Bregir

Nice little build, Brickwolf! I like the surf and the palm, and I wonder what those amazons will do to those poor soldiers? If the gender roles had been reversed, I am pretty sure someone's innocence would be.... tainted... Would these poor sailors face a similar fate? Nice build!

Nice build, LE. I agree with the tiles, and would also suggest a simpler background and less room around the build. it ends up being quite small when it only takes up 1/4 of the build. The Trifork has recieved your message and lets you know that its markets will always be open to traders or travellers from Avon. As to an alliance, the Trifork considers our common allegiance to Avalonia plenty of proof for a military alliance, and ensures that the Trifork will support the interest of Avalonia and individual counties with all the forces at disposal at any given time.

Welcome to our new members - While I am sadly ratgher absent, it is nice to see Avalonia prosper! @Kyo: That is looking great for a first moc in a long time! My only suggestion would be to work more on the landscaping. My own experience is that the best results come from building the landscape up first, before adding structures on top.

Great build, Titus - althrough the read I was looking for an overview picture to see how much space you had used to cram in all this action! Luckily, you included a few in the end! I think the castle is looking great, with the angled walls, parapets, and tudor section. You have really managed to put a lot of action into a very small place! I like the action shots and the tide and ebb of the castle, and I too enjoyed reading the story! My favourite part is, of course, where Beorthan heroically comes to the rescue! (Although a bit late ) After discussing with Alric and Fenrir, Beorthan has sent the following message to the Trifork by raven: My dearest Mary, We have won a decisive victory at Midras Castle on the border with Kaliphlin, with Alric's troops storming the walls together with Fenrir, the Shadowmere General I wrote about earlier. Alas, I arrived to late to tip the balance to avoid too much bloodshed on Alric's part, but we did rout out the fleeing enemies and stopped them from regrouping for a counterattack. The men performed well, and you will be happy to hear that our niece have been rescued and that she is in fine spirits! Her and Alric truly seems to have become close. However, we are not yet done here, and I fear I cannot return to you as swiftly as my heart desires me to. The prisoners told us of more enemy troops in the southern hills of Drond's Feelds, and in consort with some of Alric's finest troops I shall be pursuing these, to cleanse our lands of their scourge. Fret not, I shall take the utmost care to return to you in one piece. I know these are not easy times to manage the Trifork, but I am also certain that you are able to do so as well, if not better, than myself. I may not be easy to reach, but Drake has camped on the Southern road, and is building up defenses, so should you need him or his advice, you may reach out to him at your discretion. Yours for now and ever, Beorthan

Wonderful builds, Vlad! The smallholding looks really nice, and I like the small family tomb (I guess) infront of the house. The small clearing is nice too, and I really wonder what secrets Fenrir has let Beorthan in on to have him take such a paradoxial position! You've got me sitting on the very edge of my chair! I wonder what the nature of the Trifork-Shadowmere(-Drond's Feelds) alliance will be when this is all over! Tonfeld looks really cool too, although I would love to see some more pictures from different angles - the current ones does not seem to do it much justice! It feels like we only see a small part of it! Of the things we can see, the cheese slope roof and the civilians are looking cool, as does the gate/wall. I totally understand if you are confused, Vlad - Imagine how the rest of us feels! And I wonder what thoughts the rest of the resistance are currently having...

I most definitely owe this build a comment. Thanks for responding, although matters in Shadowmere is not as I expected them! The offset walls are great - it works really well. The colourscheme is nice too. An unusual acquaintance indeed - and being recieved in her private chambers - I wonder if a Minotaur can blush! With all what has been going on, and the rumours of Vladivus' mishappenings, the raven Tauro has to send back to the Trifork will carry a very ominous message, which is likely to confuse Mariana quite a bit...

Nice rockwork and quite a speech! I do hope Alric and his troops will be able to live up to the contents! And I wonder if Drond's Feelds has been home to druids or something similar in the past...

Very nice interior, Titus, and I like the idea of inventing the cast! The fireplace looks nice, as does the bookshelves, and the texturing of the walls is really nice. My only gripe is the imperfectly attached floorboards. While I get the aestetics behind this, it just annoys my lego-principles to see improperly attached bricks! As to the use of my sig fig, see my comment to the preceeding build.

Well well, that is some victory! As I ahve already commented on the build when you last posted it, I will only add that the posing here is nice. As to your storytelling, I have a few comments. I am not offended, but observing the below observations, would avoid people getting so in the future. When you chose to represent the thoughts of other people's figures, you are on risky ground, and you should be sure to be able to represent them loyally to the original thoughts. Therefore, thorough research may be in place, and any questions or doubts might best be resolved by direct consultation with the person behind the sig fig. Allow me to illustrate. A closer research into Montoya would have shown you that he has infact studied medicine and worked as a ships surgeon, which makes it rather unlikely that he should cry out for a doctor, or not respond himself to such a cry. (Source: Intro) I see no reason why he should try to conceal his true identity in this regard. An easy fix of this would be to have him refer them to the local healer and her specialized skills in broken bones, after quickly diagnosing the injury. A small fix like this would have made this story fit much better with mine. Further, I wonder at your choice of outfit for Montoya. I understand that we are all somewhat limited in our choice of bricks, but this outfit seems rather out of character for him. Care to elaborate on your choice?

Welcome, Sarrazin. Great idea for a sig fig!

This may expose my rather limited understanding, but would it not be an advantage to tell them to do so, then?

Ok then, I suggest the following. I license the Otter as a class 3 A and send it on route 2A as an escort. I will do so for a mere 20 % of total trade income for the run. Any vessels captured by the flotilla or the HMS Otter will go to the Otter's owners - and in the case of capture above class 0, the 20 % fee will be discounted. Should a ship be captured by the royal escort, it will befall the Crown, although the Captain of the Otter would not say no to some prize or gun-money for helping in the engagement, should the Crown feel this fitting. (If for instance the ship is sold...) It is my hope that the captains of the Flying Colt and the HMS Alice (and any other ships that may join) will find these terms reasonable and acceptable. (I am not so much doing this for the profit, but more to see if this can be a profitable arrangement. It does seem rather risky.) I wonder, however: Do the escorts form a flotilla too? So that The Otter could actually capture a vessel together with the Royal escort, or do the escorts fight on a stand-alone basis? That has an impact on how we make these arrangements.

Nice Blacksmith, Silent Wolf! The outside is looking a little basic, but you have included a lot of great details on the inside, like the raw bars of metal and the bellows. Good to see Arlinsport grow!

Well done, Sir Stig. I particularly like the surf and the beach, but the undergrowth and rockwork is nice too. I do agree the mix of yellow and fleshies look a little strange, but I will buy the skintone argument. I also very much appreciated the story, and I surely hope they will be able to stock up on supplies for the trip back! Well done!

Great initiative, Cpt. Wolf!

As requested by the Queen, another challenge entry: The Sheltered Cove by Christian West, on Flickr The sheltered cove

Challenge 1B: The Sheltered Cove, Corrington, Bregir The Sheltered Cove by Christian West, on Flickr

Personal Diary, Montoya, 35th day of Montoya-Cooke Expedition Upon entering the cove, I immediately noticed the indigenous structures erected on poles in the water, and asked Cooke to approach it. The natives seemed to expect us, as they were standing on parade with what appeared to be full ceremonial gear, including large shiny brass-shields, gold ornaments and metal-headed spears. Obviously, these people have at least basic practical knowledge of metallurgy, which appears to me a rarity outside the socalled "civilised" world. (One might question how civilised we truly are, considering the amount of ressources we spend improving our ability to smash eachother on the head….) The natives welcomed us most kindly, and as their language seemed to be related to that spoken by the natives of Nelissa, we were able to communicate rather well. The granted us presents of fresh fruits and large brass plates, and the chief told me that many foreign ships had been spotted recently. As we were the first to make landfall, and if we behaved with reason, he was willing to strike an alliance, and help us with supplies and repairs for now and in perpetuity. (He seemd rather well-versed in the challenges of sea-travel. I suspect they are a nautical tribe, who came here by some sort of ship.) In return, we are required to protect and respect his people and customs, and help them to advance. We sat for long hours in the Chief's hut, discussing the situation, and I found that his tribe was rather sizeable and scattered throughout the island, as well as culturally advanced. After the meeting, he allowed me one of his best men as a guide to the Island, to show me the natural wonders here, and we agreed that I might return later to learn more of his people. I shall be leaving with young Baker and a few hands in a few moments. Oh, what discoveries these lands might hold! My mind is fairly overflowing with delight! In the meanwhile, Cooke has embarked upon his habitual frantic naval activity, preparing the cove for God knows what and measuring every little nook and cranny of the anchorage. One wonders the crew abides, with all the wonders here to behold. Custom and loyalty seems to have more leverage on people than I would have believed, and Cooke almost seems to swell in physical size, when exercising command. The men do seem to love him. As he sent off the HMS Otter, I managed to ship a few letters of business, as well as a scientific paper that will certainly make a noise in the Royal Academy! Captains personal log, 35th day, New Terra Expd., Second Entry 48o 43'' 15' E, 68o 23'' 36'; In sheltered cove Entered the cove shortly after noon. Landed at native village. Montoya established contact with natives, who seemed to be friendly and willing to trade. Carried out initial sounding and mapping of cove, which proved to be a fine natural harbour. Dispatched HMS Otter to seek Corlander Royal Navy Expeditionary Force: Suggested setting up base of operations, with proper defenses. (See "Hydrographical Remarks" and "Tactical Remarks" below") Moored HMS Athena in the sheltered cove, broadside to entrance, and established look-outs on shore. Resupplied greenstuff, water and meats through trade with the natives. Montoya and Baker, with a few hands, landed to explore island and establish further contact with natives. Hydrographical remarks: The cove is a fine natural harbour, protected by the elements by two rocky peninsulae of 10-20 m in height. The entrance measures approximately 20 m across, with a fine channel suitable for all vessels. The cove is appr. circular: measures 250 m at the widest point. Depth of the harbour is consistent at about 20 m (See soundings on attached chart) as little as 30 m from shore. The bottom is soft sand, perfect for anchorage. Northern beach is well suited for careening. Tactical remarks: A single battery could entirely command the harbour from the seaside, while the nature of the landscape and the heavy jungle will effectively make a landbased assault impossible. Further, the jungle offers plenty of wood for spars, masts, planking, firewood, etc. and the natives supply a fine, strong, white rope, which, by the look of their own designs, require no tarring to last. It will prove to be a fine base of operations, refitting, and resupplying, and I have thus suggested sending in a platoon of Royal Navy Engineers to fortify the cove. Montoya ensures me that, treated fairly, the natives will support our presence. They have agreed to an alliance. ________________________________________________________________________________ Hereby my entry to challenge 1b. It isn't exactly my best build to date, but I am farily happy with it. The pictures didn't turn out perfect either, but being away from my bricks, I can't redo them. It was fun writing the story from two different perspectives (and different narrative styles), and I hope it makes sense! C&C is welcome, as always.

Oh, I do hope we will have some war at some point - when someone sinks the wrong ship, for instance - and then we will probably see fighting over the most valuable settlements! Of course, there is no *need* for war, but that never stopped anyone before!

Actually, it will be really fun to see what happens in the event of war - who will chose to do what with enemy property, and how will the players react and the politics evolve! And what happens if some from one faction in the MRCA starts raiding other faction's ships? Will we have war? Oh, what a wonderful system you have all created here! Machiavelli would certainly be proud!

Maybe the waves ran high that day?

Great entry and nice idea, Dr. Spock! I really like the concept of Islanders making their own spirits! The palm tree is nice too! My only comment would be to have the full barrels stacked horisontally rather than vertically. Right now, it looks like a wall, rather than a set of full barrels. (If that was the purpose, you have done very well! ) Alternatively, you could have them staggered (so that one barrel rests on two barrels below.) Nice entry! I really wonder how a banana spirit would taste!

Come time, come answers, surely. However, we all know any Eslandolanderiander will "appropriate" foreign property, if he sees a profit in doing so! And without a second thought!

Another appointment to congratulate! It seems more and more people are securing themselves power and income amongst the Eslandolian ranks! Edit: Great way of presenting application and response! And yes, Garmadon - to stay in the race, you have to keep up to this standard!

Congratulations on the new office, master Guilder, and nice to see Eslandian settlements opening up. However, I expect most people will stick to their own faction's settlements for now