Ayrlego

Seconded! Nice pier and vineyard as well.

A great, fun little build! That custom torso certainly draws the eye! and it's good to see we can all take them in the fun spirit that they are meant!

Love that water technique - it looks so real, especially the way you've made darker patches. A fun concept! Guy must be quite stressed right now - so much chaos!!

Thank you everyone for the comments, as always they are much appreciated! Like this! As previously mentioned full credit for the design goes to workshysteve's MOC here. Mine is only an approximate attempt! Lol, yeah it does appear he has sprouted a palm tree! There is actually quite a bit of olive in the base and wall, it just didn't come out in the pictures! Lol, I agree and that's why there is another dark brown slope in the roof.... unfortunately it is hidden behind the palm tree. Seems I need to pay better attention to palm tree placement!

Oh I forgot to mention, cannon design is from this MOC

A new residence and the raising of a Colonial Militia to augment Mooreton Bay's defences.

With tensions rising throughout the Brick Seas, Major Dirk Allcock has authorised the raising of a company of Colonial Militia to augment defences on Alicentia. He can be seen here with their officer, Captain Fredrick Stanley, inspecting a position outside the Militia headquarters overlooking Mooreton Bay. Captain Stanley wears a metal gorget displaying his commission and as a symbol of his authority. A quick vignette for the raising of a company of troops to augment the forts at Mooreton Bay. I will also license the building as a small residence. Full credit for the cannon design goes to workshysteve's MOC here. EDIT: Added detail picture of the cannon construction here

I don't think the intent was that Eslandolan or Mardierian troops would be added, just that as an incentive for Sea Rats to take up either letter of Marque, troop values would be doubled for free. IC think of it as them taking on extra unpaid crew in hope of great bounty!

New Orders Captain Bradley was on picket duty when the messenger arrived, and he escorted him directly to Colonel Howe. Colonel Howe quickly read the contents of the message. “Hmmph, he grunted before reading part of the contents to Captain Bradley. “it turns out there is, and I quote, a significant Mardierian colony already well established on the island known as Victoria Island, Isle de Victoria or as the Mardierians call it, La Isle de Medio…” Howe paused before continuing, “three well established settlements to the north, rumours of a very large fortress and significant military forces…. The Mardierian Minister for the Colonies has issued an ultimatum for all foreign forces to withdraw from the island…” he kept reading. “Furthermore Eslandolan troops have shown no signs of compelling with their royal directive to immediately leave the colonies, and are rumoured to have rejected the Mardierian ultimatum and are preparing for military operations against them…” Howe continued to read in silence for some time. Captain Bradley, shocked at this news, yet unsure if he had been dismissed, waited also in silence. Finally Howe looked up and gave a deep sigh. “Captain our orders have changed” Howe continued “We are ordered to immediately cease aggressive patrolling and to avoid hostile actions against Mardierian forces. We are only to authorised to use force if directly attacked. Our camp is to be strictly of a temporary nature and not a more permanent settlement as originally planned. We are further ordered to avoid contact or any kind of cooperation with Eslandolan troops and be prepared to evacuate the island immediately if so ordered.” Bradley looked puzzled. “Captain you look confused by these new orders.” Said Howe “Well Sir, I’m not sure I understand the intent. I would have thought we either withdraw in compliance with the ultimatum, as distasteful as that would be, or we ignore it and align ourselves with the Eslandolans.” Howe, usually distant from his subordinates, uncharacteristically decided to educate the younger Captain. “Captain, what do you suppose our main goal here was originally?” Howe asked “To counter Mardierian expansion Sir” replied Bradley, almost automatically. After a brief pause, Howe responded, “Try again, and consider this, despite their privateer’s constant attacks on our shipping, Her Majesties government doesn’t desire war with Mardier and is not really concerned about halting their expansion” Bradley frowned and thought about it. Then it dawned on him “So Sir, if we are not here to halt further Mardierian expansion, the only other reasonable explanation is that we were sent here to curb Eslandolan expansion…” Howe didn’t reply immediately… again he paused before replying, “An astute observation Captain Bradley, One I will neither confirm nor deny, but perhaps our orders make more sense to you now?” “But if that were the case Sir, now that it is known Mardier will aggressively defend their colonies, why do we remain. Why not just let the two of them slug it out?” asked Bradley, seeing his superior in the mood to explain things. “A number of reasons I would say. Firstly, as you pointed out, to meekly comply with Mardier’s arrogant ultimatum would be a sign of weakness we could ill afford. Rather we remain here as a kind of bargaining chip the diplomats can use as leverage in negotiations – risky for us I might add. Also by remaining here we can be used as leverage in negotiations with Eslandola.” Howe paused. “Also, with nearly 20 years experience in dealing with the parliament, the ministries and the Royal court, I wouldn’t be surprised if the right hand doesn’t know what the left is doing, if you follow my analogy.” Both men silently reflected on this silently. Howe then recovered is normal composure. “Captain, sound the assembly. I shall address the troops. We will of course, prepare to execute these orders immediately.” “Sir, yes Sir!” responded Captain Bradley. ---------------------------------------- An official diplomatic communiqué will follow from Her Majesties Lead Counsel, Don Isaac Montoya.

Not much to say that hasn't already been said, but wow! A fantastic looking palace and I for one hope your Royal Charter is granted - this deserves it IMHO! A couple of standout points for me are the Eslandolan flag in flowers and the way you have 'curved' the roof out. The story is also great and does give an insight into the (IC) minds of two important players. Great job both of you on this one!

Your cut-away buildings are always well done and this one is in dark green, which will pretty much always be a winner! Great to see an ETWC build and story!

Thanks for the comments everyone! I agree. I was trying to go for all clean shaven faces to show the superior discipline of our troops, I didn't realise quite how many 'classic' faces I'd used until I was editing the photo! You may or may not have seen on Flickr, I did some playing around with these troops and another build I did for LoR. I also did something unthinkable to many and decided to experiment with fleshies! Anyway a wider variety of faces I think definitely improved the troops! and you know what.... I really like them! Actually I originally considered going fleshie for BoBS, the thing that decided me against it was the vast majority of my pirate torsos are yellow. Oh the agony of choice!!! In other matters I had a response good to go for the comments about the storyline, I suspect many of you greenies may have guessed what was coming next, but which will probably not happen now! However, nothing has been decided and everything is on hold until we sort out what we are going to do with the Isle de Victoria situation!

The interior particularly appeals to me for some reason, all that wood makes the place look quite warm and inviting. The chairs are a nice design and the stairs work really well. As Kai mentioned the blue highlights are an especially nice touch. I look forward to this story continuing!

Lovely little house SilentWolf and a very welcome addition to Mooreton Bay! I love the balcony and the overall colour scheme, also the fact that in fits very nicely with the only other private residence in Mooreton Bay at the moment. In accordance with the offered incentive for builds in Mooreton Bay 15DBs (5 to cover the cost of the licence plus 10 bonus) has been transferred to your account! Thank you!

Thanks for the extra pictures Mike, I'll be studying those banana trees very closely!

I was thinking more of the sound and smoke and taking pity on the poor minifigs inside!!

That is one very good looking guillotine, although (IC) I'm not sure I approve of the beheading of effigies of the King! Dirty republican talk that, soon you'll have the rabble thinking they should be running things!!! Speaking of the rabble I think you've excellently managed to convey the atmosphere of the crowd. Also I note the use of the yellow Fabuland soup ladle! I'm a bit jealous because I had two as a child but when I went looking for them for a MOC two months ago, I could only find the broken end piece of one!!!

That sure is a lot of ingots! Good to see Brickinson find his fortune! Great story, thank you!

I agree with Elostirion, a very nice looking blockhouse, the watch tower on top looks particularly good. I'm not sure I'd like to be inside with the cannons firing though!

Not a colour I would have ever attempted a house in... but you know what? It looks really good! And of course your troops always look great - A nice little build!

October: March of the Grenadiers - Victoria Island Raising the Colonial Militia Salt Pork Factory, Mooreton Bay

March of the Grenadiers - Victoria Island (AKA Skaford Heights/Isle de Victoria) Colonel Sir Andrew Howe of the Queen's Own Foot Guards consulted the rough map that Captain William Bradley held as the men of Bradley's Grenadier company marched past. The Grenadiers formed the vanguard of the column that consisted of the Corlander force on Victoria Island. The Corlanders were on this island, claimed by Mardier yet settled by Eslandola, as an expeditionary force sent by Her Majesties government. Having accepted the justification for Eslandola's occupation of the island as stated by the Eslandolan Secretary of State, Her Majesties government had decided to aid in halting Mardier's influence in New Terra. Almost immediately after they arrived at this decision however, concerning news of a new proclamation from Terreli had reached Bellson. Apparently King Fernando had recalled all Eslandolan forces from the new world for unknown reasons - some even suggested he may march on Olean to claim the throne he disputed .... Tired of Mardier's constant attacks on her shipping, and wanting to curb Mardier's influence in the new world, Her Majesties Government had decided that Mardier could not be allowed to reoccupy the island that the Eslandolans were calling Isle de Victoria. As a result, the government had immediately dispatched a small military force under command of Colonel Sir Andrew Howe. His orders were clear. Resist any attempts by Mardier to reclaim the Island and protect any Eslandolan civilians who remained after the withdrawal of their military. Sir Andrew frowned, the map was not up to Corlander military standards... somewhere down the column a Major of Engineers was busy sketching away a more detailed version, but for now it was all they had. He was indeed a troubled man. A capable military commander, he believed there were too many unknown variables here. Corrington had yet to establish settlements in the Prio Sea, so the nearest Corlander settlement was quite a distance away. It was unknown how Mardier would react, there were rumours that elements within Eslandola had rejected their King's call to return to Eslandola, and most strange of all, the Colonial Ministry had included the following line in his official orders. "Be prepared to cooperate with and potentially work together with an Olean force under similar orders to your own." It was quite astounding - would he be working with bluecoats? absolutely unheard off.... what was this world coming to??? Sir Andrew's musing was interrupted by Captain Bradley. "Sir, according to this... ah... map, we should be arriving at the site identified by the Ministry for the new fort shortly after noon, if of course, we can keep up this pace" stated Captain Bradley. "The sooner the better Captain, I am keen to get the fortifications started and the artillery train unpacked and set up. We are completely in the dark about the number and disposition of any Mardierian forces that may or may not be present, and the gods know what else is lurking out here..." With that both men frowned, turned back to the column, and continued on... ---------- Ladies and Gentlemen, here is the first part of Corrington's response to developments in the Prio Seas. Official announcements will be issued from Bellson soon. Some may dub this "KMA Red"... or as one Grenadier in the above column was heard mutter... "Them Greenbacks have nuthin' ta worry 'bout now, the real soldiers have arrived" STORY CONTINUED IN THE POST HERE:

It's great to see Gideon's palace in digital form - you've really captured the look of the original and it's good to think that it can continue to be used in developments as the storyline progresses. As for the story it's getting exciting. When I joined BoBS in January I would have never thought that we'd be potentially working together with you Bluecoats so soon! It really shows how dynamic and flexible the story can be! I eagerly look forward to more!

Stunning micro build Puvel - really stunning! As always your colours really (as Garmadon says) 'pop' giving this scene the lazy/peaceful tropical look that I think you were going for... and those ships are really good. The arch window piece works fantastically. Great job!

As already commented the mini figure selection and night effect are great. I too am looking forward to where we are all going - exciting times ahead for BoBS!!