Phadeout

It was very, very good before, now it is excellent! Great work.

Alejandro de la Calle will send the Fenix (class 2T) on the Dragon's Teeth run. Having outrun many pirates last month he is feeling a little cocky.

Loving the teamwork guys, may she bring you all much shiny shiny gold!

Personally I prefer the Spanish sounding names, even if they are not actual words - the Gaelige ones don't fit to my ears as easily in the overall dynamic of the Eslandolan nation. Maybe I just need more backstory... like those Argentinians who speak Welsh.

[ESL - CH2 CatA] Dedicated, Professional Soldiery

It must be stressed that this sort of behaviour is not typical of the Eslandolan military machine.. IMAG3662 by Phadeout, on Flickr IMAG3667 by Phadeout, on Flickr IMAG3663 by Phadeout, on Flickr IMAG3664 by Phadeout, on Flickr I think the early inhabitants on this island have nothing to fear with such men to protect them.

Alejandro de la Calle bids 28 for Holder's Secret.

If that is the way it works it needs to be applied consistently, at least amongst Eslandola - for example the Fénix was chased by a class 2A which was captured this month and the escort obviously did the heavy lifting seeing as how I had a 2T with no guns whatsoever but I would be happy to MOC the captured ship if I would get it for free - I probably wouldn't spend 100/150DBs on it though so I would want to know before I went down that route. If I've missed something key here I apologise but they seem essentially the same situation, and obviously there are others who could be in this situation.

Hi guys, I was looking through the list of ships and saw that there at least I'd been signed up to the MCTC! Obviously a mistake but I thought I'd have a look at the various groups a bit more and decided I would like to join up if you'll have me. I want to keep myself in Nova Terreli at the moment as I've started my story there and will probably work on building my holdings up there for another month or three. The monopolies and similar don't have to be built on MCTC land do they? I had planned to get a large cotton plantation up and was looking forward to all those extra DBs. If that all pans out I'll be on earnings of at least 50DBs a month even if I don't build or MCRA (which I will) so hopefully I'll be able to dive in on all your ventures after that. So - permission to come aboard?

Awesome - I did fill it out so I'll be hoping the luck goes with us on our run! I have plans for all those DBs

Here is my first property in Nova Terreli I.iv Rodolfo's Herbalist Store by Phadeout, on Flickr Roldolfo's - Herbalists

@Bregir - thanks this is all really good advice - it is a lot more rewarding having a clear idea of where to improve. I was under the gun a bit for time but these are good pointers and definitely things that can be improved on. I like learning the science behind it - I know very little about the age of sail in general so it's all useful stuff for me at the moment. Much appreciated comments from everyone.

That is amazing, I would give you multiple approvals if I could. Must try and plan something like this for the future........

FB3 - Fénix wish I'd had a bit more time - there are a load of things I'd have liked to improve, especially the photography but I left it too late to get more done today. I've regsitered it as a 2T. I promise to be more organised in the future fellow Eslandolans!

de la Calle Departure | Phadeout | Eslandola Roldolfo's, Nova Terreli | Phadeout | Eslandola Fénix | Phadeout | Eslandola

Kai, I've registered the Fénix as a Class 2 Transport. Couldl you register my get me on the 4profit trade run, if it is full the the next riskiest one and so on - think I have about 30 seocnds left - always leaving it to the last minute btw it registers me as being 01:00 in the morning but it is an hour out, just turned midnight here in the UK -hope it isn't a problem

Chapter 3 – Fénix Registered as 2T Watching the Fénix pull out from the harbor Alejandro turned to Nacho. IMAG3652 by Phadeout, on Flickr IMAG3654 by Phadeout, on Flickr IMAG3657 by Phadeout, on Flickr IMAG3658 by Phadeout, on Flickr IMAG3659 by Phadeout, on Flickr “This could be it Nacho, amigo mio, a successful voyage and our income could be assured for a long time to come, at least long enough to build our wealth here on Nova Terreli before we look to head out inot the NEW New World. “Don Alejandro, do you mean to depart so soon for new lands, we have only just arrived her on Nelissa, surely we don’t need to depart just yet?” “Nacho, there are opportunities out there, greater ones than you could imagine.” “I could imagine a lot” “More than you can imagine I said. Anyway, we must look to be a power in these new lands, obviously we can wait a little while, let our rivals beat down any troublesome natives but then we must sweep in while they are busy and claim the choicest pickings for ourselves.” “So you aren’t looking to make any friends here in the New World then?” “The Eslandolan way is to succeed in business, do you really think any of the other men and women of substance here will do any less? This! Nacho, this is what being an Eslandolan is all about, the cut and thrust of the deal and the bargain, the opportunity seized – the ship out there represents a chance for betterment - the rewards are ours to take and I feel these lands are rich for the picking.” “As always Don Alejandro you are correct in this, my apologies for doubting you.” “It is of no importance my friend, now let us go – there is a property in a street not far from here that I have heard could be ours for a reasonable cost, it may be the next step in our expansion here.”

Thanks Kai, will be back in an hour or two.

When does all the info have to be in by? - I think I'll be able to get my new ship entered tonight but I don't know if that'll be able to add it into the trade run in time. Or have I missed it already? If it matters, it will be classed at 2T so not suitable for the speedy trip!

Got the first two of my FBs up so far - one is the intro story I didn't get around to adding as a free build last month and my first business is up too. Will try and get my ship done later - have to do the rigging - it is my first ship and it is taking ages!! FB1 - Intro FB2 - Roldolfo's More to follow..

Now established in Nova Terreli, with a suitable shop/modest domicile for Roldolfo Alejandro is on the lookout for exciting new business opportunities. He visits Roldolfo who hands him a small handwritten card of which he apparently has a large number and seems to be giving them out to anyone walking past. Roldolfo’s - The new store to ease your aches and pains, herbal remedies handed down through generations! Loyalty card available, see within! I.vi Rodolfo's Herbalist Store by Phadeout, on Flickr I.vii Rodolfo's Herbalist Store by Phadeout, on Flickr I.iv Rodolfo's Herbalist Store by Phadeout, on Flickr IMAG3617 by Phadeout, on Flickr Roldolfo: Alejandro, I must tell you the new herbal remedies store is doing well but, sadly, prices are high due to covering the cost of some of the ingredients needed – with our own means of sourcing some of the more exotic supplies we could drive down our costs, reduce our prices and undercut our herbalist nemesis Sr. Alfonso Chemisto scooping a much bigger share of the market. Alejandro: An interesting summary Roldolfo, we must try and work this into our business plans – it just so happens I may soon be in a position to do just that. Watch this space Roldolfo, the herbal teas and poultices business is about to get a lot more exciting! ~ Alejandro has recently been seen at a local shipwright – could this mean an exciting expansion to the de la Calle empire? An end to the herbal monopoly of the possibly evil, but also possibly just a hard-working local businessman, Sr. Chemisto? Will we get new characters added in? More questions that will hopefully be answered next month…

Hi all, My first free build of the month, hopefully to be followed by a couple more before the end of the day! This is an expansion of my sigfig post last month - sorry to be confusing for those in Eslandola who have already seen this! Prelude: The Merchant’s Son Alejandro de la Calle, son of the influential Gonzalo de la Calle, a business mogul of a certain level of infamy, known for his “persuasive” negotiations in Terreli needs distance from his overbearing father and a number of irate gamblers to whom he owes a small fortune. Deciding that a fresh start in the new world could be good for his health Alejandro prepares to leave with a large “donation” from his father’s personal storeroom, including gold and jewels portable enough to transport on a ship destined for Nova Terreli. He is assisted by his valet and bodyguard, Ignacio “Nacho” Quintero. Chapter 1: New Beginnings “Don Alejandro, aren’t we taking too great a risk? All this wealth will be missed, your father will not hesitate to reclaim it along, no doubt, with our heads. And travelling on the open seas without men enough to defend ourselves from pirates is dangerous enough anyway.” “Nacho, my friend, you worry too much. My father won’t miss me for a long time, and the jewels he hides away he thinks are a secret known only to him. He won’t associate their loss with my departure. And we will hide the treasure amongst the fruits and vegetables that we are taking with us. Even the crew won’t know what we are carrying. I’ll admit I hope to avoid pirates but Captain Huesos does have a crew and should be able to defend themselves. Now let’s get this to the docks” P. iii Preparing for Departure by Phadeout, on Flickr IMAG3566 by Phadeout, on Flickr ~ “Well Nacho, once more it appears I should have listened to you. Who would have thought the crew would have been so devious as to search all those crates! At least we were able to get in a rowboat rather than over the side. Good thing we had our pistols to hand. Better for them to get the riches and survive than risk several of them dying to get to search us, one small problem though - I don’t think the boat is going to get us very much farther.” “Don, I think I see land over there we could yet make it – although who knows how far we are from the city…” ~ I.ii Arrival by Phadeout, on Flickr I.i Arrival by Phadeout, on Flickr “Dry land at last Don Alejandro, we should be able to follow the coast until we reach the city, it may take a while but we should be able to manage. We have enough food to last a few days and weapons if there are any natural predators.” “And, Nacho, we have these, I never let these gems out of my hands either, it may not be all we began with but it’ll be enough for us to get started out here.” “Wait, what is that, it looks like an old man in those bushes.” “Just what we need, there was enough of this sort of thing in Terreli…” “You there! Come here, we need you.” “Young man – although you seem short on manners I don’t normally see anyone out this far, can I help you?” “Yes we were put off our ship by the crew and robbed of nearly everything we had – we don’t know how far we are from Nova Terreli and we don’t know the land. Can you help us get there?” “Of course, I will be going back there shortly, it isn’t far – I was just out here looking for a certain flower for my poultices and such, if you help me pick them we can get back quicker” “You have a deal, now show us what we are looking for.” I.iii Making a deal by Phadeout, on Flickr ~ “Thank you for your help old man, I am very grateful, is there anything we can do to help you?” “Well no, I am happy enough with my lot wandering around selling my lotions and potions around the area takes up most of my time. Being between premises has its disadvantages though – I have nowhere to store my stock so I have to carry everything with me all the time. But at least it keeps me fit!” “Look, I know we’ve just met but I need a business interest in the area in order to start to recoup what I’ve lot at the hands of Captain Huesos. If I could find a property for you to use, could we go into partnership together, we can expand your operation so you are the premier lotions and potions man in Nova Terreli.” “Well, it would be mud in the eye for Sr. Alfonso Quemisto and his big cart of tat! I think we can work together Don Alejandro – you can call me Roldolfo by the way, welcome to the new world!

The bridge is great, the water too, all in all it is an excellent scene. I approve

Alejandro de la Calle signing up for Eslandola IMAG3600 by Neil Sinnott, on Flickr Hi everyone - I was unfortunately laid up with man flu at the end of the month so I've missed getting my freebuilds up for last month, it does mean they are already waiting to be uploaded though so I will be adding them in shortly. Without any further ado I present Alejandro's prelude Prelude: The Merchant’s Son Alejandro de la Calle, son of the influential Gonzalo de la Calle, a business mogul of a certain level of infamy, known for his “persuasive” negotiations in Terreli needs distance from his overbearing father and a number of irate gamblers to whom he owes a small fortune. Deciding that a fresh start in the new world could be good for his health Alejandro prepares to leave with a large “donation” from his father’s personal storeroom, including gold and jewels portable enough to transport on a ship destined for Nova Terreli. He is assisted by his valet and bodyguard, Ignacio “Nacho” Quintero. Chapter 1: New Beginnings “Don Alejandro, aren’t we taking too great a risk? All this wealth will be missed, your father will not hesitate to reclaim it along, no doubt, with our heads. And travelling on the open seas without men enough to defend ourselves from pirates is dangerous enough anyway.” “Nacho, my friend, you worry too much. My father won’t miss me for a long time, and the jewels he hides away he thinks are a secret known only to him. He probably won’t even miss them. And we will hide the treasure amongst the fruits and vegetables that we are taking with us. Even the crew won’t know what we are carrying. I’ll admit I hope to avoid pirates but Captain Huesos does have a crew and they should be able to defend themselves. Now let’s get this to the docks”. P. iii Preparing for Departure by Neil Sinnott, on Flickr ~ “Well Nacho, once more it appears I should have listened to you. Who would have thought the crew would have been so devious as to search all those crates! At least we were able to get in a rowboat rather than over the side. Good thing we had our pistols to hand. Better for them to get the riches and survive than risk several of them dying to get to search us, one small problem though - I don’t think the boat is going to get us very much farther.” “Don, I think I see land over there we could yet make it – although who knows how far we are from the city…” ~ “Dry land at last Don Alejandro, we should be able to follow the coast until we reach the city, it may take a while but we should be able to manage. We have enough food to last a few days and weapons if there are any natural predators.” “And, Nacho, we have these, I never let these gems out of my hands either, it may not be all we began with but it’ll be enough for us to get started out here.” “Wait, what is that, it looks like an old man in those bushes.” “Just what we need, there was enough of this sort of thing in Terreli…” I.i Arrival by Neil Sinnott, on Flickr I.ii Arrival by Neil Sinnott, on Flickr “You there! Come here, we need you.” “Young man – although you seem short on manners I don’t normally see anyone out this far, can I help you?” “Yes we were put off our ship by the crew and robbed of nearly everything we had – we don’t know how far we are from Nova Terreli and we don’t know the land. Can you help us get there?” “Of course, I will be going back there shortly, it isn’t far – I was just out here looking for a certain flower for my poultices and such, if you help me pick them we can get back quicker” “You have a deal, now show us what we are looking for.” I.iii Making a deal by Neil Sinnott, on Flickr ~ “Thank you for your help in finding our way to the city old man, I am very grateful, is there anything we can do to help you?” “Well no, I am happy enough with my lot wandering around selling my lotions and potions around the area takes up most of my time. Being between premises has its disadvantages though – I have nowhere to store my stock so I have to carry everything with me all the time. But at least it keeps me fit!” “Look, I know we’ve just met but I need a business interest in the area in order to start to recoup what I’ve lot at the hands of Captain Huesos. If I could find a property for you to use, could we go into partnership together, we can expand your operation so you are the premier lotions and potions man in Nova Terreli.” “Well, that would be mud in the eye for Sr. Alfonso Quemisto and his big cart of tat! I think we can work together Don Alejandro – you can call me Roldolfo by the way, welcome to the new world! The story continues in Nova Terreli Sorry for the lack of extra pictures here - the others scenes will have more views. For me I'm new at a lot of this, I love building but I haven't photographed much before and I will try and improve on my techniques as I go - thanks in advance for all the constructive criticism, I'm looking forward to building a green empire on the waves with you all.

A colleague told meanwhile ago he had strongly dissuaded his son from getting into Lego because he'd take a look at some of the current sets and felt there were too many of the pieces you mention and not enough "proper building". I can see the point but I'd never stop somebody buying/building Lego based on that premise, as you say the problem is probably more for the adult that the child who I doubt finds it a problem. Adults do have other choices in how to create more complex builds and TLG do need to draw in new customers and quite frankly sets look better in many cases with specialised pieces even if you or I would feel it weakens the product to the point where we wouldn't buy it. I live five minutes from a Lego store almost every weekend I see kids with their faces pressed against the windows in awe, and nearly as many adults, the pieces themselves don't matter at that point and by the time you've built enough sets to care you are probably hooked anyway.