Maxim I

Wait, the CMF minifig with golden BIRD mask is widely acclaimed and praisen... And now you are here tackling my point about Chima... As far as I know, the whole Chima thing is about animals... So please don't throw simple accusations to me... I am not saying that Aztecs are animals, neither that Mesoamericans are driving Speedorz. But the whole Chima theme is based on the Mesoamerican legends. And legends often depict someones culture. Indeed, it weren't the common people of the Aztec (for example) culture, the hunters, the wives, etc that were shown in the Chima series... It was about their legends. About creatures fighting with eachother. I do wonder how a complete theme about the Aztecs would sell. And how accurate it would be (given their history of warmonning, rituals, ...)? Or are that elements that should be left out because it depicts Aztecs as uncivilised??? I am still waiting for the first real "Rome" or "Ancient Greece" set (which I guess would sell better)... Some people here are stepped on their toes because the islanders are depicted like stereotypes. But they can't counter the argument that they exactly look like some island tribes (not nowadays, but 300 years ago). And please don't throw "Mesoamericans" in the "Islanders" discussion, because there are way more tribes that fit their description better (as far as I know, Aztecs for example weren't exactly Islanders)...

As said already a few times, the futuristic pirate stuff was simply called: Ninjago (remember the pirate subtheme they did 2 years ago). The whole Aztec culture thing has be done as well: Legends of Chima The undead pirates: Pirates of the Carribean (Silent Mary recently). I really hope for a classic Pirates line. What I find remarkable is that Playmobil has a non-stop Pirate line (with multiple vessels being sold at the same time), but somehow, Lego doesn't find it interesting enough (even they got a whole Pirate section at Legoland).

Please just type: ”traditional island tribe” in Google. I don’t see any difference between those pictures (Indonesian tribes for example) and the minifig islanders... The islanders in the Lego world are not specific related to any existent or extinct tribe. I do agree that it would be wonderfull to have those islanders culture to be worked out by Lego, but it still is a toys play, with innocent made-up factions and tribes etc...

But we still forget we live in a fantasyworld. We connect the red coats to the British, but that is us doing that. I don’t see why anyone should be stepped on his toes for seeing those natives being depicted wrong, as those natives have no real world identity. I have checked again, in none of those islander sets, an imperial power is visible. It is just about pirates and islanders. Not about colonisation, oppression, ... . Once again, it is us as adults who connect those elements with eachother, with no reason at all...

So what you are saying: I enjoyed those sets as kid and I grew up perfectly fine, but the kids nowadays they should not be allowed to do so, because I as an adult find it offensive? Adults tend to forget that the kids mind is innocent and not as troubled of an adults one. And that kids see those islanders as something complete different then how we see them in real (based on our historical knowledge). What we also tend to forget as adults, most of those elements were a real aspect of some of those native societies.

Well, it was not 100% pirates, but the Ninjago had some pirate-ish subtheme 2 years ago. For me as Pirate fan, that already did a lot. The new Destiny Bounty is something very cool as well and we have the Silent Mary as big vessel (spooky with skeletons). I really hope to see the Armada returning as those minifigs were really great (and it would be logical considering they already did Red & Blue). I would be really surprised to see the islanders returning. Considering there is a lot of political correctness going on (stupid hippies), doing something with stereotypes won't be the best move. It is a shame that things that weren't a problem 30 years ago, are now not possible anymore. But we can't blame TLG for not taking the risk. These days only one stupid person is needed to make a whole bunch of other stupid people go crazy under the flag of "political correctness" (but in fact, they are just a bunch of hypocrites).

Not going to throw a picture of the whole vessel here, so here some detail progress pictures of the Gotheborg :p The first picture isn't historically accurate btw, but it was the only solution I could live with :) (I am talking about the rigging part in the upper left corner, one deck higher than it should have been)

This is an super beautifull Inn you made! The windows work out very well. Nice! :)

@Elostirion, don’t kill me now, but considering you only have done one side, I’ll put it here :p have you thought about 4 studs between the gunport? As it is an Indiaman, it would be more accurate. I have done the same on the Margot (3 studs) and it is something I will handle the moment I will rebuild her later this year :)

Elos, great start! As Bart said, scaling based at minifig height 1,80m is not the best thing. Also, don’t forget people were a bit smaller back then. In addition, deck height wasn’t the same as person height. In most case, people had to bend to move inside the deck. Well, I expect a masterpiece from you :p I hope to have mine finished by the end of the month. I already spent more than 30 hours on rigging, and still not done :p

You got the account summary excell file. Well, there is a second tab in that file with errything about settlements! :)

I second LS remark about space between gunports. Especially for ships sized like this one. I am not sure about your proposal to simple refit it as a merchantman afterwards. Especially since it is LDD, I require the merchantman to be completely another vessel.

This is already looking very good! Although, for your own development, I would recommend trying the rigging yourself. I know there is this MRCA deadline in a few days, but please don't let the beauty of your vessel depend on this. I know what I am talking about because I am working on my Indiaman for already 1 year. Since 2 months, the body is finished, and now I am spending hours and hours for finishing it (custom rigging etc...). I already decided to not post the vessel before this months MRCA, because he isn't finished yet (although he is already way more "finished" than most of the vessels being posted in this forum). If I am allowed to give you some feedback on your vessel: please redo your sails. They are looking way to narrow compared to the vessel. I guess you used the IFS sails as basis, but even for that ship, the sails are not realistic. And that vessels is already so much smaller than yours :)

It looks like an adapted version of the Black Seas Barracuda. Great job!

Great job Drunknok! It is one of your best builds yet! It looks very realistic and well-thought. I can only applaud this!

Hahaha, there are indeed some funny jokes implemented! Great job Bart! Glad to see you building again!

Another excellent and mighty vessel from you, mate! I love how you did the sails. The rigging is top notch as always and it might be that I steal some of the way you did the masts

That's a very good looking frigate Bodi! I really enjoy your vessels and appreciate the time you put into them!

Some pictures for you, taken at expositions: If interested, I can search for more pictures in my library. The settlement of Quinnsvile was a part of multiple Pirate Lay-outs here in Belgium. There is also this video from Tomsche: Good luck!

CHAPTER 1 : TELLVOK Part 3.B : (Trador Part) - Madin, Leaving Tellvok Another banquet with the royal family of Tellvok, making sure his properties would flourish and preparing for a journey on the seas. The past week was very busy for Prince Damaximus since he was back from his trip to Deliah. Although he would miss the Tellvokian hospitality, it was time to continue his quest. They found decent modern South Halosian maps in the Great Library of Madin and combined with the found old maps in the crypte, he had a big chance of finding the lost city. A few days later, the 3 big vessels were ready to sail out. In front of the walls of Madin, Prince Maximilian Damaximus had a last meeting with Prince Soufianne Scorpi and Sultan Haran Scorpi. "Prince Damaximus, I, Sultan Haran of Tellvok, am you very gratefull for your service towards our Kingdom. You brought back my son in safety. Your troops are proving themself at our border, teaching my army new tactics." "I hope they can stay a while here, Sultan Haran, as that would mean I don't need them in my own home. Peace in Eslandola is good for your war haha" "That's true. I haven't rewarded you for your services. Please accept this coffin filled with the finest gold of Tellvok. We wish you all the best in your quest and we hope you don't forget to visit us when travelling back to your home" After some more bows and fine words, the Eslandolans boarded their vessels. The Tellvokian forts saluted with gunfire and the Margot, Purple Reign and Prince of Stedor sailed out of Madin. ----------------- End of Chapter 1 ------------------- Well, this is the end of the first chapter. I know I wrapped it a bit up myself, but that is mostly because I want to proceed. Maps are found, a treasure is found and a gift is given by the Tellvokian Royal family. It is up to the game masters to determine what the first chapter yielded and where the maps will lead our adventurers.

Chapter 4: Preparing Festivities Emanuel, enthousiastic and curious as he always is, brought his crew together and ordered them to wash their clothes. He hoped it would create some goodwill towards the Atlarkans. Even the cook was washing his clothes. It was kinda painfull for him to see his belly compared to the sixpacks of the soldiers. Emanuel was looking to his crew. They were a true gift from the gods. Not doubting his authority and following his orders without questions. Even Emanuel was not sure the path he is was choosing was the safest one. But if they manage to return alive and kicking to Trador (or even any place in his known world), he would become a legend. The first one in Northern Halos to discover an advanced society. Maybe rediscover, as the vessel they were sailing with had some modern technologies, comparable, yet different from the ones used in Northern Halos. A country in South Halos could be an option (and Emanuel would be a bit disappointed), but the vessel does not match any of the descriptions of Southern Halos vessels. Even the language was not comparable to what a Northern Halosian heard from the Southern Halosian Traders (or Pirates). Time would tell. Once fresh and clean, Emanuel presented themself at the First Mate, who was very happy to see this gesture from his guests. Emanuel tried again to have a conversation with the first mate. With the help of the model and some blue clothes (figuring as the sea), he was able to discover the course the vessel was sailing the past weeks. A true explorer he would be, even it was with a lot of luck! ----------------------------- About: well, I have to admit I really love this AMRCA. Small sketches where I can put small jokes in I am looking forward to where this leads! (I really hope it will not be South Halos :p but there are enough indicators it won't)

CHAPTER 1 : TELLVOK Part 3.A : (Maxim I Part) - Deliah, The Alleenridders Crypte After finding out there was a crypte built by his ancestors, Prince Maximilian Damaximus prepared himself for a trip into Mokolei territory. He played with the idea of having his Battalion joining their trip, but that would do more harm than it would be usefull. It was the Tellvokian prince Soufianne Scorpi who put the idea on the table of travelling as Nomad Merchants. Preparations were made, and after a few weeks they travelled to Deliah. Only Prince Damaximus, Captain Rhyximus, Tellvokian merchant Seif Calli and some MAESTRO Royal Engineers, armed to the teeth. Oh and a camel with some crates. They would present themself as weapon traders. After some more days travelling, they arrived to a place matching the references. Somewhere hidden between rocks, two verticale tan poles and a skull indicated there was a crypte. It seemed mostly untouched for centuries, so the hopes were high. Our adventures quickly discovered why it was untouched. There was no entrance to be found nearby, only a odd looking rock between the two poles. Examining the surroundings, Captain Rhyximus pointed out there was a strange stone in front of them. Getting closer, the very small top draw the attention of Prince Damaximus and in some sort of a trance, he pulled out his ring and put it on top of the stone. They heard a click behind them and when they turned around, they saw the rock between the two poles being moved inside the rocks. Prince Damaximus and Captain Rhyximus, both being descendants of Alleenridders (hence the Ximus in their name) entered the crypte. Seif Calli set up a camp outside the cave to discover the fact the crypte was open for the first time in centuries. Luckily, no Mokolei soldier passed by that day. Inside the crypte, after getting used to the dark, the two Stedorians noticed the skeletons "guarding" the cave. It was clear that this crypte was also a graveyard for fallen Alleenridders in their flight toward a new home. The way the skeletons were set up, standing proudly and looking dangerous, was to frighten potential tomb raiders, as for locals, the dead was something you should not mess with. But for Prince Damaximus, it was a sign that there was something of value being hidden here. And the Alleenridders were his ancestors, he was sure the dead would not mind that their descendants claimed what was theirs. The yield was magnificant. Not only gold and jewels, but also very very ancient maps. On one of those, the realm of Ximus was located. Now it would only be a matter matching those maps with current maps. And still finding the lost city of Ximus within what was once the realm of Ximus Outside again, they packed their stuff and headed back to Madin. The camel extra heavily loaded with the found riches. ----------------------------------- I am satisfied with the rockwork (even proud on one part of it), but I have to admit the lighting isn't that good... I know I am maybe not giving the game masters much choice of what happened in Deliah, but that's because I want to wrap things up in Tellvok and head further South (more about this in part 4.B).

I really like how you incorporated the big panels! Excellent!

I still got a class 7 unlicenced (the AQAR) Maybe I'll try this just for the fun of it

About the Black Flag: Do you have to licence the vessel yourself? What about revenues? Is your black Flag captain PC or NPC?