Ayrlego

Thanks Kurigan, it's never too late for good ideas! I think part of the problem is probably the paper - I feel a semi-gloss sticky paper would be better, but can't find any in stores. Also my inkjet printer probably should have been replaced years ago... This is exactly what I ended up doing. Here are some close ups of the results - not perfect, but better than what they were.

The professionals of Corrington's armed forces are closely watching the first old world conflict to be fought in the new world. On Celestia, newly appointed Governor, Major Dirk Allcock, is prepared to do his part to ensure Corrington benefits from the lessons learned by both sides in the conflict. While other Corlander officers will be tasked with gathering the Eslandolan point of view, Dirk is uniquely placed to gain lessons from Mardier. He has recently learned of the arrival in theatre of Mardierian officer with whom he studied with at the University of Bellson, one Captain Giovanni Lorenzini. Lorenzini, on completion of his studies in Corrington returned to Mardier, where he joined the Royalist Forces in the civil war. Now he has arrived on the Isle de Medio to reinforce the garrison against the Eslandolan and Garvian invaders. Wasting no time, Dirk has immediately written to his old friend, asking that he may send a man to observe the conflict from the Mardierian side. The observer he has chosen to send is a former Royal Army officer, Captain Adam Todd. Captain Todd resigned his commission to pursue a trading career in Arlinsport, but so far has not been lucky. Dirk has offered him a generous commission to go to the Isle de Medio with gifts for Captain Lorenzini, and a letter requesting observer status. Captain Todd, although not military anymore, is under strict orders to observe only, and not interfere. Major Allcock has also made very clear he is not being sent in any official capacity, rather he is being dispatched on a private expedition. On arriving, Captain Todd discovers that Captain Lorenzini has been dispatched to one of the Royal Fortresses on the Island that has come under siege by the combined Eslandolan and Garvian forces. A dedicated man, he has managed to smuggle himself inside the fortress, where he is given a warm welcome by Lorenzini, who happy allows him to attach to his company of infantry. After a few days inside the fort, the besiegers start bombarding the fort with mortars. These artillery pieces are able to lob rounds over the walls deep inside the fortress. Using incendiary and explosive shot, they are a present a nuisance to Mardierian high command, who are unable to target them with counter-battery fire due to the clever positioning of the battery behind sand dunes on a spit of land in the nearby bay. Captain Lorenzini shares his knowledge of the battery with Captain Todd. The Mardierians believe the mortar fire is unusually accurate due to the fact it is operated by a Garvian contingent. Most of the besieging army is made up of Eslandolan mercenaries, whose quality and professionalism is mixed, but generally quite poor. The Garvians, on the other hand, are professional artillerymen from the regular army. To take advantage of the terrain, the battery itself is quite exposed, and relies on a half regiment of Eslandolan mercenaries for protection. Lorenzini explains however, that Mardierian fisherman have reported that incredibly, the majority of the guard force sails back to the comforts of the main camp every night, leaving only the Garvian artillery men and a small group of Eslandolan regulars. Furthermore, the mercenaries have been observed returning later every day. Captain Todd, finding himself drawn to the Mardierian officer, and even sympathising with their cause, helps plan a daring amphibious raid on the battery, with the goal of spiking the guns to prevent their further use. Mardierian high command will only risk one half company of troops, to be led by Captain Lorenzini. Despite his orders to the contrary, Captain Todd insists on accompanying the raid. The fishermen's information proved correct, in the early dawn, the Mardierians successfully surprise the battery as it begins to prepare for the day’s bombardment. The Eslandolan guard force is reduced to a mere handful of regulars and a single officer. Charging up the beach, the yellow coats achieve complete surprise. The Garvian battery is led by a Major of artillery, Major Jan Nieuwenaar. A good, well trained officer, it was his plan to position the battery in such a cunning position, and his calculations that allow the the battery to so accurately target the fort. He attempts to rally his men, but is mortally struck very early in the battle by a musket ball to the chest. As he falls, he is caught in the arms of his sergeant. The Mardierians overwhelm the battery. The guns are spiked and the prisoners rounded up into boats and transported back to the fort before the main Eslandolan guard force returns. Although Mardierian command seems confident. Captain Todd is not so sure. Although the quality and morale of the Mardierians seems far better, he is reminded of a quote from the famous scholar of antiquity, Marcus Tullius Bricero, “The sinews of war are infinite money”. The Greenbacks are certainly not short of gold, and seem unusually focused on spending it in this war. The Mardierians, on the other hand, are still in the grips of a civil war, with limited resources to devote to what essentially for them is a side show. He will report as much to Dirk, along with his tactical observations. No need to bother the Major with full details of his participation in the planning and execution of the raid though….. Details Wow, alot of conditions for this one, so let's check them off, This entry is Pro-Mardierian Character funded the assault/defence - Yes! Beaching landing - Yes! (although in reverse) Mardierian defence - Yes! (even though they are conducting the landing, technically they are defending the fort Death of a hero and close up shot - Yep. Eslandolan torsos from @Captain Braunsfeld Enjoy and C&C welcome!

Stunning work here Garmadon! A lot to like but I especially wanted to mention the house - love the colour scheme and the detail in the interior is superb, especially that fireplace! The fountain is really well done, and one of the best attempts at that style of fountain that I've seen. Like I said in Captain B's thread, it's good to see the EWTC getting some love - It's probably the TC that appeals to me the most!

I think Elostirion's comment hit this one spot on, it's a great mix of your usual style with a new twist to make it fit in with Garmadon's own style. As I said in your 5B entry, I really like those soldiers, I think they may be my favourite of your Eslandolan troops, also I am insanely jealous of all you people who own Lego goats. Bring on a re-issue TLG!!! Great work and it's nice to see the EWTC getting some attention!

I saw this when you posted but didn't have time to comment, so it's good that I got back to it to say I love it! The vegetation looks great, as does the rock work and overhang and the water. Overall just a really well presented and colorful little scene! I hope Philip is allowed to 'acquire' that pineapple after such a hard day's work! Yeah it's all the rage, I think colonies that start off this way have a bright future ahead of them.... but then I might be a bit biased on this....

For a first challenge entry it's a good one! I like the way the water is receding from the beach and has left the sand smooth and pockets of water still remain further up the shoreline. Great touch! Also your inclusion of the yellow flag for Mardier has reminded me I need to add a flag to my own entry - great idea and it adds a good splash of colour. Fantastic job here!

Good to see Montoya as arrived in the paradise isles, even if it is the wrong one! Hopefully Dirk will be able to get away from his duties as governor for long enough to join Montoya for a expedition further into the jungle! Like Captain G, I really like the foliage here, especially the upside down sea plants. Regarding the Royal Pioneers, it's a personal nitpick, but the pith helmets, while looking great (especially with the blue pants) are a bit late in the time period for me. (Although it does make me want to pull out all my pith helmets (I have a grand total of 2 or 3! ) and fig-barf some Victoria era soldiers when I get home...) Anyway looking forward to joining Montoya on Cascadia for 5E!

Great scene! I think I'm going to enjoy seeing the 'Autumn' Isle fleshed out some more, it was definitely one of the more interesting choices in the last round of island picks!

Nice second installment Mesabi. It will be interesting to see how you make the conclusion fit into a 16x16! I like how you have done the waterfall, and the red tree adds a nice variation to the colour scheme. Also the line about student debt made me laugh! Good one! It's good of course how it is, but if you are interested here are some recommendations that I think could add to the scene. With the vegetation, I would suggest more of it. Buy as much green stuff as you can afford and go nuts! Failing this, maybe try and vary the level of the ground a bit using plates, if you make the creek your lowest point, and build up a the banks with plates and maybe slopes until you reach around one brick high, I think that will add more depth to the scene (does that make sense?). Also several of your shots look to be a bit out of focus, particularly the one just before the sacrifice from the perspective of the natives looking down, maybe try a re-shoot? Not sure what your limitations are photography wise, but I'd suggest more (indirect) lighting if possible (to light the shots and eliminate the shadows), and if you get a large piece of flexi white card, or even a well ironed sheet, you can eliminate the black crack from the back of the photo by attaching it to the wall then bending it down on a curve to the surface (again not sure if that makes sense). Anyway nice entry, I look forward to the conclusion!

Great entry Captain B! The custom printing on the torsos came out looking really good. I especially like the Eslandolan soldiers with the green epaulettes and white trimmed bicornes - they look very French revolutionary period. Any chance you'd share your torso designs? Go to the dark side! Go full fleshie! My 5B will be full fleshie, but I'll be back to good old yellow for the rest.... still, now I've gone fleshie once, it's quite tempting to do so again!

I agree, I hadn't considered an IC option when I made the transfer - great idea! In that regard, please find the following note with the gold. Jameston, March 617 Dear Captain Mesabi, Word has reached me of your ambitions in this New World, and how you are constrained by a limitation in funding. Being of the strong believe that if as individuals we are prosperous, so is the empire, please find enclosed an obligation free gift. I trust you will use it to the benefit of the Crown. Yours sincerely, Dirk Allcock, Major Governor of the Paradise Isles Long Live the Queen!

@Mesabi, check your account, I believe you've had a sudden windfall

It's a lot to take in at the start, and although I'm not staff, I'm sure no one needs you to apologise! A few of us are currently working on a new starter guide, hopefully it should be ready soon (not much help to you though! ) Most of the account keeping for the EGS is automatic and depends on the web forms. You can check your account balance in the spreadsheet which is linked in the first post in the account summary thread. (Although I note that you are not yet on the summary). I think that @Phred and @Captain Genaro are the gurus with the accounts and they can fix up any issues if you bring them up in that thread. All the property rules are laid down in the By Land - Properties in the EGS. Basically, as Elostirion says, you can license up to three properties per month in any location. Your first free property must be a small property, and all properties can only be licensed in settlements in the New World. You can check all the properties licensed in your name at any time using the Property License Entry List. Although I don't think this will work until the guys have fixed up your account. Ship licensing rules are laid down in By Sea - Ships and the Monthly Raiding and Commerce Action in the EGS. The Bad Blood is eligiable for your first free lisence, as you can claim any Class 1 or 2 vessel, and she is a 2WR. As SilentWolf mentioned in the other thread, you would probably be better off joining a convoy for your first MRCA run. Specifically the Corrish 'Quick Wing' convoy is the one for smaller vessels. We have asked that you be added to the private thread, but if no one adds you in time for the next run we will make sure Bad Blood sails (if that is what you want!). Lastly, once your accounts are up and running, let me know and I will gift you 100DB to get started (Most of us Corries are filthy rich, think of it as a reward for joining the best faction!). Anyway, keep the questions coming, plenty of us from all factions will be more than happy to help you out! Enjoy!

Welcome to Corrington Mesabi! A nice little MOC, I really like how you've made it look run down, especially the roof - just like an old fishing hut would be! The yellow works really well, but if you wanted to improve the texture, maybe try breaking up the yellow bricks with some 1x1 round plates and add some dark tan highlights. A good example of this using yellow is @Elostirion's recent A Lovers' Tale: Part Two You mentioned in your other thread you'd like to get started in the EGS. If you'd like to license this building, and haven't already done so, I'll talk you through the steps. If you have already done this, please ignore me! Firstly you need to choose a location. The settlement index shows all Corrish settlements in the new world. I'd probably suggest Arlinsport as your headquarters, but any of the more well developed islands in the Sea of Thieves would probably also work (Mooreton Bay, King's Harbour or Quinnsville.) Then you need to fill in the Property License Form. Builder name and faction are self explanatory, then as this is your first property license it is free, so you can check the second "Yes, this is my first small property that is not a residence, mine, or fort." box. Don't worry about the next field about prizes, that is for challenge prizes - N/A. Then enter the URL for this page in the Eurobricks thread link. For size your free property must be small, which this fits, so check the small box, then property type for a JSC building would be Commerce. In property type scroll right to the bottom and check 'None of the above' (this section is for discovering potential bonuses on new islands.) the on the last page enter the name of the settlement you chose to place your building. Make sure you get the spelling right! Then you can ignore the last question regarding bonuses and hit submit. It gets pretty easy once you get used to it I promise! Lastly, as a courtesy, you should post a link to this thread in the settlement thread you choose to put your building in. It lets the administrators of that settlement know so they can update the first post and check the progress of the settlement. Anyway hope you enjoy BoBS! If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to ask!

Nice work SilentWolf, and my congratulations to the newly wedded couple. I love the festive atmosphere of the scene - the musicians are particularity good. Great job!

Thank you all for the kind comments. I really put a bit of work into this one - motivated by ensuring I didn't let my fellow collaborators down and a desire to increase quality over quantity in my MOCs - so I'm glad it was well received! Also on the use of fleshies... I'll (most likely) return to yellow soon, but for challenge entries with the yellow uniformed Mardierians, I'll be using flesh, which I have to admit I am growing quite fond off....

Just thought I'd post these here as a reference in case anyone was looking for troop inspiration for some of the NPC nations. Mardierian Troops Half Mortar Battery, Royal Garvian Artillery

Continuing our discussion regarding NPC nations, here are some soldiers I'm experimenting with for Garvey in the next challenge. Half Mortar Battery, Royal Garvian Artillery All purple uniforms seemed a little pretentious to me, so I've gone for white with purple trim (for some unknown reason I'd always thought Garvey was orange...) Unfortunately the stickers for the soldiers don't look as good as they did for my Mardierians, mostly as the white paper is way brighter than the white Lego. Thoughts and suggestions welcome as always! Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend!

No idea what you're talking about ! (And oh megablocks, I did it again, BD is going to hate on me!!)

With all the activity for Cat A I thought I'd do some quick metrics if anyone is interested:(NB I only included entries in this thread, if you didn't post here, you may wish to so your entry doesn't get lost!) Total entries per faction: COR: 6 ESL: 7 OL: 4 SR: 4 Total entries per side: MAR: 8 ESL: 12 UNK: 1 Index of entries: Corrington Brickwolf: Death in the streets of Kings Port UNK Bregir: A Lovers' Tale - Part I ESL Mike S: Love at first sight ESL Silent Wolf: Dante's Work MAR Silent Wolf: Hannah's Work ESL Ayrlego: A Lovers Tale: Part 3 ESL Eslandola Captain Braunsfeld: Willst Thou Marry Me? ESL Maxim I: It wasnt' me ESL Legostone: An Unspecteded Surprising Surprise ESL Capt Wolf Not who he was expecting ESL Elostirion: A Lovers' Tale - Part II ESL Sir Stig: A Shallow Grave ESL Kai NRG: We're On Top ESL Oleon Gideon: The Wrong Proposal (also known as "Love and Death in King's Port") MAR Blackdeathgr The triple assassination plot MAR robinnilsson403 Lost Love MAR Brandon Stark: Interrupting the Honeymoon MAR Sea Rats Dr Spock Blunderbuss Wedding MAR Kaiju Category A: The Fall of Johan von Yastobaal ESL pombe: Catch me I'm falling MAR MKJoshA: Death Before Dinner MAR

Category A - Against Mardier A Lovers Tale: Part 3 | Ayrlego | Corrington Category B - For Mardier Spike the Guns! | Ayrlego | Corrington

(Against Mardier) Prelude Part 1 (Bregir) Part 2 (Elostirion) Part 3 (Ayrlego) After fleeing the Grape and Goblet, the young lovers, Ricardo Alphonso de la Montague and Angelica Castellano, found themselves hiding in a closed tavern in one of the older sections of the town. Here they waited for their shadowy guardian, whose timely intervention had saved them from the Death Guard just a short time ago. They didn’t have to wait long. Marja Fontonajo had easily evaded the death guard, who after all weren’t looking for the experienced Eslandolan agent. She silently entered the tavern without the lovers noticing. Ricardo was pacing anxiously, his hand on the hilt of his elegant rapier. Angelica sat quietly at the bar, slightly pale, but otherwise calm. “….we don’t even know who she was… why should we trust her, we should go to my father immediately” argued Ricardo. Angelica, however was more thoughtful. “If she meant us harm, then why would she warn us, why would she have shot that soldier?” At this point Marja delicately cleared her throat. “I am indeed a friend Ricardo, your father asked me to look out for you, although I doubt he expected things to get quite so out of hand.” “Who are you? Why would my father ask for your help” replied Ricardo hotly, spinning around and half drawing the rapier. Marja ignored his aggression. “It is probably not wise you know my name” she replied, “Now listen carefully. You both need to leave Terraversa immediately… No wait, and hear me out” she exclaimed forcibly as Ricardo went to object again. “It is clear now that Angelica’s family can never allow your union. The soldiers at the tavern were King Alphonso’s own Death Guard. You young fools are caught up in something far bigger than yourselves. The civil war is coming to Terraversa, and you are but pawns to be used and disposed of as the powerful jockey to gain advantages.” The room was quiet as the couple began to realise their true situation. “It was unfortunate I was forced to kill that Death Guard. Now your father will have no excuse but to call out the regular army and militia to search for you. Alphonso’s agents are already claiming that you have been abducted. Now with one of the King’s guardsmen dead, the whole city will soon be after you.” Angelica pensively looked up. Sadly she whispered “It is true… My father would never have agreed to our match, but he would have eventually accepted it… Now he will have no choice…” words escaped her. It was a calmer and more determined Ricardo who picked up the conversation. “So, if you are our guardian, what do you suggest now? If it means saving Angelica, I shall turn myself in” he announced. “No!” exclaimed Angelica. “You shall not be safe here long. I know of a ship currently in the port, due to leave tomorrow. Her captain owes me a favour or two. He should be able to get you out, and once on the high seas you will have to trust luck or whatever gods to whom you pray to decide your fate. The captain is a good man, an experienced Corlander. If anyone can get you away, it will be him. I shall write you a letter of introduction” “You won’t be coming with us?” asked Angelica. “Maybe, but if so I will join the ship later. I feel a diversion may be required to keep the soldiers away from the docks.” Ricardo asked the obvious question, “How will we make it to the docks with the army against us?” he asked. “Ah, that is the beauty of this inn” smiled Marja. “I hope you don’t mind getting dirty. You see, it is a little known fact that King’s Port is built on a catacomb of natural caves and tunnels, and that over the years these have been extended and enlarged by everyone from plumbers to smugglers. In fact this tavern is actually owned by the same business interests that own the ship I would have you escape on, and it just so happens that a secret tunnel connects this tavern to the catacombs which will lead you to the port.” And so the lovers found themselves fleeing a second tavern for the day. Again following precise instructions from their saviour, but this time through the gloomy tunnels beneath the busy streets. Above them, soldiers went from door to door, scouring the city.

Nice little wharf Brickwolf! I like the use of the mermaid tales as catch, nice touch. Thanks for continuing to support Mooreton Bay!

A really great house, I love the dark red highlights. The guard's uniform is quite unique! I hope it works for them on the battlefield! Great entry!

It was great working with you again for this challenge Elostirion! Everything turned out fantastic, the yellow section most of all! The texturing really broke up the solid look and gave the building real character.