Capt Wolf

BoBS has a new member: The Neighborhood Merchant. His intro is posted in the Eslandola thread here:

Welcome to BoBs! Young Williams has had an interesting life so far. Looking forward to what he does with the Fang when it is ready. And a nice job of using the "wrong" side of bricks to great effect. Good illustrative builds with minimal pieces. Well done

The new Trade MRCA deadline is November 5, and the map now includes the New Haven Seas!

The sign-up deadline for the next Trade MRCA is November 5, midnight, anywhere in the world. Note that this is only the Trade MRCA, not the Adventure MRCA. Adventure MRCAs will be progressing on a separate schedule yet to be determined. ---------------- If you have a ship currently participating in an Adventure MRCA, you can not sign it up for this Trade MRCA. Individual ships can only participate in one or the other, not both simultaneously. To sign-up for the Trade MRCA, read the rules here and then sign-up via this form. For a ship to take part in the MRCA, it must be licensed. You can license your ship under the new ship rules via this form. If there are any issues (typo, wrong number of points or other issues) with this process, PM @Legostone. Note that the MRCA signup form still doesn’t have raids added yet, so if you’re interested in conducting a raid this turn, PM @Capt Wolf. If you’re just going to be trading, you can go ahead and fill out the forms normally. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Consult the following two maps for trade zone numbers before submitting any forms. First, the one you're all familiar with:  IMPORTANT: Note that if you click on the above map to go to one you can zoom in on, there is an error on the linked map (zones 10 and 11 are mislabeled). Use the map visible above for proper zone labels. Second, the New Haven Sea now has three known settlements (Carno's Neustadt in zone 38, and Corrington's Spudkirk in zone 43 and Proxyville in zone 49), so this map is now open for the trade MRCA: But beware! Carno and the Lotus Kingdom are said to be engaged in hostilities in the south. Dangers abound! And here are the trade values as of October 18, 619 (trade values for NPC and Old World ports are as of February 14, 619). When filling out your MRCA form, please make sure you spell the ports exactly as they appear below. Settlement Faction Zone Trade Value Acropolis OL 24 32 Aden CAR 2 178 Alexport PRI 29 172 Arlinsport COR 6 486 Astrapi OL 23 263 Balmin NAM 2 175 Balondia COR 2 149 Bardo ESL 8 249 Baskers Island MAR 6 126 Bastion SR 18 350 Belson COR 4 897 Breshaun OL 7 1133 Calisto MAR 25 78 Camp Isaac COR 35 63 Cecropia OL 22 41 Charlatan Bay SR 24 519 Dortanix MAR 1 594 Dragonstone OL 20 18 Elizabethville COR 22 214 Eltina OL 7 334 Elysabethtown ESL 20 178 Fatu Hiva OL 35 320 Fortaleza Victoria ESL 32 5 Freeport GAR 27 26 Fuerte Unido ESL 32 230 Granoleon OL 5 892 Hojaroja ESL 32 33 Hussar’s Isle COR 24 9 Jameston COR 35 489 Kieg GAR 3 594 King’s Harbour COR 24 487 Kings Port TER 13 898 La Puebloto ESL 32 5 Lavalette OL 28 282 Leopaldis GAR 24 118 Londa MAR 2 594 Mehit ESL 32 5 Mesabi Landing COR 35 415 Montario ESL 17 100 Mooreton Bay COR 24 310 Moray’s Den SR 21 54 Myzectlan COR 35 122 Neustadt CAR 38 ? New Haven COR 24 52 New Nassau SR 35 ? Nova Malto ESL 32 90 Nova Terreli ESL 17 820 Pontelli ESL 17 170 Poorvintia CAR 26 7 Poppy Port SR 26 86 Port Raleigh COR 20 157 Port Wilks ESL 22 23 Port Woodhouse COR 35 109 Prinport GAR 9 840 Proxyville COR 49 14 Puerto Alijo ESL 20 5 Puerto Desafio ESL 32 168 Quinnsville COR 24 386 Salida Este ESL 23 164 Spudkirk COR 43 32 Stedor ESL 3 297 Stormhaven COR 22 60 Terreli ESL 3 892 The Sereen Cay SR 31 41 Tortuga SR 32 180 Trador ESL 32 419 Ulric ALT 1 149 Weelond ESL 8 808 Westface TER 13 592 Windfall Island OL 28 9 Yeldo COR 1 594 Also, these islands can now be chosen as destinations. They have no trade value, so you won't earn any DBs sailing to them, but they're better than sinking. If sailing to one of these islands, use the name listed here: Island Faction Marked on map as Zone Trade Value Fever Island --- 1 26 0 Island of Bats ALT 4 27 0 Bubbling Island NAM 6 30 0 Garden of Hades --- 9 31 0 Gunpowder Island --- 16 35 0 Stilt People Island --- 17 35 0 Glimmer Island CAR 20 35 0 Mud Beach SR 21 35 0 Screeching Isle --- 22 35  0   .

I can live without the brown tricorne. I really like how it looks with the changes. Bright, colorful, and the main text is very readable.

I like it! It doesn't have any LEGO element to it, but maybe that's not necessary. And maybe it doesn't need to be quite so dark at the ends, but overall it definitely works.

Very good! Bloody Bill looks forward to you raising the black next time you sail!

Enter as many times as you want, in as many categories as you want. However, you can only win one prize per category, unless there aren't enough entries in a category to award all prizes.

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

With text, definitely. And the minifigs really add to it! The head choices are great, as are the poses and choice of weaponry. This is really looking good! Suggestions: - Darken the text. Don't be afraid to go black here. The text should really contrast with the background and pop. - On the Sea Rat figure, the red initially made me think he was a Corrie. Maybe use a black pirate captain torso. - Maybe a brown tricorne hat rather than tan on the Oleon fig. The tan hat disappears into the background. Also, if you have a newer blue soldier torso that is blue all around rather than just blue printed on white, that would look better. - Too much black on the ESL fig. Do you have a green torso you could use? Or swap in gold armor for the black armor. If still wearing armor, maybe trade the dark green arms for regular green arms.

I like this approach. I love the sigils and their treatment! I agree with roadmonkeytj that the BoBS text is a little hard to read due to the dark background. I like the lighter map colors on the right, but the colors on the left are too dark; that purple is a bit overpowering. Also, my OCS wants the map and sigils to match up, but that's not a big deal. Would love to see it with minifigs, but I'd go for stereotypes that would easily be identified with their factions. And the key with using minifigs would be to make the map more of a background element so you don't have too many things competing for attention. So great start, anxious to see more!

When I said rounding "error", I should have said rounding "idiosyncrasy" or some such. The IC reason is a fair description of what happened through the game mechanics. OOC, your ships had such a small return that they each got rounded to zero. However, that seems like an extreme result, so each of your two fleets in question (fleets, not ships) will receive 20 DBs each.

Perhaps, but no immediate plans. I do have some ideas for a couple of ways to have it appear in some future builds. I also try to include it marginally in various places: I have a ship name referencing Luna (as mariners favor Luna over Sol), and Guilder sometimes swears "Sol and Luna!" Maybe some missionary work with island natives is in order.

I have presented the Church of Sol and Luna (aka, the "Church of the Two Coins") in some of my builds (the old stone church, the Merrynight orphanage).

The annual Weelond Oktoberfest mini-challenge is underway!

It's that time of year again: time to pay a visit to the Weelond Oktoberfest! Weelond’s annual Oktoberfest celebration features food and drink, contests of skill, games and amusements, traditional/historical costumes, food and drink (did we mention food and drink?), and more. So regardless of where you’re from, come to Weelond and have some fun! Rules: Your entry should showcase an activity at the Weelond Oktoberfest, and this year's emphasis is on characters and stories. Introduce us to an interesting character at the Oktoberfest or the story of your character taking part in the festivities. Sample activities at this year's Oktoberfest include keg tapping, keg tossing, stein hoisting, pretzel and sausage eating, log sawing, musket shooting, equestrian competition, musical bands, dancing, arts and crafts, pumpkin painting, and costume contests, as well as the usual assortment of butchers and brewers selling their wares. In addition to posting your entry in the forum (ideally with a [W-OKT] tag in the title), please post a link to your build in this thread and in the Weelond settlement thread. Entries must be posted by October 28. Categories: Categories are Characters, Stories, Events, and Structures. Identify what category you're entering when you post your entry. Category definitions are loose; just pick what makes sense for your build. Entries will be judged on presentation, quality of build, story, fit with Weelond's architectural style, and fit with the Oktoberfest/festival theme. The only size requirement is an 8x8 minimum. Prizes: The top three entries in each category will earn 100DBs for 1st place, 50DBs for 2nd, and 25DBs for 3rd. An additional 100/50/25 DBs will be awarded to the overall best three entries. Weelond will also reimburse the builder for licensing costs for any property entry licensed through the EGS. Weelond also offers to purchase (at 3x the license cost) any licensable property a builder does not wish to license.

I believe the Lotus Kingdom is said to be at the southern end of the continent. Reports of their activity in the New Haven Sea have been in the southwestern portions of that area. Shoot for November then. Oktoberfest will be finished, and we're still working on the next main challenge. But some overlap with Oktoberfest is fine with me.

My bad. However, there must be something we can do to make sure it happens before the end of the year, yes?

Results sorted by owner: IC: Mesabi's ships, as well as the Priest's Bounty, beat you to port and flooded the market before you could unload your goods. OOC: Rounding error. I'll get a total for you, but it will be a small take.

Results sorted by nation: Results sorted by destination:

August-September 619. Vol 4, Issue 4 Corrie Settlement Attacked by Lotus Fleet in New Haven Sea! Our source in the Corrish Royal Society of Navigation and Discovery sends word of conflict in the New Haven Sea. The scientifically inclined RSND has done much to explore the terrain, flora, and fauna around the small colony of Spudkirk on the island of Avestia, one of the eastern-most outposts of Halosian Society (along with the rumors of Carnian settlements further south in the New Haven Sea). But true to their nature, with their heads engulfed in scientifics and feeling safe in the far east, the Corries seem to have largely neglected defenses, a mistake that now appears to have cost them dearly! We hear that, under the cover of darkness, a fleet of five Lotii ships closed with the makeshift port, and armed men flowed into the boats and looted stores still waiting on the lower levels of the settlement. Corlander sources report that the Royal Marines put up a brave fight, but, being heavily outnumbered, could only preserve the high ground and watch the southerners make away with their loot. Spudkirk will be fighting to survive after the loss of stores, mainly machined goods, weapons and powder, and preserved foods. One wonders how the Corries will react -- will this mean war? Encounters at Sea National Trade Fleets Return Home Here in Kings Port we welcomed home our national trade fleet. We hear that it was a profitable mission, and the crews are spending plenty of coin in the pubs. They’re also telling the tale of being attacked by the Sea Rat Yellow Skull pirate fleet, known to be led by Captain Katrin deKruger aboard the ship-of-the-line Hand of Fate. The attack occurred in the Sea of Thieves, south of the island of Berelli. Our sloop Trident was damaged, but the fleet commander--aboard our flagship, the man-o-war Typhoon--expertly used the weather gauge to his advantage and maneuvered our fleet to safety. Three hurrahs for the safe and profitable return of our fleet! From the Altonian capital of Ulric we hear that the feared Sea Rat Komodo Dragon fleet, under the command of so-called “Admiral” Sinbad, attacked the Altonian national trade squadron. The attack took place just west of Prinport. Again, the Sea Rats were denied any booty by the expert seamanship of the a trade fleet captain, as the Altonians managed to damage two of the Sea Rat vessels before escaping with only slight damage to two of their own ships. All ships reported a good profit on arriving at their home port, and we offer another Hurrah! for traders eluding the Sea Rat scourge. Meanwhile, our man in Londa reports that the lone remaining Mardier trade fleet has finally returned to home port. The armed brig Marauder had returned alone last month to much dismay and gnashing of teeth in the admiralty. This month the ship-of-the-line Minerva escorted three trade ships into port, although one of them was just a sloop captured months ago from the pirate The Dragon. The trade fleet was able to fight off an attack from pirate Jan Van Sud, sinking the Black Diamond and capturing the brig Midnight Ruby before the pirate made his escape. However, after the battle, Mardier’s man-o-war Meteor, weary from the long trade mission and several battles with pirates, was forced by rough seas to seek repairs in nearby Prinport, so it will be at least another month before the entire Mardier trade fleet is whole. Meanwhile, the shipyards in Londa are busy working on replacements for the SEVEN ships from the mission’s launch that have failed to return. Carno Loses Ship From New Haven Sea From Poorvintia we receive word of troubles for Carno. The crew of the fast sloop Chameleon, returning from a supply mission to the New Haven Sea, report that they were attacked by the Sea Rat ships Myth Chaser and Narwal, both flying the black, southeast of Poorvintia. Chameleon and Cockatoo traded blows with the Sea Rat barque Narwal, sending the pirate to the bottom, but not before Cockatoo succumbed as well. The Chameleon took heavy fire from Myth Chaser, but her crew were able to outmaneuver the larger ship and make their escape. We have no word at this time what spoils of exploration and war the Cockatoo might have had in her hold. ETTC Eludes Sea Rats In Mooreton Bay the crew of the ETTC schooner Golden Filly is partying in the dockside pubs. As they sailed west through the South Prio Sea, they were attacked by the Sea Rat black-flag fleet led by The Andromeda and including ships-of-the-line Thunder and Odin’s Scorn. Although damaged, the crew of Golden Filly managed their escape and also kept their cargo safe, resulting in a whopping 500 DBs haul when they reached port. Greenie Convoys Tangle with Pirates Eslandian officials report successfully fighting off an attack by infamous pirate Zublius Von Wreck in the Cocovia Sea east of Quinnsville. The report says that they damaged ZvW’s flagship Grimwald and sank the brig Ferryman before the pirate made his escape. However, the official report fails to mention that the greenies apparently lost the squadron flagship, La Raya Venenosa, in the fight. We hear all crew were saved before the ship went under. While the traders celebrate that all their ships made it safely to port, we wonder if the greenie accountants are debating if the cost of one of their flag vessels was worth it. Meanwhile, from King’s Harbour, Eslandian trade officials report that they successfully fought off an attack by the pirate Montroy northeast of Charlatan Bay. The Eslandian escorts Migery’s Revenge, Asesino II, and La Salamandra gave fight with the pirate flagship Hades’ Fury and Montroy’s recently acquired Cardinal’s Shadow, with only the loss of the large cog Cotton Lady. Unfortunately, profits were light when the remaining ships reached port. Our reporter in King’s Harbour also tells us that he endeavored to find out if the infamous Captain Nordau was at the helm of Cardinal’s Shadow, as some wonder if he has joined forces with Montroy, but no such word was forthcoming. Corries Nearly Captures Bloody Bill From King’s Harbour we hear that Bloody Bill ran into serious trouble in what may have been an intended raid on the Corrie jewel of the Cocovia Sea. Corrish ships HMS Ironsides and Justicia joined forces with two port gunboats to deliver a serious blow to the pirate. The pirate flagship Scavenger II and most of her crew were sent to Davy Jones’ Locker, and the red coats captured the brig Vulture and the junk Dozy Dragon with only the loss of a single gunboat. While Bloody Bill was able to escape aboard his sloop Little Scavenger, the loss of 3/4ths of his ships and crew has to be a devastating setback, and a major victory for the fight against piracy in the Brick Seas! Pirate Round-Up From Belson we hear from the crew of the HMHV Athena that they were attacked by Captain Gore as they rounded the horn off the northeast coast of Namere. The infamous pirate inflicted heavy damage on HMHV Athena, forcing her down wind, and then captured the swift little yacht Pioneer. Captured crew that did not wish to stay with the pirate were made to walk the plank, but HMHV Athena was able to make its way back to the survivors after Captain Gore made his escape with Pioneer in tow. From Pontelli we hear that the crew of the xebec Satyr have made port in a long boat after their ship was attacked in the Terraversa Sea and captured by the infamous pirate LeColeon. Headed for Elizabethville, their fate appeared sealed when their ship was de-masted. But LeColeon gave them the choice to join his crew or make port in a barely sea-worthy longboat. They chose the latter, and made landfall fairly quickly, but not in time to mount any response to the pirate’s attack. From Fuerto Unido, the crew of the Garveyian trader Gazelle are reporting a harrowing tale of their encounter with the infamous Bluebeard. The pirate surprised them in the Cocovia Sea east of King’s Harbour. The Garveyian fast sloop Golden Apple was sunk, and Bluebeard captured the sloop Gun Runner, but not before the Garveyians sank both the man-o-war Blazer and the cutter Western Wind II. Bluebeard’s fleet, which included his flagship Blue Moon and the Aqua Fina (fresh from competing in the PA Cup) were last seen headed north. Mild Weather Only two storm systems of any consequence moved through the Brick Seas this month. A small system moved along the northern edge of the main sea lanes, originating near the horn and moving east across Holder’s Rock and just north of Terraversa. In the east, a heavier storm made its way through the East Prio Sea, disrupting an Eslandian convoy out of Jameston. The Golden Crescent was forced to return to port almost immediately, the schooner Midas Touch had to abandon the convoy and make port at Lavalette, and another escort was reported to have major storm damage by the time it reached Salida Este. Missing Ships In Prinport, ETTC officials anxiously await word of the arrival of the Alexander, Corland Provider, and Valkyrie en route from Belson. Our man in Arlinsport tells us that the small trade squadron was spotted northwest of Tiberia. With increased pirate activity around Baskers Island, and the rapidly growing black market on Holder’s Rock, piracy is feared. Our man in Prinport tells us the rumor going around the docks is that ships fitting the description of the Alexander and Valkyrie were seen in the company of the AQAR when it sailed into port, but ETTC officials have not been allowed on board and the identity of the two mystery ships has not been confirmed. From our sources on Tortuga we hear that members of Bloody Bill’s extended crew are claiming to have captured the Margaret, a lovely little brigantine known to be a Sea Rat trader, with the gunboat squadron assembled from captured WTC craft. Amethyst Returned The Corrish schooner Amythest, captured by Sea Rat pirates earlier this spring, was discovered this month anchored in a cove near the King's Harbour bay. Our reporter in that city tells us that Corrish officials received an anonymous tip from a messenger boy about the ship. Upon inspection they found recent battle damage and standing seawater in the hold. The entire crew was found tied up but in good health. The ship was void of all cargo and rations. A strange note was reportedly carved on the captain’s desk, but officials would not comment on what the message said. The prevailing rumor circulating the pubs is that the carving was a skull with the words “PLEASURE DOING BUSINESS GENTLEMEN.” -page 2- The Great Blue Enigma Continues Oleon’s fleets continue to defy logic and reason by refusing to sail. While some may be content with idle speculation, our man in Granoleon attempted to contact La Royal with the hope of getting answers to this great enigma. Unfortunately, this has proved easier said than done. Attempts to enter admiralty buildings were rebuffed, and when our reporter questioned officials in the streets and nearby taverns, he was greeted by the joys of an aggressive interview by la Force Publique with charges that he was an intelligence man. While we are certain that the charges will be dropped (as anyone who knows the reporter in question will quickly tell you that he may be a man, but by no means is he connected to any meaning of the word “intelligence”), we continue to wonder what secrets lay concealed behind La Royal’s continued surreptitiousness. But fortunately for our dear readers, our man in Lavalette has had better results. The RNTC was agreeable to an interview, with an official stating that the Company’s ships were held up for a “variety of reasons” ranging from the need to overhaul weathered vessels to delays in filling the massive Terramans’ holds with valuable goods. There is no doubt that this statement was inaccurate -- as the Company’s sailors are more likely to be found in a drunken stupor than in any state of productive activity -- but we are unsure at this time whether the deception was due to ignorance or duplicity. Mercantile Report In addition to the ships and crews mentioned above, we have other reports of successful merchant runs in the Brick Seas. In the west, from Belson we hear that the crews of the Alexander Keith and Filly Winds were buying rounds in several dockside taverns; our man their tells us that the two merchant captains logged nearly 900 DBs in profit between them. Our reporter in Weelond sends word that the crews of the Greenie trade fleet were also getting a head start on the upcoming Oktoberfest, with profits of nearly 300 DBs per trade ship. Despite all the doom and gloom from Londa, Mardier officials report high profits from the Maria and Wyvern. Here in Kings Port, the crew of the Namerean trader Nexus were spending freely in the pubs, although their mates on the Nymph were not happy as all, as their cargo was ruined in the rough seas on the journey from Balmin. Furthermore, the Namerean captains have been heard grumbling about the high port taxes, claiming that the fees have taken all their profits. From Westface we continue to see signs of a thriving black market, with another influx of illicit goods this month. From the near west, word from the town of Elysabethtown on the island of Berreli is that a local native pearl diver received 300 DBs for his efforts this month! Eslandian ladies there are all a twitter trying to get their husbands to buy them pearl jewelry. Meanwhile, our man in Quinnsville tells us that the crew of the WTC Riff Raft were actually seen leaving tips for the staff in several bars. (Just don’t let Agnes find out!) From the East, our man in Jameston reports that, despite the loss of La Raya Venenosa, several Eslandian merchant crews are happy with their results. Crews from the Piece of Eight II, Prince Fernando II, and El Rubi have all been seen celebrating in local bars and … other establishments. Notable Events Weelond Oktoberfest around the Corner We have it on good authority that Weelond’s annual Oktoberfest activities are to be announced shortly. Our reporter on An Holli tells us that among the activities at this year’s Oktoberfest will be keg tossing, musketry contests, and drunken equestrian events, along with the usual games, costumes, and bands, as well as butchers and brewers selling their wares. Watch for official notice any day now! Soccer Cup to Begin Soon? We have not heard yet from our reporter in Mesabi Landing on the status of the third annual Soccer Cup. With the city recovered from the tsunami earlier this year, the Red Rogues should be ready to defend their title. Initial tournaments in Trador and Bastion were a smashing success, and all sport fans around the Brick Seas anxiously await official word so they can book their passages to Mesabi Landing. ------------------------------------------- Ships Lost to Davy Jones’ Locker: Black Diamond Blazer Cockatoo Corland Provider Cotton Lady Ferryman Golden Apple Gun Sloop No. 1 La Raya Venenosa Narwal Paddly Scavenger II Western Wind II WTC Agnes B5 Ships Captured: MOC’d: Alexander (class 3) taken from SilentWolf by Maxim I? Dozy Dragon (class 2) taken from Bloody Bill by Bregir Margaret (class 3) taken from Fraunces by Bloody Bill Pioneer (class 2) taken from Bregir by Captain Gore Satyr (class 2) taken from Bregir by LeColeon Valkyrie (class 2) taken from CelesAurivern by Maxim I? Un-MOC’d: Gun Runner (class 3) taken from Garvey by Bluebeard Midnight Ruby (class 4) taken from Jan Van Sud by Mardier Vulture (class 4) taken from Bloody Bill by Bregir Inquire by PM for ships stats. Known Black Flag Ships Still At Large (all of their crews scoundrels and wanted for piracy) Andromeda Apollo’s Mirth AQAR Black Rat Cardinal’s Shadow Clearance Golden Rat Hand of Fate Hotspur Jilted Maiden Jokers Folly Jolly Rogers Komodo Dragon II LaPetunia Myth Chaser Odin's Scorn Red Dragon Stormbringer II Stormbull The Drunken Monkey Thunder Villain’s Boat Viper WTC Judgement Note that Black Flag Sea Rat ship locations are hidden when docked in Sea Rat ports, Garveyian ports, or pirate hideouts. Result tables to be posted shortly.

I like it! I really like the central compass/wax seal and the golden flourish beneath it, and the specific elements you've used throughout it. My only complaint is that the flag overlays of the builds makes it difficult to see either clearly. Basically, you have more cool stuff than fits cleanly. Such a problem to have!

I love how this gives us a snapshot of the different styles in the various Corrie settlements. Wonderful concept, and well done all!

Eslandola's exploration of islands in the New Haven Seas continues...

Janszen led his squadron of ships south and circumnavigated the island of Maldria before settling on a location to disembark. Maldria was a huge island, more than 600 miles across from east to west, and the trip around it was time consuming. In the end, Janszen and Calvo determined that the best spot to establish a base was near where they had started: on the northern coast, at the mouth of what appeared to be the largest river on the island. The river flowed through two lakes very near the coast -- with a third lake only a few miles to the east -- and emptied into a sheltered bay that was a perfect anchorage. The river appeared to be navigable for some distance into the interior of the island, flowing down from the central hills through a lightly wooded fertile plain, with ample evidence of typical woodland animals. Both agriculture and hunting should be possible here, and the river and lakes provided plenty of fresh water. Perfect for a permanent settlement. Janszen, Calvo, and a handful of men went ashore to survey the immediate area. While Janszen pointed out a good location to establish the first permanent structures … … some of the troops stretched their legs by kicking around an old pineapple they had brought with them, wondering if the annual Soccer Cup had yet gotten underway. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Meanwhile, Bloenhardt and Merker found themselves in “hurry up and wait” mode, as it took a few weeks before Guilder arrived at Fuerte Unido. Once he was there, they secured some privacy at a small inn and discussed their plans. Kate went upstairs and eavesdropped on the discussion from the balcony. The map of the New Haven Sea: “Wonderful information here, men,” said Guilder. “Janszen and Calvo have done an excellent job. Well done indeed. Too bad Janszen couldn't get more information out of that Carnian captain, but now we know Carno is on El Oleonda." Guilder turned to the map on the table. “The report on island #1 – what did Janszen call it?” “I think he said the natives call it ‘Ch’kara’,” replied Bloenhardt. “Yes, Chiquara,” repeated Guilder with a slightly Eslandized pronunciation. “The two of you shall return to Chiquara with more men and supplies and establish a small settlement and trading post there.” "Not much at island #2," said Guilder as he pointed vaguely at parts of the map. "Not the most reassuring report on the islanders there. And especially not at island #5! Tangling with those natives doesn't seem like it would be worth the cost." "What about island #6? asked Merker. "Ah, the rumored treasure has your eye, does it?" replied Guilder. "I must admit it intrigues me, but not enough to make it a priority. I figure it's not going anywhere. Har-har!" Guilder moved his finger to point to another spot on the map. “But we don't know anything yet about island #4. Once the trading post is built and the MCTC personnel safely settled, you shall sail north to island #4 and see what it offers.” Guilder looked up from the map at both men. “Finally, once finished with island #4, find Janszen and consolidate the expedition on Maldria. If Janszen hasn’t sent a new report by then, have him do so.” Guilder and Bloenhardt then began to go over the details for outfitting the return to Chiquara. An extra ship would likely be needed to transport the additional men and supplies for establishing the trading post and settlement. Merker excused himself from the tedious discussion and went upstairs to join Kate. “Well, there go yer plans, Jack. Guilder don’t seem interested much in Itasca’s treasure. You’ll never get back there.” “Kate, darling, have a little faith,” replied Jack. “You don’t think I can persuade Bloenhardt to let us split up? We’ll go explore island #6 and look for Itasca’s treasure over here …” Jack motioned with one arm, “… while he goes off to island #4 over there,” he finished, pointing the other way. “Then we’re out from under him and can keep any discovery to ourselves.” “You think he’s gonna let you go off with half the crew?” Kate shot back incredulously. “Bloenhardt trusts you as far as he can throw you!” “Luv, if I can’t persuade the old captain, I can certainly persuade the crew.” Kate looked at Jack knowingly. “What’ve you got in mind, Jack?” Jack raised an eyebrow and gave Kate a self-assured look … A full look at the inn: