Nocturnus Guild: Homepage, Sign-up and Discussion

[I Scream Clone]

Sounds like a great idea Hexx, and would certainly be a huge undertaking to construct that whole picture

Good to see a few of you guys getting in on the mini challenge There is still life in Nocturnus yet!

Sadly still waiting on two BL orders to finish off my castle and it is now the weekend, so nothing to be done till they arrive

[Hexx]

Sadly I don't have nearly enough white bricks to construct that whole castle, at least not for now... but hopefully I'll build its central tower (or something like that) any time soon...

And for the Oracle tower for the challenge entry I plan to add some details, as well as some rocks on which it'll stand, make it taller maybe...

[Hyler Talliwell]

Sadly I don't have nearly enough white bricks to construct that whole castle, at least not for now... but hopefully I'll build its central tower (or something like that) any time soon...

And for the Oracle tower for the challenge entry I plan to add some details, as well as some rocks on which it'll stand, make it taller maybe...

I have an insane amount of white, so if the idea goes through, I may be able to help you flesh out the story with some builds.

[Sirens-of-Titan]

Prelude to Challenge 5:

And so it was that the great Elemental Plague washed over Historica from border to border. From the frozen plains of Mitgardia, to the lush forests of Avalonia, all the way to the sandy expanses of Kaliphlin, and the boiling volcanoes of Nocturnus, great elemental monsters devoured villages and towns, forcing the citizens of Historica to flee by the thousands. Only the great capitals and largest cities continue to hold out against the elemental threat. While the monsters at his command decimate the landscape, Victor Revolword plots the overthrow of Historica’s Capital Cerdica.

In a dungeon not far from the High King’s mighty city, a well-dressed gentleman fears for his life. He is a servant to the High King; one of a myriad of fateful lackeys sworn to his majesty’s service, who finds himself in a dire situation. The door to the small dungeon room opens and the black wizard himself steps through.

Victor: “Do you know who I am, servant?”

Servant: “Yes. You’re that wizard… The one who unleashed the elementals. Please don’t hurt me! I don’t know anything, I swear!”

Victor: “Silence! You’ll do well for yourself if you rethink your loyalties. Now, keenly pay attention to what I say. Rumor has it that the king’s servants use a secret entrance in and out of the capital city. The rumors go on to say that this entrance leads out somewhere in the wilderness by the Hammerhead lake. If that were to be true, I very much want to know about where the entrance is. Now speak, I am a busy man.”

Servant: “What? There’s no such a thing! The only way in and out is through the guarded gate! You have been misled, good sir.”

Victor: “Careful, servant. Lying to me has dire consequences. I ask again; where is the hidden entrance inside the city?”

Servant: “I swear to you, there is no such a thing!”

Victor: “Very well, then we must do this the hard way” He walks towards the door and calls out. “Rellik, come in here.”

A tall, intimidating character steps through the door. He is armored from head to toe, and yields a mighty war ax. His face is blistered over and muddy, his eyes a piercing shade of blue. He walks in, bows, and stares down the terrified servant.

Victor: “Are you familiar with “The Hand of Corruption” servant? Of course you are; you must have heard stories about them your whole life. I’d like you to meet their leader, my trusted general and the agent of your Guilds’ undoing! This is Rellik Nam; the Scourge of the Eastern Kingdoms.”

Servant: “Impossible! The Hand of Corruption is just a folk tale!”

Victor: “Oh, it’s more than a tale foolish servant. It’s a cursed legend. “The Hand” forgives no one; its grasp is far reaching, and its retributions are swift. Look into Rellik’s eyes servant, and tell him you don’t know anything about a secret entrance in the wilderness.”

Servant: “I beg you sir, please realize I know nothing! I fear for my life, and your general fills me with terror… Alas, I cannot give you what you want, as it does not exist. Please good sir, let me go, I’m merely a servant. I know nothing of the affairs of the High King…”

Victor: “Enough. Rellik, this tight-lipped and stubborn servant won’t tell me what I want to know, and I grow impatient. Persuade him to speak. I shall be outside.”

Rellik Nam: “Yes my lord. My pleasure.”

Servant: “Wait! No, please sir, I swear I don’t know anything! Oh no!!!”

Victor leaves the dungeon cell, and closes the door shut behind him.

After a few minutes of horrific screams and sounds of struggle, Rellik opens the door and flashes a rotten grin to his master. Victor nods, and walks in along with blistered creatures who carry the mark of the “Hand of Corruption” on their armor and shields. The servant lies on the ground, bloodied, weeping and clutching at his side.

Victor: “Well Rellik? What did he say?”

Rellik: “There is a small town on a lake near the capital. Above the lake is a windmill; isolated from the rest of the village. A trapdoor in there will lead us directly into the antechamber of the King’s Summer palace.”

Victor: “Wonderfully done Rellik. It appears we are ready for our little escapade. How large is our force?”

Rellik: “Five hundred strong; more are joining every day my lord. “The Hand” has ways of corrupting the mind. Very soon Histroica’s own defenders will be marching under our banners.”

Victor: “Excelled Rellik! Now… we no longer need this spineless worm. Feed him to the wolves.”

Rellik: “Yes my lord.”

-----------------------------

Meanwhile in the Mitgardian capital of Valholl an old Norse warrior steps through the threshold of a well-lit library room. He looks preoccupied, and the haste in his step suggests purpose and timeliness.

Jarl Nibelung: “Ah, Hersir Chorian! You’ve come just in time! Step closer, tell me; what is the situation outside of Valholl?”

Elon Chorian: “It’s pandemonium out there Jarl Nibelung! The damned elementals have devoured everything east of Ondylion. My city is taking on thousands of refugees. I make a great sacrifice coming here today; I pray you have something important for me.”

Jarl Nibelung: “I do Hersir. We may have found a way to dispel the Elemental magic used by the traitor Victor Revolword!”

Elon Chorian: “By the gods! Do tell Jarl!”

Jarl Nibelung: “I received a visitor late last night. He came to the palace all the way from the top of the temple on Mount Varocha. He is a monk of the Order of Eden. He brought a curious scroll along with him. He claims that the magic described herein can dispel any elemental monster.”

Elon Chorian: “Magic? That’s what we resolve to? We’re Norsemen men Jarl! We fight with sharpened steel. I’ve seen these monsters with my own eyes; I hardly see how a magic spell can knock them down! And why am I summoned to hear about it? I am no wizard, Jarl Nibelung!”

Jarl Nibelung: “No, but there is something you should know. Let me introduce the monk to you. Brother Hemli, please come over.”

A man dressed in a grey tunic, yielding a magic staff, stands up in the opposite corner of the library. He puts the book he has been reading down, and walks towards the Jarl and the Hersir.

Brother Hemli: “Yes Jarl?”

Jarl Nibelung: “Brother Hemli, this is the Hersir of Valholl, Elon Chorian. He needs to hear what you told me about ancient sites of power.”

Brother Hemli: “Ah yes! It’s a fascinating scroll we have here! It describes the elemental magic used by the black wizard Victor to raise the elementals. Interestingly enough, it appears that the elementals, while mighty and powerful, are susceptible to a particular type of ancient magic. This is the same energy present at mystic sites throughout Historica! Elven villages, mystic forests, haunted cavers, and many other locations emit this benevolent type of magic; harmless to people, but deadly to the Elementals. As a result they won’t go near these sites!”

Jarl Nibelung: “You see Chorian! This is a major advantage to us! There are areas throughout Historica where these elementals cannot go! We can use them to organize our forces; make camps for our soldier and refugees, and eventually use the magic to drive these abominations back to Oblivion!”

Elon Chorian: “With camps like these, we can organize a resistance and fight back towards the cities! But can we move this magic around?”

Brother Hemli: “Yes! Mages trained in this magic school can accompany your forces and drive the monster back!”

Elon Chorian: “Then we can win this war! This is great news indeed!”

Jarl Nibelung: “There is unfortunately a complication. Victor has not been seen since the attacks started. Without knowing where he is, we have no way of stopping him. While we can hold back the elementals, he too can summon them without end. We risk turning all of Historica into a permanent magical battlefield, the consequence of which will be severe for generations to come! Worse yet; I’ve heard news from our friends in Avalonia; they say regiments of the “Hand of Corruption” roam their countryside, abducting young men, forcing them to join the ranks of Victor’s corrupt forces. It seems that the wizard is planning something big.

Brother Hemli: “Yes… they are corrupt creatures from the eastern Kingdoms, led by an infamous blood-thirsty fiend. If the wizard manages to raise himself an army of them, the elementals will be the least of our problems.”

Elon Chorian: “Then we must move quickly to secure locations around Historica! If they are indeed safe from elementals, we can use them as war camps to hunt down Victor’s forces and to find him!”

Jarl Nibelung: “That was my plan yes. But we must move quickly.”

Elon Chorian: “I will return to Ondylion and prepare a war party!”

Jarl Nibelung: “Good. Brother Hemli will go with you; he will ensure the city is safe. Meanwhile, the other Guild leaders have already begun preparations of their own. The armies of Historica move to its ancient places, and prepare for the coming storm. Let’s pray to the gods that we are ready when it comes.”

-----------

In the High King’s summer palace, the royal steward is frustrated. After calling on the servants several times, not a single response has come from his majesty’s kitchens.

Steward: “Unbelievable! What kind of servants are you!? If the King was here he’d have you booted from the high tower from taking so long to answer! I said what kind of…”

As the Steward raises his voice in annoyance, he suddenly falls silent. Instead of the neatly dressed royal staff he commands, a raggedy group of repulsive creatures storm into the chamber. The steward is taken aback by their ghastly appearance, and he stumbles backwards as they approach him.

Steward: “What in the name of his majesty’s sacred honor is going on here?! Who are you?!”

Victor: “I am the next High King of Historica. Your Kingdom will tremble before my might. Now where is the High King?”

Steward: “Usurper! Traitor! Curse you and your abominable minions! This chamber is sacred! GUARDS!!!”

Rellik: “Your guards are dead pathetic human. All that’s left on this floor is you. Now answer my lord’s question, or you shall join them.”

Steward: “Merci! Merci! I will tell all! The King is at the theater! He loves the plays! He’ll be back soon; must be no more than an hour until his return! Please don’t kill me!”

Victor: “How comical that your High King enjoys the finer things whilst his Kingdom burns. Which way does he come back into the palace? Speak!”

Steward: “He’ll come from the Eastern corridor! He’ll be escorted by two guards, no more! I swear it!”

Victor: “Excellent! I like this servant. He knows what’s good for him. Let’s keep him around. Rellik, prepare a little surprise for his majesty. Make sure he is taken alive and brought to me.”

Rellik: “Yes my lord.” (He bows and leaves)

Victor sits on the throne.

Victor: "The reign of the High King is coming to an end and my glorious reign is beginning. Soon, Victor the Black Wizard will rule all of Historica, and all will bow down before him."

------

Soon to follow:

Challenge V

[Hexx]

Hm... I say we should support the claims of the Black wizard! Afterall, king has been oppressing us for too long, always keeping us down, proclaiming this and proclaiming that... and this Black wizard guy seems kinda trustworthy

@Hyler, that would be great, if my suggestion about the 5th guild doesn't go through, we can always make Nocturnus community build - great white city full of tresures and relics and our troops looting it!

[Hyler Talliwell]

Hm... I say we should support the claims of the Black wizard! Afterall, king has been oppressing us for too long, always keeping us down, proclaiming this and proclaiming that... and this Black wizard guy seems kinda trustworthy

@Hyler, that would be great, if my suggestion about the 5th guild doesn't go through, we can always make Nocturnus community build - great white city full of tresures and relics and our troops looting it!

Sounds good. Yeah, after this: http://www.flickr.com/photos/deathlyhalliwell/7415118844/in/photostream I have a lot of white.

[Angeli]

;)

I love that castle picture ;) If it is ok with you, I would like to build something with that geometry also ;)

btw, I've made intro for the minichallenge ;) take a look at the darkest night ;) keep in mind, this is not fifth guild, these are not minifigures and that is not a requested build

[Treagis]

I Treagis from the southern lands of Dardook bring forth my war band.

But i am no rich man and can not supply a castle, nor mer fort. But a small band of men and orcs.

pics will be up soon.

[Legonardo]

I Treagis from the southern lands of Dardook bring forth my war band.

But i am no rich man and can not supply a castle, nor mer fort. But a small band of men and orcs.

pics will be up soon.

Well I can't really give you a proper welcome to Nocturnus as I am Avalonian, (i am sure they will make you feel at home...if thats possible in nocturnus)

in the mean time though, why don't you Introduce yourself?

[Angeli]

My dear guildsmen, I want to refresh my color scheme with one new color - but what should that be?

And I want it to be a main color, not just sporadic one, like I would do with dark red.

My main idea is white, but I would like to know what do you think would fit with red?

(I was hoping to go to Budapest for the Lego store (and PaB within:)))) opening, and I know a reseller there who has a TON of bricks, so I will use the opportunity to take as much as I can carry (and when lego is in question, I can carry a lot:))))

Basic color would be the best choice (white, blue, yellow...) but anything else that you have in mind and there is a way of obtaining it would be great

Edit: and also question what should be inside, what outside color?

here is an exsample of red outside and black inside (clikc on image for larger):

and here is exsample of black outside and red inside (the lower half of the towers):

Edited August 29, 2012 by Angeli

[Dr Rod]

My dear guildsmen, I want to refresh my color scheme with one new color - but what should that be?

And I want it to be a main color, not just sporadic one, like I would do with dark red.

My main idea is white, but I would like to know what do you think would fit with red?

Dark bley or maybe dark bley.

Dr Rod

[Angeli]

:)

tnx

and also question for all: what should be inside, what outside color?

here is an exsample of red outside and black inside (clikc on image for larger):

and here is exsample of black outside and red inside (the lower half of the towers):

[Dr Rod]

:)

tnx

and also question for all: what should be inside, what outside color?

and here is exsample of black outside and red inside (the lower half of the towers):

I think I prefer the predominantly black style

Dr Rod

[Angeli]

no, I ment if we could choose one color and red, what should be in, what out :)

[Hexx]

If you combine red with dark bley or grey, red should be dominant.

If comibining with white, red should be an inside colour.

[I Scream Clone]

I think dark bley would be nicer with red on the inside. Perhaps some dark red features too.

Dark bley photographs better than black as well.

[NiceMarmot]

I think tan or dark tan with red looks better than the bleys with red. Then the light bley looks better than the dark bley. Medium-blue with red isn't bad, but might be a bit too wild and colorful. I think dark red and tan or dark-tan looks even better.

But then your MOCs would probably look too much like Kaliphlin. Care to switch guilds?

Edited August 30, 2012 by NiceMarmot

[Angeli]

nope, Nocturnus is my doom :)

And I hate sand in boots ;)

and trading, if you need something, go and take it by force! :)

well, I was hoping to get a bunch of white 1x2 bricks... now maybe I will switch to some of those colors...

[Abu Dun]

Having watched the development of the Guilds from the very beginning, I always thought that I would one day join the nocturnian ranks. Now I've finally decided to go through with it (even though the eye-catcher of my people won't get featured that often :( ).

I hereby present the High Dragonlord Thror III.:

His realm is located in the southern Rakath Mountains, near the border to Kaliphlin and mainly consists of a complex of 154 enclosed and well-hidden valleys surrounded by the Dragonpeaks. In the east there's a small shore and in the West the Siccus Badlands already have a great influence on the climate of the adjactend valleys. The capital is called Câr Thrakartis and located in the centermost valley at the feet of the highest mountain - the Dragon's Crown. Other major cities are Câr Thror in the south, Câr Throtem in the east and Câr Thrafak in the north (who took the guarding duty over after Câr Thriril fell by the hands of the Drow).

History:

Long before the men of Avalalonia conquered the west of Historica, a group of few sturdy men have found their way to the south-eastern shore of this vast continent. Not much is known about their past and origins and what little they tell foreigners about themselves is always shrouded in mysteries, such as they themselves have become for those that now settle both far and near to their borders. Only one thing is commonly known amongst outsiders: That they, similar to many other people, have fled a great peril in the faraway east, in search of a place they can make their home.

Years have they searched for a as-of-yet unclaimed region, but it wasn't until Dargiansol, their finest tracker, discovered a couple of connected valleys, deep in the heart of the southern Rakath Mountains, well-hidden from hostile eyes and only accessable over a long and perilous path, seemingly cut into the mountainside by giants. It can only be assumed that they have been living closeby mountains in their original home, since considering the danger of the path and the number of peoples trying it, surprisingly few fell victim to the environment, one of them being their previous king, Dorak. Once they arrived their, they held a large festival to honour the day they found a new home and at the same time, they meant to elect Dargiansol as their new leader. But before this, they had to overcome a last, final test:

Unbeknownst to Dargiansol and everyone else, the valleys weren't uninhabitated by sentient life. In fact, by coincidence they stumbled upon one of the most sacred nests of one of the mightiest races that dwell in all of Historica: Dragons

These very dragons already spotted the tracker when he first set foot into the valley, but they decided against killing him because, thanks in part to their great wisdom, their gift of foresight and an ancient profecy, they hoped that his arrival would allow their entire race to prosper once more until the end of days. Yet, their sudden appearance right when the festival was at its peak surprised many a man and woman and not few of them fled in terror, leading to several hundreds of them falling to their death or being eaten by other, less-sentient beings inhabitating this region. Dargiansol and his relatives, unfettered by the mighty beasts, chose to accept this turn of fate and change it into their favour. So he and the eldest dragon engaged in a ritual combat, to decide wether his people was the one destined to help the dragons return to new heights. Surprisingly, Thror managed to outwit his competitor by setting up a trap that appeared to be so easily detected that the dragon, who was called Thrakartis, fell for the one trap that was hidden in plain sight. With this victory, it was decided that both people should forge an alliance for all eternity and help eachother in any crisis that is yet to come. At the evening of the same day, Dargiansol changed his name to Thror, to symbolize the unity of both men and dragon in spirit and name. He then decreed that all his male descendants should be named in this pattern as long as the bond between their people is to break.

After a rule of almost 60 years, Thror passed away and his line was set to rule over his people, while the descendants of Thrakartis were to govern over the dragons. Centuries passed and the existence of the Dragonlords, how they soon were called by foreigners due their seemingly unnatural bond to the gargantuan reptiles, slowly became a legend told in all of Historica. But while they themselves where considered only a myth, they always had the best information about the ongoings in the world outside. From the very beginning they knew about the wars fought before the foundation of Cedrica, the years that led to the four mighty guilds being founded and even the ascend, fall and new rise of Victor Revolword. They achieved this by always having several scouts flying all over the continent to gather information and provide knowledge for the people in nearly every science.

Not many travellers found their way to these parts of the mountain range, as most prefer to stay near the cost where the landscape is less hostile and easier to travel and even the Drow, who have old exclaves located deep beneath the Dragon Peaks, usually steer clear as even they don't like to mess with Dragons when they can prevent it. There have, however, been occasional dragon hunts been done by them, which led to both people end up on less than friendly terms, and vengeance has always been swift and disastrous for the darkelves. Never again has the number of Drow outposts in the entire Rakath Mountains been so drastically reduced as when they thought it a good idea to include a raid of the nests of Thrakartis' descendants into their innitation rites!

But the times have changed and the realm of Nocturnus had encircled their domain almost entirely, while at the same time the southern most parts that connect to the shore in the east and the Siccus Badlands in the west now create the border to Kaliphlin. This slow but continous expansion of both realms was what led Thror III., the 35^th High Dragonlord, to finally consider a joint alliance with the Grand Ruler of the Eastern Darklands – Lord Ssilyrrith of Abyssan. Despite the Drow being his subjects, Thror III. and the council, which is being made up of members of all races living in the vicinity, thought this to be the best solution if they want to continue to prosper as they did in the past. Furthermore, no other guild matches the diversity of the Nocturnians and with their apparent lack of a truly airborne military division chances are remarkably high to secure themselves a spot among the leaders of the entire realm.

So, accompanied by a division of every armed force (both to show their power and to be prepared for every circumstance) Thror III. made his way to Abyssan to personally discuss the alliance, himself riding Thrak, current ruler of the dragons and grandson of Thrakartis.

The troops will follow soon (still have to build them ) and as hinted at in the description, I'd like to claim the southernmost part of Nocturnus if it's still unsettled. If I'm not mistaken, the nearest neighbouring realms should be Lith My'athar in the north and the Clawbreakers in the northeast, at the other side of the bay.

[Dr Rod]

Having watched the development of the Guilds from the very beginning, I always thought that I would one day join the nocturnian ranks. Now I've finally decided to go through with it (even though the eye-catcher of my people won't get featured that often :( ).

I hereby present the High Dragonlord Thror III.:

Welcome aboard, good to see some more Dragons around!

Dr Rod

[Angeli]

Another lord :)

Soon we will have one lord per one foot soldier

...but the dragons... that sounds interesting :) should the Drow send spies, or emissaries? :)

[Abu Dun]

Welcome aboard, good to see some more Dragons around!

Dr Rod

Thanks, although it will take some time before actual dragons will be featured (since the ones I own are all disassembled and, together with the bulk of my bricks, stored at my parents' house)

Another lord :)

Soon we will have one lord per one foot soldier

...but the dragons... that sounds interesting :) should the Drow send spies, or emissaries? :)

It's only the title he holds among his people, which itself is being called Dragonlords or Dragonmasters already. And really, the leader of a fairly large folk shouldn't be calling himself less than 'Lord'

Sending emissaries would be the wiser choice, since spies may have a bad influence on the truce created after the war between these two (more about their relations can be found in the backstory)

[Pyrovisionary]

Having watched the development of the Guilds from the very beginning, I always thought that I would one day join the nocturnian ranks. Now I've finally decided to go through with it (even though the eye-catcher of my people won't get featured that often :( ).

I hereby present the High Dragonlord Thror III.:

*snip*

Awesome sig and banner, Very long backstory though so 'm afraid... Tl;dr

Edited September 3, 2012 by ZClaude Van Damme
Full quote needed trimming.

[I Scream Clone]

Angeli can you make room in your PM inbox, I am trying to PM you.

Cheers

ISC/your boss!

Skyrimguy, please don't requote an entire post, just edit it to the part you need to comment on, like Dr Rod.

Welcome Abu Dun.

[Abu Dun]

Thanks for the fiery welcome My troops and a first small MOC will probably be up some time this week, so as to properly help the nocturnian way in the grand scheme of things

@Skyrimguy:

Thanks and duly noted. In retrospect, it might have been better to put the history in spoiler tags

Edited September 3, 2012 by Abu Dun