Jason Cicchini

Great, concise entry, deGothia! Very original, and the story is fantastic!

Well played, Meph! Thoroughly cool. You deserve the title for this unique build!

Phew! Busy week, but Chapters 3 and 4 of my 3rd Challenge entry can be found here! As always, C&C welcome, and I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 3: Busted! Sharra and Dornir waited soundlessly for Hinckley to leave. As he tried to slip through the kitchen back door, they ambushed him. But, as is his reputation, the halfling proved to be slippery indeed. He made a break for the back road; the same, by a stroke of luck, Kollin Shyre's battalion was using to head back to town. Lady was the first to intercept Hinckley, making him drop the map. "Ah, Hinckley! To what do we owe this odious honor?" "Choke on dragon dung-" "Take him, boys." Hinckley is quickly chained, and Kollin hails the familiar looking pursuers. "You're Sharra Foxpaw, and her elven partner, correct?" "Yes, we are, soldier of Darwynia." "Please, I am Kollin Shyre, friend to Lord Kelperth and Captain of the Guard. Why were you pursuing this thief?" "We observed his meeting with a very unsettling looking creature. This map he dropped seemed of the utmost importance, and leads to some artifact we're unclear on, yet gravely important." "Hm. It could be coincidence, but the High King of Cedrica has just put out a call to all nations. We're on our way back to the Keep to relay it to Kelperth himself...Despite it's sensitive nature, I'd wager to say we're on the same quest here." "As much as I respect the nation of Darwynia," Dornir spoke, as usual, with careful consideration of his words, "I cannot allow us to surrender this map to you...If that was what you were about to suggest." "Dornir-" "I understand your compulsion. After all, you both are legendary hunters. I'd only trust one other person to assist you- "Boys! Take this slimy thing back to the keep. Relay the message to Kelperth with one other addition: That I regret my absence, but shall be accompanying legendary heroes to find the Crystal of Earth." ...Hinckley escaped custody of the Darwynian Royal Guard three minutes later, of course. Chapter 4: The Mage Talonmere Upon further discussion, it was decided amongst the three traveling companions that the Crystal of Earth was indeed the prize they both desired. The forces that kept it hidden had attempted to use an agent to secure it further, only he had been apprehended. Surely, if such forces were able to keep it hidden so long, Hinckley would not be the only agent moving to keep it safe. Next, where indeed does the map lead to, and how trustworthy would it be? It could be enchanted to show the wrong location to prying eyes, or it could be an invaluable tool that dropped into their laps. Dornir's suggestion of seeking the Mage Talonmere's advice seemed the most sound, and so the trio set out to the borderlands between Darwynia and Benoic, where the Mage's lair lay. After a warm greeting and surprisingly bitter Hallow's Bane tea, they adjourned to Talonmere's study and discussed the map. "Well, it is definitely enchanted. There's a thumbprint charm, and some sort. Of. Vocal...There!" A flash of light, first purple, then a sickly yellow, swept over the room. The map rose, then fell dead to the tabletop, rolling out perfectly flat. "Seems whoever gave him this map was being the utmost secretive...AHA!" All three heroes, despite their collective legendary fortitudes, jumped in surprise. "See? At first this map clearly showed a path to the Mystic Isles! I daresay, I'd actually believe such a thing would be found there myself...But what if it wasn't?" "Is not the Mystic Isles the home of the magic of Avalonia?" "Calm, friend Dornir. Surely, your people keep the most sacred resting place of the Druids well and wisely. But there are Dark forces at work here. Somehow, sadly, there are those that are actively seeking to keep the Crystal from being found. Look at the map now-" He slid it over to the trio, who perused it closely. A red line cut a path South, through Benoic and into Antyria, high up into the highest mountain. At the very peak, a large red dot pulsated. The Crystal of Earth lay there, and who knew what else to guard it. "Isn't that on Anytrian soil?" Kollin asked. "Hm, we just ran into Anytrian soldiers not several hours before we met you." "There must be a connection. Do you think they know?" said Sharra. "Surely not. They were at the convention in Cedrica too, heard the news at the same time. Unless there's been a conspiracy-" "There's no time for conspiracy theories," Dornir cut in, his voice firm. "We must set out at once. We know there will be others looking too, but we must find it first." "Well said, my Elven friend. Surely suffering an old man such as me won't be too much of an inconvenience? I feel I may have a few talents that would prove useful on your quest." "We would be honored to have you travel with us, esteemed Mage." Sharra, Dornir, and Kollin all bowed. "Oh, get up, you endearing yet insane children. We have a Crystal to find!" To be continued!

Wow. Simply amazing. Not only did you accomplish a dynamite start to your story, your individual builds for each scene are well thought out, detailed to the "t," and really fun to look at. Great job!

Thanks to all for the kind words and compliments! @Jareth: The Prologue and Chapter 1

Chapter 2 of my third challenge entry is up! Much more to come!

The Blind Monk, Darwynia's notoriously seedy pub, is often the site of shady dealings and hushed conversations. Hinckley, renowned thief and spy extraordinaire, meets with a shadowy figure in a dark corner. However, he has unknowingly been followed. "Ahh, Hinckley. There you are. I was beginning to think I'd be stuck in this den of stinking drunks all night..." "My apologies, sire. I was delayed on the road from Albion. There were soldiers, and-" "No matter. Here is the map you were told of." "Heed my words carefully, thief: you are to follow this and my written instructions to 't', otherwise your life will be forfeit. Either by myself, or the guardian who keeps safe the prize I seek." "Yes, milord." "Now, I trust your compensation has been adequate?" "Indeed it has, milord." "You have one fortnight to accomplish the task, or else. Do. Not. Disappoint me." Just outside, Sharra Foxpaw and Dornir Threeleaves listen to the crytpic conversation. "Interesting. What do you think the halfling thief is after, Sharra?" "I have no idea, Dornir. However, I have a hunch that we must get to this 'prize' before he does at all costs. The fate of all Historica may well hang in the balance..." Stay tuned for Chapter 3! C&C welcome, as always.

Really digging those trees in a cluster. The house facade looks great, too!

I'm planning on entering too, but this one is going to be a HUGE leap from my usual pastoral scenes and round towers. IT'S EATING MY BRAIN!

Bad joke, playing on how "precious" this scene is. :) It would be hilarious if there was a ring of zombies bordering this cute little town.

Argh, it burnses usss! So precioussss....

Like I said in our Guild forum, great vig! I suspect BeerBeard will be recruiting you to our ranks soon! XD

Truly stunning. But at this point, who would expect less from you, Z? It's reassuring to know you're a pillar of our guild. There is seriously no reason why we can't come out on top with builds like this!

First, thanks to everyone for looking, the supportive comments, and the constructive crits! It is a little small, but I did want to portray a small/poor house that still had some pride: a few pieces of woodwork here and there, a unique design, a little character. etc. The roof was infuriating! It was perfect until I added the bay window, and that threw off the whole formula. These free builds are a perfect excuse to experiment, and this one was not 100% successful, but I think charming enough to win you over. Darwynia is close to the borders of both Benoic and Anytria, and about a day's travel from Albion, so even the poorest merchant would still have a fairly affluent hovel. lol And BB: You know I got your back, yo. XD

@Avalonia: Sorry to saturate, but you'll see a LOT more free builds (from I'm sure not just me, but everyone) from now on, so just be ready to take the top! Congrats to everyone! @Derfel: I'll PM you. There's a few things I think we need to discuss surrounding the fallout of the latest challenge. @Mephistopheles: A welcomed addition to the ranks! Talk to me about your province and where it lies. @Beerbeard: Avalonian Thugs Fo' Life, yo! lol @deGothia, MikeyB, ZCerberus, rogueang: Antyria has something we all need. Interested in sharing information?

Nice vig, BB! Good to see you're getting use out of those Friends sets. Also loving the little touch of stone wall. Definitely gives it the feel of "border patrol." I love how pastoral your scenes can be, with an undercurrent of sinister-ness. I'm sure you'd be hard pressed to find a citizen in Antyria who wouldn't be valuable for the watch!

Adding to the Avalonian Free Build Bombardment, I've just posted my Merchant's House. C&C's welcome!

A typical, modest merchant's dwelling in the province of Darwynia. C&C's welcome!

Thanks a lot! This series of story builds will lead up to my third challenge entry, so stay tuned! Hinckley's pretty slippery, you'll see more of him. Who would ever want to cross the Wicked Witch of the West?!?! Seriously, though, thanks for the comment. I think you have a good idea by now what's coming, and if the Hunger Games have taught me anything, it's that good allies are invaluable. Our provinces shall be the first line of defense against the Drow! ::ducks from Angeli:: Sorry I didn't ask permission! I ran across one of your posts and thought the name was perfect for him, and a good nod to an awesome builder. He's also a cool (and important) character in the story!

Wow. Just..wow! The idea of placing those cheese slopes makes me dizzy! I love the unconventional shaping, and the charming details.

Kollin Shyre, Lord Kelperth Darwyn's trusted friend and Captain of the Guard, has been in Albion. He was sent after a summons from the Lord High King of Cedrica, and is returning home to pass it on to Kelperth. Along the King's road, he and his guards encounter soldiers from Antyria, a wealthy neighboring province with strong connections to Darwynia. Kollin recognizes Santiss Kylor, a respected 'Mancer, and greets him. His hound, Lady, is stalwartly by his side, as usual. Hinckley, notorious halfling spy, watches the meeting from the forest. Folder when modded.

Dead brill, gabe! Avalonia obviously supports you! The details on the horse got me: the trans. green fire on the mane and tail are genius! Can't wait to see more!

Thanks, DC! I know I've done a good job if I get a comment from you. hehe I have plenty up my sleeve, so stay tuned!