MikeyB

excellent build! I love the stain glass and the details roofs are all nice. the angles and the surrounding landscape is top notch as we have come to expect from you. Mikey

@NiceMarmot, that is great! I don't know If I could come up with four hours worth of stories! @rougeang I decided shortly after we started GoH that it might be easier to reintroduce minor characters than trying to come up with new characters with every story. I still need to get some gray hair for women! @Mikel thanks I wanted to try a technique I haven't tried before. I have always like round towers so I thought I would give it a go. @Gabe thanks for the feedback. I did think about using dark grey at the base of the cliff and along the waterfall area but felt like I was limiting the build as I don't have many dark grey guess I will add that to my next bricklink order! Also, I need to give myself more time to photograph everything. I was rushing around on the last day trying to get it and a ton of normal life stuff done. I just didnt recheck everything like I would have liked to. thanks again to everyone who looked.

This was tough, I had several that I though were worth a point but in the end here are my votes. 7- 1 11-2 16-1 33-1

thanks again for the kind comments. the vingette scenes came together pretty quick. I did struggle with a hair peice for the the old hermit lady. I wanted something in gray but I didn't have anything and as I didn't build these until the last week of the comp, I didn't have time to BL anything. In the end the CMF hippie hair works pretty good I think. I still wish it were a gray color. Finally a hippie that is good for something! I don't feel this is my best work but I want to try a couple things I haven't done before. Building a round tower that is the ruin was one and building it modular was another (the top lifts off in two pieces.) As to the interior, I have begun to think about the photographibillity (I know I just made up the word) of my builds. One of the reason I wanted it to be modular was so I could pose the guardian in the different scenes and get good angles in my photos. As to the story, my son read it the other day (he is nine) and asked me if I was going to write a chapter 4! I couldn't ask for higher praise than that! Now I have the rest of the week off and am contemplating a free build....what to start...

very nice! I love the roof technique on the windmill (thanks for the photos on flickr on how you did it!) In fact everything looks great but my only criticism would be that the door to water mill looks very tall and the windows look too high to look out of! Maybe there is a giant that works at the mill!

great stuff, Lots of nice details in the vingettes and the story was great. I really like the frozen characters and your guardian is top notch. Hail Avalonia!

Your photos and posing of the minifigs were great. It small but you have the outline of a good story. and good job entering, every little bit helps!

thanks! I am glad you appreciate the story! Hope the suspense of waiting for Chapter 3 was worth it. @Capt. Beerbeard, i thought the story was pretty long too. comes from sitting for a couple hours with no access to a computer and I just wrote it out long hand in a note book! I am not a big fan of long stories either (well reading them on a computer screen, I do like to read) so I was worried it might distract some people, but hopefully the the photos tell the story well enough even if you dont read it all. @kabel glad you enjoyed the waterfall. Luckly all those clear 1x1 rounds and other blue 1x1s I found a year or two ago in a PaB wall have come in handy! @soccerkid (go Chelsea and my hometown team, the Charleston Battery!) Glad you like the bird and the ruin, I was going to add a detail about the birds but the story was long enough as it was! mikey

Thanks for the comments, Chapter 3 is now added to the first post! Enjoy and I look forward to you critics and comments Mikey

I always thought the deadline was by midnight where ever it is May 12. that's the way the last two have been run. M

where you find them?

my story is rather long so i have divided it up into two parts, Chapters 1 and 2 and Chapter 3 below is a link for the first two chapters. http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=69548

I wrote what turned out to be a rather lengthy story, so I am breaking it up into two parts. Chapters 1 and 2 are below. I'll add chapter 3 and a few more pics to this thread tomorrow! Chapter 1 Truth be told, I didn’t think we stood much chance at finding the Earth Crystal. After hearing the accounts of Lord Owain’s encounter with Victor Revolword at Grim Hollow, the Crystal could have been anywhere. Where would we even begin to look? It was my father, Orthus who first suggest the old hermit, Corra, that lives at the edge of the lands of Circardia. Most think of her as a senile old woman, but no one really knows where she comes from or how long she has lived at the edge of civilization. Only that she has been there long before Circardia was settled decades ago. Even the elves of the Oak Heart Clan say she has lived in her tiny hut countless harvests. My father and I journeyed to her home as he suggested, with the intentions of seeking her council. Father had visited her before, years ago when he was much younger. Even though most thought of her as a crazy old croon, he said her eyes were wise and her mind sharp, even though she sometimes spoke in riddles. Perhaps she did have some sort of knowledge of the whereabouts of the Earth Crystal. When we arrived at her ramshackle hut, she was sitting outside, her skin wrinkled and but like Father said, her eyes looked young. “I wondered when you would come seeking me Orthus” Corra said. “And your son has grown to a fine young man.” “Greetings Corra. It’s been many years” said Orthus. “May I present my son, Arlindus. He now rules Circardia and I am but a mere advisor to do as he bides, but how did you know we were coming?” “Even if you don’t speak their language, you should know that birds talk” she answered, laughing with a slow cackle. “You come to ask if I know of the Earth Crystal.” Again I could see she surprised Father. “You know much, Corra. Can you help?” “Not as much as you hope, but more than you could hope for,” was her answer. “The stories are many and not even I know the whole truth.” “But there was an ancient druid who was so filled with greed that if anyone would have knowledge or possessed the Crystal, he would have had to have it for himself.” “Tell me what you know Corra.” “I have always liked you Orthus, you have let me live in peace and have been a friend to this land. And for that I will share my knowledge.” Corra told of a druid named Arcemus. He was once very benevolent and had a way with successfully taking the best charactistics of plants and creating the most wondrous flowers and varieties of fruits and vegetables. But as he delved further into his studies and experiments he began follow a dark path and began to graft living creatures together. His experiments produced some grotesque mutilations of creatures. Others questioned his methods but they often went missing. Over time his greed for power lead him to collect all types of oddities and items of power. ‘Where do we find this Arcemus?” asked Orthus. “He passed some time ago, so you will be looking for his bones!" she laughed. "Some say at the hands of one of his own creations but I believe he simply died of old age. His creatures always had unquestionable loyalty.” “He held a tower along the coast on one of the Mystic Isles. It is now a ruin and nothing remains but stones and rotten timbers. But I have a manuscript that that might hint to where his treasure is hidden” She went into her shack and returned shortly with and old scroll, penned by druids sometime ago. “Along the coast and through the tears of Drudin lies the tomb of the evil one. No one dares enter for it is protected by unnatural creatures and Death himself is said to live there.” “Who is this Drudin?” I interjected. “Eager aren’t we young Arlindus?” Corra scolded. “Few today remember the old names of rivers and islands. Drudin was the small river that ran beside Arcemus’ tower.” “The tears are where the river flows over the cliffs and into the sea. Pass through the water and you will have found what I believe is Arcemus’ tomb where he kept his creatures.” “Thank you Corra, if your information helps us find the Earth Crystal, you will be greatly rewarded,” said Orthus. Corra cackled again, “What more could I want” as looked around at her aging hut and the surrounding forest. Father and I then said our farewells and departed for the journey back to the Hamlet. We discussed much along the path home. “Do you think her tale is true Father?” I asked “It is the only lead we have and Corra is wise and knowledgeable.” “Well then we must find Arcemus’ tower and I think I know who we should ask to help us” “Roltic the Hunter?” asked Father. “Correct, he has the most knowledge of the lands plus his knowledge of animals might come in handy if we encounter one of Arcemus’ unnatural creations” “We will Council at my house as soon as we return.” CHAPTER 2 When we returned to the Hamlet of Circardia, we sent for Roltic the Hunter to meet us at Father’s house. “Hail, Lord Arlindus, how may I be of service?” Roltic’s voice was quiet, like one would use when stalking a deer. “We need your assistance,” I said. “We hope your knowledge may help us recover an item of importance for Avalon.” I then told him the story of the Earth Crystal and our meeting with Corra the hermit. “I believe I know the place, it isn’t too far of journey. We could make it in a day or two at most,” whispered Roltic. “Count me in too,” exclaimed Orthus, “My legs have been aching for a long journey.” We studied the map and sat long into the evening planning our quest. It was decided we would leave by the end of the week. We would gather our provisions and select a few members of the Phoenix Guard to accompany us in our journey to find the Earth Crystal. We travelled by foot down south along the Isca River to the Orthus’ Bay, named for where Father came to Circardia years ago. The cliffs at the Orthus’ Bay are too high and the coast too rough for a true harbor but we hired a small boat for our journey from a fisherman that lives in the small fishing community that thrives there. The journey into the Mystic Isles and to the coast where the remains of Arcemus’ tower was uneventful as Roltic navigated as though he had been there a thousand times. “Those must be the Tears of Drudin,” Orthus said, as we saw a waterfall that seem to flow out of the eyes of a skull on the side of a cliff. “The tomb must be behind the waterfall,” he continued. “There is only one way to be sure” I said, “Let us prepare to enter Arcemus’ Tomb!” Chapter 3 As soon as we passed through the waterfall and enter the cavern, we could tell we weren’t alone. The smell of death was heavy in the air. Even though it was poorly lit and the sound of the falls was quite loud, we could hear movement. We lit some torches and immediately saw a grotesque creature. His howls and snarls combined with his stench made him quite imposing. It appeared to have traits of a gigantic wolf but it had horns coming from the side of its head and it stood upright. Its arms looked unnatural with the tusk from a huge creature grafted into its forearms. These created a deadly weapon for which it could use to pierce or batter its opponents. Behind the creature was a mound of huge treasure surrounding a throne of sorts with what must be the skeleton remains of Arcemus. In his hands was clutched what could only be the Earth Crystal! The creature lunged at us with a speed that was remarkable. Luckily we were ready as Roltic, Father, Samlin, one of the Phoenix Guard and I let lose a volley of arrows that slowed the creature just enough to keep it from pouncing upon us. This gave the other Guard members, Cras, Orlim, and Euroch, a chance to attack with their pikes. The creature was fast and parried two of the pikes but the third found its mark in the gut of the creature. It howled in anger and thrashed about in pain. Quickly, Father and I leapt forward with our swords as Roltic and Samlin unleased another volley of arrows which found their marks in the beast neck. Father’s blow cut off one of the arms and my strike found the creature’s skull. With a single stroke, it cracked open and the creature fell silent and still. “Good work lads!” said Orthus “From the bones scattered around, I would imagine that creature hunted down and ate whatever else was in here,” said Roltic, ““but keep on your toes.” “Roltic, Samlin, Cras, and Orlim, set up a perimeter as the rest of us survey what we have here!” I said as I looked over at the pile of treasure. I climbed up to the throne in which could only seat Arcemus’ remains, I could see that his greed lead him to surround himself with his gold and precious items as he passed into the afterlife. I reached down and pulled the crystal from his skeletal hand and sighed a breath of relief that our quest was nearly complete. We spent the rest of the afternoon loading the loot into chest and transporting it to our waiting boats. The Earth Crystal would soon be on its way to the Lord Owain and the treasure would be brought back to for all of Circardia. Notes: Sorry it is so long. I just keep writing and writing, but i hope you all enjoy. More photos are available at the following link http://mikey.smugmug.com/Other/Lego-MOC/20210181_Wcn3cX#!i=1842699985&k=VX3hnfx Thanks for the comments that were up on Chapter 1 and 2 Please let me know what you think of Chapter 3! Mikey

great job! Early on, I was contemplating using a very similar looking guardian I decided against but I guess we could have said their was an army of those things! Really good job Capt. that house is fabulous. I love it all especially the second floor details. Avalonia has some really strong entries! Mikey

At the least it will earn some points for our guild. My build is only 32x32 so size isn't everything. Plus one of the main reason for the guild is to help one another improve their skills and by posting, you will get some good feedback to improve your future builds.. I know my build isn't going to win, but I am going to post it shortly mainly because I tried some new (for me) stuff and like I said each build will earn some points for our guild! I say post it up! Mikey

My MOC building only started with this guild and out of the 10 or so builds I've done I only have a couple still together. My Embassy is about 90% together (I pilfered a lot of the market and a few of the dark tan 2x2) and my row house is still together as I like it and it did eat up too much of my collection. I also still have my travelling entertainers wagons still together (with the intention of finishing a scene for them one day) everything else has been torn down. I have been ordering about $20-30 a month off BL and it has quickly build up what I call my "finishing" pieces as I have a pretty large collection of random set since I was a kid (never really had a dark age just some gray periods) and quite a few PaB cups over the last couple years 9after admiring soo many great MOC here)

Good looking group there! Great Photo Z!

Can't wait to see the rest! the mine entrance is fantastic. I love how you got that angle on the pillars. I was going to take pics today but its raining here off and on so I think I will wait another day.

Fabulous build! I was happily surprised to see your tower! Certainly wasn't expecting another great build like that in you story! And what else can be said about the build that hasn't already been said? Great job and good luck.

I think one of the tracks is on that LP but the comp I was talking about its called "New York Trash", has a bunch of old punk and hardcore bands including Bad Brains, Adrenline O.D. and a bunch of other bands. there were two Beastie Boys track, "Beastie" and "Riot Fight" okay so I added another little detail to my main build today and added another scene for the story. I didn't destroy anything destroy anything yet so that is good news! Looking forward to seeing all the sigfigs together Z!

finally got a couple good days building in and am about 99% done with my challenge 3 build. I even got a scene from the story done. The rest of the build will be the details that I will set up when photographing. The only problem now is I have a week left and I know will be tempted to keep changing and fiddling with it! Hopefully I wont be tempted to totally scarp the idea and start over!

Well done! the roof is very well done and I like your detail under the windows. my only criticism would be that you look like you added chimney after the fact as it looks like it is in the middle of the rooms. perhaps when you furnish it it will look more like it was ment that way. On a side note my Grandfather immigrated to the US from Szent Miklos so I love the tooth detail! Also if you could package up some traditional hungary dishes, Ill trade you some pieces! My Grandfather used to make some great food. Sadly he past away years ago. I never learned how to make them from the Maestro and I haven't been able to recreate them myself over the years. Mikey

Why Have I never thought of using those window frames for chair backs. They seem perfect good job. It always great to see Arlindus in others MOC as well. Of course he couldn't stay long as he need to head back to Circardia to follow up on his own leads to find the Earth Crystal. Mikey

sad day indeed. Can say I was lucky enough to see them a couple times, once in 1987 and again in 88 and then again in 2000. I actually have a comp tape when they were a Hardcore band back in the early 80s. I wonder if the CMF rapper would fit into my Challenge 3 build? Nearly finished with my build. staring to like it more and more. Don't think it will beat some of the other builds I've seen but I tried a couple new things and techniques (for me anyhow) and like the way it has come out.

great work again De gothia, not much to add as z covered most of it. I especially like the Soldiers house. I also like the Butcher but would agree with Z comments about the black and the cheese wedges they don't take from the whole scene IMO but would be a critic if I was looking for one. Again the elevations and angles add interests. so what is next?