Bregir

And category B:

To the Royal Society of Natural Philosophy, Upon venturing into the jungle of Celestia with Dr. Albert Brickingstone and the rest of the expedition, we chanced upon a number of curious birds. Curious in both their appearance and their behaviour. The avians of Celestia appear unimpeded by fear of people, and we were able to approach them quite closely. In fact, had we not, I feel confident they would have approached us out of sheer curiousity! The most fascinating by far is a large bird clearly related to the common pheasant of northern Halos, much priced by hunters and palatial estates for its royal appearance, particularly the long tail of elaborately coloured feathers. However, the Celestian Pheasant (Phasianus Celestiales) differs in two, perhaps three important aspects. First, its colours are much brighter. Just like the common pheasant, the male bird is much more elaborately coloured, with orange cover feathers for its wings and chest, a red beak, and a dark red plume upon its head. Its wings also appear to be must larger than those of the hen, which is less extravagant in colour, being tan apart from an orange plume and long bright orange tail-feathers, shared with the male. Second, it appears to eat fish, apparently catching them in the streams, ponds and rivers of inland Celestia, something setting it very much apart from the common pheasant of Halos. This observation, as well as general behaviour of the birds, have led me to conclude a third possible difference: That contrary to the common pheasant, the Celestiales is of much higher intelligence. This must be determined through further study, which should prove simple, as the pheasant is found in great numbers across the island. I will also add that the bird seems to be nesting on the ground, laying large bright azure eggs, and that the male bird cares for the hen during the incubation period, bringing her fresh fish. Further study will reveal whether this continues after the eggs have hatched and whether the pheasants are monogamous. Your Humble Servant Sir Anton Hughes PS. Please find enclosed a few sketches of the Phasianus Celestiales and a few other birds encountered on the island. Phasianus Celestiales: Here shown at its nest, the azure eggs clearly visible, as is the colour and size differences between the male and female bird. Non-descript, fan-tailed songbird: This bird followed the expedition throughout the day, its melodious, although insistent, song tirelessly filling our ears with music. Unknown sparrow: A small non-descript sparrow, found in large numbers throughout the island. _______________________________________________________ Unfortunately, I was not able to get more than one Cat. B. entry built, but I enjoyed putting together these little birds. C&C welcome.

Category A:

Many asked why the street had been named Montoya Street, but it all came down to some rather mysterious circumstances of Don Isaac Montoya's disappearance. Having departed for Tortuga to meet with Captain Benjamin Morgan to try to establish some form of diplomatic contact to the Sea Rats, none had heard from him for months. As a grand initiative to explore inland Celestia and find the fabled superb orchid had been announced, the Royal Society of Natural Philosophy had naturally started planning an expedition of its own, in which Don Isaac Montoya had been expected to take part. However, there was no sign of him, and to honour his memory, the RSNP had named their new premises in Jameston after the chairman believed to be lost. And with "Montoya House" placed at the end of the street in question, the name "Montoya Street" had quickly caught on. Montoya House was gated by a Triumphal Arch celebrating the triumphs of science. Upon passing the arch, visitors are met with a glorious manor consisting of three wings in the latest Corlander style. One wing holds the stables and storerooms... ...while another holds dormitories and offices for visiting scientists. The main wing holds a lecture hall on the second floor, and a kitchen on the first floor... ...as well as a library with all the latest volumes and a large dining hall. These arrangements ensures that the RSNP can entertain scientists from all over the Brick Seas, ensuring them ample space, material and opportunity to delve deep into the scientific wonders of the island. It is expected to become the staging point for many an expedition into the interior of the island in the years to come. One such expedition is preparing to set out just these days. From left to right: Dr. Albert Brickingstone, anthropologist of Cascadian fame, who had been stranded for years, living amongst the Mysec of Cascadia, studying their history, language and culture. Sir Anton Hughes, physician, now on leave from his medical duties to delve into his other passion: Birds. Thomas Mallory, adventurer and tracker, and his assistant Nathaniel Parker. They take care of the practical parts of the mission, navigating the jungles, identifying edible plants, tracking birds and beasts, humble tasks that the RSNP intellectuals are rarely willing (or able) to care for themselves. Royal Pioneers, ensuring safety, drawing maps, and doing the heavy lifting. One never knows what dangers the jungles may bring! ______________________________________________ A few more pictures can be found in my Flickr. I am quite happy with how this turned out, actually. As always, C&C is welcome.

For the act of fishing, I would go for artisan, unless it is on a somewhat "industrial" scale, in which case plantation could work. If the build shows the trade of fish prominently, commerce can work too.

The King's Harbour boatyards have finished the design of two class two gun sloops: Gun Sloop No. 2 Artillery Sloop No. 1

As part of the initiative to build gunboats for colonial protection, the boatyards in King's Harbour have been busy designing and building two types of gunboats to augment the effective, but rather small, Colonial Gunboat Mark I, the similar WTC designs, the converted whale boats of the Paradise Islands, and another heavy gun sloop out of King's Harbour. This has resulted in the following two designs: The Artillery Sloop No. 1, and Gun Sloop No. 2. Artillery Sloop No. 1: A heavily armed gunboat favouring firepower over agility. The main propulsion consists of the sails, while the oars serve mainly for short range manoeuvring, training of the guns, and calms weather attacks. At the bow, a 32 pounder carronade is mounted for close quarter combat, together with two heavy mortars for long range. At the stern, two 18 pounders are placed. Overall, this small mortar sloop has the firepower of a far larger ship, and can punch holes in any enemies it may encounter. Gun Sloop No. 2: A swift and agile gun sloop for coastal and port defence, as well as local patrolling. In a calm, such sloops may attack becalmed vessels, which are helpless to return fire. The 18 pounder at its bow can punch holes in all but the largest vessels, and the small mortar at the stern gives some extra firepower for long range engagements. Apart from the 10 oars, the gun sloop is a swift sailor. The lug sail and mast can be stowed when not in use. Both will be licensed as class 2 warships.

During a short lull in the debate, a Secretary came up to Guilder, whispering into his ear: "There is a rather winded young gentleman wishing to bring you a message, sir. In the uniform of a Corlander naval lieutenant too." Upon being admitted, the young man made it to the Admius Legistrad, bowed respectfully, and handed over a letter, doing his best to hide his exhaustion. He had obviously been running, but he was immaculately dressed in his finest uniform. The letter read: "To the colonial assembly of Eslandola, It as come to our attention that we share a common concern with the Sea Rat privateers, mainly operating out of Bastion. Corlander vessels too have been attacked recently, as have Eslandian, and while we have little interest in lumping all Sea Rats together with these villains, we cannot abide threats to the safety of our citizens and yours. While the Royal Navy will continue to carry out its orders with determination regardless of the odds, cooperation with the other Grand Navies of Terra Nova is most welcome. Should the grand galleons of Eslandola wish to join us in our campaign against those who would threaten peaceful trade, the Royal Navy will be honoured to sail alongside you, putting aside any possible differences arising from our common history. It is our hope that you will accept this outstretched hand and have a reply to Rear-admiral Fletcher, who will act as representative for the Royal Navy during this campaign. The Lieutenant is at your disposal as courier. Signed Undersecretary of trade G. Robertson

@Mesabi The WTC marine captain was somewhat baffled upon leaving the office of Countess Mesabi. She was not one to be taken lightly, but the task ahead was no easy one. They had ten islands of various sizes to search, no idea where to begin, and only very few men to do so. On top of this, the countess had not seen fit to outfit them with a boat, which left them in quite a pinch. "Any of you lads swim?" Obviously, swimming was not an option. Show the group buying, building, or otherwise "procuring" a boat or other conveyance, and making their way towards an island of your choice. It must be clear what island is chosen. (Note that the location of the Pirate lair has been decided and is independent of what island you pick. Hence, you may or may not pick the right island first) Alternatively, show the group getting intelligence on the location from local citizens, sailors, or some other source. (This may or may not result in useful intelligence next turn narrowing your search)

Certainly, hence the "unlimited". :) However, it will only count as one entry and be judged as such.

Where is the council currently seated? I seem to remember you have a horrible democratic habit of moving around... ;)

The MRCA is the ingame actions we do with our ships. It typically runs every month or so, depending on the speed of which the last one is rolled by the game masters (BTW, the AMRCA results are slowly coming along. Sorry all for the delay). So when you have your first ship, Corrington will help you with some good advice, but for the trade MRCA, what you do is basically moving between two ports in range of your ship and trading or patrolling. :) You can read the results of the last one in the Kings Port Advertiser published recently. (Topic somewhere below.) Edit : Here it is https://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?/forums/topic/158360-kings-port-advertiser-and-ship-list-vol-3-issue-1-january-618/

I have some quite large entries for a and c that I need to photograph and at least one cat b :)

Damn, Drunknok, you are on FIRE! And very high quality builds too - very well done!

"Nonsense! Eferybody knows zhat ze Terra ist donut shaped! And zhat zailning into ze zenter hole will lead to meeting ze grey monster of ze abyss!" - Some priest of some Carnian Cult. Really nice write-up, Capt Wolf! I am highly amused and the current set up really makes it quite easy to understand what really happened. Well done!

Is this your first age of sail era vessel? Looks really good, with a lot of good details. I really like the use of the old windows, and the overall shape is really nice. Most people struggle with getting such organic shapes. If anything, your horisontal curve is a bit off, the curve sort of breaking off at the ends. I don't know if that makes any sense, but let me try to "draw" it below. The first is your curve, the second the "real curve", both exaggerated for effect :P I would go with two masts for a vessel this size, specifically a brig. I looked at some pictures of brigs and I think you should relocate the foremast to just aft of the foremost gunport and the mainmast between the 5th and the 6th gunport. (Here I am assuming that all the red patches are gunports) Keep in mind that on a brig, the aftmost mast is the mainmast and should be taller. Further, it carries a very large spanker sail. If you maintain the foremast as the mainmast, you will be building a ketch, which will generally have the masts placed similarly to your current setup. The galleries on the sides are generally called quarter galleries. I think they are looking good, although they might be strutting out a bit too far. But honestly, bow and stern are the hardest parts to make, and I think your work so far is really good.

@Phred - can you add @LM71Blackbird to the accounts sheet?

I'll mention it in the account topic and get your account set up.

Normally, people progress their story by posting a build with a story in a new topic. Some link them all together in a long story thread, and sometimes things are linked here too, but mainly if it has national interest or you want someone's attention.

Confirmed for the madman part, but only for naval officers on the colour part Dark blue (revolutionary soldier) torso'es and red legs is the way to go for any respectable officer of her Royal Majesty's Royal Navy!

Just a few comments to 2) You can start out with any ship you want/can build. However, you can license one free class 2 vessel from the beginning, so that is where most people start. I would also suggest starting there, as most people find it more fun to work up from relatively simple beginnings, rather than starting out as a too powerful character. It also makes for a more believable character, that people are more likely to want to interact with. :) and... 3) In Corrington, we have defined some ranks that are free for the players to play in the royal navy and the army (up to Captain for the Army and Commander for the navy). Promotions above that have to be earned and granted by the crown. You can technically have all the troops and ships you can afford. (They have to be paid for, if they are to be used for game purposes) If you decide not to license them, you can have all you can build. (But they will only have a limited effect on actual game events.) Corrington, Eslandola, and Oleon represent countries, and military and diplomatic decisions are made by central governments, so if what you are going for is total freedom to use your troops and ships as you please, the Sea Rats is the place to go. If you are interested in playing part of a national army or navy, you can of course do that within the other three factions. If you want to operate a private, mercenary army or navy, you can technically do that in any faction, but I think the sea rats with its limited government would be the place to go. In any case, welcome to BoBS! :)

I am sure all the factions will be happy to welcome you, sir. For faction choice and your first few steps in BoBs, this guide may be helpful : https://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?/forums/topic/147995-a-quick-start-guide-to-brethren-of-the-brick-seas-bobs/

Great looking entry, LB! I like how you have combined the middle Eastern Mokolei with Chinese festival activities - and your success in doing so showcases why we should not let real world influences be a limiting factor, but instead let it serve as inspiration. The dragon and the rest of the parade is well done and the hanging lanterns a great touch. The surrounding buildings are great too, and I like the staircase and market stall. That you then tie it into the Mokolei expedition is just perfect! I'd suggest you link this build in the adventure topic too, as it is part of that story. I shall be looking forward to seeing what happens in the meeting with the satrap! Will the diplomat and ETTC representatives be joining too? :)

Lovely church, Flavius, and the stained glass windows are simple yet effective. I am also loving the introduction of a new faith (particularly that one... Might be predisposed... ;)) and hope you will develop it further in the future.IIf I can find the time and opportunity, I might want to join those efforts. As to slow commenting, I personally find it hard to keep up these days, but I will try to take the time! :)

Not I, but now I have very high expectations for some life-like brick built arachnids! Two weeks sounds like a reasonable timeframe to me. I think it has been similar in the past, if perhaps a little shorter?