Bregir

I have no idea what you are talking about...

How very convenient It begs the question, though - too late for who...

After some confusion, a uniformed officer from the Corlander Royal Navy arrives at the door of the RNTC headquarters in Kings Port, asking for an official representative of King Philip I. With him, he carries a sealed letter, for which he insists on a signature. HMS Greyhound, Westface, 620 To representatives of his Royal Highness, King Philip I, In the course of our due diligence in establishing connections to the Terraversan nation, we have uncovered evidence of a foreign power funding and arming rebels fighting against Terraversan independence! Everything points to Nola Mar being the epicenter of this insurgence, with the settlement having risen in arms. One of our officers has landed there to investigate, but has not been heard from since, adding to our concern. Unfortunately, we are not currently in possession of suitable evidence to allow us to approach Terraversan authorities directly. I cannot stress enough the strategic importance of a free and independent Terraversa, located as it is as the gatekeeper to Terra Nova. Corrington is highly concerned that a foreign, and potentially hostile, power is contesting the control of the island, and will be endeavouring to preserve the independence of Terraversa. It is our belief that such concerns should be shared by Oleon. With Terraversa in enemy hands, Halos and Terra Nova will effectively be cut off for all but the most daring captains, with the potential disastrous effects on our great nations. I have dispatched a similar note to the Eslandian representatives and trust that our shared strategic interests will form a solid basis on which to cooperate to preserve Terraversan independence and neutrality, and hence free navigation of the Brick Seas. At your service, Don Isaac Montoya Consul, Corrington

@Elostirion A messenger in the guise of a uniformed officer from the Corlander Royal Navy arrives at the door of the Eslandian embassy in Kings Port. With him, he carries a sealed letter for the ambassador himself, for which he insists on a signature. HMS Greyhound, Westface, 620 To his Excellency, the Eslandian Ambassador In the course of our due diligence in establishing connections to the Terraversan nation, we have uncovered evidence of a foreign power funding and arming rebels fighting against Terraversan independence! Everything points to Nola Mar being the epicenter of this insurgence, with the settlement having risen in arms. One of our officers has landed there to investigate, but has not been heard from since, adding to our concern. Unfortunately, we are not currently in possession of suitable evidence to allow us to approach Terraversan authorities directly. I cannot stress enough the strategic importance of a free and independent Terraversa, located as it is as the gatekeeper to Terra Nova. Corrington is highly concerned that a foreign, and potentially hostile, power is contesting the control of the island, and will be endeavouring to preserve the independence of Terraversa. It is our belief that such concerns should be shared by Eslandola. With Terraversa in enemy hands, Halos and Terra Nova will effectively be cut off for all but the most daring captains, with the potential disastrous effects on our great nations. I have dispatched a similar note to the Olean representatives and trust that our shared strategic interests will form a solid basis on which to cooperate to preserve Terraversan independence and neutrality, and hence free navigation of the Brick Seas. At your service, Don Isaac Montoya Consul, Corrington

Just wait until we start charging you various taxes and fees

I'd say that has to be an individual evaluation. You can license a combination of builds to reach the desired stud-print. But the interior has to be "additional" studs/effort in some way, if that makes any sense. (You can normally license a building without interior with its full footprint, so adding an interior should be considered additional effort. On the other hand, adding interior in the same build will not normally allow you to license the extra studs, so it has to be a balance.) Is that clear enough?

@Keymonus & @Ayrlego: I think Malta/Gibraltar/Minorca for Balondia makes sense. Can't recall any particular efforts in those areas that has gone against that. As to the Isle of Tam, I will see if I can dig up something - we did define it at some point. But as for cultural references, Scottish/Norwegian for the north, and north atlantic islands for the island would be fairly accurate, I think. @Sir Kingston Interesting character! If he has no other plans, the expedition on Terraversa could use a capable intelligence officer. (And just a quick note for future posts- while you have done it very elegantly, generally when making statements on behalf of Corlander autorities, you should clear it with the faction first - to ensure continuity and consistency with policies and organisation. No harm done this time - just consider it next time. )

Welcome aboard, Corwin! Good to see a new Rat about to join! As we typically say to new players, don't feel you need to know all the rules and intricacies of the game before starting - building, having fun, and telling stories is the first priority. That said, the game is there to be used, so very happy to see you jumping straight into it. I do not know if the Sea Rats have any special rules, but the game it self puts no limit on where you can start (although you'd need a bloody good explanation to start outside the known map ). Some settlements may have limitations as to who can license properties there, and that is, to the best of my knowledge, the only rules you should keep an eye out for in terms of starting point. The settlement thread will typically list if licensing is limited to some factions, but it is fairly rare. Looking forward to following your adventures! Bregir

A quick clarification: Each convoy is one entry in the forms. *ALL* participating ships should be in the form under "ships". One of those should be appointed flagship. (so the flagship should be entered twice) It may not be perfect, but it works! :)

Good looking ship, sir! I like the inclusion of a tumblehome and the classic yellow and black on the white hull with red accents works well. A few comments to consider: Confusion of terms Sloop-of-war is a classification of ship, rather than of rigging. A sloop-of-war would be an unrated (smaller than a 6th rate) warship, and could have any number of different rigs. (Although oddly enough, it would never be sloop-rigged) Typical rigs could be ship rig, brig rig, snow rig, or even schooner or xebec. A sloop-of-war would in the royal navy be commanded by a "master and commander" (more than a lieutenant, but less than a post-captain). Brig, brigantine, xebec, snow, etc. are all rigging types. (Wikipedia has some nice articles on the subject for anyone interested) Yours is defintely a xebec. Hull Overall, I think you have made a nice hull with loads of good details and the inclusion of a tumblehome. For future ships, you could consider adding a more pronounced "sheer" (curve from stern to bow - in effect, the middle gunports would be lower than the fore and aft ones in a gentle curve - the older the ship, the more pronounced), as well as look at the curve of your sides. (A sailing ship is widest in the middle, tapering in against the stern) I also think the inclusion of cabin windows without a quarterdeck above is rather peculiar Rigging Overall, nice looking lateens, but they will be very hard to tack with, given the yards overlap the mast in front and hence can't turn to the other side Lateen rigged ships typically have VERY long lateen yards as in the picture below, often so long that they curve from the stress. So often, when building lateen rigged ships, you should have fewer masts, and place them at the very extremities of the hull. There is also often a considerable size difference between the masts and yards. See for instance the example below. When using paper sails, a trick can be to cut the edges in a gentle inward curve, as that makes them look more dynamic. I also note that you have the chain plates (where shrouds would be attached) of a two master (the original brig?). That seems rather odd on a three masted xebec In any case, experimenting with some rudimentary standing rigging in the form of shrouds and stays can also really make a big improvement on a moc. I suggest starting out with a thick-ish sewing thread, as that is cheap and easily accessible. Plenty of room to experiment - I find one always needs more string than initially planned! Armament Considering you are using the official cannon, 24 pounders is probably a reasonable assessment, and with BoBS being what it is, we have plenty of artistic license. In its real world counterparts, though, 24 pounder long guns would only be found on heavy frigates or larger. A sloop like this would probably carry 6 pounders, or potentially 12 or 18 pounder carronades. Class I think she is a class 4. On three mid sections and fairly lightly built with one open deck. Hope some of the above is useful - I think this is a very solid build with many great details, and she will be most welcome amongst the other vessels of the Royal Navy! The feedback above is for consideration for future builds, and may be helpful. You may decide to try to incorporate one or more elements in a coming build, but it is all up to you.

I understand (and like) the inclusion of functional cannons in sets, but find that in my mocs, they are often too bulky. I sometimes use them for heavy calibre guns, though.

Oh yes - there are many good designs on eurobricks. I use this one: and this one: I don't pictures of the guns separately readily available, but these pictures should give you an idea. I am sure there is a topic somewhere with a lot of examples of cannon mocs, and you can see many interesting takes on shipboard cannon, fortress cannon, and field artillery across the pirate moc forum and the Brethren of the Brick Seas forum.

Your total footprint can be no more than 32x32 or 1024 studs. How you distribute this footprint is entirely up to you.

On the lower right, you have a curved arrow. Click that, and then a dialogue box will open. If you then select bb-code up top, you will get an embed link.

That's the true Corlander spirit!

A few comments to everyone on the MRCA and to @LM71Blackbird in particular: First, I get your frustration - the MRCA is a risky business, and you may have sailed out your ships believing they would be a match for anything - and yes, you have been unfortunate. I think this is a lesson for everyone that the MRCA can be a hard mistress, and no one is safe from harm. Ships are lost to enemies or the elements all the time. The upside is that this element of risk is what really makes it interesting. (Believe me, I have taken some hard losses in my time. On the other hand, I have also had some famous victories, both of which makes for great story telling) In short: The MRCA is truly an adventure, and a dangerous one. Don't be disheartened by a defeat, but get back up on the horse and get your revenge! (I suggested a few ways COR can help the Brickfords in our PM) Despite historical parallels, it is an error to assume that Lotii ships are inferior to Halosian ships. A lotus class 5 is exactly equivalent to a halosian class 5. (Whether any player then wants to play in (IC) that it requires a larger ship to achieve the same performance is up to you, but a class 5 is a class 5, whether it is Lotus, Corrington, or even Eslandian! (Although the latter will probably be hampered by the weight of all its gilding! )) There is nothing in the rules to differentiate ships other than their stats. Hence, speculations how it should and would have been historically are hence neither here nor there - it is all in the stats/class. Large versus small ships Larger ships have advantages in two areas: First, you can sail more stats in a smaller number of ships, which is an advantage considering fleet sizes and naval leaders. Second, you have to spend less on overhead stats such as range and manoeuvre. However, there is nothing as such to prevent a small ship taking down a larger (e.g. not being able to penetrate the heavy hulls). The stats are all that matters (plus a healthy dose of random numbers). Small ships, on the other hand, have an advantage of being easier to build and less costly per stat point. Specific stats Versus your (@LM71Blackbird) 27 ship levels at firepower 27, crew 20, and hull 25, the Lotus had 23 ship levels at 20 in firepower, 22 in crew, and 21 in hull. So yes, you outclassed them, but not by much. (See specific stats below.) IC: Your ships may have been becalmed, while the lotii deployed oars; your crews may have had the fever; a fire rocket may have diverted men to fight flames; or some other calamity. You may also have been boarded in a fog or similar. I am not entirely sure what your point is about the former victory of the lightning, @LM71Blackbird - The fact that it won a victory over an uneven enemy seems only to confirm that the outcome of battle is hard to predict? People are welcome to discuss the MRCA results, but believe me when I say we should be happy with the current system. It is *not* easy setting up a battle generator, and @Captain Genaro has done some awesome spreadsheeting that, once the data has been cleansed a bit, readily calculates the battle outcomes. I think it is worth looking at the results in general and considering whether we think the current system is fair, fun, and fairly realistic. To me, it generally strikes the right balance, allowing all manners of ships to shine. An example is the gunboat strategy that has cost COR many boats, but actually also won some interesting victories. On the other side, large fleets have also won some famous victories. To be, hence, it actually does the job very well. Additionally, revising it (again) takes a lot of time and effort, and running BoBS is already taking a toll on leadership. I hope the above has given some clarity. Let us know if there are any questions.

Are you suggesting the admiralty starts an inquiry into the actions of the officers on board to determine how they could lose this battle? The disparity in numbers (COR 27 shiplevels, Lotus 23) was small, so although you outnumbered the enemy, it was not by much. Why did you lose the battle? If the lightning was burnt down early, the numbers are evened out. The Lotii could perhaps then outmaneouvre the lumbering SOTLs with their lighter ships, possible firing or boarding from stern or bow. The SOTLs may have been becalmed, or dismasted. The lesson everyone can take from this is that in BoBS no ship can be sure of victory. The MRCA mechanic is made so that trafalger or speedy/el gamo can happen, although they rarely will. On average, the strongest combatant will win (all relevant stats considered), but victory is never certain.

Looks like a well-executed mission, Major Brickford - well done! I shall be looking forward to following you and Karlton's progress in the name of the RSND and her Majesty. I think you have achieved a very nice effect with your build. Although, as you mention, the elevation is quite limited, I think you have achieved a very compelling effect with that long curving beach and the transition from dark tan, over tan, to green. I attribute the shallowness of the terrain to the cove being subject to very little tide water! (To be honest, I didn't notice it at first, which speaks to the effectiveness of your build.) The vegetation is very nicely done too, and I like all the activity going on around the build. I also like the inclusion of a naturalist - perhaps in time a candidate for the "real" Royal Society?

Another excellent write-up, Capt Wolf! And quite the emotional rollercoaster for any proper redcoat, with glorious victories and galling defeats! The fall of a first rate to the enemy in the far East is quite a blow, and the Royal Navy will be pressed to counter that On the other hand, the victories elsewhere, particularly the epic defeat of LeColeon, which may serve to help our relations to Terraversa, and the continued success of the gunboat strategy is rather uplifting!

I think this one hits the nail on the head quite well - and would be interested in seeing your thougths on Eslandola as a Spanish/Portuguese + Venetian inspiration.

License is billed per MRCA turn. However, for your first ship(s) you will not incur any upkeep, as the first 100 dbs of upkeep is free. More can be found here:

I have concocted a fun(I hope) little topic for BoBs shipbuilders - hope you will join in

Seeing all these social media posts with pictures of yourself from many years ago, I got to thinking about BoBS and shipbuilding in general. While a few players come here as expert ship builders, most of us start out less so. It may seem daunting for new players to see some of the masterpieces some builders here deliver. Hence, it came to me that it may be both fun and inspirational for all to see how we have each progressed in our building skills. So allow me to lead by example - I hope others will join in and share their own progress. My first vessel for BoBS, the small xebec "Sphinx": And my latest, the class 4 lugger "Defiant" (now sistershipped as the Audacious): I think I can safely say that I am quite happy with my progress in almost all aspects. It is fun to me to realise that in fact they use very similar techniques with hinge plates. Bonus: Show me what you've got!

I have seen some nice examples with using parabolas as hats in the absence of the bespoke rounded Chinese hats, and the use of various castle helmets, all of which actually can work quite well. I can try to get a picture up of the figbarf I made earlier in preparation for the challenge, and I know others have posted some nice examples too. :)

Consider it approved! Once the ship is posted, we can effectuate the transfer. Location and nature of builds will be defined at that point. As to the best stats. Hmm, they really all do what they say. Range is how far you can travel/how fast you are on the map. Manoeuvre is how well the ship manoeuvres in a fight or hæse. Guns, how much long range firepower it has; and hull how well it will perform in a close quarters smashing match. Crew how many to board/repel boarders. Cargo how much cargo it can carry. For a merchant ship, really all that matters is range and cargo. But going all out in these will mean little chance of escaping or surviving an attack. That can be remedied by various tactics. One can be to increase manoeuvre to hope to be able to escape, or guns/hull/crew to be able to handle itself in a fight. Alternatively, sail it with escorts or as part of a convoy. The most profitable ship will be the one that carries the most cargo (with bonus for being first at a destination and for having travelled far). But that is risky, if pirates show up. So there really is no short answer