I see your point dm. But in the middle ages when building walls, gatehouses etc I think the reason was to protect them self not to build a fancy clean build.

Could you out of irregular stones build such a clean look that lego gives? In temples, churches etc the clean look was most certainly there but for castles..?

Interesting point DM! I think however that DG has a point as not all stones were very neatly cut (log bricks/grille bricks/masonry bricks) or perfectly placed to begin with (like "offset stones" with SNOT tiles) if the main purpose was to get the most defensive strength for the labor.

Another interesting thing however is that we tend to think gray when we think of castles, while a lot of castles really were white-washed back in the days. So the neat white walls of Mpya Stedor is definitely historically accurate

I think the style also exists to give the feel of masonry and to break up the "big ugly grey wall". Some masonry can be overdone for my taste but for the most part it makes Mocs a lot more interesting.

You have to remember that castles were also a multigenerational buildng so they could already potentially be several hundred years old by the time they feature in builds.

  On 8/12/2014 at 11:19 AM, Slobey said:

I think the style also exists to give the feel of masonry and to break up the "big ugly grey wall". Some masonry can be overdone for my taste but for the most part it makes Mocs a lot more interesting.

You have to remember that castles were also a multigenerational buildng so they could already potentially be several hundred years old by the time they feature in builds.

Sure! Lego castle building is always a balance between "big [insert color here] wall syndrome" and too much mottled/textured walls.

I think of most my Kaliphlin walls as very old, and when the walls are newer (like in the repaired section next to my Sultan's Gate gatehouse) I try to show that by making the wall smoother and less mottled. I tried to compensate that by using almost all of my tan headlight bricks to put tiles on the wall to make the wall look more hastily put up

I think the original issue was that DG's build is stated in the storyline as new construction. Now, if the materials used in the construction were actually repurposed stone from an older structure (that did happen quite often) a weathered look may be appropriate.

Sionnach is newly built but I still hold on to my idea about the problem building clean walls on a defence structure! But maybe they do their walls clean in fancy kaliphlin;)

  On 8/12/2014 at 1:35 PM, de Gothia said:

Sionnach is newly built but I still hold on to my idea about the problem building clean walls on a defence structure! But maybe they do their walls clean in fancy kaliphlin;)

It may also be that Kaliphlin sandstone and limestone is easier to shape? Sadly, the same properties also means that it is more easily weathered and not as strong against siege weapons...

Good thing we don't get much frost cracking our walls at least!

Edited August 12, 201410 yr by Gideon

Naaa I think it because you are so fancy!!! And you call us tight wearers!!!;) :D

  On 8/12/2014 at 1:44 PM, de Gothia said:

Naaa I think it because you are so fancy!!! And you call us tight wearers!!!;) :D

I can live with this :D

Are the five tasks available to be done at any time? I'm interested in task five.

There are no time limit to the five tasks. Take your time and make us proud!:)

  On 8/12/2014 at 2:13 PM, de Gothia said:

There are no time limit to the five tasks. Take your time and make us proud!:)

Thanks! Will do!

  On 8/12/2014 at 1:55 PM, Damaximus said:

I can live with this :D

Me to! But being a werewolf, I might rip them in beast form! :D

Hey guys, would anyone mind updating the first post, so I am shown as a member of Avalonia? Thanks!

Red Viper: Hopefully it will be done soon. Our leader have much in his real life to do! =)

Should we have contest to change our GoH banner in top of the GoH forum? Kinda like they did on LCC? The winner gets his moc up in the bannerfield? Could we change the banner for our moderators? =)

  On 8/12/2014 at 9:31 AM, de Gothia said:

I see your point dm. But in the middle ages when building walls, gatehouses etc I think the reason was to protect them self not to build a fancy clean build.

Could you out of irregular stones build such a clean look that lego gives? In temples, churches etc the clean look was most certainly there but for castles..?

  On 8/12/2014 at 1:38 PM, Gideon said:

It may also be that Kaliphlin sandstone and limestone is easier to shape? Sadly, the same properties also means that it is more easily weathered and not as strong against siege weapons...

Good thing we don't get much frost cracking our walls at least!

In real life the expense to make a perfectly smooth wall would usually be more than the one who commisioned the building could afford. But with enough workers and time, the stone could be perfectly squared to interlock with each other examples being the pyramids and the Solomon's temple. As this is a fantasy world, resources and time can be fudged so that it would be perfectly reasonable for a wealthy landowner to have meticulously constructed buildings given the building is not put up in a rush such as my Aden's Gate build which is taken longer than I expected to build.

Edited August 13, 201410 yr by Mike S

Jakorin Swiftsword - Welcome to Avalonia! Some great techniques with your sigfig build, and I look forward to seeing your MOCs.

CesBrick- I believe you have the 1st Task 5 Entry, and it is a thing of beauty! As others have said, that is a fantastic first MOC for GoH.

Jason - Great to see you Armies and Retinue - I love your commanders! Great to have you back!

Mephistopheles - Another great re-entry to Avalonia. Excellent work! I can you only hope you'll be getting back into your building rhythm again!

CHALLENGE II

Great work Avalonians! DeGothia and Bregir were on DeGothia's winning team, while Odidoma, Narbilu, Wedge, Hammerhand, Carson and Krono fought off the Drow, but at what cost? We shall soon see...

Bregir has won the title of "Gatekeeper of the East" for his working in stopping the spread of the plague to Nocturnus.

GUILD THREAD UPDATE

I have updated the first post of this thread and there are a few titles that have been awarded for the work completed so far in Book II

As Lord Varis has not been heard from since his descent into the depths, Lord DeGothia and Lord Simon have officially taken on the roles of Lords Regent of Avalonia.

Narbilu and Wedge09 have been promoted to the Defenders of the Realm for their vigilant and consistent efforts to safeguard the borders of Avalonia (both in Challenges I and II, and in their many other builds)

Mpoh98 has been decided as the winner of the Prologue builds for Chapter II. He has also been appointed Avalonia's Shadow Master and shall be leading the reconnaissance and intelligence efforts for the Realm.

Congratulations to all of you!

I just realized I never did Task I! I'll have to do that tomorrow.

Also, would anyone be interested in seeing more about the origins/organization of The Faith? I'm debating making a couple small builds to explain a bit as they're currently being featured quite a bit in my story.

Thank you for the promotion RA... I will continue to serve Avalonia without disappointment.

  On 8/11/2014 at 12:10 PM, Behemoth said:

It's looking great so far, narbilu, but try to not make that one island look rectangular. Make it seem more natural with a non-distinct shape.

I decided to make the ship yesterday... so behold... my vessel:

  On 8/13/2014 at 5:48 AM, narbilu said:

I decided to make the ship yesterday... so behold... my vessel:

That scene looks rather promising!

That looks very good!

  On 8/13/2014 at 4:50 AM, -Carson Haupt- said:

Also, would anyone be interested in seeing more about the origins/organization of The Faith? I'm debating making a couple small builds to explain a bit as they're currently being featured quite a bit in my story.

I would be interested

  On 8/13/2014 at 3:08 AM, Rogue Angel said:

...

CHALLENGE II

Great work Avalonians! DeGothia and Bregir were on DeGothia's winning team, while Odidoma, Narbilu, Wedge, Hammerhand, Carson and Krono fought off the Drow, but at what cost? We shall soon see...

Bregir has won the title of "Gatekeeper of the East" for his working in stopping the spread of the plague to Nocturnus.

GUILD THREAD UPDATE

I have updated the first post of this thread and there are a few titles that have been awarded for the work completed so far in Book II

As Lord Varis has not been heard from since his descent into the depths, Lord DeGothia and Lord Simon have officially taken on the roles of Lords Regent of Avalonia.

Narbilu and Wedge09 have been promoted to the Defenders of the Realm for their vigilant and consistent efforts to safeguard the borders of Avalonia (both in Challenges I and II, and in their many other builds)

Mpoh98 has been decided as the winner of the Prologue builds for Chapter II. He has also been appointed Avalonia's Shadow Master and shall be leading the reconnaissance and intelligence efforts for the Realm.

Congratulations to all of you!

*Is dancing a victory dance and singing*

We are the champions, We are the... *cough cough* Sorry, where was I?

*Sir Beorthan bows deeply*

I most humbly accept the title as "Gatekeeper of the East" and shall bear it with pride. I vow myself and the lands of the Trifork to this honourable duty.

*He rises, offering his sword to the Lords Regent before him*

Also, congrats to the organizers for the great challenge and execution; to all participants for the great entries all around; and to the new titleholders. I trust Avalonia shall prosper under the joint leadership of Lords Regent DeGothia and Simon.

  On 8/13/2014 at 5:48 AM, narbilu said:

Thank you for the promotion RA... I will continue to serve Avalonia without disappointment.

I decided to make the ship yesterday... so behold... my vessel:

What a lovely ship! I really like the use of the capes, and how you made it very stubby, but still looking seaworthy. Can't wait to see the final build!

Kaliphlinite market by beorthan, on Flickr

Also, a preview to my next build for the HSS (task 4) - The Kaliphlinite market of the Trifork. I need to break out my proper camera, arrange better lightning conditions, and write up a description.

Bregir out for now - May the Special be with you...

  On 8/13/2014 at 4:50 AM, -Carson Haupt- said:

Also, would anyone be interested in seeing more about the origins/organization of The Faith? I'm debating making a couple small builds to explain a bit as they're currently being featured quite a bit in my story.

I would love to see some more! Maybe soon... *Wink wink*