Ayrlego

Colonel (retd.) Sir Percy Brickfellow presents the Definitive Compendium of Corlander Military Units. Similar to (and inspired by) the Gran Military Encyclopedia of Oleon, this thread will collate information on military units from the Army of Corrington and the Corrington Royal Marines. Guide for citizens of Corrington wanting to contribute to this index: Unit Index. Regiments of Horse Guards The most senior units in the Army of Corrington, the Household Horse Guards consist of the first three Regiments of Horse. These regiments are considered the personal guard of the reigning monarch and consist of the finest men and horses in the realm. 1st Regiment of Life Guards 'Blood Guards' 2nd Regiment of Horse Guards 'Reds and Royals' 3rd Regiment of Horse Guards 'Winged Cuirassiers' Regiments of Horse The glorious cavalry are mounted on the finest horses in Corrington and are renowned for their bravery. The bulk of Horse regiments are made up of Dragoons. Originally mounted infantry, Dragoons in Corlander service no longer fill and infantry role but are instead considered Heavy Cavalry and are armed with sabres. Other units include Hussars, popular for scouting and classified as Light Cavalry. Also classified as Light are Lancers. 1st Regiment of Hussars 'Queen's Own' 2nd Regiment of Hussars 'Duke of Greenbourgh's' 3rd Regiment of Hussars 'Earl of Studshire's' 8th Regiment of Hussars 'The Black Knights' 18th Regiment of Hussars 'The Lightfoot' Regiments of Foot Guards The first three Regiments of Foot in the Army of Corrington are Guard Regiments. The most senior of all infantry regiments, like the Horse Guards these regiments are considered the personal guard of the reigning monarch and consist of the tallest, bravest veterans of the infantry. These regiments will hold their ground at all costs and will advance into even under intense fire. 1st Regiment of Foot Guards 'Queen's Own' Regiments of Foot The backbone of most Corlander armies, the Regiments of Foot are the infantry that advance and defend in lines. Most regiments consist of one to three battalions which themselves are made up of multiple companies. The 1st Company of the Battalion is usually a 'Grenadier' company of the tallest and strongest men. Additionally most battalions will have a Light Company, of men who are the best marksmen and can be relied upon to act independently ahead of the main battle line as skirmishers. A handful of regiments will consist wholly of Grenadiers or Light soldiers but most will be made up with ordinary line infantry. Standard Line Infantry Individual Regiments of note: 26th Regiment of Foot 'Hawarden Regiment' 33rd Regiment of Foot 'Red Sons' 42nd Regiment of Foot (Highland) 'The Block Watch' 47th Regiment of Foot 'Ryebourgh Light Infantry' 60th Regiment of Foot 'Royal Rangers' 95th Regiment of Foot 'Queen's Rifle Regiment' Queen's Mardierian Legion Artillery, Engineers and Other Supporting the cavalry and infantry are a bevy of specialist units. These units will consist of highly trained men to undertake specialist roles. Royal Artillery - 12 pounder Battery Royal Artillery - Mortar Crew Royal Engineers Royal Pioneers Naval Intelligence Officers Colonial Regiments and Militia, Trade Company troops, Native Allies and other irregulars Far from the old world, many settlements have raised local militia regiments for defence and colonial service. Chartered trade companies such as the ETTC and WTC also maintain private armies to advance their goals in the new world. 2nd Regiment of Colonial Lancers Onondaga Mounted Scouts East Terra Trade Company (ETTC) Lancers Myzec Eagle and Jaguar Warriors Jameston Colonial Militia Mooreton Bay Colonial Militia Elizabethville Colonial Militia East Terra Trade Company (ETTC) Sepoys Wayfarer Trade Company (WTC) Marines Royal Marines Under command of but separate to the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines provide dedicated troops for service at sea and on amphibious operations. Royal Marines Royal Society of Navigation and Discovery Marines

I would say it's reasonable that anyone could build the scene, similar to the old MRCA result build

Great action scene - it really helps bring the invasion to life. I like the design of the organ gun and as Darnok says, the bunker definitely evokes the opening scenes of 'Saving Private Ryan'!

A fortified barracks, licensed as a large residence.

The last couple of months have been tumultuous times in the brick seas; Imperial fleets invading sovereign nations, pirate fleets ravishing innocent settlements and the Lotii savages running amok in the New Haven Sea. In Port Woodhouse the army prepares for all possibilities. At this fortified barracks, soldiers stand guard in the tower while a column of line infantry march past in a rehearsal for the upcoming Queen's Birthday parade. At the rear of the barracks, some off duty redcoats are being shown the intricacies of the unique rifled musket carried by the green coated members of the recently returned 60th Regiment of Foot, also known as the 'Royal Rangers'. A company of the 60th have been deployed to 'Gunpowder' island, where they have been conducting a savage campaign against the hostile natives there. The 60th are a 'light' regiment that fight as the light companies of line regiments do; that is in skirmish formation. The 60th, also known as the "Royal' or "Ayreshire Rangers". Specialise in woodland combat. Unique amongst Corlander regiments, they have recently exchanged their redcoats for a dark green coat and breeches and carry a rifled musket rather than the normal smoothbore. This slows their rate of fire but vastly improves their accuracy - something light troops value over volume of fire. I think this may be my favourite build in this style so far (here is a link to my Port Woodhouse album if you are interested). Also I'm finally experimenting with large scale use of fleshies for my redcoats (much to Bregir's disgust I'm sure!). The green jackets are 95th rifles prints from ktownbricks and I had to get some when I first saw them, as it's a unit I've wanted to represent for a long time. Redcoat torsos are cheap Chinese clone brands that I've used several times before.

Not really, (although it would be nice for the best faction to boast the biggest presence there! ), mainly we are just trying to increase it's trade value as it is the only port in the Sea of Thieves that our range 5 merchant ships can reach in one turn from the old world. The higher the trade value of the town then the better trade pay off we get in an MRCA. EDIT: only Corrie port thus guaranteed tariff free for our merchants!

That's correct yes. Not really, just pick a Corrie settlement that appeals to you. A list of the established settlements can be found at the bottom of the post here. We are having an internal drive to boost Port Raleigh at the moment, but any settlement would really work. If you wanted somewhere less established (more frontier-like) then Spudkirk would be a good choice. Lastly; it's just been raided by dastardly pirates (so a doctor would probably come in handy) and has a unique environment (mangrove swamps), but Stormhaven could badly use some love.

Welcome to Corrington @Edmund Babbington It will be nice to have character dedicated to medicine in our glorious faction. As Keymonus says, if you have any questions feel free to reach out - the rules can be rather complex when you start but the great thing is that you can participate as much or as little as you like. A good starting point is the guide here. Once you have 5 posts I can add you to our faction PM for all our 'secret' planning and discussion. All: Also a small teaser from my next upcoming build! Sea Rats raiding our settlements, Oleon pursuing a war of aggression on Terraversa. Time to get those redcoats marching

Crocodile island - nice! I'll consult with my fellow Corries and we will announce our choice shortly

I noticed the Sea of Thieves map was quite out of date, so here is a 620AE version fresh from the Royal Cartographers of Corrington!

Original New Haven Sea announcement here. Almost four years after the New Haven Sea was first opened up to Madrician explorers, Corlander cartographers from the Royal Academy have finally compiled a comprehensive list of the areas features and the rumours surrounding each island. Firstly a definitive map showing all known settlements: Map current as at: 12 Sep 620 Island Descriptions and Rumours - The New Haven Sea KEY: CLAIMED = The entire island is claimed by this faction (through challenge or aMRCA) and is considered it's sovereign territory. Establishing a settlement here without consent of the claiming nation would be considered an act of war. SETTLED = A settlement has been established on this island by the indicated faction; however, they have yet to establish full control over the territory. Other factions can still establish settlements on this island without consent of the established faction. -------------------- Island #1: Chiquara CLAIMED BY ESLANDOLA Nickname: Isle of the Forked Tongue Geographical Features: Named for the shape of the protruding peninsula at the southern end of the landmass, this island features luscious vegetation and a hilly interior, with a number of natural bays and available anchorages, especially on the eastern side. Hot springs abound in the pristine jungle. Rumours: The natives of the island are said to be entirely blind, using their acute sense of hearing to survive and build up their civilisation – which, as a matter of fact, is characterised primarily by the fact that all the habitations of the islanders have been built up in the boughs of the island’s many trees. Just inside the tropical climate zone of the New Haven seas, the island is teeming with banana and breadfruit trees, lizards and frogs. -------------------- Island #2: Nickname: The Blue Hole Geographical Features: This island surrounds a deep, blue hole that sinks deep into the water. Several small reefs surround the island, making navigation to the island difficult. On the land, the island is fairly low, with no major cliffs, or hills. The island has several small tribes, who subsist off of bananas, and other tropical crops. Rumours: The natives of this island make frequent sacrifices to the pit to keep it from swallowing the island whole. They’ve also sent several unwary explorer’s ships to the bottom of the pit. Some alchemists have proposed the intense blue hue of the water in the hole is caused by high concentrations of copper sulphate in the water and may indicate the presence of copper deposits on the island. -------------------- Island #3: Nickname: Isla de Plata CLAIMED BY MARDIER Geographical features: Majestic cliffs border the south-west side of this island, while the other shores of the island are mostly covered in white beaches. The centre of the island is encased in a wall of jungle. The few surviving explorers have noted some plains in the centre of the island. Island Rumours: At least one tribe of hostile natives is living on the northern side of this island, known to be jealously guarding their territory. They seem to wear an unusually large amount of silver on both their weapons and jewellery. There are stories of an unidentified, ancient shipwreck on the northern coast. -------------------- Island #4: Panarium CLAIMED BY CORRINGTON Nickname: The Grassy Knoll Geographical Features: The most northerly of the islands at this longitude, this island is exposed to harsh northerly winds that have left most of the island devoid of trees. Instead, the hilly landscape is dominated by lush grassland and low shrubs. The winds bring plenty of rain but also lower the temperature significantly compared to the more tropical climate of neighbouring islands. Rumours: The small sheltered valleys are said to be quite fertile and would likely be ideal for grain crops. Pastoralists have theorised that sheep would thrive in the hills. -------------------- Island #5 and Island #6: Due to the causeway attaching these islands, a faction claiming one of these islands will hold sovereignty over both, although they would have to repair the causeway (MOC required). Each island still has unique properties (ie a settlement on Castor can not claim any bonuses that may be attached to Pollux and vice versa). Island #5 Nickname: Castor Geographical Features: This island forms the northern half of the two islands known as 'The Twins'. The islands were once joined by a small rock and crushed coral causeway which has fallen into disrepair but is still usable. 'Castor' has fairly high cliffs, and is best accessible from crossing the causeway, as the natives do. Rumours: It is rumoured that this island was visited by pirates in the past who slaughtered the natives, making them nervous and fearful of outsiders. Once pressed, they will prove surprisingly ferocious, and their villages show clear signs of cannibalism. This island has dense networks of caves under the island, creating pathways from the sea into the top of the island. Only the natives know exactly where these are. Rumour has it that clues to Itasca's treasure can be found here and on its twin island 'Pollux'. Priests have theorised that ‘Castor’ and ‘Pollux’ are the birthplace of Castor and Pollux, the sons of Zeus and that these are holy sites. Temples here would likely attract pilgrims from across the Brick Seas. -------------------- Island #6 Nickname: Pollux Geographical Features: This island forms the south half of the two islands known as 'The Twins'. The islands were once joined by a small rock and crushed coral causeway which has fallen into disrepair but is still usable. 'Pollux' is much lower than its twin northern island, and features much more vegetation. Rumours: The natives on 'Pollux' are distinctly different from those on 'Castor' and are said to worship a mysterious deity that can consume people’s souls. The rituals the natives perform are rumoured to drive people mad; but also grant them special power. Rumour has it that clues to Itasca's treasure can be found here and on its twin island 'Castor'. Priests have theorised that ‘Castor’ and ‘Pollux’ are the birthplace of Castor and Pollux, the sons of Zeus and that these are holy sites. Temples here would likely attract pilgrims from across the Brick Seas. -------------------- Island: Maldria SETTLED BY ESLANDOLA Geographical Features: One of the largest islands discovered by Madrician explorers so far, the northern coast of this island has a more temperate climate likely influenced by weather of the great northern sea. The mountain range that forms an east-west spine along the island contains the highest mountains yet seen in the new world, the peaks of which are covered in an almost permanent mist. This range shelters the southern portion of the island from the moderating effects of the northern winds and a more tropical climate prevails here. Rumours: It is rumoured that an ancient civilisation once worked numerous rich gold mines on this island and that these mines could be reactivated with minimal effort. The peaks of the highest mountains are said to be covered in snow where unusual creatures live such as a ‘snow jaguar’. The moderate climate in the northern lowlands would likely benefit large scale production of grain crops such as wheat or oats and would also make the area ideal for more traditional Halosian fruits such as apples. -------------------- Island #7: Avestia CLAIMED BY CORRINGTON Nickname: The Aviary Geographical Features: Isolated from any other major islands, thick verdant jungle covers the entire island interior, sitting on a plateau atop 100 m high cliffs making up the entire coast. The northern point is pocketed with shoals and coral reefs, although several potentially good harbours can be found on the eastern coast. On the Western shore a series of large caves open up to the sea, some of them navigable by small vessels. Rumours: The native people of this island are said to inhabit fortified villages that are sited on small hilltops and are reported to rarely venture far to sea. They decorate themselves and their settlements with colourful cloth produced from minerals collected from caves and colourful feathers from the diverse range of bird life that is reported to thrive on the island - which is also said to be absent of any major mammal life. The few reports from Halosians claiming to have visited the island include references to several species of large flightless birds. These ratites, some of which are which are reported to be over twice the height of a minifigure, are said to be mainly herbivores, although are reported to be dangerous when attacked. -------------------- Island #8: Nickname: Saltbush Island Geographical Features: This low-laying island is covered in small bushes and shrubs of the types that grow well in very salty environments. The island is home to a huge numbers of wild goats who thrive in the dry, salty conditions. The large bay on the southern side of this island contains a large, well sheltered and deep natural harbour. Rumours: Reports from passing ships state ideal conditions for a large harbour in the southern bay whose surrounding features would make it extremely easy to fortify to give a defender a large advantage. The soil is reported to be extremely salty and is not thought to be suitable for normal cash-crop agriculture. While native fisherman use the island as a shelter and camp, there are rumoured to be no permanent native settlements. -------------------- Island #9: Eileanne neh Luithhr (aka Luther Islands) CLAIMED BY ESLANDOLA Nickname: The Volcano Geographical Features: A group of small islands, the largest of which is dominated by an enormous active volcano. Vegetation is sparse on the main island with no permanent source of freshwater available. The second largest island; however, contains a small freshwater lake and a large natural harbour that explorers have observed could easily be fortified to make a formidable anchorage. Rumours: Geologists speculate that the volcanic nature of these islands probably contain significant mineral wealth, most likely with larger levels of iron, copper and mercury. -------------------- Island #10: Nickname: The Oval Geographical Features: An oval shaped island to the north of Carno claimed Neustadt, this island is relatively flat and contains a mixture of open grasslands and tropical forest. A series of large inland lakes provides the island with fresh water. Rumours: The lakes of this island are said to be teaming with freshwater fish that make for excellent eating. A peaceful tribe of natives are said to construct their villages on stilts on the banks of these lakes. These natives are renowned for using the reeds and grasses that grow in abundance around the lakes to weave products such as baskets. -------------------- Island #11 Neustadt: CLAIMED BY CARNO -------------------- Island #12: Annettaskrona SETTLED BY CORRINGTON Nickname: Mini Oleonda Geographical Features: A medium sized island of the western coast of El Oleonda, this island has several decent natural anchorages on the northern coast, while the western coast is dominated by limestone cliffs with extensive cave systems. The interior is covered in thick jungle while the south eastern half of the island is covered in extensive wetlands. Rumours: The swamps that dominate the south east of this island appear to have a type of wild rice growing, possibly introduced by early Lotii explorers. As it was probably once part of El Oleonda, the island probably shares some of that islands fabled mineral wealth. -------------------- Island El Oleonda: SETTLED BY CARNO, LOTUS EMPIRE AND OLEON Geographical Features: One of the largest islands discovered so far, El Oleonda has a wide range of biomes. A large inland sea dominates the centre of the long island and several huge lakes can be found in other areas. While highland areas dominate the centre of the western and some of the eastern part of the island, the terrain is not as mountainous as other nearby islands and certainly does not rival the ranges of Maldria. Rumours: Rumoured to be one of the most resource rich islands in the new world, conflict rages between the Empire of the Lotus and the Kingdom of Carno on this island. There are said to be at least 3 Lotii settlements on the Eastern side of the island including one settlement which has a Royal sized fortress. The Carnites are said to have at least two smaller settlements on the western side of the island. It is said that gold is so common in the highlands, you can find nuggets the size of your fist on the surface. The inland sea on the centre of the island is said to contain a huge population of brilliantly magenta coloured flamingos and Lotii settlements in the east are said to feature huge rice plantations. -------------------- Island Calinstock: SETTLED BY THE WTC Geographical Features: The smallest of four largest islands of the New Haven Sea, Calinstock features central highlands area with some high peaks and plateaus. The lower laying coastal areas are a mix of woodland and jungle with significant swamps and marshland in the south. Rumours: An usually high number of ancient ruins are said to dot the landscape, similar in appearance to the ruins found in the rest of the region and likewise attract rumours of great treasure. Several peaceful tribes of natives inhabit the low lands and coastal areas, although the highland tribes are rumoured to be fierce, head-hunting cannibals. A large species of water buffalo is said to inhabit the swamps and wetlands on Calinstock. Some theorise that if they could be domesticated they would make excellent draught animal. Geologists theorise that the western highlands probably contain rich iron deposits. -------------------- Island #13: Nova Londa CLAIMED BY MARDIER Nickname: Geographical Features: A moderately sized island at the northern end of the Arlintina chain. Very little detail is known about anything but the basic shape of this island. Rumours: There is rumoured to be a secret Mardierian settlement of significant size and fortification on this island. No explorers have returned to confirm or deny the existence of such a settlement and it is rumoured that Mardier will aggressively defend their secrecy here. There is much speculation about why Mardier would keep such a colony secret including tales spanning from great mineral to huge agricultural potential. -------------------- Island #14: Nickname: Monkey Island Geographical Features: A small island located just offshore of Nova Londa, this island consists mostly of rocky slopes covered in thick jungle. There is one natural harbour located on the southern coast line. Rumours: This island is rumoured to be infested with large troops of monkeys whose screeching can be heard far out to sea. The monkeys likely would render any cash crop plantations unproductive but if an enterprising explorer could come up with a commercial use for the monkeys, surely they would find success here. The more outlandish rumours state that the monkeys are actually guarding the ruins of an ancient temple that is filled with great treasure. -------------------- Island #15: Nickname: Coconut Island Geographical Features: A small island located at the northern tip of Arlintina, Coconut Island is a largely featureless island covered in palm forests. No significant natural harbours exist and the coastline is largely sandy beaches with the occasional river inlet. Rumours: Coconut palms are abundant all over the island and it is thought that conditions are optimal here for them. There are said to be giant crabs living on the island that can crack open a coconut with their claws. -------------------- Island Arlintina: SETTLED BY CORRINGTON Geographical Features: Like most of its island neighbours, Arlintina features a central spine of mountains running roughly along the north to south axis. The southern coastline shares the dense mangrove swamps of the island's southern neighbour and these swamps graduate into open floodlands in the south eastern portion of the island. The western shoreline mainly consists of large sandy beaches and numerous coral reefs make navigating these coastal waters tricky. Rumours: There are rumours of the ruins of an ancient port in one of the sheltered bays on the eastern coast. The open floodplains of the southeast would likely provide optimal conditions for sugar cane cultivation. Natives report geological conditions in the interior that geologists theorise may be ideal for mercury deposits. -------------------- Island #16: Ile Dionysus CLAIMED BY OLEON Nickname: Crocodile Island Geographical Features: A long, thin island situated in-between the larger island of ‘Arlintina’ and the ‘Lowers’ archipelago, this island is dominated by a central mountain range. A number of medium to large size natural harbours exist, mostly on the western shoreline. Numerous streams and inlets flow into the ocean from the central range and much of the island is covered in jungle. The eastern shoreline is dominated by thick mangroves and swamps. Rumours: Several native tribes inhabit the northern part of the island although the southern end is mostly abandoned due to constant raiding from nearby islands. Large numbers of freshwater crocodiles of several different species are said to inhabit the swamps and waterways of this island -------------------- Island #17: Raider’s Haven CLAIMED BY THE SEA RATS Nickname: Geographical Features: The most northern island of significant size in the island chain known as ‘the lowers’. This island features large numbers of small rocky bays. These bays form many small natural harbours and coves that are sometimes very well concealed from the open water. Streams and inlets from the interior provide a reliable supply of fresh water to most of these shelters. The interior raises up into very large hills and small mountains which are covered in thick, verdant jungle. Rumours: While the rugged interior has resulted in no known permanent native settlements on this island, the many natural harbours and secret coves are used by native war parties when raiding nearby islands. It is also rumoured that geological conditions on this island are ideal for significant deposits of silver.

Nice use of the BrickWarriors shakos. I'm not sure about them in brown, but I have been considering getting some of the black ones. Maybe when/if shipping from the US doesn't take three months...! Is the torso on the officer custom? I can't get a good look at it but from what I can see it looks impressive. The base is nicely done with enough detail to be interesting but not detract from the troops. The fence is especially nice. I think Quinnsville may just have the most redcoats of all our settlements soon (although I can hear @Mesabiand @Darnoknow both saying 'challenge accepted'!!)

Really great scene Fraunces. The buildings are a great mixture of textures and styles that all mesh really well together. I especially like the use of the grey minifig legs above the archway. The Mardierian minifigs are also a hit! Great work!

Very nice mill LM71! The landscaping looks great and I really like the way that the stream is built into the ground and varies levels in the middle. It really gives a flowing water feel. The vegetation is quite colourful and helps make this build pop. I really like this one - great work! With the licensing, did you want me to take care of it using the Port Raleigh account? Previously I think we've always seen mills licensed as factories, but an artisan may also fit?

If you give me to the end of the week, I should have them all done!

Hopefully these will be somewhat more useful than some of the previous ones as I am endeavouring to predefine what each actual rumour means in terms of effect on the EGS (something that has not always been done in a clear manner in the past).

@Professor Thaum @Kwatchi Better late than never??? let me know if you are unhappy with the results and want to re-pick? @Bodi Only about a third of the islands have rumours (see the map committee thread page 3 in court.) I'm working to get all completed and released in public now. Island #17: Nickname: Raider’s Haven Geographical Features: The most northern island of significant size in the island chain known as ‘the lowers’. This island features large numbers of small rocky bays. These bays form many small natural harbours and coves that are sometimes very well concealed from the open water. Streams and inlets from the interior provide a realiable supply of fresh water to most of these shelters. The interior raises up into very large hills and small mountains which are covered in thick, verdant jungle. Rumours: While the rugged interior has resulted in no known permanent native settlements on this island, the many natural harbours and secret coves are used by native war parties when raiding nearby islands. It is also rumoured that geological conditions on this island are idea for significant deposits of silver.

July Spreadsheet Important Note: Due to the delayed MRCA results, ship upkeep and MRCA income have not yet been added to this sheet. This sheet covers up to the 1st Aug 2020. All transactions after 1st Aug will appear on the next sheet. As usual, happy to (attempt) to answer any questions!

Thanks, The crusader uses stickers (I can't remember if they are from Brickforge or BrickWarriors). The English knight is a custom printed figure from ktownbricks. Thanks! AmperZand is correct, they are from Custom Crazy but they don't seem to exist anymore.

Impressive entry and great twist on the sandcastle theme. As mentioned above, the all-tan sculptures are the highlight and look great!

@Count Vroskri I made some comments in Part 4 - I'll just quickly address some of the points raised above. There are no limits on how many freebuilds you can submit per month. If you submit a Build Submittal Form you can even earn some DBs for them (I haven't yet checked if you are indeed doing this.) From memory I think only the first four a month earn DBs. Mesabi makes some excellent points about quality over quantity; however I certainly don't have any issues with the quality of your builds. I'm glad you are enjoying immersing yourself in the world of BoBS, keep up the good work.

Firstly, no issues from me with the story and nice work with the extensive back story for your character. The builds combine a nice amount of detail to illustrate the story and the hidden chamber is nicely done. As Mesabi says, light is really important; however, to achieve best results you do not want the light shining directly onto the build. Sounds weird right? However a light source shining directly onto the build will create harsh shadows and reflections and lead to sub-par results. This is a reason you should never use the inbuilt camera flash when photographing builds. The trick with lighting is to get the most indirect light onto the build as possible. For most of my time in the community I have used a light box which I purchased for about $100 from Amazon (i think). I've recently had to downsize my room and the light box takes up a lot of space, so now I've adapted a more space saving option which is an Ikea white blind attached to a wall that pulls down onto my desk (for background) and a speedlight for my dSLR that I use to bounce light of the ceiling and onto the build (an expensive option!). You could try Mesabi's approach but masking the light with some greaseproof paper (or other translucent material). It's an approach that I've considered but never actually tried. Here is an excellent explanation from Eurobricks MOC and photography expert Gideon: Anyway, the point with light is, get as much indirect light onto the build as possible. Hope that is helpful

I have to admit I was more than a little concerned when I read the topic heading! (probably your intention! ) But it's all good and I really like the story which is both very piratical and WTC at the same time. The scenes depict your typical havoc quite well I think. Roasting the dolphin is a nice touch (words I never suspected I'd write)! Nice entry

Great idea and very nicely done!

Nice to have the Count back in the Brick Seas Mesabi and especially with such a good little build. It was immediately obvious to me when I first saw this on Flickr the extra care and time you took with this one - great work! The floor pattern and colours are a stand out for me and nice piece use with the CMF giraffe.