Bregir

Great depiction of the process, the tools, and the finished products. As others have said, particularly the picture with the light is very nice. With the amount of details you have all around, I don't think you need worry too much about the walls. Sometimes, a wall is just a wall, after all, and glass blowing is a dirty process, so you wouldn't want stucco or paneled walls anyway... ;)

I was about to comment on the young midshipman being unlikely to be able to ever pass for Lieutenant, unless he could make his rowers ply their oars the proper way, but it seems that little blunder had been corrected ;) I do think the rowers should be drilled a bit more, as their current oar angle is less than coordinated! :P I think I have commented on this design before, but in any case, I will say that it looks absolutely fantastic. Very nice way to shape the hull, and a perfect vessel for the gunboat class. Also, I am thinking that this one is moving into class 2 territory. It is quite a bit bigger than many of the current class 1 boats out there. (Eg. My own old colonial gunboat and Drunknok's mark I.) Thoughts?

Great improvement over the mark I, Drunknok. And with the crew, gun and oars mounted, it looks very good. More hinges could make her look even more harmonic, but I think you've done a good job here. One thing I would suggest for your next vessel is to consider her keel. Virtually all vessels of this period had a centerline keel running from stern to bow, something that can always be seen on the design, particularly at the bow, where you will always see a vertical plank (the keel) where the boards from starboard and port meets. Other than that, I wish the WTC all the best with their new fleet of gunboat, and suggest that you license them in the name of the WTC settlements. Remember that settlements can own vessels up to their level., so they should be able to own at least one each. In any case, I am happy to have inspired these builds.

Great looking troops, Ayrlego - you really have a knack for fig barfs! Also: Masting sheer now operational in King's Harbour as the first major facility for the naval base.

Masting sheer now operational in King's Harbour as the first major facility for the naval base.

From the onset, King's Harbour was established with the very purpose of establishing a base for the Royal Terra Novan Navy. Until now, this purpose has been well served by the natural harbour, a few batteries, and quays where ships can be resupplied from the rich resources of the island. However, with Corlander naval presence increasing and following a number of skirmishes with pirates of different sorts, more organised naval facilities are required, and King's Harbour has started a process to expand its abilities to service larger vessels and more advanced repairs and refits. The first step in the build up is a masting sheer, a crane specifically designed to lift masts into larger ships. The lower masts of larger vessels have to be lowered vertically into the hull, as they cannot be raised by a simple process of pulleys and ropes. While not able to lift great weights, the new masting sheer at the King's Harbour Naval Base can handle the masts of even the largest ships of the Brick Seas, and lifts high enough to be able to handle even topmasts and topgallants for smaller vessels. Quickly after its inauguration, the masting sheer had its first task, shifting the topmasts of the schooner Blazer, just in from Jameston on the Paradise Islands. Captain Norman Monroe is drilling his crew and preparing them for the heavy task of getting the guns back on board. He has been considering the option of mounting 18 pounders, but the original 4 pounders are easier to handle for the merchantman's limited crew. The inside of the masting sheer is empty, and the stone structure is only there to support the crane on the top. It only houses the pulleys and a set of stairs to allow maintenance of the top of the crane. The crane is operated by a large capstan normally manned by 4 sailors. In case of heavy lifting, up to 12 men can be stationed at the bars. ____________________________________________ This build has been ready for some time, but I have simply been too busy posting it. While I am quite happy with the build, the pictures didn't come out as well as I wished for. I think the light settings on my camera has been off, as I did take the pics on a sunny day with plenty of light. As always, C&C is welcome. This is largely inspired by the masting sheer on Holmen Naval Base in Copenhagen, and is the first part of what I expect to, over time, become a royal artisan for King's Harbour. I am not in a rush, though, so we will see how long time it takes! Also, not that I here show the Blazer with all her sails furled - remember I promised that earlier? Well, now I actually did it! ;)

Thanks! Real as in it works in the brick, yes, real as in historically accurate? I highly doubt it, but I can't really know!

Elevation Station No. 3 has been opened. 1024 studs, and an entry into the Engineering of the Wagonway minichallenge. Was fun to build - thank you for organising the collab, Brickwolf - if time permits, I might add another part to the wagonway later. :)

The Royal Cocovian Wagonway brings goods and raw materials from the interior to the trade hubs in King's Harbour, Poi-Poi, and Quinnsville, and ensures trade between the three settlements. However, Cocovia is far from flat and the wagons are ill-suite for anything but a very slight incline. Hence, in strategic locations, elevation stations are erected, lifting or lowering the railcarts and their goods by different mechanisms. Elevation Station No. 3 is one of the simplest, and the elevation is simply provided by a large hand operated winch.

@Maxim I After a few weeks, a Messenger returns to the prince. “Prince Damaximus, we have searched all of the libraries of Stedor, but references to the Alleenrider name are far and few between. We know that once they lived in this city, but now their name is a distant memory. However, we have found references to a crypt in the city of Deliah, that could provide more information about your quest. It seems it was built by the Alleenriders long ago. However, Deliah is in Mokolei territory, and they will be hostile to anyone who associates with the Tellvokians. References? This warrants further investigation and certainly there will be other relevant sources if you know what you are looking for! And while the Corries got many things wrong, a little more knowledge never hurt anyone venturing into the unknown... Go investigate the libraries and archives of Madin. A crypt built by the Alleenriders? Leave a skeleton crew at the ships and the embassy, and saddle the horses... or camels... or whatever, and set out for the crypt! It may be risky, but there are rumours of Mokolei grave robbers in the area - we should not risk letting them get there first... Set course for Deliah. Neither the libraries nor the crypt is likely to yield anything - What matters is our relations to the Tellvokians. We must solidify our connection before running off on some fool's errand. Organise further diplomatic talks in Madin. Tellvok and Madin is obviously of little importance to the Allenriders - we must go further south towards the source. Show your expedition continuing by sea. At least two builds required (Trador and Maxim). What direction will the expedition take, and what will it prioritise? Adventure or diplomacy? Research or action? __________________________________ A few notes: Mesabi's adventure has been split out of this adventure into its own. We have assumed (please correct me if I am wrong, Maxim) that the two properties have been financed through local Tellvokian banks at a 40 % rate, meaning that Trador pays 35 dbs (25*1.4) and that Maxim pays 105 (75*1.4), and that the WTC Copperhead has been financed by the adventure treasury and is now a matter between Maxim and Mesabi. That leaves the 50 dbs building permit. Is that financed by the adventure treasury? In that case, the adventure treasury is decreased by a total of 250 dbs. __________________________________ Last, but no least, the builds. So far, my only misgivings about the adventure MRCA are that 1) we did not get results out as quickly as we had hoped this time, and 2) that I have not gotten around to commenting on all these lovely builds! So let me just quickly squeeze in a comment: Mesabi's little smoking room is well done and full of nice details, and apart from the "good" count's opinion on Montoya, I quite like the story Maxim, that little temple is really nice - perhaps one of my favourite builds of your in this scale. The dome is flawlessly included and the pillars at its bottom works perfectly. Well done! The embassy itself is fabulous too, and I am happy to see you have included an interior. The shot from the entrance in between the two wings perfectly showcases its grandeur, and I think you have achieved a great fit for what I have imagined Tellvok being like. My only comment on this excellent build is that the courtyard seems a bit bland. A few details on the ground would have made it look more realistic. All in all great builds, and looking forward to seeing where this all goes!

To all Sea Rats, Her Royal Majesty, Queen Annetta of Corrington, recognises your right to be free, without sovereign, and has taken measures to investigate and prosecute captain Tyrell of the WTC Icarus Returning upon suspicion of Piracy. However, Her Majesty cannot accept incursions upon the safety of her citizens or shipping. Thus, Corrington hereby requests that the Sea Rats cease all attacks on Corlander vessels in return for an immediate termination of all aggressive patrolling by the Royal Terra Novan Navy. Should you accept such a general cease fire, Her Majesty will take that as a sign of general good faith. However, Corrington will hold all Sea Rats responsible for each other upon their honour as gentlemen, and be forced to consider any further attacks as an official declaration of war. Recognising that the Sea Rats is but a loose confederation of settlements and individual agents, Her Majesty is aware that such a general agreement may not be possible, and that some Sea Rats may not feel able to answer for their brethren. Hence, Corrington is willing to make bilateral agreements with individual settlements, mutually ensuring each other against attacks and offering open ports, outside the necessary blockade zones. Her Majesty hopes that relations with the Sea Rats can be normalised and later improved, and now asks that you convene and decide upon your position in this matter. Corrington shall respectfully await your response, be it a general agreement of cease fire, or bilateral agreements, and will make its dispositions accordingly. In service of her Majesty, Rear Admiral Fletcher Commander-in-chief Royal Terra Novan Navy

Interesting developments and a nice little build. May I hereby wish you all the best of luck with your new venture!

Brilliant set of waterlocks, sir, and set in a very nice atmosphere. I like the way you have presented the build too, with all those nice angles and many different scenes included. It seems like a considerable infrastructure project, and os very well executed in brick, photography and story. Ticks all my boxes! :)

This last MRCA, this fleet was only patrolling for independent pirates and if we can reach a suitable closure to our little diplomatic incident, I assure you this will not change. I have a fairly good idea what official Corlander policy is, and I intend to follow it...

@Drunknok Gunboat That was fast! I like the use of the "backside" of the brick bricks for planking, and the snot work on the side. I agree with BD that it is a bit wide compared to its length, but not by much, and that it could benefit from a few more hinges. As BD said, it seems a bit too arrow-tip-like. Typically, it would be widest in the middle or a little in front of the middle, and then rounded towards the bow, and getting narrower towards the stern. Overall the shape is pretty good, though. The Big One That is going to be pretty damned big, sir! Seems like a very ambitious project and I will be looking forward to following it. I would suggest two things for now. Add a slight curve to your gun deck, by gradually raising the guns towards the bow and stern so that the fore fore and aft most guns are about a brick in height higher than the middle ones, with the aft most guns perhaps being a plate or two higher than the foremost. If you look at pictures of sailing ships you will see that very few of them have entirely straight rows of gunports, and that those which do often look less elegant. Cannon Looks good! For the large ones (36 pounders) perhaps you should turn them upside down, so to speak, so that the bottom stud, which is a larger opening, points outwards instead? @Ragni Norgrimson She is an absolute beauty! And most builders I know start from the keel up, not from the bow backward - an interesting approach! How do you ensure horizontal strength? Is it hinged together by technic connectors, simply by brick beams? It doesn't look like your first ship, so I am assuming you have tried it all before... ;) The shaping around the bow is excellent and your headrails look great. I don't personally think she is too round, but it depends a little on the period. I think later ships would have a sharper bow. For suggestions, it seems like you might be forgetting the chainplates? (For fixing the shrouds to the hull) Could you show a picture of her from the side? I hope you will keep us posted on your progress, and if you are tempted to join BoBS "properly", I know 4 factions aching for shipbuilders! ;) @Maxim I She is promising to be your best ship yet, and that is saying a lot! I actually think she is a lot nicer than the original! ;) The gentle curves of her hull are superbly elegant, and I can't really suggest much, so instead I will ask a question: The five ports on the lower deck - what were their purpose historically? Did she carry guns there, and what guns? She seems to large for bunker oars, and five of them wouldn't get her anywhere, I guess. Anyways - it seems curious and I'd love to know if you research has unearthed anything on this. :) A little patience would suit you well, sir.

@Captain Genaro @KotZ @Bodi @Dukesc RNTC: The expedition has now effectively been split up, with Hollande and the main fleet reaching Kings Port on schedule, while the Eastern Trader and the Esprit Fortune has gone to save the wrecked sailors. On board the Esprit Fortune The shipwrecked vessels were swiftly determined to be Terraversan,as was their crews. Of the four ships only a brig-of-war and a small traders sloop is still afloat, although the brig is badly damaged and in risk of sinking. Her hull is filled with weapons and supplies, but it will take significant repairs to make her seaworthy once more. The captain of the Esprit Fortune has been entertaining the Terraversan captain and first mate, who in their intoxication gave away that the mission of the Terraversan squadron was to bring weapons and supplies to Prio to support the Duke of Prio in his own struggle against Mardier. Apparently, the two young nations consider themselves brothers in arms. And now they are asking you to help them in delivering these supplies - saying it would be a great service to Terraversan independence. That their mission is critical. However, your orders were clear: Save the sailors and proceed to Kings Port at all possible speed. Damn that drunk - Hollande is incompetent and helping the Terraversans will surely grant me their favour, and hence that of both Crown and RNTC.There are a few options here... We will take the time to repair the brig before sailing towards Prio to deliver the goods. Show your carpenters and crews making repairs on the holed hull of the brig. There is no time to waste. Reload the cargo into the Terraversan sloop, the Esprit Fortune and the Eastern Trader and head for Prio. Show the crowded decks of the vessels as they make their way east towards Prio. Orders are orders for any respectable Olean officer. It is not my place to question them! The RNTC shall get what it asked for. Leave the supplies and set all sails for Kings Port. Show part of the process of setting sails. These supplies will be valuable to either the Terraversans or the RNTC. Let us load them and head towards Kings Port. Show the process of loading or stowing the weapons and supplies. The brig has value to the young nation. Make temporary repairs and set out towards Westface, the closest settlement. Show temporary repairs, perhaps a fothering sail or similar? In Kings Port The first boat to arrive at the squadron was not, as expected, the harbour master, but instead a local representative from the order of the faith. And the local priest of Hades was not pleased. "Where is the rest of the squadron? I was promised five vessels, and here I see but three!" It was obvious that the Faith was not happy, and they could be terrible enemies or powerful allies throughout the Brick Seas. The priest left after requiring Hollande to meet him ashore as soon as possible, just as the harbour master's official launch set out. "Kings Port is a busy harbour and extends all possible service to the visiting ships. However, for that, we charge 40 dbs per vessel per month. I expect no objections..." (120 dbs taken from adventure treasure) The harbour master said with some pomp. "And might I ask of your purpose here?" Both the order of the Faith and official Terraversa is requiring your attention, but perhaps other pursuits would be more constructive? The order cannot be offended. Meet the local priest as requested and discuss your plans and those of the faith. Show the temple (can be a microbuild, or an interior, or a full temple) and describe the conversations happening within. What is it the Order wants? It will be suspicious if we do not make an official visit to the Terraversan authorities. Show the meeting with local officials. Who do you meet and what do you discuss? As long as we pay our fees, they will think we are just another trade fleet. What we really need is to gauge the atmosphere. We must make secret contact to Mardierian Loyalists. Our relations to Mardier will surely gain us access to their secret circles. What power would it not give us to wield them as an ally, exploit them by blackmail, or to reveal them to the Terraversans? There is nothing to lose. At least three builds required, but more encouraged. These may be distributed freely, but at least one build is required to progress any of the two parts of the mission. There are many dilemmas to face for both subgroups - how may the Terraversans react?

I will check up on this calculation. Together with this: I am starting to question the validity of the data. The ETTC ships are most definitely in the registry. (Just looked them up in the Corlander fleet list)

Oh, I think I confused something. Thought it was a Sea Rat vessel. Perhaps @Captain Genaro or @Kolonialbeamter can help you, then. :)

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't she one of the 3 moc-free license free class 5's that every faction always has?

Sea Rats, including faction ships, attacked us last MRCA. We declared bastion outlaw, and subjected it to a blockade, leading to some collateral damage as a side effect, since we cannot target specific vessels. This declaration included a message to handle the culprits to avoid our sanctions, but this was met with no reply. In fact, there was little reaction from Bastion at all. (EDIT: This last statement was not justified, although there was never a resolution to the communication. I blame my horrible memory. Sorry.) Let me know if you have a different version of the events. I see no hypocrisy in our actions. We have done as we have said. In addition, we had a rogue captain attacking sea Rats outside this blockade, something that was never sanctioned by official Corrington. Hence the message to the mayor in Mooreton Bay to apprehend the suspected pirate and investigate the incident. He is considered a criminal, if the rumours are true. Official IC replies will follow :)

To mayor James Hume, I hereby require and request that you take measures to detain the captain of the WTC Icarus Returning on accusations of piracy, and detain the vessel and its crew in port, while undertaking investigations into the matter. Find enclosed a copy of the latest KPA. I trust that I need not remind you that this is a serious matter, and that her Majesty cannot tolerate her orders and intents being countered by rogue individuals. With all expectation that matters will be handled justly, I await your official report. Rear Admiral Fletcher Commander-in-chief

The KPA is your best bet: Also.... SAY WHAT?!? :P ;)

To Captain Silas Pike, ( @Kwatchi) The Royal Nova Terran Navy is still receiving dispatches from all over the Brick Seas and shall be carefully considering the situation. We thank you for your input in ensuring full disclosure. However, I strongly resent your reflections upon my honour, and more so, the honour and honesty of Her Majesty and the Royal Navy, and can only assume this relies on a misunderstanding, and that such reflections will be fully retracted. I assure you that her Majesty has neither ordered, nor sanctioned, any attacks on Sea Rat shipping outside the quarantine zone around Bastion as formerly communicated. Should any citizen have trespassed against Corlander law and policy, we are perfectly willing to take the necessary legal action. Corrington does not accept such disorder. Please forward any evidence pertaining to the transgression and we shall investigate further. Corrington has no wish for war with the Sea Rats and fully respect the freedom of the Sea Rat settlements, who have maintained friendly and lawful relations to Her Majesty, and hope that such relations can be maintained and developed. We have sought to deepen diplomatic bonds, and although such ventures have so far, due to the disappearance of our diplomat, the esteemed Don Isaac Montoya, lead to no tangible results, the mere mutual intentions behind such efforts is to be respected. However, should you or your brethren decide against such positive relations, Corrington stands ready to defend herself. Lastly, I wish to remind you that Corrington did not let the infamous piracy of a few of your number lead to lasting damage to relations or outright war, and we hope that you will regard the transgression of individual citizens with reciprocity. In service of her Majesty, Rear-Admiral Fletcher

Gunboats for the Colonies Corrington calls all boatyards to submit designs for gunboats (class 1 & 2) for port defense in Terra Nova! Your humble servant Rear-admiral Fletcher

Gunboats for the Colonies Citizens of Corrington, shipwrights of the Brick Seas, and boatyards of Terra Nova. The Royal Navy hereby initiates a building program for gunboats to protect the harbours of Corrington. This building program includes two classes of vessels, both using oars as main propulsion for maximal maneuverability, often utilising sails as secondary propulsion: Gunboats (Class 1) Small vessels with a large cannon mounted in the bow or stern. Typically 4 to 8 oars and makeshift rigging. Gun sloops or light galleys (Class 2) Larger vessels with heavier armament carried in the bow or stern. Typically more permanent rig and better open sea performance. May carry mortars or howitzers for secondary armament. 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.) Accepted designs will be bought into the Royal Terra Novan Navy at 25 dbs for class 1 vessels and 40 dbs for class 2 vessels. They will be named by type (eg. "Gunboat") and number (eg. "No. 2") and constructors are invited to propose a gifted boatswain for command. The crown will then review the qualifications and make appointments accordingly. 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 1 or 2 vessel) The Crown will assign these vessels to harbours as they are finalised, based on tactical needs. Signed Rear-Admiral Fletcher Commander, Royal Terra Novan Fleet PS. The Crown thanks the Montoya estate for its offer to finance this building programme.