[OL-FB2] Southern Isle: Delaying action

[Franco Clarke]

Stingray  sliced through the water, leaving a board wake behind it. The additional cannons in her hold weighed it down considerably, and slowing the vessel's movement. Erwin held the wheel tightly, to keep the ship on course. If his estimates were correct, they should reach the island soon.

However, the calm was soon broken by the lookout announcing he had spotted a ship on the horizon behind them. Erwin frowned; out this far it was unlikely to be a merchantman, or a pirate. That really only left two options, either an exploration ship or Corrington had extricated themselves from the bar at Bastion, and had decided to take the island for themselves.

Erwin signalled for Private Collins to take the wheel, whilst he climbed the mast to observe the ship. By the time he reached the crow's next, the ship had already closed quite a distance. Peering through his telescope, he saw that there were in fact 3 ships, two large and one smaller. He recognised the two larger ships, they were Corrington Merchant Raiders.

He thanked the lookout and told him to watch for any further developments and began to climb back down the rigging. Stingray on its couldn't fight it out with two Merchant Raiders, and laden down with the supply of cannons, she couldn't outrun them either. Erwin glanced back as he retook the wheel. They had halved the distance between them and the horizon already, if they were going to do something it was going to be fast....

'Battle stations, ready the main guns with chain shot' shouted Erwin, 'We will probably only get one shot at this, so you better get the main mast of one of the raiders, or we'll be in done for'

The ship was instantly a hive of activity, as the guns were loaded and run out. Erwin hoped that if he could disable one of the raiders, he could then escape as the other ships assisted their immobile ally. That was the plan at least.

He glanced back again, the ships appeared as distinctly now to the naked eye, they were running out of time.

'I will turn to engage them soon, and we will pass by the raider on the right. Be ready to fire the starboard cannons, range around 300 studs'

Erwin heaved on the wheel and the overloaded Stingray swerved towards the onrushing warships. Hopefully, the near-side raider would partially shield them from the guns of the other ships. As they closed with the three Corrington ships, Erwin noticed they were frantically preparing for action, obviously they weren't expecting such a bold attack.

'Ready guns!' Erwin barked out, they were almost level with their opponents now 'You may fire when ready.'

As they passed the raider, the guns went off; one, two.  The shots hit the ship, but were not quite aimed right, and impacted on the tough wooden sides. The return fire was apparently rushed and poorly aimed, so the shots splashed into the water.

Now that they had lost the element of surprise, this was going to be more risky. Hopefully if he circled around too the other side, their guns wouldn't be in the correct position to engage Stingray.

'Prepare the guns again, I'll bring us up on the port side of the other raider, I'll get much closer, 50 studs'

He pulled once more on the wheel and Stingray sluggishly turned to starboard, executing a wide arch around the back of the enemy ships. Erwin watched as the Corries frantically began turning their ships to engage him on his new course. If they didn't hit this time, the raiders would probably get their guns on target, which would mean game over.

'Guns ready, we about to come into range!'

Stingray sliced through the ocean, straightening out and picking up a little speed. As she passed, the cannons thumped out again. The first shot sailed over the gun deck, missing the target by a few studs, but the second was right on target. With a satisfying crack the  main mast splintered and fell, coming down on deck in a wonderful mess of rigging and sails.

Erwin guided Stingray past the disabled ship and out into open waters. The other raider had turned far enough to open fire, but the shots went high and punched two ragged holes in the sails. Erwin twirled the wheel this way and that, putting Stingray on an erratic course. Sure enough, the two remaining warships couldn't land another shot, and Stingray slipped out of range as they moved tend to their injured comrade.

 

The tale continues, with a good old naval battle. Although you probably didn't notice it this story featured my latest ship, HMS Leech, a small little cutter.

This ship was based around the previous HMS flea, and also too a few design ques from the Imperial flagship.

Hope you liked my little vessel, and the continuation of the story.

[Captain Genaro]

Another great continuation of a gripping saga. I'm really enjoying the various tales of Erwin and his efforts against the enemies of Oleon.

The Leech looks like a swift little vessel that would fit right in with classic pirates. It's hard to make out all the details, but it certainly looks like a creative use of parts. One suggestion is to use some string to make some basic rigging. Some simple shrouds and stays could really help the vessel's look.

[Garmadon]

23 hours ago, Franco Clarke said:

With a satisfying crack the  main mast splintered and fell, coming down on deck in a wonderful mess of rigging and sails.

  I completely agree, it looks great!  An excellent story once again, Franco, keep it up!   That little cutter looks neat, but it's probably a good thing that it stayed out of the fight if it wanted to survive its maiden voyage!   Really like your way of measuring distance in studs as well! 

I do agree with Captain Genaro on the rigging (and I also think the Leech could use a long pole on that clip near the top of the mast for a yard), but that would probably get in the way a bit with your awesome smashed rigging shots!   Anyhow, keep up the great work! 

[Bregir]

Another great story, FC! As always, the way you support your storytelling with builds is spot on. I like the depiction of gunfire, fallen rigging, and the little white bricks is a great addition to make the shots look more lively.

I like the hulls of your little ships, but would also like to see a bit more work put into the rigging. Simple paper sails cut correctly can do wonders for a build. (Well, I think so, at least - take a look at my Athena, for instance.)

 

Never stop telling us these stories. (Although those supposedly Corlander commerce raiders puzzles the admiralty. We are most certainly not considering Oleon an enemy, and would not dispatch ships to attack your interests! We are willing to work with you to find a solution to these misunderstandings. )

[Franco Clarke]

21 hours ago, Captain Genaro said:

Another great continuation of a gripping saga. I'm really enjoying the various tales of Erwin and his efforts against the enemies of Oleon.

The Leech looks like a swift little vessel that would fit right in with classic pirates. It's hard to make out all the details, but it certainly looks like a creative use of parts. One suggestion is to use some string to make some basic rigging. Some simple shrouds and stays could really help the vessel's look.

Thanks, I'm glad you are enjoying reading my tales as much as I enjoy writing them!

I do normally try to add rigging to most of my vessels now, but since this one was a bit basic and is likely to be sunk pretty soon, I decided to be lazy. I might revisit it and add some sails if I have some time later.

4 hours ago, Garmadon said:

  I completely agree, it looks great!  An excellent story once again, Franco, keep it up!   That little cutter looks neat, but it's probably a good thing that it stayed out of the fight if it wanted to survive its maiden voyage!   Really like your way of measuring distance in studs as well! 

I do agree with Captain Genaro on the rigging (and I also think the Leech could use a long pole on that clip near the top of the mast for a yard), but that would probably get in the way a bit with your awesome smashed rigging shots!   Anyhow, keep up the great work! 

Thanks, I realised when writing this story that Lego people wouldn't measure in inches or metres, but studs of course! 

You are indeed right that the clip was meant to have a pole through it, and I must have forgotten. A lance has been found and added now.  Also you're right that having little to no rigging does aid in staging destruction!

2 hours ago, Bregir said:

Another great story, FC! As always, the way you support your storytelling with builds is spot on. I like the depiction of gunfire, fallen rigging, and the little white bricks is a great addition to make the shots look more lively.

I like the hulls of your little ships, but would also like to see a bit more work put into the rigging. Simple paper sails cut correctly can do wonders for a build. (Well, I think so, at least - take a look at my Athena, for instance.)

 

Never stop telling us these stories. (Although those supposedly Corlander commerce raiders puzzles the admiralty. We are most certainly not considering Oleon an enemy, and would not dispatch ships to attack your interests! We are willing to work with you to find a solution to these misunderstandings. )

Be not a feared! I will make whatever steps are necessary to make sure that obviously traitorous and rouge Corlanders are dealt with and removed from the Oceans. 

Perhaps this groups hoped that they could regain favour back at home by capturing a newly discovered island? Perhaps they might try again? Who knows!