SkaForHire

Excellent story ! I was wondering what you would do, I tried to leave it open for interpretation, and you found a great way to put it into the local lore also! If NM wants to pass the story back to me that is fine, although if anyone else wants to do a chapter, please don't hesitate to volunteer.

Lars gets my vote. Safe trade is a must for GEAR Co.

That is understandable, I hope all is OK! And for all of you waiting for the third task (i know, I know, I am late) here it is: Closing the portals. We are almost ready to start operations within the city itself. While Lord DaMaximus is taking care of the siege, Paulos' followers will be infiltrating the city and taking on small objectives to help win the fight. However, it turns out that Eastgate is still well supplied, even with the GEAR Co. Navy sitting out of this conflict. To this point Lord DaMaximus and Sir Paulos have been baffled at how the city is still getting food and supplies, and it seems like more men are on the wall then before! It turns out that Petera, a powerful mage himself, has enlisted the help of the Eastgate College of Magic and Sciences. He has convinced many of the wizards, warlocks, witches, and sorcerers at the institution to create portals to the places outside the city where Petera gets refills of food, supplies and men. Most of the mages at the college are not extremely powerful, at least the ones Petera could lean on to do his bidding anyway, so they cannot make portals more than a couple miles outside of the city. Your task, friends of Paulos, is to go out into the countryside and small hamlets and find where these mages are making portals too. It has to be a place that the wizard had visited before and set up their "mark" in order to make a portal to that location. Marks can differ by wizard, so you will be on the look out for something out of the ordinary. You are then to wait at the mark for the portal to open and ambush those who try to get in or out. If you can get into the city, try to take the wizard who is on the other end of the portal prisoner. We don't necessary want to kill them, but do what you must to protect your person. ---- I forgot to mention that after this task, all further tasks are personalized, so please post in this thread to let me know that you have finished all three tasks, so you can get your next set of orders.

Really cool, but no fair not telling us the question! :) I like the statue, it really reminds me of something out of Indiana Jones!

Yeah, I feel that this is a step back, I can't spend that much anyway, so that means I will actually have to feel out packages this time around rather than playing the random game. That is disappointing about the Tiki warrior, as that is also one of the figs that I want to get a couple of badly. What is it about the mask that you don't like?

I like the trees too, they are good for the parts you had to work with. Other than the weird double trunk effect those pieces give (but that isn't something you really can help) I feel like its Endor. haha.

This is really cool! I like the action, and the angles of the shots are just right!

Man, no one reported them in our lug, at least that I saw -- I need to get to work trying to find some of these.

Wait, you have found them already?

Cool! We have our first hideout! I like the (lime?) green roof pattern, that is very nice. For the building itself, you may want to try outlining the portals (doors and windows) with another color brick to define them better. Unfortunately, Lego made those wood pieces go the wrong way, although they are good for stockade looking pieces, they unfortunately make weird look cabins. But I use them for that also. I don't think there is much we can do about it. However, as I said, offsetting them with more solid secondary colors might help make the building look more pronounced. I like the water, although it looks like a very slow moving creek to me. If it is supposed to be quick moving, a little clear bubbling will help bring in that illusion. Good work!

I think this is your best! I do have a slight critique of the main feature here. And this is a nitpick, one that might not even be feasible. I feel as if there should be a bit more deviation in the path of the water. I don't know how you could bring out more variation though without adding color. The only other way I can think of doing this is changing the "depths" of your rock pieces so that you had less clear pieces in a row, thus slightly changing the color within the falls. These falls look dang good, but it seems that this water is being thrown out (thus completely white, as if coming from a pressurized hose) rather than naturally rolling out. Not that I think you should change the MOC, but you are a good enough builder that next time you build some falls, you might find a new personal challenge in changing the presentation of the water a little. Great job!

I am on brick-buying probation until after the Honeymoon... Although I told her there was no way that I was sitting Series 11 out. So I should be getting some of those.

That is absolutely fine Kai!

Cool! I passed it to DaMax, maybe he would be kind enough to PM you the "quest" he is passing to you so that you can get some time to think about it while he is building his quest.

That is pretty badass. I know you like to put builds in the photo for these heraldry, but make sure Gideon is OK with the Mophet shield before you put it together -- since he has the only build there. I made the shield for Mophet because it was one of the places I named a long time ago, and I have always liked the name. I hope to build a few things there (some day) in the theme that Gideon has set forth for the town.

So, I forgot to post task 2 yesterday. I will update the "score" when I release task 3. Task 2: Now that the way has been scouted, it is time to make preparation for "special actions" against Eastgate. Paulos and his men will need to have certain bases to work out of if they are going to wage secret war within Eastgate. Find a suitable "hideout" for one of Paulos's agents. Perhaps it is a tailor shop in the New Town of Eastgate, perhaps it is a cottage a few miles from Eastgate, maybe it is even in the sewers of the New Town! Depict your character either obtaining or preparing a base of operations for one of Paulos's agents. Remember DaMaximus's troops are sieging the Old Town of Eastgate (the city inside the walls), so you might want to incorporate some of his soldiers in there, or even buy one of their lodgings in you MOC. SO again, in short, find a base of operations for an agent of Paulos and your character to operate out of. If you are getting bloodthirsty, don't worry, Task 3 will require some more "combat oriented" skills.

Sure, DM, maybe there was some wax in their ears! Put it where you would like, just bounce it back when you are done. (Unless we get another volunteer to take round 3).

Admittedly this is more story than MOC, I have the first adventure up now. Not my best, but I hope to get the ball moving a little here. Into the Valley of the Warlocks Next up DaMaximus and the Warrior's heart!

So Merith and Kylee set forth from Valryrio to pick up where Dugal’s Journal left off. After reading through the journal all night, Merith learned that Dugal had gone on many quests over the two year period, each leading him to a new person or place that could point him in the right direction towards obtaining the Angel’s Tear. It seemed to Merith that it was one task after another, each one more ridiculous, and none had been a sure thing in acquiring the spear. So that is why she was on a boat now. Apparently Dugal had traveled to Nocturnus in order to obtain a Warlock’s eye. It was said with this ingredient, he could have a spell of direction cast, which would help him locate the next phase of his quest for the Angel’s Tear. Merith knew that she would have to get a Warlock’s eye for her own spell of direction, since Dugal had left off in the journal at this point. Dugal had been smart, where else would one find a warlock, other than the Valley of the Warlocks? This location was a sacred grove where those of the Warlock order came to fight for power amongst themselves. She had heard rumors of this terrible place, and the evil it spawned, and now she didn’t quite know what she was walking into. Perhaps she should have brought some guards? After landing in Nocturnus, the two ventured into the interior, despite curious gazes directed towards two ladies entering the swamp. After 3 days of following a crudely drawn map Dugal left, they came upon a valley. In the valley odd stone formations jutted from the ground all over the landscape. The two women journeyed towards the center of the valley. At one point, where many of the jagged rock formations thrust themselves through the earth, they heard a voice. “You have made a terrible mistake my dear.” Said a raspy voice. At that point a small men came out from between to rock spires. “Do you even know where you are?” intro by skaforhire, on Flickr “Yes” Merith replied coolly. “The Valley of the Warlocks.” “I sense no power within you child, therefore you two must have a death wish.” The man grumbled. Merith saw another figure farther back in the valley coming towards them. “I have no such wish, I come to obtain a Warlock’s eye.” She slightly smiled at this. The person further back in the valley hissed, but it was the short man that replied. “A regent for a spell, I assume. Well, you will have a hard time prying an out of one of our skulls.” He began to move towards her. “I don’t know, my fiancé didn’t have much of a problem a few years back.” Merith said, Kylee looked uneasy. “Tsssssk…. Your fiancé is dead!” came a voice from behind the rocks. DSC_0385 by skaforhire, on Flickr “Yes, but you didn’t kill him. Nor will you kill me.” Merith said. “We killed Dugal, we drank his blood, we took his power.” The short warlock said. “Funny I heard the story went more like this:" Dugal, along with his brother Paulos, Florbad the Mighty, Lord Goodwyn, and Hex Mantooth – A new Alleenridder, ventured to the Valley of the Warlocks. They had heard of a gathering of some of the more powerful warlocks from Avalonia. DSC_0389 by skaforhire, on Flickr The group had travelled to the sacred valley to determine who should lead their order in Avalonia. You see, the Ever Sacred and Unholy Order long ago made their personal battleground in the valley. Whenever a warlock fell in the Valley, because of a spell, they were turned to a rock spire – the strongest being the largest rock formations. It was said that overtime, the warlocks would regenerate and break free of the earth and rock to live again. This is why all disputes were settled in the Valley – the Warlocks could be reborn. Dugal and company planned to wait until the warlocks began battling and then they would move in for the kill. Unfortunately, the Warlocks had discovered the plot through scrying the day before. They laid in wait, and set off a dummy explosion to lure the intrueders. The Kaliphlinites were a bit surprised, but they recovered quickly. Dugal took on Malface Orion – probably the most famous of the batch that were currently present. DSC_0394 by skaforhire, on Flickr Paulos took on the man known as “Kinglock” The self-titled king of the warlocks. DSC_0398 by skaforhire, on Flickr The other three men faced off against others of lesser title. However, the Kaliphlinites were outnumbered. DSC_0396 by skaforhire, on Flickr Soon Mantooth was captured by a web spell, and Goodwyn had succumbed to a wall of air. DSC_0400 by skaforhire, on Flickr DSC_0405 by skaforhire, on Flickr Only Dugal’s magic inlaid axe – the Golden Axe of Eastgate – saved him from a vicious fireball. DSC_0402 by skaforhire, on Flickr Paulos had better luck though, after running Kinglock through, and dislodging his sword from the stone pillar that appeared in place, he went and dispatched one of the warlocks that were holding Mantooth. Some of the other warlocks fled. DSC_0408 by skaforhire, on Flickr Finally, Dugal out maneuvered Malface, and slid his golden blade across the warlock’s chest. Malface did not become a pillar though. Killing a warlock with a magical blade ends his ability to regenerate, DSC_0412 by skaforhire, on Flickr Thus the Kaliphlinites had a corpse to take an eyeball from. DSC_0414 by skaforhire, on Flickr “I believe that is how it went” Merith said. The anger and hurt in the short Warlock’s eyes was evident. “Well, I suppose I will avenge my brothers by taking Dugal’s Fiance.” The small man said. “I was there, we lost a great warlock that day.” “Revenge? You wanted to kill him and become the leader of your order! No, I think not. We can give you something you desire, and there is no need for anyone to die.” Merith said. “What could you possibly have, that I could not obtain?” The warlock said. “A maiden’s kiss.” Merith said. “You would let me corrupt your soul?” The warlock smiled. He knew that corrupting Merith would end her quest for Dugal, for her soul would no longer be pure. “But, I am not going to give you my eye.” “Yes.” Merith said as Kylee gasped. “and I reckon that your seeing glass would meet the requirements of the spell just the same as your actual eye. So that is the trade – the kiss for the monocle.” “Deal!” The Warlock hissed. Kylee rush up to Merith and whispered “You can’t do this, he will corrupt you!” Merith began to reply, but Kylee smiled. “I will do it.” She turned to the warlock. “Pucker up shorty, I will have this honor.” Before Merith knew it, Kylee had taken the little man in her arms, dipped him, kissed him deeply, and then snatched his monocle from his face. Kiss by skaforhire, on Flickr As they walked away Merith protested. “How dare you! You can’t sacrifice your innocence like that.” Kylee laughed, “Oh honey, I am a Lady of Cedrica, there isn’t much innocence left in me.” She smiled. “Besides, I caught him so off-guard, he couldn’t cast his spell. Then, when I took the looking glass, he couldn’t see us to retaliate. So, there was no real reason for you to risk it – leave it to the professional.” Merith turned and said, “I was just going to let him move in for the kiss, and then jab him in the ribs with this.” She flashed a knife. “I just needed the monocle.” They spent the night in a small Nocturnun town, where they found the local witch to cast the Spell of Direction. Apparently the next step was to find a lady outside of Everlast, she would know more about the Tear. The witch warned them though, if they wanted to talk to the Lady Elsbeth – a grand seer – then they would have to bring her the heart of a warrior. “Looks like we are going to need Lord DaMaximus’ help with this one.” TO BE CONTINUED BY DaMaximus!

Saved for future improvements.

Well, I bumped you up because of all the outstanding work with the tour also. I had forgotten about that challenge, I think that means I need to bump Nightstalker to the next category then too, because I think he had a Challenge VI entry.

Ok, who am I missing? High Lords of Kaliphlin (Over a year with Kaliphlin) Ageven Deraim (Kai NRG) Amelia Phantomhive (Erynlasgalen) DaMaximus (DaMaximus) Erudhalion Sansael (Gabe) Gex Marmota (NiceMarmot) Masa of Kaliphlin (Masa of Kaliphlin) Petera MacLean (Skaforhire) Rasputin Jones (Robuko) Saladus Al Juhtiv (Kayne) Heroes of Kaliphlin (Those with under a year with two or more challenges participated in) Gideon (Gideon) New Guard (Those with less than two challenges under their belt, or less than one year in GOH) Djun Hazdjuk (Nightstalker) Sir James (runmymouth

Welcome to Kaliphlin If you would like to join Kaliphlin, we are open to all members of all backgrounds. Just create a sig-fig and back-story, post here to sign up, and then get on to the building! Section One: Guilds of Historica Background The bard’s song tells a tale of a world long forgotten, Race against race, clan against clan, shields clashed with swords; long ago when Men of the Lion fought Men of the Falcon, and human armies succumbed to Orcs and undead. Each group clashed with its neighbor for power, unleashing upon the world a great scourge, and the arcane land was thrown into chaos. When it all seemed but lost, a council of wise men and sages was summoned. From all the lands they came to convene in the old world’s great city; the fortress of Cedrica. To settle the grievance and end a millennium of bloodshed, the sages declined all the treaties of old and joined all the clans into one mighty Kingdom; Historica. They founded the Four Great Regions- each one a realm in itself; - Mitgardia in the North, Nocturnus in the East, Kaliphlin in the South and Avalonia in the West, so that trade routes would spring up and clans would meet in the markets and not in the theatre of war. The wise men chose a family of great honor, to uphold the truce and to keep the four guilds from dispute. All is not as it once was. The Black Mage, Victor Revolword, unleashed a new scourge on Historica, taking Cedrica as his own. Though a united Histrocia defeated Revolword’s elemental monsters, the King of Cedrica is missing and the Guilds of Historica have been thrown into chaos. With the wise King’s absence, each guild believes it would be best suited to rule all of Historica, internal struggles have brought each realm to the brink of civil war! This is where the next chapter begins. The battle to take Cedrica from the Black Mage has ended, but the battle for your own guild has begun! Section Two: Guild Background and Theme Kaliphlin Guild - rulers of the Siccus Badlands in the southern region of Historica The Landscape: Siccus Badlands. kaliphlin by nice.marmot, on Flickr The Siccus Badlands is predominately a desert wasteland in the southern realm of Historica. Feed by lakes and rivers of the Avalonia, the Akrbi river runs through its lands and is the primary source of fresh water to the parched south. For the affluent, the preferred water source is the glacial waters shipped from the Mitgardia's snow caps. To the east are the trailing end of the Rakath Mountain Range. The mountain fortress of Qarkyr stands in the mountains acting as a sentinel over the inhabitants of the Darklands. The mountains are small compared to the lofty heights of the Rakath mountains. Under the shadow of the Rakath mountain lies the smaller Mystic mountain where various bands of Mountain Mummies will sojourn near the local villages during the oppressive scorching months. In the far west lies the meager forests and farmlands of the South. These pitiful farms do not provide much food, but the vastness of the farmland provides enough space to grow food for the sparsely populated Siccus Badlands. The port city of Barqa stands as the major trading hub in the western part of the Siccus. Here supplies from the north are shipped in and in return the Black Oil is shipped out. The supplies travel along the Oil Road - always heavily guarded to protect from bandits. Oasis's litter the Siccus desert with the largest one being Petraea, the ancient Capital fortress which is the home of the Kaliphlin. Though lacking in most other resources, it is one of the few producers of Black Oil in the entire Historica- generating wealth beyond belief for its inhabitants. Those within its inner city live in virtual paradise relative to those behind the outer clay-brick fortifications. The bulk of Petraea's citizens are made up of ex-criminals, freed slaves, fortune seekers and people looking to restart their lives in anonymity. While most outside the south presume that the Petraea is a lawless savage city- it is in fact the most lawful cities in all of Historica. The prosperous Black Oil provides plentiful jobs and money for all those who give an honest days work. Those that choose dishonesty, the vast standing Army of the Kaliphlin Guild hands out harsh punishments to ensure there are no repeat offenders. To the East, in the harshest area is home to the the Mountain Mummy tribes who are known to sporting bandage coverings from head to foot, they utilize their garb to ensure that none of their precious moisture is lost to the blistering, arid surroundings. No one is quite sure which race the mummies belong to, as none have ever been seen without their bandages, however, it is rumored that the mummies came to being when warlocks from the eastern darklands corrupted the burial chambers of the nobility during Quakyr's days as an early settlement. While the mummies pay no allegiance but to their chieftains, whom they revere as deities, they have sometimes been known to band together against invading forces from the Eastern Darklands. But the law and order of Petraea does not extend far outside the Capital and the two major cities. The remaining Oasis are savage places where those that are bent on lawless- thrive. They survive on raiding merchants traveling between between the three major cities in a constant and escalating battle with Kaliphlin army. Other regional cities have cropped up, and have from time to time maintained peace beyond their borders; however, few lords are powerful enough to keep the peace by themselves. This is one of the reasons that the Council of High Lords was established. A tour of some of Kaliphlin's most visited locations. Organized by Kai NRG Or visit our University to learn more about the culture of Kaliphlin. Inspirational pictures: The Inhabitants The Siccus Wasteland is a scattered band of peoples - All races are represented - though the human population is less than the other three realms. In the cities it is not uncommon to see the nobles be of all races and creeds. Keeping with the survival instincts of the harsh climate, there is no set armour or weapons for the the Kaliphlin Army or its people - when they march into the field of battle they will use whatever the individual chooses to best suit them. Though while guarding inside the City, full dress armour is adored - to ensure that the world knows of the wealth that is hidden within this desolate realm. Outside the three major cities, the harsh south has lead many to abandon Siccus and wander north to more hospitable realms, this leaves only the most ruthless and hardened bands to wander the wastelands. While they are not typically aligned, they have known to form allegiances to oppose greater foes. Section Three: Recent Guild History The Victor Revolword war was devastating for many of the communities within Kaliphlin. Two of the major battles happened within its borders, and many other cities and towns were turned to ruins by the elemental forces. Still, the people of Kaliphlin stayed strong. Over the last two years they have built more fortresses, connected more cities with roads and trade posts, and have expanded trading empires outside the borders of Kaliphlin. The prices for oil have skyrocketed, as unnaturally cold winters have plagued the north and west along with the interruption of the economies of the other guilds from the war. Tourism has boomed since the war ended, as the nobles and those with coin in their pocket have taken to spending their holiday in Kaliphlin's dry and inviting climate -- especially at Lost Vega. Rumors abound that a Desert King has risen from the sands and looks to take Kaliphlin as his own, but for now, Kaliphinites are content trying to return to normalcy. In February of this year, the "Great Disturbance" shocked Kaliphlin. Eruptions of its venerable volcanoes, a large earthquake lasting what seemed to be hours, and a tsunami has left much of Kaliphlin in ruins... who will be there to rebuild the most glorious and rich guild of them all? Section Four: Guild Members For in-character purposes, the current leader of the Kaliphlin Guild is Dextrus Flagg. Originally a slave - this dwarf revolutionized the production of Black Oil making him the most powerful Merchant, and thus the earning and buying the respect necessary to become the leader of all of the Siccus Badlands. (Courtesy of SI-MOCs) Core Leader: For administrative purposes, SkaForHire is the guild leader and the representative for Kaliphlin to the Guilds of Historica core leadership group. Although Kaliphlin has a guild leader, its economic, diplomatic, and military affairs are run by the Council of High Lords. More about these venerated leaders can be found here (organized by DaMaximus). Active Member Roll-call: (Alphabetical by category) High Lords of Kaliphlin (Over a year with Kaliphlin) Abū Alī al-Ḥusayn ibn Abd Allāh ibn Sīnā (Christoph) Ageven Deraim (Kai NRG) Amelia Phantomhive (Erynlasgalen) DaMaximus (DaMaximus) Erudhalion Sansael (Gabe) Gex Marmota (NiceMarmot) Gideon (Gideon) Kalin Hardiel (Waterbrick Down) Masa of Kaliphlin (Masa of Kaliphlin) Petera MacLean (Skaforhire) Rasputin Jones (Robuko) Saladus Al Juhtiv (Kayne) Sdair Zuuree (Gedren_y) Heroes of Kaliphlin (Those with under a year with two or more challenges participated in) Heinsen (TheUtilityBelt32) Kashifa bint Mu'adh (Thomas of Tortuga) Q'Adris (Qiadris) New Guard (Those with less than two challenges under their belt, or less than one year in GOH) Aymeri of Kaliphlin (LittleJohn) Sir Horatius Urga of Kaliphlin (Scaevola) Drake Kantor (Lord Butters) Lord Drakon (LegoDrake) Nahoj (J.V.D.) Siedna Ruadh (Sarahjoy) Vem Tabook (Behemoth) ???? (BrickCurve) Retired / inactive Djun Hazdjuk (Nightstalker) Sir James (runmymouth) Section Five: Current Guild Challenges: Desert King's Challenge! Open projects for all GOH members: The University of Petraea's Doctorate of Historica Program University Tracking Thread Projects that are finished: The Great Mitgardian / Kaliphlin Naval Arms Race Sultan's Gate Community Build The War of the Brothers LDD Weapons of War Contest Link 2 Raising the Dead Part I Collecting the Pieces Raising the Dead Part II Retracing our steps Raising the Dead Part III Family Heirloom Life and Death in Kaliphlin Oil Drive to Save Mitgardia (Winner: Gideon) Bandages for Avalonia! (Winner: Robuko) Guild sign-up: If Kaliphlin sounds like the home for you, create a character and post your character in this thread! A few helpful links: Guilds of Historica New Member Guide The Historica City Guide The GoH Wiki(not a Eurobricks link) Finally, a link to the Book I Kaliphlin Guild thread. Nice Marmot's map-making guide

I guess I should mention this now before we go too far. About a week ago the powers that be asked me to be Guild Leader for Kaliphlin. I said yes. What does that mean? I will be administering Kaliplhin OOC and helping with the Guilds of Historica administration. What does this mean for characters in game? Nothing, I really have not spoke with the other GLs about sigfigs, but for now (partially because Dugal is dead currently) I think the council of lords is a better in character way to run the guild. At least until Book 2 arrives in Kaliphlin (I can't remember what ZC said the order would be, if he did say) and as long as SI wants to be part of the guilds , I think we should honor him by making Dextrus Flagg our token leader. The Council of High Lords will be governmental body, perhaps Dugal will become the Seneschal or steward or something to designate an administrative role. For now I am not going to have a sigfig that "rules" Kaliphlin, as I think we have devised a pretty good system here that makes us unique amongst the other guilds. What about the core Kaliphlinites? I still think everyone should have a shot at being part of the leadership team of this guild. From what I understand we will need two of you to help run the Book II storyline in Kaliphlin, one will be voted on. So there are two more leadership positions to be had later on. Additionally, as NM, Masa, and DM have insinuated in this post, there are openings for helpers along the way (I don't know if we are allowed to call them vice-leaders or not, but essentially that is the function). Your freedoms that you enjoyed before under SI will continue the same -- just think of it as we now have a direct representative (who only really hangs out in the history and pirates forum ) For the newcomers, welcome to the guild! I hope you will stick around long enough to join the High Lords.

Cool, thanks! I should have two of the nobles then. I actually only unpacked falcon shields from my sets!