Lavender

[Fabiocb 1]

wow

great man, the main city aerial view looks awesome.

looking foward for more

[dedgren 830]

MrB-

Just admiring the work of a master.  Thanks, btw, for all the great stuff you've posted to the STEX- its found a home in every city I build.

[mrbisonm 1,620]

Thanks for the comments.

The Maincity I have been playing with for more than a year and a half now and it was supposed to be the Mahoon Capitol City for my CJ Nexis of Genesis, but then I put it on ice because I had too much to do elsewhere .and luckily I did so, because it was put aside on Drice D on my computer, just a bit before my C-drive got invaded by a virus and destroyed most of my games and saved games. So, it was one of the few that survived entirely the invasion.

Also , this is my favourite City and probably the most well done by myself. We will eventually see parts of it during this story, but let's concentrate on Lavender, which should become as interesting as the MainCity.

I will be back with chqapter 4 by the end of the week, some nice pics of the voyage coming up.

[mrbisonm 1,620]

Back:

* Ok guys....it is 7 AM and we are burning daylight*, was the loud and clear voice of father John on the third morning.Julia and the girls prepared the breakfast, while all the boys had deckchores to do and it wasn't too long that the sailship was back on course to the Totem River.

It was close to noon, that they reached a small fisherman's village, which didn't have seem to changed with time. Most of the kids were all leaning on one side of the boat to get a better look of something they only heard of before and father John had to bring them back dispersed because keeping the boat on a straight line was not possible with all that weight overboarding on one side.

Little John asked his father if the lighthouse was still functioning, but John couldn't answer this and told him that they will be able to see this only at night and added if we're not too far away tonight, we may see a tiny light in thid direction, that if it works.* But John knew that a light could not be seen 80 miles away on sea.

Right after lunch they reached a camping ground, accessible only by water it seemed. People came running to the beach, when they saw the Lavender's sailboat and one of them even screamed loudly: * That is a lovely name to give a sailboat*. Indeed it is, since John and Julia named it the *Lavender Angel*.

The oldest of the boys came to Dad with the sailor's map and showed him that the Camping Inn was on it, then his indexfinger followed the line that they were traveling and showed the entrance of the Grand Totem river only a few inches away. Looking up to his father, Billy asked:* what do you think, will we reach the river by tomorrow?*, John added while looking at the horizon far away: * It'll be late I think, but yes, we'll make it by tomorrow for sure.* Little John heard this and with two steps ended up between his father and brother, all ears,eyes and smiles. * Pa, can I be the first one to get of the boat and touches the land?* he asked with a little voice so that his brothers and sisters won't hear it. John smiled and look at him nodding while taking a look around to make sure no one saw.

A small watergeiser could be seen far ahead, as little John called it and when they neared they saw the whale, almost four times the size of the ship. It scared the girls and some of the younger boys, but Billy,Little John and Henry were all amazed by its size. A song could be heard, a song of .........mermaids, a song so beautiful that Julia and the girls came back up from below the deck to take part of it. It was the whale proabably calling for its mate or family, father John told them, something they all never have heard in the wild. The whale was leading the sailboat for some miles when all of sudden he came up for a last time, taking a deep breath and disappeared forever it seemed into the dark blue colour of the water.

Later in the afternoon another encounter scared them all, a big warship traveling south to the maincity's harbour. When its horn sounded as the captain detected the sailboat's presence, everyone on deck freezed for a second. It was loud and scary. Even the grumbling sound of the Diesel motors and the water cutting in two in front of the ship were very impressive to see as they passed by it only a few hundred feet away. As if the sea was trembling. Little John had to be told to close his mouth, before too many little flies find a new home. John and Julia, knowing how little John is easily impressed and so much implicated in new things that he experiences everyday now, somehow knew that he will be burnt and knocked out before they even anchor for the night.

It was around 8 pm when John saw the last house that was on the coast before the River entrance. Back in the last village, people talked about this weekend home owned by a rich politician, when John asked directions how far away thew river was. *From here on only 50 more miles on the sea and that's it,we're there.* John told the only survivor still on deck, his wife Julia. Everybody else was already sleeping and it was time for them also to seek the sleeping bags and get some rest before the the last day on sea. They found themselves a little spot in a quiet bay near that weekend home and settled in for the night, falling asleep and dreaming of today's adventures.

Be back during the next week, hope you'll enjoy the story. Could use some more comments..............

[dedgren 830]

I agree- the lack of comments is incredible given the quality of your CJ work here.  Great story.  You are a master of the genre!

[Goin2Chicago 4]

very nice attention to detail. i like this a lot.

[jcabassa 20]

I really like how you terraformed all of that "by hand." I also like the looks of Main City. Nice. Just all very nice!

-jcab

[jacqulina 162]

the lighthouse pic is beautifull excellent work so scenic the other pics are fantastic too

[sloppet 3]

nice work mr.b! your photoshop skills aren't so good thought...

[dedgren 830]

MrB- I think if sloppet is going to make that sort of comment about your "photoshop skills," he at least owes you an explanation of what he finds lacking.  I'm not trying to pick a fight, but the comment, as written, hardly rises to the level of constructive criticism.

I don't see any issue with your Photoshop skills at all, but what do such have to do with playing SC4 in any event?  Thanks for making Lavender available to everyone- I'm sure most enjoy this CJ, along with everything else you've contributed to the ST community, immensely.

[sloppet 3]

Originally posted by: dedgren

MrB- I think if sloppet is going to make that sort of comment about your "photoshop skills," he at least owes you an explanation of what he finds lacking. I'm not trying to pick a fight, but the comment, as written, hardly rises to the level of constructive criticism.

I don't see any issue with your Photoshop skills at all, but what do such have to do with playing SC4 in any event? Thanks for making Lavender available to everyone- I'm sure most enjoy this CJ, along with everything else you've contributed to the ST community, immensely.</P>quote>

MrB - u know me...

if I say

your photoshop skills aren't so good thoughtquote>

I mean

your photoshop skills aren't so good thought quote>

so just ignore me... U rock mr.b !!!

[Fabiocb 1]

wow, this CJ has a very scenic terrain eveything is just so beautifull.

[mrbisonm 1,620]

Thanks folks for the comments. I can see that at least some are interested in this CJ.

Don't worry sloppet, I know u and I also know that my skills with photoshop aren't good (I shouldn't have retouched on the boats on the Lighthouse picture, but they looked like they were drowned before). Besides I only use Ms Paint and don't really have the time to do a lot of retouching. But as long as it seems to be what I would like it to be , right?

Thanks dedgren for defending me....lol, I'm glad that you enjoy this CJ.

Thanks also to jacquelina,Fabiocb,Leech and jcabassa.

[Lyhoko Leaci 770]

Looks good, can't wait for more!

[Vandy 110]

Hello, MrBison.

My apologies for not commenting on your recent updates earlier. I've only recently gotten my subscriptions sorted out on the Forum and missed the announcement of your recent posts. Now that is straightened out, I'll be sure to be notified of your posts going forward.

Ruins of the Boat

Ah, the story of Lavender. I do like a good storyline and you've certainly gotten off to a great start. I remember your "teaser" a few months ago of this picture. It certainly wet my appetite for more. And, more you've given us. I very much enjoyed your storyline in Nexis of Genesis and, based on what I've read of the Lavender storyline, you've given us another great story to follow.

High School

You amaze me as to how you can take a standard game lot and make it look so good. Nice placement of the school.

Main City's National Archives

An impressive building and placed very nicely. I certainly would enjoy rummaging through its stacks and persusing history.

Lavender's Family Home

Wow! What an impressive home! I certainly wouldn't mind calling that my own home. Very nice.

Lavender Region Pictures

I do like the way the Lavender region looks. You've done a wonderful job terraforming it as well as "putting down" your flora. Very nicely done.

Lavender Office, Industries and Farms

It looks as if the Lavender's are doing pretty good for themselves given the office building, industrial spaces and farms they have.

Grandma Lisa's Home

Well, another beautiful home. Does Grandma Lisa need any live-in help?

Final Graphics in Update

That certainly is an "established" and old cemetary based on the number of graves in it. Is that the Independence Hall in the cemetary.

What a nicely built port area. Interesting that there would be slips for private boats with all the military ships around. Ah, sailing the ocean blue. What a nice relaxing time the Lavender's are having. You've really done a nice job detailing the Lavender's trip. I especially liked the shot of the small harbor mooring and the beach camp fire. Well, Main City certainly is a very established and large city. I do like your overview pictures.

Old Fisherman's Village

Mr.Bison, I must say that this single graphic has made my day. What a beautiful shot. I really, REALLY like it. It is so restful and peaceful looking. Thank you for this wonderful respite.

Remaining Graphics in Update

The Big Nature Inn looks wonderful up against the shoreline. Very nicely done.

What a wonderful experience to see a whale so close. I'm sure that everyone on-board enjoyed this opportunity.

It certainly was a good thing that the lookout on board the warship saw the Lavender's sailing ship.

I really like the picture of the Lavender's rounding the point . That home must have an awesome view of the water.

Thank you, Mr.Bison, for these wonderful updates.

Regards,

Vandy

[metasmurf 705]

very solid cj keep em coming

[mrbisonm 1,620]

Thanks folks for the positive comments and thanks to Vandy for being around and encouraging. Let's continue the story of Lavender......

Everone knew that today was the last day on water to reach the Totem River's outlet. It must have been a long day yesterday, because everyone is late-sleeing this morning and the gulls were already back in the skies,when Julia woke up. *C'mon guys*... Mother Julia yelled ....*where has the enthusiasm gone to?*, while she prepared the breakfast.* How come everyone is still asleep?*

Slowly eye by eye opened in every face below deck and life got back into the ship.

The breakfast was excellent and it wasn't long after that the ship was back in the winds sailing north. Very much surprisingly to everyone, the river entrance appeared much earlier than expected. Here the winds were warm and the beaches contained palmtrees.

Father John had a second look on the map and realized that they spent the night only about 5 miles from the river's entrance last night without realizing it. They either misunderstood the Villagers or traveled further then they thought yesterday.

The beaches just before the river were invaded by boats and sailboats. Under the trees some tents could have been spotted and people were everywhere. This is vacation time John thought, therefor a lot of people have come to camp here, he explained to the kids. But why all here, he asked himself?

His question was answered as soon as they turned the corner to enter the river, no doubt.....This must be Paradise....he thought.

Tranquil Bays, crystal clear warm water, wamer winds, lagoons and beaches of such a beauty that they weren't surprized anymore to see all these vacationers.* There are Millions of people here*...John Junior told his Dad while his face showed a total discouraging.* No, don't worry Junior* father added, * They are here because of the beauty of the area and beside I don't thing that they are more than a hundred. I am sure further upriver, we'll be alone.

True. Lambton beach has become somewhat a non-official touristic site since a few years only. There's no law that prevents people from camping on public land. The whole area is somewhat protected from the harsh cold winds that come from the north by the mountains surrounding it and a warm stream that passes nearby the rivermouth, made it so that it has its own ecosystem since several thousands of years. It never snows here, nor does it freeze. Lambton is owned by the government, but nothing has been developped because no access roads have been built yet, just like Lavender and all the other surrounding counties. But that is changing, we all know by now, since a Highway is being constructed to pass through this region and it is advancing with a rapid pace. This is one of the reasons why the Lavender family has come to this place to see it for not only for the first time, but maybe also for the last time its original beauty.

Sailing a little inward into the river, John and Julia decided to spend the whole day in this area, just relax, maybe include some fishing and, what Julia loves so much, lying on the beach and toast.There's much to see, enjoy and discover around here. Both waters meet, the fresh and the salted.

A big rock could be seen further upriver and John defied everyone to come along and climb it. * We will surely have an awsome view from up there*, he said while looking for the perfect spot to *park* the boat. A close by Lagoon was welcomed and they weren't surprised to see some folks that already installed themselves in this beautiful and quiet little beachy paradise. A site was chosen and stuff was unpacked for the lunch and the rest of the day on shore.

Amazed by the beauty of the sand, the clear and warm water, the different Flora and even the wildlife such as moose in the nearby forests, John and Julia thought they were dreaming, while taking a small walk further down the beach , while the kids prepared the campment.

Julia and the girls prepared lunch and the boys, including Dad, had a go with a fishing line on the other side of the peninsula. Kevin, usually the qieter son, caught a Striper, a fish found in these brackish waters. It wasn't a Monster in size, but John decided to keep it as an addition for tonight's supper. Just after Lunch, the family divided itself into two groups. One that will conquer the Mountain and the other one that will stay around and toast in the sand or do some more fishing.

The group of the climbers were of course, John,Little John, his twin brother Allen, William and Jessica, while the others were Julia,Henry, Kevin, Mary-Chess and Helen.And off the first group went, promissing to be back by nightfall.

Another update will follow during the next week. So, I hope you enjoyed this part again.

[choco1 4]

Great stuff, I love what you've done here. It looks genuinly tropical, and the many details are stunning. Like in the last shot those boats look perfect as well as the seagulls and the few people dotted along the coast.

The flora is astonishing! Combined with the many rocks and stuff dotted along it really looks nice. Great terraforming by the way, that bay is terraformed brilliantly! Lavender is becoming a brilliant Cj, and I just love that name too.

Great stuff Mrbisonm!

[Nexis 1]

very interesting update,but i was wondering is there going to be an volcanic eruption to go with the peaceful harbor nature.

[Micah 16]

Wow, talk about a place millionares would live in!!! Truly beautiful and you are excellent at capturing those nice moments. Tremendous job!

[sloppet 3]

you're a crazy mfkr! it's insane to make such a good updates!!

[wallasey 8]

Sitting here speachless after reading your updates "cover to cover", I just dont know how to express my admiration for your work!

[Goin2Chicago 4]

your updates are absolutley amazing. i don't know what else to say...

[mrbisonm 1,620]

Wow, thanks a lot for all these unexpected comments . Much appreciated.

chocolatemax285, glad you saw all the details (gulls, people on beach, etc) . I spent soem time on paint to make it as detailed as possible. Especially hard for me since I am not a pro at all with computer programs.

In the next update we will see the Lavenders reach their ancestor's ruins, the land of Lavender and also some detailed pics of the Maincity.

The Maincity isn't made for this CJ, and was never intended to be neither. When I started playing Nexis of Genesis, I wanted to represent the Capitol City of Uru, the original planet of the Genesians, with another region, but finally I only talked about Uru without never really showing you the City. At that time it was small. But eversince, meaning for about a period of 2 years, I have been continuing to play with that region and brought the pop up to passed the 2 million mark.

Since the City is big enough today, I will somehow include it into the Lavender story, so that You City building lovers, will be able to enjoy another big City from me also.

See ya all next week and have a nice wekend now.

[jacqulina 162]

i love your updates they are beautifull excellent work and very scenic,the pics are amazing

[Lyhoko Leaci 770]

Looks good, can't wait for more!

[cowcorn 11]

Wonderful updates. The beachs just look gorgeous, you really know how to take advantage of the water transparency.

[rewright 804]

Beautiful job on the terrain, especially the beaches. Great story line too.

[Westerner 0]

Glorious work. I love the coasts and water.

[Vandy 110]

Hello, Mr. Bison.

You've provided another wonderful update.

I REALLY LIKE the way you detail your shorelines.  You use of Godiva's coral is just awesome.  Great work!

What a great river entrance!  I like your use of the island in the front of the entrance and do like the way you've created the small spit of land to the left of the entrance.  This looks very well done and quite realistic!

Laguna Bay looks really tranquil and a very nice place to spend some quality time.

I love your close up of the beach and the wildlife and flora.  Very well put together and a wonderful place to spend a lazy day.

Thank you for this lovely update.  I've really enjoyed it.

Regards,

Vandy