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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.

Dear Eslandola, word has reached my ears, even here in Terraversa, about the most concerning recent financial reports. Be assured, my dear friends of the Colonial Council, that you do not stand alone in this struggle. The Fontonajo family is with you in these difficult times. I am certain you all realise any taxation of wealth is not an option? After all, the freedom of choice is what has made our nation great, and most certainly you will not dispossess your citizens of this freedom! I have always been in favour of further taxation - port taxes, taxation of new investments (properties), even taxes for living in the most luxourious towns, taxations for larger fleets, for titles, for offices - just about for everything that leaves us with a choice to decide against it, and thus against the taxes. While taxes on regular income might be a grey area, taxing our possessions leaves us with no choice to take another path - which is essentially the demise of freedom and thus the doom of our Empire. To express my support with more than just words I hereby transfer some of my most valuable possessions. While I give the Cotton Island near Salida Este to the Merchants Colonial Trading Company, which should be netting the MCTC around 150 Dubloons in monthly revenue, the Colonial Council Hall in Montario is hereby transferred to our nation. I entrust you, my friends in the Colonial Council, to use the money wisely. Also as of today, all port taxes acquired by Nova Terreli shall go directly to the treasury of our great Colonial Eslandolan Empire. My utmost respect to the work all of you are dedicating to our nations in those hard times. My finest regards Román Esteban Fontonajo, Colonial Grand Ambassador I might license this as a small commerce in Kings Port, Terraversa. And some more detail-shots of the furniture:

A medium fortification for the settlement of Montario on the island of Nellisa. A little outside the harbour in the rather shallow waters leading inside the bay of Montario, on top of a small rocky elevation, the Fontonajos have setup this small gem of a fortress, protecting the rich in their houses in Montario. The design of the fortress reflects the riches of the town and its inhabitants, who surely would not the look of blank stone. No further story for this one... :-)

While adventurers have set out to find the most beautiful orchid in ancient temple ruins, very little is known about the origins of those ruins yet, et alone about the Celestian natives in general. Juan Alfonso Fontonajo and his companion have discovered a hill somewhere in the highlands of Celestia - and on top of that hill stands an ancient statue of a winged man riding a tiger. What is the history of this statue? Who have the natives of Celestia prayed to in former times? On the neighbouring island of Cascadia temples to the feline gods have already been discovered, deep in the jungles. But what is the connection between the cults and history that have been unveiled on Cascadia to that of Celestia? On Cascadia the Myzectlan still uphold their city as a refuge deep within a mountain vale, protected from the once (and potentially still today) maneating large carnivorous cats. But scientists like Montoya have set up a relationship to the natives of Cascadia, and researched their culture, their history and their doom. This has yet to happen on Celestia. And as the curious eye may or may not see, a native scout is closely watching Fontonajo's expedition already. Will he approve of Fontonajo approaching the strange altar on the hilltop? For now one difference seems to be obvious: While in Cascadia most shrines were hidden deep in the jungles - because of the secret and forbidden nature of the cult especially in its early days - this statue stands highly exposed on top of a hill for everyone to see. So how are the natives of Celestia? Are they like those on Cascadia? Do they emerge from the same ancient civilization, share the same blood and the same culture? Have all of them become primitive huntsmen? Or have they always been? Have they once lived on Cascadia, or vice versa? Or maybe those two peoples are not connected in any way, after all? Only time will tell, and only when scientists and adventurers have made their discoveries, written them down, made the connections between the puzzle pieces - only then will we finally know who and how the natives of Celestia really are - and why. For now it is most obvious that there must have been a religious cult involving large felines, at some point in the past at least. The altar is still in decent but not perfect shape, which may also be a result from the sun shining relentlessly at the rather dry hilltop. But who is the winged rider on the tiger's back? Is the tiger the worshipped one, or is it the humanoid with wings? Does the statue display a real hero, or rather a fictional divine being? What is the relationship between the two? And is it pure coincidence that a jaguar is drinking at the small pond at the foot of the hill? Surely other feline cats have recently been spotted on Celestia. But what is the releation between them and the inhabitants of the islands? An incident happened with a white tiger which was recently discovered and then killed shortly after. But are there also deep hostilities between the natives and the felines? Would the felines even attack wandering Halosians? Not even that is known yet. Only one thing seems certain for now: That Juan Alfonso Fontonajo and his company will continue their exploration of Celestia. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks a lot to @Ayrlego, @Lord Buckethead and @Bregir for your support and feedback during the construction of this MOC. I am happy to have the chance of exploring Celestia with you - and hopefully soon some others as well. The island and its natives bear some great potential which we have the great chance to develop together. The general colourscheme with lots of olive green, mixed with some dark green, has been inspired by @Gideon's fantastic entry to category C of the most recent challenge. The orchid is a copy of that from @Kai NRG's delayed yet wonderful entry to the challenge. Looking forward to all other MOCs for the Celestian Natives. :-) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A little to the northwest of Salida Este on Ferro Azure lies a small island. Geographically it belongs to Ferro Azure, and the island is not really worth mentioning. Below that island lies an even smaller island, which they call the “Cotton Island”. That tiny island is owned by no other than the Fontonajo family, who made the once jungle-covered island arable and are growing and selling their cotton, solidifying the MCTC monopoly on that resource. Some patches of jungle still show what the island once looked like. In the middle of the island a small creek springs. The spring supplies the whole island through an irrigation system that Fontonajo’s men have developed. Cotton is a thirsty plant. Many workers irrigate and harvest the cotton, storing it in big boxes at the wooden warehouse on the beach. Some workers are currently removing the last parts of jungle on the eastern coast of the island, to enlarge the arable land, so even more cotton can be planted. When Don Isaac Montoya heard of the plans to destroy even more of the beautiful and original vegetation of the island, he feared for the further existence of plants and animals that might else be unknown to the world. Fontonajo granted permission to members of the Royal Society of Natural Philosophy to come to the island and preserve the wildlife. James Firming from Corrington, a well-known butterfly-catcher in the colonies, is currently hunting some of the beautiful butterflies on the “Cotton Island”. Marko big behind is the Custodian of the island, though he prefers to call himself Harbourmaster. Right now he is greeting Alvaro Bastici, owner of a textile factory in Salida Este, a regular visitor to the “Cotton Island”. Bastici usually visits the island on his small sloop to manually select the best cotton for his factory. On the northwestern shore, which the workers call the “Long Coconut Beach”, some coconut palms still stand, and sure profit can be made from harvesting and selling those as well. Marcho, a tanned guy with curly hair, who surely has some ancestors from more southern lands than Eslandola, is a trained palmtree-climber. On the northern edge stands a small watchtower to guard the island from intruders. Or at least spot them. Sure, if a real raid from Mardier was to come, the one guard most likely would not stand a chance, but if some lousy buccaneers were to come by, the people on the island know how to defend their cotton. Will license this as a "Royal Plantation". Studcount: 158x118 = 18.664 > 16.384 = 128x128. Some more pictures can be found in this flickr album. If you want to see a close-up of something else, just let me know.

Clarissa Fontonajo: "You really like him, don't you?" Román Fontonajo: "Who?" "Cooke." "He is... honest, straightforward. And knows his business." "That's not what I meant." "I know." "Then why are you afraid to admit?" "Because... I don't know... old habits maybe? Affection makes us vulnerable, after all." "And also human." "I know..." "Then stay in touch with him. Become friends." "I might..." Román and Clarissa sat in their house by the river in King's Harbour, enjoying a sip of wine, the night after the Great Ball. What an event it had been! "You think the kids are doing alright?" "Clarissa... they are hardly kids anymore. Even Isabella has turned 18 a few months ago." "I know... but still... she..." "You keep underestimating her. Marja once told me that Isabella is the most dangerous of all our kids." "Juan is your heir, both in age and skill, and you know it." "I do... yet they are all our heirs, in one way or another. Joaquin will be a father, soon." "Half Fontonajo, half Tenotaxclan. I'm curious what the little one will look like." "We will be grandparents, Clarissa." "Yes, we will. Soon enough. Like an old couple." "You know what I like most about not being Admius Legistrad anymore?" "That you finally have some time for yourself?" "No, my dear. That you and I have more time." She took a pause and looked at him. "Never before have I asked you this, Román. But do you love me? I mean, not in the way that our parents decided to marry us, and we do have our children together and share our lives. No, I mean in the way that you really love me for who I am..." He took a moment to think. He had never told her before. "I have loved you since the night we got married. I am glad my father chose you. I could not have been more lucky. I have always loved you, and always will. And we both know that I would be nothing without you. Nothing but a lost soul, sitting lonely in his tower, waiting for the world to keep turning. But you and I, we have already changed the world, and will continue. I love you, Clarissa. More than you could ever imagine or believe." Silently he took her hand, and so they just sat there and enjoyed the water stream towards the ocean. "You see those ducks down there?" "Those are ducks? I mean... they have silver wings? Isn't that rather odd? Not that I knew too much of it?" "Montoya once wrote me about them. The Royal Society found them to be a special species of ducks. That was not too long ago. Actually it might even have been the last letter I got from him. I don't know if he has ever named the ducks..." "You miss him..." "I do..." "What a curious friendship. The philanthropic scientist and the ruthless tradelord." "Politicians, both... If only our shipyards were doing their duty..." "It does take its time. You will find him. Just wait some more." "I cannot. It has been too long." "Then Román, we will leave tomorrow." "But you still wanted to go to -" "It doesn't matter, Román. We will leave tomorrow morning, we will make sure those ships are built, and then you can go ahead and search for Montoya." And he looked her in the eyes, and he felt his undying love for her. And so they sat, by the river in King's Harbour. (the mentioned people from the Fontonajo family can be found here: Fontonajo family) (Colourscheme inspired by Bregir's Colonial House)

After challenge 5, the Fontonajos have added further properties to their estates in Jameston (microbuilds to activate challenge rewards): C) Medium Plantation: Bees & Honey (hope this counts as a micro build; if it does not please let me know, and I will license this as a small plantation and come up with a real micro) The Myzec of Cascadia collect honey from wild bees as a sweetener for their foods and drinks on special occasions. Celestia, as the neighbouring island, has even more biological diversity. The businessmen they are known for, the Fontonajos have decided to have some honey bees imported from the old world, to recreate the excquisite in a controlled environment near Jameston on Celestia - and potentially the wild bees of the island might be attracted and both types of bees - if they are different in the first place - might interbreed eventually? B) Large Educational Property: Botanical Gardens In the rapidly growing settlement of Jameston on the island of Celestia, Juan Alfonso Fontonajo has opened a small Botanical Garden to display the wonderful flora of the island that he and others have discovered on their adventures deep into the jungle covered mountains of Celestia. A) Large Property of my choice: Cotton Plantation Near Jameston the Juan Fontonajo has setup a cotton plantation - and with the help of Corrish scientists has come up with an innovative irrigation system. In the middle of the concentric fields there is a well, and water is pumped up from that well into a very long tube that ranges all over the field, to automatically irrigate the whole width of the field. An ox is walking circles around the well all day to turn the tube, which is placed on stakes with wheels at the bottom - and the whole field is irrigated. Will that new technological advancement spread over all the Brick Seas?

Basement House, Montoya Street, Jameston, Celestia Jameston had attracted many foreigners over the past few weeks. Rumours had gone around of an orchid to be found on Celestia, an orchid so beautiful that everyone in the world would stop in silent adoration and just want to watch it for the rest of their lives. Juan Alfonso Fontonajo had assembled a small group of people around himself to lead an expedition into the inner parts of the islands, up the mountains. He had recently been to Cocovia, to get an impression of what might be the future of land based mobility: The Wagonway. And impressed he was, though also certain that this was not what it should be in final perfection. When he boarded a ship to Celestia with his servant Barlo Forga, he met a group of people who shared his same goal: Finding the most beautiful orchid in the world on Celestia. They decided to join forces and set up camp in Celestia first. Fontonajo hired a group of builders to construct the house that one of his new found companions, Luca do Figino, had designed. They dug about a metre deep into the ground and made a half open-basement - half of which soon became a barn, while the other half became a workshop. As it was rather warm and moist on Celestia, this was the perfect way to keep the air fresh while working on the preparations for their journey. They had even planted some of the native Celestian flowers, with lightish blue patels. And they planned to add more of the things they would find on this beautiful island. Hence also the barn, which might soon be home to some of the island's native anmials. Fontonajo's expedition group: Juan Alfonso Fontonajo, heir to Román Esteban Fontonajo, fromer member of the Eslandolan Colonial Council and still official mayor of Nova Terreli (though other family members are doing his duties during his absence. Lady Ludovica Grande from Mardier, born rich, married into nobility and a widow for more than 15 years after her husbands mysterious death. After the end of the long-lasting Mardierian Civil War she decided to leave Londa and discover the world with her friend - whereever they might end. Luca do Figino, craftsman, inventor, visionary - from Terraversa. He had left his home in young years and sailed to Mardier in the old world - where he found nothing but hostility towards him, because he was from Terraversa. It was Lady Ludovica Grande who left him into her home and may well have saved his life during the end of the Civil War. "The Doctor", a man from Corrington in his fifties who refuses to reveal more than his profession about himself. He has been with Lady Ludovica for a while, and the two are said to be a couple. Barlo Forga, the bad-tempered servant of Juan Alfonso Fontonajo, who complains that that he has to do all the work. To which Fontonajo replies not with words but with a decent weekly pay.

After the war, Eslandola had taken full control over "Isla de Victoria", which now had started to deserve its name. Román Fontonajo had ordered his men to take one of the now deserted old warehouses, renovate it, and start the one thing that actually is Eslandola: Trading! Small Commerce, activated as challenge-reward via microbuild.

Montario, on the island of Nellisa. Home of the rich and important on Nellisa, centre of education, art and culture in the Eslandolan Colonies. Home to the Lion Hall, an assembly hall for the Colonial Council of Eslandola. The estate is protected by a small gatehouse, from which a driveway climbs the small hill, ending in a circle around a fountain in front of the stairs to the gates of the Council Hall. The hall itself shows architectural intricacies, most iconic of all the lionheads engraved into the wall, giving the hall its name. The roof is shaped in the typical Montario-style. A golden ridge crowns the roof, and green and yellow flags wave in the wind, displaying the pride of Eslandola. A broad stair leads up towards the gates, flanked by two statues: The Warrior and The Explorer, both in golden colour, displaying what has made Eslandola great in the colonies: Fortitude, Exploration and Mercantilism. The large windows make sure the Council Hall is flooded with light, for long council sessions. The large Lion Hall provides space for all potential 25 members of the Colonial Council, arranged in rows of three each, with a small podium for the Admius Legistrad, leading the sessions. The gatehouse is always guarded by two guards from "The Eagles of Nellisa", one of Román Fontonajo's private troops. At the end of the driveway a small fountain adds some motion to the silent estate. A small look ahead in time, towards the evening before the first session of the Colonial Council on Nellisa: Román Esteban Fontonajo, build-owner of the Lion Hall, and current Admius Legistrad, has just finished some work in preparations for tomorrow's session and is enjoying a rare sip of fine Oleander red wine, while outside his loyal bodyguard Betito watches the entrance, and a carriage stands ready and waiting. ... General Samu from the Prio Seas: "We must not relent enforcing our naval and armed forces! War is always at hand!" Farrucio Paraja from MAESTRO: "I fully agree, as you know, but as I have stated numerous time: Quality before quantity. We must cease to build ships of lesser excellence." ... ... Aaron van der Meede: "I cannot, and will not, change my opinion on this matter, dear Senor Fontonajo, with all the appropriate respect towards your well thought-out arguments." Raphael Fontonajo: "At some point, young man, at some point in the future you will realise. There is more to being right than the exact wording of the law." George da Pontelli just made a quick gesture, throwing his banana away. Aaron van der Meede: "So true, George, so very true indeed..." ... Will be licensed as "Royal Art & Culture" in Montario on Nellisa. Studcount ~12.000. More pictures can be found in the flickr album. If you want to see a close-up of something else please just let me know. Finally This one is for you @Capt Wolf

All entries for voting (in cooperation with @Captain Braunsfeld )

Part 1 - The Highest Position Part 2 - Glorious New World Part 3 - Handling Business Part 4 - Winning the people Part 5 - The Candidate Part 6 - The Safe Harbour Plan Part 7 - Beyond Part 8 - The Launching Part 9 - Denied Part 10 - Admius Legistrad It seemed as if all inhabitants of Salida Este on Ferro Azure were on their feet, when Román Fontonajo's ship, the Colonia, arrived at port. The governor of Nellisa disembarked, and the news quickly spread, and a crowd followed him, already shouting his name. He arrived at the town square, more than hundred people already following him. More and more were coming. Perfect. He climbed a podium, that had quickly been set up by some of the Colonia's sailors. He gave Clarissa a hand and helped her up. Fontonajo gave the crowd a while to fully gather and calm down again, before he started. "Hello Salida Este, glorious Eslandolan beauty - here on Ferro Azure!" Jubilation. "And how great you all look today!" Cheering, again. "And I am glad I still look healthy as well. - As some of you may have heard already a Mardierian assassian tried to kill me while I was visiting Elysabethtown yesterday!" Of course none of them could know yet, and the crowd was shocked. Always use your harm to your advantage. "Only due to the alertness and great presence of mind of my loyal guard Betito Carpato we could bring the assassin down. Betito, my dear friend - I know you don't like the attention, but please, do me the favour and come up here. The great people of Salida Este want to give you your well-deserved applause!" Betito climbed the stage, feeling absolutely out of place when the crowd cheered for him. Don Fontonajo had been right, Betito thought. He had indeed never liked attention. But Román meant it, he really wanted to do Betito a favour. And in fact, he did. As the crowdapplauded noone but him, the man in the shadows, for saving the life of one of Eslandola's most famous men... positive shivers went down his spine, and he did enjoy it. "Let me tell you", Román continued, "I am glad to be here. Yet the failed assassination attempt on my very person has also opened my eyes. We need to think even further beyond! How can we protect our children from such harm?!" Betito was still on the stage. He really seemed to start enjoying it. Good. Sure he deserved the honour for all his service. But Román also had further plans with him. He needed people around him whose loyalty went beyond money. Betito was one of few. The guard had to get used to it. But time to continue convincing Ferro Azure. ... And for more than half an hour Román talked to the people of Salida Este, picturing his plans and visions for future Eslandola. ... And then it was time for the final blow. "Eslandola, I say! Beyond today, beyond tomorrow, beyond us! Standing here in front of you, the most wonderful pioneers of our magnificent new world, the people of Salida Este, I have realized that even I need to do more. Representing our beloved Sea of Thieves region cannot be enough to shape the future of Eslandola the way we all imagine it!" A brief pause, no more. "I hereby announce my candidacy for Admius Legistrad, first among equals in the Colonial Council, representative of all Eslandolans! Support me, and I will lead us all to the most glorious future, even brighter than you can imagine it now! FOR ESLANDOLA!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- And thus the final part of Román Esteban Fontonajo's campaign for Admius Legistrad has been finished. It was a great journey and some huge fun. I hope you enjoyed the storyline and the small MOCs coming with it. Shots of the market booths:

Part 1 - The Highest Position Part 2 - Glorious New World Part 3 - Handling Business Part 4 - Winning the people Part 5 - The Candidate Part 6 - The Safe Harbour Plan Part 7 - Beyond Part 8 - The Launching Part 9 - Denied Part 10 - Admius Legistrad "We really need to sharpen our diplomatic relationships", Román Fontonajo told the crowd, standing around him at the quays of Pontelli, two hours after his big speech. "What do you mean by that, governor Fontonajo?", a merchant asked him. "Are Corrington or Oleon our friends, our allies? Or just neighbours who we happen to have some singular good relations with? Is Mardier really our enemy, are we really at war with them? The fact that you don't know the answers any better than I do, at least I assume - and who could blame any of us? - is proof enough that our relationships aren't clear enough." "And how do you plan on changing that, governor?" "Talking, much talking. With them, I mean. Paired with mutual understanding. And mutual benefit. No agreement will work that only brings benefit to one of the parties, and only harm to the other. There always has to be something in it for both sides. And then we need to maintain it all in written words, a treaty. We should have many of those, clearly stating what all involved parties will do in the future.", Román explained. "Any example?", a guy from the crowd asked. "Sure. I can imagine some of the trading nations - like us, Oleon, Corrington, Garvey - agreeing on a treaty that we will always leave our ports open to each other. It's not so much about changing things, more about solidifying the current status. Like I said: Sharpen it." A wealthy cloth merchant, who had long business relations with Fontonajo, took the word: "Román, earlier in your inspiring speech you told us that you intend to make the seas safer again, especially in regards to pirates taking our trading ships. As you know I have only recently lost two of my trading ships, so I am more than curious, my friend, to hear your ideas on how to handle the pirates. Another Purge maybe?" Román didn't need any time for consideration, but had his answer ready: "The Purge was a great initiative, and I think may well be continued. But there sure have to be other options as well. When I think about the Sea Rats for example - anarchistic though they often are - most of them are far from being pirates. Some have been both your and my trading partners for many years. Others have helped us against Mardier. Many just look for profit, and due to lack of their own trading goods try to profit from other people's goods, like ours. Why not just offer them better profit? Many of them are fierce warriors at sea - why shouldn't we hire them to protect our convoys? Give it a moment of thought." Román turned his head and continued watching the launching of the "Colonia", one of the fastest ships that have been built in the new world so far. She was a true beauty. His true beauty. His fast beauty. "Governor?", one of the men around him interrupted his thoughts. "Where do you plan to take the Colonia for her maiden voyage and continue your campaign?" "Elysabethtown. And then to Salida Este on Ferro Azure.", Román told the people, making one of the most fatal mistakes of his life. Because little did he know that not all ears who listened to him were friendly.

Part 1 - The Highest Position Part 2 - Glorious New World Part 3 - Handling Business Part 4 - Winning the people Part 5 - The Candidate Part 6 - The Safe Harbour Plan Part 7 - Beyond Part 8 - The Launching Part 9 - Denied Part 10 - Admius Legistrad "... First I will strengthen our economy. The treasuries of Eslandola are filled. Now is the time to invest our money and fund further ventures in all of the colonies. We should support all pioneers who set up new structures in Colonial Eslandola. We always have to look beyond, my friends. The more we invest today the more we will all benefit tomorrow. In the three months of my period I plan to invest at least 5.000 DBs from our national treasury, to increase our fixed monthly income by at least 1.000 DBs." Too much content? Too much math? Clarissa had not been sure, but Román knew he also had to get the intellectual, the merchants, the landlords. And the shipwrights, captains and sailors. "While our land based economy has no match in the colonies, our naval forces still lack. We MUST put an end to this. Eslandola will have to massively fund ships, both for private ownership - which includes Trading Companies or even towns - as well as for national usage. During my period I plan to invest at least 3.000 DBs in our naval forces. By the end of my period we need to have at least another 10 ships of a rating of 4 or higher. No Eslandolan captain or sailor should have to stay in port ever again - unless you want to enjoy yourself in one of my great taverns, of course!" Laughter from the crowd. Happiness of the people is key. "I have already talked a lot about my 'Safe Harbour Plan'. No need to bore you with that again, is there?" Of course he had not talked about it at all in public, but neglecting such truths was the power of speeches. Román knew how to use it. "We live in times of prosperty, of peace." An indignant shout from the back rows of his audience interrupted him. "Ahh, I hear you, back there. Yes, you, the grim warrior with the green bandana. You have recently fought the Mardierians at sea, I assume? Thanks for your service to our country, good sir! Your drinks tonight are on me!" The man shouted "Fontonajo", and the crowd started cheering. So cheap... But time to continue with business. "And while you are right that at sea our war with Mardier is still ragjng day and night, we will yet have to see a city being raided by them, don't we? I haven't seen their troops in our lands, either, have you? But beware, I say! We need to look beyond today. Pirates have recently started to gather and coordinate attacks, and Mardier is not the only potential foe out there. We need to further fortify our towns, the pillars of our colonial magnitude! Do you know how many forts Salida Este has? Well, I don't! Nor do I know for most other settlements. If we want to start thinking beyond, knowledge needs to be the first step. For every settlement I will list the current forts, and the maximum amount of forts each town could afford. Based on these facts we will craft a plan on the next forts that need to be built. And hear me, people of Pontelli, I ask you to go ahead and inform the best stonemasons, because the rewards will be plentiful! For Eslandolan Fortitude, beyond tomorrow!" More cheering. Good, they liked the idea. And Eslandola was in dire need of that initiative! But now the next step. Flatter them, and open their eyes at the same time. Not an easy ask. "And now to you, my dear people of Pontelli! Each and everyone of you is a true pioneer of Eslandola! Together in the past years we have all gone beyond what anyone thought was possible! Together we have shaped this new world! Colonial Eslandola! Who would have dreamt that we would get this far? Enjoy that moment, because it's for you!" He gave them a quick pause to see themselves in the middle, recipient of honour, for once. "But we won't be pioneers forever! Think beyond today! Pontelli needs you, you cannot all colonize new islands - but someone has to! We have to acquire new pioneers for our missions. We need to make Colonial Eslandola more attractive to new members. More financial rewards, more free properties in the new world. Maybe even a small ship to start with for every new pioneer of Colonial Eslandola? The attraction of new members will not go without effort, but together we can do it!" ... And thus Román Esteban Fontonajo continued telling the crowd in front of his warehouse in Pontelli about his plans. ... "Eslandola is strong, prosperous, magnificent! But I for one will not rest. I will continue to do what I have always done. Like every single one of you, I will continue to think beyond tomorrow, to plan beyond today, and will do it. And I tell each and everyone of you as well. Let's do it together, let us all GO BEYOND!" Another look at Fontonajo holding a speech in front of his warehous in Pontelli (I tried to match the city-style from Captain Braunsfeld):

Part 1 - The Highest Position Part 2 - Glorious New World Part 3 - Handling Business Part 4 - Winning the people Part 5 - The Candidate Part 6 - The Safe Harbour Plan Part 7 - Beyond Part 8 - The Launching Part 9 - Denied Part 10 - Admius Legistrad "I remember as if it was yesterday, when in this city and all over the island, we declared our independence from Fernando Augusto, who many of us have called The Mad King. And right we were!" Román Esteban Fontonajo gave the crowd a while to cheer. Hating on the king was always a good opener. Now came the critical part. "But even a mad man can become reasonable. Sure, it was our glorious Trade Companies, people like de Chauncourtois, Wyndzon or Guilder, who, while not courageous as we Nellisans from the very get-go, made him reasonable in his very dormatory - a fantastic coup I say - " Cheering, again. Román Fontonajo gave them their time. "So Fernando Augusto came to reason, and the Magna Charta was signed, granting us in the New World, the Glorious New World I say!" - this time he didn't let the cheers interrupt him - "GRANTING US the rights to officially decide our own fate. Like we have always done! But now we will elect an official council, and order will be restored! And no king shall ever rule us again!" Another echo of cheers erupted from the crowd. "Many brilliant minds have worked on our new constitution. I have had many long night discussions with Wyndzon, the Governors Damaximus, Guilder and Servadac, with de Chauncourtois, Monezterell and others. As usual I have given my input - no pardon me - our input from Nellisa even before Fernando Augusto was surprised in his nightsuit." He really had to stop with these king-jokes now. "But there is one slight problem." He paused, giving the crowd a brief moment, long enough to consider, but not long enough to conclude. """We Nellisans have not yet officially accepted the constitution. But - We will change this. TODAY! NOW! I hereby declare Nellisa to be an official part of Colonial Eslandola. I hereby declare that we accept the glorious constitution of Glorious Colonial Eslandola.""" Some cheered, others were slightly puzzled, trying to figure out what had just happened, trying to make up their own minds. Now was the moment to strike, to win them. "And to make sure that we, the inhabitants of Nellisa, the most brilliant and most colourful pearl of New Terra, will be heard I will represent us in the Colonial Council myself! - Román Esteban Fontonajo, as representative of the Sea of Thieves? Now YOU tell me! WHO DO YOU WANT?!" Now the cheers bulged, erupted, clashed. "FONTONAJO!", they shouted, uncoordinated at first, but soon in unison. "FONTONAJO, FONTONAJO, FONTONAJO!" Juan Alfonso Fontonajo stood there, silent as usual. Once again he admired the brilliance of his father. He still had a long way to go. They both had to. But the first step was made. Finally.

Part 1 - The Highest Position Part 2 - Glorious New World Part 3 - Handling Business Part 4 - Winning the people Part 5 - The Candidate Part 6 - The Safe Harbour Plan Part 7 - Beyond Part 8 - The Launching Part 9 - Denied Part 10 - Admius Legistrad "My dear friend Willem... no, that is weird.", Román said. "Keep it simple. Just dear Willem?", Clarissa suggested. "Dear Willem, today I want to inform you about a delicate matter.... no, that's crap.", he said. "plans? like 'inform you about my plans'?", she brought up. "Great! Dear Willem, today I want to inform you about my plans. My most secret plans. The thing that I call 'The Safe Harbour Plan' in my speeches. Something noone else knows,yet. And you are one of the chosen Eslandolans that I want to inform about it.", Román continued. "Stop being so dramatic. You have a great plan and want to inform your friend, not convince him with some overexaggerated speech about good and evil... No need to be such a dramaqueen.", she said, punching him slightly. "Gosh, I love you, my beauty." "Sure you do.", Clarissa smiled at him, her face expressing deep love. After a pause and some moments of thought Román started writing and murmured: "Dear Willem, today I want to inform you about the Safe Harbour Plan for Eslandola, as part of my campaign for... - ok, I will do that later. Let's talk about my slogan for now." "Making our Harbours safe again?", she said, laughing. He looked at her, smiling. "suuuuuure..." "But really, are you sure that Safe Harbour initiative is the right thing? I mean, not the idea, the idea is right, but... like putting it in your campaign, without being able to say a word about it? That does not seem to make much sense?" "Welcome to the world of dramaqueen, baby! No really, I think it gives the whole thing a special mysterious appeal. Some kind of elitism, which is one of the main unique selling points that we have left in a world where the general public votes, and can even candidate, don't you think?", explained Román. She took a brief pause to consider before she replied: "I guess. ... But you evade, my love. Your slogan?" "Juan suggested that "make great again" slogan. I don't like it. I mean, I like it, but everyone seems to use it already. So... mainstream, you know?" "Then it's not the right thing for you. I mean, after all, if you don't stand behind it?" "True that", Román said, "... but what else do we have?" Clarissa Raltessa Fontonajo deeply looked her husband in the eyes when she asked him: "What do you think really differentiates you... from the rest of the world? I mean like... What is that very essence that makes you... be more?" And in that moment Román knew his slogan. "Beyond", he said, nodding his head, smiling at his wife in full happiness. In the new world arranged marriage was considered a bad thing. But Clarissa was the best that had ever happened to him, arranged though their marriage had been, slightly awkward at first, but grown over time. And the love he felt for her went deep. And for the next hours on their trip to Pontelli noone said a word. Because noone had to.

Part 1 - The Highest Position Part 2 - Glorious New World Part 3 - Handling Business Part 4 - Winning the people Part 5 - The Candidate Part 6 - The Safe Harbour Plan Part 7 - Beyond Part 8 - The Launching Part 9 - Denied Part 10 - Admius Legistrad Even on Nellisa wintertime can sometimes be cold. And even in the colourful city at the northwestern coast of the island, the pearl of the "Sea of Thieves" region, not everyone prospers. There are beggars and homeless people, living in the streets. Less hungry, usually, and less miserable in general than the poorest in the old world, yet still miserable. When Román Fontonajo walked through the Riverport-district, he saw one of these people, leaning to a wall, an apple in his hand and an empty frying pan besides him (was that one meant for collecting money or for cooking?). Compassion flooded him, and the richest man of New Terra took off his cloak, bowed down and handed it to the beggar, along with the bread he had just bought for lunch. "Tank you, mylord.", the homeless man said, showing his non-existing front-teeth. "We aren't lords here in the new world. We represent the people.", replied Fontonajo. "But you gonna represent da Sea of Thieves region in that Council thing, ain't ya?", the man said. Fontonajo, slightly puzzled by the man's knowledge of recent political changes, set up a smile: "You think I should?" "Who else, mylor... mymaster? You are da one!" "Remember then, that your vote counts as much as mine.", Fontonajo stated, smiled, and continued his path. He knew many eyes had seen him, and sure it had been great publicity. But that was not the reason - his generous deed had been honest. He knew he had to do more for the people once elections had gone through.

Part 1 - The Highest Position Part 2 - Glorious New World Part 3 - Handling Business Part 4 - Winning the people Part 5 - The Candidate Part 6 - The Safe Harbour Plan Part 7 - Beyond Part 8 - The Launching Part 9 - Denied Part 10 - Admius Legistrad "So what do you think?", Román Fontonajo asked his son. Juan Alfonso replied: "You are right, father. You are the only one. But I am not sure about myself." "You have handled much of our business as well as Nova Terreli on your own already, Juan. You are the commander-in-chief of the Castillo. And you knew that day would come. You of all people in this new world are the only one who does not have to doubt, my son. And you know it as well as I do.", Román stated. "Thank you, dad.", he said and hugged his father. "Now go and make Eslandola great again!", said Juan, with a cheeky smile. "I am not sure about that slogan yet...", Román murmured, leaving the room. Juan Alfonso Fontonajo was left alone in his personal study near the harbour of Nova Terreli. The city where he would soon be mayor.

We buy your mines and your claims! Licensed Mines: Stone Quarry, Berreli, near Elysabethtown Iron Mine, Ferro Azure, near Salida Este Stone Quarry, Isla de Victoria, near Fuerte Unido Licensed claims: Stone Quarry, Berreli, active mine Iron, Ferro Azure, active mine Copper, Otono, mines in construction Stone Quarry, La Sombra, mines in construction Stone Quarry, Isla de Victoria, active mine Joint ventures: Stone Quarry, Cocovia, near King's Harbour (50-50 with the Montoya Estate) Monthly Revenue (see here): 51,25 DBs We are interested in buying both your prospecting scenes, your claims and your MOCed mines: 1. Prospecting scene only: MOC of prospecting scene - on Ferro Azure: 12 DBs - on Isla Philip: 10 DBs - on another Eslandolan island: 8 DBs - anywhere else: 5 DBs 2. Mine type known: (requires that the SetUp Cost of 25 DBs has already been paid) Iron: 50 DBs Gold: 45 DBs Silver: 35 DBs Mercury: 25 DBs Copper: 20 DBs Any other: 15 DBs 3. Mine has been MOCed: Iron, Gold: +60 DBs Silver, Mercury, Copper: +35 DBs Other: +25 DBs 4. Mine has been licensed: We pay the full licensing fee on top (e.g. +75 DBs for salt). Example: * You have MOCed a prospecting scene on Nellisa. We would pay 8 DBs (Eslandolan island). * You decide to pay 25 DBs and wait for the result. It's an iron mine. We would now pay 50 DBs (that is your 25 plus an additional 25). * You decide to MOC it. We would now pay 110 DBs. * You decide to license it yourself (cost: 75 DBs). We would now pay you 170 DBs. You decide to keep it. * Three months later you finally decide to sell it. We will still pay the 170 DBs.

Part 1 - The Highest Position Part 2 - Glorious New World Part 3 - Handling Business Part 4 - Winning the people Part 5 - The Candidate Part 6 - The Safe Harbour Plan Part 7 - Beyond Part 8 - The Launching Part 9 - Denied Part 10 - Admius Legistrad Román Esteban Fontonajo had just reached the highest spot on the island of Nellisa. On top of the Terreli Hills stood a small tower, that Fontonajo's men had built years ago. Not only was it a great watchtower to protect the roads and farms from outlaws. It was also the best spot to think about his strategic plans on the island. Román came here whenever he needed time to think. Now that he stood on top of his tower, the suggestion from Willem Guilder and Guy K. Wyndzon circled through Fontonajo's mind. In his early years in the colonies he had not been an active member of Eslandolan politics. But that had changed, especially over the past year. He had become mayor of Nova Terreli and had taken the Viceroy's fortress in a military coup. He was the first to openly oppose King Fernando, even before the latter had attacked Oleon. And he had declared independence for Nellisa, and had become the de-facto-governor of the island. Nellisa had not yet officially accepted the constitution, nor had he. But that was about to change. All was about to change.

Part 1 - The Highest Position Part 2 - Glorious New World Part 3 - Handling Business Part 4 - Winning the people Part 5 - The Candidate Part 6 - The Safe Harbour Plan Part 7 - Beyond Part 8 - The Launching Part 9 - Denied Part 10 - Admius Legistrad From his tower Román Fontonajo looked west. Down the hills, across the many cotton fields, along the road, passing some other farmland, or small forests, or the palmtrees on the coastline, his eyes took sight of the colourful city - Nova Terreli, standing proudly at the Nellisan coast. The second largest city in the new world, some said. It was about time for it to become larger than Breshaun. He looked further, to the harbour and beyond, and there he saw all the ships from all the nations entering and leaving the port, carrying goods and riches, bringing wealth to both the old and new world. Oh Glorious New World, he thought. One day this will all be one, and every single person will live in prosperity. But who was capable of the task ahead? He stood there for hours like this, thinking actively. He weighed strategies and options, considered one future or the other, outcomes, scenarios, inventions, everything. But the more he thought about it the more he realised that he had long made his mind. Following his intuition he turned, climbing down the tower, mounting his horse. Guilder and Wyndzon were right. He had to. He would be back to Nova Terreli within an hour.

A MOC without a story? Here you go!

Around seven miles east of Nova Terreli a small ridge called the Terreli Hills rises to a height of approximately 300 metres. At their foothills Román Fontonajo owns a huge part of the lands. Young men from the old world come over to make a fortune, start their own lives and bring their families soon after. One of these men is Dilano Guerva from Terreli in the old world. He is running a medium cotton plantation in the area. On Fontonajo's land of course, and as Fontonajo's business partner. The deal is simple: The price for cotton is set, slightly below market average, yet more than enough to make some good profit - because after all Dilano has to pay neither for the small house nor for the land he farms. And of course Fontonajo knows the best ways to use the cotton for further profit. Win-win. It will only be a year or two until Dilano will have saved enough money to bring his wive and two young boys to the new world, and maybe buy some land of their own, or make a new deal with Fontonajo.

A guesthouse in direct vicinity to the Governor's Palace in Montario on the island of Nellisa. Here Fontonajo's guests can reside during their stay. The finest food is served, providing a great foundation for some business the next day. With this MOC I fulfill the size requirements for a Governor's Palace (also called "Viceroy's Palace", rank 4 residence).

Due to horrific lighting conditions the pictures suck. I will make new ones and upload them next weekend. Because it's the end of the month I will post them now already, so I can license them. Please address all your complaints about photography directly to the EGS. Many wealthy Eslandolan merchants have a secondary domicile in Montario. Being close to governor Román Esteban Fontonajo never hurts, and much of the island's real business is already being made in Montario. Also it's location right between Nova Terreli and Pontelli makes it an even more important stop on every journey.