friends who he hadn't seen for a long time. Eric gestured the barmaid and ordered some more drinks and meals. "Be glad you have people caring about you, Larry" Eric chuckled. He reminisced about the past. "I once had a guardian, too." he said and slid his hand through his cut hair. He then continued, a smile on his face "she would've been so cross at me for having messed up my hair so badly I had to cut it. She always loved my hair..." Scherehazade brought the order. A drink and meal for both Eric and Boomingham. "It's been a while since I had some decent food" Eric murmured and started stuffing the food in his mouth, washing it down with ale.

"As you may, or may not, already know, I am Willihard Mittenlander. Due to the good grace of the people I have been elected as you Prime Minister." "I told you all I had a dream for Mitgardia. The dream to restore Mitgardian values and give the nation back its place in the world. Well, you have given me the mandate to do so! Together we will reform Mitgardia into the nation our forebears aspired to!" "As your PM, I will strive to: Lower the taxes. Mitgardian business needs to blossom! Broker new trade agreements. Expanding our foreign markets and cheaper acquirement of resources are key to our economic revival. Border patrols will be increased. Illegal foreigners will be subjected to intenser controls. The Drow will be kept at bay. My government will try and reach an agreement with Nocturnus about these invaders. To make the governing of Mitgardia easier, some powers and tasks will be transferred from the central government to regional governments such as counties, principalities, etc."

Eric chuckled. "I'm here for the free food and drink of course!" he replied as he raised his bottle of mead in the air. He then took another swig before adressing Boomingham. "How have you been, old man?" "Unfortunately, despite Eubric claiming to be a cosmopolitan city, no true Northern shop can be found here" Eric said sourly. He continued his conversation. "Ah yes, Wren, I remember her. I was once in a Quest involving that witch, too." Eric paused as he thought back of the Quest. The fight in the arena which he had barely won. Like he was empowered with the strength of the great Torrik himself and blessed with the luck of Luko, the trickster god. A chill crept up his spine and despite having Norse company, Eric's mind descended in chaos again. Was it the right thing to turn his back on the gods? He wouldn't completely abandon them of course, just for the time being he justified his course of actions. "I can't really help you with your dream, Haldor. Apparently, it looks as if the Arbiter God has chosen to make you his favoured champion. Your victories in battle will improve Thoric's standing with the other gods in Godheim, the 'Godworld'. Beware, though. The gods are fickle and may choose to abandon you on a whim." Eric's face turned grim when he compared Haldor's experience to his own years ago. He drank the last of his mead to quickly surpress the thoughts. The daze of alcohol eased his mind. As Eric and Haldor were talking, another old familiar stepped into the Hall. "It is good to see you too, Tesni. Well, the class is not entirely new, I'm just picking up on my old profession again. Those were the days..." Eric noticed the amount of people going back and forth towards the Questboard and decided to check it out himself. He went downstairs and noticed there was still an open Quest. He decided not to enter. Some free time would do him good, at least he hoped so. Maybe he could go out in the streets to hone his pickpocketing skills. Keeping the thought in mind, he then went back up to catch up with his friends. He felt especially delighted that Haldor was around. It felt good to speak Norse to a countryman again. Another figure approached the talking Heroes. A familiar and good friend of Boomingham's it appeared. "Hälsningar" Eric began, but then became aware of the fact the newcomer wasn't Norse. "Greetings, I mean. Eric continued and grabbed Hoke's hand tightly, underestemating his own brute Barbarian strength. "Eric. No surname, not anymore"

After a long time of absence, Eric entered the famed Heroica Hall once more. Some would say people like him no longer fit in the hall, that people like him could longer call themself a hero. He didn't care. The Southern standards for calling people "heroes" didn't even apply to him in his eyes, since he was at heart, in his mind, blood and sould a true Norseman. Some customers looked up as the tall Raider passed them. They found his way of dress interesting, to say the least. The blond hair, pale skin, large musculous build and cold blue eyes belied his Norse heritage, yet they clashed with his clothing. And hairstyle. The hairstyle was especially a false tone in the picture. Everybody, even the biggest simpleton, knows Norse people only have long hair and smell bad! How ignorant the Southerners were in their formation of ideas on foreigners. As they were able to get a full picture of the recent arriver, the surprise of the onlookers didn't cease. They noticed how Eric had tucked in his fine pants in his rough Norse boots. Boots made to withstand ice, snow, salty waters and heavy combat. "Well, that's just wrong" one of the guys muttered and turned his face back to the bar and continued his drink. His mates "ayed" in acknowledgment. Eric scanned the hall for familiar faces, but then decided to head for some mead first. After all, the drinks were free here. He then made his way up the stairs towards the bar in his usual arrogant way of walking. He had started to grew accustomed to his new outfit, which gave him an even cockier attitude than before.

Since Quest 15 has ended, I'll post some of my thought on it here. First off, I loved the Quest. The backdrops were well made and added a good mood to the story. The characters and enemies were very interesting (finally we have seen something of the Ji Pei!). I also loved those Heroica Game maps you made to accompany the Quest. My only real critique is that I sometimes felt lost at what to do. At times we were just seemingly aimlessly wandering through the fortress without really knowing where to go. Maybe we just missed hints, but in my opinion some help would've been welcome at some moments. Overall, it was a very, very good Quest though .

I have to admit that, somehow, I immediately had a feeling something was off and that Reno would be Jolly Roger. I really can't explain it any other way. It's just an idea I had the minute Quest 15 started and it never really left my mind. EDIT: As to the shift, apparently #15's heroes are very pragmatic thinkers .

It's not really worth arguing about it. Everybody has their own views on such things .

Looks don't mean everything, it's the actions which define you. Eric can still smash a man's face to bloody pulp in true Barbarian fashion. Also there exists such a thing as a fine dressed gentleman rogue. Plus, messy hair doesn't necessarily mean beautiful, tastes change depending on culture/history period/personal taste, ... . I really like the contrast between the stereotypical version of Raider/Barbarian/Rogue and this one. Makes it interesting . It's also a way to show Eric's change in mentality. I think he looks like a perfect Rogue. The red sash really ties things together . Yeah, I wanted a different pose than the previous picture, but there's only so much you can do with this sword. It so big you can only put it down or in a pose like it is in right now. It's too big to just place it in front of the fig .