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Fantasy Place - Fantasy Reviews

The Victorian Hawk Dragon provides reviews of fantasy locations.

Dragon Sentinel - Dragon Land

There be those places in this Dragon Land, that still-guard, the Treasures of the Ammonite. Be Runic Glyph. Be Lavas Heat. This Dragon's Rock, with twists of Ancient. This Dragon's Spire, with curves of Tale. This Dragon's Perch, with scribes so Wise. Donned Ward of Power. Known Vault of Lore. This Dragon's Place, with watch so Sentry :) This Dragon's Tower - of Dragon Sentinel:

Dragon Sentinel - Dragon Land
Dragon Sentinel - Dragon Land

It's where the Perch's Architects drew their Lore - of Dragons Guard, and Dragons Form. It's where the Sleeping Sentinels spied their Lore - of Dragons Hoard, and Dragons Stealth. It's where the Primeval Watchers scribed their Lore - of Dragons Time, and Dragons Stone. It's where the Foundry's Blacksmiths smelt their Lore - of Dragons Arm, and Dragons War. It's where the Wisest Warlocks chant their Lore - of Dragons Power, and Dragons Myth. It's where the Element's Warriors learned their Lore - of Dragons Dream, and Dragons Muse. Where's that then? Why ... In Dragon Sentinel, of Dragon Land - but of course :) For within this Dragons Land, be thy Dragons Wards - in Midnight's Realm, a Dragons Sentinel! For only in Two Moonlit Sky, can you find the Runes - of Ancestral Dragons Past ... Thy shape of Ammonite, with Twist of Ancestor. Thy way of Tone, with Sound of Sea. Thy rise of Glyph, with Arc of Cuttle. Thy coil of Spiral, with Wind of Sea. Thy curve of Nautilus, with Thought of Lineage. Thy hint of Meaning, with Rune of Fossil ... What's that you say? A Hidden Riddle! These Passer-bys, know not for sure. These Passer-bys, know not look up. These Passer-bys, know not of Power. These Passer-bys, know not of Fire. These Passer-bys, know not of Perch. These Passer-bys, know not of He! As it is with these Dragons, and their Hidden Ways. As it is with these Dragons, and their Magic Wards. As it is with these Dragons, and their Treasured Secrets. As it is with these Dragons, and their Emerald Griffins :) But - what's that you say? He's not a Griffin! Well ... Clad in Armour, clad in Gold - Anointed Guardian, knows of you. Clad in Whisper, clad in Hush - Silent Sentry, watches you. Clad in Timeless, clad in Bound - Runic Keeper, knows of thee. Clad in Talon, clad in Barbed - Tireless Warrior, watches thee. As it is with these Western Dragons, and their Griffin's Role ... Set in Stone, Guard through Time. Cast in Iron, Watch through Age. Bed in Marble, Hard as Rock. Cast in Metal, Hot as Fire. Rest in Bedrock, Wise through Eon. Stirred in Guard, Woke through you! This Dragon Sentinel, of Midnight's Realm - revealed in Moonlight, came for you!

| Victorian HawkPermalink | Web: Steve Argyle Art Dragon Land

Monastery Swiftspear

In Kingdom's Ethereal, White be Haze. In Tangled Ribbon, Wind be Touch. Born of Water and of Air - this Dragon's Spirit, Ninjas of thy Monk to be:

Monastery Swiftspear - Steve Argyle
Monastery Swiftspear - Steve Argyle

Dancing through this Water's Verse, Temples of the Spire so High. Skating through this Ocean's Realm, Churches of the Light so Bright. Weaving through this Sea's Domain, Chapels of the Stance so Right. Darting through this Element's Empire, Ninjas of the Rain so Proud. Guiding through this Cyclone's Wind, Shoguns of the Rule so Wise. Fighting through this Heaven's Day, Abbots of the Monk so Scribe ... Temple here, Temple there - one Church here, one Church there! Ninja here, Ninja there - Abbot say, Abbot do! For in Heaven's Lore, there was a Place - donned in Shroud, donned in Guard. This Heaven's Realm, called Monastery. This Heaven's Arms, called Swiftspear. The Shimmer of a Blanket Sea. The Sparkle of a Tungsten Blade. The Tonal of a Falling Wall. The Twinkle of a Pointed Gaze. The Shading of a Rising Spray. The Glimmer of a Shearing Edge ... For in Shogun's Lore, there was a Place - born of Dragon, born of Ninja. This Dragon's Realm, called Monastery. This Ninjas Arms, called Swiftspear. The Obelisks of a Element Wise. The Patters of a Silent Feet. The Monoliths of a Dragon King. The Assassins of a Samurai Way. The Pillars of a Eastern Dragon. The Warriors of a Human Monk ... Shogun here, Shogun there - one Spear here, one Spear there! Ninja here, Ninja there - one Foot here, one Foot there! Running through this Temples Maze, Knowing of thy Paths to Take. Skipping through this Churches Fog, Certain of thy Turns to Make. Sprinting through this Water's Edge, Splashes of thy Toes to Beat. Jumping through this Airy Cloud, Vapours of thy Swift to Dodge. Skimming through this Temples Lore, Pleasing of thy Craft to Rule. Honing through this Churches Art, Dreaming of thy War to Make ... War-cry here, War-cry there - Dancing here, Dancing there! Fighting here, Fighting there - Sculpting here, Sculpting there! For in Monastery Swiftspear, there was an Army - born of Human, and of Monk. This Humans Realm, called Eastern Way. This Monks Penance, called Scribe of Art. The Writings of the Empire Verb. The Teachings of the Kingdom Pure. The Drawings of the Realm in Shape. The Learnings of the Wise to Power. The Letters of the Artist's Form. The Knowings of the Spear to Battle ... Ninja here, Ninja there - one Strike here, one Strike there! Shogun here, Shogun there - one Wound here, one Wound there! Victory here, Victory there! As in Monastery Swiftspear, there came a Monk: donned in Ninja, donned in Shogun, donned in Samurai ... The Guardian of this Fortress Monastery: swathed in Mist, swathed in Robe, swathed in Rune, schooled in Lore, schooled in Arms, schooled in Question ... Who be you that comes to Sea, this Temple Realm - of Monastery Swiftspear?

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Lavender Moon - Rachel Anderson

In Fairy Garden, Purple Haze. In Fairy Flower, Purple Scent. Born of Flutter and of Bee - this Lavender's Flower, Petals of thy Bloom to be:

Lavender Moon - Rachel Anderson
Lavender Moon - Rachel Anderson

Have you ever wondered where it is, that all those Butterflies flutter from? Or of all the Colours in your Garden, when you sit upon the Lawn this Eve? Some might say it's in your Dreams. Some might say it's in your Stance. Yet I would say, Flutter Sky - thy Purple Heart, a Lavender Moon! In Paths of Power, Purple Rain. In Stepping Stone, Purple Wing. In Shimmer Flow, Purple Tint. In Crescent Shape, Purple Queen. In Guiding Light, Purple Path. In Moonlight Realm, Fairy Form :) Dreaming of thy Garden's Bed, Flutters of thy Seed to Bloom. Flying of thy Garden's Realm, Nectars of thy Plant to Drink. Musing on thy Garden's Shape, Whispers of thy Wind to Ride. Tilting of thy Garden's Seat, Essence of thy Bloom to Feed. Thinking of thy Garden's Path, Knowing of thy Runes to Take. Resting on thy Garden's Leaf, Drinking of thy Stem to Bud :) For in Fairy Lore, there was a Place - born of Adam, and of Eve! This Fairy Realm, called Lavender. This Fairy Place, called Moon. The Crescent of a Fairy Throne. The Powering of a Faerie Light. The Shaping of a Fairy Tongue. The Pulling of a Fairy Glow. The Curving of a Fairy Arch. The Guiding of a Fairy Bright ... For in Fairy Lore, there was a Place - born of Cosmos, and of Sky! This Fairy Realm, called Purple Royal. This Fairy Place, called Whitened Snow. The Shimmer of a Fairy Paint. The Sparkle of a Fairy Dust. The Tonal of a Fairy Wash. The Twinkle of a Fairy Star. The Shading of a Fairy Verse. The Glimmer of a Fairy Spark ... For in Garden Lore, there was a Fairy - born of Butter, and of Fly! This Garden's Place, called Fairy House. This Fairy Name, called Lavender. The Foundries of a Garden Faerie. The Forges of a Garden Smith. The Pruning of a Garden Queen. The Clipping of a Garden King. The Glamour of a Garden Reign. The Shaping of a Garden Prince ... For in Garden Lore, there was a Pixie - born of Sunlight, and of Moon! You can find her in the Lilacs. You can find her in the Violets. You can find her in the Orchids. You can find her in the Petals. You can find her in the Stems. You can find her in the Roots. Where would that be then? Two Stars right, one to the left, pass Multi-coloured Cloud, under Bobbing Time - and with a Flutter and Beat, came this Butterfly, to Lavender Moon :)

| Victorian HawkPermalink | Web: Rachel Anderson Art

Dragons of Atlantis - Water Outpost - Wind Outpost

Time moves differently, within these Realms of Atlantis - and as I was soon to discover, so can your membership of an alliance! With an order from my Great Dragon, came the seeding of an Outpost. My Commander had decided, to set about the expansion of my Dragon's Empire. Thus was it fortunate, that my First City was surrounded by suitable Wildernesses - as is required, for the building of Outposts:

Dragons of Atlantis - Water Outpost
Dragons of Atlantis - Water Outpost

For quite some time, did I find myself wondering - exactly what an Outpost is? Thus it was, with the Conquer of a Plain, a Water Dragon egg, and my Commander's level of eight - that I began to learn my answer :) After watching the intro to my Water Outpost (much of which I forgot), I was presented with effectively, an empty City and an empty Field. Well now I thought, let's build it like I did my First City. So off my Commander went, building both Homes and Farms - and it was only later, that I realised that having loads of Farms in Outposts, is not (necessarily) the best approach! It took me a couple of weeks to build my Water Outpost, and at the end I had: 23 level nine Homes, 4 level nine Silos (required for gathering resources), 25 level nine Farms - all intermixed with a level nine Water Dragon's Keep, Muster Point and Training Camp. It was then that something dawned on me - I have another Great Dragon! A Water Dragon, who also required his Armour to be reclaimed, before he could be used in attacks on Anthropus Camps. It was here, that some hint of Dragon Sickness returned, as I searched for my Water Dragon's Amour. Fortunately, I was able to use the time whilst Marching, to construct my Empire's second Outpost - my Wind Outpost. Unfortunately, I have yet to find, a single piece of my Water Dragon's Armour! Any ways, as far as my Wind Outpost is concerned - I decided to approach it's construction, along the same paths as I did with my Water Outpost. Thus, I set about building Homes and Farms, but with both a realisation, and a twist along the way :) At the end of another two weeks (or so), did my Wind Outpost have: 24 level nine Homes, 3 level nine Silos (required for gathering resources), 19 level nine Farms, 4 level nine Lumber-mills, 4 level nine Mines, 3 level nine Quarries - together with a level ten Dragon's Keep, level nine Muster Point, and a level nine Training Camp. The realisation dawned on me (by complete surprise): as I noticed, that when I sent my Army to Outposts, that they were NOT consuming my Empire's Food (at least the Food from my First City). This allowed me to build up my First City's Food resources, which in-turn, allowed the construction of my First City to progress (such as it's high level Wall). The twist affected my building strategy, as I realised then, that my Outposts did not require as many Farms - so I changed (albeit a little late), to building for the other resources (the Lumber-mills, Mines and Quarries). It was here, that Fortune decided to shine upon me, as it turned out, that I already had a complete set of Wind Dragon Amour! (I believe I won it from a Chest, and I'm hoping for the same with my Water Dragon's Armour - as I have still not found a single piece, even from attacks on higher level Lakes, with my Great Dragon accompanying). I am glad that I have my Wind Dragon, as I have made great use of him - upon attacks upon Anthropus Camps. I have found it's best to split my Army into two, with both attacks proceeding in sync - one attack led by my Great Dragon, the other led my Wind Dragon. I have also found that my Wind Dragon, can become injured far more, than my Great Dragon does. Thus, until my army contained suitable Ranged Troops, did I attack only medium level Anthropus Camps, with my Wind Dragon. Overall: I have found that I enjoyed building both Water, and Wind Outposts. I became so engrossed in building them, that I failed to realise - that I had been kicked out of the alliance! I was somewhat shocked at first, but after a while, felt somewhat happier - as I'd learn to play this Dragons of Atlantis, by my own Might, and my own Dragon's Fire :) How about you?

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Tyrannosaurus-ville

Roar!!!! There be those places on this Earth, that still-guard, the Treasures of the Jurassic. Be Volcano Fire. Be Earthen Shake. This Jurassic World, with Gates of Mammoth. What does thou seek? The thunder of the Darkened Sky? The raining of the Abyssal Plane? The tremors of this Earthen Path? Roar!!!! I know it all, as I'm your guide - through this, Tyrannosaurus-ville:

Tyrannosaurus-ville - Fighting Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops.
Tyrannosaurus-ville - Fighting Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops.

From Late Cretaceous come of I, Tyrannosaurus Rex - with Teeth to Bite. Me Tyrant King, giant Theropod. Me Tyrant King, knows what you seek. From Pools of Black, with Heat locked in. To Desert Wings, with Rise of Sun. This Hell Creek, a Barren Land. This Hell Creek, now Treasure Chest! Roar!!!! What's that you say? Triceratops! We know thy name ... With Horns of Three, a shield-like Crown. With Horns of Three, four sturdy Feet. With Horns of Three, this Underdog - Herbivorous Tank, Brace for Fight! The burning Passion, of this Realm. The bubbling Heat, of this Swamp. The rising Mists, of Nature's Woods. I speak in Roar, I speak in Rent. The Clashing of - the Titans known! From Late Cretaceous come of I, Tarbosaurus - Teeth to Crunch. Me Mongol King, giant Predator. Me Mongol King, knows what you hunt. From Vents of Earth, with Fire in Forge. To Flying Leap, with Soar of Ray. This Gobi Desert, wind swept Land. This Gobi Desert, now Hidden Gem! Roar!!!! What's that you say? Protoceratops! We've heard thy name ... With small Horns here, a plate-like Frill. With small Horns here, four rugged Paws. With small Horns here, yet powerful Beak - Sauropod Sheep, Prepare for Bite! The throbbing Heart, of this Land. The splashing Spray, of this Mound. The growing Wisps, of Redwood Forest. I speak in Howl, I speak in Slash. The Warring of - the Lesser known! From Late Cretaceous come of I, Velociraptor - with Sickle Claws. Me distant cousin, Tyrant King. Me distant cousin, modern Bird. From Family Tree, with Common Roots. To Feathered Friend, with Kingdom now. This Gobi Desert, No Man's Land. This Gobi Desert, come Battle Gem! Roar!!!! What's that you say? Jurassic Park! We know thy name ... But do you? With Sickle Claw, built for Rent. With balanced Tail, built for Speed. With razor Teeth, built for Slash - it's Utahraptor, Nightmare Dream! The rising Pulse, of this Domain. The erupting Force, of this Hill. The ravenous Pack, of Woodland's Edge. I speak in Hunter, I speak in Clever. The Dominance of - our Feathered Kin! This Tyrannosaurus-ville, the Kingdom that we built: Tyrannosaurus Utahraptor, Tarbosaurus Velociraptor! From Jurassic to Cretaceous, our Kingdom had it all ... A greenhouse World, bathing in - the Summer's Sun. A luscious Land, breathing in - the Moisture's rise. A Greenland Paradise, full of - the Evergreens. In thy Conifers did we hide, ambush - giant Sauropod! In thy Ferns did we creep, surprise - startled Prey. In thy Oaks did we seed, jumping forth - with foot long Teeth! On thy Sauropods, did we Feast - crunching through, bones and muscle. This Tyrannosaurus-ville, our Throne of Power. In Hunting Packs, did our Raptors - spread across, this hostile Land. In Sickle Claws, did our Raptors - Rend through, this Warring plane. In Thought of Flight, did our Raptors - grow Feathers, reach for Sky! Roar!!!! What's that you say? Celestial Body! We know thy name ... It came to us, one Darkened Day - it sent a Shockwave, through our Kingdom. It brought us to the Brink, where we Teetered - on the Edge! But Velociraptor Utahraptor - both knew, just how to Fight ... As our, Tyrannosaurus-ville, be still - all around! You feel it when: your in the Woods. You hear it when: the Trees do speak. You see it when: our Birds do fly. Tyrannosaurus-ville still, this modern Day. Roar!!!!

| Victorian HawkPermalink | Web: Hell Creek Gobi Desert

Trollville

Hey mon - woh there! Da thee seek Adventure? Or da thee seek our Treasures in da Cave? Be off with thee! This be no place for Weak of Spirit ... From Mountain Caves to Under Hills. From Roots so Deep to Stones in Peril. Speak up now! What Magic you say? Tread lightly mon! Be gone! Be gone! This Spirit we have, born in Quest. This Spirit we have, Transcend through Time:

Trollville - Norway Trolls
Trollville - Norway Trolls

At Norway's foot ya say? Yee are not the first to utter this phrase! In Scandinavia ya say? Yee shall not be the last to verb this way! I speak in Nature, I speak of Charm. For we've a family of Trolls - that bar ya way, along thy way, to Trollville. Bee - no Sunlight here, on Cloudy Day! I speak da Riddle, I speak da Door. What say yee, oh Smiley Troll? Two hands in pocket, with Forest step - da dips me toes, in Icy Spring: Butterfly. What say yee, oh skiing Troll? Two feet in place, with Mountain curve - da shouts me name, from Sloping side: Spring. From Trollville da we - Smiley Ski! What say yee, two-headed Troll? The branching of da River pass, the roots upon da Barking Tree - da Seas me swim, through Rapids ahead: Forth. What say yee, oh Hiking Troll? One hand in place, with Nature's Wood - da Tweets me worm, from Cuckoo in nest: Pass. From Trollville da we - two Paths to Hike! What say yee, oh Bearded Troll? Two Greys in White, with Windy hair - da Hides me way, from Greener hat: Yee. What say yee, oh Wizened Troll? With Magic of me, plus rhyme in thee - da Guides me way, from Norse to thee: Knot. From Trollville da we - Bearded Wise! For we've a family of Trolls - that bar yee way, along thy way, to Trollville: Butterfly Spring Forth - Pass Yee Knot! What's that you say? How dare you speak! Be turned to Stone ... These Trolls of Trollville, know thy Runes! Adventure: he seeks the way - but Trolls and their Magic, twists trails. Peril: she seeks the Gold - but Trolls and their Magic, like da Self, do Good in Life. Quest: they seek fulfilment - but Trolls and their Magic, go Fast or Slow but Go! What's that you say? You seek the Spirit of Norway? Well ... There be Seaside Towns, with Lantern pools. There be Homely Inns, with sense of Quite. There be Warring Blood, with Songs of Viking. There be ... Viking Longboat? We know thy name! Troll Magic - be Still be Quite ... In sense of Touch, this Viking name. In heat of Fire, this Viking came. In cold of Steel, this Viking thrust. In Valhalla, this Maelstrom ride! For wee six Trolls, bar yee way ... In Norway flows, with Seas of Wrath. In Arctic swells, with Wrath of Ice. In Mountain foot, with Blades of Rock. In Northern heights, with Shards of Mist. In Thoughts of Doubt, with Seeds of Self. In Thoughts of Lone, with by Myself. Go back! Go back! For wee six Trolls, test your Soul ... This Norway Spirit, in Paths of Daring. This Norway Spirit, Refusal to Quit. This Norway Spirit, Abide in Time. This Norway Spirit, with Thoughts of Flame. This Norway Spirit, with Strength in Grip. This Norway Spirit, with Know thy Truth! For wee six Trolls - know Spells of Old. For wee six Trolls - know Paths of Power. For wee six Trolls - know Beauty and Charm. A Spell we Cast, for Tests be Past ... Yee may pass. To Trollville!

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Pirates Cove

Ahoy there me mateys! Do you seek Captain Blackbeard? Or do you seek my Pirates Bounty? Be off with you! This be no place for Landlubbers ... For this old Sea Dog, he knows a thing or two! This Pirate's Cove, this Pirate's Booty. What's that you say? A Buccaneer ... Blimey now, Shiver me Timbers! Best me Polish me Plank ... This Pirate and his Cove, this Pirate and his Booty:

Pirates Cove - Pirates Ship
Pirates Cove - Pirates Ship

At World's End you say? Three sheets to the wind! In Davy Jones' Locker you say? Blow the man down! I speak in Cannon Ball, I speak of Jolly Roger! For I am a Pirate, of this - Pirate's Cove. Bring no Black Spot here, young Buccaneer ... Dance the Hempen Jig? Bring a spring upon her cable? Easy now young Buccaneer! There be room for just one Pirate - in this Pirates Tale. Pieces of Eight you say? Heave ho - say I! X marks the spot you say? Splice the main brace - say I! You'll get no quarter here ... I speak in Reef, I speak of Mermaids! For I am a Pirate, of this - Pirate's Cove. No parley here, young Buccaneer ... We swab these decks, we fly these flags - a whitened Skull, with Crossbones on it's black! Smartly now young Buccaneer! There be room for just one Pirate - in these Pirate Boots. Hang the Jib you say? Run the rig you say? Fire in the hole - say I! A shot across her bows - say I! For I am a Pirate, of this - Pirate's Cove. Now up that Crow's Nest - say I! Now up that Jacob's Ladder - say I! Come-on now, young Buccaneer ... Jump to it! Before I put my Boot to you. For in this Pirates Cove, can you find the Blackbeard - of these Seas. For in this Pirates Cove, can you find the Calico Jack - of these Waves. For in this Pirates Cove, can you find the Captain Kidd - of all this Wealth. What's that you say? Tortuga? Well, now ... There be winding streets, with glowing Lanterns. There be captured Maidens, with frilly Frocks. There be rocking chairs, with Captain Jack. There be ... Sea Monsters? Hang now young Buccaneer, bring no Kraken here! For in Tortuga, do the Pirate Ships dock. For in this secluded Cove, do the Pirates bring their Treasures to hide. For in this Pirates Cove, do the Pirates sing - Yo Ho Yo Ho, a Pirates Cove for me! Don't speak to me of Scallywag - I'd put my Cutlass to your name! Don't speak to me of Man-O-War, for this old Sea Salt - knows how to Powder Monkey! Don't speak to me of Mutiny, for this old Sea Swab - knows Walk the Plank! In Pirates Cove, did I stake my claim! In Pirates Code, do we have an accord? Come-on now, young Buccaneer ... Down your Rum, with Black Jack fun. Down your Rum, with Captain's Mate. Don't speak to me of Cackle Fruit - I'd hang you out to dry! Don't speak to me of Hornswaggle - this Shark bait son, of a Biscuit eater! For in Tortuga, do the Pirates - Feed the Fish. For in Tortuga, do the Pirates - Keelhaul their stew-age. For in Tortuga, do the Pirates - find their Motley Crews! In Pirates Cove, this Treasure Island. In Pirates Cove, this Pirates Ship. In Pirates Cove, this Map so Lost. For in this Pirates Galleon, did Captain Blackbeard - spy this Salty Swab. For in this Pirates Quest, did Captain Blackbeard - recruit this Salty Swab. To Pirates Cove!

| Victorian HawkPermalink | Web: Pirates Cove (Adventure Golf)

Dragons of Atlantis - First City

During my first week of play, I had decided to concentrate on building up my Fantasy City and it's Troops. I had chosen to go about this, by initially focusing on the build-up of resources (which I believed would allow me to construct, a well-defended First City). This is how my Fantasy Realm looked - at the end of the first week:

Dragons of Atlantis - First City
Dragons of Atlantis - First City

To support my Quest for resources, I quickly realised - that I would require a high level Fortress. Thus, was it a key priority to upgrade my Fortress to level 6 (as this would allow me to have 26 resource buildings). Over time, did my Fortress grow to support this - and I decided to aim for a fairly equal spread of resource types (8 Farms, 5 Lumber-mills, 5 Mines and 8 Quarries). Whilst upgrading my Fortress, I found that my eyes were constantly drawn towards another associated structure: my City's Wall. As this structure also had demands for high-levels of Stone, I knew that my decision to build 8 Quarries - would pay off eventually (even if it took a while to dig the Stone for each upgrade). Thus, did I find that the upgrading of my Fortress, and the upgrading of my City's Wall - could proceed in unison (which I liked the idea of). Even so, I found that I became slightly frustrated - because with each Wall upgrade, I expected my Wall to turn to Stone! The next Quest I became involved with, was the construction of my Dragon's Keep (the home of my Great Dragon). A memorable highlight was when my Dragon's Egg hatched forth a baby Dragon! I was somewhat excited ... As it felt like my City now had something to guard (even if eventually it's your Dragon that guards your City). Thus, did I feel that my decision to build a level 4 Wall (early on) was completely justified - as it helped to protect what I regarded as the Heart of my City: my Great Dragon. Then did I find that my thoughts turned to Dragons (in general), as I elected to both construct and upgrade my Dragon Rookery. The race was on! I wanted as many Swift Strike Dragons and Battle Dragons as possible ... Unfortunately, I had neglected the building of my Garrisons - so I had to learn something of the Art of Patience, as I waited for my Garrison(s) to upgrade first to level 5 (for Swift Strike Dragons), then to level 7 (for Battle Dragons). In the meantime, did I find myself following the guidance that was available within the Quests Plane - as there seemed to be quite decent Rewards (for the training of lower-level Troops). As such, did I task myself with the training of: Porters (resource gatherers), Conscripts (low-level fighters), Spys (information gatherers), Halberdsman (agile bladed warriors), Minotaurs (heavy hammered warriors) and Longbowman (death from afar). Even so, I found it hard to view these Troops as anything more, than as a means to an end! I wanted to train Dragons - to field an Army of Dragons! Thus, did I find myself inspired - when I first trained Swift Strike Dragons (the smallest of the Dragon Breeds, a Western Dragon with short-ranged Fire). Thus, did I find myself excited - when I first trained Battle Dragons (the ubiquitous leviathan of the Dragon Breeds, a Western Dragon adorned in Armoured Plate). It was here (with 335 Halberdsman, 23 Longbowman, 350 Minotaurs, 30 Porters, 20 Spys, 143 Swift Strike Dragons and 300 Battle Dragons) that my thoughts turned to Conquest! With little regard for the Art of Spying, I marched my Army right into lower-level Anthropus Camps ... With 300 Battle Dragons I (mistakenly) believed that I had nothing to fear! At first, did my Conquests go well - I gained Hoards of resources, and boosted my resource production levels (by conquering Wilderness). As I had started Conquering on the last day of protection (from Attack) - I thought nothing of marching into higher-level Anthropus Camps (without Spying). Unfortunately, this is where I had underestimated the strength of my Army ... I lost (at least) a half to three quarters of my Army, then did I notice figures appearing on my screen with minus signs in front of them (it turned out that my Commander's Power Level had dropped). Feeling slightly overwhelmed, I recalled what was left (of my Army) and sent them to ground protecting my First City (by assigning them to my City's Wall). It was here that the dwindling one day of protection (from Attack) started to sink-in! Earlier on, I had received an invite to join an Alliance (which I had ignored - as I wanted all the Glory to myself). But, with an eye upon my Troop numbers, I decided to embrace this Alliance ... Thus, did my first week end! Overall: My decision to concentrate on the building of my Fantasy City (and my Fantasy Troops) meant that I neglected Conquest until the last minute (let alone the Forge). Some might say that this was a mistake, but I would say that this approach - has given me a strong Fantasy Realm (with good foundations), from which to Grow an Empire!

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Fairyland

Within Fairy Tales and Make Believe have Fairies built their Kingdoms ... With the Fairies in brown, came the Bark of the Trees. With the Fairies in green, came the Leaves of the Grass. With the Fairies in yellow, came the Flowers of the Plants. With the Fairies in white, came the Lights of the Forest. With the Fairies in Dress, came the Queens of this Land:

Fairyland - with a Fairy Queen kneeling within the Woods - with Buttercup Fairies flying around her.
Fairyland - with a Fairy Queen kneeling within the Woods - with Buttercup Fairies flying around her.

Have you ever wondered what is that you feel - when you step inside a Wood? Some might say that is but your Imagination ... Others might say that they see no change at all. Yet I might say, that you have travelled to a Magical Place, where it feels as though the Woods are watching you ... Where it feels as though your in Another Realm - where your not quite alone ... Perhaps indeed, you may find yourself, at where the Fairies built their Oldest Kingdom: the Woodland Realms of Fairyland! For in Fantasy Books and Fantasy Films, did the Seeds of Fairyland take hold. It's where Frodo met Old Man Willow. It's where Tom Bombadil saved the day. It's a Musical Realm - where not all play the Pipers Flute ... There be Buttercups and Bluebells. There be Daffodils and Marigolds. There be Lilacs and Violets. For within Fairyland, do the Fairies grow their Glamorous Plants! It's a Travellers Realm - where not all play the Jesters Prank ... There be Paths of Lost and Paths to Find. There be Trees in Hollow and Trees so Tall. There be Water so Still and Water so Flowing. For within Fairyland, are the Fairies a one with Nature! Yet, what of Fairy Music? With a knock upon a Door, do the Garden Fairies - dance in Tune. With a kneel upon the Grass, do the Flower Fairies - fly in Rhythm. With a gaze upon a Lake, do the Water Fairies - rain in Time. Yet, what of Fairies that live within the Realms of Fantasy Books? Well ... When you read upon a Book, does each page - Flap upon the Wind! For when your books finished for the night - does a Fairy, fly home to Fairyland. It may seem a Journey too Long, but to the mind of a Fairy - it is but a Dream! Yet, what of Fairies that love to Tinker? Fear not I say ... There's a Castle in the Woods so Near. There's a Drawbridge in the Woods so Far. There's a Swan Ship in the Rivers so Stream. For within Fairyland, lay the Roots of Invention and the Trunks of Construction! Yet, what's that you say? What of Fairy Portals? Well ... There be Fairy Arches and Fairy Mazes. There be Fairy Toadstools and Fairy Rings. There be Fairy Dreams and Fairy Games. For within Fairyland, do all Paths lead - to Fairy Tree! Some may say it's in your Heart. Some may say it's all around You. Some might say that there is no such Place. But ask a Fairy what she thinks of that! For she will know where the Fairy Tree is ... It's at the Bottom of a Garden. It's at the End of Stepping Stones. It's in the Oaken Owl Home. It's at the Bottom of a Lake. It's in the Start of Climbing High. It's in the Pebbles that form a Mountain. Where's that you say? To which I would reply: Three Stars left, and one to the right, along multi-coloured Rainbow, under the Water Fall, past Sunken Boat and with a Hop, Skip and Jump, in Fairyland shall you be!

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