CelesAurivern

I originally had an idea of having 2 horses pull the cart, but turned out I would have to make the cart bigger and wider to proportion it out, so it became a one horse show to fit the scene and scale. Ideally, we would have a draft horse used for pulling carts, but TLC only produces the standard horse size, so suspend your disbelief for a second there. The alternative would be a duplo pony maybe?

Well, technically, the blue baseplate is not meant to be part of the submission (due to the 32 x 32 limit for the challenge), but I needed some extra background colour for the ship, so I hope for a bit of leeway on that ^^; Also, a shipment of trans studs are on the way from das Vaterland, so you'll all be seeing your favourite water technique in future builds :)

Perhaps then, he might cross paths with the good Don, in the future?

A Kind of Lush | COR Ch1 B | CelesAurivern

This landscape was the setting for Scene 4 of Lenny's story. Instead of a flat and shiny beach, for variation, we have an island surrounded by cliffs with heavy vegetation. Nice and lush :) The raised baseplate came from an old (and dusty) Enchanted Island set. Front and back views. (sea section attached for anchoring of ship)

SCENE 4 "With the winds favouring us, we arrived in King's Port in the late afternoon of our eighth day. There, we resupplied, had a good night's rest and set off the next morning. We sailed due east for the next six days, bypassing the recently discovered island of 'Annetta', charted to be southeast. On the seventh day, we spotted land." "As we approached the new island, it became apparent that the coast was surrounded by high cliffs and a coastline of jagged, protruding rock. Hardly a safe nor practical place to land, we thought." "We continued sailing around the coast looking for a place to disembark, and it was not long when we spotted the mouth of a river." Lenny: Look, a river! Let us see if we can sail upstream. That might save us a long trek up. Higgins: Captain, looks like she won't fit. The river's too narrow. Lenny: All right, let us disembark at the bank near the mouth then. Lenny: Secure the ship, lads. And grab a few days worth of supplies. We're going to follow the river upstream, so we won't lose our way. Higgins: Aye, aye, Captain. McReily: Aye, aye, Cap'n. "Unexplored new lands; a potential treasure trove of never before seen plants and wildlife. My heart beat with an excitement that only I could understand."

Back in the age of sail, boys were sailing at ages 11, so working at younger ages was probably common. Children are spoilt rotten these days :p The doubloon might be an acceptable universal currency, but we probably should have lower denominations. We can't all be paying 1 doubloon for an apple when our monthly income is 20-30 or so

The barrels contain rations and fresh water. RRRRation my rum! Currency wise, I couldn't find any lore written up. So while I favour pounds sterling, I went with the more neutral dollar. We'll retcon it as more lore is defined.

The Emporium's Delivery Service | Corrington | CelesAurivern

Of course, how could any self respecting emporium be without it's own delivery service? I threw together some loose parts for the wagon in Scene 3 It sorta ended up minifig scale as I wanted to stack lots and lots of barrels in it, so I couldn't really fit it into the scene (It's bigger than the ship :p) The side railings are just loosely propped up by claw clips as I wanted to show the strain of the barrels making it "burst" at the seams. And we can't have a 10 yr-old whipping a horse, so there's that apple as an incentive :)

SCENE 3 Lenny: Hi Miranda, I'm back for supplies. Miranda: So what will you be having? Lenny: The ship is a small one, but I was thinking of sailing straight to King's Port and resupply once there, instead of stopping over at Arlinsport. Time is of the essence and we are already a few steps behind. There is much out there waiting to be discovered! Miranda: It'll take seven to ten to reach King's Port with the wind at your back. To be safe, I'd carry fifteen's worth as there's no chance to resupply once your sail past Tiberia. Lenny: Let's go with fifteen then. I'll also need some navigational supplies, assorted flags and, oh, a fishing rod. Now, how much do I owe you? Miranda: Actually, I have an offer to make. Your voyage is a commission by the Crown, correct? Lenny: Indeed. Miranda: Your mission is to discover and stake claim to new lands in the name of Corrington, is it not? Lenny: It is. Miranda: But anything else you find, besides land, you have no obligation to report to the Crown, am I correct? Lenny: I suppose you're right there... Miranda: So here is what I'd like to offer. I would like to invest in your voyage and your discoveries. Anything you find that might be of value, commercial, scientific, or whatever, you bring it back here. In exchange, I shall financially support your little adventure in its entirety, and share royalties of any discovery that is deemed to be of commercial value. Lenny: You have made me an offer I can't refuse. Miranda, you are truly the wind in my sails! Miranda: Smashing! Elliot shall supply your ship first thing tomorrow morning. The next morning at the pier. Elliot: That's the last of it. I gotta go. Another delivery waiting. Bon voyage, Lenny. Lenny: Thank you, Elliot. Send my regards to Miranda. "And so we set sail for the uncharted waters that lie beyond the Terraversa Sea."

That lecturn/statue is very appealing indeed.

I agree that the flash is annoying. Will strip the film off for future shots. Or perhaps do up a photo booth. Unfortunately, all the equipment in the world cannot help my woeful photography skills. Alas!

Ah yes, thanks for that. Now mermaids can be mermaids and not manatees :p

I have a question regarding the level of fantasy allowed. While I'm sure we're not full blown DnD or LotR, would PotC kind of fantasy be fair game? I personally prefer a realistic setting, but just checking for creative licence sake :p

You mean the source of the prefab hull? It was released in brown in one of the early adventurer sets, amazon temple, I think. I think paradisa or belville also had it in different colours.

Thanks for the suggestions. Will take them into account for the 'rebuild' (no spoilers yet!)

The poop deck is deliberately made extra tall to get that comical feel. Similar to what TLC did for QAR :D The next ship will be less exaggerated though :p

The Peregrine | CelesAurivern | Corrington

This light vessel is Lenny's first ship for his voyage into the vast unknown reaches beyond the Terraversa Sea. Expanded view of Scene 2 from the main story

SCENE 2 Lenny: Pardon me, gentlemen, but am I correct to assume this is pier no. 7? McRiley: Gentlemen? I don't see no bloody gentlemen here. Is he talking to us? Higgins: Aye, sir, it be. I'm Horace Higginsbottom, Higgins for short. And this is Miley McRiley. You must be the new captain, young master Leonard. You look just like your father in his younger days. Lenny: Pleasure to meet the both of you, Higgins, McRiley. You know my father, Higgins? Higgins: Aye, served with him on many an occasion. But those are tales best left for another time. We have received our orders from Admiral Whitegate. An exploration trip, aye? Lenny: It is as you say. Our leading navigators have reported a cluster of islands beyond the Terraversa Sea. Father is in the opinion that Corrington is to stake claim to the islands before our rivals beat us to the punch. I'm more interested in what new discoveries may lie in those uncharted waters though. Higgins: You're the Captain. We'll follow your lead. McReily: For as long as the Crown pays the wages. Lenny: So this is our ship? A little smaller than what I had expected. I guess this is all the Crown can spare in our current economic situation. Higgins: Aye, Captain. She be small but fast and seaworthy. Lenny: I see she's also unarmed. McRiley: Honest to God, Cap'n, if we ever see any combat, we'll be sleeping with Danny James at the bottom of the sea. Higgins: We're small and light, so we should be able to outrun any threat on the seas. If the winds favour us. Lenny: All right then. We'll be setting sail in a day or two, once I have ordered our supplies for our voyage. Will see you again shortly, gentlemen. Story choice How many days worth of supplies should Lenny order? A: 5 days B: 15 days C: 30 days All readers, regardless of faction, are invited to vote.

Miranda: So, here to whittle the rest of the day away again? Lenny: Well... about that... Actually, I have some news. That might or might not be good, depending on how you look at it. Miranda: Come on then. Are you going to keep us in suspense? Lenny: Queen's Decree of 615. I'm going on a voyage to chart the uncharted. To seek out new lands and new civilisations! To boldly go where no man... Well, you know the rest. Miranda: Your father's idea, I take it? He's finally had enough of you sitting around on your bum all day? Lenny: Long story, short; I might not be around for a couple of weeks... months... years, maybe? Elliot: That mean, we won't be seeing you around no more then? Awwww... Miranda: So when are you setting sail? Lenny: Fairly soon. Within the week or so, once I have everything in order. I'll be heading to the harbour later to take command of my ship. Miranda: Captain Leonard Whitegate. I say, you've made captain even faster than your brother did. Lenny: *coughs* Well, yes... That aside, I'll be needing some supplies. Oh, and a new outfit. Miranda: Come on inside then. Let's get you dressed to look the part. A few moments later... Miranda: There, looking all captain-like. Lenny: Thanks, Miranda. I'll see you later then. Miranda: And put what else you want on a list. I don't read minds, you know?

SCENE 1 Lenny: Hello, Miranda! How goes the day? Miranda: Lenny, you came at just the right time. Make yourself useful and help Elliot with these crates will you? Elliot: Nnngh! Lenny: Ah, fresh produce... and... What's in the black crate? Miranda: Human skulls. Lenny: *chortle* Human skulls indeed, heh. Lenny: Holy bricks! Human skulls!! Miranda: Stop fooling around with the merchandise! It's an order from the academy's medical faculty. Lenny: Where in the world do you get these things? No, wait. Don't answer that. I'm better off not knowing... Miranda: Round the back it goes. Someone will come pick it up later today. Lenny: Aye, aye, ma'am!

Foreword from the author Salutations, dear BoBS. This is my attempt at a story revolving around a young nobleman who is discovering himself, in the age of discovery. (How apt.) The story will be told in mini-episodes. While I'll try to build a scene for each episode, but due to time and material constraints, I may have to put the story first. I love pop culture and black humour, so you may expect some to be incorporated into the story.("I knew that was going to happen" cliches and "I see what you did there" lines.) Additionally, there may be scenario branches at the end of each episode in which the audience is invited to choose the next branch. So it's a little interactive in the sense that it will affect how the next part of the story is told. This story is a work of fiction and any resemblance to any persons living or dead are purely coincidental. Introducing the characters Lenny - Leonard Wilburforce Whitegate (20) The protagonist and budding adventurer is the youngest son of Admiral Percival Forsythe Whitegate, 2nd Earl of Granchester. He has attended Archeon College and also served a term as a midshipman in Her Majesty's Royal Navy and so has some seafaring knowledge under his belt. His true interests, however, lie in the domains of science and discovery,such as, in the fields of botany, zoology, geology and other natural sciences. Skills: Diplomacy, Languages, Science, Celestial Navigation, Seamanship, Swordsmanship The Whitegate Family The Whitegates are a prestigious family of naval men; all men in the family have served in some capacity in the Royal Navy. The previous patriarch, Adm. Pierce Rothwell Whitegate was created the Earl of Granchester for a series of significant naval victories scored during the 49-year war with Orleans. The current patriarch, Adm. P. F. Whitegate is a member of the Admiralty Board and holds considerable influence. [No picture] Miranda Merryweather (22) The owner of a rising trade house known commonly as 'The Emporium'. Her story can be found here. Skills: Appraisal, Accounting, Diplomacy Elliot (10) An orphan that works at Miranda's Emporium Skills: None Sandeep (35) The Emporium's accountant. Comes from somewhere in the far west. Speaks Corlandish with a strong accent, which makes him difficult to understand at times. Skills: Accounting Horace Higginsbottom (55) 1st mate of the Peregrine. A sailor of over forty years with a wealth of sailing and combat experience under his belt. He served under, then Commander, Percival Whitegate, in his younger days. Due to his age and old battle injuries, he was downgraded from active service to lighter duties in the Royal Navy. Skills: Seamanship, Gunnery, Fishing Miley McRiley (30) 2nd mate of the Peregrine. A seasoned sailor from the Isle of Tam. Wears his trademark Tammish "Tam". Even though he is a competent sailor, his Tammish heritage has prevented him from serving in more important divisions in the Royal Navy. People who have sailed with him say that it is perhaps his issues with discipline that prevent him from getting promoted. Skills: Seamanship, Gunnery, Hunting Ivoire Rouge de la Mer (22) A red-headed beauty who leads a team of women mercenaries. Dual wields the cutlass and dagger with precision and skill. Skills: Swordsmanship, Dual-wielding, Leadership Hildegard Freyja von Reign (27) Large, muscular woman who splits hulls and skulls with the poleaxe. Always leads the vanguard in all campaigns and boarding parties. Takes pleasure in dominating her opponents with her sheer strength. Skills: Polearm proficiency, Bare Hands, Strength up, Constitution up Isabella Zarana Cervantes(25) A physician by training with a wealth of knowledge in medicines and poisons, she serves as the team's doctor. Also enjoys making alcoholic concoctions while bertending at the Flask and Flagon. Skills: Medical knowledge, Poisons, Chemistry Anyssa Cardini (19) Steers(wo)man of the Valkyrie. Despite her relative youth, she has been sailing with her father's merchant ship since young and has many years of seafaring experience. Also very popular as a barmaid at the Flask and Flagon. Skills: Celestial Navigation, Seamanship Velvetine Remington (20) Firearms expert of the team. Adapt in using all forms of firearms and an expert sniper. Skills: Sniping, Firearms knowledge, Gunnery Muluhulu the Wise (56) Chieftain of the Mahanuhakepepepulupalo Tribe Story Links Scene 1 Scene 1b Scene 2 Scene 3 Scene 4 Scene 5 Scene 6 Scene 7 Scene 8 Scene 9 Scene 10 Scene 11 Scene 12 Scene 13 Scene 14 Scene 15 Side Story Links Miranda's Emporium of Many Wares Fort Redoubtable Merryweather Lumberjacks The Valkyrie of Corrington I have no voice, and I must scream The Flask and Flagon The Velvet Room Mr. Townsend's Scribing Service CorTéx Language and Cultural Research Institute This! Is! Sparta!

The location of the shop is quite near the port, though it's not overlooking the sea. And yes, the baseplates are a makeshift background. (still in the packaging!) Don't have enough parts to construct actual buildings, so it's just small structures here and there :p