Gulagurag

You have successfully made me feel like a monkey with bricks in his pen. Holy <insert vulgar word of your choosing here>!!!!! That is so beautiful I think I am going to cry.

And I thought I was pushing the envelope on grey area. Well done sir and welcome aboard.

Thanks for all the comments and approvals. Going to think of how to improve my exterior design for future buildings.

Thank you everyone for your comments and approval. I'll try to work on the photographs, sail improvements and crew in future builds.

MCRA - Will of the Gods FB 1 - Coming Out the Other Side FB 2 - Meeting the Locals FB 3 - Athena's Grace FB 4 - Wood Worker's Cottage

Thanks again for the tips. Nice point on the vine.

Thanks for the suggestions and comments. Much appreciated. :)

[As this is my fourth free build of the month, I'd appreciate any approvals from non-Sea Rat players. This will be licensed as a Small Artisan property next month] This quaint little cottage is home to the Cassandra Tate, esteemed wood working artisan and sailor. She is known for her quick turn around, as well as her skill. She is best known for the lion’s head figure head that adorns the front of Athena’s Grace. The front of the building is adorned with a simple hobby flower garden where Cassandra grows roses and other flowers. She has also decorated the front of her home with the blue and yellow to show her support for the colony's “governing body”. Her cottage is well built with white stucco over grey brick and wooden window shutters that Cassandra opens during the day to let the sea breeze waft through her workspace. In the shop, she has crafting tools mounted on the wall, as well as a work bench in one corner, with different logs strewn about intermixed with her many projects she has on the go.

[As this is my third free build of the month, I'd appreciate any approvals from non-Sea Rat players. This will be licensed as a class 2A ship] Amara, decked out in her new clothes and with her hair tied back, stood at the helm of the ship as it rode over the waves. With her new crew following orders diligently, she would easily make Bastion by nightfall. There, she would reunite with Captain Meloche so they could continue to sail together under his banner. Her new ship was a sturdy vessel. Renamed 'Athena’s Grace', the strength of the lumber under the captain’s feet gave her confidence for the future. (Tried my hands at cloth sail building after my failed attempt at Lego sails last month) Two cannon ports on both sides and a swivel gun on the stern deck allow for superior fire power as the ship can bring three guns to bare on either port or starboard assaults. Barred windows allow for airflow to the sub deck crew quarters but also have hatches to lock down in stormier weather. To the rear, the Athena’s Grace shows it’s colors by flying a large pirate flag as well as the Sea Rat yellow and blue. Two separate floors exist inside the crew compartment to allow for light in both the Captain and crew holds. This fine ship comes with the low, low price of "free"... if one kills its original owner.

Amara blindly stumbled through the jungle. Her mouth was parched and dry and her broken ribs beat thumping bursts of pain in rhythm with her heart. Her vision phased in and out of various stages of blurriness as her instincts to survive pushed her beyond normal human endurance. Only one thought kept her going. “Keep your pledge, find Meloche… keep your pledge, find Meloche…” With out warning, the foliage parted and she found herself in a small clearing. A camp had been erected here with two tents and a handful of grimy looking men. “Keep your pledge, find Meloche… keep your pledge, find Meloche…” A man in a red coat with a hook and wooden leg stood up and flashed a predatory smile. “Hi there cutie.” Said the red coated man, eliciting similar expressions from the others. “You seem a bit lost.” “Find Meloche….” Amara slurred incoherently. Unphased, the man adjusted his white wig and continued to taunt her. “You see my pretty, you have stumbled onto our little secret hideaway here and we normally don’t like people intruding on our solitude.” “Find Meloche…” Amara whispered, the words becoming clearer. “Now we have one rule on my island.” The thug continued while is compatriots looked on. “If you are strong enough to take something it is yours here…and I am thinking by the looks of you, I am strong enough to take you.” The other men’s’ eyes seemed to gleam as they anticipated what was to come next. Amara blinked and looked down at her self. She was covered in scratches from the vegetation she had walked through and her clothes were in tatters. “So I be thinkin’ everything you are belongs to me now.” The man finished as he licked his lips. Reaching behind her, Amara felt her palm press against something hard in the back of her belt. Her fingers wrapped around it and she pulled the pistol forward, pointing it at the scum leader. Her eyes cleared instantly and she transformed from lost damsel to deadly predator the instant she aimed the weapon at the surprised captain, firing at point blank range. The shot echoed through the jungle and the sudden violent nature of the action struck fear into the crew. “Just so I understand the rules then,” Amara intoned emotionless. “Everything this man owned is now mine, correct?” A shirtless pirate in a brown hat nodded in fear as his compatriot tried to flee, tripping over the collected fire wood behind him. “Then to start,” Amara continued unphased “'Shirtless', you are going to prep whatever form of transport you had that got you here, and we are heading back to Bastion.” "'Patchy'" the amazon said as she addressed the man with the eye patch laying prone on the ground “You are going to start preparing this area for when we return with my compatriots.” Captain Amara made her way towards the tent the ex-captain had been using. "I am going to see what kind of clothes I have inherited while you both begin work.” Stammering in terror of the now fearsome woman, the pirate in the brown hat managed to squeeze out a question. “Wh-wh-why are we going to Bastion, ma'am?” Over her shoulder, Amara answered “We are going to find Meloche.”

The sound of waves seemed distant in Amra’s ears and was like a soothing lulaby as she drifted peacefully on the edges of consciousness. She focused on the sound and it became louder as her mind clawed it’s way back from the darkness. Slowly the the lapping waves grew louder and with them came fresh sensations. The warmth of the sun on her back warmed her skin in stark contrast to the cold sand against her cheek and breasts. Waves rolled up and down along her legs and pulled and pushed her slightly along the beach. The sound of the wind rustling through the leaves was a simple backdrop of sound accompanying the songs of wildlife singing the praises of the day nearby. With all of these new sensations came the pain. The amazon’s muscles screamed and her borken ribs almost drowned it with it’s own defeaning roar. She felt the smile cross her lips as she took in everything around her. She was alive. <And this build is my first attempt at jungle foliage, suggestions welcome>

The storm raged on, unrelenting in it’s display of power. Amara clutched the tiller with numb, frozen fingers, willing herself to remain upright against the full fury of nature bearing down upon her. The wind tore mercilessly at the young amazon as she remained steadfast at her post. It seemed like ages since she last sighted one of her caravan companions but she held onto the notion that she would find them again when the tempest had finally past. The ship groaned as it rose and dove with the large waves as she tried to rode out the storm around her. She felt like nothing more than a small toy in the pool of an angry god. Amara contemplated what she had done to infuriate Poseidon so, and her mind could find no explanation. The gods could be fickle and quick to anger, and today was a prime example. A new gust of wind threw a fresh bucket of sea water into the amazon warriors face and she blinked, temporarily blinded by the salty sting. Her vision was blurred and her other senses hightened. She heard the sound of a great roaring beast to her right and turned , trying to make out the thing that decended to prey upon her ship. Her vision began to clear as the ship killer crested high on her starboard side. The wave was enormous, and it was far to late to divert her course. There was only time for instinct and the amazon’s hands flashed out, gripping her spear and musket tightly as the wave ripped across the deck. Amara was thrown hard against the rail, feewling her rib crack with the impact, and she tumbled over the side as the ocean’s strength gripped her and pulled her under. Struggling, she made it to the surface and gasped for air just before the next wave tumbled down upon her. Amara’s cloak was ripped from her neck and her spear was yanked from her hand as the water tossed her about. A large crashing sound reverberated through the dark abyss that held her and the amazon knew her ship had been destroyed by the storm. Making the surface yet again, Amara found a piece of mast floating a few feet nearby. She swam with all her might and reached out, gripping it and pulling close. A crack ran the length of the wooden beam and she wedged her musket into it, hoping it would hold on it’s own as gripping the timber was her only chance to survive. She wrapped her arms around the wood as tightly as she could, closed her eyes and let go of time and space. The tempest raged on, but for Amara, all that existed now was the cool wood she clutched firmly against herself. <This is my first attempt at water and I found it a bit of challenge. Any suggestions much appreciated>

Then you give me no choice Maxim. I will just have to make a bigger ship. :)

Maxim I It is licenced as a class 2WR. If you can upgrade it in your list it would be appreciated. I couldn't reset the topic title so that armed should not exist but is unchangeable now. I think you are right about the flag direction BrickOn. Whoops. Still kind new at this.

Intro | Gulagurag | Sea Rats The Prophecy | Gulagurag | Sea Rats FB1 Poseidon's Wrath | Gulagurag | Sea Rats FB2- Class 2 ship WR

Amara’s hands clenched tightly to her spear and shield as she waited for the Donatus to come to bear on its prey. They had seen the sails a couple of hours ago and steadily closed until now, only seconds before the climactic end to the chase. She would be ready. When the time was right, she would prove her worth. Suddenly, cannon fire echoed across the horizon. The Donatus brought its starboard side about and fired its first barrage. The sound was like the anger of the gods and Amara was surprised by its intensity as wood splintered on the port side of the other ship. She had never seen such weapons used before. The white vessel they had pursued brought a canon about and tried to return fire but there was little time. The space between the two ships closed quickly. Proving time had arrived. The amazon leapt the gap between the two ships with the grace of a gazelle and landed perfectly to face off against the canoneer and pilot of the beleaguered boat. The pilot with the black hat raised one of the strange cylindrical devices that Captain Meloche favoured and pointed it at Amara. She pulled up her shield for cover. The shot failed and only a puff of smoke and the sound of fizzling embers emitted from the barrel. Taking immediate stock of the resistance, Amara watched as the Canoneer leapt overboard in fear of the giant warrior women, forcing him to try his luck with the sea rather than her spear. The Pilot was not as wise. He pulled his sabre up above his head for a downward attack but it was clumsy and primitive to seasoned warrior. She almost laughed at the attempt as her feet pushed back in unison with her thrust. Catching the man off guard and driving the point deep into his belly quickly showed him his mistake in not following his comrade, a lesson that would prove fatal. His sabre fell harmlessly away as the blow drove him clear over the rail and into the merciless oblivion of the sea. The fight on the bow had faired equally well. The ship had been taken with only minor damage. It was a good prize. Poseidon had blessed them with a good ship. Amara knew the way to honour him for the gift. Stock was taken of the cargo and the damage and ship was set for sail along the Donatus. The newly named “Poseidon’s Wrath” would sail under Amara’s guidance. As a trophy of her victory,the fallen captain’s sidearm had been kept for use in future escapades.

The great jungle of the island was engulfed in flames. Bricks of her home cracked and shattered around her as the inferno engulfing the lost island of the Amazons blazed with god fueled fury. The screams of dying rang through her ears and scorching, skeletal hands pulled at her from all directions as the world erupted into madness and ash. The oracle screamed out loud as she woke. A cool sweat clung to her body and felt all the colder against her fevered flesh. “The queen…” she gasped, out of breath. “I must see the queen”. Leaping from her cot in the simple room, the oracle dressed quickly and sped towards the throne room in hopes to save her people. ---- “My queen” the oracle said with a bow. “I have urgent matters to discuss.” Keeping her eyes lowered, she waited for permission to continue. “Lenora” the queen answered respectfully. “Your council is always appreciated. I welcome your words.” Looking up, the oracles strange golden eyes met the queens and the monarch knew the news would be grave before the words were spoken. The oracle spoke again. “The gods are angered. There must be a sacrifice or all will be lost.” The queen of the amazons shifted forward on her throne, listening to every word with stern appreciation of the sudden gravity of the situation. “Men will come to our island.” The oracle explained. “When they arrive, we are to sacrifice that which most valuable so that our people can be spared. To not heed my words would bring the gravest of tragedies to us all.” The queens face turned from grim to dangerous. “'MY PEOPLE' oracle. Or do you feel you can challenge my rule?” Stammering, the oracle could not form the words to correct her misstep. Luckily for her, the queen had other matters more pressing to attend to. Turning to one of the guards beside her, she ordered without hesitation. “Fetch Amara immediately. I have need of her service one last time.” ---- “Amara” the queen explained. “You have served me well and are the strongest of my warriors. But I have need of you for a special assignment that can only be entrusted to you. It has been prophesised that men shall come to the island. When they arrive, I have decreed you will leave with them and serve alongside their leader faithfully until the end of your days.” Amara was shocked and angered by the news. “…but my liege.” She said through clenched teeth. “Are you saying I am to serve with a man?” “Yes” the queen stated flatly. “Until the day of your death you are to honor this request.” The oracle suddenly appeared at the entrance to the throne room. “Your majesty” she interrupted. “White sails on the horizon.” “Go with her Lenora.” The queen ordered. “See her off and bless her journey.” Amara stood abruptly and marched out of the room, her sandaled feet echoing on the floor with her anger. “Fair well…. my daughter. “ the queen whispered unheard by the departed warrior. “May the gods watch over you.“ ---- Amara stood stoically on the beach, the sea breeze blowing her cape and hair back. She did not move as the rowboat came to rest on the beach and the men jumped forth. One stepped forward with a large hat and long beard. He carried strange tubular weapons with sharp knife points on their ends. “Good afternoon. What be your business with me?” he called to greet the two giant women on the beach. The oracle stepped forward and addressed him. “I represent the will of the queen of the amazons. Men are forbidden to this isle. However, in her graciousness, she has deemed to reward you with her strongest warrior as both a gift and as payment for you to never return or aid others to return here again. Your ship will be provisioned, and is expected to set sail immediately.” In the jungle, the army of the amazons began to shift forward, making the alternative to acceptance clear. The tension grew as Captain Meloche remained silent for what seemed like minutes, coldly staring at the oracle as if trying to read her soul. "My business here did not involve the taking of slaves, mind-witch. Yes, I recognize you fer what ye are" and with a lurid sneer added " and as fer your gift, it 'tis not in my nature to keep the company of such a tall concubine." "The treasures of Neptune himself are what I was seeking when I mistakenly landed on this gods forsaken land of harridans; a mistake my navigator will soon be answering fer. But..." he said, as the ever advancing amazon host brought out his diplomatic streak, "I can see some merit in adding a strong arm to my crew, and fresh supplies would be welcome. Your bargain is acceptable witch." Turning to face the newcomer, he said "I recently lost my prize master to ill fate ("'Fate' as in his right hand's pistol" muttered his crewman under his breath) and I'd say you might fill that role nicely. Be you willing to sail under me command?" Amara pondered the offer for a second, and then nodded her acceptance of her new role. "Then hurry along miss. Let's put this land to our rudder straight away; we best go about finding ye a ship." (The Donatus, Captain Meloche and his entire crew are the property of Kwatchi and used with his permission)

As has been prophesied by the oracle and ordained by the queen of the Amazons, the warrior known as Amara shall captain a ship under the banner of Captain Meloche. By extension, she shall serve the Sea Rats through his will.