Elostirion

I just realized I only posted my prospecting scene, never the actual mine: Iron Mine

The Cotton Lady (2T) as always a grateful participator of Dragon's Teeth. Still deciding for the Colonia (5F). Another ship (2F) might be added before the MRCA and join the Double Duty.

Now I really want to build a small MOC in Lavalette. Great storyline to kick off your settlement - I really like where this whole thing is going, undermining the authority of the faith each and every day. Great, great.

Today is the last day, your last chance to enter your entries - so don't forget to go for that juicy price-pool! Currently we have 2xA, 2xB (one of those mine which I will post in here later) and 1xC.

What a fantastic creation - the sheer size is amazing, but the amount of details you managed to get in their on top of that is impressive!

Part 1 - The Highest Position Part 2 - Glorious New World Part 3 - Handling Business Part 4 - Winning the people Part 5 - The Candidate Part 6 - The Safe Harbour Plan Part 7 - Beyond Part 8 - The Launching Part 9 - Denied Part 10 - Admius Legistrad Román, Clarissa and their loyal bodyguard Betito walked the streets of Elysabethtown. After a quick trip from Nellisa to the neighbouring island of Berreli - the Colonia had proven her value already - he had just held his speech to hundreds of people. Román intended to meet Lady Elysabeth and her husband later on in private, to discuss some of the more delicate matters with her. One of the main aspects was the "Colonial Knowledge Mission". Eslandola hardly had gained any real knowledge about the new islands so far. His geologists had started prospecting everywhere, and some results were there already... But where did that lead them? Rumors were that citrus plants grew well on Isla de Victoria - had anyone yet methodologically quantified the economic benefit of that? Probably not. Nor was there an all-Eslandolan catalogue of major findings of rare minerals on specific islands. Nor any other documents providing information on how to make the best profit from the colonies. He planned on setting up a big all Eslandolan explorer's library where knowledge for every single island in the new seas was collected, properly assigned and connected, and of course stored and made publicly available to all Eslandolans. He intended to hire some scientists to do the math, set up calculations and create hypotheses. Especially for raw minerals, but also for plants and other aspects. Even natural implications had to be considered. How likely was it that a volcano would erupt and destroy parts of a settlement? Like his son Joaquin's fiancee Poca from the natives used to say: "You know nothing, Joaquin Fontonajo", whenever they walked the forests. And she was so damn right about it. And of course contributors of knowledge needed to be rewarded. Which basically summarized the last main aspect of his campaign. Oleon had set up a fantastic reward programm, acknowledging the most successful pioneers' achievements with medals of honour. Eslandola needed a "Pioneer Reward Programm" as well. Especially one that was not purely - or even not at all - monetarily driven. Money was plentiful in the colonies, but honour was what most of the rich people lacked, and what the Colonial Council would have to get them with. He thought of some kind of reward tree, where eager pioneers could earn their rank up the ladders, and gain titles. Where... "Silent!", hissed Betito, pointing his ears, drawing his rapier, when suddenly a grim man jumped around the corner of the warehouse they were just passing - all clad in yellow, with a white bandana, a pistol in his hand, running towards Román Fontonajo, shouting "For Mardier!!!". Betito took a step forward, his rapier pointed towards the attacker. The Mardierian assassin lifted his pistol. While he slowed to find aim at Román, and while Betito drew his gun, a shot banged, echoing through the street. Still running, the assassin stumbled, fell, coming to a halt only before Betito's feet. Fontonajo's guard quickly executed the foe. Behind the attacker's corpse Román Esteban Fontonajo blew the smoke off his pistol, looked at his terrified wife, calmly stating: "Mardier? Denied, I say." Román then took Clarissa's hand, tapped Betito on the shoulder and gave a look of approval to his loyal guard, and continued their way. "Find someone to get rid of the corpse, and let the world know.", Román said with an icecold tone. MOC is inspired by the Elysabethtown-style from @TitusV.

Fantastic, definitely gave me a broad smile. Thanks for this wonderful contribution. Where do you think this one is located on Nellisa?

Lovely, some fantastic techniques for the miniatures. Impressive!

Part 1 - The Highest Position Part 2 - Glorious New World Part 3 - Handling Business Part 4 - Winning the people Part 5 - The Candidate Part 6 - The Safe Harbour Plan Part 7 - Beyond Part 8 - The Launching Part 9 - Denied Part 10 - Admius Legistrad "We really need to sharpen our diplomatic relationships", Román Fontonajo told the crowd, standing around him at the quays of Pontelli, two hours after his big speech. "What do you mean by that, governor Fontonajo?", a merchant asked him. "Are Corrington or Oleon our friends, our allies? Or just neighbours who we happen to have some singular good relations with? Is Mardier really our enemy, are we really at war with them? The fact that you don't know the answers any better than I do, at least I assume - and who could blame any of us? - is proof enough that our relationships aren't clear enough." "And how do you plan on changing that, governor?" "Talking, much talking. With them, I mean. Paired with mutual understanding. And mutual benefit. No agreement will work that only brings benefit to one of the parties, and only harm to the other. There always has to be something in it for both sides. And then we need to maintain it all in written words, a treaty. We should have many of those, clearly stating what all involved parties will do in the future.", Román explained. "Any example?", a guy from the crowd asked. "Sure. I can imagine some of the trading nations - like us, Oleon, Corrington, Garvey - agreeing on a treaty that we will always leave our ports open to each other. It's not so much about changing things, more about solidifying the current status. Like I said: Sharpen it." A wealthy cloth merchant, who had long business relations with Fontonajo, took the word: "Román, earlier in your inspiring speech you told us that you intend to make the seas safer again, especially in regards to pirates taking our trading ships. As you know I have only recently lost two of my trading ships, so I am more than curious, my friend, to hear your ideas on how to handle the pirates. Another Purge maybe?" Román didn't need any time for consideration, but had his answer ready: "The Purge was a great initiative, and I think may well be continued. But there sure have to be other options as well. When I think about the Sea Rats for example - anarchistic though they often are - most of them are far from being pirates. Some have been both your and my trading partners for many years. Others have helped us against Mardier. Many just look for profit, and due to lack of their own trading goods try to profit from other people's goods, like ours. Why not just offer them better profit? Many of them are fierce warriors at sea - why shouldn't we hire them to protect our convoys? Give it a moment of thought." Román turned his head and continued watching the launching of the "Colonia", one of the fastest ships that have been built in the new world so far. She was a true beauty. His true beauty. His fast beauty. "Governor?", one of the men around him interrupted his thoughts. "Where do you plan to take the Colonia for her maiden voyage and continue your campaign?" "Elysabethtown. And then to Salida Este on Ferro Azure.", Román told the people, making one of the most fatal mistakes of his life. Because little did he know that not all ears who listened to him were friendly.

Good point about the nightgown actually being a nightgown. I never considered it one, but will pay a bit more attention in the future... hopefully. Regarding black roofs: There is a small church of Zeus in Pontelli, isn't there? Also Fontonajo loves to bring his own touch to the existing style of a town, of course (the combination of white&green was heavily influenced by this and partially by this. Mixing in tan was inspired by this nice one). However I agree that a wooden roof or a red one would probably have matched the city even better, despite the church... The bricks around the door have only recently been acquired via bricklink, and I just really wanted to use them. I am always looking up to architectural masterpieces, utilizing such things to perfection. I personally really lack in that regard, but try to improve. Using those was one minor step.... Regarding the rarest ressource of all, MOCs, well yes... that might be a problem, but is exactly what Fontonajo is trying to work on. We will see.

Part 1 - The Highest Position Part 2 - Glorious New World Part 3 - Handling Business Part 4 - Winning the people Part 5 - The Candidate Part 6 - The Safe Harbour Plan Part 7 - Beyond Part 8 - The Launching Part 9 - Denied Part 10 - Admius Legistrad "... First I will strengthen our economy. The treasuries of Eslandola are filled. Now is the time to invest our money and fund further ventures in all of the colonies. We should support all pioneers who set up new structures in Colonial Eslandola. We always have to look beyond, my friends. The more we invest today the more we will all benefit tomorrow. In the three months of my period I plan to invest at least 5.000 DBs from our national treasury, to increase our fixed monthly income by at least 1.000 DBs." Too much content? Too much math? Clarissa had not been sure, but Román knew he also had to get the intellectual, the merchants, the landlords. And the shipwrights, captains and sailors. "While our land based economy has no match in the colonies, our naval forces still lack. We MUST put an end to this. Eslandola will have to massively fund ships, both for private ownership - which includes Trading Companies or even towns - as well as for national usage. During my period I plan to invest at least 3.000 DBs in our naval forces. By the end of my period we need to have at least another 10 ships of a rating of 4 or higher. No Eslandolan captain or sailor should have to stay in port ever again - unless you want to enjoy yourself in one of my great taverns, of course!" Laughter from the crowd. Happiness of the people is key. "I have already talked a lot about my 'Safe Harbour Plan'. No need to bore you with that again, is there?" Of course he had not talked about it at all in public, but neglecting such truths was the power of speeches. Román knew how to use it. "We live in times of prosperty, of peace." An indignant shout from the back rows of his audience interrupted him. "Ahh, I hear you, back there. Yes, you, the grim warrior with the green bandana. You have recently fought the Mardierians at sea, I assume? Thanks for your service to our country, good sir! Your drinks tonight are on me!" The man shouted "Fontonajo", and the crowd started cheering. So cheap... But time to continue with business. "And while you are right that at sea our war with Mardier is still ragjng day and night, we will yet have to see a city being raided by them, don't we? I haven't seen their troops in our lands, either, have you? But beware, I say! We need to look beyond today. Pirates have recently started to gather and coordinate attacks, and Mardier is not the only potential foe out there. We need to further fortify our towns, the pillars of our colonial magnitude! Do you know how many forts Salida Este has? Well, I don't! Nor do I know for most other settlements. If we want to start thinking beyond, knowledge needs to be the first step. For every settlement I will list the current forts, and the maximum amount of forts each town could afford. Based on these facts we will craft a plan on the next forts that need to be built. And hear me, people of Pontelli, I ask you to go ahead and inform the best stonemasons, because the rewards will be plentiful! For Eslandolan Fortitude, beyond tomorrow!" More cheering. Good, they liked the idea. And Eslandola was in dire need of that initiative! But now the next step. Flatter them, and open their eyes at the same time. Not an easy ask. "And now to you, my dear people of Pontelli! Each and everyone of you is a true pioneer of Eslandola! Together in the past years we have all gone beyond what anyone thought was possible! Together we have shaped this new world! Colonial Eslandola! Who would have dreamt that we would get this far? Enjoy that moment, because it's for you!" He gave them a quick pause to see themselves in the middle, recipient of honour, for once. "But we won't be pioneers forever! Think beyond today! Pontelli needs you, you cannot all colonize new islands - but someone has to! We have to acquire new pioneers for our missions. We need to make Colonial Eslandola more attractive to new members. More financial rewards, more free properties in the new world. Maybe even a small ship to start with for every new pioneer of Colonial Eslandola? The attraction of new members will not go without effort, but together we can do it!" ... And thus Román Esteban Fontonajo continued telling the crowd in front of his warehouse in Pontelli about his plans. ... "Eslandola is strong, prosperous, magnificent! But I for one will not rest. I will continue to do what I have always done. Like every single one of you, I will continue to think beyond tomorrow, to plan beyond today, and will do it. And I tell each and everyone of you as well. Let's do it together, let us all GO BEYOND!" Another look at Fontonajo holding a speech in front of his warehous in Pontelli (I tried to match the city-style from Captain Braunsfeld):

Stone Quarry on Isla de Victoria near Fuerte Unido (based on "Sour prospects").

Sour Prospects have indeed turned sour and revealed nothing but some solid stones for construction works. Fontonajo's men have set up a stone quarry and are now supplying Fuerte Unido on Isla de Victori. My very first attempt at LDD...

Part 1 - The Highest Position Part 2 - Glorious New World Part 3 - Handling Business Part 4 - Winning the people Part 5 - The Candidate Part 6 - The Safe Harbour Plan Part 7 - Beyond Part 8 - The Launching Part 9 - Denied Part 10 - Admius Legistrad "My dear friend Willem... no, that is weird.", Román said. "Keep it simple. Just dear Willem?", Clarissa suggested. "Dear Willem, today I want to inform you about a delicate matter.... no, that's crap.", he said. "plans? like 'inform you about my plans'?", she brought up. "Great! Dear Willem, today I want to inform you about my plans. My most secret plans. The thing that I call 'The Safe Harbour Plan' in my speeches. Something noone else knows,yet. And you are one of the chosen Eslandolans that I want to inform about it.", Román continued. "Stop being so dramatic. You have a great plan and want to inform your friend, not convince him with some overexaggerated speech about good and evil... No need to be such a dramaqueen.", she said, punching him slightly. "Gosh, I love you, my beauty." "Sure you do.", Clarissa smiled at him, her face expressing deep love. After a pause and some moments of thought Román started writing and murmured: "Dear Willem, today I want to inform you about the Safe Harbour Plan for Eslandola, as part of my campaign for... - ok, I will do that later. Let's talk about my slogan for now." "Making our Harbours safe again?", she said, laughing. He looked at her, smiling. "suuuuuure..." "But really, are you sure that Safe Harbour initiative is the right thing? I mean, not the idea, the idea is right, but... like putting it in your campaign, without being able to say a word about it? That does not seem to make much sense?" "Welcome to the world of dramaqueen, baby! No really, I think it gives the whole thing a special mysterious appeal. Some kind of elitism, which is one of the main unique selling points that we have left in a world where the general public votes, and can even candidate, don't you think?", explained Román. She took a brief pause to consider before she replied: "I guess. ... But you evade, my love. Your slogan?" "Juan suggested that "make great again" slogan. I don't like it. I mean, I like it, but everyone seems to use it already. So... mainstream, you know?" "Then it's not the right thing for you. I mean, after all, if you don't stand behind it?" "True that", Román said, "... but what else do we have?" Clarissa Raltessa Fontonajo deeply looked her husband in the eyes when she asked him: "What do you think really differentiates you... from the rest of the world? I mean like... What is that very essence that makes you... be more?" And in that moment Román knew his slogan. "Beyond", he said, nodding his head, smiling at his wife in full happiness. In the new world arranged marriage was considered a bad thing. But Clarissa was the best that had ever happened to him, arranged though their marriage had been, slightly awkward at first, but grown over time. And the love he felt for her went deep. And for the next hours on their trip to Pontelli noone said a word. Because noone had to.

Thank you everyone for the nice comments. Glad you like the little scene. Regarding the maps, yes, they are all from LotR / Hobbit. From left to right: 1. Lonely Mountain / Erebor from Hobbit Cave (79003) 2. Gondor, middle section (with Dol Amroth), from Pirate ship (79008) -> turned upside down in the MOC 3. Gondor, west coast, from 79008 as well (Bricklink: 3068bpb0616 and 3068bpb0885 and 3068bpb0884)

Better late than never: A very fine ship which deserves some more credit. Great work!

I hereby extend the deadline until December 30th 616 AE!

What a fantastic overall atmosphere, great creation. I love the small boat with the windows for storing goods, innovative idea. Great job!

Two things I love here in particular: The micro ships are quite innovative, I think I might borrow some designs, especialls the sails are fantastic. What I love almost even more is that you managed to recreate one of the most unique ships, the Jade Piranha, as a micro, yet totally maintain its apperance. That's great!

Good series usually consist of ten episodes. Who knows what is to come? :-)

Part 1 - The Highest Position Part 2 - Glorious New World Part 3 - Handling Business Part 4 - Winning the people Part 5 - The Candidate Part 6 - The Safe Harbour Plan Part 7 - Beyond Part 8 - The Launching Part 9 - Denied Part 10 - Admius Legistrad "I remember as if it was yesterday, when in this city and all over the island, we declared our independence from Fernando Augusto, who many of us have called The Mad King. And right we were!" Román Esteban Fontonajo gave the crowd a while to cheer. Hating on the king was always a good opener. Now came the critical part. "But even a mad man can become reasonable. Sure, it was our glorious Trade Companies, people like de Chauncourtois, Wyndzon or Guilder, who, while not courageous as we Nellisans from the very get-go, made him reasonable in his very dormatory - a fantastic coup I say - " Cheering, again. Román Fontonajo gave them their time. "So Fernando Augusto came to reason, and the Magna Charta was signed, granting us in the New World, the Glorious New World I say!" - this time he didn't let the cheers interrupt him - "GRANTING US the rights to officially decide our own fate. Like we have always done! But now we will elect an official council, and order will be restored! And no king shall ever rule us again!" Another echo of cheers erupted from the crowd. "Many brilliant minds have worked on our new constitution. I have had many long night discussions with Wyndzon, the Governors Damaximus, Guilder and Servadac, with de Chauncourtois, Monezterell and others. As usual I have given my input - no pardon me - our input from Nellisa even before Fernando Augusto was surprised in his nightsuit." He really had to stop with these king-jokes now. "But there is one slight problem." He paused, giving the crowd a brief moment, long enough to consider, but not long enough to conclude. """We Nellisans have not yet officially accepted the constitution. But - We will change this. TODAY! NOW! I hereby declare Nellisa to be an official part of Colonial Eslandola. I hereby declare that we accept the glorious constitution of Glorious Colonial Eslandola.""" Some cheered, others were slightly puzzled, trying to figure out what had just happened, trying to make up their own minds. Now was the moment to strike, to win them. "And to make sure that we, the inhabitants of Nellisa, the most brilliant and most colourful pearl of New Terra, will be heard I will represent us in the Colonial Council myself! - Román Esteban Fontonajo, as representative of the Sea of Thieves? Now YOU tell me! WHO DO YOU WANT?!" Now the cheers bulged, erupted, clashed. "FONTONAJO!", they shouted, uncoordinated at first, but soon in unison. "FONTONAJO, FONTONAJO, FONTONAJO!" Juan Alfonso Fontonajo stood there, silent as usual. Once again he admired the brilliance of his father. He still had a long way to go. They both had to. But the first step was made. Finally.

The roofs and walls are fantastic. Your LDD skills are truly inspiring!

Part 1 - The Highest Position Part 2 - Glorious New World Part 3 - Handling Business Part 4 - Winning the people Part 5 - The Candidate Part 6 - The Safe Harbour Plan Part 7 - Beyond Part 8 - The Launching Part 9 - Denied Part 10 - Admius Legistrad Even on Nellisa wintertime can sometimes be cold. And even in the colourful city at the northwestern coast of the island, the pearl of the "Sea of Thieves" region, not everyone prospers. There are beggars and homeless people, living in the streets. Less hungry, usually, and less miserable in general than the poorest in the old world, yet still miserable. When Román Fontonajo walked through the Riverport-district, he saw one of these people, leaning to a wall, an apple in his hand and an empty frying pan besides him (was that one meant for collecting money or for cooking?). Compassion flooded him, and the richest man of New Terra took off his cloak, bowed down and handed it to the beggar, along with the bread he had just bought for lunch. "Tank you, mylord.", the homeless man said, showing his non-existing front-teeth. "We aren't lords here in the new world. We represent the people.", replied Fontonajo. "But you gonna represent da Sea of Thieves region in that Council thing, ain't ya?", the man said. Fontonajo, slightly puzzled by the man's knowledge of recent political changes, set up a smile: "You think I should?" "Who else, mylor... mymaster? You are da one!" "Remember then, that your vote counts as much as mine.", Fontonajo stated, smiled, and continued his path. He knew many eyes had seen him, and sure it had been great publicity. But that was not the reason - his generous deed had been honest. He knew he had to do more for the people once elections had gone through.

Great, thank you so much for all your effort, Phred!

Paid my 420 DBs.