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Horns sounded across the swamp- strange, wet, muddy sounds, more gurgling than a clear ring. The Moruth Rangers had tracked the party, noting the sizeable number of Schkyklyk Raiders attempting to pass in secret. The zombies and their palanquin, seemingly bearing a zombie king, were less discreet, marching straight to the Eastern gates of Shadowmere. Vladivus, Angfauglir, Lord Mortis and several warriors met the creatures beneath the black outer walls. The stench of the swamp followed them, not that the Nocturnians cared. The zombie king ordered his party to stop before the Lord of Shadowmere and the other Resistance leaders. "Salutations Vladivus!" called the King, his voice unnatural, "I speak as the King of the Moruth Swamps, and mouthpiece of Ravaage, the true Lord of Nocturnus." His eyes cast their gaze over the other Lords. "My esteemed Angfauglir, long has it been." Lord Mortis spoke from the gateway, "Name your reason for being here. If all you wish to do is bandy titles and small talk, then you are truly a King." "Ah, the vampire has a voice," sniggered the KIng, "very well, I wish to discuss terms of surrender." At this, Vladivus who had been quiet until now, spoke up "As an emissary, you shall be accorded due respect, and I guarantee your safety, providing you behave yourself. These are not the halls of Ravaage, we will have decorum. Turning to the Knights of the Inner Keep, he said "See the emissary to my throne room. I will receive him there." To be continued... So, the next part in the LV/ME/Jorrith collab. Hail Nocturnus! C+C welcome.
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The Shadowmere throneroom was lavish, with a red carpet rolled out from the foot of the obsidian steps leading to Vladivus' golden throne. Banners hung from the walls, indicating fealty sworn to Shadowmere, and defeated enemies. The honour of guarding the throneroom went to the Kazzar Blackcloaks, who owed the Lord of Shadowmere a life's debt. Fearsome warriors all, they cut an intimidating silhouette with their lances, and none moreso than Vorek Steeljaw, his long golden lance setting him apart as a Captain in the Kazzar Blackcloaks. Without so much as a glance at this, the Black Spire emissary strode purposefully up the centre, towards Vladivus, flanked by two of his zombie guards, his crown glinting in the orange torchlight. He bowed exaggeratedly. "Hail once again Vladivus", he said mockingly. "Would ye hear my terms?" "Aye", came the measured reply, "let us hear them." The King's words came swiftly, as though practised. "Ravaage would have you bend your knee to him and yield the Resistance leaders," he said gesturing at the balcony, where Angfauglir and Lord Mortis watched. "In return for undying fealty and the dissolution of the Shadowmere Guard, you shall be granted your mothers former lands in Avalonia, where you shall live your life in exile. Your generals must either bend to Ravaage, or be executed." As the last word left the emissary's lips, the doors to the throne room crashed open, and a shout echoed through. "Stop this madness!" At this, the King drew his dirk, and charged at Vladivus, the sceptre in his hand glowing green, seemingly granting him warding against the Kazzar, who moved to intercept him. As fast as the Kazzar were, and as quick as the King moved, the Falcons were faster. Lead by Sir Eothain the Insane, they charged from the doorway, covering the ground swifter than any would have expected, followed by Lady Sithanna, her lips curled in a snarl, and her Manbat Warriors. Eothain's sword clove the sceptre in twain, and the head of the emissary bounced from his shoulders, as his guards fell to the floor. The bodies were swiftly cleared away, and a hurried council of sorts commenced. "What is this? You would kill an emissary?" Vladivus anger was palpable. "Hear us out my Lord" soothed Sithanna. "Your pup damn near killed my men", spat Eothain "He turned on us on the road to Abyssian. Ravaage's troops ambushed us, nothing we couldn't handle. Then the wolves came. Clawbreakers, and others. Fenrir didn't hesitate. He called for us to follow him against the wolves. Who were we to argue? The wolves came again, from behind, and as we turned to take them, Fenrir turned on us. If it weren't for Sithanna's timely arrival, on account of her taking a roundabout route from Kaliphlin we'd have been dog toys. Your guard you sent with us are all dead I'm afraid m'lord." "This King was with Fenrir- baying for blood. He's no emissary, he is, well, he was, an assassin," said Sithanna. "Amset-ra sent one of his men with us as a sign of the new alliance, and he knew the emissary of old." "This is troubling news". Vladivus mused. "Eothain, I'm offering you the position of Shadowmere General- it seems deeds must speak louder than words." At this, he cast his gaze at Angfauglir, who still leant upon the balcony. He turned, "Vorek!" "Yes my Lord?" said the Kazzar. "Call the Captains. Sir Eothain, ready for war." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- And the next installment! C+C welcome!
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My second Freebuild! ---------------------- Wulf and I had just returned from our trip, and were on our way to visit the Jarl, to report. Wulf had said something about a possible mission for us, as Jarl Arian always had things he wanted Wulf to do. Simply put, Wulf was Jarl Arian's ace. Also, this meant I got all the exciting jobs. Dangerous, but exciting. I waved at my cousin as I walked by. He was a farmer here in Mitgardia, and a wealthy one. He worked hard, but he was good at it. I just couldn't imagine doing such menial work. It made me all the more grateful to Wulf. “I have something special for you, Wulf.” Jarl Arian DID have a mission for us. And by the sound of it, a good one. “Due to a Blue Wolf mercenary we recently captured, I have found the origin of the raid on our town by the Black Spire. The raid that killed your father,” Jarl Arian, said, looking at me. “I want you to get revenge. It is time for the Black Spire to learn they shouldn't mess with the Nordic of Mitgardia. Rex Thorhammer, Jarl of our kin, has asked that a force from here be sent to aid his force coming from the north, and I think you are the best choice. The chance to avenge my father! This was a day I hoped would come. Alone, Jarl Arian would never move against the Black Spire.......but with our kin to the north, he would jump at the opportunity. Wulf, too, hated the Black Spire and all it stood for. Wulf and I answered in unison. “We'll do it.” Author's Notes: the Viking Clan, or the Vikings are referred to as Nordic people. Also, a Jarl is the leader of a town or city. Builder's Notes: I had a lot of fun building this. I hope you enjoy it!
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As we sailed to pick up our kin from the north, I pondered my position. I was on the eve of my first real battle. Sure, I had fought, but I had never fought to the death. But this would be my revenge, I told myself. Revenge for my father. There was our northern kin. In the battle party was Rex Thorhammer, two raiders I didn't know, and an archer. Looking closer, I realized the archer was a girl. And the girl was quite pretty. Then Brandr Eraksson broke through my thoughts. “If you don't mind the shoreline, Logan, we're going to run aground.” After we loaded the war party on, Wulf and Rex went to the cabin to discuss the raid, leaving me in charge of the tiller. As I held it firmly, surveying the sea, the girl came up to the deck. “So you're Wulf's first mate,” she said. “Yes,” I replied. I felt the need to say something, but I felt an even greater need to not look like an idiot. She sensed my inner struggle, and answered the question on the tip of my tongue. “I'm Lydia, by the way.” “Good to meet you, Lydia.” Well, at least I could string a few words together. I didn't exactly have much experience talking to girls. “My name is Logan Fleetfoot.” “Why fleetfoot?” Here, at least, was a question that I could answer. “Well, back in Skaljarik, when we go bear hunting, I was named fleetfoot for my ability to move around the wood without making noise. It's a skill that has helped a lot.” “I'll bet.” We went on talking, right up until we reached the Nocturnian coast. I was shocked. It was at least a 8 hour voyage, even with a triangular sail. I was just as surprised to learn that I enjoyed talking to Lydia. I wondered idly how many such raids she had been on. I eventually asked her. “This is my first time,” she told me. “You?” “This is my first as well. It's not the same, is it?” “No, I should think not.” We had landed on the beach without much trouble. Having followed the river, we came upon the forces of the Black Spire. One was a dark knight, and all the rest were goblins and orcs. It was time for battle. As we began the fight, I quickly noted that I could defeat the goblins fairly easily. I wrote it down to that the goblins were poor fighters. But the truth was it was my own skill. I was a competent ax man, but where I came from, competent was the equivalent of “Skilled and highly dangerous”. We had gone through the goblin ranks like a knife through hot butter, and I had come upon a farmer. Well, if he fought, thus be it. He would die. But he didn't fight. He begged me, “Northerner, I have a family. A wife, children. Have mercy.” Now I had started a quest for revenge upon those responsible for my father's death. In the background, Wulf ordered, “Kill him.” I started, but then stopped. My anger was because raiders had taken my father from me. I would not visit the same punishment on some poor farmer's family. I murmered under my breath to the farmer, “run”. Then I turned to Wulf. “No. I will not kill him.” Wulf glared at me. “He's the enemy,” he almost shouted at me. “My father was taken from me,” I started. “And there is a hole in my heart for him that will never be replaced. I will not visit that punishment on some poor Nocturnian farmer's family.” Wulf, with an enormous effort, mastered his anger. Together, we tuned back to the Black Knight. Wulf let out an enormous roar, and swung his ax in a murderous side-stroke. My ax kept the sword at bay. Wulf's ax hit the bewitched horse head on, and it fell. The Black Knight rose, and shouted, while running in the opposite direction, “You'll pay for this, Wulf Stormbreaker.” As we walked back to the ship, Wulf pulled me aside. “Why the devil did you defy me?” I wanted to say nerves, but I decided avoiding the truth was a bad idea. “Because it would have been wrong.” “Wrong? His people killed your father!” “But not him. Every day, I feel the loss of my father,” I continued, gathering resolve. “I will not visit that pain upon someone else. Otherwise, I'm no better then they are. I watched Wulf's anger slowly fade. I hoped I hadn't pushed him too far. Author's notes: So the story was a bit shorter then I wanted, but oh well. Builder's notes: The builds aren't as large as I would like, but school has been brutal. In any case, I hope you guys like it,
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At Senurhem's stronghold of Lagash Ur, Raavage stares at the angry faces that surround him. He ponders how everything could have gone so wrong. And yet, perhaps in this moment there is still an opportunity to unite these fractured alliances against his enemy. Raavage’s corrupt agents had reported Burress' betrayal and also that the Zugal had received both messages he had sent. Raavage has also sensed that the Drow and Varlyrians were not aware that he knows of their plan to recruit the Dragon Masters. The Dragons’ presence here has unnerved them. This is it, a chance to seal the fracture and bring the Zugal into the assault on Abyssian. Raavage could have picked no better place in all of Nocturnus to host this meeting. With the alliances of the Black Spire on the verge of complete dissolution, Senurhem's stronghold is the last bit of neutral ground in all the Darklands. Senurhem and his Covenant - Senurhem's name for the motley collection of Nocturian races he has pressed into his command - allied with Raavage late during the Civil War but proved an effective fighting force. The Zugal have also enjoyed a beneficial relationship with the Covenant, often combining forces for small operations against pockets of Nocturnian resistance. By agreeing to meet at Lagash Ur, the factions at least knew it wasn't one of Raavage's traps. Despite the neutral setting, Raavage knows today's meeting will be bitterly resisted. This will be a delicate dance. First he must reassure the ravens before consoling the Dragons; and finally unite them all against the snake! Raavage looks to the Zugal contingent and speaks. Raavage: My friends, you have been the victims of a Nocturnus plot to fracture our unity. The Nocturnians at Abyssian have tried to turn you against us. Raavage locks eyes with Korrak. He can tell the Zugal are not going to be easy to convince. Raavage shifts his focus to the others in the meeting room. Count Basil the Valyrian and General Zurnof the Drow avoid Raavage’s gaze. Both wonder what happened at the Eyrie. They sent no message to the Zugal but they fear what the Dragon Master delegation will tell Raavage. Both wonder what the Lord of the Hand knows. Korrak lets out a small click and hiss, his eyes darting over the faces of the gathered brood. Korrak: So you would have us believe that you did not intend to ally with our enemy? Korrak glares in the direction of Anzar Strongfist. Anzar doesn’t respond, he too would like to hear the explanation from Raavage. The altercation at Dragon Keep had cost the Dragon Masters much.Their dragon Handrid had fled into the mountains, the Dragon Keep was lost, and his father, Zar Strongfist, was slain at the hand of Raavage’s agent, the black knight Sir Burress. Raavage: I am most loyal to my friends, Korrak, and the Zugal are our most honored allies. As I said, you are the victim of an intricate plot perpetrated by the snake and his minions. Anzar could see the benefit the Nocturnian rebels may have gained by sparking this conflict, but if Raavage’s hands were truly clean then why were the Dragon Masters invited to this meeting? He wonders if Raavage intends to offer him up as sacrifice to the Zugal. His mind races as he considers the other possibilities. If the Nocturnian rebels were behind this plot, why did a Drow agent send a message to his father before Burress arrived at the Dragon Keep? Were the Drow behind the assassination? Burress, after all, is allied with Malicia Darkheart, a Drow sorceress. Anzar weighs his options carefully, then speaks. Anzar: If you truly have no affinity for the Dragon Masters, then why have you called here? Your honored allies decimated our Keep and killed many of my men. If you have brought us here to seek peace, we demand reparations for these actions. We would have the raven’s head on a pike! Korrak humms softly as he lets out a wry smile. Korrak: And where would you put that pike, Dragon? Surely not outside your Keep! The Zugal contingent lets out an audible groan, then a low clicking begins to fill the room. Anzar grips the hilt of his sword and his guards set their feet for battle. Raavage knows he must take control. If his plan to take Abyssian has any chance of surviving, he must take his chance now. Raavage slams his fist on the table and releases a commanding growl. Raavage: Enough! Can you not see? This is what the snake wants! He has used your vendetta to divide the Spire! It is the snake whose head you desire. The Zugal clicking fades as Korrak lifts his arm for silence. Korrak: Even if all you say is true, the Zugal will not cede our gains to the Dragons. Anzar stares furiously at Korrak. He was never the warrior of the family, but the Zugal’s cockiness enrages him. No matter what the Lord of the Hand says the Zugal will never be his ally! Raavage: Anzar, your losses were unfortunate, but perhaps this misunderstanding can improve your situation. The Dragon Keep has always resided in the long shadow of the Eyrie, and peace was hard to find. What if I allow you to keep Abyssian once we have slaughtered the snake? Anzar has no desire to possess Abyssian. It is not a suitable home for training dragons... Dragons! They must be what Raavage needs to take Abyssian, otherwise he would not have been summoned to this meeting. Anzar then wonder why it was he that was called and not his brother, Tanzar. Tanzar has the army, two dragons and is the Dragon Master's fiercest warrior. Did Raavage need Handrid for this assault? Why would he favor Handrid over Dravin and Dronis, his brother’s prized twin dragons? Perhaps Raavage thought he would be easier to manipulate than Tanzar. Was Raavage even aware that Handrid had fled into the mountains after the Dragon Keep fell? It must be something else. Anzar is only certain of two things. First, that Raavage is using him and second, that the Zugal are his enemy. If he does not ally with Raavage, he would ensure the fracture became a rift. Anzar surveys the audience and senses disquiet from the Drow and Varlyrians. He thinks carefully about his next move and then speaks. Anzar: We don’t want Abyssian. We want Malicia Darkheart! Raavage is surprised by the request. Where is the dragon pup going with this? He only brought Anzar to this meeting because he was inexperienced, easier to manipulate and intimidate. Why would he ask for Malicia, his most trusted advisor? Raavage: Out of the question, Dragon Master. Anzar: You say that it is the Nocturnian rebels who plotted to kill my father and spark this altercation, and yet Burress is under the command of Darkheart. The black knight came baring a shield given to Darkheart by my father. How are we to know it is not the Drow who conspire against us? I demand you turn over Darkheart for interrogation and possible execution! Raavage: Burress was allied with the Nocturnian rebels before his capture. It is clear they placed an enchantment on him long before he began to serve Malicia. The snake wanted to place Burress in a place of trust within my ranks to exact this plot! It is Burress you should question! The pace of the argument quickens. Anzar: Are you sure that Malicia is trustworthy? Are you sure that the Drow are your allies? Raavage: Malicia is trustworthy. Anzar: And the Drow- are they your allies? Raavage: They are loyal to me! Anzar shoots a glance towards General Zurn and flips a scroll onto the floor bearing Zurn’s seal. Anzar: If they are loyal to you, then why did they send my father a secret message promising the return of our lands in Avalonia if we would join them in an assault on the West? Are you sure the Drow work in your interests and not against them? Korrak smiles to himself, pleased to be witness to this altercation. Finally Raavage is being exposed! Raavage, however, is stunned. If he claims he ordered the Avalonian assault proposed by the Drow, the Drow will know that he is lying and that he is aware of their betrayal. Raavage: All part of the Rebel's plot! The answer comes too quickly and easily. This meant one thing - Raavage knew of their plan to recruit the Dragon Masters to assault Avalonia. General Zurn begins to question everything. Did Raavage send Burress to kill Zar to sabotage the Drow’s alliance with the Dragon Masters? How did Raavage know? Is the Varlyrian, Count Basil, a Hand spy? The only thing he knows for sure is Raavage cannot be trusted. Korrak: Unlikely, even I have a hard time believing the Rebel's could know enough about our fracture to exploit it. Raavage ignores Korrak's comment. Shifting his eyes to Zurn, Raavage sees the realization that his betrayal has been discovered wash over the General . The Lord of the Hand knows he must separate the sides now before all is lost. Raavage: This IS a Nocturnian plot. Let us cease these accusations now to gather our composure. The Covenant has prepared a unity feast. Let us allow our tempers to calm while we enjoy our host’s bounty. Senurhem walks forward to address the angry, but hungry mob assembled in his council chambers. Senurhem: Yes, I have ordered my finest chefs to prepare some traditional Nocturnian cuisine for your enjoyment this evening. The menu includes roasted crocodile, pan-fried Moruth trout, a light swamp salad and, for our Zugal friends, giant Nocturnian earthworms. Senurhem waves to a dark figure leaning against the wall. The man, obviously Senurhem's second-in-command, has said nothing the entire meeting. Senurhem: Anfauglir, order the waiters to begin serving. Anfauglir: Yes m'lord. Anfauglir exits through a side door and waiters soon pour out, their arms full of trays holding food and drink for Senurhem's guests. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Here's a few shots of the rest of the MOC without figs: ------------------------------------------------------------------ About this MOC: Torgar and Z were awesome enough to let me get in on some Collab action for Nocturnus, and this is my first entry so far. While I handled the MOC on this one T and Z worked up this part of the story, which I assure you has some twists in store. This of course takes place soon after the epic collab story T and Z put together and shared earlier this month. Definitely stay tuned to the forums over the next week to see the rest of this chapter! Thanks for checking it out!
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Prilo, A Hand of Corruption agent, enters the throne room before Rokkar just as General Grimm reported he would. Prilo: Lord Raavage sends tidings to his great allies, the Zugal, in this important hour. Rokkar’s fingers glide gently over the scroll Grimm claimed he recovered from an agent of The Hand sent to Zar Strongfist and the Zugal's greatest enemies, the Dragon Masters. Rokkar moves his right index finger and thumb against his face as he leans hard on his elbow. Rokkar: Important hour? What news does Raavage send his great allies? What service can the Zugal be to their great master? Prilo senses the sarcasm in Rokkar’s voice. He looks nervously around the room and hears the soft clicking of the whispers of the Zugal host surrounding him. He had heard about Rokkar and Korrak, the wingless raven brothers with faces of birds and bodies of men; the brutal and fantastic duo that had trained and bred a whole host of raven warriors to capture this small piece of land from the Dragon Masters. To Prilo, the Eyrie was just another rock in the swamp, just like Abyssian, but to the Zugal this was the only place that had ever been home. Unease washes over Prilo, but he has no reason to know Rokkar’s temperament. He was sent to deliver a scroll, and so he would deliver it. Prilo: A message from your master and mine. Sealed and carried by me alone to your great fortress. It is sent directly from Raavage for your eyes only. A Zugal warrior flaps its wings, springing from the shadows to snatch the scroll from Prilo’s grip. The warrior flips the scroll to Rokkar as Prilo recoils in shock . Rokkar opens the scroll, reads it quickly and tosses it casually to his brother, Korrak. Rokkar: It appears authentic, does it not, Korrak? Korrak: Yes brother, just like the other. Prilo’s hair begins to raise on the back of his neck as the clicking from the Zugal becomes louder. Prilo: The other? Korrak and Rokkar grin, or whatever the equivalent of a grin is to the Zugal. Korrak: Yes Prilo, this is not the first message we have received from Raavage today. Rokkar quickly stops his brother from saying more. He would not have him reveal who delivered the scroll. He would seek to shelter Grimm for the great service he had performed, should it be true. Rokkar: Allow me to read a passage from another scroll sent to our enemy, Zar Strongfist, intercepted by my men today. “Zar Strongfist, I send you tidings in this, our most important hour.” Korrak glanced angrily over at Prilo. Rokkar: “I send this message with the hope that a new alliance between our two great nations will benefit our mutual interests. In exchange for your vow to help my army take the fortress of Abyssian, I, Raavage, Lord of the Darklands, promise a restoration of your lands in Avalonia…” Rokkar pauses briefly but there is no reaction from Prilo. Either he did not know of this second message or Grimm is a liar. The raven does not need to refocus his eyes on the scroll as he has already memorized the final passages of the scroll. Rokkar: “… and to cede the Zugal’s Eyrie to you, our new friends. I send this message in great confidence by my most trusted agent for your eyes only.” Prilo is not surprised by the words in the scroll. He considers questioning the authenticity of the scroll, but he can tell his voice and eyes will betray him. The outcome of this exchange seemingly inevitable, the only control he now has is over how quickly he dies. Prilo pulls a knife from a sheath inside his left sleeve and plunges it into his heart. A high pitched screech bellows out from the Zugal host. Korrak: Then Grimm has told the truth. The Spire seeks to betray us. Rokkar: Yes, it is true. When word of the agent’s death reaches the Spire, an attack will come. We must strike at our enemies now while we have the advantage. Release the ravens and ready my mount. We go to war! ********** About this MOC ********** A few months ago ZCerberus contacted me about doing a Nocturnus collaboration. We decided to pit his Dragon Masters against my Ravens (Zugal), and this is my contribution. The overall MOC was initially inspired by the Eyrie in the Game of Thrones universe, and the architecture was inspired by Noddy's Brother's Tower. ********** Other Parts of the Story ********** Throne Room at Farnhorn Collab Prelude Part I The Spider's Chambers Collab Predlude Part II The Ruins Collab Display Part I Dragon Keep Collab Display Part II Zugal's Eyrie Collab Display Part III Fracture Collab Display
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Hello All, Here is my entry into the GoH Book II Challenge I B. Built in a couple hours, this was definitely a challenge to get finished in time. I am not completely satisfied with this build, as it was rushed, but I am glad that I still got an entry into my first GoH Challenge! Thank you ZCerberus for extending the deadline one more day, I appreciate it! Enjoy! GoH: Armathian Stronghold by mpoh98, on Flickr In order to establish dominion over the mountainous regions, the Black Spire has set up countless strongholds to defend key positions. The Armathian Stronghold is built for strength and power, and has known no defeat. Now occupied and enhanced by the Black Spire, this stronghold defends one of the only passes through the mountains. GoH: Armathian Stronghold by mpoh98, on Flickr GoH: Armathian Stronghold by mpoh98, on Flickr For the Black Spire! Soli Deo Gloria, ~Matthew~
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With all of the turmoil in Noctunus, the members of the other guilds have all been uneasy with what the fallout may be in their own homes. Hearing of massive troop movements throughout Nocturnus, Kha gathered forces of Moonshadows, his elite elven forces and headed to the Rakath mountains near the border with Nocturnus. The thoughts were to ensure the safety of Kaliphlin's citizens. The most likely place that rogue soldiers of The Black Spire or leftovers of The Hand of Corruption would be the Rakath Gap. So, I have literally built nothing since the Challenge 2 build back in June. I started a couple of projects and just gave up each time. Finally decided today that I needed to build something to get out of my funk, so here is what we get today. Hopefully this will get me back on track with some builds! I am currently reading A Memory of Light from the Wheel of Time series for the first time and was inspired while reading about Tarwin's Gap. So, if any of you have read that, you may recognize what looks like a Myrdraal or Fade leading the "Trollocs" here. Also, I would like to claim University of Petraea credits for: Military Science-battle scene, Minifig Posing and Geography Mountains Thanks for looking! P.S. I tried to make a 100% purist build and as I was editing photos noticed that my son had stuck one light tan AltBricks weed on the left cliffs. So, just ignore it and pretend this is all purist parts!
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Back at Lagash Ur, a great change was now taking place. The old fortress' barracks and watch towers were filling with elite Hand troops, who interrogated Covenant army units for any signs of further betrayal. Several companies had vanished during the previous night's events, undoubtedly to join Anfauglir in the mountains. The Black Spire enforcers would ensure no one else dared to do the same. In the great halls of Lagash Ur, the few remaining red and gold Nocturnian banners - which proudly symbolized the strength and determination of Nocturnus' people - were being torn down and replaced with the black and white standard of the Spire. Throughout the fortress the recital of oaths could be heard, an allegiance not just to Senurhem but to a new name as well: Raavage. Try as he may, Raavage could not corrupt Senurhem, but he had broken the old necromancer's will. Senurhem had long ago turned his back on leading the Covenant, instead preferring to spend his days and nights locked deep inside Lagash Ur's catacombs. Here, it is rumored, he practiced his foul and twisted necromancy while governance of the fortress had been left to a group of Senurhem's inner circle - Anfauglir, who had perhaps served his lord longer than any other, had not been included. Long had the Covenant's commanders hungered for conquest, but they found Senurhem too preoccupied with his experiments. Some suggested Senurhem was losing his mind in Lagash Ur's secretive depths. But Raavage - deceitful and ruthless as ever - had promised to quench their bloodthirst and carry them to power as he said they deserved. In this way, Raavage was able to quietly wrest control of the Covenant army. Senurhem, himself blinded by the power Raavage had promised, especially in regards to his research, did not see these events overtake him. Though his presence would still invoke fear in those below him, all knew where the Covenant's allegiance now lay. And later, when Senurhem was to find out how irrelevant he had become among his own army, it would be far too late. For now, however, Raavage needed Senurhem. Raavage's allies had grown thin in recent days, though this concern he shared with no one, save Malicia. Count Basil had only been informed several nights before that he would be recalled to Varlyrio, undoubtedly to deal with the unrest plaguing its population. General Zurn, who knew Raavage had guessed his own deception, had fled during the battle in Lagash Ur's dining hall. In any case, the Drow could hardly be counted on because, as Raavage had recently learned, the bulk of the Drow army had secretly committed itself to conquering Avalonia. The Black Spire was weaker than it had ever been, and Raavage knew it. Senurhem, if anything, would help fill the resulting vacuum. Besides, it would do Raavage no good to get rid of the necromancer just yet. Only he knew how to unlock the evil power kept hidden in the bowels of Lagash Ur. Senurhem had shown Raavage ancient tomes which spoke of this power, a dark magic able to raise the dead. These books rumored of a device which could magnify this necromancy a hundredfold. Nothing within the books detailed what this catalyst would be, but, unlike Anfauglir and the other Nocturnians, Raavage knew where to look for it. Covenant and Hand scouts had already left the fortress in search of the fabled artifact. Raavage and Senurhem had stayed behind to discuss their next move after the previous night's escape. In Senurhem's private chambers, the two meet to finalize their plans before Raavage departs Lagash Ur and returns to his redoubt, the Obsidian Spike. Senurhem: The Zugal Brothers and the Dragon Master fought side-by-side to slip from our noose. Do you not think they will combine their forces against us? The question infuriates Raavage. Though he did not show it, Raavage had been forced to play his hand when he ambushed the delegation during the dinner. Instead of uniting the Zugal and Dragon Masters against Abyssian, his forces were now hunting their leaders throughout the surrounding mountains. Raavage: They will never unite! The Dragon Master is lost without his father's keep, and the Zugal are too proud to ever return it. Their war has only just begun, the Hand will make sure of that. What is left when the dust settles will hardly be a pebble in our way. Raavage would have liked to watch as the Zugal and Dragon Masters hurled themselves against Abyssian's defenses, but now he would see them destroy each other. Their escape the night before, though dramatic, would be inconsequential, thought Raavage. Senurhem: We must not forget that scum, Anfauglir. He has holed up in the mountains like a rat, but he will be a thorn in our side unless crushed. Anfauglir has already convinced several of my finest companies to join him in his treachery. Raavage studies the old necromancer's grimaced face; Senurhem is obviously worried about his traitorous commander. Anfauglir's betrayal had not been expected, and his next moves were unknown. Only guesses could be made at his intentions and whereabouts. Raavage: Anfauglir deludes himself if he hopes to stop the Black Spire. I will furnish you with a company of Hand troops; with these soldiers and your own you will find and destroy him! Senurhem: They are already assembled and only await my word, Raavage... m'lord. Raavage: Good. Send them to crush the rat in his hole. I must return soon to the Obsidian Spike. I have remained far too long in this damp dungeon you call a fortress and have other matters to deal with. We cannot allow the other Nocturnian scum to stand in our way! Senurhem leads Raavage to a balcony overlooking one of Lagash Ur's great halls. Arrayed below is an entire Covenant legion, supported by cruel-looking Hand warriors and a pair of mountain trolls gifted to Senurhem by the Black Spire. url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/94545380@N06/15024713659/] Senurhem moves forward to address the throng but Raavage is the first to speak. Raavage: Warriors of the Covenant, you have been betrayed by your supposed brothers! They have deserted you, and now they slink into the mountains like snakes! Out of fear they hide from your rightful supremacy, and out of jealousy they wish to take it from you. They have forsaken your lord, and it is your rightful duty to show them the error of their ways. The Black Spire knows this treachery must not go unpunished, and it will fight with you. Go forward and do not return until the traitors' heads sit on pikes outside your walls! The hall erupts in blood-curdling cheers as the fortress doors open, unleashing the vicious horde into the surrounding mountains. Long columns of Covenant troops, with the Hand enforcers shadowing closely behind, begin filtering throughout the barren terrain. The light from their torches is visible for many miles as the columns descend the mountains like a great fire-serpent. One who saw this dreadful spectacle erupting across the landscape was a Covenant cavalry commander named Sakarmand. An old friend and lieutenant of Anfauglir, Samarkand was one of the few military leaders who chose to join the insurgency. He and a small group of soldiers had positioned themselves near Lagash Ur to scout the Covenant's movements. His heart sank as the seemingly endless lines of heavily-armed troops filtered from the fortress. They would assuredly find Anfauglir's stronghold in the Panjshir. And, with such strength arrayed against them, they could not hope to holdout long. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Some extra pics, including a photo of this group of serious badasses! And a few shots of the MOCs, sans figs: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this MOC: Greetings once again! Here is another installment in the ongoing Hand of Corruption story for Book II in Nocturnus! Before I say any more let me offer yet another round of apologies to you guys for the delay in this installment. Sorry if you guys got a little rusty on this story in the meantime! I must also apologize for the quality of some of these pics - only realized how difficult this would be to photograph after I built four walls and much of a ceiling. Kinda hard to get the camera in there to take some proper pics! I finally gave up on the photo of Senurhem and the glowing orb, and had to go with the one above. It was the best one I got but it still looks like his last known photo or something, like it should be on the back of a milk carton... Any advice you guys can share on taking photos of lighted MOCs would be appreciated. In any case, thanks for taking a peek and, as always, any criticisms or comments are welcome! Other installments of this story: The Hand Book II: Summit at Lagash Ur The Hand Book II: Summit at Lagash Ur Part II The Hand Book II: Escape from Lagash Ur The Hand Book II: Anfauglir's Camp For a refresher on the events leading up to these series of builds, please start here!
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The swamps of Nocturnus have never been safe for travelers to explore and now they are even more dangerous with the war going on. The Black Spire will stop at nothing to win and have recruited only the most cunning and power forces to fight on their side, and no one is safe to step in the lands now. Here's my Category A entry, hope you like it! Working in this size was a great change of pace.
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Bad News After defeating the Cyclops chieftain and forcing the army to retreat, Xaris decided to build a small fort as a base in Nocturnus. He had his men get to work immediately; after a few months, though rather ramshackle, the fort finally took shape. Xaris stationed archers and guards on the battlements, and dispatched messengers to all the four corners of Nocturnus to receive intelligence on the Nocturnians' battle plans. Meanwhile, he has had the Cyclops chieftain's son, Kentr, and his human advisor, Ralph Benay, locked up in the small prison the fort owns and kept alive as an example of those who challenge the Black Spire. However, one of the messengers soon arrives with bad news. Very bad news. Xaris' brother Berelan Gryffen has travelled to Nocturnus to confront him; with him are Mitgardian Rangers and two tribes of orcs loyal to Nocturnus. This force is converging on the fort; Xaris is under siege. I know the base is rather small and it isn't really a proper fort, but I've never built one before...
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Trickery Xaris Flamesword has never played by the rules. A former Avalonian who framed his brother for a murder he himself had committed, Xaris abandoned Avalonia at Lord Ravaage's call. A mercenary at heart, Xaris has gathered a band of other bandits and sellswords, 'the Order of the Dragon' and a Drow noble and his entourage, Lord Ravenshelm of Myreglen, to assist him. While travelling to rendezvous with his paymaster at the Obsidian Spike, his band were attacked by a huge tribe of Cyclopes. Knowing they could never defeat the Cyclopes in open combat, Xaris challenged Chieftan Kareketr to a duel to the death. If he won, the Cyclopes would retreat. Never being one to win by fair methods, Xaris concealed a number of Drow warriors, including Lord Ravenshelm, an expert shot, in an abandoned former outpost just south of the duel area. As Kareketr engaged the leader of the Order of the Dragons in battle, Ravenshelm loaded his crossbow, aimed...and fired. Part B coming!
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The hand of the Black Spire has quickly spread across Nocturnus landscape, with more and more towers and fortresses seemly popping up overnight. One of the new defenses for the Black Spire is the Tower of Abaddon, a massive Orc guarded watchtower. No one knows what goes on inside the tower, or how far down into the earth it is nestled but they do know that the Orcs have been kidnapping and holding powerful and knowledgeable Mages from all over Historica. Only time will tell what their true plans are and what evil they are trying to awaken from slumber. Hope you enjoyed my Category B entry! My original plan was to have just the upper round part of the tower, and then it keep growing and growing. I'm pretty satisfied with the end result, especially since it took me completely out of my usual building tendencies and color schemes.
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The hardest part of this build was definitely trying to make the ground seem barren, but still detailed enough. C&C welcome.
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Chapter 1: The Little Vagabond Tavern Chapter 2: The Discovery of Nalderic Chapter 3: A Warm Welcome Challenge 1 (A): A Bad Nocty! So Simon passed the ring of fire and now arrived at the castle of the Genius Malignus. First it looked like nobody was there... Abruptly, a genie stood in front of him. Humius: "Hello, I'm Humius. What's your name and where are you from?" Simon: "I'm Simon and I come from... Nocturnus." Humius: "Of course you're from Nocturnus, but where in Nocturnus?" Simon: "Eeeh... it's a small village near the ring of fire..." Humius: "Very nice to meet you! You should get know my friends. Voltarius and Cartesius come to me! Here's an Avalonian!" Voltarius: "Welcome Simon of Nalderic. Nice to meet you!" Cartesius: "Welcome to the Castle of Lies. I'm the leader of the Genius Malignus. You must be very stupid or very strong that you've come here alone. So, what do you want here?" Simon: "Why did you know that I'm from Avalonia? I mean, I'm dressed like a Nocty, I wear a nocty armor and I carry a nocty weapon. I thought it would be impossible that someone recognizes me. Voltarius: "We're the Genius Malignus, didn't you know? A birdbrained man, called René, once did thought experiment. He imagined, that there would be a ghost from which comes all knowledge that the humans have. The only aim of this ghost is, to fool the humans. That's why he called us "malignus". But then René did something even more stupid. From our possible living he concluded our inevitable existence. And so he created us and now we're damned to live in oil lamps, wear purple shirts and have long hair. To say it short: We're ghosts, we know anything." Simon: "Wow, that sounds pretty crazy. An Elf called Remigias sent me to you. I'm looking for the Herba Absynthii. They captured my friends and if I don't bring him this herb, he'll keep them as prisoneers forever. Can you help me to get it?" Cartesius: "You seem pretty confident and we like that. But you have to know that we don't like Remigias at all. So what will we do now?" Simon: "Just help me to get my friends back, please!" Humius: "You convinced me. Let's go." Voltarius and Cartesius: "Wait for us, we'll accompany you. This cabbage only grows on one place, which still is controlled by the old regime." Simon: "I already killed a bad Nocty on the way here, so I have no problems doing that again. I will fight against Lord Ssilyrrlith. Will you help me?" All 3 genies: "Yes." Simon: "Look there, is this white one a Herba Absynthii?" Cartesius: "Yes it is, but there are two guards we need to get rid of. Voltarius: "They aren't humans, so we can't spook them. And killing would ethically viewed be totally incorrect. So there must be another way." Simon: "What about distracting them?" Humius: "Yes, that's a good idea. Look now, this will be awesome." Cartesius: "That was clever, my friend. Giving them some food and we already have our Herba Absynthii. But Simon, I forbid you to bring it to Remigias. Do you know what power this cabbage has? With it, you can easily free your friends and take the lead over Nalderic..." Voltarius: "So you're free to leave. We have to stay here and keep fighting against Lord Ssilyrrlith. I wish you best of luck!" To be continued...
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Rutger Van Stappenbelt looked out on the dreary, narrow mountain pass he had been charged with capturing and defending in the name of the Black Spire. Originally he had been a Valyrian noble with a dubious past - a minor official in the diplomatic corp, it was nevertheless whispered that he held much power to influence the right people. During the Revolward war he had been sent to Petraea, but was found guilty of passing intellegence to Hand of corruption forces during the battle of Queenscross. Thrown into prison to await execution, the charismatic noble managed to engineer a prisioner revolt and in the ensuing chaos, he escaped with a small band of hardened criminals. Managing to make his way to Nocturnus, he once again joined forces with his hand paymasters. His right hand man and bodygaurd, Badrig Headtaker, shifted impatiently by his side. "Sire, the main minotour force will be arriving soon to retake the tower. With your permission, i shall move to block the pass - I am eager to show these Nocturnian dogs to thier graves!" "Nay good Badrig, stay a while yet. No sense in risking our skins yet in open combat. Yuraddek Shadowsinger has not yet returned from scouting and laying her snares. Besides, any Nocturnian scum that do manage to make it this far will have to deal with Master Blight's pet shade... how does one fight the deathless? It should be entertaining to watch!" Small footprint i know - this was originally going to be for Cat 1, but i just kept building up and up and finally thought what the heck, lets just call it a tower. Back side of the tower - not that interesting but i quite liked that window. None shall pass who do not bear allegience to the Black Spire! C and c welcome! ps. UoP stuff: i would like to claim credit for the following subjects please: Round walls/towers (architecture), Sideways rocks and Studs-up rocks (both landscape design), and Fortification (Millitary Science). Thanks!
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After discovering the Shraliek near the Rapids of No Return, Eric Grimmson had been following the little creature for hours now. Every now and then he had been able to catch a glimps of the Goblin and had started to wonder "Why would anyone be afraid of these guys, they surely do not look harmful at all" And so he started to become more and more imprudent during his persuit, trampling through the undergrowth. What he totally forogt was that he was getting very close to the Nocturnian border and, having been away from Valholl for a few weeks now, he was totally unaware of the trouble that was brewing on the other side. All of the sudden the little man simply stopped running and Grimmson hurried up to fetch the creature. Really sure that the little man meant no harm for him, he got closer when all of the sudden he heard a strange female voice hissing "For the Spire!" And so Eric Grimmson got captured by the Shraliek who now dragged him into Nocturnus where they forced him to fight on the side of the Black Spire. To be continued ...
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Obsessed with finding a way to raise an army of the dead, Lord Raavage sends Harnold the Deranged to the caves of Mitgardia to find the long lost Ring of Necromancy. Little did Raavage know the Ring is protected by an ancient order of druids sworn to prevent the living from raising the dead! The best part of this creation for me is that all the lighting in LEGO purist. You can see from the first photo as well as the video that the lava is being lit by light bricks turned on and off by a PF motor and LEGO shock absorbers/springs. The other lighting is done by LEGO PF LEDs and a red light brick.
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Here's my entry to Challenge I category A. Alek the Avalonian was on his way to meet up with his fellow soldiers, but he never arrived... I've actually had this built for awhile, I just now got around to posting it. Oh, and purple is my new second favorite color! Ch1_Horse 001 Ch1_Horse 007 by Carson Haupt, on Flickr Ch1_Horse 015 by Carson Haupt, on Flickr Ch1_Horse 019 by Carson Haupt, on Flickr Ch1 by Carson Haupt, on Flickr Oh, and I'd also like to claim UoP credits for the following: -Sand dunes (are these big enough?) -Extreme Environments (the water) -Studs up Rocks More pics on Flickr: http://www.flickr.co...06/11470474154/
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The Obsidian Spike is the home to Lord Raavage and the Black Spire. Sitting atop a rocky ledge in the swamp lands, the Spike only has one above ground entrance, though it is said miles of tunnels sit below the surface where worker Drow bring supplies, news and captives to Raavages home. This build is actually fairly detailed, but all the black makes it very hard to photograph. I think I learned a few tricks along the way and finally got a few good pictures in the end! I updated the photo on the frontpage and in the challenge 1 thread to reflect the superior shots here. And some fun details to check out of the build! Anything else I missed might be viewable on this set in my flickr account.
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Hi all! Balthazar, warrior from the Black Spire Army, was looking for a forest tribes. He wanted to recruit them to Black Spire army... With his brother Richard, Balth went to the Mitgardia`s border with Nocturnus. In the forest somebody started following him... And it weren`t kind spirits. And nobody heard anything about Balthazar anymore... C&C Are welcome! If you like my pictures, fave it on Flickr! -
Chapter 1: The Little Vagabond Tavern Chapter 2: The Discovery of Nalderic Chapter 3: A Warm Welcome So on the way to the Genius Malignus he had to pass the mystical fire ring, which still was controlled by the old regime. But there were only a few ways through it, and there wasn't even one where no guards of Nocturnus were attendant. So he looked for the smallest and most hidden one. He found an old, almost burned bridge where only one guard stayed at. It was... A bad Nocty! So the fight begun... ...and it ended with a burned Nocty. The End To be continued... Challenge 1 ©: The Genius Malignus
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With the civil war raging, a dark servant of the Black Spire, Lord Vorn, makes his appearance as he prepares to conquer Nocturnus. Hey guys, I'm a new member, both to this RPG and Castle building, but I am really looking forward to participating (for the glory of Nocturnus of course :P). So tell me what you guys think and feedback is much appreciated.
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Vladivus leant back wearily against the tree trunk. Had it really come to an end on this muddy field? He frowned. This territory was Shadowmere's, but a few leagues from the city gates, and a routine patrol had marched purposefully along the road. It had started further back, where well placed crossbow bolts had begun to whittle the Shadowmere Guard numbers. Only Vladivus' elite Knights of the Inner Keep, with their heavy armour and shields had managed to withstand the bolts. All this whilst an enemy remained unseen. The scouts should have warned the patrol of the crossbowmen, but, alas, the answer had come around the next bend. Corpses littered the road, Shadowmere scouts, foul things written in their blood. A few hundred metres on, and an ambush was sprung. Vladivus, alongside Krell, and the Knights of the Inner Keep, threw back several waves of Hand of Corruption forces. They had seemed to be winning. A bellowing roar, and a warrior dressed in black armour, a tattered white cloak fluttering from his shoulders, wielding a mighty black halberd and cracking whip entered the fray, and the battle began to turn. The warrior had fought his way unerringly to Krell and Vladivus, his whip coiling tight around the former. As the whip bound tighter around Krell, his arms were pinioned, and a swift thrust of the warrior's halberd had finished the Necromancer. Vladivus didn't remember much after that, glimpses of a burning fiery portal where Krell had stood, consuming Krell's lifeforce and dragging him to the hell from whence he had come. The death of Krell had rendered the few remaining Zombies present virtually catatonic. A crunch of footsteps brought Vladivus' attention to the present. He feebly grasped for his sword, but the wound in his side, and the hundreds of Spire warriors made the act of defiance die in his throat. The warrior spoke, his voice a growl. "So this is the mighty Shadowmere then. Fallin' like runts o' a litter. I am Catastros, Captain of the Black Spire, 'n' I've a message for ye. Take yer snivelling half-blood scrawny Lordship back ter the other runts in the Resistance and tell them to kneel before the Spire or be crushed. You'll find no mercy a seccond time if yer pick the latter mind." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- So next part in the collab. Not everything is going the Resistance's way! Fairly simple build, mainly to try a different ground technique, thus more story than build orientated. C+C welcome!
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