Rogue Angel

Excellent story! It's great how it works in with the Prologue story directly. The lighthouse is well done too, but the story really makes this build. As I did not post Chapter 1 prior to your entry, your entry is still valid.

I'm loving your photo editing lately! It really adds character to your builds. I like the way you incorporated this task into your Bow's Arch storyline, and the variety of residents that have arrived. Great job!

Excellent work! It appears the buildings in your town were built by the same mason I like the style of the 2nd story, and the interior looks great as well. I like your story also - I see they favor Simon over DeGothia.

Entry 1: 5 points - You could place these side by side and not know there were 2 different builds. Great builds too! Entry 4: 3 points - I really like how these could be actual sets, and they also have the same format (this made the entry stand out, plus I love some of the features of the pirates) Entry 3: 1 point - These are probably my favorite builds, but they don't mesh together like the entries above. Beautiful work everyone!

I was using the closest I had. I was hoping it would not be as noticeable with the out of focus shot, but apparently I was wrong

I waited to post the 2nd Chapter until today since I was delayed last week. Thanks for the entries HammerBro, Mpoh and Narbilu. I can't wait to look them over. I will have the next mini-challenge up tonight. For now, check out Chapter 2

Chapter 2 has been added.

I was just updating the first post, but realized it was very difficult to differentiate between updates. That's when I decided I needed separate posts. There are still large portions of Avalonia that are not fully settled, or protected by Lords. There are also large pockets of resistance, but the borders show the approximate "front lines" of the incursions.

No, the Black Spire won the small challenge DESPITE Emma's fantastic build.

I will post the winners of each mini-challenge and the overall winner of all the mini-challenges once the main Challenge for Challenge 2 has been posted.

Challenge II - Avalonian Civil War The Road to Civil War - Chapter 3 Cornovaria DeGothia had heard rumors of some dark development in Cornovaria, and had sent meant to investigate. A lone soldier enters a small village on the coast of Cornovaria Soldier: "Hopefully the villagers will have some information about..... The Soldier notices someone sprawled in a doorway. Solider: "Has there been some sort of raid by those ships we've heard of?" The soldier glances over at a cart with what he now can tell are corpses. Soldier: "Why would the raiders want to take the dead bodies away if they weren't planning to stay....." Soldier: "A PLAGUE! GODS PROTECT US ALL!" Elsewhere in Avalonia A captured hamlet sits near the edge of the Drow territory. A figure in dark green is in discussion with a Drow and an Orc. Figure in Green: "You have a deal. My master shall act as you have directed, but he shall have his reward once Avalonia has fallen. He needs a bit more time to set the wheels in motion, but I will notify you when all is ready." Drow: "As long as he delivers, he will be rewarded." Figure: "He will deliver, of that you can be sure. I must be off before my absence is noted." Orc: "I still say he cannot be trusted. These Avalonians always think they are wiser and smarter then everyone else." Drow: "The Avalonian need only set things in motion as he said. Once they are in place, they will fall before us like so many flies. You are correct though, the Avalonian is too clever for his own good." Orc: "Do you not plan to reward him as you've promised?" Drow: "Oh, I shall reward him, but his reward will be like a wineskin in a flood. His subjects will be dead or enslaved, and he will rule over a wasteland. He should have siezed his newly gained power and defended it, but his kind are always like this."

Challenge II - Avalonian Civil War The Road to Civil War - Chapter 2 Northeastern Avalonia Randis thoughts are elsewhere as he stares down toward his family herd of sheep. The Elves are on the move. (Albion, two weeks later) Simon: ...and I have heard that the Drow have captured another town on the border of Ferinwald and Erilyea. As you can see, the Drow are setting themselves up for their attack. They are capturing strategic locations from which to capture each of the strongly held territories. They plan to conquer the greatest resistance and then take the rest of Avalonia at the leisure. We must move now before it is too late! DeGothia: Remember thought that every rumor grows greater with each person that tells it. There are Drow in every village if the small folk are to believed, why I've even heard a rumor of Vampires ruling Avalonia. We must know more before we can commit to an assault. Varis told us to hold until he returned. There is also these mysterious ships that have been sighted.... Simon: You answer me with more rumors!? These ships are probably just some Kaliphlin merchant's fleet that got blown off course, if they exist at all. The Drow threat is real though! They are advancing with every day, and they have closed down Avalonia's major trade routes and disrupted our lines of communication. While Benoic might still be untouched, there are Lords who are actively fighting the Drow, and are suffering heavy losses. Varis could not know when the Drow would attack, and he would be leading the attack were he still here. DeGothia: Benoic is untouched because our troops responded immediately to the threat. Do no try to say that Benoic is secure through good luck or chance. I do not believe the Drow are ready to attack yet. They did suffer losses and are still recovering. I have also heard of something troubling from Cornovaria. I am sending couriers there, and to all of the territories to see how things stand. The Lords will be able to tell us how their lands are faring, and if there truly have been further encroachments... Simon: And that could take weeks, if not months! If the couriers get through at all. By the time you hear back, Avalonia will be no more! I have heard enough of this! You stay here and write your letters. I have matters to attend to. DeGothia: I fear that if we attack the Drow now, we may have another enemy at our backs, but if Simon and the other Lords attack on their own, the Drow will pick our smaller forces apart. Dark days these are for Avalonia.

Challenge II - The Road to Civil War - New leadership mini-challenge New leaders have emerged to guide Avalonia in this time of trouble. What do you think of this change in leadership? Changes in power always make an impact on the people. Are your peasants rejoicing? Do they feel the right choice was made? Were they hoping someone else would be chosen? For this mini-challenge, you must describe how your residents are reacting to the new leaders of Avalonia. Are they in celebration, as the majority of Avalonia is? Are they upset? This build can consist of a group of villagers on the streets of their town in celebration, a toast between drinking pals at a local tavern, or a conspiratorial plot to overthrow the new leadership. This build can also incorporate your previous rumor build, if you made one. Anyone may enter this mini-challenge This mini-challenge lasts for a little less than 1 week, ending Sunday March 17th. There is NO prize for this mini-challenge. There is no size limit for this mini-challenge. Please post builds with the title "Ch II - Prologue - New Leadership - XXXX title XXXXX" The change in leadership must be addressed in the build. The key is not size, but concept and quality (as feasible for a 1 week challenge).

Challenge II - Avalonian Civil War The Road to Civil War - Chapter 1 Varis: Avalonians! I have made it clear since Lord Derfel's departure that I would watch over Avalonia until a suitable replacement had been found. Through their deeds, and the voice of their people, two Avalonians have been found worthy of leading Avalonia. Varis: Lord DeGothia of Benoic has been a prominent Avalonian since the Flight of Dragons arrived here. The farmers and tradesman of Benoic form the cornerstone of the Avalonia's agriculture and commerce, and his forces, along with those of Darwynnia, have stemmed the tide of the Drow incursion into the Avalonian mainland. Lord Simon of Nalderic has recently immigrated to our lands, but has shown great initiative in the establishment of his castle and kingdom. He has also won the heart of the people of Avalonia through his courage and resourcefulness. Varis: I will still be guiding Avalonia for now, but I hope to soon place that responsibility on the shoulders of your two Grand Lords. I am honored to present to you Grand Lord DeGothia of Benoic and Grand Lord Simon of Nalderic [Crowd cheers and applauds] Later... Varis: I have been compiling reports as they come in, and pieced together what I can from the rumors my Elves have heard, and this map represents shows by best estimate as to the current extent of the Drow occupation in Avalonia DeGothia: This is far worse than I had feared! It looks as the though the Drow have captured almost a third of Avalonia! Varis: Indeed. I had tried to express the dire threat the Drow posed to us, but few have heeded my warnings. It is only thanks to the efforts of those Lords that met the Drow and their forces, that the Drow don't now control the mainland. Simon: The Drow may have succeeded in slinking into Avalonia and capturing the peasants and common folk, but they won't stand long against a concerted assault. What is our strategy for uprooting these invaders and sending them scurrying back to their caverns? Varis: It is a balance here. On the one hand, the Drow are reinforcing their holdings and preparing to strike out, perhaps even at Albion itself, so we must act before they have finished their preparations. On the other hand, the Drow have kidnapped many Avalonians to serve as slaves for them in the underground cities. While they hold so much territory above ground, their defenses are very limited underground, and now is the perfect time to strike against their cities and rescue our citizens. This is what my Elves must do. We will be traveling deep into the depths to assault the Drow at the heart of their evil domain and retrieve our lost Avalonians. Preparations have been in place for some time now, and my Elves await only the word from me. Varis: This is why it was so critical to name the two of you to help rule Avalonia. I fear I must leave you immediately before we miss this opportunity. Once the Drow have been pushed back underground, this entire mission will become much more difficult. Not that it isn't going to be extremely difficult as it is... Varis: Lord Simon, I charge you with domain over the islands of Avalonia and the Great Forest. I will not be taking all of my Elves with me, so the Great Forest will still have some protection, as well as from it's denizens. Simon: Yes m'lord. I am honored. Varis: Lord DeGothia, I charge you with domain over the mainland. I fear you may have the harder task while I am gone as the Drow's main forces are here. If the Drow force your hand, and you fear your only option is to attack, so be it, but avoid this if possible, for I fear it may spell disaster for my mission. DeGothia: Thank you m'lord. The woes of Avalonia are my woes. You will not regret your decision. Varis: I will leave details to the two of you. It would seem wise to split the administrative tasks of rule between you as you see fit. I leave tonight. The future of Avalonia lies in your hands, and I wish you both good luck, and the favor of the gods.

Excellent build Mpoh! Glad you got it in tonight. This is exactly the scale if build I had in mind, and I really like the atmosphere you've created with the photo work. Great job!

Update - I was not able to get photography done today, so Chapter 1 of the Prelude will be up tomorrow.

Beautiful build! I LOVE the tree AND the wagons. All the other details are excellent as well. Welcome to Avalonia, there should be some warmer climes along the Avalonia/Kaliphlin border that might suit the Kazzar well.

Good work on the forge! Great idea with the roofing - the non-uniformity really makes it stand out. My only comment would be that I would like to see perhaps tiles along the walkway covering the studs, but this is just my personal preference. Great to see another Avalonian settlement!

I always love builds with multiple scenes - and you done a great job with that here. I really like the vampire rumor, which Duke BTW? The forced perspective works well, and I like the slanted roof technique you used. A great mini-challenge entry!

Excellent build all around HB! I really like the dock and the wall - the technique for the house is really nice, and I think it fits well outside the wall. Showing the interior of the wall is a really great idea, and I like your technique, and I also like the entrance through the wall. Beautiful build!

Excellent build DG! I saw pictures on Flickr, and was looking forward to this post. I like the blacksmith section and the overall style of the house, which is standard for your builds. I really like the incorporation of the current goings-on in Avalonia. Great work!

Wedge and HammerBro - Excellent work on the builds! Narbilu and Carson - Great job on the mini-challenge entries! The rest of you Avalonians better get a move on! I tried to make the first mini-challenge very simple, and I hope to see quite a few more entries by Sunday. Our next mini-challenge will be up then.

Avalonians! Post and/or update your free builds in the free build thread. I have already compiled this convenient listing of Avalonian builds to date, so it should be really easy for you. Remember, you should only have 1 post on the free build thread, and that post should contain all of your builds.

Interesting tree, great lighting and excellent story! I'm very pleased with this mini-challenge entry!

Challenge II - The Road to Civil War - Prologue mini-challenge Rumors are surfacing about foreign ships in Avalonian waters. Are these rumors true? Are they connected in any way to the Drow occupation? What other rumors have been heard? For this mini-challenge, you must describe what your residents have been hearing about Avalonia? These rumors may be completely false, but there's often a grain of truth to many rumors. Portray the rumors being spread - you can also try to portray the rumor themselves, but the rumors are the key to this challenge. Anyone may enter this mini-challenge This mini-challenge lasts for 1 week, ending Sunday March 10th. There is NO prize for this mini-challenge. There is no size limit for this mini-challenge. Please post builds with the title "Ch II - Prologue - XXXX title XXXXX" The rumors must relate in some way to Avalonia. The best rumors may be incorporated into the storyline for Challenge II.