Franco Clarke Posted January 30, 2016 Ship's Log, Day 1 We put out from port, escorting just one ship this time, carrying an important imperial messenger. A light escort was decided upon on the initial part of the journey so not to attract any undue attention. To ensure we arrived in time for the rendezvous with the warship which would then take the messenger to the capital, we put up full sails, and were soon making good time. However, soon the lookout spotted another ship behind us. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a small Corrie Merchant raider. We couldn't let the important message fall in to the hands of Corrington, so I signalled to the other ship to proceed at maximum speed, whilst we manoeuvred ourselves in between the merchant ship and the hostile raider. Although we were going as fast as possible, we couldn't outrun the Corrie ship, and slowly, but surely it began gaining on us. Ship's Log, Day 2 Overnight we kept a constant watch on the Corrington ship, and when the sun rose it revealed that the hostile boat had halved the distance between us and itself. However, it was even more worrying to see the wind slacken, and then drop of entirely. Soon we had come to a complete stop, becalmed on the smooth sea. I watched our hunter through the telescope and was relieved to that he too had lost all wind was hopelessly stuck. But, as I watched, the crew of the vessel set about removing long rods from the sides of their ship. With a sickening sense of realisation, I recognised these rods as oars. The crew lowered them into the sea and began heaving their ship towards their helpless prey. The ship carved a neat line through the otherwise still water, straight at the merchant ship and it's valuable cargo. I watched as the ship crawled like some overgrown spider over the ocean, we needed to do something otherwise it would soon reach its target. I ordered the crew line up on deck and pass the heavy anchor to the back of the ship. Whilst we did this, Private Collins kept an eye on the Corrington ship. The anchor fell into the water with a load splash and the chain roared over the deck as it sank to the floor beneath. Then we all pulled on the capstan, slowly turning the ship with the shortening anchor cable. Slowly but surely the ship pivoted, and at last our single gun was pointing at the on-rushing boat. The Corrie ship had now closed the distance to well under a kilometre and had picked up quite a speed. The cannon was loaded, and carefully aimed at the rowers. If we could knock them out, they would lose the advantage of mobility, evening the playing field. The cannon roared, whilst the rest of the crew readied smaller fire arms so we could open up on the raider once it drew close enough. The shot fell short and the raider ploughed through the plume of water unharmed. The gun was reloaded, and once more fired. However the sights had been over compensated, and the shot flew long, passing low over the stern of the Corrington ship. Sweating with the continued exertion and the stress of the situation, the gun crew fumbled to load the cannon, almost dropping the cannon ball overboard. The gun spoke once again, and this time found its mark, raking through the rowers on one side of the ship. This slowed them down, as many of them had been injured by the cannon ball, or splinters from where it had punched through the railing at the front. Another shot was fired, which followed the first and inflicted further damage on the starboard side of the ship. A small fire broke out by the base of the mast, and the remaining rowers from the port side leapt to deal with it. At that moment a breeze sprung up, and the limp sails were once more filled with wind. The anchor was quickly raised and we decide to leave the Corries behind with their crippled ship, mindful of the deadline I had to keep. The rest of the journey was completed without event and we successfully met up with the frigate that was to take the messenger on the final leg of his journey. I later heard that he was carrying news of the new islands in the east. HMS Flea My latest ship, based once more on the good old imperial trading post ship, but drawing heavy inspiration from a similar boat that I found on Brickshelf. The colour scheme was designed to match the colour scheme of my larger redcoat brig, hence the dull colouring. HMS flea has two small cannons, and as seen in the story, features a set of oars which enable it to catch its prey even if there is no wind! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tomsche Posted January 30, 2016 I really like those little ships, and the firing cannon is just awesome Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sir Stig Posted January 30, 2016 Wonderful ship. The oars serve as a very nice decorative effect as well as being practical. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Captain Dee Posted January 30, 2016 Oh those no-good Corries! HMS Flea is a fine-looking vessel. The black & white colorscheme is snappy and she has a nice overall form. The cannons are clever - so few parts, and yet there's no mistaking what they are. The story is interesting as well. Good work. I suppose the name means it's a worrisome little pest just begging to be squashed, eh? This is just your second freebuild this month, right? Or have I missed something? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blackdeathgr Posted January 30, 2016 These little ships are very nice. And ofc above all, the (firing) cannons are absolutely beautifully embedded on the ship! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tezclatipoca Posted January 30, 2016 Fine little ships ! Your firing cannon is great ! and your brickbuilt cannons are well designed. Good job ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Franco Clarke Posted January 31, 2016 Thank you all for your kind comments, however, I cannot claim credit for the design of the cannon, as they were both by the designer of the ship upon which the flea is based. I suppose the name means it's a worrisome little pest just begging to be squashed, eh? This is just your second freebuild this month, right? Or have I missed something? Indeed, HMS Flea is a little pest, although at this stage, my ship isn't really able to squash it that effectively Also yes this is my second freebuild of the the month. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Puvel Posted February 1, 2016 Nice looking boats! That cannonshot looks very good! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maxim I Posted February 1, 2016 Nice design for the Flea!! Indexed :) Not for sale, is she? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Franco Clarke Posted February 3, 2016 Indexed :) Not for sale, is she? Thanks, and sorry, no I 'need' her for future stories. I do have a few ships in progress which will be able to be put up for sale if I buyer can be found though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
