Jason Cicchini

Congrats to all the winners of Challenge 3, most especially Cara, and ZC and all the Avalonians for keeping us on top! Long live Avalonia!

The adventurers leave Antyria with the Crystal of Earth, headed for home. But Sharra is troubled by the recent turn of events. Sharra- "Mage, I have many questions. I do not think we should travel further with them unanswered." Talonmere- "Very well. Go on." S- "You obviously knew the Guardian. She made some very harsh accusations against you-" T- "Well, her version of events-" Dornir- "If you knew her so well, why was the location of the crystal not already known to you before we brought you the map?" Kollin- "Unless there was a conspiracy, like we thought." S- "You cannot argue that this seemed a bit too easy, even for seasoned warriors like us. What is your real part in all this?" Talonmere takes some time to respond, letting the question hang in the air. When he speaks again, his voice is heavy with guilt. T- "You all know of the ancient Druids that dwelled here when Avalonia was but a tender sapling...Elisa and I were of a tribe of their direct descendants. Our lives were...difficult. Magic was stronger, more prevalent, and the ability to wield it would spring up at a very early age. Children would pray their powers would be limited: just enough, but not too much. Otherwise you were noticed by the Elders." T- "You see, when the crystals were first forged, it was immediately apparent their safeguarding was of the utmost importance. But how, and who to trust? If any member of the tribe showed exceptional prowess in the mystic arts, they were brought to the Academy, where they were instructed in more elite teachings, and eventually one of us would become the Guardian. That is where I met Elisa Vanden." T- "She was from a family born of the union between a Druid Priest and an Earth Sprite. She immediately struck me as vacuous, air-headed, and disingenuously humble." K- "So, you disliked her, and sabotaged her?" T- "I thought about it, yes. You must understand, the "honor" of being the Guardian was at stake. They only ran the Academy for 10 years, and each pupil believed they wanted to be it. There were rumors of endless riches, the utmost respected status..." T- "Then, Vikdar Brommel suddenly went through a spontaneous boost..." T- "My jealousy of Elisa's graceful power had just developed to a sort of reverence. She actually was a kind-hearted woman, and I grew to love her as the closest of friends. T- "But, Vikdar had taken notice of her too. I knew he saw her as a threat, and would use any tactic to gain the upper hand. He, of course, chose the distant, yet desperately in love approach." S- "Ugh." T- "I tried to warn her, but she fell for his deception." T- "Our last year came to a close, and the Elders would make their decision to elect a Guardian. There was a ceremony at our commencement, and Vikdar used it as yet another means of making his case. He brought Elisa as his escort, but ignored her most of the night, choosing instead to converse with dignitaries and the Elders themselves. T- "Despite his arrogance, it came time for the decision, and the Elders named Elisa, who was immediately taken into custody. I never saw her again. How could we have known? The crystal was barely more than a decade old, its side effects had not been fully studied. The Elders told no-one of their plans for its hiding place, its mention forbidden to be spoken of. What I was able to piece together was small, but set me thinking. I had to find her, set her free, and make Vikdar pay for his crimes." K- "So it was you! You're the one they're after, the one trying to kill the Log Baron!" T- "I tried once before, many years back. I took his eye, but not his life. His magic skills have suffered greatly, though. Otherwise, he would have come for me." S- "How do you know he hasn't sent us for that very reason? You realize we hold a contract with your worst enemy?" T- "I realize that, and do not mean to insult or waste your time. The man is a tyrant and must be stopped! I know for a fact he is attempting to buy his way into the Senate!" D- "He may have deserved the sad fate of your friend, but you ask us to take part in killing an employer. That is not honorable. You seem a better man than to hire Lichs and thieves to find your vengence." T- "I understand if you do not wish to travel with me further, nor do I ask you to condone my actions. However, with my worst fears of Elisa's degradation confirmed, nothing will stop me from holding Vikdar accountable! Alas, it would do Elisa even more disrespect to not assure that crystal Sir Shyre holds not return safely. I will follow a few hours behind you as you travel, but know that my talents and protection are still at your disposal." S- "Sir Shyre, what do you think?" K- "The Mage will follow us anyway. Why exile him? Besides, would it not be better to keep him close, so you can be well informed of his intentions for your boss?" D- "We are going to lost light if we wait around any longer." T- "How about this: As a means of apology, I can try an old trick I learned at the Academy. I didn't suggest it before because of its extremely draining nature. However, with it we could be back in Darwynia by nightfall." S- "Then we follow your lead, Mage. But if you deceive us again, it will be the last thing you ever do." End Chapter 7. BS Gallery -Previous Chapters- 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

I do beleve this is the first of him being unmasked. I can't seem to find the story that preluded the third chapter, but I could have sworn Artorius was without a helmet in the meeting room. +1 on the floor. Looks fantastic. The clever little architecture bits really give the scene life. Nice work!

Sinisterly awesome work, Z! Like deGothia said, it's nice to see when an advanced builder steps out of his/her comfort zone and turns out something simple, yet well crafted such as this. I hate to pester you, but the House of Baine stories are driving me crazy with impatience! IWANTTOKNOWMORE! I'm sure you have a lot going on with BrickWorld and everything, but is this next tower in Mitgardia tied into it somehow?

Hey! What's wrong with fancy girls? If you haven't noticed, we're trampling your Megabloks with our stylish high heels. "I fart in your general direction!" /monty python> Side note: Darwynia has duly noted the rise in the aggression, and has decided to do its duty for Avalonia and declare war. Lord Kelperth and a large detachment of soldiers are currently riding to join the Dragon's Flight, with some very formidable companions.

Nice story, and like everyone else said: very cinematic photos. Your Drow have been the "most faithful" representations to Angeli's design I've seen thus far. 1 down, 1,000,000 more to go!

Wow! Not the biggest ship fan, but I'm totally in love with this build, SI! It has a grandiosity, sleek design, and intimidation factor that could make the Mitgardian fleet tremble with fear! Excellent work!

I actually laughed out loud when I saw the skeletons. Good work, and overall most amusing build!

At risk of seeming to back down, Darwynia will not be declaring open war with the Argumentative Wimps...*ahem*...Drow. If any cross our borders, they will be killed or taken into custody, but we cannot pledge any soldiers at this time. If things escalate (as I'm sure they will) then we shall reconsider our position.

Good eye! Those keys got snatched up, but by whom? hehehe Thanks a lot! As far as Talonmere's motivations...More to come in the following chapters! Wow, thanks! Like I said above, the reasons he did what he did will be revealed soon. But, no, I can say without revealing too much that Talonmere is NOT a saint. I'm glad people caught that subtlety! I've also appended my entry with a list of previous chapters, and will continue to do so for the next four (or more, depending on how the next few play out!) Thanks to everyone for the kind words, support, and enjoyment! You will not be disappointed with what I have coming up!

Not yet. LOTS of revisions, and I still have to double check people's border stakes. SOON!

Well, in the words of one of my favorite comediennes: "Dat's so sad!" I take it you're not continuing the thread of story from the latest Challenge? Sounds like we'd all have liked to hear more from Quinn. There's always time travel! ::Jumps in Tardis:: XD

Updated Bio image. for those interested in having Kel visit, I also use this face for a "normal" look.

First of all, congratulations to everyone on really amazing, "oh-my-God-we're-finally-going-to-win-a-challenge!" entries. Let's keep up the great momentum! Secondly, I am totally psyched for the next level of the Guilds. I've grown exponentially since its inception, and since it'll only get harder and more interesting as time goes on, I can't wait to see what'll become of all the little plans I've concocted. And now, my bio! Name: Kelperth Darwyn Age: 28 Weapon of Choice: Greatsword Character Info: Son of Lord Jarr and Lady Meldre Darwyn. Rumored to be romantically entagled with Lady Talisa Forkroot, caretaker of Dar' Kalil (Avalonia's Embassy in Kaliphlin.) He was trained since the age of 8 in swordplay, and insisted on serving in the Royal Army of Darwynia at age 14. After his parent's deaths, he assumed leadership of the province, and was quickly regarded as a fair, decisive, and forward-thinking leader. He resides by himself in a small apartment above the Blacksmith Shop in the town proper as opposed to the Royal Keep, a well guarded deception used as a decoy for potential assassins. His steed, Rain, was a gift of his father's on his 21st birthday, and some have said the two share an almost telepathic connection.

1.) - 1 2.) - 1 6.) - 1 11.) - 1 32.) - 1 May the odds be ever in your favor.

Very nice work indeed! The guardian is top notch, and the details of the chamber are perfect!

Simply amazing work! The gradient on the temple pillars and the dragon really make this MOC special beyond words. Great job!

And so, our adventurers have followed the map into the mountains of Antyria. Deep in the heart of the highest peak, they start to feel unwelcome. Talonmere: "I'm feeling a high concentration of magic up ahead." Dornir: "As much as I would normally advise against it, I shall go my own way from here. I have a hunch I must follow." Sharra: "Please, be careful Dornir." D: "I shall, I promise." As they curve a bend, Kollin notices the torches affixed to the rock wall. Kollin: "If this 'hiding place' is such a well kept secret, why are there torches to light the way?" The flames waft in a ghostly wind. K: "Uh, fellows? I don't think we're alone here-" Lich: "I was wondering how long it would take you mortals to scale this pebble." T: "Surely you don't bar our entrance to this temple, simple Lich? I'd think poorly of your master for setting such a weak trap-" L: "Oh, shove it in a potion bottle, Mage. The two fire spells at each other. The Lich summons serpents, while Talonmere fires a pure bolt of ice. T: "Snakes? Is that the best you've got?" Dornir, whom has been scaling the cliff, drops down with his elven sword raised at the Lich. Sharra: "Dornir!" The blade slides through the Lich's throat, immolating him. Sharra runs to Dornir's side, checking him for wounds. D: "I am fine, good woman." S: "Don't ever worry me like that again," She whispers, audible enough only for his elven ears. T: "If the lovers are done with their reuniting, I have the gate to the temple opened..." S: "Sorry, all. Let us enter." A vast cavern met them, with glittering deposits of emerald scattered about the rocky faces. Out of the shadows, several scuttling shapes finally find form in the half light of the cave. Three reptilian creatures chained to a pale woman in a flowing black dress emerge, their respective gazes set on the adventurers. T: "ELISA!" S: "Mage, obviously you have a connection to her, what is it?" Elisa: "HE IS THE ONE WHOM HAS CURSED ME TO THIS PLACE!" The cavern rumbles as she speaks. Little boulders cascade down the walls with poetic abandon. Creature 2: "He left us for the Mage Academy. Did nothing to help us when we were elected to be the guardian..." Creature 1: "Left us to die in the caves of Antyria..." Kollin Shyre uses the conversation as a distraction, and assaults the creatures chained to Elisa. He makes quick work of them, then rolls into the shadows. T: "I am sorry, Elisa, but I must do this-" Talonmere fires a deadly bolt, knocking the guardian down once her creatures are disposed of. After the altercation, the group searches the cavern. T: "It could be anywhere! Everything is made of green glass! The legend says only a true Avalonian may find the crystal-" K: "Is this it?" S: "I do not believe he has found such a treasure so easily-" K: "But I did." D: "And if it is false?" T: "It is not. A true Avalonian has found the Crystal of Earth, and we must assure he returns to his homeland to deliver this prize to his High King." End Chapter 6. BS Gallery -Previous Chapters- 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

Nice take on Derfel's standard! I, too, learned a lot from his tutorials. This is authentically Avalonian, and a satisfactory build overall. I do have to agree with BeerBeard though, it would be nice to see some serious advancements on the basic 1x1 round wall with embellishments. Some palisades bricks, maybe? (I myself am guilty of overusing headlight bricks with tiles.) Nice work! Keep building!

And so, Lord Kelperth of Darwynia sent out, by personal courier, a call to the Lords and Leaders of the surrounding provinces. They convene in the Royal Keep in Darwynia to discuss recent developments... Kelperth: "Esteemed friends, colleagues, acquaintances, I welcome you to Darwynia. Thank you to all for coming. I have gathered you all here to discuss the latest edict from our Lord High King of Cedrica: the Search for the Crystal of Earth." deGothia: "I concede that we are all peaceful neighbors, but this meeting might prove futile. Surely, we all want to be the one to find it, and bring glory to our homes." Kelperth: "Indeed, but the very importance is finding it! If we all share our information-" Zakon Goldblade: "Don't be a fool, Kelperth. What makes you think any of them would willingly share information? The very idea is ridiculously weak. Why, in my day-" Arlindus: "When was that, the Forgotten Age?" deGothia: "Men! Let us take a moment to consider this. Every kingdom is buzzing with rumors. Someone will find this crystal. Do you want it to be the wrong sort? Someone who will abuse its power?" William Harkenshire: "You speak truth, good sir. Already, I have heard rumors that dark things move from the Enchanted Forest, moving closer to the Eastern Plains. It is said they are searching for something powerful." Moriartus: "I've heard the opposite, that several nations have sent people to the Mystic Isles." Arlindus: "But, with the Isles themselves changing constantly, it could be a lifetime before anyone even finds a clue." WhiteTiger: "Lord Kelperth, our cartographers have mapped nearly every inch of Avalonia. Surely, if this crystal were anywhere obvious, one of our teams would have found its location by now." Kelperth: "Then, are we to abandon all hope already? None of you can tell me that once this council is adjourned, your own searches will not continue, with efforts doubled?" There is a slow murmor of assent. Abruptly, an echoing crash rings through the meeting hall as the heavy wooden doors are thrown open. A lone soldier, huffing and near to exhaustion, runs into the room. He attempts to bow and keep moving at the same time, stops at the foot of the table, and commences to babble incoherently. Kelperth: "Halt, halt good solder! Take a breath, and then speak your news." Soldier: "My Lord Darwyn, and esteemed guests, my greatest apologies for the interruption! I bring news from Sir Shyre. It is of the utmost importance-" Zakon: "Speak, man!" Soldier: "He regrets his absence, but he has allied with the two legendary hunters Sharra Fowpaw and Dornir Threeleaves. They are on their way to find the Crystal of Earth!" Soon after, the meeting ends. Kelperth sees Zakon Goldblade out to his chariot. Kelperth: "Perhaps you'd think I shouldn't tell you this, but my man is headed into the mountains of Antyria." Zakon: "Why am I not surprised? My lands are full of magic. I knew it was hidden somewhere in the mountains, hence why I claimed that land." Kelperth: "Will you not assist my friend? If he believes in his quest, then so do I. The glory is not what I seek, you know that." Zakon: "My forces will not move against yours, nor will they abandon their own quest to help yours. However...If there is trouble, you may count them as allies." Kelperth: "Thank you, Lord GoldBlade. It has been an honor to meet you." Zakon: "Nothing at all, m'boy! Should you ever wish to visit my lands yourself, you would always be welcome. And now, everything starts coming together..." End Chapter 5

Very interesting, Rolli. I'm majorly creeped out by imagining a bunch of those crawling through a cavern somewhere, guarding the crystal. Still waiting for my last BL order to ship to finish my final chapter. I sure hope it gets here before next Friday! ::fingers crossed:: If not, I guess I'm walking to my local Toys 'R' Us and/or Target to scour the clearance sections. Why do I always use the hard to find parts? ARGH! Where the heck am I going to find 2 8971's? ::headdesk::

@Capt. 100: I am definitely in. So excited to show off my final build, but there's one more chapter to go before it! I hope I can get it all photoed before the 12th! ::crunch time:: Your tomb is JAW DROPPING. Anxiously awaiting your official posting of it! @Derfel: I was already planning on adding links to the previous chapters of my story to my final entry thread. Is that okay, or should I just re-post them all in the same thread? If it comes to it, I'd settle on just the final chapter being considered my entry into the challenge.

Oooh, get some for me too, wouldja? ;) This is a flashback, or Zakkie's been bathing in virginal blood again, hasn't he? hehe To everyone who responded to my "Council of Leaders" call, thanks for your interest in participating! You will all be as faithfully rendered as possible, and where my artistic interpretation had to make up for lack of parts, I think you'll all be pleased. @MikeyB: I too, hit on a similar idea for my guardian. I won't go into detail, but what I will say is that the two ideas are definitely distinctive from each other. Just didn't want you to think I was copy-catting. :) You'll probably still kick my butt, though. hehehe For those interested in reading my story from the beginning, I'll post links to all the chapters in my final challenge entry.

Z: Stop. Just stop. You're killin' me here! If we have any sort of collaborative challenge soon, I'll trip/kick anyone out of the way to partner with you! I kinda agree with BB and the rest, just a bit more decay would cinch the look of this ruined temple. Also, very clever and original Guardian idea. ...Mine's better, though. ;) The Guild: Now that there's been the extension, I'm going to do a chapter or two more in my Quest story. Does anyone want to visit Darwynia for a meeting with Lord Kelperth? He's hosting a round table of Province leaders to discuss the various places being searched for the Crystal. Four spots are open, just PM me if interested.

Thanks for all the kind words, guys! Just wait 'til you see what I have planned for the final chapter!