Bregir

From what we can see, this is looking very stately and spacious, but I will echo that better pictures would improve it a lot. I have no issues with LDD builds, but even basic rendering really improves them alot. And it would be nice to see it in different angles and a few closeups. I like the pillars at the door, the shutters and the overal look of it. Thomas Sauveterre's sponsor must be quite wealthy man to fund such an investment! Good work - keep it up!

That vessel is looking real nice, Sarge. I can't wait to see her finished. Rigging and rating isn't the same, though. Those types in the matrix are just examples, so you should definitely rate it after the size, number of guns, cargo hold, crew, etc. instead of rigging. A cog an be very small, or rather large. (class 1 to 4, maybe?) Yours would be a great example of a class 4, I would say. But I have to say, I think it would be a shame to rig her as a cog, really. The hull is looking more modern than that, and I would suggest you rig her as a large topsail cutter (as you only have one mast. Otherwise, I would suggest a brig rig or similar ). I think that would look much better and much more fitting, but of course, it is also quite a lot more complicated! In any case, she is looking great, and I will be looking forward to seeing the final result!

The War Dwarf has been bought into the service of the Royal Navy as the HMS Kite, and will now serve the Crown as a brig-sloop. I think you for your services. It was a pleasure doing business with you. /Montoya

You should probably mention this in the overall BoBS thread, Captain Dee, so everyone sees it.

There is nothing you need to do on the license form, but when you initially post the vessel, we ask you to indicate the maximum rating on the build. Further, when upgrading, we might ask for a freebuild explaining the change. (To ensure IC consistency)

This story has been really interesting to follow so far, and I have no doubt the following installments will be great too! You and Fuzzy really have a great ping pong going! I like the dueling poses and the story is very wellwritten too. Approval from Corrington!

Well, that was fast! Glad someone took up my suggestion so fast, and even more so that you did it so excellently! The diving whale looks nice - and the only thing I am missing is the long coil of rope. I am hoping to see this aspect of BoBS expanded more over time +1 approval from Corrington!

Thanks Kai - I am glad you like the story! And yes, working under severe constraints really pushes creativity! Yeah, it actually worked out better than I had expected - thanks! I hope you did find the time to read the story too, though! Thanks Titus - the vegetation was really a challenge, given the bricks available! I too think Cooke's pose turned out as near as perfect as it could - and that holed round tile was just perfect. Probably wouldn't have thought of it, if I hadn't been limited to so few bricks! And yes - I see now how much it looks like a gravestone... whoops! I see exactly what you mean with the vessel. The far side of the railings should be continued to the crop, as should the wedges. However, I didnt' have any more wedges, and had planned to photograph it directly from the stern. But then it occured to me that that would require a lot of other things to look realistic. (Decks, rigging, etc...) With the bricks available I couldn't build a full ship, and it was actually fun trying to just make part of it. Garmadon hits the nail on the head with some of the challenges this poses, though! Thanks, Ayrlego! Glad you like it. The poses are my favourite part too! Glad you liked it, CD. I was considering cutting it down, but felt I had some things I needed to wrap up. And I didn't have the time/bricks to split it into more builds. More details on the naval base will come within the next week or so. I think you will like that too! Glad you like the ship - would have been great with a few extra bricks to address Garmadon's excellent points, but I only have a small creator cabin, and two creator animal sets to work with.... (well spotted, btw ) I did put a lot of work into the poses, something I often forget. But with only limited bricks, you remember how versatile the minifig is, and how fun it is to manipulate their poses! I never considered the practice dummy as a tombstone, but I suppose it depends on what you expect! A friendly, celebratory duel sounds great! (And I am really looking forward to that build! ) Or course they will! Glad you like it - it is fun building with limited bricks, but as a blind man gets his sight back, I wont be limiting myself when I get back to my bricks! I am not going to make it a habit to write those long stories either, though!

I am personally keeping my own accounts in the spreadsheet I posted for all to use. And unless anyone expresses concern about my liquidity, I am going to stick to my own records. :)

Nice builds and very dramatic story! I wonder what will happen when she reaches the new world and Alejandro! It is surely set up for drama! As he asks for her to explain what had happened, I wondered if we would have a Sherlock Holmes moment! Don Gonzales does not seem like the kind of guy you wanna cross... Or catch on the wrong foot!

Those are some very tall wheat crops, CB! I suppose Eslandolians have not yet adopted the shorter stock wheat developed in Corrington through careful breeding and selection. You should know that it is much less given to being ruined by wind and rain! Overall nice build, and Corrington approves. I wonder though, if not it would look better, if those cones could be turned upside down (And I would probably do away with the yellow part) and topped by a 1x1 round? However, I can't quite figure out how to do it!

Well well, sir - I thought I smelled a rat! I noticed you had some suspicious activity around these parts the last week or so, and hoped you would join us here! Welcome!

1) Great to see cooperation in the licensing and building of ships, gentlemen. Corrington will thrive through our spirit of cooperation of friendship! 2) Sounds great, SilentWolf - will be looking forward to seeing them! 3) New freebuild up. Mainly a story build, so forgive me the wordiness. Letters from home

**Warning: Wall of text** At sea, communications from home where rare. Even more so on Cocovia, far from established shipping lanes, and the crew had not seen a letter for months. In fact, some had jested that they feared losing the ability to read… However, recently an old tub of a packet carrying despatches and mail had skirted by, only lying to long enough for a boat to exchange mail. It was a meagre chest, and between them, Montoya and Cooke only received two letters and a message addressed to them both. Montoya had excellent news from his man of business, and Cooke had a pleasant letter from his family. However, these good news were quickly overshadowed by the third message in which a very public affront to them both was detailed by a close friend of theirs. As gentlemen, they could only make one reply, and they quickly put together a note demanding satisfaction, unless a full public apology would be offered. Both expert duellers, in their rage they both went directly to putting an edge on their skills, practising with sword and pistol. Their cynical practice was at its highest point of intensity as young mr. Baker came running up the hill with a bundle of letters. He had heard about the insult, and the new bundle was topped by a newspaper in which he had circled a notice on the front page. "Sirs... sirs!" he yelped, short of breath from the run. "A despatch cutter arrived just after that horrible old tub! Judging by the date of the newspapers, it left Bellson almost a month after the packet , but has already almost caught up with it! There is a full bag of mail as well as some official despatches! And in the paper something that will definitely interest you! A full apology!" Mr. Baker smiled broadly, relieved not to risk losing one of his benefactors to a mindless duel, and Montoya and Cooke both lowered their weapons. "Sir Dee offers his full apology - it was only a misunderstanding! I believe there is also a letter from him in the mail!" Montoya looks up from the paper with a relieved sigh. "And it would seem the other party to the insult was a religious figure. Surely, we cannot duel a priest?" "I am much at ease, my friend…" Cooke said. "I had not much liked to return home only to expect a duel." "Although it seems you are still perfectly able to hit your mark, Sir!" Baker added enthusiastically with an impressed look at the target, bullseye shot out. Montoya cut him short, somewhat jealous, not being praised for his, although somewhat less obvious, still excellent double parry and stab on the practise dummy: "That does not make him invincible to bullets, Mr. Baker. A duel is always a cruel thing - Never feel too confident." "First, hand me the despatches, mr. Baker. Official business first!" Cooke said, ever dutiful. "Afterwards, we better write a reply to Sir Dee…" Baker handed one heavy, sealed envelope to Cooke, and another to Montoya, who looked somewhat perplexed. Why would he receive official correspondence? As he recognised the seal of the Society of Natural Philosophy, he smiled and opened it with great interest. For a few minutes, they read in silence. The admiralty had long held Captain Cooke's skills in hydrography and naval tactics in high esteem. Further, it had recognised the need for a naval base in the new world, as the Royal Navy and the Merchant Marine must be maintained, provisioned, repaired, and a have a safe port in the event of tropical storms. Without such a port, Corrington's interests and further expansion into the east is in danger, as the Royal Navy and the Merchant Marine are the most important tools at the Crown's disposal. Thus, Cooke's sealed despatchcame at an opportune moment. The elaborate sounding charts of the natural harbour, the detailed description of the tactical situation, and the maps of the surrounding landscape made the situation so clear that not even the bureaucrats could delay the decision of the First Lord of the Admiralty: A naval base was to be established at this very spot, and this at the highest possible dispatch. The first order was to assign a battery of the Royal Navy Artillery Corps to the location to set up initial defences. They were to travel at all possible urgency, bringing with them the Royal Charter for the new settlement, named King's Harbour after Queen Anetta's farther and predecessor. Bellson, March 616, the Admiralty To Captain Jno. Cooke, The Admiralty hereby appoints Captain J. Cooke, Master and Commander of the sloop the HMS Athena, temporary military governor of King's Harbour to set up a naval base of operations in the location specified in the attached maps. He is to assume this responsibility with all possible dispatch, and is required to use his discretion to act such that he finds most fitting in furthering the interests of the Crown. Further, he Admiralty considers cordial relations with the locals of highest priority. Failure to do his duty is subject to punishment as determined by a court martial. Signed The First Lord of the Admiralty The Society of Natural Philosophy had too recognised the need for a secure base of operations, in order to explore the new world and all its scientific opportunities, and had thus set up a designated foundation to support all entrepreneurs wishing to set up relevant businesses in the new settlement. To Don Isaac Montoya, Fellow Your most generous donation to the Society has been duly noted, and the Society is most grateful. The Society believes that such an extraordinary sum should be immediately employed to improve the basis for future scientific exploration. Therefore, the Central Executive Committee has decided to establish a foundation for King's Harbour, and decided to appoint you manager of this Foundation. (See attached charter). In much the same perspective, it has been determined that the new horizons of the New World warrants the establishment of a New World Branch of the Society, and we hope that you will accept a position on the Executive Committee of this branch. The New World Branch will take over the Society's properties in Arlinsport for headquarter, including the staff there employed. Best regards Central Executive Committee The Society of Natural Philosophy Finishing their reading, they both looked up with an enthusiastic smile, eager to tell each other of the news, and spoke in unison. They both broke off, and went: "You go first, my friend." After a few gentlemen-like objections, they spoke in turn, each taking great pleasure from the good news. "What prodigious good news, my friend. We shall have this base up in no time!" Cooke concluded. "But now, let us finish this ugly affair with Sir Dee. It troubles my mind so." "Certainly, my friend. Give me a few moments to collect my mind, and I shall read it out to you." Montoya said, and turned to pen and paper. Dear Sir Dee Your gracious apology has reached us on this fair island recently named Cocovia and added to the Crown. It has found both Cooke and I much relieved, as none of us have any wish to risk to prematurely end the life of a respected gentleman such as yourself, nor risk the same upon ourselves. Both the nature and publication of your response entirely satisfied our request for an apology, and we are pleased the affront was but a misunderstanding. You may consider our challenge withdrawn. As a way of repairing relations, it is our hope that you will accept an invitation to dine together, next we are in the old world. Sincerely Don Isaac Montoya "A very handsome letter, upon my word, Isaac. I do hope it will be received in the same spirit in which it was intended. I should much deplore to have made an enemy of such a respected gentleman, based on a mere misunderstanding…" __________ I hope you will excuse me the mass of text and the small size and scope of the accompanying builds. I have only three medium sized set to work with, and a lot of story to tell. I am slowly fleshing out the Society of Natural Philosophy, of which you will hopefully see a lot more in the future, as well as King's Harbour, for which I will very soon post its own thread. Comments and critique is more than welcome.

Well, I actually meant keeping the vessel and sailor in the picture, but using the looking glass effect to explain why they are out of focus! But anyways, the new photo works really well too. I take Garmadons point about more realism from a slight blurriness (does away with the brick effect), but if something else in the foreground is in focus, that is also where people will focus their attention :) Anyways! The new pic is looking great! Watching it on the phone, it doesn't match the colour of the background, but after reading the comments. I will go check it out on my computer! Great to see you are using the feedback! I agree, that is the great thing about this community - all the constructive feedback, and the (almost total) absence of harsh, derogative comments. :)

Looking great, cb4! The way those hulls are supported is very simple, but also very effective. The work going on with the sawhorses, and those platforms suspended over the sides is great too. I did stop a moment at the "as there's nothing else in the yard", though.

Great looking expansion, Capt. Wolf! You really did a great job maintaining the original style, while still adding something new. I really like the plow and the furrows. While they might look a little regular, and the plow not entirely realistic, I really don't see how it can be done much better in Lego! (Yes, anyone may take that as a challenge! )

Ah, I now see what the bow is meant to be - it is actually quite accurate! I would still suggest experimenting with custom sails, but I respect your preferences. Well done!

Great little vignette, TItus! I really like the organised mess on and around his table, He seems to be working in a lot of different fields at the same time. One can only hope he will have his breakthrough and be accepted to join an expedition, or even be invited to become a fellow of the Society one day! The Society wishes him all the best, and shall be looking forward to one day accepting him as a colleague.

Beautiful organ, sir! The openings of the big pipes are brilliant, as are the small pipes. Great idea for the keys as well! Well done.

Great idea to incorporate your minichallenge entry in a larger build! There are quite some bottles at that bar - I wonder how many of them will be empty before the night is over!

Great, lively little tavern - it is nice to see our lads treated well! However, it seems they are much given to cakes!

Lovely little patrol boat. I really like how the hull turned out and wonder if not you would grace us with a few pictures of the underlying construction? I particularly like the railings on the forecastle and the construction holding up the lanterns at the stern. The way the anchors are hung at the bows is really nice too, as are the brickbuilt guns. I am not too fond of the bowsprit-thingy, though. As to the rigging - it seems to me that she is somewhat underrigged with that one small square sail. And your those ropes (sheets) should probably go backwards, working against the wind. And normally, on a small singlemasted vessel like this would be fore-and-aft rigged (lateen, sloop or cutter rig) rather than square rigged. But that might be for your next vessel!

Ruling: The Sulky Harlequinn From: 4T2 To: 5T Result: Conditional approval After lively debate, the court has reached a decision. This decision is not that of any single member, but a compromise acceptable by all. We find the Sulky Harlequinn on the small side of the rating of 5T, mainly due to her length and her armament. However, subject to Mr. Coyle undertaking and documenting the necessary upgrades, the request will be granted. In praxis: To allow for the upgrade, we would like to see a MOC directly or indirectly showing the Sulky Harlequinn being upgraded in some way. Examples of this includes, but is not limited to: - Enlarging the ship - Having the ship sent to the dockyards for refitting - Making arrangements with a shipyard for improvements - Purchasing additional guns - Hiring additional crew As should be clear, it is not necessary to show the vessel it self, even less to show her in her new state. The important thing is that the moc and the story explains and justifies the change in license. As such, it should also follow that the more substantial the upgrade, the more substantial the moc must be. Such a requirement will generally be asked for anyone wiching to upgrade his/her ship 1) To ensure consistency in the IC story, eg. why the Sulky is suddenly a bigger, better ship 2) To ensure fairness, so that noone can "game the system" by upgrading uneligible vessels. In this particular case, the upgrade is relatively limited, thus our requirements are not too high. (Something like a 16x16 vignette)

Really nice forced perspective! And while I in principle agree with Garmadon (there it was again...) in terms of focus, I think yours is a better solution in this specific case, as the naval action is really the main part of the build here. Maybe giving it a round outline (as if looking through a looking glass) would explain the point of focus. I really like the micro vessels too, and that ice cream piece works wonderfully as smoke! Well done!