Bregir

Dear all, After a beer-induced delay, the auction for the prizes are now open. Let the bidding begin. Prize Auction, The Brick Seas Purge Sincerely G. Robertson Undersecretary

Dear all, After a beer-induced delay, the auction for the prizes are now open. Let the bidding begin. Prize Auction, The Brick Seas Purge Sincerely G. Robertson Undersecretary

Citizens of the Brick Seas, The following prizes have now been surveyed and are ready for auction with the following minimum prices (50 % of license value): 4A Sleeping Siren 150 4A Blood Diamond 150 4A Cold Heart 150 4A Catfish Supreme 150 3A Damned Carno 125 3A Onishiit 125 3A Cougar 125 2A Symphony of Destruction 75 2A Winger 75 1A Cpastone 38 1A Unnamed 1 38 2A Unnamed 2 75 2A Unnamed 3 75 2A Unnamed 4 75 (5HA Killing Spree and 2A Cargo Hold have been offered as compensation for lost vessels.) The auction will run as follows: Bid in this thread with the name(s) of the vessel(s) and your maximum bid(s). First bids takes precedence. Do not bid if your bid is lower than the existing maximum. It will not be considered. The deadline is the 5th of July (Anywhere in the world). Winning bidders will be charged as follows: 2/3 chance to be charged the second highest bid/minimum price. Only earlier bids will be considered, so there is no driving prices up. 1/3 change to be charged a random number between second highest bid and maximum bid. This is to avoid people placing unreasonably high bids to deter others from bidding. [*]Bids in edited posts will not be considered! If you edit your post, you will have to resubmit your bid in a new post. Please ask any questions you might have here, and I will try to clarify the rules as necessary. Unsold prizes will be sold through the prize courts and total proceeds will go towards the common prize pools, shared between all captains in the squadrons. Sincerely George Robertson Undersecretary of State

Dear J. A. Fontonajo, While my master in no way finds you obliged to such amends, he wishes to inform you that donations of any size to the Royal Society of Natural Philosophy are always welcome, and will help further enlightenment throughout New Terra. Best regards Ibn al'Sayeed

Great story and nice little build. Is Puvel going to publish any of his scientific findings? Know that the Royal Society of Natural Philosophy has their eyes open on Puvel and his scientific exploits! ;)

We are going to need some maintenance work here, since you keep breaking the fourth wall! ;) Amusing story as always, and I like the alternative approach by using the back, or underside, of the plates.

Montoya will remember this treatment... *que dramatic music*

How do I join the MCTC? ;)

Dear captains and investors, As the secretary of trade has had a breakdown of his carriage, I have not been able to have him sign the relevant documents. However, I have it on reliable sources that he will be back later this day, which means you should stay tuned, as auctions will be set up for the prizes. Pardon the delay George Robertson, Undersecretary of Trade

I think it will take a bit longer until the new islands are freed up, so you could build in one of the existing colonies for now. You are never limited to building in only one place. However, I would suggest starting with building a vessel. As the MRCA has been postponed, you might be able to finish it in time to join in. A 2F or 2T would be good place to start making your fortune. The intro story builds are a good idea too.

I suggest that the next MRCA is postponed until the 5th to allow us all to catch up on the late results. Protests?

Faladrin has answered most of your questions, and I will echo his welcome. I will add two things: 1) Troops are generally commanded and paid for by the crown, which generally has an interest in protecting her settlements. Alternatively, you can also raise private troops for your own dubloons. As for non-Egs troops, there isn't many limitations. 2) settlement You can either build in one of the existing settlements or fund your own. However, I would wait a bit with founding a new, as we will soon get new island(s) when challenge 2 is over, and that might be a brilliant place to start a new settlement. (Especially since we are stretched a bit thin over the existing settlements) Hope that helps! :)

The income (FIPS and moneys both) from the Sparta, the Golden Filly, and the Belson should all have gone to the ETTC, not to me. I suppose I should just have filled out "ETTC" as builder name. My mistake.

Noted. I will have it effectuated before the end of the month. Consider it done. The Justitia will sail out again this month, if a suitable squadron can be collected. Anyone else? :)

Dear all, We have long been kept in the shade as to the fate of our patrols, and until final reports are in, we will take little action. However, by my reckoning, LS's report is as accurate as can be for now, which means I will congratulate you all on the result. It looks like it will turn a pretty profit, and like we have purged the sea of at least considerable privateering activity. I should like to know whether those who lost private vessels would prefer to be compensated in captures (eg. a 3A for a lost 3A. Only possible if suitable prize is available.), or in the 50 % cash scheme? That would be Dukesc, Elostirion, and Capt. Wolf. Best regards George Robertson, Undersecretary of Trade

And so, fellow Avalonians, the main square of the Trifork has been posted! Hope you like it. It tries to wrap up a lot of loose story ends, so I can continue those when I have better time, includes several additions to task 4, and launches my task 6 entry, the Trifork Textile Guild, which I hope to elaborate on in the future. All hail Avalonia!

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times… Spring had reached the Trifork, and the city was in had hardly seen better times. Having been spared the terrors of the Kaliphlin civil war (although battles had been fought only miles across the border); avoided the plague and the infestation of Drow that had plagued Avalonia; and seen no incursion of the strange bringers of winter rumoured to roam the north (although there had been a certain chill in the northern winds); the Trifork was prosperous as never before. However, there was no flurry of spirit, none of the exaltation and celebration one would expect during such an extended period of increasing wealth. No one was starving, to be sure, and businesses were growing, ever investing in new workshops, warehouses, or stores, but something was dampening the free flow of high spirits. Piazzza Municipiale, the center of the Trifork This something was no mystery to anyone in their right minds. While a traveller might take the Trifork for a wealthy city wholly inhabited by melancholic stoics, the locals, high and low, knew the source of this depression: The Trifork was at war, and its alliances seemed to be wavering. The Lord Mayor was away with the cavalry to the west, fighting an incursion of an unknown enemy, and his Second-in-command, Sir William Drake, had brought most of the Infantry south.(The Aestwäld Saga, part 8) It was not that the people felt unsafe, as the remaining forces would hold of anything but a full on assault, by way of the extensive fortifications of the City. But the people and their leaders were weary of war. Everyone, high and low, had a relative, friend, or colleague amongst the troops, and everyone had been reminded by the terrors of war, as the veterans had returned from the Kaliphlin campaigns, carrying their fallen brother. Everyone longed to see their loved ones return, longed to have their leader back. It was not that they disliked the rule of his wife. She was much respected, and she managed everything to the satisfaction of every honest man. It was simply a case of stability and ease-of-mind. There was a want of good news and of peace, of returning to everyday life. And to this came the alarming rumours of alliances falling apart, Avalonia about to collapse, Cedrica to be ruled by the damned bastard dog of Nocturnus, and creatures of winter bringing an ice age with them as they descended from the north. The City Hall, center of the Trifork civil administration Mariana knew all of these rumours, as she was asked about them by all she met on her daily rounds through the city. And while she could put some to ease, she knew far too well that others were horridly true. More than anyone else, she knew the situation. Only the negative stories seemed to be backed by firm evidence, while the good news seemed dreamy and inconclusive. Oh, how she longed for good news. Conclusive good news. Travellers from the north did talk of the Algus being beating back, and some said that Alric and Beorthan had won a victory in Drond's Feelds, but it was all very cloudy. The latest letter from her husband announced that he was to chase down the remaining enemies near the border, but it had been weeks without news. Another source of worries was diplomacy. Around the time of Beorthan's departure, several emissaries had been sent out to reaffirm relations to the Avalonian leadership, the High Council of Kaliphlin, as well as the resistance in Nocturnus. However, none but the last had so far yielded any reply. It was strange rumours that came from Shadowmere. They mentioned the death of one of the Trifork's most powerful allies, the half-vampire lord Vladivus. However, Tauro, who had been sent to there as emissary, had sent back a short note affirming the death, but also the reinstatementof Vladivus as Lord of Shadowmere. It did mention dark arts, but gave no true explanation. At least it was news. Neither the members of the Kaliphlin High Council, nor the Avalonian leadership had made any reply, and none of the emissaries had returned. Had the Trifork's Allies forsaken them? Were the messengers intercepted, or even killed on arrival? Had the Desert King tightened his grip on Kaliphlin? Did not the Avalonian High Lords condone of the Trifork's support of the High Council? It was little wonder that rumours thrived. Market and entertainers on the Piazza Yet through all this, life moved on, and the main square, the Piazza Municipale, of the Trifork was as ever bustling with life. On the square a Kaliphlinite theatrical troupe was giving performance, and several merchants were hawking their wares. Renovating the square This was not market day, and the current renovations of the tiling of the square did limit the space available for market stalls. These works would soon be over, and the square would once more be back to its own polished self and full of traders. The Trifork City Court Apart from the City Hall, the Piazza Municipiale contained some of the most prominent structures of the Trifork, including the City Court, which precided over both civilian and mercantile cases, and ensured fairness and justice for all residents and visitors of the Trifork. Placed on the border between Avalonia, Kaliphlin and the King's Lands of Cedrica, the Court mediated and judged many cases spanning the guilds, and was widely reputed for its fairness and wisdom in ruling. La Fontana de Aqua Another remarkable sight was the Fontana de Aqua, the main water supply of the Trifork. While water was in abundance from the lake, several fresh springs emerged near the Trifork, all to be let through intricate systems of piping to the many fountains found throughout the Trifork, most prominently the Fontana de Aqua. The water from these springs was much cleaner than that of the lake, and many attributed the good health of the Trifork citizens to the access of high quality water. The Trifork Textile Guild Headquarter(Left) and the Bank of the Three Rivers (Right) The more enterprising sides of the Trifork also found representation on the piazza. By many, the sand green headquarter of the Trifork Textile Guild was regarded as the most elegant building of the city. Designed by a famous Varlyrian architect, and the newest building of the square, its intricate facade has impressed many a merchant about to embark on business with the guild. The textile guild is one of the most influential organisations of the Trifork, and controls several manufacturies, warehouses, and shops thoughout the city, and although consisting of several independent businessmen, all major orders are handled through the guild headquarters. With the abundance of water from the lakes and rivers, the Trifork is the perfect place for textile production, and its position as a trade hub ensures access to colourful substances, exotic threads, and rare materials important for the production of exquisite textiles, as well as a large buyer base for its finished products. Colloqually known as the "River Bank" (to much mirth for some) the Bank of the Three Rivers is the main financial institution of the Trifork, protecting your savings, or lending you considerable sums for your next investment. While not particularly large, or well-known, it is one of the oldest institutions of the Trifork, to which it owes its prime location in the square, and a reputation for security and trustworthyness. The Old Moot The central square of the Trifork emerged in an age long past, just by the old oak where the first city moots were held. Although many has offered fortunes to purchase the plot for development, the citizens of the Trifork have never allowed this. It is widely regarded as the origins of the city, as where the first druids met to settle down, and short of murder or rape, damaging the tree or littering the area is one of the most serious crimes one can commit in the Trifork. In fact, no Mayor can be elected before swearing to protect the Old Moot. _______________________________________________________________________ This was my biggest build to date, and I am very happy with the outcome. (Although the pictures, taken in a necessary rush, would do with a proper background) It is meant to wrap up a lot of ongoing storylines, and hopefully propel them further, as well as developing the Trifork towards my plans for the city. Several of these buildings will be entered in task 4, and the Trifork Textile Guild is meant to be my entry into task 6, and something I will hopefully find the time to elaborate on in the future. I have long been absent from the Guilds, and I cannot say when I next have something to post, but I am still here! Beorthan's tales are not over. C&C is more than welcome.

Really nice colonial style, Mike. I am wondering if it is safe to keep dealing with Coyle Shipping, though, with these odious connections... The palms and the surrounding landscape is very well built too!

Amusing story once more, and very nice microships!

Nice story and build, Dzoni! I like the "it should be right here!" The vegetation and landscape is great, but the cave with the fountain of youth is the absolute highlight. I love the use of those window arches for waterfalls, and those staircases are great. A very worthy contestant!

The build is great, Jacob, and I will defintely be looking at stealing some of the techniques! It is nice to see that you can actually build walls with flat surfaces! The different panelling is very innovative, and I really like the statues over the judge. And the judge's stand is great too. As to the story, it is very amusing. However, as a means to convince Corrington that the capture of the Bullshark was justified, I fear this farce of proceedings is hardly sufficient! Personally, I prefer the more serious approach, but this is all in all a very well-built, very amusing, and well told story, and a worthy contestant. Well done!

A very beautiful church, Capt Wolf. The dark grey accents on the textured grey and tan walls are great, and it really looks realistic. The interior is very good and looks fittingly smooth, without looking too polished. My favourite detail, though, is the round bricks used on the top part of the tower. It gives the impression of the tower being slimmer, which again helps give the impression of perspective, making the tower look taller. (This is a technique that has been used in RL too. Not specifically the round bricks, though... ) I think you addition of lore is a really nice touch. The more our MOCs can help build off the lore, or be build into the lore of BoBS the better. I think you should add it to the original post - it is simply too good to be left dwindling in that reply! I love the idea of giving one silver coin each time you make a gold one! Seems like a great way to justify taxes!

Out of the far west comes many things foreign to the average Halosian, things that are rarely seen East of the Molokai Empire. However, in recent times, several vessels have made their way to the Brick Seas, seeking part in the riches rumoured to be in New Terra. These vessels are of a curious construction and with rigging which baffles even experienced Halosian sea dogs, being so very different from the typical designs. According to scholars in Belson, this type of vessel is known as a junk, a very diverse classification covering everything from small merchant vessels to large armed privateers. This particular example is of the former, and named "The Dozy Dragon". Its capacious hull holds a large cargo space, and armament has been sacrificed to make room for even more. On its sides, orange gunports are painted to, at least at a distance, give the impression of great firepower. ________________ This is a build that has long been on my shelf (even photographed) - it was fun to experiment with something different, and I quite like how it turned out. However, those sails were a pain to fashion. If I ever return to "junk-building", I will find another technique. She is a class 2T. C&C is, as always, welcome.

*sings* Weeeee aaaaaare the CHAMPIONS! WEEEEEE ARE the Champions! No time for Carno, for we are the Champions! Of the waves..." Good job, everyone. And Titus, you are SO defriended!

I am certain everything is bust - a word of advice - sell all your assets at bargain prices to anyone who will buy them! Quick, before the news come in! And erhm... I might know someone who would be willing to give a bid.