Bregir

Thanks, SW. The hat is the one for the painter, so not really a baseball cap. I actually think it works quite well for a soft cap-like hat with a small shade. Thanks - accidental brilliance, if anything :) Thanks, Captain Wolf. I find the angle of the shot does a lot for the build. Perhaps because it is a more natural angle, compared to the bird's view I normally use? Thanks. Genaro. If a ship can get in 3 accurate broadsides in 5 minutes, it can never be beat in a fair fight! ;) Snot might indeed be better - although that would require a lot more blue bricks! :P (Also, technically, my current background is SNOT... ;) ) Thanks - for christmas I have put on my wishlist a macro lens, so that I can use this effect more effectively. And yeah, it seems so. Still wonder the sea rats haven't replied... Thanks, Thaum. My new building space doesn't have a good place for photos, so I have to figure out something for the background! :P

Surely, you understand the difference between a government entity and a civilian one?

An astute observation, sir ;) Fletcher was also the one to order the ship to be detained. ;) Then the WTC should try to lobby for that IC. You can "send" a letter to the "Parliament" in the pm or publicly here on this thread. As I said, IC Corrington is governed by the parliaments, which OOC is all our players. To that you can add the Queen, who is ultimately controlled by Corlander OOC leadership and the court, but generally, we/she try to follow the interests and opinion of the active Corlanders.

@Mesabi We will not be filling any positions before it makes sense. The ruling body IC is the Parliament(s) , which OOC is what we discuss and decide in the Corrington PM. First step in going over Cooke's head would technically be Fletcher. ;) Or the Minister of the Colonies, which is Woodbrose (Ska). However, I think the WTC may have to accept that no governmental body will allow you to take military action against the state.

@Mesabi To Countess Mesabi, Thank you for your warning regarding the cargo of the WTC Icarus Returning. I have taken measures to have the vessel towed to a safe distance from the settlement. Should you require it, an officer under guard may supervise the towing. I am certain the unfortunate death of your crew member will be properly accounted for during the court case. Should you have any misgivings about her Majesty's courts or representatives, you may bring it up in an official complaint to the Admiralty or in Parliament. Signed Captain Jonathan Cooke, RN Colonial Governor of the Southern Isles PS. If the WTC persists in making threats against Corlander citizens, officials, shipping, or settlements, or offer to take action against her Majesty's representatives acting on legitimate orders, I shall take measures to disarm all WTC personnel and confiscate all WTC assets in the Southern Isles. Further, should the WTC proceed to land troops anywhere on the Southern Isles without express written permission from my hand, it will be considered an aggression against her Majesty and Corrington, and the aggression put down with all necessary means. Additionally, I shall recommend that the WTC is dissolved and outlawed throughout the Brick Seas. This includes, but is not limited to, landing a regiment in or around Mooreton Bay. And I assure you that any Corlander or foreign entity with the WTC's history would be denied landing troops within my area of responsibility. @Flavius Gratian To Lieutenant Lavendwood, During the recent gunnery practice, I noted good accuracy of fire, although the time between shots was less than impressive. And while it is certainly better to hit with one shot than miss with several, I trust I need not advice you that swift, accurate fire is the hallmark of every naval success. Please find enclosed your orders. Captain Cooke Lavendwood's orders: Letter to Mayor Hume: @Ayrlego

A barrister has arrived! https://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?/forums/topic/157076-cor-fb-mooreton-bay-courthouse/&do=findComment&comment=2894379 (Small unlicensed build)

Just in from the Belson Naval Court, young barrister Alex Wright, specialising in Naval Law, will be the prosecutor in the case against the crew and captain of the WTC Icarus returning.

Most of all, it's a light-hearted joke (Hence the smiley) But sure, a few points is in order to substantiate my comment: Protesting that Corlander authorities apprehend those accused of piracy. (Apprehending, not judging or punishing them, mind you.) Suggesting that the WTC should investigate itself. (Which is an obvious affront to all principles of good governance) Stating that otherwise, WTC forces will land in Mooreton Bay to "Handle all aspects of Captain Tyrells case". (Could easily be interpreted as not being willing to accept the Queens justice, if not an outright threat.) Again, OOC, I don't mind it - in fact, I find it rather interesting - but the WTC has not exactly been the spitting image of an orderly, law abiding, and loyal organisation. Which spawns reactions like Hume's when "unreasonable" requests or demands are made. As he states, there is a clear difference between authorities and civilians. And if you feel you are being unjustly treated OOC, lets take it up in the Corrington PM and find a solution. If you feel you are being unjustly treated IC, lets have some drama! (Within reason )

Another beautiful vignette. I love these little clever builds made with the specific purpose of progressing the story! My favourite part is the big cabinet. Very clever use of windows. And that letter is just spot on! Suuuuure, you keep telling yourself that... What it is really dripping with is a state insisting that its rules and laws are obeyed and its authorities respected. The WTC's insistence on being a "state within the state" is what leads to this sort of reply. Fletcher, Cooke, or Montoya would probably have replied similarly. Not due to any dislike, but due to the necessities of a state. That said, I do enjoy these IC developments. Just wondering at what I might mistakenly take as your OOC reactions or interpretations of Corringtons response

Thanks - and I agree. Somehow this very simple build turned out really nice once I set up the background and I gutted out the angles. And yes, I hope we can develop their common story further - it is super nice to finally have some young sea officers to "boss around" IC, and I think we have already created the basis for an interesting relation between the two. Re: Proving yourself, Cooke values professionalism above everything. Aaand, last MRCA, the one gunboat capture a class 3. So I have high hopes for two! :P (It had NOTHING to do with luck... ;)) Thanks - I never really notice how nicely the light and shadows had come out until you pointed it out. Had just reflected that it "looked nice" :) Thanks, BD. I always liked full lego shots but I would think any background could do, if it fits with the setting. I am somewhat disappointed with my pictures when I remove the background. Perhaps one should invest in a few large pictures of the sky in different weather? :P Also, in my opinion, battlecruisers are never obsolete! ;) Thanks, Drunknok. I would have liked to have focus more pronounced but with the size of her background and the lens I have, this was how it could turn out. And I am happy you like the story. I always try to weave in other players and recent events when suitable :)

Great build and very interesting to see the lore of Guelph developed more! I can only echo what others have said about the build, and add that I hope to learn more about the Cult of the Scorpion in the future!

Great looking rockwork and very ominous looking tower, Kaiju. The rocks look very jagged and dangerous, making it clear why a lighthouse is necessary, and I think the specks of colour works really well. The tower itself has a nice layered construction, making it look fittingly sturdy for what looks to be a dangerous location. One wonders what is really going on in there, though... ;)

Open for all, Gideon. The challenges will be hosted by each of the factions in turn :)

Great looking deer and wonderful landscape, SilentWolf! The scattered trees, rolling landscape and thick underbrush seems absolutely perfect to me for Lacryma. The trails look great at a distance - close up, it looks a little odd that they should be higher, rather than lower than the surrounding landscape. ;) Details like the little creek (your method for water makes it look like it's running merrily!) and the fallen tree, and the colourful undergrowth all makes the whole thing come alive. Very nice build and good luck on your hunt!

40 dbs has been transferred to your account, Flavius. Also, the boatyards in King's Harbour are working overtime to add to the gunboat squadrons. WIP shot:

Gunnery practice in King's Harbour. (Also, raising Corrington's shiplimits to 75.)

Captain's log, December 16th, 617 AE HMS Ironsides, moored in King's Harbour Admiral Fletcher has recently sent me a young officer, formerly first of the HMS Redoubtable. Seemed a decent enough chap. Some of these young officers have a tendency to feeling entitled, thinking that a plum is their birthright, and will scoff at anything less. Back in my day, anything copper-bottomed was a regular god send. Independent command was all one of her Majesty's officers would ever dare dream of, even if it was the lowliest transport afloat. Hopefully young Lieutenant Lavendwood ( @Flavius Gratian ) is nothing of that sort. His service record appears commendable, but he is very young to have reached 1st Lieutenant, and, being the son of an Earl, one could fear some influence of favouritism. However, with the service lacking in ships, and more so officers, I shall soon find out! He carried out the outfitting of Gun Sloop No. 1 expertly, but now is the time to see if he can lead. I have put him in command of the two gunboats, which should be ample chance to prove himself. Today, I shall be drilling the gun boats in gunnery. Although I expect no miracles, after such a short while, we will see whether the young man has been able to make the men follow him. Time will show if they will respect him too. Captain Cooke is, in the HMS Ironsides' jolly boat, dropping empty casks as targets for the gunboats. Golden watch in hand and spyglass at the ready, he will carefully gauge the accuracy of the gunners, and the time between shots. Aiming a gunboat's guns is more complicated that those of a regular man of war, as the whole boat must be turned to train the guns. ___________________ A quick little story build including raising the shiplimits (to 75) for Corrington. As always, C&C is welcome. I am quite happy with how the blurred out background works, and all lego shots have always fascinated me.

Slander and propaganda...

To Lieutenant Lavendwood, I have with great interest noted your zeal in getting Gun Sloop No. 1 launched and ready for service, and must say that your performance has been exemplary. However, leading a crew and a vessel is an entirely different kettle of fish to making them complete a clearly defined task. Looking through your service record, I have found examples of several daring boat raids and engagements, yet no mention of longer individual assignments. Hence, I hereby provisionally designate Gun Sloop No. 1 as a sloop of the Royal Navy and require and request that you take command. Your task is to work up the crew to a high standard of gunnery and seamanship, and ensure a high state of readiness. The settlement will supply you with all the gunpowder you can use, and you may call upon the other gunboat in King's Harbour for exercises in more advanced tactics. She too will answer to your orders, and must be drilled similarly. This is your chance to prove yourself ready and able as captain with your own crew. I trust you shall not waste it. I congratulate you on your first independent command, Captain Jno. Cooke, HMS Ironsides, RN Colonial Governor, The Southern Isles She is a beauty, Flavius. Love the simple, yet elegant shaping of her hull, and the 'outrigger plate' for the oars is a great detail. Overall, her whole arrangement of the oars is very nicely done, and I like that you have included a (very well made) mortar too. The lateen rig is very fitting and it's simple nature goes well with the concept of gun boats. The large flag should probably be blowing the other way, though, as they are probably not going with the wind? At least they could then either use the sails, or get better practice rowing against the wind... ;) I would like to see this and the other one rendered once you figure that out, but I think you have both a nice build, a nice presentation, and a good story and description to go with it. Ticks all the boxes on my checklist! I am a Dane myself, so the gunboat wars of the napoleonic Era is a natural interest for me. Happy to see it can inspire! (BTW, the orders above are only as permanent as you want them to be, but regardless of your further plans, I figured we might as well use the Lieutenant while we can! ;) Let me know if you want them changed at some point.)

Perhaps @Legostone can check the ship registry and then contact KB/Genaro if anything is amiss. I am certain there is no ill-will and that everyone will be happy to correct any errors.

Great idea - I love seeing other perspectives on what is going on in BoBS and a newspaper is a great vessel for this. I had earlier considered a competitor for the KPA, but I am happy to see others beating me to it. Some of my characters might be a bit startled to read this, as will others, but so far, Corrington has prided itself with a free press. The BoC is slightly concerned with the economic incentives, though, as the good count still owes a considerable sum. It seems he keeps finding other avenues for expenditure than paying back his debts.... Great idea, guys - and very WTC-ish!

Nice ship, nice waves, and nice, forebooding horizon and sky. Overall, well done, Professor! The clouds are the highlight for me. Interesting that Ghost Ships are showing up in the brick seas now!

I am impressed that this initiative worked that fast! And good to see some different design approaches. To Commander Allcock, Your initiative and resolve in shoring up local defences with the limited means at your disposal has been noted, and you can be certain that the Crown will remember your services. Personally, I trust you will keep up he good work, and hope to be able to offer you a "plum" (naval slang for favourable assignment) sometime in the foreseeable future. Orders for Gunboat No. 1 will follow at a later date. Rear Admiral Fletcher Commander-in-chief

Interesting to see a breakdown of your technique. Vessels on this scale have some challenges in shaping, so it is helpful to see how others approach it.

IC reply will come later. Letters take a while to pass back and forth, after all! In the meanwhile, I will just say that this is a perfect example of how a simple little build can be executed perfectly. And that I always enjoy builds that are more about telling the BOBS story than about the EGS. I wonder if any of the crew will testify against their captain, but we will see. The truth will be uncovered! Are you suggesting that the WTC will go against her Majesty's justice? Sounds... interesting... I thought the WTC was vying for Royal Charter... :P But perhaps you are referring to the act of piracy, rather than the arrest? ;)