The Templar Cross in Paragon of Design by Skrocki's Pieces.

While we have encountered artifacts left by the Knights Templar in many areas and several countries, the site in Rakvere, Estonia, stood out from the rest. Traveling by bus for approximately an hour and a half from the Estonian capital of Tallinn, we passed through an interesting countryside, including some very intriguing circular Viking burial mounds.

The site itself was a partially restored fortress atop a large hill in Rakvere, which gave it a great vantage point over the city and surrounding area. Within its walls lay a veritable treasure trove of artifacts and recreations. From armor to swords to jewelry and plague chambers, the fortress had some of each and more.

Much of the site was poorly restored and difficult to reach, but Tanner scaled every available inch of it anyway and collected a great number of photographs that we would later draw on for inspiration. While I was inspecting the artifacts in the lower portions of the fortress, I would catch glimpses of Tanner two stories above me, peeking out of narrow windows or strolling across the walkways between the fortress towers and snapping innumerable photographs.

According to our guide, this site was not only once occupied by the Knights Templar but, at a later date, the Teutonic Knights as well, making it all the more special as a location. As some of you know Tanner loves the historically inspired pieces and he will be suggestion some for future collections.