Jason Cicchini

Nicely done! The minifigs are great, and I love that throne! Looking forward to seeing more from you.

Nicely done! I'm a big fan of a nice, solidly landscaped base. Sometimes buildings can look "plunked" on if there isn't much thought put into it, and if there's too much thought, then the builds can get lost in an overtly busy tangle of foliage. Looking forward to the progression as the story continues!

My Task 3 Entry is up here. Planning to update it with a build list soon, so that it can also serve as my main HSS page.

Darwynia: The Emerald Province A. Places: (By Population) Darwyn City (Capitol) Chamber's Pass Armetria Hartshearth Colm ​B. Society & Culture 1. Society: Uses Cedrica standard Daric as legal tender Balanced Class system: Royalty/Soldiers, Merchants/Artisans, and Farmers Mostly forest and farmland Close relationships with neighboring countries 2. Culture: Strong bond to the Elf tribes of the Mystic Isles Seasonal Feasts celebrating Harvest, Moon Goddess, Sun God, and a few other Eleven Deities Magic is common, but most concentrated around Darwyn City and Armetria where Schools of Magic are located Due to the presence of many Magical Artisans and Craftsmen, Darwynia is a veritable treasure trove for Traders and Merchants in need of Magical Artifacts. For example, it is the only known place in Avalonia where Elven Staves or other weapons can be purchased. (However authenticity can often be suspect.) 3. Ruling Class: (pictured above: Kelperth Darwyn and Kollin Shyre) Though barely more than 3 generations old, the Darwynian royal family has accrued much acclaim in its time. The House of Darwyn officially began with Kerrel Darwyn and Solande Darwyn (nee Calla) and their three sons: Jarr (Deceased) - Married to Meldre Sora (Deceased), Father of Kelperth Celene - Wife to Kiellan Shyre (Deceased), Mother of Kollin and Morian Taniel - Youngest son, in care of Celene, shows signs of extreme Magical Ability Unfortunately, both Lord Jarr and Lady Meldre were assassinated in Kelperth's twenty second year, despite the attempts of their Captain of the Guard, Kiellan Shyre. The same assassins took his life; Princess Celene refused Ladyship and took her seven year old brother Taniel into her care, fleeing with him and her young daughter Morian to the family stronghold in Hartshearth. Kelperth assumed leadership of the province despite the expected attempts of murder, and with the help of his best friend Kollin Shyre, rooted out the corruption in the nobility. He named Kollin the Captain of the Royal Guard soon after, and quickly became a very popular Lord. In their early youth, they both insisted on being sent for the rigorous training under Symilla Tenbris at the Soldier Academy in Armetria. It honed Kel's already advanced strategizing skills, forged bonds with the soldiers he would later lead, and gave him a deep appreciation for Democracy. As part of the Soldier Academy's service tour, Kel and Koll traveled to the Darwynian Embassy in the Mystic Isles. While there, they saved the life of then Princess, later Queen, of the Elves. In gratitude she gifted the two friends with magic rings, allowing them to know exactly where the other was at all times, and protection from harm when they were far apart. As of the beginning of Book Two, Kel has served as Lord of Darwynia for 8 years, and is 30 years old. Kollin is 29. 4. The Council of Green: (Pictured left to right) Gwynn Kobold (Mistress of Sorcery) Sir Korj Delbrin (Huntmaster and weapons supplier) Quill Portleaf (Head of Merchant's Guild) Frisk Thurber (Master of Spies) Kage Slytehand (Commissioner of Banking) The Council of Green are the elected officials of each major contribution to the prosperity of Darwynia, and use their considerable influence and constant proximity to Lord Darwyn to aid their duties. 5. Army of Darwynia: Aside from Farming and Artisanry, the Army is a popular occupation among its residents. Led by Sir Kollin Shyre, soldiers of Darwynia are heavily trained in the art of war and educated by learned scholars. Areas of study include battle tactics and fighting skills, Math, Science, Trade Philosophy, and Magic for those who show the talent. Battalions are split up according to highest proficiency. Axemen Archers, led by Capt. Illym Felnyrr Swordsmen Mounted Knights, led by Sir Kollin Shyre 6. Heroes of Darwynia: With many of the countries in Avalonia, legends are easy to come across, and Darwynia is no exception. Tales of several Darwynians have traveled all over Historica, the most well known are listed below. Sharra Foxpaw and Dornir Threeleaves While claiming to be hunters of Fortune and Bounty, this duo has been involved in almost every major adventure in recent Darwynian history, including the Quest for the Crystal of Earth, the Battle of the Drow, and many others. Legend states they met in the Mystic Isles, but beyond that not much is known about them, or why they are always seen together. The story of their quest for the Earth Crystal can be found here: Chapter 1 - Greetings on the Road Chapter 2 - At the Blind Monk Chapters 3 & 4 - Busted! and The Mage Talonmere Chapter 5 - the Council of Leaders Chapter 6 - the Earth Crystal Chapter 7 - Elisa's Story The Mage Talonmere Perhaps the most well known person in Darwynia is the ageless mage Talonmere. His massive observatory home lies in the hilly forests along the Darwynia/Benoic border, and has been visited by very few people. One of the original students of the Druid Order's magical academy in the Mystic Isles, and highly trained as a potential Guardian of the Earth Crystal, Talonmere is by far the most adept and learned mystic scholar in Darwynia. He has aided both Sharra and Dornir in the Quest for the Earth Crystal, and the Royal Army in the Battle of Viktor Revelword and the Battle of the Drow. However, his connection to Elisa Vanden, one of the "decoy" Earth Crystal Guardians, has called his motives and true loyalties into question. Still, his long standing friendship to the royal family has so far proven enough of a credential, and he continues to reside in the province of Darwynia as of Book Two. He has been recently rumored to be traveling with Sharra and Dornir again, though what they seek this time is unknown. Hock Bradley Notorious for insatiable appetites for food, drink, and women, Hock spent much of his young adulthood as a muscle-for-hire mercenary. His amazing strength and endurance are said to be blessings bestowed upon him in childhood by an unknown mage. His golden hair was its first sign, and at age six he could already lift over 400 lbs. While never directly involved in any illegal activity, he has been known to associate with "unsavory" individuals, and was once employed as a bodyguard by Vikdar Brommel, the Log Baron. Hock has been sighted traveling with Sharra and Dornir's small party through the countryside of Darwynia as of the beginning of Book Two. The Gentleman Originally from Nocturnus, the Gentleman traveled to Antyria during the events of Book One. There, he set up a lucrative network of espionage, dealing in valuable secrets and information. It is rumored nobility all across Historica have sought out his services, though none would ever admit to it. He has wheedled his way into Sharra and Dornir's group despite much protest. Although he only recently made himself known, he revealed that he had been following since they acquired the Earth Crystal decoy in Anytria weeks before. He shows a particular interest in Talonmere, and has hinted he is the real reason the Gentleman wishes to "tag along for the journey." When asked about his physiology, the Gentleman vehemently declares he is an "undead person." This is magically possible, and his complete lack of need for food or sleep seems to support this claim. A penchant for ferreting out people's secrets, an inhuman lack of fatigue, and boosted speed are his only noticeable magical abilities; however more may lay in wait. Kliss Undergrath In even the brightest places, there are shadows. Such is with the Avalonia Assassin's Guild. Kliss grew up as an orphan on the streets of Armetria, and quickly learned to pickpocket to survive. She shied away from other thieves, preferring to work alone. Her pyromantic abilities were noticed by a merchant she was attempting to rob, who was unknowingly a member of the AAG. He took her in, became her tutor, and trained her to be a ruthless and deadly weapon. She was conscripted by Sir Kollin Shyre during the brief invasion of the Drow, and charged with removing their leaders to cause chaos among the forces. She was successful, and returned to hiding once her payment was received. Her current whereabouts are unknown. 7. The Minor Heroes of Darwynia: There are heroes perceived as Gods with superhuman abilities, and then there are some not so larger than life. These people of import have all accomplished great tasks, and while their feats have also been sung about by the bards, they remain humble and reside closely to those they protect. (pictured left to right) Jaysin Kole - Royal Cartographer, Scribe, and Bard Derrick Torg - Royal Army Butcher and Cook Joel Hendricksson - Royal Pageboy Britten Tallow - Royal Mage Lieutenant Nox - Soldier, Scouting Master 8. Current Events: At the beginning of Book Two, Darwynia had been largely spared much of the devastation inflicted by the Revelword Conflict. This soon changed when the Black Spire emerged. Nocturnus was thrown into Civil War, and the other three Guilds' efforts were thusly divided between rebuilding their homelands and assisting their comrades. Lord Kelperth sent Kollin Shyre and a small detachment of the Royal Army to the Kelra Labyrinths, hoping to enlist the aide of several Minotaur tribes. (pictured above: Felm Linder and Kollin Shyre with the Minotaur Tribe's highest ranking members) Soon after the Civil War had quieted, Drow forces suddenly attacked and occupied a significant portion of Avalonia, and Darwynia was among the many countries to effected. Kollin, having won the respect and loyalty of the tribes by wrestling each of their leaders (or Bucks,) convinced them to return with him to Darwynia. Together with the Royal Army they decimated the Drow forces. Lord Kelperth and the Council of Green honored the Minotaur Tribes, and they in turn promised safe passage for Darwynians through the endless mazes of their homeland.

Well, damn! Fantastic way to debut in GoH! Look forward to more from you, and glad you've chosen the best Guild!

Whoa! Fantastic ship! The figurehead definitely puts it over the top in terms of awesomeness. Looks like I'll have to make another order from BrickWarriors to get me some o' them wings. Seconding Mccoyed, have you thought about making sails? I think that would be the final necessary touch on this great addition to the Avalonian armada.

Love it, Simon! The horns are great, and the saddle and helm make it look like an official mount, as opposed to some random wrangled animal. How stable are the leg connections? I'd probably want to rip my hair out placing them in perfect position with my big, fat fingers! Congrats on the front page spot!

Greetings, Avalonians! I'm happy to report that after an unfortunate and inescapable absence from my beloved GOH, I have returned in full force! It seems not much has gone on since I left in March, which gives me a great opportunity to catch up. Some of you on Flickr may have seen these pics already, but I'm very excited to finally, officially post these. (I humbly ask Rogue Angel to update my task participation, when he has the time.) Task #1 - The Forces of Darwynia Darwynia is a prosperous medium-sized province in the South East sector of Avalonia. Aside from Farming and Artisanry, the Army is a popular occupation among its residents. Led by Sir Kollin Shyre, soldiers of Darwynia are heavily trained in the art of war and educated by learned scholars. Areas of study include battle tactics and fighting skills, Math, Science, Trade Philosophy, and Magic for those who show the talent. Battalions are split up according to highest proficiency. Axemen Archers, led by Capt. Illym Felnyrr Swordsmen Mounted Knights, led by Sir Kollin Shyre Sir Kollin Shyre and Lord Kelperth Darwyn, under the Standard of Darwynia Task #2 - Royal Retinue Lord Kelperth Darwyn, ruler of Darwynia, is well known for his frequent visits to the major villages and towns. When traveling, he is always accompanied by the Council of Green (his most trusted advisors) and a few soldiers for protection. (Pictured left to right) Gwynn Kobold (Mistress of Sorcery) Sir Korj Delbrin (Huntmaster and weapons supplier) Quill Portleaf (Head of Merchant's Guild) Frisk Thurber (Master of Spies) Kage Slytehand (Commissioner of Banking) The Council of Green are the elected officials of each major contribution to the prosperity of Darwynia, and use their considerable influence and constant proximity to Lord Darwyn to aid their duties. For the glory of Avalonia!

It really irks me (and this is not your fault by any means, just a general annoyance) is that there can't be either a fan-made or official purist simplification of using the Chima wings like this without the visible grey of the neck bracket. At least yet. But I like this design very much, it's the easiest way to achieve a purist Angel. I'm going to have to go BrickLink some wings in white now!

I just...I have no words. This is beyond amazing!

Fantastic work Nemo! In an alternate universe where TLG was producing licensed sets back in the 60s, this would totally be the $75 set. It also brings a MUCH greater appreciation of the Junior's sets for me! Do you have any plans for further builds like this one? (read: Please make some more!)

Holy crap this is awesome! You've definitely conveyed the sleekness and sharp angles of the new design. I would buy that right now, no questions asked.

Aw, thanks, now I really want one! Looks really official. I'm guessing a semi-gloss photo paper printed on a laser printer?

Wow, simply breathtaking! The amount of effort and concentration you've devoted to this amazing build is mind-boggling! Well done!

Loving this! The concept and execution are both great! The water fowl floating by was a perfect touch of detail.

Carson Haupt Simon_S MikeyB

Sorry all, I've dropped out of existence lately, and even when I do show up my posts are sporadic and incomplete. This must not continue. I have much planned coming up, so stay tuned. As for my vote, it of course goes to deGothia. I'm excited for the next Challenge, but even more so for what's to come in our lil' tree-hugging Guild!

Journeying to the Eastern Darklands is never an easy feat, but all travelers seeking out Nocturnus must pass through the Kelra Labyrinths. Leagues upon leagues of twisting stone pathways spell certain doom for most who enter, and are heavily guarded by the Minotaur race. Stoic, proud, ruthless, and tireless, the Minotaurs reside in tribal fortresses while not prowling the dizzying curves of the maze. Shown above is the Great Ram Valx and two members of his tribe outside their fortress along the acid river Zalkzys.

Love it! The cramped feeling really gives the build the -oomph- it needs. The snow effects and details are fantastic. Interiors? I don't know how big your fingers are, but it looks like it was a pain in the megablocks to arrange those! Great job! Personally, I'd love to see more of the buildings' fronts. Having all 3 face each other leaves the viewer feeling like they're in a back alley, and not the main street a visitor would take. The detail work is great too, so much accomplished without unnecessary bulk. And, as many have said before, that octagonal base is making me salivate. hehe

*Phew!* Just in time! Here's my entry for the first Challenge: Attack of the Drow! From a letter to Kollin Shyre, Captain of the Darwynian Guard: Milord Shyre, It seems your timing to have dispatched us was perfect. Our worst fears were confirmed two days ago as we rode to the southern border along Benoic. Reports of Drow slavers appearing out of nowhere were echoed in Colm, Delynn, and Chamber's Pass. Many men have died to save their loved ones. Alas, few met their fate with success. We were able to reach the Pass in time to aid Sir Jarken Pelt and his men, and together drove the blasted dogs back into their fetid holes to the UnderDark. The small detachment of Mages you sent with us have been invaluable, and were able to seal up the holes we've come across so that they cannot be used again. On the morrow we ride to HartsHearth, where I shall leave two thirds of my men as the roving Drow Patrol we discussed. I vow my undying vigilance, and more good news to follow. -Cmdr. Coyne Delbrin (More pics and a separate topic to follow tomorrow.)

Wow, dG! Like everyone else has said: Benoic is the most fleshed out, thought through province in Avalonia, and possibly all of Historica! Though much time has passed since this all started, your style and the look/feel of Benoic has stayed faithful, while still growing and getting better with each post. I think it's high time the first royal family of Benoic came to visit its prosperous cousin to the north!

The tower looks great, glad to see you brought it to the next level. For the glory of Nocturnus!

Loving the final product, SK! The fortress looks sturdy and formidable, and the lava work came out fantastically!

Love it, especially the Waterfront 1 module! Great work!

Great, as always! But, if this had been your last MOC for GoH, I (along with many others) would have been sorely disappointed! Glad to see you're stickin' around. :)