Mark of Falworth Posted June 19, 2015 Posted June 19, 2015 Activity - Exploration. Location - Guinevere - A06 The overall strategy of MANTIS™ HQ was being revealed with each planet its associates occupied. They had dashed a straight line to Guinevere, a humble volcanic desert planet with one huge attraction to explorers and conquerors alike, GOLD. Yes, mighty MANTIS™ needed gold. And it seemed that a rival corporation, Kawashita, needed gold too, as they had also made a beeline to planet A06! Previously, Mark of Orion had successfully survived a harrowing mission on Yallorn II. As a reward for his brave service in shooting a dangerous pest, he was transferred to the First Branch Division Exploration Team. Captain Brutus checked the sight on his MANTIS™ Death Ray Blaster© "So, Spikes, what do you think of the new transfers?" Spikes took a long sip from his glowing flask. "Hard to say Brutus, If they survive this mission they should be able to handle anything!" "You got THAT right. Lew is from Special Forces, he should be ok. Malcolm is a newbie and he probably won't be ok... What about this Mark guy? His resume said "extensive interstellar piracy experience"! I think he'll fit right in!" Spikes spat out his second sip. PHHIFF! "Cough-cough"... "Wait, Mark? As in, Orion?" "Yeah, you heard of 'im?" "Yes! I had the misfortune to run into him and his ship on a trader just off of Rallawok III a few years back!" Brutus raised his only eyebrow. A bionic implant rested in the socket of the other eye. "What happened?!" Spikes grinned as he wiped the green liquid from his stubbled mouth. "Don't ask. Just know if he's with us, we should do well." Brutus inspected his new crew with his single critical eye. "Looking right, rough, and ready, men!... Wait a second! Lew, that flame-job decal on your helmet is NOT up to regulation..." Lew looked furious. "SO?!?" Brutus grinned. "Haha! Right answer! I like a brave trooper! You can keep it, Lew! All right troops, grab what gear you want! Don't carry more than you need!" The MANTIS™ operatives quickly picked out their favorite weapons and scanners. Lew and Malcolm snatched some Phasers. Mark grabbed his favorite MANTIS™ Death Ray Blaster© and Bert picked up a long-range handheld scanner. Bert looked around nervously. "Uh, hey. You didn't taste anything weird in the cafeteria lunch yesterday, did you?" Mark didn't look surprised. "Nope, I don't usually eat at the cafeteria..." "Well I haven't felt right since! I think it was those maggots." "That's why I don't usually eat at the cafeteria..." Brutus bellowed in his deep scratchy voice. "Ok, guys gather 'round! We're gonna have a little "pep-talk"!" "Ok, As you know, Kawashita is just as interested in this planet as we are. They could potentially have drones, ground troops, and their famous battle mechs on the surface already..." If you see ANYTHING with different corporate colors than ours, shoot first and ask questions later. I'm sure they will be doing the same. Unless you are totally outgunned, in which case, retreat as fast as possible. Get in, find gold, and get out! Understood?!" Brutus nodded to Spikes. "Open the door!" The armored visor on Brutus' helmet snapped shut. "And remember, DON'T GET KILLED! The entire previous crew DID! Let's go!" With that stirring speech, Brutus leapt out the open doorway! The entire crew (aside from Spikes) followed suit. Mark of Orion was beginning to wonder what he had gotten into... To Be Continued! (Begin commentary) Man! This AG stuff is addicting! Really enjoying this purposeful and exciting foray into the sci-fi genre! Here are some normal lighting/background shots of the Moc and figs- From left to right, Malcolm, Mark, Brutus, Lew, Bert, and Spikes. MANTIS Dropship Interior. by Mark E., on Flickr Quote
Kodan Black Posted June 19, 2015 Posted June 19, 2015 Great story as would be expected, but whoa ... breaking new ground on the lighting front! I love that you did those specially lit shots but also included the full normal lighting versions. It allows us to appreciate just what a great build you made. Love that hangar! Quote
Mike S Posted June 19, 2015 Posted June 19, 2015 Great build! Mantis sure has some of the coolest looking figs! Also nice job with the lighting! Wish I was set up to do stuff like that! Quote
Dannylonglegs Posted June 19, 2015 Posted June 19, 2015 Wow! I really love this! Both mean and nasty looking! Love the colours! Love the walkway! The use of the green lantern piece is inspired. The action is just wonderful! Great job! ~Insectoid Aristocrat Quote
pombe Posted June 19, 2015 Posted June 19, 2015 The build is absolutely beautiful, clean, and well done. The story is funny and sets up a great narrative about the team. The presentation and lighting are phenomenal and definitely contributes to the atmosphere and mood of your story. Bravo! Quote
aeralure Posted June 19, 2015 Posted June 19, 2015 I like the story, the posing and the build, but I really must congratulate you on the lighting and photography. That certainly took it up and notch and supported the desired atmosphere. Bravo! Quote
Kai NRG Posted June 19, 2015 Posted June 19, 2015 An awesome band of adventurers you got there, even if they are sorta totally the wrong colors... The interior is really nice, especially love the details on the walls and the lighted shots are great! Quote
mrcp6d Posted June 19, 2015 Posted June 19, 2015 Wonderful story and hanger, but I really like the figs! Very similar but different enough that each has some personality. Quote
mccoyed Posted June 19, 2015 Posted June 19, 2015 Amazing build and lighting. Those dropship troops remind me of Starship Troopers. Great design for them. Quote
Mr Greeble Posted June 19, 2015 Posted June 19, 2015 Somebody has a blacklight! Very nice. Event though it's all dark, it looks awesome with the glowing pieces. I've been meaning to use my blacklight for AG, but you beat me to it. Quote
soccerkid6 Posted June 19, 2015 Posted June 19, 2015 Fabulous storyline, the characters are all interesting and definitely look like a force to be reckoned with The interior itself is superb too Quote
Mark of Falworth Posted June 19, 2015 Author Posted June 19, 2015 Thanks a bunch everyone! Somebody has a blacklight! Very nice. Event though it's all dark, it looks awesome with the glowing pieces. I've been meaning to use my blacklight for AG, but you beat me to it. Nonsense! Double D beat us both to it! Although I think it's safe to say that a MANTIS fig looks best under a blacklight. Quote
Zepher Posted June 19, 2015 Posted June 19, 2015 Awesome! Love the doorways, love the green walls! MANTIS is a power house. Those figs look heavy duty. I would not want to mess with them. Quote
LittleJohn Posted June 20, 2015 Posted June 20, 2015 Stunning build, Mark! The doors are fantastic and I love the inset lime green parts Quote
rodiziorobs Posted June 20, 2015 Posted June 20, 2015 Woah! It's amazing without the special lighting effects, but those definitely add to it. Love it! Quote
shmails Posted June 20, 2015 Posted June 20, 2015 Very cool effects and photography, nice work Mark. Quote
Garmadon Posted June 20, 2015 Posted June 20, 2015 Excellent build Mark, I'm really liking the lighting and the interior is fantastic as well! Great looking team too! Quote
David FNJ Posted June 20, 2015 Posted June 20, 2015 (edited) That lighting is just awesome! I really like the stripped flooring and the two large lime green sections on the sides. Fantastic work! Edited June 20, 2015 by David FNJ Quote
NuckElBerg Posted June 21, 2015 Posted June 21, 2015 Great build, love the characters and scenery, both with and without the cool lightning! Quote
Big Sal Posted June 22, 2015 Posted June 22, 2015 Amazing build, lighting, presentation, story and characters! Did I miss anything? Quote
Ninja Nin Posted June 22, 2015 Posted June 22, 2015 Great story and lighting .... !! The whole team looks very cool too ..... Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.