Jason Cicchini

I'm in! (Any assignment is fine.)

I can already see what a huge asset you'll be to Avalonia in Book II! Nicely done! This is on the same level, quality-wise, as your Mitgardian builds, but a completely different style and feel. I'm absolutely loving that, and your characters definitely leave me wanting to know more about them.

Nice work, Buurli! I can already see how Mitgardia's loss is our gain!

The province of Darwynia and its Lords Kelptherth Darwyn and Kollin Shyre pledge undying fealty to the great Avalonia! (However, Darwynia is currently under siege by a large, furry monster with ears like a bat! We have heard it called a Kit-Ten?)

Hate to do a "me too" post, but I figure it also serves as an official statement: Lord Kelperth and his men will remain in Darwynia to help with the rebuilding efforts and maintain governance of their province. I've just had too many ideas lately, and now is the time to focus on them without the restrictions of a contest or challenge.

Yikes, that is quite impressive! The authenticity of details like the SNOT brick walls, the arches, and color scheme really make this one top notch. It's builds like this that make me want to explore more of Kaliphlin. Perhaps Kelperth should go on vacation soon? The whole community build was executed thoughtfully and beautifully, especially gems like this one. It got me super jazzed seeing each of your styles portray the different aspects of your Guild. While any builds I do after today will count for Book 2, it still inspired me, so thanks for that!

Holy Guacamole! I'm looking at the details so intently my eyes are burning! Seriously mind blowing work, guys. This is the most massive build I've seen in a few months, yet still impressive not for sheer scale alone, but thoughtful and unique techniques and landscaping.

A long held tradition during the Summer Festival is the telling of tales. A favorite among Darwynians is the legend of Fortune's Spring. Hidden deep within the forest, shielded from normal sight by magic, is the final resting place of the Druid Maric. His life's goal was to master Alchemy. This he did, but sadly, at the cost of his own life. Though nothing remains of Mari but bones, the power of his final enchantments continue to produce pure gold. As is customary for Alchemists, he was entombed in lead, thus amply feeding the powerful magic. The legend says the fountain gives forth a King's fortune in coins, ingots, and bars. However, none have ever claimed to find it, and many Darwynian youths have been lost in the great forests attempting to locate its vast riches. -From the Book - "Darwynia: A History" by Jarr Darwyn

Farming and Agriculture provide much for the province of Darwynia, and so each Summer a grand celebration sweeps through the land. One of the oldest traditions is widely acknowledged, but rarely spoken of: A visit with the Soothsayer. On the border of the forest Darwynia shares with Benoic, just out of sight from the casual traveler, sits an ancient and dilapidated wagon. It has been converted over what looks like centuries into a ramshackle dwelling, where the Soothsayer herself resides. Women of all the villages in Darwynia gather their boys and girls at least once before their tenth birthday, and travel to see her. For the first three days of Summer they wait for her to choose only ten children. She then reads their fortunes, and commands the children never to speak of what they hear to anyone. Her motivation behind the chosen are unclear, but all have gone on to become notable members of society, royalty, even legend; both beloved and notorious. It is a widely accepted rumor that the Soothsayer once read the fortune of the Mage Talonmere, and his reaction was...less than pleased. The forest area around her shack is rumored to be rich with magical objects and plants. Notable warriors have journeyed to request gifts and blessings from her, but she is known to refuse often. Despite her youthful appearance, the tradition of seeking the Soothsayer has a long legacy. She is never seen in public, and only emerges from her dwelling for the three mornings she ritualistically chooses. Her only companion is a toad named Lorr. It is said he speaks on her behalf in the Human tongue, negotiating the Choosing and other private audiences with her. -From the Book "Darwynia: A History" by Jarr Darwyn

Happy Anniversary! That is one massive cake! Love the smaller design too.

First of all, congrats ZC! Secondly (and I know this loses credibility coming from a not-so-active member) I'm getting worried. First Mitgardia started a stream of free builds, now Kaliphlin is following the trend (no offense intended to our friendly neighbors) and when the Darics fall, we are getting creamed. Therefore, I'm inviting anyone interested in the longevity of our great, flower-picking Guild to PM me with any ideas for a themed Free Build drive. Both MG and KL have featured the landscapes of their guilds, a detail we are already know for in Avalonia, so I'd hope for a fresh perspective. I have a few ideas, but I'd rather not share them where the surprise could be ruined. Hail Avalonia!

Wow, just wow! For a simple MOC, this is packed with detail and technique. Great job!

Touching, and not what I expected from the title of the thread. Great details as usual!

This is just fantastic, Masa! The vegetation is nicely executed, while maintaining a fun, cartoony quality. Great work!

I love this, kayne! Great work! Where did you get the orange tree leaves from?

Wow, epic build! Thanks for including me! Lord Kelperth would, of course, be caught with goblet in hand! Amazing work!

Loving the "non-box" base shape. Great use of barrels! I can see the Avalonia in the shape of the trees and style of vegetation. The solider in front also looks a little familiar!

@ZC: Thanks for being a trooper and running interference b/w the participants and mods of GOH. How can I help other than posting in the other forums? I am at your service.

Wow, amazing work! Everything is spot on! Now, I have to go watch the movie again. :)

The massive scale and epic-ness of your builds always amaze me. Great work! Love your "aged" Viktor. Good luck!

Yikes! This is an impressive show, my friend! The marriage scene is a very satisfying end to the dark story, Love the entry. Good luck!

Fantastically detailed! The lush settings are a pleasant assault on the eyes. Great entry! Good luck!

Dude. Amazing! I was so excited for these last few days of the competition, because I knew yours would come flying in like a bomb. Fantastic details, and that dark fortress is crazily, insanely great!

Rellik: "My Lord! Our forces are taking heavy hits all along the fortress! It is becoming difficult to keep them back-" Viktor: "Damn you, Rellik! I know what I a doing! Do not falter!" R: "As you wish, my lord..." He leaves Viktor to his endless summoning, A voice breaks the silence, doing the impossible: startling the Black Mage for the first time. V: "Who...who is there?" "You have possessed our power for far too long, Mage." V:" Who dares? Show yourself! So commands the king of Historica, Viktor Revelword!" Viktor throws bolts of powerful magic around the room, blasting out bits of wall and ceiling. Abruptly the room goes dark, and an ambient blue light breaks the void. "We are those whose power you have corrupted. We have come to reclaim what is rightfully ours." *** Outside, the battle rages on, with the combined forces of all 4 guilds matching the White Hand's soldiers. Lord Kelperth turns to his General Kollin Shyre, with a questioning look. Kelperth: "I haven't seen any elemental summonings in at least ten minutes. Do you think...?" Kollin: "Something has gotten to the bloody wizard? Hah! He's probably on the toilet! Wouldn't it be hilarious if we could sneak up there and catch him right now?" He smirks, trying to find the humor amidst the battle. Suddenly, Kelperth rounds on the Mage Talonmere and the druid, talking clandestinely in the camp. KE: "Mage! Can you teleport yourself and this druid into the fortress right now? Well?!?" Talonmere: "Yes! But why? Surely, the place is crawling with soldiers-" KE: "You must do it right now! Time is of the essence! Something has the Black Mage distracted, and we must take advantage of it." After a few seconds of counsel, Talonmere takes a small group inside. Arcs of magic burst out from every opening in the castle, and then all goes quiet. The White Hand soldiers disappear, and the collective forces of Historica look around in confusion. Talonmere suddenly reapears beside Lord Kelperth. KE: "What has happened to Viktor, Mage? Is all at peace?" T: "Worry not, lord. He is in a place that he can no longer harm anyone..." Rellik: "Still know what you are doing, my lord?" Viktor: "Oh,shut up Rellik."

Great job with this one! That landscaping is beautiful! The water scene is my favorite.