Capt Wolf

At first I thought Count Mesabi was in pain, and I was wondering how he injured himself. Nice report. The KPA will be sending some saboteurs er, "subscription salesmen" to your offices soon.

Congratulations to the whole Pontelli administrative team! I voted for Jon van Dyke, so I'm glad he'll have a role. Toktawoo is far less intimidating without his mask. And isn't Sally the original Miss Oktoberfest?

Once again, the Kings Port Advertiser and Ship List is seeking submissions. The editorial staff is busy assembling the latest edition. If you want to see something printed in the new edition, contact our editorial office via PM to @Capt Wolf. Thanks.

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.

I like the template, but I agree with Bregir that, since the cards are not faction-specific, we shouldn't include faction IDs on the cards.

Understood.

No problem. I already saw it. Wonderful scene. I love that you've MOC'd the ships, and the unfurled sail technique is excellent! Cool crane, and good figure posing throughout. Nicely done! Of course, Prio is crafting a response as we speak.

The men saw several dwellings high in the treetops all intertwined with walkways. Suddenly it was apparent that the treetops were alive with action. Natives dropped from the sky surrounding Calvo and his team. While being held at spear point Calvo reassured his men to stand strong and show no fear. “W .. wha … what’s a matter with their eyes sir?” one of the men questioned. Calvo had never seen it before personally, only heard stories. The natives' eyes were all clouded, almost milky and somewhat opaque. The movement of the Natives was almost as if they were hunting the air for a scent. Calvo replied to his men: “I believe they are blind . . . move easy men. I don’t believe they want to hurt us, they are merely defending the village. They’re just as afraid, if not moreso, than you are.” “How should we proceed, sir?” ... “Slowly set your weapons down by your side. Now, Muldoon, hand me some of those sweet berries we found earlier.” Once Muldoon retrieved the berries from his satchel, Calvo slowly extended his hand, palm up, holding the fragrant berries out toward one of the natives who seemed to be in command. The native cautiously moved closer, recognizing the sweet scent. He took some of the berries from Calvo’s hand and took in their fragrance. Then the native made some clicking noises and his companions lowered their spears. Calvo’s men sighed in relief. "Share something fragrant with them, men. Move slowly and do as I did." The men extended food items from their kits, holding out dried fruit or pieces of dried, salted meat. The natives quickly understood and shared local fruit, as well as parrot feathers -- very soft to the touch! Calvo wondered if the natives could tell how colorful the plumage was! Some of the natives leaned in to smell the gun powder in a powder horn, but clearly did not like it! Calvo tried speaking a couple of times, but the natives gave no indication that they recognized the foreigners' style of speech. Calvo tried repeating some clicks spoken by the natives, which resulted in an odd laughter from the natives. The natives' language was very different from the way Halosians made their sounds for speech, but Calvo made a few more attempts, and even got what he thought was an approving click from the leader at one point. Calvo made a mental note to himself that he must return in the future to study this language more. After the exchange of items and the attempts at communication wound down, the leader made some more clicking sounds, and some of his men stepped aside to present a way out of the clearing. "OK men. Slowly reach down and pick up your weapons, keeping the muskets low, then follow me." (Calvo thought the natives could tell from the smell of the powder how the muskets were held. And he was still not sure whether the natives could see at all, but thought that they had at least some sensitivity to light.) Then Calvo led his men through the opening and out of the village. The natives followed them for a bit, but soon the clicks and rustling in the treetops subsided. Calvo wondered if this was an isolated village, of if there were more all over the island. Finding that out should complete his initial survey of this island. --- An overview of the build, including treetop dwelling and walkway:

I love 'em!

"0" for a ship stat doesn't mean the ship doesn't have any guns or hull or crew, just that it has so very little to not be considered significant. And think of this card as more like expert gunnery skill for whatever crewman was firing whatever weapon the Riff Raft had, because he apparently hit the Ghost Harvester in exactly the right spot, hitting a cannon that started a chain reaction that led to the magazine. A man that can make a shot like that is valuable!

Bluebeard, Harrison Torn, LeColeon, and Montroy.

The MCTC has transferred 800 DBs to the RNTC.

CG, don't forget to add the NPC pirates' MRCA revenues. I think four of them actually earned some DBs through trading.

It'll be the MCTC buying the ship, not me, but yes, that sounds very fair. Thanks. I'll transfer 800 DBs to the RNTC.

I can't attest to the accuracy of my clock. I was just typing as fast as I could. I'm not surprised my LJ bid was late, but I'll plead for consideration in the MCTC trying to reacquire their own ship.

3 bids placed

Terraversa is just the ports of Kings Port and Westface in zone 13.

The sign-up deadline for the next Adventure MRCA and Trade MRCA is May 30, midnight, anywhere in the world. ---------------- Players can sign up for both the Adventure MRCA and the Trade MRCA, but individual ships can only participate in one or the other, not both simultaneously. To sign-up for the Adventure MRCA, read the rules here and then sign-up via this form. 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 either MRCA, it must be licensed. You can license your ship under the new ship rules via this form. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kings Port Advertiser - Extra! The editorial office of the KPA has just received this notice from the highest authorities: Kings Port, May 618 AE Henceforth, the Independent Nation of Terraversa will levy upon all foreign vessels calling on our ports harbor fees of 20 DBs per ship level, plus customs duty of 25% of cargo value. We welcome all traders, and even warships utilizing our ports, but must see our expenses covered. Signed Archduke Miro Oldis and Grand Admiral of the Fleet L'Olius ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Consult this map for trade zone numbers before submitting any forms: And here are the trade values as of May 14, 618. 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 18 Aden CAR 2 120 Alexport PRI 29 90 Arlinsport COR 6 287 Astrapi OL 23 179 Balmin NAM 2 175 Balondia COR 2 100 Bardo ESL 8 180 Baskers Island MAR 6 78 Bastion SR 18 232 Belson COR 4 604 Breshaun OL 7 723 Calisto MAR 25 45 Camp Isaac COR 35 40 Cecropia OL 22 41 Charlatan Bay SR 24 257 Dortanix MAR 1 359 Dragonstone OL 20 18 Elizabethville COR 22 162 Eltina OL 7 243 Elysabethtown ESL 20 146 Fatu Hiva OL 35 149 Fortaleza Victoria ESL 32 5 Freeport GAR 27 150 Fuerte Unido ESL 32 170 Granoleon OL 5 599 Haven SR 21 36 Hojaroja ESL 32 33 Hussar’s Isle COR 24 9 Jameston COR 35 292 Kieg GAR 3 399 King’s Harbour COR 24 294 Kings Port TER 13 521 La Puebloto ESL 32 5 Lavalette OL 28 162 Leopaldis GAR 24 68 Londa MAR 2 399 Mehit ESL 32 5 Mesabi Landing COR 35 272 Montario ESL 17 92 Mooreton Bay COR 24 247 Moray’s Den SR 21 18 Myzectlan COR 35 54 New Haven COR 24 52 Nova Malto ESL 32 90 Nova Terreli ESL 17 571 Pontelli ESL 17 170 Poorvintia Poppy Port CAR SR 26 26 30 23 Port Raleigh COR 20 70 Port Wilks ESL 22 14 Port Woodhouse COR 35 48 Prinport GAR 9 522 Puerto Alijo ESL 20 5 Puerto Desafio ESL 32 130 Quinnsville COR 24 172 Rassilon SR 18 145 Salida Este ESL 23 107 Stedor ESL 3 200 Stormhaven COR 22 56 Takashii SR 18 18 Terreli ESL 3 599 Tortuga SR 32 90 Trador ESL 32 283 Ulric ALT 1 200 Weelond ESL 8 408 Westface TER 13 341 Windfall Island OL 28 9 Yeldo COR 1 361

Boo! She had such a charming character. I am sure she would have had a great future in the WTC. And maybe the story is not over... I said nothing of Asma's demise, but simply that I was glad Pontelli is rid of her. I agree that it would be fun to see if her story continues. She does have a certain WTC quality to her.

Great story, and I'm very glad that Pontelli is rid of Asma! I love the forced perspective of the soldiers and ship at the bottom of the cliff, and great work with the expressions on the soldiers' faces at different stages of the story. Yes, apparently we grow it in the high hills.

He's clearly passing notes in class with Guilder, who has noted the distinct lack of an MCTC flag.

Love it! Fun story, and nice microbuilds!

Awesome build! That wave is stunning! What color bricks have you used under the trans-clear?

What they all said! But I will give the SNOT retaining wall an extra shout-out!

Fun build, and a wonderful scene, both with the buildings and the fig posing! I particularly like some of your piece usage on roofs and chimneys (the doors as roofing, the hinge brick and barrel in the chimney of the dark green house, and the weathervane on the red roof). I also like that red wagon that makes a brief appearance. Just wonderful little details all over!