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A free-build for the Guilds of Historica and a continuation of the story of Adira Magdeburg. Please check here: http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=116423 and the ones before it for backstory. You are a coward. You can not even die honorably. You ran from death! The words played over and over in Adira's mind, forming a cadence with the pounding of her feet on the rough mountain path. The wind bit into her, but that pain was trifling in comparison to the bitter pain of these words. After all, what had she ever lived for but courage and honor? And now she was running like a frightened hare, running as much from her defeat as from the death or torture that awaited her back in the valley. Finally her legs would carry her no farther and she halted, leaning on one of the numerous pine trees along the road. People passed her by, making for the pass to the Nestlands, but none of them made eye contact. They knew she had failed them. They knew she continued to fail them. But Adira did not care anymore. She had no pride left to protect. She was bled dry. Slowly she removed her cumbersome outer armor and laid it at the side of the road. It was of Mitgardian make, some family heirloom. As soon as she took it off she felt refreshed, no longer protected, but at least free to move around as she was used to. “Lady Magdeburg.” Adira tensed. She knew what she would see when she turned, but she did not want to face it. Why can't he just leave me alone, like everyone else? Slowly she turned and stared at Havers defiantly. “What is it, Captain Havers?” Havers returned her stare levelly. “There are still people in the town down there. We must do what we can to rescue them.” Adira sighed. “The town is lost. They will die there or in the mountains.” “That is NOT true!” Havers' voice was emphatic, almost desperate. Adira took a step back from the fury in his eyes. “Some might escape! What can we do but try?” Adira studied him coldly. “Who is it that you can not find?” Havers glared at her, groping for words. “Me Lady!” Adira spun around, her face red from her altercation. What she saw didn't please her. Adelwight, occupationally a goat-herder and a member of the town Council, stood on the path, armed with a heavy battle-ax and flanked by two young men similarly armed. Behind him stood a square, thatched, and carved log house that she now realized must belong to him. He had been the last deciding vote in making her ruler of Estolad, but he had been very hesitant. Now he would speak of her failure, and probably not in pleasant terms. The man's eyes were grim. “Where are me and me sons needed most?” Adira was taken aback by the question, but quickly regained her composure. “Wherever you most wish to die.” Adelwight let out a laugh that sounded almost like a bray. “That'll be right here, next to th' home of me fathers, and right where the flea-bitten varmints can find us!” It took a moment for Adira to understand what she was hearing. This man is staying here to die when he could probably escape with his family. Why? No. She refused to think of the answer. Instead she posed an indirect question. “What of your young ones? Who will take care of them?” The man's old but fierce eyes turned on her, and she saw immediately that he knew what her true question was. “Me Lady, courage has nothin' to do with charging into the middle of a fray, and all to do with standing where ye have always stood, even to death. We're doing this for our land, every tree, every hillock,” he paused, looking strait at Adira, “every person.” The patriarch leaned on his ax, staring out over the valley. “Ye still have a life to live, a people to lead. Protect me bairns, and all th' people of Estolad that go through that pass.” There was nothing Adira could say. These men were giving up their lives for a town who had spurned their council, and practically invited the enemy to their doorstep. They were giving their lives for her. A tear sprang from Adira's eye. Slowly she started up the path. She noticed that Havers was no longer behind her, but she did not care. Let him kill himself down there. If there was anyone left in that town they would be Desert King prisoners by now, but these few survivors still had a chance. She could help them. To be continued... The build. This build is approximately three months old by now, so most of you might have seen it on Flickr by now. I hope the story made it worth it, however. Back in the middle of the summer I decided I wanted to try something more Mitgardian (surprise surprise) so I made this. This also was posted for the Colossal Battle Contest on Flickr and brought to our County fair, where it won a meaningless little first prize sticker (along with half of the other open class entries. ). I hope to post the next installment, a crossover with Gedren, sometime this month. Soli Deo Gloria & Sola Gracia!
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A Free-build for the Guilds of Historica and a continuation of the story of Adira Magdeburg. Please check here: http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=113129#entry2291454 and the ones before it for back-story. The sun's rays shone down upon Ravensbrook Tavern and Inn, their late summer heat competing with the mountain breezes over the group of refugees and make-shift soldiers congregating beneath their celestial battlefields. Cumulus clouds coasted over the mountainscape, their shadows crawling over the pinnacles and valleys. To Adira the bright atmosphere seemed almost obscene in light of the impending battle. The mood of the soldiers around her were equally annoying, as if they were expecting some kind of a party. They had been called from the field and outskirts of the town, and many did not yet fully comprehend the fact that their town was currently being overrun by Desert King troops. Those who did seemed to be in a state of disbelief, nervously making small talk with those around them. Only the refugees fleeing the town fully realized what doom overhung them. It was a pitiful trickle, most of the refugees probably fleeing into the mountains and finding their own way to the pass leading to the Nestlands. As it were most of those taking the highway were those who did not have the endurance to take a longer rout, and thus did not have the strength or prowess to fight. Adira glanced over the few dozen soldiers assembled. It would be enough to hold the road for a short while, but they would be done for as soon as the Desert King troops made the trip around their lines. “My Lady!” Adira glanced up from her morose speculations to see Mardil, espire, and keeper of her family's treasury striding toward her down the path. His face was grim, and his measured pace was marred by a slight limp. After a few moments he had reached her side, his breath a little ragged from exertion. “Lady Navabi, I bring news from Havers. He is still trying to find any men or other refugees left in the town, but is hard pressed to keep himself out of the hands of the Desert King forces. He reports wholesale slaughter, and whoever is not killed is taken prisoner or misused. The Desert King is showing no mercy.” “Sacking, raping, burning, that is the way of conquering armies.” Adira answered curtly. “This is the gamble we all took when we first defied the Desert King.” She nodded toward Mardil's leg. “You didn't get hurt, did you?” Mardil paused, staring into Adira's eyes. “You aren't the same person you were when you first came to Estolad. Where has your compassion gone?” Adira ignored his question, staring at him stone-faced. “You didn't answer me.” Mardil shrugged. “An old war wound. It won't inhibit me much, but I won't be doing any fighting.” His gaze became intensive. “Adira, you can not ask these people to fight again. We have lost the battle, now it is time to save as many lives as we can and flee. You can not do this!” “Remember who you are speaking to.” Adira turned toward the town, her eyes searching the horizon grimly. “I will not give up this town until there is not one building left and not one man left to defend it.” Her gaze moved back to Mardil's anguished face. “Since you are not in a position to fight, you will lead the non-combatants over the mountains. I place them under your charge. We will stand and fight.” Mardil cast one last pleading glance toward her, and then turned without a word toward the mountains, giving his arm to an elderly women as she made her way through the throng of soldiers. Adira watched them for a moment longer then looked up toward the sky. Clouds were gathering overhead, and she smiled grimly. The battle for Estolad will happen here, and only one force will leave.” “They are coming! The Desert King has come!” The man shouting ground to a halt outside the inn, sweat streaming down his face despite the chilling wind. “They are just around the next curve!” Adira closed her eyes for a moment and then opened them again. She drew her sword, and all eyes turned toward her. Slowly she scanned the faces around her. “You all have gathered here to fight for your homes, your city, your families. You have come to fight for Kaliphlin. This is where your devotion will be tested, this is where you will make a name for yourselves as either those who ran, or those who stood firm in the face of darkness. So let men compare themselves to the men of Estolad, and find themselves lacking. Let them hold us up as a standard of patriotism and endurance, and let them say that the men of Estolad stood, and died, for the freedom of Kaliphlin.” The Inn-keeper, a large man with a flaming red beard lifted his broad-sword above his head a roared in a voice that had deafened many a tavern. “For Estolad! For Kaliphlin!” The soldiers let out a cheer that echoed through the valley. At least what they lack in experience they make up for in patriotism, Adira thought. Quickly she ordered them into a shaky battle formation, those with shields in front, archers behind, and then took her place in the second row. Only after the soldiers had settled themselves into position did they hear the sound of marching feet on the road. The Desert King soldiers filled the roadway and overflowed it, trampling the crops on either side. Their helmets glistened in the sunshine, and their blades flashed. It was even more then Adira had anticipated. The Desert King doesn't take any chances. Then their ranks parted, like a wave parting on a rock, and a black mailed man stepped out of their midst. Only he wasn't a man. Adira stared into the eyes of the same undead warrior who had attacked her outside of Queenscross, and had just recently helped to kill her friend and loyal soldier Udgr. Hate seared it's way into her mind, almost clouding it. Desperately she fought the urge to charge forward now and end this creature's life, once and for all. She knew it would destroy their chance to successfully defend the street, but suddenly the battle seemed to fade in significance. Then he saw her. His sword left his sheath, and rose above his head. For a long moment his eyes stared into hers, taunting her. Then his sword fell and all hell broke loose. The surge of Desert King troops almost broke through the Estoladim ranks in it's first charge. The front soldiers faltered for a moment, but then with a war-cry from the Inn-keeper they regained their resolve, striking out ferociously into the Desert King horde. Adira moved toward the center of the road, trying to be visible and present for her men. A field commander of a trained army could afford to direct from the rear, but what the men of the mountains needed most was a leader who fought with them. Adira pushed her way into the front of the line and struck down a large spearman as he thrust toward a fallen towns-man. The smell of blood assailed her nostrils, and dust caked on the roof of her mouth. The striking of blades on shields crashed in around her, pierced by the cries of the fallen. Then and arrow whistled past her head, clattering off the shield of the man behind her. Then arrows were fallen all around her, clattering off armor, and sometimes striking home. The towns-men raised their shields above their head, and many were cut down by the advancing soldiers. Then a cry came from the back of their ranks as an archer pointed toward the back of the Inn then turned and started to run. Adira's heart sank. So they saw. They called our bluff. The line broke in chaos. Men were throwing down their weapons and running, and the men standing next to them were being cut down from behind. The inn-keeper bellowed his challenge at the entrance to his tavern only to be cut down from behind. It's over. The thought crossed Adira's mind but she refused to believe it. No, we can still rally! We can defend the road at a higher point, somewhere we can not be outflanked! But already she knew it could not be. There was no option left but to die here, by the blades of their oppressors, fighting for the freedom of Kaliphlin. A sword flew towards her. For a fraction of a moment she considered letting it hit it's mark. But then her sword was up, deflecting the blow. Now she was backing up and a voice, her own and yet not her own, was calling for a retreat. Her legs were carrying her back towards the mountains, along with her men. She would survive. But yet in her soul she was already dead. To be continued... The build. This build took me more then two months to complete (thus explaining my absence, hopefully), and required three Bricklink orders. Tudor houses are not a specialty of mine, and I had to redo the white-wash four times. The trees were a last minute add-on, and yes, I know they look horrible. The back. I was running out of pieces about now, so the landscape isn't quite as up to par as in the front, but I think it was worth it. I was originally intending to have water on this side (thus the dock), but didn't end up doing it (lack of pieces). The fletcher. Lame (and apparently deaf, if he didn't hear all the comotion on the other side of the Inn), he was called into service plying his trade for the town's archers. Probably still grumbling about how he can't be expected to make crossbow bolts without any experience. The Inn's one remaining dairy cow. They used to have many, but all the others were used up in the siege. This one probably won't survive the siege either, unless some remaining peasant decides to, uh, liberate it from the desert King troops. And I guess that's it! Thank you all for your patience, and comments! Soli Deo Gloria & Sola Gracia!
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A free-build for the Guilds of Historica, a continuation of the story of Adira Magdeburg, and a crossover with Gideon. Please check here: http://www.eurobrick...66#entry2407520 and the builds before it for backstory. Long live Kaliphlin and the High Council! “It is a pleasure to have you here, Adira Magdeburg, or do you wish me to call you Navabi?” I shivered, suddenly feeling the cold of the Barqaian Administrative Building's inner rooms. Another reason you shouldn't do this, you can't stand cold temperatures. I pushed aside the thought, annoyed. The speaker, Lord Gideon of Barqa, evenly kept pace with my nervous steps, smiled courteously, if briefly. I nodded then returned to staring at the floor ahead of me. “Magdeburg will do, thank you.” Gideon continued, his voice cordial. “I understand your people are for the most part staying in the Nestlands? How are they disposed toward you, favorably or no?” You cannot be about to do this, Adira. You should have sent a letter, or just done it unannounced. My mind spun and focused on putting one foot in front of the other. It's too late now, you've already come here. You had better go through with it. I gestured vaguely. “Some are not in the best of spirits, but overall I think their doing well enough.” Not only a deserter but a liar as well. Quickly I changed the subject. “How goes the resistance? Are our allies in Berigora and Eastgate still holding out?” A hint of the half-elf's hidden frustration emerged in his voice. “They remain, though the majority of those not under the influence of GEAR CO. are slothful, benefiting from the Desert's King's bribes. Interestingly enough, it is in the Desert King's own land that the resistance is most zealous, if smaller. Apparently our adversary is veiling himself less and less in his own land and giving in to his true nature.” Adira nodded absently, thinking desperately of how best to approach the subject. “Are many fleeing his lands?” “Actually, yes. The mummy's wars cost many of the peasants their livelihoods in taxes and there are a good many crossing the border into the center lands and Avalonia despite the Desert King's wishes, though the Algus in Mitgardia and the civil war in Nocturnus are keeping those places free of immigration. I tell you, if this continues much longer Avalonia will become increasingly overpopulated and have to start deporting those wishing to come.” Here goes. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. “That's unfortunate, because some of my people are planning to immigrate there.” I looked up at the elf to gauge his reaction. He raised an eyebrow. “And will you allow them to?” I laughed nervously. “Well that's just it, I'm leading them. I couldn't exactly stop them anyway.” I added quickly. Lord Gideon stopped in his tracks and I turned, fearing the worse. I hope I haven't cut too many ties. I watched his exp ressionless face anxiously. The Lord of Barqa gazed ahead of him pensively. Finally he turned to me, his voice measured. “So you won't be helping the resistance anymore?” His voice didn't sound hostile, but he could be hiding it. “Not as much as before, but I will be trying to help as much as possible, harboring refugees and so on...” I trailed into silence, trying to think of any other ways I could still help. None came to mind. “I'm just trying to do what's best for my people.” Gideon nodded slowly, stroking his chin. “Are your people discontented with their hosts in the Nestlands?” “Not exactly...” I paused, searching my mind for a non-detrimental explanation. “Their independent, you see. They've lived up in their valley all their lives, supporting themselves, and now to be thrust into the hands of strangers is more then many of them can bear.” I omitted the fact that many of them blamed me for it. “I think they just want to be masters of their own livelihoods again, living off of their own labor.” Gideon nodded again, slowly. “And they believe Avalonia will give them this chance?” “More then any of the other Guilds.” There was an elongated pause and I waited with baited breath for his response. Finally a look of resolution came into his eye and he smiled grimly. “What do you need?” Relief flooded my mind and I let out my breath slowly. “A small guard, and provisions. The Nestland administrative council have enough people on their hands as it is, I do not wish to burden them any more.” “You realize that we are also in the same predicament, Lady Magdeburg. But,” he held up a finger to stop my interjection, “I will allow you a score of cavalry until you reach the Kaliphlin border and a weeks provisions. I can not give you more, but I think that should suffice.” He smiled ruefully. “Perhaps we can get reimbursement from some of the richer cities less supportive of the cause.” “It's worth a shot.” I said, hardly listening. I have gained the help of Barqa, but what will the rest of the resistance think? I smiled inwardly. To the Abyss with what they think! I am doing what is best for my people. That is all the reason I need. To be continued... Sorry, no build Pic. Yep, this is an ABS reuse build. I think it works pretty well (and I built it with this in mind), so I think you'll forgive me. The floor pattern I'll have to credit to Full Plate, at least that's where I first saw it. I have used it before but not on this scale. Also, and this is to everyone but to Gideon in particular; please tell me if I got anything wrong in my portrayal of current events or your character, Gideon, and I can fix it. :) Thanks! Disclaimer: Yes, I am changing factions. Let me explain. First off, when I started noticing that practically every build I posted didn't have anything to do with a desert I started to wonder if my building style and collection fit (this was about half a year ago). When the Desert King won I almost decided to stay just for the fun of showing the resistance, but in the end I came up with an even better way for my story to play out that led me to Avalonia. I hope you understand, and while I will miss the Kaliphlin community (I'll be back to help the resistance whenever needed!) I still think this is for the best. Sorry if I am treating this at all flippantly, but I'm happy right now. I just got Galactic Civilizations III. Soli Deo Gloria & Sola Gracia!
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A free-build for the Guilds of Historica and a continuation of the story of Adira Magdeburg. Please check here: http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=117558#entry2390759 and the builds before it for backstory. Long live Kaliphlin and the High Council! This is primarily a story post, so please read it! :) She was going to do it. She was actually going to do it. Adira's mind was running in circles, a fact she was barely conscious of. Her hands were shaking and she clenched the handle of her blade until her knuckles were white. Her eyes, red with lack of sleep, stared through the shadows of the tree she was hiding behind at the road. The idea that he would travel by any other road was unthinkable, and every moving shadow, every hare that made it's way across the road was him. Adira shook her head, furious with herself. What are you, some lover waiting for their sweet-heart on a deserted road? The idea amused her and she smiled. Absently her right hand closed around the end of a rope that hung down the trunk of the tree she stood behind. This is what she would do it with. This is what she would take his life from him with. A flash of gold caught her eye on the road. For a moment she stared at it, then hid behind the tree trunk, pulling her cloak tighter around her. It was him, she would know his features anywhere. Her hand reached for the rope, her fingers slowly folding around it. She listened as his footsteps drew closer, thudding softly along the road. One... two... three! The rope fell, and and a muffled cry came from the other side of the tree. Not wasting a moment, Adira pulled on the rope again and the old tree groaned under the new weight. Adira stepped out from behind the tree, shivers running up her spine. It was Sirhan, now dangling helplessly from a tree, Adira's rope pinioning his arms to his side. He saw her, and fear flooded his countenance. Oh, sweet revenge! A cruel smile curved my lips and I drew my blade. His eyes widened, then shut. “Your guilt has made you weak, Sirhan.” Adira walked up to where the masked man hung, smiling broadly. Drawing his sword, she tossed it into the underbrush nearby. She was no longer smiling when she turned back to him. “A certain friend of mine is asking for your head, though he is not quite able to receive it. You remember Udgr, don't you?” His eyes remained tightly closed. “Just get it over with, demon women! If you must kill me while I am bound at least have the decency of doing it quickly!” Adira raised her blade a placed the point on Sirhan's neck. His mouth twitched, and his breath came quickly. Twang! Sirhan fell to the ground, too surprised to break his fall. After a few seconds he scrambled to his feet, stepping out of the lasso. His eyes slowly rose and stared into Adira's, incredulous. Hers were cold, and the blade pointed at his throat froze him to the spot. “Tell your little King that the will to ressist him has not left Kaliphlin, and that in whatever he does he will have an enemy in Adira Magdeburg.” Adira gestured with her sword toward the road behind him. “Run, Sirhan, and don't look back.” He didn't need to be told twice. Sirhan backed up two paces then turned and bolted down the road as fast as his shiny armor, now plastered with the mud of the road, would allow. Adira watched him, a smug smile on her face. This was definitely the more satisfying option. Let him forever tremble in fear of her, just as the Desert King must be made to tremble before his foes, for they were many. To be continued... The build. This is, again, an old one (The last of the very old ones, I'll be reverting to my more recent ABS Challenge builds soon). With this build I experimented with my tree-making skills and adding dark blue to a landscape. It's a vig., really, but I liked it. And yes, I am reading Crime and Punishment. Amazing book. Thoughts and critiques are always welcomed! Soli Deo Gloria & Sola Gracia!
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A free-build for the Guilds of Historica and a continuation of the story of Adira Magdeburg. Please check here: http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=117072 and the ones before it for backstory. This is also a cross-over with gedren_y, so please go check out his fantastic builds! Long Live the Kaliphlin and the High Council! The humid climate of the Nestlands was usually not very appealing to most Kaliphlinians, but to Adira it felt like heaven. The freedom this land brought her people was worth a thousand discomforts, though her own mind remained trapped in anger. And after the frigid cold of the mountain path behind her, the warm weather wasn't so bad. The people of Estolad weren't the only ones who had fled to the Nestlands, apparently. A large population of refugees already existed on the southern face of the mountain of Edst Nol where the people of the Nestlands had prepared housing for an occupation that never came. They, for the most part, gladly welcomed the refugees, among them, meeting them on the path coming down from the pass with blankets and food. Adira wandered among them, trying to help, but for the most part being ignored. She refused to show any emotion except concern, but on the inside her anger and hurt did nothing but fester and grow. What have I but the love and trust of my people? If they do not trust me, what reason have I yet to live? Yet the answer always came back with equal resonance, cold and ruthless. Revenge. The Desert King has taken everything from me, even my two most trusted friends. I will hunt down Sirhan until there is no place left for him to hide. Then I will kill him. The sound of someone standing silently behind her reached Adira's ear but she refused respond. She did not, however, walk away. Let them bring their complaints somewhere else, I no longer govern this people. I am a useless appendage. “Lady Magdeburg. I have heard of your loss, and bring you the condolence of my people. Please except any help we can give you and your people.” The voice had a slight Nestlands accent, but was still recognizable. Adira had met the Nestlands Minister of External Affairs Aturl Prndrn when she was first deployed in the Nestlands as a Guerrilla not even a year ago. “There is nothing you, or anyone can do.” She turned. “But thank you none the less.” Aturl nodded slowly. “If there is nothing to be done, then what does the Lady of Estolad plan to do?” Adira smiled sardonically at the title. “Bring my enemies down with me.” “A noble aspiration. And this will heal you?” The Minister asked. Adira paused, considering. Finally she spoke. “A shattered vase can not be mended, but it can stab the one who broke it.” Aturl was silent for some seconds. “I wish I could go with you, but since I am tied down here I will help you all I can. Tell us what weapons, disguises, and food you will need, and we will supply them as best we can. And when you wish for solace, come to the Nestlands. Perhaps your people will have you back.” To be continued... The build. Those on Flickr saw this several months ago, but I finally have been able to use it in GoH! Yay.... Also, please check out Gedren's builds: http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showuser=14064 Expect my next post in roughly a week or two (most likely the latter). Soli Deo Gloria & Sola Gracia!
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Qar Riwa is a fortress located along one of the tributaries of the Qar-Arkhan River in southeast Kaliphlin, An ancient and weathered fortress originally under the control of the Desert King, he has allowed High Council soldiers to take over manning it. In the past, it was a outpost along the frontier of the Desert King's empire, but these days, it's main purpose is to guard and maintain the integrity of a spring that sits farther up the canyon, which serves as the start of the tributary. The waters provide irrigation to a few small villages nearby, which in turn serve as reliable rest stations in the vast sea of sand. Another build for GOh. I happily used a bit of Indian (Subcontinent) architecture influence in this one. Thanks for looking and happy building! More shots on my flickr if you guys are interested! Thanks for C&C
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A powerful and mysterious mage who fought in many battles during the civil war travels towards Sultan's Gate with his newly trained dragon to fight for the Desert King once more. This is for Ska's mini challenge.
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This is my entry to the Desert King's Nocturnus Crusade mini-challenge Changing Allegiance (again) The notorious mercenary company "The Arkbri Falcons", under the command of Ediz Falconi, were fighting for the High Council during the Kaliphlin Civil War. They have however decided that at the moment joining the forces of the Desert King presents the most likely prospect for hoards of gold at a moderate risk. Mounted on camels, the Arkbri Falcons are now following one of Kaliphlin's ancient paved roads on their way to Sultan's Gate. They will meet up with forces from all over Kaliphlin to support the Desert King in his crusade to return Nocturnus to it's rightful rulers. Falconi leading his troops.
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Over thirty years ago a Leander woman had fallen in love with an Avalonian Elf. They were married and had a son. The other elves disapproved of the marriage and looked on the baby with scorn. When the baby was still a child, the father met an untimely end in the Mystic Isles. A few months later the mother died of grief, having been cast out of society after her husband died. She was buried in a pauper’s grave with nothing but a small bouquet of scarlet magnolias to mark her resting. The child was taken in by a peasant family and raised as one of their own. They were kind, but the child still felt the cruelty of the Avalonians around him who did not approve of his parent’s union. This child was Charlemagne. When he was old enough to travel on his own, Charlemagne left Avalonia and headed for Kaliphlin. He ended up in Budd-apest without a penny in his pocket. The monks of the Red Guard took him in and gave him a home in their compound. He grew up learning chivalry and how to fight from the knights of the Red Guard and he learned to love the God of The Way from the monks. During all these years he learned to forgive the elves of Avalonia who had treated he and his family so poorly. He had moved on and had built a new life for himself and in so doing he removed himself from both Elvish and Leander cultures. He wanted nothing to do with either of them. When reports started coming in of the coming war, Charlemagne assumed he would remain uninvolved. He heard about the unrest within the High Council, of the rise of the Desert King, and of the strange Ulandians. When reports came through Budd-apest about how the First Centurion kept Leanders as slaves, servants, and warriors, Charlemagne tried to ignore them. “What does that have to do with me?” He would ask himself. But each night as war drew ever closer Charlemagne could not get the thought of his people being subjugated by the cruel Ulandians. He talked about his concerns with one of the monks who had been his friend for many years. “Methuselah, I have had nothing to do with the Leanders since my mother died, why would I trouble myself about the fate of one group of them now?” Charlemagne asked. “Perhaps you were born for a greater purpose than you think” Methuselah replied. “Maybe you are supposed to free those of your people who are in bondage.” “I know how to fight, and I know how to behave at dinner parties, but how does that help me do anything to help the Leanders of Ulandus?” Charlemagne continued, “I would have to take on the entire empire!” “There is an ancient proverb that says, ‘The most impressive stain glass window can still be broken by a single stone.’” Methuselah stated. “Be that stone.” Charlemagne still wasn’t convinced, but he didn’t stop thinking about his brothers and sisters in Ulandus. He had started to change and hadn’t even realized it and his actions started to show the change. He went to the Masketeers and asked them for a rapier because he needed a less conspicuous weapon. He began to gather information about Ulandus and the First Centurion. He followed the unrest in the High Council at the death of Flagg. He listened as the Sultan of Budd-apest asked the Masketeers and then the Red Guard to fight on behalf of the city if the Desert King called on them. He then asked to see the Sultan himself. “I’d like to be involved in the war” began Charlemagne. “That’s a little preemptive since the Desert King hasn’t officially declared war, but I appreciate your desire to serve” answered the Sultan. “The Red Guard has had only good things to say about you. I know you will bring honor to the city.” The next day the emissaries from the Desert King showed up and Charlemagne took his place alongside the Red Guard outside the city gates. After the skirmish against the attacking army, the Sultan asked Charlemagne to go on a mission to the Dune Sea. After he returned from the Dune Sea, Charlemagne found himself back in the library reflecting on how far he had come since his mother’s death in Avalonia. He thought about his mother’s unassuming grave, his new life in Kaliphlin, the words of Methuselah, and the suffering Leanders in Ulandus. He had fought on behalf of the Desert King, but he knew now that he needed to do more. He made up his mind at that point that he would go to Ulandus and would do everything he could to be that stone that broke the window. Charlemagne knew he couldn’t just walk into Ulandus so he devised a plan to go as a supposed emissary from Budd-apest, seeking to change the city’s alliance with the Desert King to Ulandus. Once he got into the country he would then stage his attacks and claim they were the work of a terrorist known as the Scarlett Magnolia. In this way he would protect his identity and with some irony, honor his mother. There was no denying it, war had changed Charlemagne. OoC: This will make much more sense if you read my minichallenge entry as well as my Cat. B entry. Lots more pictures on my flickr!
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The half-Leander Charlemagne, a soldier for the Desert King, began his soldier’s journey in Budd-apest. He was born in Avalonia, but after his father and mother died, moved to Kaliphlin and took up residence among the Red Guard of Budd-apest. There he learned the basics of chivalry and fighting. As the certainty of war grew, Charlemagne started preparing. He first went to the Red Guard’s rivals, the Masketeers for a sword. The Masketeers favored the rapier and Charlemagne thought he might be better equipped for the coming battles by having a lighter, quicker blade than the Red Guard were want to use. As the war began, he took on the name of the Scarlet Magnolia to honor the memory of his mother. He became more and more determined to help his fellow countrymen, enslaved in Ulandus. He hired the services of Uriako who was able to sail him through the Serpant’s Crawl to Ulandus. Once he arrived he was able to enter Ulandian society by posing as an ambassador from Budd-apest to Ulandus. He claimed the city wanted to be free of the Desert King’s clutches. This caused him to be well received in high Ulandian society. He was able to use this as a cover for his true purpose, the liberty of the Leanders. He began by providing bread to the starving Leanders. When war began, resources grew scarce on Ulandus. What resources there were never found their way to Leanders who were more slaves than citizens. His next mission was to help free some of the key, Leander leaders who had been imprisoned for talking against the government. The Scarlet Magnolia had struck again! The city was abuzz with the talk of the Scarlet Magnolia, high society included. As Charlemagne talked to the other Ulandians they asked him, “Who could this Scarlet Magnolia be?” Charlemagne responded with, “Whoever he is, he’s making life nearly impossible for all of us who aren’t Ulandian! I can’t go anywhere without being quizzed on my identity for fear that I may be the Scarlet Magnolia. In fact, I’ve written a poem for the occasion, They seek him here, they seek him there. The Ulandians seek him everywhere. Is he from Mitgardia, or is he from Avalonia? That darned, elusive, Scarlet Magnolia.” He continued his subversive activities and continued to help Leanders throughout Ulandus. He was a soldier for the Desert King, but a secret one. After a couple weeks he heard about the orders of execution for some of the Leanders he had personally helped as the Scarlet Magnolia. It seemed that the Ulandians where trying to flush him out. He took the bait and went to the wilderness where the Leanders where sentenced to die. He found them guarded, chained to rocks, and waiting for their death. Charlemagne didn’t know how they were going to be killed, but he knew he needed to save them. He charged the guards, and made it through their defenses to race to the prisoners to break their chains. As he ran he saw a large shadow pass overhead. He freed the first Leander and shouted at him to dive to the ground. Charlemagne heard a commotion behind him, but he focused on freeing the Leander’s first. All of a sudden, two more beasts landed, and Charlemagne saw that the beasts were wyverns. All three prisoners were now free and laying still on the ground. Charlemagne looked around and saw that all the Ulandian guards had been consumed. The wyverns seemed pacified for now. He urged the Leanders up and one of them said to him, “Please, I’ve worked with dragons for my whole life. These are a loyal breed. It is most likely that they see you as having fed them. They can be ridden if they are willing to take you, and I can think of no better way to get out of here!” Charlemagne trusted the Leander and approached one of the wyverns. The wyvern were seemingly passive now that their bellies were full and Charlemagne was able to mount it easily. The other Leanders mounted up as well and they flew off to safety. Charlemagne continued to harass the Ulandian army, using the wyvern whose trust he had earned all the while furthering the Desert King’s cause. OoC: This will make much more sense if you read my minichallenge entry as well as my Cat. A entry. Lots more pictures on my flickr!
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The stuff hurled itself against the rocks in waves of foam, dashing its spray into the air and giving off its ghastly, horrifying sound. I stared at it in horror –the stuff was before me, rolling out in sheets as far as the eye could see. Turning, I ran to my father with a cry in my throat which my mummified tongue refused to utter. The awful roar of the rollers deafened me, they seemed to be overwhelming me, I was sinking, sinking into that eternal abyss of- “Historica to Dave!” roared the commander of my regiment, “You can get in now.” “Sir!” I replied, shaking myself out of the awful trance and gazing at the frail craft to which he pointed. “Um, sir? Do you think I can get in that thing sir?” He only smiled and nodded. “Uh, sir, are you sure it’s safe?” Another smile and nod. “Well, sir, I’m not sure I…” “Dave!” “Ok sir, your call. Uh, you can’t say I didn’t warn you!” I stepped cautiously into the little reed boat, which began to rock quite dangerously. My companion was shoved in by the commander and the rocking increased. I closed my eyes and shuddered. The commander gave the order to shove off… and then went and shoved everyone off himself since nobody actually wanted to paddle around in those things. Oh the horror! Paddling those things around would have been enough to drive any sensible mummy insane! However, the worst part by far was when we approached our destination. We were all looking forward to having our feet on dry land again and leaving those detestable crafts floating in the- the unnamable thing! But things just continued on their downward course - as things tend to do when once poorly started - and on nearing the docks we saw that the enemies were quite ready for us. We prepared for the fight when they took those horrible pikes they were wielding and started poking holes in our frail boats! The un-nameable thing began to flow rapidly into the craft, and as I leapt back in horror I saw that the boat in front of us was already half submerged while the remaining mummy desperately attempted to bail. How I survived that dreadful day is more than I can recite. When I finally came to myself the mad camp surgeon was trying to get me to drink. What!? I grabbed the bottle out of his hand, broke it over his head, and glared at him. “What in the world do you mean by that!?” I thundered at him. “You are better I assume?” he responded smiling weakly. “I should suppose so, no thanks to you!” I retorted, taking my most respectful leave of the doctor. “Ah, Dave, good to see you still in the land of the not-drowned!” exclaimed my commander when he saw me. “Well, well, I don’t think there is much fear of that in this work. It appears they have just finished undermining the walls, so you can go ahead with the invading force if you like. Or even if you don’t, for it really doesn’t much matter.” He winked. It was a bit disconcerting, but I went ahead and, gathering together my weapons, headed down with the main force of the army. It took some time for my eyes to adjust to the darkness and it was tricky work to avoid capsizing the supports and knocking down the tunnel on top of one’s self, but somehow we kept advancing until we were nearly under the walls. Suddenly I ran into the soldier in front of me. Then the soldier behind me ran into me. A hoarse and gurgling cry rang out in the darkness. With one action we turned and rushed out of the tunnel, but it was too late. One second later the thing had swept me off my feet and was dashing me with tremendous force into the rest of my companions. Two more second of unutterable agony and I flashed out of the tunnel into the open air… and landed somewhere in the middle of next week. I was dreaming a wonderful dream of a treehouse up in a palm tree somewhere very, very far away from that horrible tunnel, a place from which I could laugh at all the armies in Kaliphlin, when my commander rudely called me back to myself. “Uh, Dave?” queried my commander. “Nothing wrong I hope.” He was dashing cold water on my face. “What are you thinking!” I roared. “Do you all know nothing of how to heal a mummy without using that! That is it! No more army life! I never want to hear or see that thing ever again!” I hastily gathered up my belongings and began to march away double quick. “Dave!?” shouted my commander, “one last thing. I was just going to tell you that it is about to start raining.” Challenge IV done at last! Thanks for viewing, C&C are welcome!
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A free-build for the Guilds of Historica and a continuation of the story of Adira Magdeburg. Check here: http://www.eurobrick...86#entry2261451 and the ones before for backstory. The pines sighed in the breeze, then fell silent, leaving the fields without noise except for the occasional chirp of a passing bird. A ball of ice lay at the bottom of Adira's stomach, refusing to leave. Nervously she surveyed the landscape around her. Nothing but grassland, pines, and the small collection of ruined walls and pillars that crawled along the ground around her. They should be here by now, it's nearly noon... Beside her, a villager mumbled something about skipping their midday meal, but quickly fell silent under Havers' stare. The hills again returned to noiselessness, leaving Adira alone with her thoughts, and her fears. What if the Desert King can see our positions, and is taking an alternate rout to Estolad, or flanking us at this very moment? Or perhaps Amir's Guerrillas have been alerted, and are descending from the mountains! What if the men haven't had enough training, and flee at the first sight of the battle? Adira glanced over the men behind her, and the ones on the other side of the road. Her gaze settled on Udgr, the Orc sergeant behind her, and Havers, the one legged ex-soldier, then over at Sirhan, the masked Guerrilla across the way, and her fears slowly began to calm. If they flee then I shall die defending in their place, and I know I shall have at least three others with me. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of marching boots in the distance, from the West. Mummies, and their allies. Her grip tightened on her blade, and her palms began to sweat, as they always did before battle. The ball of ice in her stomach seemed to double in size as she stared at the road, waiting for the first mummy to step into view. There was a dash of red, then the Mummy commander stepped into view, his cape swirling about him in the breeze. He was followed by two elite guards, then a whole procession of local militia from the town at the head of the valley, their dark green and black uniforms in striking contrast with the dark red of the mummy's uniforms. A gasp came from one of the villagers next to Adira, and she turned angrily to see him drop his spear and cover his mouth with his hands. “That's my son, in the Desert King ranks....” “Silence.” Adira whispered. She turned to Havers, her expression hard. “Order the attack.” Havers hesitated, then nodded. His voice echoed over the fields. “Forward and Charge!” A hail of arrows flew from the trees, slamming into the Desert King ranks, closely followed by yelling villagers in rag-tag armor and weaponry. All order among the Desert King troops disintegrated as soldiers saw the men next to them fall, pierced with arrows. Chaos ensued, as the villagers closed with their dis-ordered attackers, splitting shields and shattering helms in their fury. The troops panicked, fighting desperately but separately, each trying to protect his own neck. Adira charged toward the fray, her elation growing with each second. We're going to win! They're retreating! She charged toward the Desert King commander, a Mummy general, as he struck down an ax-wielding villager, drawing her sword. He turned, catching sight of her, and she ground to a halt. For a moment they stared at each-other, the battle moving in slow motion around them. Finally the Mummy spat toward her, his eyes burning with hate. His voice barely carried over the tumult of the battle. “I'll be back! And when I come next you will not survive!” A spear-wielding villager came up behind him, and he spun, cutting the man down. He scanned the battlefield, his gaze moving over the bodies that had been his men, then turned and, taking two running steps, leaped over a surprised villager and on toward the west. A cheer rose from the villagers, echoed down the road where more rag-tag soldiers raised their weapons over their vanquished foes. They had had victory over the forces of the Desert King, that which was counted impossible to do without a trained army. Adira surveyed the battlefield, suddenly tired and thirsty. Villagers walked about, congratulating each other, and laughing. A single man bent over the lifeless body of one of the militiamen, crying bitter tears for his dead son, but elsewhere the people celebrated their victory. Many were cheering her, and Havers was smiling broadly at her underneath his helm, but all she could think of were the Mummy General's last words. “I'll be back. And when I come next you will not survive.” The fight was not over, it had just begun. To be continued... Soli Deo Gloria & Sola Gracia!
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The Desert King had sent in his reserve troops to attack Xersia, but that didn't mean they were the weakest. These mummies were highly trained in city combat. They were also armed with a special weapon from the Desert King himself, said to be able to penetrate any magical protection guarding the First Centurian's objects of power. When the mummies jumped through the portal, they found themselves immediately next to the first object. The Ulandians were quick to react, but the Desert King's mummies were even quicker at destroying the object of power.
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A counter to Umbra-Manis's guerilla at E3. As the "Authority Figure" made his speech, the kids listening quickly became bored and started throwing fruits and vegetables at him. The result surprsised and delighted the kids, as the the "Authority Figure" started juggling everything they threw his way!: C&C more than welcome
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My entry for WarZone 18. The mummies wanted to get in the eastern guardian tower, but they had no battering ram to break the door down with... So they used the next best thing; a sarcophagus! As the mummies were about to start battering the door in, Aymeri and his men showed up and ambushed them on both sides: More pictures can be seen here: Link C&C welcome
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The setting sun blanketed the landscape in warm colors, making the ground appear to have twice as many colors as it did. Towering above the hills around it, a gatehouse stood solidly, it's ancient walls still standing firmly on the crest of a hill, high up in the Rakath mountains. Beneath it, clustered within a small vale, sat the small village of Estolad, the traditional holding of the Navabi family. Adira strode down the path leading to the gate of the castle, lost in thought. Beside her walked Mardil, a retired esquire to the house of Navabi, and keeper of the family Histories and Genealogies. Adira glanced at him, taking in his gray beard, his trim, healthy body, and his firm gray eyes. He walked purposefully, with the measured step of one who has been to both King's courts and pitched battles. He held his head high, as one who has nothing to be ashamed of, but one who was equally ready to give his respect to others, as long as they respected him. Adira turned toward him, and he stopped, his eyes focusing on hers. Adira paused, slightly uncomfortable under his piercing gaze. “So, I assume there is a reason you sent for me to aid you, instead of someone you had more ties to? I don't believe I have ever met you before...” She trailed off, unsure of what to say next. “Ah, but I have heard of you, even if we have not met.” The Historian said. “You are one of the few effective High Council Guerrillas known to me, and when I learned of the Desert King's plans to remove the Histories under my keeping to their capital, you were the first person I thought of. Does that explain things?” Adira wasn't quite convinced. “But if you wished merely for High Council protection, why did you not send to Berigora, or some other, nearer, High Council outpost? I was weeks away from you, while soldiers from Berigora could have arrived in half that time.” Mardil stared past Adira, lost in thought. Suddenly he turned and started walking down the path again, away from where Adira's troops were, along with the captured Desert King soldiers. Adira fell in next to him, and for a while there was silence. Finally Mardil looked up again, his eyes thoughtful. “I have decided to tell you something, something I vowed never to tell you, but that I can not in good conscience keep from you, especially with you in the midst of such a war.” Adira's palms began to sweat, and she stared at the older man's face. Apparently he knows more about me then I thought, she thought. Perhaps he can even tell me why my father was targeted... He turned, and his eyes were sad. “I called you here because you are the only remaining member of the Navabi family that supports the High Council.” Adira stood rooted to the ground, her mind reeling. I am a Navabi? That's who my true parents were? So that is why My adopted father would not tell me who my parents were! The Navabi House is one of the most ardent Desert King supporters of all the houses of Kaliphlin! Except for that one Ulandian raider, and myself, there is not a single Navabi known to be anti-Desert King. Adira hardly knew what to say. “How... how did you know?” “Simple, I was the one who gave you to Magdeburg. Or his deceased wife, to be exact.” Mardil, paused, as if unsure if he should continue. “You see, your parents were not interested in any female progeny, and they already had three heirs, so when I offered to “do away” with you, they didn't ask questions. Thus you came into Magdeburg's household.” Adira tried to take it all in. “So it was just luck that I came to the Magdeburgs?” “I have lived more then half a century in these lands of Historica, Adira, and I have yet to encountered such a thing as 'Luck'.” Mardil said. Adira didn't bother with a rebuttal. “So, how does this effect me?” “How does it effect you?” Mardil smiled widely. “You are now the rightful heir to the village of Estolad, as far as the elders, myself included, are concerned.” He turned, gesturing toward the castle. “This is the Navabi castle, and that,” he moved his hand in a general sweep toward the village, “is the holdings of the Navabi family, which have now come to you, under the direct decision of the Council of Elders, with general support from the inhabitants of the village.” Adira stared at the castle, her mind still trying to comprehend what she had heard. I am the Lord, or Lady, of a village! Granted, a small village in the middle of the Rakath mountains, but still... I wonder how my relatives will take this... Adira glanced at the smiling Mardil. “My parents won't like it, or my siblings.” “They are powerless without the support of the people, or without some external force,” the Historian answered confidentially. “And why would the Desert King bother sending a force here, when he has so many other things to worry about?” “I'm sure that, being out of the way, you are not as informed, but if you haven't noticed the Desert King is winning this war, despite anything we can do to stop him. If the rumors are true, then he has even conquered the capital of Ulandus! It is only a matter of time before he will be at the very gates of Eastgate, Barqa, Berigora... He has already taken Queenscross, and is fighting for Petrea. It will only be a matter of time before he will destroy us!” Adira didn't mean to say it that vehemently, but it only reflected the bitterness in her heart. Mardil's face grew serious, and his posture more stiff. “The Council would not have decided on this, if it were not for good reason.” He turned to Adira, and for a moment she thought she saw a glimmer of tears in his eyes. “I... I have seen what the Desert King does to 'insurgents' and 'law-breakers', especially when the executors of justice are people like your parents and siblings. Believe me, we of this village do not want our children growing up under such tyranny!” Adira nodded slowly. “So you are ready to endure any hardships that such a rebellion would entail? The destruction of war, starvation, death of loved ones?” She searched his face for any sign of hesitation, of unnerve. The Historian raised his chin, his jaw set. “We knew what we would have to face. We are not about to back down. There may be some still loyal to the Desert King*, but the rest of us will fight to the death for the sake of our liberty, and our children's liberty.” Adira paused. They can not know what they are getting into, all the suffering that will come upon them by their decision... but would it make a difference if I abandoned them? No, if the look on this man's face is any indicator, then they will not back down, whether I help them or not. Adira nodded. “Then I will help you, as best as I may.” A smile of pure joy spread across the older man's face. “I Can not thank you enough. The village can not thank you enough. I shall inform the elders immediately, and then we shall gather all able bodied men immediately!” Adira shook her head. “No. We can not defend this village in our present state. I must first go to Berigora and gather a sufficient force to defend this place, along with weapons for those of the villagers who wish to fight. You must lay low for a few a week, or several weeks, until I can get back. While I am gone, determine who is on your side, and who is not, and start stashing food away in this fortress, for the defenders, and in the hills, for the non-combatants*. I shall get back as soon as I am able.” Mardil looked slightly disappointed, but he nodded. “Bring back as many weapons as you can, and as much food as possible as well. I shall inform the village elders.” With that he turned and started off at a brick trot toward the road leading to the village. Adira frowned. Who do these people think I am? I am only human. The Desert King, on the other hand... But I can not leave them to their fate. If this is to end in blood, then we shall all bleed together! To be continued... The build. This is one of my larger (good) builds, about 48x48, as I really wanted to secure this one spot for future story. *notes: I would appreciate if anyone countering this would not do anything with my characters (Adira and her Guerrillas, and please don't kill off Mardil), so I included these to note possible ideas for counters. “Anyone with ears{/eyes}, let them hear!” The interior. I know the doors protrude a bit much, but it was the best I could do, seeing as they are plumb up against the inner workings of the round tower (see this: https://www.flickr.com/photos/112401269@N03/13682466383/in/dateposted/, and this: https://www.flickr.com/photos/112401269@N03/13707179664/in/photostream/, to get the basic jist of how I did it, though it was tougher since it was a smaller size). Hope the doors don't mar the results too much. Anyhow, hope you enjoyed the build, and if you didn't read the story, go and do it now, since it is definitely better then the build. Soli Deo Gloria & Sola Gracia!
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As Xersia (some random city that was apparently attacked by the DK) burns and falls to the Desert King forces some of the Ulandian officers and wealthy citizens try to escape by sea, leaving behind their allies in a mad rush to esape to the next square. Unfortunately for them the Desert King had been expecting this and ships were stationed outside of the harbor to hunt down the fleeing Ulandians. Also the water shifts from dark to light but its hard to see There is also kind of a street system in the city( light bley= roads) but Its only really visible in a birds eye view C and C appreciated EDIT: I guess this has to be moved so now it will be at M18, not O18
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[WZ12, H12: Desert King] The fight for the Terraces
MassEditor posted a topic in Guilds of Historica
As with most of the Desert King's campaigns, his forces hit the Great Loop with a swiftness and ferocity that left the defenders trembling in their foxholes. Those who were not felled in the initial fury of combat were so shocked that they surrendered quickly. Below, Desert King forces haul away High Council soldiers who, through a negotiated settlement with Ulandus, had agreed to bolster the Great Loop defenses. Having suffered several major defeats in recent weeks - and fighting far from their homes - the High Council soldiers were quick to give up their position around a series of steep rice terraces near the Qar-Akhen. The Desert King commander knew the terraces would pose a strong defensive position if garrisoned by trained troops, and ordered his soldiers to dig in and prepare for any High Council or Ulandus counterattack. And one without figures, and at a higher angle: --------------------------------- Hello! Here's my WZ12 entry. Work had me tied up most of this week and I'm away from the bricks for most of the weekend, so this ended up being much more of a rushed build than I had hoped. The terrain could use some finessing in my opinion, especially the rises between the terrace levels. I also had a nice irregular base built for this, but I just couldn't get it to fight in the size limit. Honestly, this one may be a bit over the limit, but I promise by no more than a few studs! Also, forgot to notice that this was a DK vs. U battle until just a few moments ago. Fortunately U and HC came to terms, or those HC troops would look awfully out of place! Anyways, thanks for looking, feedback always appreciated! -
Picking and Choosing (Challenge IV Prelude, Chapter 14) Previous Prelude chapters: Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Picking and Choosing Dugal and the other lords of the Small Council for Western Affairs waited for the Desert King’s emissary. The capital was still in morning, and many of the other High Lords were meeting with the lower lords in order to calm fears that Kaliphlin was falling apart. Dugal had to remind some people in his Small Council that Kaliphlin had for some years now been ruled by the High Lords, and that Flagg was more of symbol of Kaliphlin prosperity and rule than an actual ruler. Ten days had passed since the emergency meeting with the Leander. Since that time, the council had become more polarized. Lord Bain led the pro Desert King faction and Lady Phlici, new to the council, led the pro-Ulandus faction, most of the major lords – the real movers and shakers of Kaliphlin – were still undecided or had vowed to stay neutral. Dugal was amongst the later, and more and more he began to like the idea of sending a peacekeeping force to Western Kaliphlin to keep the two sides from fighting. Without announcement, in came the emissary. He was a strange man, with a face painted in Gold. He wore the old noble headdress that the Mountain Mummies were so fond of. He wore scant linens, and seemed naturally adapted to the mid-day Petraea heat. His staff seemed almost… alive. DSC_1523 by skaforhire, on Flickr “I am Ka’ha’ton, speaker for his greatness, Pharaoh of Kaliphlin, Ruler of Kaligem, Priest of the Sun, Ark'Mora Raa. I come to you to give you his terms.” The man said. “His terms?” Asked Gideon.” “Yes the Sun King declares that he shall take Flagg’s place as ruler of Kaliphlin. The council will report to him. He will lead the guild back to greatness. He will rule fairly, and you all will have his respect. He will take your council, but will hold final decision. For your sacrifice, he will protect Kaliphlin, he will nurture her back to her greatness, and he will see you all richly rewarded.” The ambassador proclaimed. “Best sales pitch I have heard all day!” Said Lord Bain. “How do we know that the Desert King can even deliver on these promises?” Dugal said. “For the Pharaoh has already began working on these promises. He has rid Kaliphlin of Drow in the short time since he has been back. The last Drow were hunted down three days ago.” The gold-faced man said calmly. “He honor’s Flagg’s memory through this deed.” Drowhunter by skaforhire, on Flickr DSC_1573 by skaforhire, on Flickr “I don’t that could be true… Those things breed like flies, and live in the same filth.” Dugal replied. “It is true, although Raa believes that Flagg’s assassin may have left guild territory, as none of the Drow he caught would confess to the murder.” The ambassador said. Dugal knew that any guilty drow that was caught would have bragged about the deed before being executed. Then again, he still was confused how a Drow assassin could have hid from Flagg in a totally white room… “This is interesting, as my eyes and ears have report and extreme lack of Drow in the East, and I had mentioned to Lord DaMaximus this occurrence, and he replied that no Drow had been in Mpya Stedor for weeks according to his messengers.” Gideon said. “Perhaps we can assume that the Desert King has been the partial cause of this?” The ambassador said calmly, “He is the complete cause of this abnormally. The Pharaoh wishes it, and it is done.” Interesting. Thought Dugal. He wondered how many men the Desert King had. The ambassador continued, and pointed to the maps on the table. “His Greatness has claimed Sultan’s Gate as his temporary capital until Kaligem is rebuilt. He will move to Petraea when the majority of the Council submits to his rule. He will lodge himself in this great building.” “Where will the council meet then?” Asked Lady Kylee. “You will meet here, at his invitation.” The ambassador continued. “He wishes you all to have a part in the reclamation of honor that he will lead in Kaliphlin. Although he will be your master, he is a gracious master, and will reward you all handsomely.” “Well, I’m sold. “ Bain stated, his voice couldn’t be more cheerful. “ All in favor of putting this proposition to the High Council, say aye!” His cronies confirmed his suggestion, but nobody else did. “We must think on this, Ka’ha’ton” Gideon said, and the ambassador left. =+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ The secret meeting was going well. DSC_1525 by skaforhire, on Flickr In the middle of the table, General Royce Ponce was detailing Ulandus’s plan for a new aqueduct to supply the Parched Lands and the Lick of Salt. It was a huge, expensive undertaking, but Octo was impressed with the plans. Not that it really benefited him much, but he did have a few oil wells in the Lick of Salt, and keeping workers alive and hydrated did have its benefits. The Ulandians, more specifically “first Centurion” was willing to pay the whole tab on the project to show good faith to the rest of the council. Octo really didn’t care if the Ulandians joined Kaliphlin, but he knew that there seemed to be more upside than drawbacks, even if the other High Councilors did not come to the same conclusion. So much trade could be had! He was surprised that Lord Bain had come to this meeting, and that Phlici was strangely absent… then again so was General Lat’ve, and those two were clearly an item. What a shame, she was so pretty and probably easily seduced. At least he believed so. The talk of gold brought him back to the conversation. “Yes, there will be a large share for each of you, and the low lords in this room will be raised to high lord for their support.” Ponce said. “How do you suppose that will happen, the whole council will have to vote on that. First Centurion could not control this.” Lord Octo said. “Were you not paying attention?” Bain said. “IF the Ulandians have to force their rights by fighting those who oppose their rejoining the guild, then there would rewards for the low lords.” Octo knew Bain could not be on board with this, he was too proud of being a high lord to willingly let others join the rank. In fact, Octo was pretty certain that Bain was only here to spy on the Ulandians for the Desert King. “So in conclusion, First Centurion offers his hand in friendship. The five high lords of Ulandus offer their embrace as brothers, and the Legions of Xersia will be at the council’s command for the upcoming attempt to put a king on the throne of Cedrica.” Ponce said. “We offer new aqueducts, new trade routes, our navy, and our expertise of the Southern Ocean. All of these will help grow Kaliphlin commerce to new levels.” He cleared his throat. “I believe our good will has already been shown. The Thousand Suns have rebuilt some of the Southern villages already. We have brought food to places struck with famine. We have provided military training for those who want to be able to defend themselves, and we have already given much gold to you all, and many of the Kaliphlin lords. It is time for the rejoining.” Thosand Suns by skaforhire, on Flickr DSC_1682 by skaforhire, on Flickr DSC_1686 by skaforhire, on Flickr =+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Dugal confronted Bain in the Small Council room. He had thought that the council was meeting without all its members, and he assumed Bain had been the source of this break in procedure. He assumed that Lord Bain just wanted to muscle more low council members to his position, be it on the Sand King or on Eastgate. DSC_1530 by skaforhire, on Flickr “Why have you broken procedure? You know our small council is to meet as a whole.” Dugal said. Lord Bain smiled. “You think I called a meeting to sit down with the Ulandians?” Dugal had not known the Ulandian ambassador was back, and oddly enough Phlici was not in the city today. “I suppose not. Who called the meeting” Dugal asked. “I have no idea, I received a letter under the crack of my Inn room door this morning. It said to come here and meet. Whoever put the meeting together must know your position to stay neutral. You have been a steadfast supporter of the peacekeeping force these last few days.” Bain changed his tone, “how they did not know my opinion, I am not so sure.” “So you spoke against the Ulandus plan?” Dugal asked. “Of course not, they paid me well to sit in that meeting, and I was curious to what they were up to.” Bain said. “If you have noticed, their grain trains have even reached the gates of this very city.” “I have, although my messengers say that none of that food has made it to the Eastgate area.” Dugal replied. “That is because they don’t want to feed your army. They know you are competition, and one of the larger forces the council has. If your army starves, they will desert, when your army has dwindled enough, you will be forced to side with them. This is an easy strategy to spot, Dugal.” Bain said as if he thought Dugal had not thought of this already. “You finally made a sound move and brought some of your forces West for the peacekeeping mission, spreading your forces will help you feed them better.” As he said that last part, Dugal had a bad feeling. Bain never gave compliments. “Now that I have won the debate in the High Council over your use of Kaliphlin soldiers for your war of heredity, I think the bad blood between us should subside. I encourage you to listen to the Desert King’s offers. He is most generous, and he is a true Kaliphlin leader. I fear that if the majority of the council keeps upon this path of neutrality, we won’t get a say in our new government.” “Who said we needed a new government?” Dugal asked. “You are stuck in the past, McLean. Kaliphlin is headed for great things, and we need to choose the right ruler.” -
If I were to win, I'd like to pick F2 as the next warzone. Aymeri's retreat from Katoren depended heavily on the use of mobile fortifications. While these lumbering defenses succeeded in repelling Ulandus and Desert King attacks on the well-maintained low roads, they fared poorly on the rugged mountainous paths and proved to be easy targets for enemy ambushes. Those driven by oxen were particularly vulnerable as the animals could not easily navigate the rocky terrain. One by one the fortifications fell, often to fire and landslides trigged by enemy forces. Below, a group of Desert King soldiers use a tree they dug up to destroy the advancing wagon: These High Council soldiers weren't given much time to duck: Somewhat of a transformable aspect to this build: The blood requirement: The wagon by itself: ------------------------------------ Phew, almost didn't have a build for this warzone. This was quite the challenging contest - I had plenty of fun ideas, but virtually none that would fit within the maximum footprint of this warzone! Finally threw this together, and it definitely isn't my most inspired build. Still, this was an interesting warzone and there's been some really neat builds enter it. Thanks for looking, feedback always appreciated!
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When Aymeri ordered that the buildings be turned into movable fortifications, not all of the soldiers correctly understood his order. One unlucky man, using what little brains he had, set to mobilizing the most needed building in the town. The outhouse. When his commanding officer found out his soldier's precious time had been wasted he wasn't to happy. Though, he was about to be less happy. What he didn't realize was that the Desert King troops were badly in need of re-leaving themselves and were tired of using cactus for toilet paper. They saw this movable outhouse as the most important fortification they could acquire! OoC: Sorry for the crummy photos. I'll take better ones tomorrow. But now, for bed. Pictures updated now.
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In Qarkyr, there are two distinct cultures. In certain parts of the city these two cultures can be seen across the street from each other. When it became clear that their city was not only divided culturally, but only in which war-ing faction they supported, the merchants of the city took up arms against each other. Having only knives and their fierce passion to win whatever the cost, the fight promised to be a bloody one. The sultan of Budd-apest had heard about the coming conflict and had sent one of his men to help the western merchants in the defense of the Desert King's right to rule. A dwarven captain stood on the side of the eastern merchants, urging them on to fight for the freedom that Ulandus offered. OoC: So I found out I'm really bad at building Asian style buildings. This was the best I could come up with. I hope you all like it.
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One of the many small vendor's shops commonly found in the Amrakect marketplace. However, this shop is a little different from the rest. Its owner is actually an agent of the Desert King. Mixed in with the pile of goods being sold are large amounts of weapons( well, larger than usual).The shop is actually a front used to distribute weapons and armor to citizens loyal to the Desert King inside the city. The vendor gives these weapons to citizens who know the codeword, in preparation for a revolt in the city. Extra pics: Notes: Sorry about the low quality pictures(although I think these are my best late at night ones yet . I may or may not take better ones tomorrow. This is intended to be in the middle of the market somewhere9 since Eryn's original build was just the entrance). The Sandstone post with gold decor is intended to be a marker as to where you are in the market( since I imagine it would be easy to get lost in the are maze of stands and shacks) C and C are always appreciated
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This is a counter to Garmadon's GA Some supporters of the Desert King quickly found out that the Ulandians were giving out free uniforms and weapons and all you had to do was wait in a small line. As soon as they walked away from the Ulandian recruitment center as "new soldier" they stashed their new gear at a wagon, grabbed a new costume and got right back in line. By the end of the day they had a massive stash of new weapons and armor for Desert King troops! This was as good as Halloween! Extra pics: without the wagon The wagon by itself C & C are appreciated Notes: These pictures didn't turn out as good as I expected. Also I really regret using a white horse in this build.
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A brave citizen of Esterbroke transports supplies sent by the Desert King to help the people of Esterbroke fight to free the island from the grip of the High Council, so that they may be reunited with their Avalonian brethren as citizens of Avalonia when the Desert King rules. EDIT: For countering all these fit onto 8 X 16 with a tiny overhang( so it could be 9X17 if you really want) C & C appreciated
