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Somewhere in the Great Northern Ocean, Summer 620 The wind blew wild, as it probably did since the beginning of time at that latitude. Despite this, the sails were still more or less intact, waving in the cold air as if they were still pushing the ship towards the horizon, something very sad to see for a sailor. In the temples, the preachers always described Tartarus as a desert of fire and flames… probably because they had never been so far in the North! It had probably been an Oleander ship, a small but elegant schooner: "Le Terreur", according to the copper plate on the stern. Surprisingly, it didn't seem fit for fishing or whaling, the only two things that people could do in those waters. "Nobody on sight, Captain!" Yelled a sailor, trying to overcome the continuous whistle of the wind. It was midsummer, but that only meant that freezing to death was a little less likely. "This ship must be here since the last winter, or they wouldn't have abandoned it yet." Sometimes it happened that imprudent whalers didn't leave the northern waters soon enough, and they remained trapped in the pack. When this happened, their only chance of survival was remaining on their ship, trying not to starve and hoping not to be crushed by the sheer force of drifting ice. Most often, ship and crew simply disappeared, and some whisky was poured on tavern floors in their memory. "Probably even longer. No big thaw has occurred since the 617, probably it was trapped that year, when the long night came back again. And only Zeus knows where it happened... those blocks of ice are alive, and when they grow southward they can carry anything with them." Probably they were just high tales, but the captain remember well the stories about polar bears or whole native families that drifted on icebergs as South as Pontilla. "But don't get distracted again, Tom! If the natives stole our boat we would be in a real mess!" The captain continued: "They must have left the ship when the food started running low, but I wouldn't bet a coin on their survival. Even if they were near to the Northern Coast, they could have been at least five hundred miles far from the nearest civilized settlement. But, if they were lucky, they could still have found a native village." "If natives didn't slit throat to them all first when the ship was trapped. Like rats in a barrel" Unsurprisingly, this comment came from Arana, the tattooed harpooner from the Unconquered Islands… probably not a nice place to visit, considering how lightly he talked about killings and violence. "Maybe there are no corpses because the natives ate them." Nobody really wanted to know why, now and then, Arana talked about cannibalism, but probably it was a reason more to avoid his motherland. "Mmm, I don't think so… we have found some supplies, down in the hold, and everything seemed in quite good order. No, the ship wasn't sacked! Wait… I think I've found something!" A little envelope of oilcloth emerged from the snow covering the deck. On the wax seal, a little crown and a Fleur de Lys flanked two crossed anchors. Every sailor in Halos would have recognized that little symbol: that unfortunate crew was on a mission for His Majesty the King himself, and for sure not for some fishing! "Guys, the whales will be safe for a while! We must return to the motherland as soon as possible!" The sailors replied with some grunts… losing a whaling season could mean hunger, but the captain usually knew what he did. For sure, that little envelope jingled as if it contained some shiny, glittering doubloons... handling it intact to a crown officer, however, could be even more remunerative! This is a little anticipation of my AMRCA, which will probably be frozen (sorry for the bad pun) until the end of the challenge! It will start with the search for a lost expedition, somewhere in the icy North!

The Adventures of Edmund Cooke | S01E05 'The Challenge' We ended our story at William Parker's Shipyard: "I'll get this big vessel ready for you, come back soon." The story now continues... Click here for previous episodes: Click here for more info about the characters: A few weeks later, Edmund, Alexandre, Bernard and Jim returned to William Parker's shipyard. Immediately they noticed a mighty two-masted cannon sloop lying in the water. This ship looked very suitable to continue the adventure! Meanwhile, William was already coming towards them. "And..., do you like this vessel?", he asked. Edmund replied with a resounding: "Yes, definitely!" "Have you thought about a name for this vessel yet?", asked William. Edmund looked startled at Alexandre, who nodded reassuringly. "We have an extremely suitable name. We call her 'HMS Challenger". May she be with us over many challenges!". After a three-yard huzzah and a number of ceremonies, the men boarded. In the meantime, Bernard had found a number of willing sailors who were willing to join them. These experienced hands knew the dangers of the ocean, and were ready for a new adventure. The departure went smoothly and the HMS Challenger headed south. Before the expedition was started, a test run was first arranged. They sailed across the Drolitic Ocean. The sailors were able to get used to the ship and their new boss, Captain Edmund Cooke. Navigator Alexandre Bar-de-Fer steered the ship past beautiful atolls where natives lived. Sometimes they passed a lone pirate looking for a treasure, or they were welcomed by a colony of flamingos. After a successful test run, the course was changed to the north, into the direction of Arlinsport. The adventure could begin! The sea route to the Kingdoms of the Great Raider could be deployed. Finally, Captain Cooke gave the crew some words of encouragement, then he looked at his personal adviser, Alexandre, and asked, "Okay, so where are we going now?" To be continued... --- Collab build with @boeing_787_8_dreamliner. Vessel HMS Challenger will be licensed by @Bricksbypidy as a class 5. @Ayrlego, I would like to receive input from a game master for my next step in this adventure. Maybe you can give me some options to choose from (as an answer from 'Navigator Alexandre'? Property type: Ship Dimensions: 140 x 114 studs Total parts: ~15,900 Credits: - Design vessel: @boeing_787_8_dreamliner - Used some elements of Lego set 6262 King's Kahuka's Throne --- With this build I've achieved: - a total of licensed 6 vessels - a total of 4 collab builds with @boeing_787_8_dreamliner

Dear adventurers! In this topic, please post a link to your adventure with a few comments when you are in need of gm input! The court is aware that adventure MRCAs have been delayed several times. Part of this is due to the administrative work behind it, and to ease this, we are making a few adjustments. (I will be updating the official rules over the coming period) Please ask any questions you may have in this thread. A few comments: No more amrca forms You no longer need to fill in the amrca form - instead you simply post a link and a few comments in this topic, when GM input is needed. Resources committed We will be more flexible in regards to the resources committed. Rather than locking them into the adventure, we now ask for a little self-regulation. So if you are using a ship to go from Weelond to the far south, don't use it for the tMRCA going somewhere else. (Same for troops, etc.) This also means there is no upkeep on aMRCA ships. If you wish to spend significant amounts of dbs, please specify in your beginning post that you are bringing them. However, we will be assuming that every expedition has brought a reasonable treasury along. Travel by tMRCA (where possible) Instead of asking a GM to manage your travels from Terraversa to Nelissa, use the tMRCA. It has plenty of adventurous elements and risks that may take your adventure interesting places. (Of course, should you need to go outside the tMRCA map, the mode of transport is aMRCA) GM input Remember, GMs are the only ones able to define outcomes with an impact to the game. Examples could be diplomacy with NPC nations, discovery, treasure, inciting a rebellion, island rumours, and similar. Normal rules of RP applies: If it impacts the game, and is not your own actions, you need GM input. Additionally, we will now rarely present you with different options. Instead, we will set the situation and any outcome of past actions. You are then free to set your own actions, rather than follow a defined set of options. We may also simply say that nothing of significance has happened, and you will have to continue your efforts. Normal RP rules apply You can only define your own actions You cannot "powergame" (make your own actions unreasonably powerful) You cannot "metagame" (use OOC information) You cannot define NPC reactions You cannot define results  F.A.Q. When can I ask for GM input? At max once per turn. (As defined by tMRCA turns) I don't have an official aMRCA, but my story is at a point where I need GM input... Ask for GM input. You no longer need to have an "official" aMRCA going, to have your adventure get some GM input. ...

Willem Guilder stood before the table and carefully spread open a group of maps on the table. The maps were well aged, and he handled them with care. “Gentlemen, a few months ago, Commodore Hammish Grei shared with me some very interesting maps that had come into the possession of the Crahaish neh Triuri.” “The Crahaish neh Triuri?” interrupted Philip Janszen, captain of the Far Horizon. “Yes, I know," replied Guilder immediately, before Janszen could continue. "Don’t get me started.” Guilder composed himself a bit as he regained his train of thought. “These maps are more than 250 years old, and they describe a group of islands surrounding a sea far to the east. After some time spent studying the maps, the Crahaish were able to identify Corrington’s Celestia and Oleon’s Ile d’Or on this map.” Guilder pointed to a corner of one of the maps, and the gathered men leaned in for a closer look. “When put together, these maps detail the islands around a large sea southeast of Ile d’Or, which we are calling the New Haven Sea, based on our best efforts to translate what text we can from these documents.” “Not all the maps are written in the same language,” noted Thaddeus Calvo, the somewhat well-known Eslandolan explorer. “If I’m interpreting the scale correctly,” interjected Captain Janszen, “some of those islands are far bigger than anything discovered in the Brick Seas to date.” “Astute observation, Captain,” replied Guilder. “You are reading the scale properly. There appear to be at least three islands far larger than anything Halosian explorers have discovered, and three others that rival the largest discoveries to date.” "What languages are these" asked Calvo, looking at a couple of the maps in particular. "I have had success translating other pieces of text similar to parts of these maps, languages similar to those encountered among natives in the Prio Seas, but none of the writing here appears to be an exact match." “The Crahaish neh Triuri have identified and translated parts of the text written in Cymgrii script," answered Guilder. "Ah, Cymgrii!" Calvo nodded, turning over in his mind what he knew of the language. Guilder continued: "The sea encompassed by this ring of islands appears to be described as fairly calm. With so many islands of such size, and a large navigable sea, you can see why it is imperative that we learn more about the area. It could contain unimagined resources. So,” Guider continued, “I propose that we send an exploration fleet to the New Haven Sea. Our first targets should be the group of three islands so near Celestia and Ile d’Or, directly to their east and southeast. Two of the islands are similar in size to Celestia, but the other is quite small. I suggest that we circumnavigate these three islands, discerning what we can about them and confirming the accuracy of these maps.” Janszen and Calvo nodded in agreement. “Then, we set exploration parties ashore on each and gather what information we can, but we keep it brief. After that, I’d like to see the fleet proceed to the two largest islands in the western half of the sea and conduct similar navigation and exploratory efforts.” “Governor, how many ships are you considering for this fleet?” asked Captain Janszen. "I have managed to put four ships at your disposal," replied Guilder. "What do you think of that?” "My disposal?" stuttered Janszen. "Yes, captain," replied Guilder with a grin, "at your disposal. Cornelius Reyngout always spoke highly of you, and you have performed admirably as you have worked your way up the ranks of the MCTC. But I suspect you have more to offer than merely being a good merchant captain. You will be overall commander of this expedition as well as the ultimate authority on the sea, but I would advise you to also lean on Calvo's expertise." Guilder then turned to Calvo. "You are to lead any forays onto the islands. I am depending on your experience. And I expect you will counsel young Janszen here capably as well." Janszen struggled to keep his emotions in check. “What ships?" he finally managed to ask. "You’d need at least one or two well-armed ships to protect the fleet, and I’d suggest having at least one smaller ship that could venture in closer to the islands without risking the larger ships on hidden shoals or such. And we'd need ample cargo space to bring back any discoveries and room for some troops.” "I think we have exactly that," replied Guilder. "You and Calvo are to go with all haste to Poorvintia, where you are to assume command of La Contessa de Victoria. Escorted by the Blood Diamond, you will proceed to Hojaroja, where you will rendezvous with the carrack Hidalga and the armed sloop Esmerelda and pick up a company of my troops there. From there, proceed to the northwestern islands of the New Haven Sea and begin your expedition." "La Contessa de Victoria?" stammered Janszen. "Yes, she is quite the ship, but you have earned it." "What about my first mate, Anthony Crol?" "He will take over as captain of the Far Horizon," replied Guilder. Janszen would miss sailing with his longtime friend, but knowing Crol would finally have his own command softened the blow. Guilder then pulled a key from his pocket. "You will also need the expedition treasury. I have a chest in the next room with 1500 DBs for your use. Here is the key. Don't spend it all in one place!" joked Guilder. Janszen laughed a hearty laugh, a needed break from thinking about what was ahead. "If you run into any problems on the expedition," Guilder continued, "Fatu Hiva and Jameston are both near, but do not discuss your mission with anybody there. If you find the need to return to friendlier confines, I will have someone in Fuerte Unido you can talk to." Pip Janszen took a deep breath. The next phase of his life had begun. He was ready for the challenge. --- Map of the New Haven Sea: .

Start point: Astrapi, Île Zeus Adventure Purpose: To find the weapon of the gods! Troops: 10 from @Phred, 10 from @Keymonus Coffers: 100 Dbs Characters: Padre François Monsieur Gallo "Juggernaught" Jones (@blackdeathgr) (This is a solo effort rather than a collab build, I'm just borrowing some resources from my countrymen). First meeting of the Astrapi Collective Diocesan Council by Ross Fisher, on Flickr Minutes, first meeting of the Astrapi Collective Diocesan Council, taken by Monsieur Gallo, a notary. Meeting held in the function room of the Astrapi Inn. In attendance: Padre François, priest of Hades, Renè Duchamp , on behalf of Tristan Ribaud, "Juggernaut" Jones, on behalf of Hugo d'Offren , Sergeant Carel, of the Astrapi guard, Brother Aquila, a monk of the Temple of Zeus, and agent of the Padre. Items of business: 1. Pact of Secrecy - queried by Monsieur Jones, but confirmed by Brother Aquila. If he is correct, the Temple of Zeus would be keen to thwart this venture. All parties agreed to the pact, ratified by signature, witnessed by Monsieur Gallo. 2. Main item. Padre François proposed to lead an expedition to recover the weapon of Zeus that is believed to have landed on the island. Brother Aquila confirmed fears about the Temple of Zeus. All other parties expressed interest. 3. Padre François invited all parties to join the venture on behalf of their masters, promising significant rewards both financial and spiritual. 4. Monsieur Jones volunteered his services as a pioneer and soldier of fortune. Monsieur Duchamp demurred, but volunteered a platoon of d'Offren troops to support the expedition. Sergeant Carel volunteered his own platoon of Astrapi guards. This was queried by Monsieur Duchamp - it would leave one fort unguarded. However, it was agreed that Padre François' personal bodyguard would remain at the fort to provide a semblance of a presence. Brother Aquila also demurred on the basis that his absence from the Temple would likely be noticed, and could not easily be explained. 5. In light of this, Monsieur Jones was appointed the military commander of the expedition, while Padre François would be it's spiritual guide and overall leader. Monsieur Duchamp would be the point-of-liaison in Astrapi, while Brother Aquila would keep an eye on events in the Temple, and pass any notable information on. Other responsibilities were divided up, and a start date was agreed. 6. The venture was launched with a toast. 7. Further oaths of secrecy were given before the meeting was adjourned. Aaaaand here's a video to get you in the mood:

Willem Guilder had been in King’s Harbour just two months ago at Corrington’s “Great Ball of Terra Nova.” Now he had returned to talk to his old friend and political colleague, Román Fontonajo. In Fontonajo’s retirement, he had built a lovely house on Cocovia and settled down to enjoy a quieter life, away from politics. Guilder hated that he must ask Román to disturb his peaceful life and return to the political arena, but hoped that Román would embrace the opportunity. Guilder was greeted at the door by Román’s wife, Clarissa, and she led him into the study of their house in King’s Harbour. “Román,” Clarissa Fontonajo shouted through the house. “It’s Admius Legistrad, Master Guilder.” Román went down the stairs. “You should feel free to call him Willem, my dear,” he said. Turning to Guilder, “Welcome, old friend. Come in. Mind if I prepare something to drink for us?” asked Román, and he started walking toward the kitchen. “Yes, please, call me Willem,” said Guilder to Clarissa. “No need for formalities. And thank you, Román; a drink sounds good about now.” Guilder followed Román into the kitchen. “Juice? Wine? A tea? Or just some water?” Román asked. “Tea would be wonderful.” Guilder rubbed his leg above his peg leg. “I’m getting more used to this, but it serves as a constant reminder of the war to me. Tea always reminds me of the rewards of exploration and trade.” “Tea ... Have you ever traded it at larger scale?” Román asked while he started boiling some water. “I haven’t,” Guilder said with a bit of a sigh. “Cotton and indigo, plenty. I must redouble my efforts regarding the indigo we found on Ferro Azure. But with so many varieties of plants on every island we go to, there must be some plant out there with leaves perfect for a new type of tea” he continued wistfully. “I guess we haven’t found it yet, either ... But you are quite right about the sheer quantity of newly discovered islands. When two years ago all we could think about is colonizing and claiming the next island, and then the next after that, today we struggle to properly colonize all those we already own. I feel our collaborative efforts have become rather lackluster. But who am I to blame? I guess that’s not much of my business, anymore. Today I hardly do more than brewing tea. And look, the water is boiling. Which one? I will take my favorite Nellisan Herb Mix -- always feels like home to me.” “I will take the same, thank you. Perhaps I can share your feeling of ‘home’.” Guilder paused briefly, then continued. “And even in your retirement, if that’s the proper thing to call it, our collective efforts will always be your business. You are one of the major architects of colonial Eslandola. You are dearly missed in the council, I assure you, but I think I understand why you stepped away. You and your lovely Clarissa are blessed with a large family and each other; I am a man married to my work by happenstance as much as choice.” “And the Sweet Bardo Peach for Clarissa. Now come, let’s head to my study and have a seat.” Román said, as they walked towards the next room where Clarissa was already sitting and waiting. “And you are right -- marriage is a blessing to me. Just last night we talked about the nothing I would be without Clarissa. And I’d even claim that our colonies would not be what they are, if it wasn’t for her. But I guess you are not here to talk about the love we have found in life, have you?” “No, I have not. You know me well.” Guilder settled into a chair and propped up his pegleg. “I have come to ask a favor -- a favor that will pull you back into political affairs for a bit, but not for too long.” “A bit and not too long ... it doesn’t really sound like you know what this favor will be exactly, do you?” Guilder laughed. “This is exactly why I am asking this favor of you. You are much better at the language of diplomacy than I am.” Román thought for a second before he replied: “I have always felt more like a selfish tactician, with my own hidden agenda ...” “But isn’t that exactly what Willem just said?” Clarissa interjected with a broad smile on her face. Guilder laughed again with a broad grin. “Clarissa, you understand the game well!” Guilder composed himself, then faced her husband again. “Román, I’ll get straight to the point. War is hard, and sometimes keeping the peace is just as hard or harder. We’ve allowed ourselves to relax too much in the aftermath of the war. Oleon is actively courting Mardier and has sent a delegation to Terraversa as well. There are military rumblings from Oleon, and though I discount them for the most part, they remind us that we have work to do. Terraversa, newly independent, is a young nation finding its way. We both fought against Mardier, and now we need to solidify our relationship going forward. We need to make a gesture to Terraversa, and to all the nations of the Brick Seas, to show our recognition ... and support ... of Terraversa’s independence. So, we need someone to go to Kings Port and carry that word to Archduke Oldis. That someone must show everyone how important this is to us. I could think of no one better than you.” “Terraversa ... I’ve always had mixed feelings about their location. The less attractive Terraversa becomes as a halt on a ship’s journey between the worlds, the more likely every single ship is to stop at our most beloved Eslandolan town on the eastern coast of Nellisa. Which is, of course, in my favor more than in anyone else’s. So I assume I wouldn’t benefit much from acknowledging Terraversan independence, would I?” After a quick pause Román continued. “But surely we are not here to discuss the impacts of national politics on my very personal wellbeing. And I surely see some reason behind pursuing an alliance with Oldis. Which brings me to the core of my question: Who are we actually trying to become friends with?” “There is no doubt that Nova Terreli and Nellisa have surpassed Kings Port and Terraversa in importance on the trade routes. But Terraversa is still a strategic location. In the hands of an ally, it can assure that trade continues to flow freely to Nellisa. Furthermore, I can imagine that cooperation between Terraversa and Neliisa could increase trade revenues for both. But in the hands of a foe, it can restrict trade. If Oleon’s RNTC were to gain favor, they might implement taxes selectively to influence trade away from Nova Terreli. And if Mardier were to regain control, we might find ourselves in an undeclared war at sea again. Guilder shifted in his chair as he watched Román turn things over in his head, but continued before Román could speak. “And you have identified the key issue, easily the most delicate: who are we trying to become friends with. Terraversa is a two-sided coin. Oldis is Archduke, but L’Olius essentially controls the navy and is quite popular among the citizenry. We must find a way to be friends with both.” “And so the unborn may do his first grand favor to our nation ...,” Fontonajo mumbled after some seconds of thought. “What was that?” asked Guilder. “Or her,” Clarissa answered in Román's stead. “We are going to be grandparents soon, you know?” She had a dreamy smile on her face. “Oh! I had no idea. Congratulations! Which of your children is expecting?” “Joaquin,” said Román. “With his wonderful fiancee, Poca from Berreli. You get my point?” “I’m not sure,” replied Guilder, puzzling it over. “Other than that keeping the peace is bigger than one island or one nation, or one people, and there is more to it than personal considerations ...” “I guess L’Olius might be more open to the arguments of someone who has crossed the boundaries of races, just like his ancestors did, don’t you think?” “Ah! Of course! I forgot about L’Olius’s Atwi heritage. I can see you’re already developing a plan. Tell me more.” “We should definitely go together. That is: Joaquin, Poca, their baby, Clarissa, and myself. And split up in Terraversa, so that Joaquin can talk to L’Olius -- they are both brave men, seafarer and adventurers, after all -- while Clarissa and myself talk to Oldis. There is no way around winning both, and for now they surely do want the same thing: preserve Terraversan independence. We can aid them in this regard, we are the strong ally here -- and we can negotiate from our position of strength. So our goal is an official military alliance?” “An excellent approach to L’Olius! Your sense of family has always been a strength of yours. ... As for our goal -- goals, actually -- I wish a simple, straight-forward answer was possible. We want to limit any influence Oleon might gain in their talks, at a minimum maintaining the status quo militarily and in trade. We also want to do what we can to make sure Mardier doesn’t return. So how to achieve these goals? Personally, I favor a military defensive pact, and there are others who favor this as well. Of course, any treaty we negotiate will have to be ratified by the council, and there will be opposition -- some fear being drawn into another conflict. You know how the council can be. But I believe there is enough support to approve a defensive pact, and I think that is the surest way to prevent Mardier’s return. There is also support for a trade agreement of some sort, and while what form that would take is less clear, it would probably be easier to get approved. So you have great latitude on where to take things. While I obviously hope for more, even if we just come out of this with improved relations with Oldis and L’Olius, that will be something. Certainly see where they want to take the conversation and take our cues from that.” “And surely we will officially acknowledge them as an independent nation of their own?” “Yes, I have here a statement approved jointly by the Colonial Council and the Continental Council, signed by King Fernando! I was worried it might be difficult to get Fernando’s signature, but once it was explained to him that it would be like throwing night caps at Oleon’s King Philip, he was all for it.” “I hope it has your signature as well? And best those of all Council Members? Fernando’s name may not mean too much to successful revolutionaries, such as Oldis or L’Olius, who have triumphantly unbound from the chains of traditional Continental nations -- while I am rather sure your word or Román’s will,” Clarissa stated. “It does, indeed, Clarissa. I have signed, as have all the members of the council. But the king’s signature is significant. It shows no ambiguity in our stance on their independence. And a king recognizing the rights of such revolutionaries sends a powerful signal to the noble houses of Mardier and Oleon.” “Yet still we have a tough task ahead of ourselves,” Román said. “Oldis is said to be a relentless negotiation counterpart. Shouldn’t we be bringing some gift?” “Do you have something in mind?” “I have heard tigers make for wonderful pets.” “Seriously?” replied Guilder, a bit startled. “I must admit that hadn’t occurred to me.” “If it were you I’d make sure to get you one, because I know you could handle the beast. I guess it might work for L’Olius as well. But Oldis? Not so sure, the tiger might decide to just eat him, and that would be it for our negotiations. What about some fine clothes instead? And maybe Maestro will contribute some apple cider?” Guilder let out a hearty laugh. “I could handle him only because he would take one taste of my pegleg and deem me inedible!” Guilder slapped his leg for emphasis, then worked to return himself to a serious manner. “I’m certain we can get some of Maestro’s fine cider, and I will trust your judgment on what gifts to take. If you need me to acquire anything, just say the word.” Guilder leaned forward a bit, in a slightly softer voice. “If you have a lead on a tiger, that may indeed be a fine gift for L’Olius. It is, however, quite important to make sure Oldis does not feel upstaged by anything we present to L’Olius.” “A good point. But it applies both ways. We will always have to give Oldis more than L’Olius to make sure we acknowledge his rule, but only so much more that L’Olius does not feel upstaged. What a nice word, Willem.” “Or we just bring entirely different and unique gifts to both of them ...,” Clarissa suggested. “I would not think we should give Oldis more, but rather the gifts to each must speak to what each values. Clarissa makes a good point that the gift or gifts to each of them should be unique. To that line of thinking, a tiger would speak to L’Olius’s military role, where fine clothes would speak to Oldis’s taste for the finer things. Or perhaps a fine Eslandian stallion for Oldis? An animal for each, but each representing different qualities and values.” “One of many hard things, certainly. But we will find a solution. Do you see any other obstacles in our way?” “Just communication at this point. We need to send word ahead to let them know you are coming. And simply assembling an appropriate squadron to carry you on your mission. Logistics ... and time. We mustn’t dally, but send you and your family on your way as soon as possible. Oleon has quite the head start on us.” Guilder gave him a sly grin, then said, “I take it this means you accept this mission?” “This seems like a very intense and difficult diplomatic mission...,” Román voiced his thoughts. “Willem,” Clarissa interupted, “even with all the admiration I have for my husband and his success in both trade and politics, isn’t what you are asking for more of a task for a Colonial Grand Ambassador of Eslandola? Who may appoint local ambassadors ...” “... like his son?” Román asked her, innocent as a lamb, to which Clarissa responded with a soft smile: “Yes, for example. Or just anyone else.” “Román, my apologies. I sometimes get so focused on an end result, I forget about some of the necessary tasks to get there.” Guilder reached into his coat pocket and produced a sealed letter. “As you know, that position has been vacant for some time, a casualty of the political upheaval. And the council believes it is high time that was addressed.” Guilder handed the letter to Román. “The Continental Council confers on you title of Grand Ambassador of Eslandola, with all its incumbent powers ... if you accept.” Román looked straight at Guilder: “Powers ... I consider an ambassador more a man of words than a man of power ... But that might be for philosophers to discuss. We are here in this world, where I gladly accept the trust the council has in me. I will make sure not to disappoint you.” Román took pause and circled the room several times, in deep thought, before he continued. “Now there is one more thing that lies heavy on my heart. As you know, I have effectively taken all responsibilities of governing Nellisa. And almost all inhabitants of our colonies know that I am de facto the Governor of Nellisa. But you and I know that there has never been an official acknowledgement from our council to clarify this uncertainty for good. I would be ... very pleased if you could look into this and bring distinctness, once and for all. It would surely make the lives of all Nellisans a bit less burdened.” “You’re right. I must admit, I had forgotten that it was never made official; such is the strength of your governorship that Fontonajo and Nellisa are thought of as one! Such appointments are simpler when the trade company controls the island. I will bring that up with the council and see that it is taken care of.” “That sounds good, Willem. The urgency for the mission must be even higher than I thought, given the little resistance you showed towards my proposals ... I guess I might ask for a palace in every Eslandolan town and you would consider actually making it possible! But both you and I are more than simple bargain-hunters on the fish market. So let’s call it an agreement, be satisfied with the result and keep all the rest in mind for our future meetings. You will stay for dinner?” “My dear Román, you did not ask for anything out of place ... although I must admit that I’m relieved we have reached the end of your list,” Guilder replied with a grin. “And you assess the situation correctly: we’ve been napping diplomatically and let Oleon take the lead, which we must now correct. But I feel better already knowing you are on board for this venture. … And I would love to stay for dinner.” * * * After dinner, Guilder made his way down to the docks, where Captain Ambrose MacMathain of the Eslandolan ship Valiant Phoenix was waiting. “Captain MacMathain, I hope I have not held up your departure.” “Not at all, sir,” said the captain. “My men are having quite the time offloading our cargo.” “Yes, I see that,” replied Guilder, eyeing the scene pensively. “But have no fear, sir, my crew and I are up to whatever task you have for us.” “I’m sure you are, captain.” Guilder then handed MacMathain a sealed diplomatic pouch. “Deliver this to Archduke Oldis’s court in Kings Port. We are notifying the Terraversans that we are sending an ambassador next month.” “I will watch over this letter personally, Admius Legistrad.” The captain hesitated, fearing he should not pry in official matters, but worked up his courage. “Who is our ambassador to Terraversa?” “Román Fontonajo, our former and first Admius Legistrad, has agreed to step out of retirement to represent Eslandola as Grand Ambassador on this mission. He is to officially announce what we should have said to Terraversa and the Brick Seas months ago. He will be sailing to Nova Terreli this month to prepare for his trip.” “Do you need me to do anything for the ambassador?” asked the captain. “No, other arrangements are being made for him,” replied Guilder. “Just deliver this letter to Kings Port.” “I will see it done,” replied the captain. And with that, Guilder was off. Captain MacMathain clutched the diplomatic pouch tight. Not being a man of politics, he wondered to himself what the announcement would be. But for Román Fontonajo to come out of retirement, it must be important.

Day 3, Landfall After two days at sea with no sight of land, this morning a formation of clouds betrayed a large landmass to the south. Baker immediately set what little sail we had and with oars in hand beached us before noon. I have not been able to identify the island, and with no expertise and no navigational implements, neither the stars, the sun, nor the moon offers any consolation. Curiously enough, both young Baker and myself have failed to recall any clues as to how we ended up on the raft, but we are well supplied with a chest of basic tools and provisions enough to last us some while, even if we should be unable to find a suitable source of nutrition. None of us has any recollection of what happened after we landed on Tortuga to meet with Captain Benjamin Morgan. And while the island appears ripe in possible food sources, flora and fauna, neither offers me any clues as to our location. The avifauna suggests that we might be in the Prio Seas, but thus far it is all conjecture. Baker, as ever the very image of activity and good spirits, has vigorously set about figuring out how to make our existence on this desolate piece of land bearable, and I have every confidence that he shall succeed. I believe I may be in his way, and will spend our time until we are rescued productively, describing the species off this island. This may well prove an invaluable scientific opportunity and a well-earned break from my diplomatic duties. Montoya...

INDEX Summary Chapter 1: Prelude to departure - - - - - SUMMARY Status: Chapter 1 Participating members Professor Thaum Participating vessels Andromeda Point of start: Tortuga Characters Doctor Thaum and his merry men ( Capt. Barney Wolf, Bosun Saul Spillet, apprentice Iauln, the trusted Callaghan and the crew of Andromeda even if Dr Thaum and some characters will leave for other destination during the hunt ) Troops None Nowaday, a dark dusk in Tortuga... Dr Thaum : Sorry for the last time Callaghan, I think you were right, I threw a fit for nothing. Your idea was definetly a good one that will serve my purpose. Callaghan : You're welcome Sir... I'm used to... Capt. B. Wolf (from the deck) : We have to sail Oliver, else we are going to miss the tide... Dr Thaum : I know Barney, but we are missing a very important stuff, Carloni is late I'm afraid ! Iauln : Were are we sailing doctor ? Dr Thaum : We are going off in search of adventure and freedom, my boy ! Iauln : YEAAAH !!! A voice : Hey !! You !!! Here you are so dauntless Captain Barney Wolf and doctor Thaum !! Dr Thaum : What is this cuckoo ?? Capt. Wolf : A priest of Poseidon, certainly. Priest : Would you be fool enough to sail away with another ship without a substancial offering to the God of the Seas !!! Dr Thaum : A chest of fob for this firebrand, Barney ! Capt. Wolf : Dodson, please... Dodson : aye aye Sir ! Dr Thaum : Here you are kind sir... Priest : May the blessing of the Brick Seas be with you and the Andromeda !! *** Later on... Harbormaster : Dr Thaum !! Dr Thaum !! Dr Thaum : yes ? Harbormaster : Maestro Carloni BENEDETTO have a message for you : " The order is en route to the dock but is very tricky to transport safely" but he will arrive soon. and another one from me : " I have eight children !" Dr Thaum : ???? And so ? Harbormaster : So I can't let you leave Tortuga without paying. Dr Thaum : It's a fade, by Jove ! Harbormaster : the Gargoyle, the Eagle and now a big class 7 frigate !! I'm afraid you're off limit for MRCA shipping... Dr Thaum : Even ashore, a rat stay a rat ! Dodson please, another fob... Dr Thaum : This one for you harbormaster, hope it please your large family. Harbormaster : Thanks a lot my Lord ! *** Dr Thaum : We will sail hunting for this old Red Oktober as soon as Carloni arrived with my parcel, Barney. Get ready ! Capt. Wolf : OK Oliver... OK. Dr Thaum : How many does this small delay cost me Callaghan ? Callaghan : Almost 250 DBs, Doctor... PS : Barney Wolf is the name of my 8 year old son's wubby... any ressemblance with actual BoBs gamemaster is purely accidental but it's fine for me Another built to come with the special stuff of the doctor and the Andromeda will sail for hunting Red Oktober. The gamemaster, could open a PM with me if he needs some further informations about true goals of the expedition.