Basiliscus

Love those characters sok117! They look like a good addition to the Guild. I would second that - NiceMarmot's maps are phenomenal! Obviously I agree that that it takes some of the focus away from EB - but I think there are many advantages to going with Flickr - I was hoping we could create a group so that we would have a place to store all our images (unless we are going to have an index thread on EB?). I think the notes are helpful for constructive criticism. Exactly what I am going for! Loving that WIP Erynlasgalen - keep up the good work! Those figs are awesome Sandy - they are exactly how I imagined the Sand Queen's army to look. Very unique. Loving those elephants with the canopies on top! Loving the characters robuko. The background is lovely too - great architecture and use of the PoP arches.

I will do this - good idea! Sure thing. I just didn't want to be miles away with what everyone else was going for within the guild. Wahil will still trade in slaves but he is trying to build up a power base in the Spice Islands (the home of the Sudite peoples). He will be recruiting for his personal army, which will consist mainly of Sudite tribesmen but also some more heavily armoured professional soldiers. Just for the record - I'm (personally) not much into magic or monsters etc (that's not to say I don't think it's cool when others do it, or that sometimes I will have magical elements or monsters) so most of my MOCs will be more in the style of Game of Thrones rather than Lord of the Rings for example. Maybe I was a bit misleading with my earlier post. I am not wanting to be a "Title-monger" but my advice for our Guild would be to be as unique as possible. For me the other Guilds may produce architecture similar in style to middle-ages Western Europe. I think we have a great opportunity to have a very unique Guild - in titles, architecture, armies, etc. So I was just suggesting some titles which would fit in with this (I deliberately didn't specify the titles - they were just generic). What I mean is use titles from history which sound like they would fit in rather than generic titles. There are likely to be more than one Vizier (e.g. finance, agriculture, etc), Satrap (e.g. Spice Islands, Badlands, etc)...you get the idea. I agree quality must be important in such a small Guild. I will start work on my outpost tomorrow and try have some WIP shots by the end of the weekend. Also I was thinking we should create a private Flickr group to post WIP shots we don't want the other guilds to see? It would be invite only of course. Another idea I had was that on Flickr we could use the excellent map already created and add notes with links to MOCs showing their geographical location. That way we would have a pseudo-interactive map. Just a brain dump! More over the weekend!

Oops...sorry if I misjudged the ethics of this Guild. Truth be told, Wahil tires of the animosity shown towards him thanks to his business, and hopes to allow his son to use the fortune he has acquired to carry out good deeds for the better of the Kaliphlin realm. Wahil wants to stop trading in slaves and to reduce the worry he has by having to constantly watch his back - he can't even use the oil road due to his enemies. He does have a large personal army (more later) and a rather dubiously acquired fortune - hopefully these will be put into good service! Probably scrap the idea of having a slave-market in Stone Town then. My other suggestions still stand if everyone else agrees? (Although I do think perhaps you're being a bit naive about the whole slavery thing - there are plenty of example of former slaves (e.g. Spartacus or Baibars) who despite being freed from their life of slavery made very little effort to remove slavery altogether. Although this discussion is probably beyond the scope of this post - I am happy to make Wahil a former slave-trader turned philanthropist so he fits in! Sorry for misjudging at first) I am hoping to have something in time for the deadline. Another general point - the first challenge is up now. I have quite a few ideas about future MOCs that I might start in parallel with the watchtower. Is it acceptable to enter these in future challenges if they are posted beforehand (i.e. say I build a castle (as well as a watchtower) and post it before the end of the watchtower challenge. Can I enter this MOC for a future challenge?). If you could discuss this with the other admins and let me know that would be great! (For the record, I think you should be able to do this) ******************** Also, I think that our Lord should consider making a more formal administrative structure in the kingdom, as the other Guilds are ahead of us in this regard. Titles could include Viziers (administrative officials), Satraps (governors of provinces), Sowars (commanders of the cavalry) and Corsairs (commanders of the fleets). Just some more ideas. We could also standardise our currency (Dinars?). Let me know your thoughts!

Other Map Ideas I hope you wouldn't think me too presumptuous, but here are a few ideas: (1) Near Qarkyr, how about a sandstone quarry just south of the mountains? (2) As mentioned in my first post, could we have Stone Town on the North-West tip of the Southern Island? (3) The sea between the Southern Island and the mainland could be called Slaver's Channel? (4) I would probably tone down the forest density near the North-West of the map. Wood should probably be the primary import in Kaliphlin. (5) The desert South of Petraea could be called "The Parched Lands" (alternatively another desert on the map!). (6) The Southern Islands (the large one and the smaller ones to the East) could be called the "Spice Islands" and could grow cash crops such as pepper and cloves. This would mean that Stone Town is an important commercial centre as well as having a large open air slave market. These are just ideas to spruce up the map, feel free to disregard.

Very solid design. Looks like an imposing and sturdy tower!

Loving this MOC. YOu've captured the cold atmosphere of the North exactly as I imagined. Love the icicles (?) too btw.

Wow, Jake! That is awesome. Loving the feet and ingenious head connection. My only criticism is the beak almost seems the wrong way round. Although that doesn't detract from a fantastic MOC! C'mon team Kaliphlin! Well said that man. Couldn't agree more!

Wahil Musca's band [Kaliphlin Guild] by Cuahchic, on Flickr Peace be upon you, Dextrus Flagg. I hope this does not reach you too late - news travels slow deep in the deserts. We were many days from another traveller when we happened upon another Brother at an oasis on the edge of the Badlands. He told us of your call to arms, and I hope we are not too late to serve our Lord. Ah, who am I? A good question, and how rude of me to start without an introduction. I am Wahil Musca, and I deal in a commodity valuable in all 4 lands: slaves. You may have seen my caravans of suffering bisecting the Oil Road. I do not travel upon it unless necessary, for my business poisons the hearts of many against me. I am not a cruel man, my slaves are worth a lot to me and I treat them so. This is a perilous business, and I cannot travel alone. I have a small band, but they are loyal to me, for I pay well. May your eyes grace over them, Lord? Very well, I will show you them. I travel with my son, and successor, Bahru. I hope my Lord will show him the necessary respects. Next, is my bodyguard and confidant, the freed slave Rhodri of the Keltoi. He is not from these lands, and does not take well to the heat, but he will gladly give his life in your service. Also I would like you to meet my harem - some say they are the finest beauties in the 4 lands - but keep back ladies, you will not be serving our Lord. The others are of my people, Sudites, and know our trade well. Their swords are sharp and they carry your standard proudly. Let the blessings of a thousand maids be upon you. Your will is iron, Lord. Wahil Musca Sorry for the slow reply...I haven't been on EB for some time, but that looks set to change! I will try and enter the first challenge. By the way, what an awesome map NiceMarmot. I'm loving it! As for ideas for the Southern Island, could we have a town on the North-West tip called Stone Town? That's where I'd like the slavers to live, if you don't have any objections?

Hi Erdbeereis, Thanks for the comments. Sorry I posted it to the wrong forum...I have been building much recently so some of the etiquette has slipped my mind! Cheers, Basiliscus

189C Hi all, I built a MOC to go with the geometrical pattern. Enjoy. Overview - Centre by Cuahchic, on Flickr Overview - Right by Cuahchic, on Flickr Chief Priest by Cuahchic, on Flickr

A MOC I finished recently but I've been working on for too long - soon to be recycled. Enjoy! Khepri APC by Cuahchic, on Flickr

Thanks for the comment. This is supposed to be a cleared out area (otherwise people can approach without being seen), hence the lack of trees! Thanks! The idea for the hut was the catalyst for this MOC. The wheelbarrow design is not my own, it was stolen from Michael Jasper. Thanks, hopefully the RPG scene showed some action! The next military MOC will show the Legañan armed forces taking on the drug gangs in their favela strongholds.

Really nice work. AC/DC rock!

Nice technique to get the "waving" flag.

Hi all, For those who saw the warning in the description - this MOC contains scenes of violence, drugs, death etc. You have been warned! In my (fictional) Hispanic nation of Legaña, there is currently a left-wing insurgency supported by drug-gangs and other anti-government agents. In this MOC, we seen Legañan Special Forces assault an enemy compound deep within the Legañan jungle. There is a full mission commentary on Flickr for those who want to get deeper into the thick of the action. Thanks for viewing. Rumbled in the Legañan Jungle - Mission Briefing by Cuahchic, on Flickr Rumbled in the Legañan Jungle - Observation Team by Cuahchic, on Flickr Rumbled in the Legañan Jungle - Enemy Personnel by Cuahchic, on Flickr Rumbled in the Legañan Jungle - Facilities by Cuahchic, on Flickr Rumbled in the Legañan Jungle - The Deal by Cuahchic, on Flickr Rumbled in the Legañan Jungle - Rendezvous by Cuahchic, on Flickr Rumbled in the Legañan Jungle - Go Loud by Cuahchic, on Flickr Rumbled in the Legañan Jungle - RPG by Cuahchic, on Flickr Rumbled in the Legañan Jungle - Maneuver by Cuahchic, on Flickr Rumbled in the Legañan Jungle - Encircled by Cuahchic, on Flickr Rumbled in the Legañan Jungle - Surrender by Cuahchic, on Flickr Rumbled in the Legañan Jungle - Aftermath by Cuahchic, on Flickr

Hi all, I am not much of a spacer, but sometimes I do dabble. This MOC is a tribute to Sergio Leone, one of the greatest directors of all time. I did build a background for it, but ran out of steam so it got scrapped. Here are the photos, enjoy!

Thanks! It's quite difficult to get the right shape as the RS200 has such a distinct front, but hopefully this turned out OK. This solution would also work to make the front of a Porsche 911. Thank you both! I have now uploaded my final automobile (for the moment ) - a Merstudes 6x6 heavy-duty tipper: Merstudes 6x6 Heavy-Duty Tipper by Cuahchic, on Flickr

Thanks! I wanted to 'Lego-ise' the names so that they could be a general theme - e.g. Mitsubrickshi covers all Japanese models. Thank you! Thanks! I was a bit worried the Encompasser was too big being a 7-wide but I'm glad you think they are well scaled. Thank you very much! Here is the next addition - this time based on a real model - a road legal Ford RS200: Ford RS200 by Cuahchic, on Flickr

Hi all, I have been busy building up (no pun intended!) my collection of cars and jeeps for use in MOCs and public displays. I have decided to share a few of these while I build some MOCs to display them in. The whole set can be found on my Flickr page. Cadiblock Ace GT by Cuahchic, on Flickr Mitsubrickshi Daimyo by Cuahchic, on Flickr Cadiblock Striver by Cuahchic, on Flickr Cadiblock Encompasser by Cuahchic, on Flickr

Hi oo7! Thanks for such honest critique. I don't necessarily agree with adding tan to break up the green - this scene in reality took place near a fertile river bank and in the height of summer (December, but it's the Southern Hemisphere). I tried to get that across in the base. That's not to say that other colours didn't exist in reality - only that green would dominate. I was working from a black and white photo too which didn't help. In addition, I wanted to make the minifigs stand out a little so by having a less cluttered base this helps. Obviously your opinion differs from mine - but hopefully this background information will help you understand my reasoning. I do agree some areas of the tree are a bit weak. I wanted it to be the centre of attraction for the MOC and it has generally been well-received. I can tell you that LEGO trees are hard! It would be helpful if you could add notes to a photo on Flickr showing the 'sore thumb' branches, as I am not sure I explicitly understand that metaphor (although I agree with your opinion on this). I'd be glad to add this to your timeline when you get time to consider alternative hosting options. Cheers, Basiliscus

I am interested history, particularly the British in Africa in the late 19th century. For my first project, I am planning to undertake MOCs related to the Anglo-Zulu war. My second MOC on this theme, relates to the event which was the cassus belli of the Anglo-Zulu war. You can read more about it on my Flicker photostream.

You can read the back-story associated with this MOC on MOCpages or Flickr. It's also on Brickshelf (when moderated). Your viewing time is appreciated.

Very nice work. It's always good to see someone thinking outside the brick (in this case, water-related). Keep up the good work!

Really nice work. Very scenic, especially with the custom background (clouds). I like the "MOTEL" sign with "No vacancies" below it. There's certainly a lot going on, it would make a really nice addition to a LUG display!

My tribute to my fiancée on Valentine's Day. Five and a half years sure does pass quickly. I still love her as much as the day I met her (sic)! Bird design courtesy of misterzumbi. Click on images for links to Flickr, alternative links listed below the pics. Brickshelf (when moderated) MOCpages