Bregir

In the colonies, port protection is often an issue. Both ships and fortifications are often in short supply. Hence, alternative measures are often considered, such as the Corlander gun barge. Built on a heavy raft of logs, it is almost impossible impossible to sink. Armed with 18 pounders, it may be unhandy, but it has quite a bite. Sitting low in the water, it is a difficult target in a close engagement, although the open deck does leave the crew exposed. The barge has no propulsion of its own, and is hence only useful as a defensive measure. It must be towed to location where it will anchor and stand its ground. By use of two anchors, the guns can be lain sideways, but the only option of retreat is to cut the cables and drift ashore. Outside King's Harbour Gun barge no. 1 is currently running through trials in the bay, offering one of the young lieutenants a command of much more firepower than normally. However, protecting a port is far from the independent command of a sloop or frigate dreamt about by many of the young gentlemen... ___________________ A "ship" based on the gun barges used by the Danes at the battle of Copenhagen against the British to supplement the fleet. She is fairly large (class 4/5) but I am thinking she is a class 3 in BoBS terms, considering there is no rigging and only a simple hull. If she is ever licensed, I am thinking range 0, manoeuvre 1 (minimum) and a lot of firepower :) C&C welcome - mainly a fun build after reading about the battle of Copenhagen *shakes fists at the dastardly British thieves... Little better than pirates...*

Simple and effective. Does not exactly look posh or particularly comfortable, but that suits the purpose well. I like the vegetation you have added, and the porch is a very nice addition. Just needs a man in a rocking chair and a pibe/banjo :) I also like to see the distinctive roof style of Port Raleigh in yet another version. And great to see Port Raleigh getting some love!

I will check up on the ship registry and the calculations. But everything should be automatically calculated, so it *should* be calculated automatically. Also, great write-up, Capt Wolf! Knowing the amount of ghosts in the googly sheets, getting to a workable result was no easy task!

Multi contestant duel? :O

Your AMRCA only has to be done before the next deadline (to be announced), not before the publishing date ;)

Welcome amongst the ranks of the Nobility, Marquis Rimbaud! Now is the time to start secret societies of noblemen secretly controlling the plebeians!

Great looking star fort, sir. Impressive details for this scale, and lovely tower too, although it looks a bit vulnerable.

Good to see the ETTC getting some love - it is sorely needed! (and it's fleet has been diminished too, but I am working on that issue...) Great looking building (the green roof was the right choice. Looks nice), particularly the balcony, and I like the simple, effective landscaping and the life on the street. The vibrant colours of the tree makes the scene come alive (aftermarket parts?) and as always presentation is top notch. Story is nice too!

@Elostirion, @Capt Wolf, @gedren_y The nobles of the court seemed somewhat taken aback. This was unexpected - Eslandola had come to them, and now they asked what Terraversa wanted to discuss with them? The archduke raised a hand and the murmuring stopped. "Grand Ambassador Fontonajo" he said, "Terraversa did indeed fight for independence for years, and your short row with Mardier's forces did indeed give us the respite needed to throw the yoke of King Alphonse's occupation from our lands. Although your motives may have been somewhat selfish, it is something that we shall never forget - you did us a great service." He bowed before the grand ambassador before looking around at his peers and continuing: "Terraversa much appreciates your recognition of our independence. It aids us in fulfilling our prime objective - to live as our own masters, in peace and prosperity, free from foreign intervention." "Our people tire from war, and we will do whatever in our power to keep Terraversa neutral in the conflicts of the Brick Seas. We must rebuild what war tore down, and must heal, were it left wounds." "However, to achieve peace, one must prepare for war. Hence, we shall seek to expand trade. We shall rebuild our fleets, and reinforce our armies. And more importantly, we shall seek friends amongst those who are willing to help protect Terraversa as a free haven in the Brick Seas." How will the Grand Ambassador proceed? We have heard what they have to say Terraversa's wishes are, well... clear... to us. We must press our issue, lest Oleon or others beat us to it. What does Eslandola offer? A trade agreement? A guarantee of Independence? A defensive alliance? Shipments of weapons? Builders? Make your initial offer to Terraversa, based on what you have heard. The slight matter of the Panther Tell Oldis and the Council that you will retreat to consider his words. We must proceed to Westface to hand over our gift to L'Olius. Perchance the encounter will be the key to establishing relations with Terraversa? Show the Grand Ambassador appearing before l'Olius in Westface, handing over their gift. One build required to continue. Only one of the choices can be made this turn.

@Bodi, @KotZ, @Captain Genaro, @Dukesc The First Clue The expedition brought the chest to the Huntress, who greeted them with surprise. "I thought the Prometheans had gotten to the caves long ago. You are lucky you found it without them coming for you. Now, let us open the chest, and see what is inside." She took the chest, and opened it with a small knife. Reaching inside, she pulled out a roll of parchment, and a small green gem. She looked over the parchment, and frowned. "It's a map of Old Terraversa, but it has no labels, or any indication of where the Quiver is. It seems the other pieces must be found to read it." Then, she examined the Green gem. "Lesser relic, but still valuable. I believe these were called 'leaves of the heavens.'" (200 dbs added to adventure treasury) "If we can recover two more of the clues, we should be able to find where the quiver is located." She said with finality. "But I believe the Prometheans may have taken one..." Options: The Sillitholina Monastery Some of the Atwi converted to their own interpretation of the Faith, and erected monasteries, in which Atwi scholars and philosophers would seek peace and contact with the Gods. They were chosen to guard the first of the clues. To gain access to the clue, you must go investigate the monastery. Build a micro of the Sillitholina Monastery and a vignette or build showing the expedition finding the clue inside the monastery. (Is it hidden in the floor, a statue, or?) The Heretic's Shrine In Westface, a statue of Icarus adorns a large building in the center of town. Icarus is a symbol of the Prometheans, who believe he will return and herald the end of the Gods. You should search this building to recover the clue. The Prometheans almost certainly have a hidden entrance somewhere, and will need to opened. Once inside, you'll have to fight whoever is guarding their space. Build the secret entrance to the Promethean's lair, and a second build showing where the Prometheans have stashed the next clue. Political contacts"... In Kings Port, the question still remained - what political horse should the RNTC bet on? He still had the names Tarlo had brought him - and now had to decide who to approach... Our best chance is to stick to Oldis. He is clearly in charge, and if we try to appease his closest friends and political allies, surely we can bring ourselves closer to an agreement? Oldis is a haughty fool, and clearly, the time has come for a change! We should contact Oldis' political opponents amongst the plebeians and seek to levy pressure through them - Surely he cannot rule comfortably without the support of the commoners? This noble republic may be... short-lived. There are many who still wishes for return to the Mardierian crown. It will be risky, but Tarlo has given us a contact to a secret society of loyalist politicians, nobles, and merchants. Perhaps this is where we should start... One build is required to progress this storyline. There is a risk of discovery regardless of what choice you make. Reassembling the expedition Our men in Westface are being released. We must provision the ships and set sail. Show the crews somehow preparing to leave Westface. One build required. Once fulfilled, the ships in Westface (Esprit Fortune and Eastern Trader) will be free to sail in the tMRCA again, or join the expedition. (Indicate which of these choices you make) Further, 300 dbs is subtracted from adventure treasury to cover the expenses of their stay, Two builds required to continue, but if you want to proceed in two storylines, four builds are required. Max two storylines can proceed this turn. Remaining options will (most likely) still be available next round.

Progress on the soon(tm) to be HMS Sirius (I think). I will need to redo the beakhead, and figure out how attach the bowsprit properly. I have also reworked the stern galleries on my SOTL, which I will try to finish up "shortly". As well as the breakhead: And an overall shot of her progress so far. Any tips on the string used for rigging? Where do you get it, and what type do you use?

It seems there is trouble brewing in Eltina... Can be licensed by the settlement as a small residence.

Palisades are now erected around Camp Isaac. (Medium fortress)

Camp Isaac, established as an entirely pacifist, scientific settlement, was initially unprotected, but wild animals and other threats have led the Royal Pioneers to erect a wooden palisade with blockhouses in the corners. The blockhouses allow for guards to be posted. In order to build the palisades, and to offer a clear view over the approaches to the camp, multiple trees had to be cut down. Camp Isaac's inhabitants could now sleep safely in their tents, not risking tigers, panthers, or... rats sneaking in at night. Will be licensed as a medium fortification.

Al'Sayeed had made his way further west. His meeting at the Cherry Blossom Tea House had been most... enlightening. Now he had arrived in Eltina, there to meet with some contacts on his way to Pan. Personal diary, 21st of September, 618 AE. Someone have been following me ever since I landed in port. Assassins, I believe, although they have not yet made a move to attack me. I have made no efforts to lose them, although a few tricks did keep them on their toes. I believe they are spying to me, and will kill me once they find who I am here to meet, or what I am here to do. I cannot let them learn my secrets, but must find out who sent them. /al'Sayeed Trouble in Eltina Personal diary, 22nd of September, 618 AE. Today they picked up the pace and closed in. It will be necessary to end it and get some answers. I shall take a stand. /al'Sayeed Personal diary, 23rd of September, 618 AE. It was quick work. One was dispatched, and the other was only too happy to talk. Unfortunately, he knew nothing, and I let him slip. I shall slip upon my vessel and be out of here before the local authorities drag me into a long and fruitless investigation. They will find nothing on the dead man. And even less from the one who fled. /al'Sayeed Another little installment in al'Sayeed's storyline. His story continues westward. At some point.

Indeed - this is something we are painfully aware of. We will see what we can do without Genaro - hopefully this weekend, but I can't make any promises.

Welcome, Tom! I know all the factions will be very happy to welcome you and you should join the one you prefer. What you should consider is where you think you will fit in the best and have the most fun. Where will your stories and characters thrive the best? Currently I think OL is the least active, followed by the SR. We have a (unfinished) quick start guide here: (that I really should get to finishing up) In there, you will find a bit about how to get started. You may also wish to read the first page of each of the faction sign up threads, where you get more in depth knowledge about each faction. And always feel free to ask any questions, either in the general intro thread, the faction threads (if pertaining to faction), or in the quick start thread. In any case, welcome to Bobs. PS. If I remember correctly, properties start earning income the month after being licensed. :)

Interesting developments, Kwatchi! Neat micro! I have eyed a few others on Flickr... Looking forward for more!

A small update to the black flag rules for Sea Rats. Henceforth, Sea Rat vessels flying the black flag will be free of upkeep. The crews of pirate and smuggler vessels join at their own risk for a share of profits, rather than wages. (And OOC we wanted to boost sea rat piracy a bit)

That would be this thread: And the updated master index is here: There is also a quick guide here:

Montoya's Diary, Day 45 We have spent the last few weeks seeking a passage to whatever is behind that door. Hiking first left, then right, around the gateway, we have found nothing but cliff sides, impenetrable jungle, or impassable rivers and swamps. In short, we are no closer to identifying what is behind this door, obviously built by some highly advanced civilisation decades, or maybe even centuries ago. Were they trying to keep someone out, or perhaps something in? The questions heavily outnumbers the answers, but one is certainly intrigued. However, the door is, despite its obvious age, very solid and entirely sealed. Additionally, it would be a crime to destroy such a relic of the past. /Montoya Baker's Diary, Day 45 A most fascinating expedition, but it seems we have reached a standstill - there is no way through and no way around. One thing begs a question, though. This door is clearly sealed, but there is not signs of this on the outside. Hence, it must have been locked from the inside... Who might have locked it, and why? We must now start back down the path. There is nothing more for us to do here. I only wonder if we can truly backtrack our path - and we are still trapped on this island... /Baker

You can maintain a blockade by sailing ships to the zone in front of the harbour each month. Just like in reality, it will not be perfect, and it will carry risks, but it can be done. No need to invent a new mechanic for this to complicate the game further.

There is nothing in the rules stating you can't build in stone in a settlement without a quarry. But you are always welcome to build in continuity of your own.

I quite enjoy the rigging part, but sails are... not my favourite part of the process. :P I am missing some string for rigging, though.

Maybe I should start finishing some of them... :P busy shipyards by Christian West, on Flickr