Bregir

Yes, the vessel must operate like any other vessel. It will be connected to your accounts and you will control the ship and its captures. However, there might also be IC consequences, if you can be traced IC to the pirate. (Eg. if you (Eg. Damaximus) start sailing around in ships captured from Corrington by the pirate.) Mainly, it is meant for the Sea Rats, but if someone else wants to try their hand at pirating, they can do so too, keeping in mind the IC story and possible reactions from other players and factions. OOC knowledge is of course not cause for complaint, but if you can be connected to the pirate IC, you may have problems... :P

Looks great, Captain Dee. Can't wait to see more pictures! :)

Normally, you will see the shrouds arranged around the gun ports (or gunports to be placed around the shrouds.) Never seen gun ports directly behind the shrouds, and you are going to be entirely blocking it in here! :P

Personally, I don't see any good arguments for increasing it. I think it will reward the wrong kind of behaviour. Already, the egs rewards quantity over quality, and I would rather see players spending more time on trimming and perfecting a few MOCs than pumping out high numbers. If we consistently saw players pumping out more than three large, high quality properties each month, I might see it differently. However, there are already so many things to build in BoBs hitting that limiter means you can turn to challenges, ships, AMRCA, story builds, collabs, etc. As to the skill tree, it is on the list, but we have some other things we are working on that have to come first.

Sounds great! Of course. We do not discriminate against ldd builds, although we hold them to similar standards in terms of build quality and presentation.

A small correction. You can license as many ships as you can build and afford, but only operate up to your ship limit each mrca. And I do not believe we are planning to remove the three property limit. If you wish to build more, you can build larger properties.

A new building initiative for the Royal Navy:

Sloops for the Royal Navy Citizens of Corrington, shipwrights of the Brick Seas, and boatyards of Terra Nova. The Royal Navy hereby initiates a building program for mid-sized warships to safeguard the shipping lanes of the colonies. This building program includes three types of vessels with each a different purpose, mainly within the classes 3 and 4. Class 3 vessels will be bought into the service for 50 dbs and class 4 vessels for 60 dbs. Island defenses The success of the Corlander gunboats have led the admiralty to propose larger vessels of similar types akin to the galleys of old. Oar and wind powered warships with heavy guns, typically carried fore and aft. Low range, high manoeuvrability and heavy firepower makes them perfect to complement the gunboats for inshore defences. Royal Customs and Pilot Corps With trade on the rise, the Royal Navy Customs and Pilots Corps is in need of swift vessels for conveyance of pilots and customs officers, and to hunt down smugglers and privateers. Highly manoeuvrable cutters, luggers and schooners with light armament and reasonable range. Sloops-of-War The Royal Terra Novan Navy is in need of mid-sized warships to cover escort duties, general patrolling and similar. Typically well-balanced vessels, often brig- or snow-rigged, and able to sail the high seas. Once a design has been submitted, the Navy Board will review it, and send any requests for change back to the constructor. (OOC: You may be asked to improve on your design to have it accepted, so it may be prudent to present the WIP before rigging.) For the first 9 vessels, the best design of every three vessels commissioned will be awarded with a prize from the stock of dry-docked captures. (Class 3 or 4 vessel) The Crown will assign these vessels to colonial enclaves as they are finalised, based on tactical needs. Signed Rear-Admiral Fletcher Commander, Royal Terra Novan Fleet PS. The Allcock estate has most graciously offered to finance this incentive, for which the crown is most grateful.

The Royal Terra Novan Navy extends its gratitude to the Allcock estate. The Royal Oak will bring pride to her majesty. Further, I have rewritten the incentive a bit and increased the pay-outs somewhat. @Flavius Gratian: I have paid out 75 dbs to you for the HMS Wentham.

Interesting - particularly the number of ships employed. Would be interesting to see statistics on the total number of ship levels employed, to clean the data from any bias due to some factions using larger or smaller vessels.

@Drunknok Exactly. That is exactly what I am saying.

I wouldn't know about the dummy ports, I have to admit, but I think what you have done makes sense. As to rigging, She could also be a schooner, but you will still have the second mast as the mainmast, and more or less the same placement as I suggested. With the current rigging she would be a ketch, though. I also think this is already fairly historically correct. :) I personally often look at pictures for inspiration, but end up building something quite different as the moc takes on its own life. I fact, I have never finished something that really looked like the original inspiration. :P Well, I don't think I have ever heard of a ship made of three different hulls. What I think you should try is to move away from the entirely flat deck. Those flat decks end up making your ships look a bit oversimplified. I have seen what you can do, and I think you could take your ships to the next level. Ships need to have curves. I am really looking forward to seeing the end result here, Maxim! Looks very promising! How will you handle the gunports behind the shrouds, though?

Great read, CG! You are placing the chairman of the ETTC in a bad light with your stellar work! ;)

RNTC @Captain Genaro, @Bodi, @KotZ, @Dukesc The RNTC expedition has been split up with the main mission docked in King's Port, while the rescue party, the rescued sailors, and the salvaged brig has landed in Westface. The two expeditions have lost contact. (Should confidential information make part of the aMRCA, write to Bregir to arrange for means of exchanging information to the gamemasters. Please note that this adventure is a bit hard to keep track off, so please forgive us, if we have missed something.) In King's Port: (Centurion, Le Protecteur, and Esprit Tyche) Calida's seal opened many a door, and the local representatives of the faith had been very forthcoming since the meeting. Most of the expedition had eyed the greenly clad priest of Artemis with both confusion and suspicion, cautiously wondering what his presence signified, but few explanations had been offered. Some spoke of the 'Huntress', although none could say who she was. Additionally, it was whispered in the dark corners of the fleet that Emile had been approached by agents of the Loyalist faction, who are still looking to bring Mardierian rule back to Terraversa. Few knew what had come out of this meeting, but some were muttering that the troops were here as a preparation force for a Mardierian invasion. These events were all adding to the talk between the sailors and soldiers, and the frequent meetings in the great cabin of the Esprit Tyche only exasperated the speculations further. The (somewhat diminished) fleet was awash with rumours. And in the midst of this commotion, a young lieutenant had arrived from the Royal Palace of King's Port, now seat of Miro Oldis, Archduke of Terraversa, and center of government of the new nation. The quartermaster at the con had overheard his report to Hollande and the commodore and had quickly become one of the most popular men on board, his evening meals often sweetened by tots of rum from his messmates wanting to hear the story again. "Hollande, Commodore" the young lieutenant was reported to have said with a bow to each. "I bring word from his excellency, Archduke Miro Oldis, leader of the Noble Republic Terraversa." "Cut the red tape and let us have it!" Hollande said sourly, suffering from a bad hangover and with no patience for dilly-dallying. "Certainly, monsieur, pardon. They expressed some concern that only a lieutenant showed up, and I wasn't able to answer their questions to satisfaction..." He said, unsure of how to continue. "Pardon me for being blunt, sirs, but they informed me that they expected an explanation. I was to tell you with great conviction that Terraversa would not be intimidated by a few ships and soldiers, if that was Oleon's intention, but that should the fleet be carrying an official representative of King Philip I here to acknowledge Terraversa as an equal, independent state, he would be most welcome, and be the first representative of Halos to do so." Pausing for a moment, breaking a sweat. "Further, he bade me remind you that Terraversa has recently cast of the yoke of oppression by Mardier, and hope it shall not be necessary to prove that it can do the same for others seeking supremacy over the island." As an afterthought, he added: "They are well aware of our diplomatic efforts towards Mardier, and not taking that lightly..." Time to make a choice - or several... We must silence the fleet before the rumours reach Terraversan ears - they will be most damaging to the mission. But how will Hollande and his officers quell the gossip? Harsh discipline? Explaining them the situation? Telling them a convenient lie? Show how your sailors and soldiers are silenced. Our real mission must take precedence! We should seek out the loyalists and track down the huntress. Show your agents meeting with the contacts on your list. What do they discuss? What plans are about to be set in motion? Official Terraversa is expecting our presence and we cannot delay it further. Hollande must make his way to the palace. Show representatives of the fleet meeting the leader of Terraversa, and justify to them the presence of Olean ships and troops. In Westface: (The Eastern Trader, Esprit Fortune, and the repaired Terraversan brig.) As the goods were unloaded, suddenly the rhythmic stamp of military boots marching to the beat of a drum was heard from one of the streets leading to the citadel on a hill in the center of Westface. The Olean commander froze for a moment - surely, that was more than just a small patrol? Then the swift clattering of hooves from another direction, and a slower, heavier from another. Within minutes, before the Olean crew and soldiers could react, hussars had closed off the quays to the east, dragoons those to the West, and line infantry the street leading into the city. Clearly they were well-disciplined, experienced, and well equipped, their uniforms bright in the sun, and heavily outnumbering the Olean expedition. The captain of the Esprit Fortune turned to the sea, concerned with the untenable tactical situation. Would that be his way out? In forts previously passive, massive guns were being rolled out and smoke was rising from furnaces most likely used for heated shots, the sailors bane. At the same time, a fleet of three war galleons flying the flag of L'Olius cleared the point to the north, effectively closing off the harbour. He shuddered. This had been a very effectively planned and executed trap, and there was nothing he could do but stand down. His impression of the Terraversans had clearly been wrong, and now he was surrounded, outnumbered and faced with his men looking at him for orders. Before he could speak, however, a grizzled man in a general's uniform stepped through the lines of infantry followed by a haughty-looking nobleman. "Sir. You come to my port unannounced, failing to salute the duke, and with Bluecoats aboard a battered Terraversan brig! Is this an invasion? Clearly, you cannot expect to succeed?" the general barked, a tone of anger in his voice. "What is Oleon's business here? Lay down your weapons and explain yourself immediately, or face the consequences." Explain the Terraversans why you are here, but know that they are unlikely to be satisfied with you saving the brig and cargo. They will want an explanation why you were heading to Terraversa in the first place! (Explain the situation to the Terraversans. How much do you disclose? Will they be fooled by lies? Only time will tell...) To Hades with the odds! No man disarms King's Philip's forces! Entrench yourself on the dock and ships behind cargo and bullwarks, man the guns, and refuse. (Show the stand-off and meeting under a flag of truce.) Now, perhaps, would be a good time for a... little gift. Certainly the general and nobleman will be willing to discuss things amiably? (300 subtracted from the adventure treasury, and you are invited to the citadel for a friendly talk. Show the meeting in the citadel. What will the Olean representatives discuss with the general and governor?)

Montoya House, local office of the Royal Society of Natural Philosophy Licensed as part large education and part medium residence.

Congrats to the winners and good work all participants! And kudos to Drunknok for hosting a Christmas challenge that gave some innovative entries!

@MKJoshA As Captain Sulu and his crew was trying to gather all of the treasure and mounting a defense against the natives, they could see that they would be greatly outnumbered by the natives that just kept coming in from almost every side. The boatswain, commanding the defence called: "We will not be able to hold out much longer, Captain!" Sulu took a quick decision and shouted out orders. He had seen an alternative escape path that the natives were not covering. "Grab as much as you can and follow me, men!" Firing a last few shots, the defending team scurried away after the rest, largely unscathed, although a spearpoint or two had met pirate legs and arms. After finally losing the natives, the crew found a small cave in which they could take shelter for the night. Captain Zulu tallied the treasure, which amounted to 321 dbs of value. "How much did we leave behind, men?" He looked around for an answer. "About half the items, sir" a seaman replied. "Dunno if we got the most valuable ones, though..." Captain Sulu couldn't help thinking about the remaining treasure... If it was as valuable as what they already had, it was a lot of gold to leave behind... On the other hand, risking losing the more than 300 dbs they had already collected did not sit well with him either. How would he proceed? We should go back for the rest of the treasure. It will be risky, but if we wait until nightfall, and ensure the natives are not around, perhaps we can retrieve the rest? (Show a nighttime scene of the pirates trying to retrieve the remaining treasure) Let us head back to the ship and set course for home! 321 dbs is a fortune, and we cannot risk it! (Show some part of the journey back to the ship, or the crew boarding or onboard the ship before leaving.) Hmm, perhaps there is a better way? Let's get back to the ship and put the current treasure in the hold. Then we can plan how to retrieve the rest. (This will add the 321 dbs to the adventure treasury. Show how Sulu plans to retrieve the remaining treasure. Will he use a ruse, bring up a cannon, or something entirely different? Requires two builds)

@Maxim I It had been interesting exploring the ship - it was a curious mix of old and new. The ram at the front and the simple rig seemed reminiscent of the triremes of old, while the armament and the navigational aids seemed more akin to modern Halosian technology. Several of the crew of the Atlarka (at least it seems like that is the name of the ship) had noticed the model Emanuel and his crew had built, and was obviously flattered, having shown Emanuel the guns and hold of the vessel to help improve the model. Recent days, however, they seemed more absent, as if they were preparing for something. Clothes was being washed, the ship repainted and the rigging replaced. In the hold Emanuel had seen all sorts of strange trinkets and souvenirs, looking like the loot from a voyage of exploration. Perhaps the crew of the Atlarka were explorers too? It dawned upon Emanuel and his crew that they had not been able to follow the course of the ship. Most days and nights, they had been below apart from short stints of exercise, and apart from a general impression of going south, Emanuel knew nothing of their location. It was seemed clear the Atlarka was homebound, although contrary winds made it unlikely to happen soon (not before next turn...). How would the Eslandians prepare? We must make a good impression. Obviously, the Atlarkans put great stock in appearance for their homecoming. Was this pride or custom? No good taking chances - we must wash and embroider our clothes, and exercise the men in keeping rank and file. Where are we? Will we return to some odd corner of the old world, where we might find help, or to a new continent? And how can we make our way home eventually? We absolutely must determine our position. Perhaps we can fix either longitude or latitude by borrowing, stealing or otherwise securing access to navigational tools. If we are to land in foreign lands, we must be able to communicate. Surely, we can have the first mate help us learn the basics of the language? There is still the option to escape... At night, we should swim to the Arkady, depose of the prize crew, and escape. We never know if these people are cannibals, will put us to prison, or just drop us over the side. Or perhaps sacrifice us to a volcano god!

@Mesabi Heaving to, the Copperhead and the Aurora made preparations to receive visitors carrying messages to the count. As the galley approached, it became clear that it was a large class 4 war galley, well-armed and manned with soldiers and sailors of the sort clearly at home in a dirty fight. Just as the Count was starting to regret his decision, he spotted an official looking chap carrying a file of documents signalling to come aboard. He proved to be a representative of the Tellvokian branch of the Bank of Corrington. "Sir" he said to Count Mesabi with a curious accent. "As you are no doubt aware, you have accumulated considerable debts witht he BoC, and I have been sent to protect our investment." Bowing he added as an afterthought, "...and to ensure that your lordship do not... eh-hrm... get into a mind of... absconding south, erhm... forgetting your commitments with the bank..." The galley will follow you on your adventures at least for some time, and may help you if in the interest of your creditors. However, the BoC may also intervene if your actions are deemed damaging. Off the end of the long peninsula of New Oleon, the three ships encounter a fog bank, making it almost impossible to see from one vessel to another, much less to spot any reefs and sandbanks. This is the opportunity we have been looking for! Douse the lights and seek to escape the creditors - they will be more trouble than necessary! We are stronger together - set up the fog lights, fire a musket every minute and keep the squadron together. Whether you try to evade the galley, or stick together, you must indicate whether you seek port in Guelph (known as New Oleon), follow the coastline east, or head into the open sea going south.

For ship feedback and discussions, I'd suggest using the Shipwright's Guild Hall: As to the brig in question, generally, the technological upper limit of BoBs is the napoleonic wars. And since armoured ships were not really a thing before the American civil war and the clash between the monitor and the Virginia, technically this would be outside the scope. HOWEVER, there is some room for alternative technological development in BoBs, and since strapping iron plates on the sides of the ship isn't exactly rocket science, even at that time, I think it can work if explained IC as an experiment or so. (Just don't make it a habit to us the boundaries. We don't want BoBs to scope out of the age of sail) And since it will only get the same trait points as another ship of the same BoBs class it won't break the game. And I would expect it to be speed with low range, very low manoeuvre, but high firepower and hull stats, given that the iron will make her very heavy.

@Drunknok That is up to you to decide, really. We are opening up for less rigid options in the aMRCA, mainly to make it more open for players. If you want to do some elaborate planning for any of the options, you can do that. Some of them will be inherently risky, or you may indicate that you take a risky choice. Your build must somehow show the option you take. Sometimes, there will be specific requirements, but for this specific one, the options are already a bit locked, so we did not want to limit you too much. Whether you do it by microship, vignette, grand build, a series of smaller builds, is all up to you this turn. There will not always be logic in the options. But it is up to you to create that logic. They could batten down the hatches under anchor, heave to under storm sails, or just rush below. Perhaps next turn will see you driven far off course, leading to new adventures? You never know. Similarly, you may set the anchor and go to shore for safety of the crew. How will that find the ship next turn? No one knows. Yet The aMRCA is very much up to you - your reactions will define what happens, although we will play in some events and outcomes. Good luck in your adventures!

Based on leadership consensus I hereby declare the official deadline end of January, anywhere in the world. So there is stil a little time. Existing entries can be edited up to the deadline too, of course.

Get it up as soon as possible. I have suggested a grace period in court, as the 30th vs the 31st seems begging for confusion. (I got super stressed last night too, realising it was not the end of the month....)

And finally, category C:

Montoya's personal diary, Day 24, Temple Ruins Exploring the island upon which we were lost, young Baker and myself ventured inland, only to stumble upon something most marvellous. Following what appeared to be a track trodden by both men (of which we saw none) and beasts (of which we saw an abundance) we reached a clearing where several tracks converged between the cliffs. Apart from a colourful bird, which was clearly some non-descript pheasant, surprisingly, we found ruins of an ancient civilisation, almost entirely hidden amongst the jungle flora. These ruins seemed to have some resemblance to the architecture of the Mysec on Cascadia, leading me to believe that we may be stranded in the same region, perhaps even on Cascadia itself, although both flora and fauna differs somewhat. Perhaps the Mysec civilisation once spanned a large part of the Brick Seas? Young Baker rushed to the ruins... ...where he made a most fascinating find! In the center of what must have been a temple or large residence, on what looked like an alter, a most beautiful orchid was growing, apparently drawing nourishment and water from canals dug into the very cliff. Upon closer inspection, it was clear that this arrangement must have carried great meaning. While the alter had been damaged by the course of time, it seemed indisputable that it was made to honour the orchid. One can only speculate what importance it may have held for the ancient civilisation that once built these walls. If only I could discuss this with Dr. Brickingstone... After carefully drawing maps of the location, Baker and I both decided to continue exploring the island. After all, it would seem we were to share with the many birds and orchids this island as our home for quite some time. I only hope my notes shall not be destroyed by damp or mildew before we are rescued. And that the rescue will not come too soon. So many things to describe and discover... Montoya ______________________________________________________ Expedition notes, day 11, Ruins in the jungle The climate has been unexpectedly kind to us, and the birds are ever curious, following the expedition's every move so close I believe I could reach out to touch them from time to time. Earlier today, we reached a clearing in between the cliffs, where a number of natural tracks converged. Obviously, we were not the first to find the clearing, as long since, some mysterious people, possibly related to the Mysec of Cascadia (as Dr. Brickingstone suggested), had erected a temple of some sorts. I ordered the expedition to halt here and make temporary camp, so the scientific gentlemen could investigate the ruins, and the soldiers could fill our water reserves from the local creek. After a short council, each went about his own tasks. While the soldiers discussed whatever it is soldiers discuss (although I must say, the Royal Pioneers are a handy bunch on an expedition like this, able and willing to conduct themselves in these jungles!), Nathaniel and I checked out the possible routes to take from here. Most curiously, we found recent tracks of two set of boots, apparently of Halosian design, but otherwise, the site appeared undisturbed. The tracks seemed fresh, however, but probably, they were just those of another expedition. The island seems to be crowded with them these days... The two scientists rushed towards the ruins, and I heard them mutter excitedly. Something about an orchid of great cultural importance. To whom this flower may hold importance I did not catch, but I am certain they will share their findings at the campfire tonight. In any case, it seems we have found the orchid we were searching for. Thomas Mallory ______________________________________ Overview shot: I am quite happy with how this worked out, with the story shots and all. Personally, I particularly like the way the ruins are embedded in the jungle. And in case it wasn't clear, Montoya's footprints are those the Fontonajo expedition found on their search of the same ruins. It seems almost inevitable that the two expeditions should soon meet, and I hope we will be able to show it in the brick, if @Elostirion and I can both find the time :) Montoya, however, seems to have eluded discovery this time, though, but now at least we know that he is on Celestia! ;) C&C welcome, as always, and good luck to everyone with the challenge.