ZCerberus

Wolfpack Tower Lord Rex, Boatman Charon told my newt ally and me about the “Keeper’s Tomb”, an old crypt said to be the final resting place of the great lords of Historica and the location of the Elemental Crystal. Charon opened his mouth exactly once to demand my shield, the "Drake’s Scale" for passage to Vile’s island, but he could hardly keep quiet on the journey to the "Keeper’s Island". I know Charon was aware we sought the location of the Elemental Crystal when we traveled to Vile’s lair, so I could not help but feel betrayed he kept the true location of the crystal hidden from us when he accepted payment to ferry us to battle the wizard of the Mystic Isles. Charon said I should consider myself lucky, not only did I learn the location of the Elemental Crystal and recover the Centurion’s Shield, but he jests Barton Stormclaw is far more agreeable in his transformed newt form. Charon reinforced his “lucky” claim by boasting that he may be the only Water Folk boatman who even knows the location of the Keeper’s Tomb, especially impressive because legends of the tomb are told to all Water Folk children. Charon tells me the tomb’s island once held a great keep where the Elemental Gods met to decide the fate of Historica’s mortal beings through natural disasters and the acts of their minions. Though Charon was more than cryptic about the fate of these Gods, he lead me to believe the crystals were some form of weapon and that the Druids scattered the crystals across all of Historica leaving guardians or “keepers” to watch over them to ensure the crystals were never united again. Though the story seemed far fetched, if Charon’s people’s legend is true, finding these crystals may not be the treasure we believe them to be. After we finally made landfall on the Keeper’s Island, I stepped off Charon’s boat with Barton perched upon my shoulder. As soon as my foot hit the ground, I felt a chill run up my spine. Charon said I should travel north a half day until I reach a bridge, from there another day’s travel northeast and I should find the Keeper’s Tomb. I reached the bridge by midday and was harshly greeted by a pack of rogues flying the banner of the wolf. They would not allow me passage unless I was able to defeat their champion, Fenris in battle. Though swift and strong, the Wolfpack champion was no match for my axe. As soon as Fenris yielded, the pack master, Lucian, granted me an audience. He told me his pack was enslaved by the Keepers of the crystal and they had been forced to bring the Keepers drink and food, including the bodies of those defeated in battle at the bridge. Lucian told me no one had defeated Fenris in battle for many years, and those who did manage to slip past the Wolfpack’s tower where never seen again. With a glimmer of hope in his eye, Lucian told me if I could defeat the crystal’s guardians and free the Wolfpack from the yolk of the Keepers, his pack would pledge fidelity to Avalonia. I asked if any member of his pack would join me in my quest, but he quickly refused stating that if the Keeper’s knew about his betrayal his entire village would perish under the swift justice of the Keepers’ fists. Lucian also told me his people were not blessed with magic and had no shaman capable of transforming Barton back to his human self. He did, however, agree to send this letter to you in case the Keeper’s Tomb claims my life as well. Your humble servant, Trian Burress Click the thumbs for bigger pics. Keeper's Tomb Lord Rex, I have recovered the Elemental Crystal! After defeating the Wolfpack champion, I traveled another day northeast until I reached my destination. I looked to the burning sun just after midday wondering if I was lost, then suddenly, coming seemingly out of nowhere, the crypt stood directly before me, in ruin and smelling of death. The tomb was overrun with vines and weeds. Nearly all of the right side of the crypt had disintegrated in time and the two towers which once guarded the tomb crypt appeared to be on the verge of collapse. An old well to me left stank of stale water I noticed bits of bone and forgotten weapons peaking through the tall grass. As soon as they spotted me, two vultures took up perch to await their next meal, or at least whatever scraps the Keepers chose not to devour. The tomb was so old the trees and earth were beginning to reclaim it. A sapling was sprouting through one of the dirty, stained glass windows and I could see a mature tree growing inside the tomb itself. The whole scene screamed, “Trap!” cautioning me of the dangers within. I cautiously approached the door and firmly, but quietly press my hand against the door. The door was surprisingly sturdy, especially considering its decrepit surroundings. I pressed my ear against the door, but heard nothing. Needing eyes inside the tomb, I carefully placed my ally, still in newt form, near the base of a thin sapling and watched him scurry through an opening in the broken stained glass window. After a few very tense minutes, Barton slipped back through the opening and darted along the side of the crypt beckoning me to follow him to the much sturdier tree on the right side of the tomb. I decided I would need to lighten my load to climb the tree for a look so I placed the Centurion’s Shield and Barton’s staff on the ground. I slowly climbed the tree remembering some of the climbing techniques the Stag Clan taught me in my youth. When I was higher in the tree, I could see two enormous men, more than ten feet tall, guarding a small green crystal sitting atop an old altar. I had to grit my teeth to stop my self from yelling, “The Keepers do exist!” The crystal was small, definitely small enough to hold in my hand. If only I had brought Barton’s staff, I might be able to cast a levitation spell to retrieve the prize. Before I knew what was happening, the tree shook violently and tossed me onto the floor of the tomb at the base of the altar. It almost appeared as if the crystal knew I had come for it and made the tree eject me from my hiding place. The Keeper nearest me swung his enormous blade intending to cleave me in two. Fortunately for me, the enormous blade slammed into the edge of the altar, sending a layer of dust and the Elemental Crystal flying into the air. With his blade momentarily stick in the stone altar, I scrambled to my feet. I swung my axe as hard as I could, hoping to separate the hulking man’s head from his shoulders. My axe connected and though the giant fell to the ground dead, my only weapon remained firmly lodged in his throat. The second Keeper sprung into action leaping over the altar with his blade over his head. I dodged his attack, grabbed the crystal, now laying on the edge of the altar, and sprinted for the back door. Seconds after I crashed through the rotting exit, I heard the archway collapse atop my pursuer. The weight of the stone was too much, even for the hulking Keeper, and I instantly knew he was dead. I had done it. The crystal is ours! I now travel back to the Enchanted Forest to seek the counsel of Priestess Miress of the Elfland Realm. She was a great ally in your father’s victory over Baine’s armies, and though her people suffered near extinction at the hands of the fallen House, I hope her people know more about the Elemental Crystals and the rise of the fallen House of Baine. I believe the Elves even have a sorcerer capable of turning Barton back into a human. I can not help but feel the return of Baine is somehow tied to the evil that we have felt lurking in this land or the recent developments regarding the crystals. This is an errand I must not ignore. Even with the crystal recovered, I fear Baine’s return is but a sign of the horrors yet to come. Your friend, Trian Burress Click the thumbs for bigger pics. Avalonian Heroes: Trian Burress and Barton Stormclaw Enemies Defeated: Keepers of the Elemental Crystal Allies Acquired: Wolfpack Renegades Items Acquired: Earth Elemental Crystal --Perhaps you are wondering, "Who is Barton Stormclaw? Why is he a newt? How did they know where the Elemental Crystal was?" All that will be revealed in Chapter 2: The Wizard's Tower when I get around to it. For the first part of the story, check out Chapter 1: The Forgotten House Chapter 2: The Wizad's Tower (not posted) Chapter 3: The Keeper's Tomb Chapter 4: Altar of Hardool --Special thanks to my guildmates who offered advice, especially DC, dG and BB. --Special Thanks to Taz for the background on the Keeper's Tomb photo.

I think you are right on the space. I requested the Historica space, and I don't think you need to for the classic castle one. I register the Albion and Watch tower MOCs. I don't think I wrote anything special on those. I might hit 250 all by myself if LotR is out... guess we'll see!!

Dude- there are like 30,000 OSU's, (Ohio State University, Oregeon State University, Oswego State University...) so it isn't just the internationals who would get confused! Well okay... that is only 4, not 30,000, but still... Maybe go why "Okay (not ok-ey) State" or something. Oklahoma State... that is the Cowboys, not the Sooners, right? I bet ya'll get angry when someone asks that question!

Very interesting and different. It looks like when you turn the wind detector, it actually does open the flower. Very nice!

I agree this might have a better chance of clearing review, though I worry a bit that it is too much a "consumer direct" project and not aimed enough at the kiddies.

That HAS to be it. Drow eat icecream!

Love it.

I don't care about the license at all. I buy if the price is reasonable (easier here in the US I've heard) and I like the parts/minifig accessories. I might buy all of PotC or LotR because those themes' parts fit in to my MOCing style better than Star Wars or Disney. I have tons of Harry Potter and Toy Story figs I would LOVE to get rid of because I got the sets on clearance for the parts and have no need for the figs as they really are the "licensed" part of those sets. I even bought a few friends sets (I know they aren't a license) for the parts.

If you are talking about the greyish armor piece, it is the troll armor. Bricklink link. I might have a few if you have a worthy trade... The minifig parts underneath though... I think you borrowed the gold armor from someone else. As for the MOC- quite lovely. It has a nice atmosphere and the photos are great.

That assumes I want it to mimic a real LEGO set and not just capture its "essence"... This is more a copy with parts actually available in 2012 though. I promise the other MOC is NOT just a rebuild with newer parts

Indeed. It is not any better with the modern parts and colors, but the figure is actually nicely update.

Here is a little teaser. Recognize it? After the postings for Challenge 3 in the Guilds subforum occurs I will post another MOC here.

+1 VBBN

Yeah, probably. I haven't put meph or CJ together yet and I think I should also be doing a Timura too, so three left and I will have a shot of the whole crew.

Good work man. I like the bottom level with the plates and the tiles on the corners. On the second level, I like the "teeth" details. I also like the two shaded shutters. The shape and the overall MOC is very good. A big for you. Like others have suggested, landscaping would improve the MOC, but that will come with time. I like most of the roof, though the curved pieces in the middle of the roof eves don't quite seem to fit. Also, the detailing under the windows is a good idea, but I know the pieces you used don't sit "flush" with the house. It would also be nice if there some thing over the rounded windows as well to add more detail.

MORE ALBION, MORE ALBION, MORE ALBION!

Varis (rogueang) done... or at least close enough... just leaves CJ and Meph. I think I have most of the parts for CJ.

Yeah. No one is mad at ya, no need to "warn you" or anything, plus LD and I aren't moderators or regulators, so you don't have to listen to us TOO carefully anyways . And yes, it was good you asked in the thread about a guide instead of making a new topic. I do appreciate that you didn't just say "this is cool" when it has been burried for a month and you actually had a question. Thanks meph for linking it!

Thanks! This is the biggest Inner Sanctum build yet! I appreciate that you did a good job represnting the houses position on the map as well since you made multiple buildings. An extra BIG for you! There is no elevation on the Albion map, so I again really think you did a great job with ading the little hill. It also helps with the photos since all the buildings aren't on the same level. So long as you're cool with it! When a MOCer gets to be as good as you, you really have to look for little things to critique. You and others have used the combo before and it didn't stand out quite as much. I always loved the tan MMV building that uses the same scheme, so I was trying to think why this struck me as different, and I think it really is that the windows on the MMV set are black so it seems to blend more. Yeah... I never seem to get the roof right unless I use slopes. Trying something different is always good, it just does seem to clash a bit the nice, smooth roofs on the other buildings! Tiles could help. I do like the story that he cuts down everyone's ivy except his own.

I've already got my eye on the 'pack. They only had like 3 sets though. I also wouldn't mind giving an update to the old "Dragon Knights" faction. I didn't really love all their castle etc, but their helmets were so boss! I think they had a wizard shop or something that was really cool at the time... this one...

On the guild wiki I actually split my troops into ranks. I would say I have a fairly "large" Avalonian army now assembled, and I would imagine it is still well under 200 total soldiers.

That's cool! A lot of the fun for posting MOCs for me is for others to borrow ideas I have for their own MOCs, so thank you. I also did a ballista that really fires as well if you missed that one you can find it here. I think I may need to try my hand a wheeled version of something like this. I may use your twisted rubberband to make it!

Here is the video so you don't have to click the link for it. EDIT: removed video since soccerkid6 added the video to the first post!

Is this the one you speak of? Picture is link to Bricklink entry. I don't think I would want to rebuild it in the same LEGO style... more like I think I would want it to have the same "essence" or be "identifiable" as a take on the classic, but I would definitely want to take it to DC or ZC "MOC" type caliber of work. The blacksmith set that came out in 2002 as a "my own creation" could be a good choice for a fresh spin as well. Maybe I will try that one.

LD is right- try not to bump something that hasn't had a post in a few months unless there is something new to discuss with it. I believe this was recently posted on the Brickworld site as an example of an excellent "tower" build for a collaborative build they are encouraging. I agree, a great tower to include as an example by DC!