Captain Braunsfeld

Fine creation!

Good. Then you can read the final chapter now.

Pontelli An almost empty street. Two rivals meet. Commodore T. Spoon: Look who's there - the infamous Captain Cookie. Captain Cookie: Well, look what the cat dragged in: my old rival Spoony. Are you still sneaking around Lady Beetle? Commodore T. Spoon: Don't you dare sending her any more tulips! You just want her to become part of your dubios harem of ladies of the night. Captain Cookie (grinning): What's wrong with that? Commodore T. Spoon: And what have you got there? Captain Cookie: A fine tulip certificate that I just found. Maybe it fell from a carriage. Commodore T. Spoon: You stole it from me! It is mine! I know it is mine! Captain Cookie: Don't waste your time. The tulip certificate is mine. (if you want some musical interpretation for this line, pls. refer to M. Jackson) Commodore T. Spoon (drawing his sword): Enough, you scoundrel! Let us fight it out! Captain Cookie (drawing his weapon): Say hello to my little friend! (they start fighting) MEANWHILE SOME PLACE NOT TOO FAR AWAY... Cut to a backroom in a tavern. The tulip traders are sitting in uncomfortable silence around their usual table. Slim Shady is worried. He has just offered 20 Ad Rem tulips for a decent price (in his opinion) of 8000 dubloons - and was met with an unprecedented awkward and surprising silence. His mind is racing. If that price is not accepted, then for the first time he would be selling these tulips at a lower price than the week before. Unimaginable! That would mean that the profits in the tulips trade would start to go down. Or maybe he would not be able to sell them at all! All of his investment would be lost. All of his dreams of wealth would be gone. He would be lucky if he were just able to keep his shop. To avoid that worst case, he would have to lower his prices significantly. He has to sell!!! Willem "Chuck" Norris is also confused and hesitant. 8000 dubloons is a lot of money, a fortune. And what would he get for this money? Merely a few colourful plants... No, this time, he will not bid for the tulips. Somebody else can. But when he looks around the table, he only sees unsmiling faces. They are probably also not buying. Sir Krantenhagen is nervous too. Why is nobody bidding for those tulips? What is happening? Slim Shady breaks the silence again: I offer these beautiful 20 Ad Rem tulips for the price of just 1000 dubloons, if you react quickly, that is. - no response - Slim Shady: I might go down to only 500 dubloons for the first bidder. Come on! - no response - Slim Shady: Actually, as we are such good friends, I could sell them to you for a mere 80 dubloons. - no response - Slim Shady: .. they will go for a Thrupnenny! - no response - Slim Shady: Ok, what would you like to give me for those twenty flowery thingies? I am willing to accept any offer! - no response - Slim Shady: Does it mean that those tulips are worthless? Then the collective panic set in... END OF INTERLUDE - BACK TO OUR RIVALS Commodore T. Spoon and Captain Cookie are still swordfighting. Commodore T. Spoon (interrupting the fight): Sorry, I think I just got a message. A little white pigeon has landed near them on a barrel. Commodore T. Spoon: Allow me to read that? Captain Cookie: Sure. Commodore T. Spoon opens a letter that the pigeon was carrying. He reads. His face turns slightly pale. He takes a second to pull himself together. Commodore T. Spoon: Cookie, bad news: the tulip market has just crashed. That certificate, that we were fighting for, is now worthless. You can keep it. Captain Cookie (laughs and drops the certificate on the floor): I don't collect scrap paper. Commodore T. Spoon: So this seems to be settled. Then what about Lady Beetle? Captain Cookie (after a thoughtful pause): Well, her dreams were built upon tulips. You can have her. Commodore T. Spoon: One last question - Ismael Oldton? Captain Cookie: Brother of Isaac Oldton? Commodore T. Spoon: Yepp. Did you bring him to Pontelli? Captain Cookie: Nope. Commodore T. Spoon: Then who did? Captain Cookie: If I knew, I wouldn't tell ya. Commodore T. Spoon: Right then. So this round was a draw. It won't be so easy for you next time. Captain Cookie: Arrrr! As they leave in opposite directions the tulip certificate remains lying on the ground. As the sun sets on Pontelli, the crazy tulip trade has come to an end. Everyone has tried to sell their tulips at the last minute - but to no avail. Two lonely figures are cleaning up the streets. First road sweeper: I think we are almost done now. Second road sweeper: It's about time. I am quite hungry. First road sweeper: Will you get yourself something to eat for your payment? Second road sweeper: Yes, a bunch of fine bananas! THE END The story overview: Something for a Lady Buying Some Flowers Captain Cookies next move Gray's Universal Store What is he doing here? The Tulip Traders Tulips in the Garden The first LTP Those Terrible Tulips The first LTP - continued The Holdup Neighbourhood Watch and a New Idea Tulips ... and sistershipping A Good Idea? A modern coin system - and someone buys a house The Final Tulip Duel (You are here) Tulips of Pontelli - 1st Epilogue New Projects 2nd Epilogue 3rd Tulip Epilogue - Back at HQ Some additional comments: I enjoyed creating this storyline and I want to thank my collaborators for their creative additions (Garmadon, Kai NRG and Capt Wolf) For those who think that this whole affair is far fetched: The storyline is based on the tulip mania that took place in the Netherlands during the Dutch Golden Age). It is considered to have been the world's first speculative bubble. So this is my simplified version of the events. I have presented the "holdup"-scene at Brickmania Antwerpen and one thing that keeps puzzling me since then is, that - while I was way from our pirate layout - someone tried to get in touch with me and missed me by half an hour or so. I would have enjoyed a serious discussion about my silly MOCs and maybe this forum is a way to reach out to me again. Please feel free to do so. What's next? We will see!

Thanks. Let's see what will happen in the next installment of this series! Thanks. I hope you have checked out the previous episodes as well. Every now and then I post a storyline here on Eurobricks.

.. and imagine, for a Pnound you would get two Gwuinees! (and three and a half Fnarthing as change) How cute is that!

Thanks - I think the red and blue houses are better ... Here's a variation of that Gwuinee-picture.

The Palace of Pontelli. Early afternoon. A number of differently shaped metal objects of various colours is spread out on the table in front of the Mayor of Pontelli, Smiling Sally. She is accompanied by Attorney Jon van Dyke (head of legal affairs) and Toktawoo (head of foreign affairs) and a Marquis from Oleon. (The Marquis is leaning on a golden walking cane, he must have made some money recently...) Sally clears her throat, briefly glances at Jon van Dyke and Toktawoo, and then commences: Well, Mister Oldton. I understand that this collection of metal is actually a new monetary system that you want us to implement. Ismael Oldton: That is correct, Mylady. Smiling Sally: You are lucky, that my old friend the Marquis d'Ape has spoken in favour of your suggestion. So, let's hear what you have to say. Ismael Oldton: What I suggest, Mylady, is actually straightforwarth. Lemme explain: This (pointing to a silverish small coin) is a Fnarthing. Jon van Dyke: Does it smell? Ismael Oldton: No, no, not yet. If you happen to have three Fnarthings they are actually worth a half Pnenny (pointing to a reddish small coin). Toktawoo: And then two half Pnenny make a Pnenny? Ismael Oldton: Not quite, not so fast. Three half Pnennys make a Pnenny. (Jon van Dyke and Toktawoo exchange looks) Ismael Oldton (continues): Three Pnennys are worth a Thrupnenny, that is that spirally piece over there. And, of course, two Thrupnennys are a Sixpnence, when you add another Fnarthing. (Smiling Sally is frowning while the Marquis seems to giggle.) Ismael Oldton: Now, I call two Sixpnence a "Robert" (a quadratic coin). And, as you may have guessed, two Roberts are the equivalent of a "Venician". Jon van Dyke: I am sorry, which of these metal pieces is the "Venician"? Ismael Oldton: That massive golden quarter of a ring over there. Jon van Dyke (trying to lift it, failing): Oh, I see. Ismael Oldton: The interesting thing is, if you have a Venician and three Sixpnence, you get an Gwuinee. Toktawoo: What is a Gwuinee? Ismael Oldton: This little furry animal. Jon van Dyke: I heard that there also was to be a Shnilling? And it was worth thirteen Pnence. Maybe that is the same as your Pnenny. Ismael Oldton: I skipped it. Who needs a Shnilling in such a well-balanced monetary system? Smiling Sally: Quite right. Tell me, what is this large piece of gold? Ismael Oldton: A Pnound. It is the equivalent of two Gwuinees and three and a half Fnarthings. Jon van Dyke: And what is that small dotted piece over there? Ismael Oldton: That is my breakfast cookie. Smiling Sally: Right. So let us imagine I want to buy something. Let's say that it is costing a Venician and a Thrupnenny. So if I would pay with a Pnound, what would I get back as change? Ismael Oldton: How would I know? Smiling Sally (talking to the guards): Mr. Oldton wants to leave immediately. He is given three hours to leave Pontelli. He is a persona non grata and will be arrested should he try to ever enter Pontelli again. (Oldton is chucked out) Smiling Sally: So, what is the latest update on the tulip trade? Jon van Dyke: The trade seems to be going crazy, Mylady. People have started to take loans just to be able to participate in the tulip trade. Smiling Sally: Because the tulip prices keep rising? Jon van Dyke: Yes. They believe this will go on forever. (new scene: A street in Pontelli) Willem "Chuck" Norris: Good to see you Mr, White. Mr. White: Goodday. Willem "Chuck" Norris: As I mentioned last week, I intend to buy this house (pointing to the tan coloured house behind them) Mr. White: Well, that is going to be quite expensive. How would you pay such a large sum? Willem "Chuck" Norris: That is going to be super easy, barely an inconvenience. I have this tulip certificate. Mr. White (smiling): Very well, Sir. Then this whole street is yours! Willem "Chuck" Norris: I like the way you do business. The story so far: Something for a Lady Buying Some Flowers Captain Cookies next move Gray's Universal Store What is he doing here? The Tulip Traders Tulips in the Garden The first LTP Those Terrible Tulips The first LTP - continued The Holdup Neighbourhood Watch and a New Idea Tulips ... and sistershipping A Good Idea? A modern coin system - and someone buys a house (You are here) The Final Tulip Duel (official end of the story line)  Tulips of Pontelli - 1st Epilogue New Projects 2nd Tulip Epilogue 3rd Tulip Epilogue - Back at HQ

It was great to see this fantastic build live at Brickmania Antwerp - and the interior shots are incredible too. It is such a well-designed, carefully crafted work of art. And @Sebeus I has threatened to build even more sets in that style! Can't wait!

Same as if they were guarding piles of gold A lot of people are busy in the tulip trade. And I need to licence all this stuff.... when I find the time...

It is not a secret, the question is, whether I remember.... The torso belongs to Hector Barbossa! Thanks. And you will get some more installments of this strange series.

Maybe you did not understand that right. Rum is still sold as rum. But now you can speculate and invest into tulip certificates. You might want to investigate more about the causes of the 2008 financial crisis (although this storyline is based upon another crisis) Thanks - yes, what could possibly go wrong? Every investment pays off the next week! Exactly. That's the spirit! You could get quite a lot to drink for a single tulip certificate... Why should this booming market ever crash?

Pontelli. An evening of tulip trade. Things are going well. (btw. the reading voice in your head for this should be the guy doing "extra credits" on Youtube...) Lady de Summer (on the left of the table): I want to sell 20 tulips. Sir Krantenhagen (on the very right): Yes, Mylady. There's plants and bulbs but I don't see none of them. Lady de Summer: Well, I am just a Lady, sitting across from you, wanting to sell some tulips. And certainly I have 20 tulips. Just not here and not with me. Sir Krantenhagen: So how do you want to sell them? There was a pause. Everyone glanced at the others. Lady de Summer: Certificate. Sir Krantenhagen: Sir Tifficate? Who's that? Lady de Summer: Cer-Ti-Fi-Cate. One word. I will sign a certificate. Like this one: (pulling up a pre-prepared document) Sir Krantenhagen: (thinking) Slim Shady: I think that will do. And it will free us from moving those tulips all around. Lady Beetle: And we can also sell tulips outside of the season. Sir Krantenhagen: You mean, just sell their certificates? There was a silent moment at the table. And then they all thought, that it was a good idea. (They did not know...) Sir Krantenhagen: ... and the price for a certificate will be? Lady de Summer: ... just like the added prices for all the bulbs and plants... The story so far: Something for a Lady Buying Some Flowers Captain Cookies next move Gray's Universal Store What is he doing here? The Tulip Traders Tulips in the Garden The first LTP Those Terrible Tulips The first LTP - continued The Holdup Neighbourhood Watch and a New Idea Tulips ... and sistershipping A Good Idea? (You are here) A modern coin system - and someone buys a house The Final Tulip Duel (official end of the story line)  Tulips of Pontelli - 1st Epilogue New Projects 2nd Tulip Epilogue 3rd Tulip Epilogue - Back at HQ

A very fine build. Quite exquisite. And grown men talking about tulips. This is how it has to be! But of course everybody knows that the Norwegian Blue is a parrot. Captain Cookie is happy to have one: But that is besides the point. Thanks for keeping the tulip topic up while I was away on Brickmania Antwerpen.

... but I forgot to also replace the dust clouds of the front wheels

So I took this to brickmania Antwerpen and used white. Looked ok to me. I heard that someone wanted to meet me there, but I was outside the building taking a break. Now I want to know: whom did I miss?

Pontelli. Early morning on a Saturday. An ordinary street. We have seen it before. The neighbours are having a discussion in the backyard. Sam: Oi, Piedro, how is it going? Piedro: Can't complain, Sam. Sam: You heard about that holdup last week? Piedro: Yes, we need protection! Sam: I see you have already guarded your garden. Piedro: Just like you. Sam: Can't be careful enough these days. A guard in the garden keeps the highwayman away. Piedro: And now our tulips are safe. Sam: I've hired some guys from Pontelli's First Riflemen. Piedro: Mine is from the Eslandola Thirthy-Fourth Marine Corps. Meanwhile the tulip trade was growing strong: we take another look into the well-known tavern Sir Krantenhagen (on the very right): I believe, Lady Beetle has a new proposal to make? Lady Beetle (next to him): Yes, I have. I'd like to trade something new. Sir Krantenhagen: And that is what, mylady? Lady Beetle (holding a small object in her hand): This. All others: What is this? Is this some kind of pastry? That's no tulip! Lady Beetle: It will be! This, my friends, is a tulip bulb. Fred the shopkeeper (next to Lady Beetle): That sounds interesting! But what type of tulip will grow from this bulb? Lady Beetle: Oh, you can easily look it up in the "Book of Tulips". It will be a "Mondial". Fred the shopkeeper: Did you write the "Book of Tulips"? Lady Beetle: No, Alberto da Pontelli has written this scientific book. I just have a copy. Fred the shopkeeper: So you want to sell us this tulip bulb instead of a real blossoming tulip? Lady Beetle: That's right. It is just a small matter of time until the tulip will blossom, so we can trade the bulb right here and now. (The others nod.) Fred the shopkeeper: And how much do you want for the bulb? Lady Beetle: Actually I have quite a few bulbs. And I want the same price for them as for a "normal" tulip. And I accept no pnounds or pnence. Slim Shady: I'll buy the bulbs. All of them. Sir Krantenhagen: Ok, then that is settled. (to himself) I'll need some new sheets of paper to keep track of this new type of trade. One question, Mylady. Lady Beetle: Yes, dear Krantenhagen? Sir Krantenhagen: How did you get into this tulip trading business? Lady Beetle: By accident. Two suitors of mine have been giving me tulips as presents. You might know them - Captain Cookie and Commodore Spoon. Sir Krantenhagen: And then? Lady Beetle: Then my house was filled with tulips and I could hardly move anywhere without stepping onto a tulip. So I started to sell them. Sir Krantenhagen: And that was good for you? Lady Beetle: Yes, the house has much more space now - and I made some money (smiles). Sir Krantenhagen: And your suitors? Lady Beetle: They lost some, I guess. You know how expensive those tulips are... The story so far: Something for a Lady Buying Some Flowers Captain Cookies next move Gray's Universal Store What is he doing here? The Tulip Traders Tulips in the Garden The first LTP Those Terrible Tulips The first LTP - continued The Holdup Neighbourhood Watch and a New Idea (You are here) Tulips ... and sistershipping A Good Idea? A modern coin system - and someone buys a house The Final Tulip Duel (official end of the story line)  Tulips of Pontelli - 1st Epilogue New Projects 2nd Tulip Epilogue 3rd Tulip Epilogue - Back at HQ

Thanks. And why does the Professor complain - he got some tulips when they were still cheap. I am thinking of changing the dust colour to white. And bring this MOC to Brickmania Antwerp next week. Yes, you may praise the dust clouds, but the coach is still borrowed from TLG You have a sharp eye. Yes, I thought that Mr White's expressions were more important than those of Dennis M.

I guess the marquis has been rich before. Although, with his habit of playing cards, he also might have lost a lot of money. In any way I was surprised to see him drink tea.

That's what I would call a decent artillery!

Fine carriage!

After all these years! Great!

Impressive! And the video makes it all come to life!

Now that is spooky - excellent!

Quite good - I like this guy with the tall hat. Has some kind of Voodoo flavour!

Thanks. I've been a fan of Lucky Luke comics for years. How did you get that tulip into your text?? (The coach is stolen from Grindelwald... ) The ox? Yes, I thought it was funny to have a "speeding" coach pulled by an ox And no bananas in this one. Well spotted! Initially the highwayman held the pistols horizontally but that did not look too good. And I am still wondering wether I should have used white clouds of dust instead. A pleasure. Well, this time Dennis is just the coachman, And it is not about lupins. But a lot of the dialog is directly "borrowed" from Monty Python. Thank you, Sir!