Rogue Angel

First off, please note that nothing below is referencing anything specific in the conversations above, but the conversation got complicated quickly, and triggered this post to state why we have tried to generally avoid any major religion references and religious discussions in GoH. It is reasonable to think there would be religions throughout Historica, as religions have been very prevalent in history, fantasy and literature. Many builders, like myself, draw from real world architecture and concepts when building, so it is reasonable to expect that when builders incorporate religion, similarities to actual religions will crop up. Given that Religion is a topic that people have varying opinions and beliefs about, it is very easy for different people to have different interpretations about builds and stories, regardless of what the original builder intended. When you start having in-depth discussions about the religious aspects of builds, people will read different things into comments, or post things saying one thing, that can easily be interpreted another way. Things get complicated very quickly when talking religion, so the following general guidelines apply: 1. Religion and religious symbols can be incorporated into builds, but please try to build within the fantasy of Historica, not to extend an existing religion into Historica (which has not been an issue in GoH thus far). Cathedrals, Mosques, Temples, Churches, Priest, Monks, Crosses, Saints, Prophets - all fine, just keep it within the context of Historica. Religion was a driver behind a lot of the buildings, styles and symbols historically, and builders should continue to incorporate these elements into their builds as they see fit. 2. Religion will never play a major role in major storylines or Challenges in GoH. It can and has played a major role in the builds and storylines of GoH builders, and that is just fine, and has led to some great results. 3. There will never be "Guild Religions" or a "Historica Religion", etc. What has worked well is when a builder establishes a religion or church, and then invites other builders to incorporate it into their own communities and builds, but the religion still 'belongs' to one builder. 4. As always, the goal of GoH is to provide a welcoming, open and positive environment for builders to construct their own fantasy world and builds, and our rules and guidelines are in place to promote this at all times. I myself have built a temple, a shrine, and a chapel in Historica thus far, and will continue to incorporate religion into my builds as they fit into my realms.

Fauns/Satyrs have traditionally been located in Avalonia's forests, and bleed up into Mitgardia, but there could easily be lone travelers outside these Guilds, or other clans/groups in other forested areas. Again, this is the traditional line of thought, but does not need to be strictly adhered to. There are many other races that aren't listed that exist in Historica.

Yes, reasonable overhang is fine if you have a tree or a roof or a crane, etc. that extends a few studs past.

Being this has a 64x64 limit, their really shouldn't be a need for overhang....? (I don't know that we've allowed this before for bigger builds. 16x16 makes more sense, unless I'm missing something)

@Gideon Correct

For the purpose of this Challenge, it can only be a single build (static). People have included links to prelude or lead-up builds in the past which is fine, but only a single build can be submitted for judging and scoring.

This: is the best map of Historica out there, even if it doesn't quite represent all Guilds exactly (no map does). Varlyrio is located to the southwest, so just beyond the left lower side of the map. Nocturnus does not have one leader in charge right now, and the allegiances of those lords and leaders that hold power more regionally is not certain. Nocturnus residents are more likely to have evil tendencies, and can only really be unified under a powerful leader. Nocturnus is still there, but not open to new members, and entries for the main Challenges (such as the just announced Challenge 1) cannot be entered for Nocturnus. Older Nocturnus members from Book II can still remain in Nocturnus if they wish, but will need to select a new Guild for which they would build in and submit entries for the main Challenges.

Backstabbing and plotting is catalogued under "determined"

Avalonians are dainty and Civil, Kaliphlinites are diplomatic and long-winded (like their deserts), Nocturnals are evil and secretive, Mitgardians are brusk and uncouth, and Varlyrians are direct and determined (at least the Varlyrians that matter)

Not currently. It's debatable where many allegiances lie in Nocturnus right now.

The Amancio Family The Amancio Family have been powerful in Varlyrio almost since the founding of the Guild. The Amancio ancestors excelled at ship-building, and were able to use this skill to profit. THey acquired vast tracks of forest land to source their timber from, and have a been a powerful family in Varlyrio ever since.

You don't know where that knife came from! This is all speculation!

Addressed above, in edited first post.

Anything between 64x64 and 32x128 is acceptable (minimum 32 stud width).

Borders can extend beyond the 64x64 (within reason)

This challenge can be counted toward HSS

The Guilds of Historica Book III Preludes Prelude: An Avalonian Council Prelude: Tradesmeet - Varlyrian Port United We Stand… The return of Ylspeth hailed an immediate shift in the landscape of the guilds of Historica. United by the return of the “King”, the Drow and Algus were pushed from the Guildlands and even the unrest in Kaliphlin calmed. Days in the Darklands were still tough. While the Spire’s banners no longer hung in nearly every hall, the shame and scars of war hung heaviest on the East. Though Avalonia, Mitgardia and many of the free cities pledged allegiance to her majesty, the Darklands had its own cross to bear. The defeat of Raavage left a void in the East, and while many proud Lords desired to pledge their loyalty to Ylspeth, the lack of a new guild leader left many Lords feeling too squeamish or too proud to pledge their loyalty to the Queen. Frightened that a new dark power may again rise in the East, but aware that a heavy hand may cause the same, Ylspeth placed her most trusted allies strategically in the Darklands. For now, the Darklands would remain closed to her light and influence, they would need to come to grips with the Civil War on their own time- but would always remain under her watchful eye. While the void left by Raavage’s actions closed the borders of Nocturnus, the defeat of the Spire created a new opportunity for the Queen to pursue, the liberation of Varlyrio. While always considered under Cedrica’s rule, the “Fifth Guild” was largely left autonomous due to its location off the main land, and it’s trade monopolies. With the betrayal Historica felt under the rise of the Varlyrian Lord Basil and the speed with which the Varlyrian houses had acquiesced to the devastating effect the Black Spire’s bribery. Queen Yspleth made it a priority to break the Varlyrian monopoly by threat of total isolation and embargo. Unlike the Darklands, the people of Varlyrio celebrated her return and the banner ships of a united Historica were a welcome sight from the oppressed island nation, forced to conscript their children into Basil’s army and their wealth for his war machine. The Varlyrian families would not hazard their trade empires, and conceded to open trade and borders. With order restored to the lands, Ylspeth toured her kingdom to once again gaze upon it’s many wonders and beauty. The scars of war however, ran deep. The green grasslands of Avalonia were burned and scoured, the white snow of Mitgardia covered in blood and the free cities of the South had all but fallen into complete chaos with the lack of trade and trust the civil war had caused. Cities lie in ruin while entire regions starved from the destruction of the last harvest. As devastated as the land had become, the people suffered more. Loved ones were lost, disease had taken root and many children were without parents. With sadness in her heart, Queen Ylspeth remembered an axiom from Lord Chorian, whom she recently saw in the Mitgardian Mountains. Lord Chorian said he had come across an ancient text which contained many parables and sayings, one of which had become a favorite expression, “There’s a time for everything- a time to tear down and a time to build”. (Note: real world religion is generally a topic we tend to avoid in our story’s and MOCs in Historica, but this Biblical reference is too on point to ignore, especially with the call back to the great Historica master, Ecclesiastes!) A smile crossed Ylspeth’s lips. “NOW!” she thought, “Now is the time for building.” Challenge I - A Time to Rebuild War has ravaged the great land of Historica leaving both buildings- and its people- broken. Ylspeth has revealed now is the time to rebuild. For this challenge, there are no fancy categories (though that will likely return in future challenges) and only one concept to center on. Rebuilding. Your task is to create a MOC that shows Historica being rebuilt. The MOC must depict something being rebuilt, whether it be in progress, recently completed (and evidence of recent completion being important), or in a more abstract manner if you should so choose. Points will be dished out for build, presentation, photography with special elevators for entries with original concepts or stories. As with Book I, a winner will be selected from EACH of the four playable guilds- Avalonia, Kaliphlin, Mitgardia and Varlyrio (yes, really). One entry per person 64x64 maximum size restriction - 32x128 or some variation between is allowed, as long as the build has a minimum width of 32 studs - Borders can exceed the maximum size restriction, within reason. Entries due the end of the day on October 15th. No clone brands (Megablocks, KREO, etc) allowed, but 3rd party fig parts and accessories (Brickarms, Citizen Brick, etc.) are acceptable. All entries should be posted in their own topic, with the title of: "CHALLENGE I: Name of your build" Please also post a link to your topic here.

Prologue: Tradesmeet was teeming with Merchants. Not in 20 years had Supano Amancio seen such an influx of outsiders, and he didn't like it. As Rego, Supano had managed to throttle trade with other Guilds drive up the prices for goods both at home and abroad. The new queen had threatened to cut off trade completely if he didn't meet her demands and relax the trade restrictions, and this had been the biggest challenge to his power since becoming Rego - and it had been a disaster. The other families had balked at her threats, like the cowards they were, and he had been given no choice but to acquiesce. The other families would have risen up against him and all would have been lost. There would be a price to pay for all the coin he would be losing from this, the other families would be reminded why Supano Amancio was not a man to be crossed. Situated two days east of Varlyrio, the Varlyrian port of Tradesmeet had long been frequented by Varlyrian merchants, as well as the occasional Kaliphin or Avalonian trade captain. Most Varlyrian goods that would be sold in Historica would travel through this port, as well as almost all Historican goods coming into Varlyrio. With the rise of Queen Yspleth, and the end to Varlyrian trade restrictions, Tradesmeet was now a prime location for traders from every corner of Historica, with fortunes to be made overnight. All of the Guilds are now represented at Tradesmeet. Kaliphlin merchants have been able to establish a semi-permanent foothold on the island for years, and they are less than pleased about the island opening up to the other guilds. Avalonian merchants were the first new visitors to arrive, and they have been bringing in as many trade goods as possible. Avalonian merchants are eager to sell their wares, and though they treasure their tights - they have had little success selling them to those outside Avalonia. With Mitgardia located just north of Avalonia, their ships were quick on the heels of those of Avalonia, but they have been interested in both taking on Varlyrian wares... As well as selling Mitgardian weapons and foodstuffs Nocturnus has even managed to establish a presence, hocking wares both mundane and arcane. As expected, there are those from Nocturnus who are looking to deal in more sinister and nefarious items Varlyrian merchants have long traded here, and there is a permanent military presence here, complete with barracks and watchtowers. The administrator and her retinue also have a manor on the island, As well as a gnome inventor-in-residence. The Varlyrian merchants are the only ones that are close enough to pedal fresh fruit and bakery, and Varlyrian wines are highly prized. The wealth of seafood is also a rare delicacy for most historicans. Despite the hustle and bustle, There is still plenty of room for more merchants and sailors, and with the normalization of relations, the fevered pace will continue indefinitely. The mix of Historicans is wonderful to see, after the recent plague of wars, strife and discord, and this will hopefully become the standard, instead of the exception. View full size pictures here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29025875@N06/albums/72157672322578548/with/43993956282/

Gnomish fireworks are popular in Varlyrio, yet unreliable. Usually gnome "pyromancers" are hired to light off fireworks, and most people avoid the larger varieties, unless viewed from a great distance.

Black Powder or "Gnome's Bane" as Varlyrians of non-Gnome descent refer to it, has been used by Gnomes for generations in experimentation and construction. The gnomes consider black powder a 1st level element, and as such it often is used in inventions and exploration quite frequently by younger, more short-lived gnomes. Older, wiser gnomes rely more on steam power (a 4th level element) due to it's reliability and less sudden nature, but sadly young gnomes often view it as a shortcut to quick fame and fortune. Gnome's Bane is called this because it is one of the most well-documented cause of death for Gnomes, due to it's obvious forensic qualities. Dwarves detest black powder given the fragile subterranean environments they operate in, and the widespread tunnel and cavern collapse and structure destruction that often accompany it's use.

Please do not include multiple images when quoting posts.

Nope.

Avalonia's Task IV applies to all the Guilds, and Henjin is graciously taking on the responsibility of getting the thread up and running again.

Wow, I misinterpreted that. Those are fantastic! Whenever you are ready works. The artwork was not done by one of us, but was something I found online.

I have made some edits to the main topic, to better align with MikeyB's original thread (including renaming my family to Amancio) @ranghaal - You don't have to be established with builds before joining, and it's actually better not to be. The key requisite to joining is posting your sigfig, just to give us an idea of who you are. There are many members that don't post a build until the first challenge, or until they are completing Guild mini-challenges, so please don't feel any obligation other than just introducing yourself. I, for one, like to flesh out my realm in my mind before ever posting a build so I know the environment I am building in. Others like to let their brick collections determine what they are building - it's all up to you. Welcome to @ZlatanXVIGustaf, @Andrew Spader and @mccoyed. Great to have you aboard!