SkaForHire

What has been discussed is oriental culture comes from the far south of the main continent, but probably a little to the far west as well.

Corrington has decided on islands 2 and 10, Eslandola is on the clock now.

A couple last things: Factions can start to pick their new islands now. Corrington (2) goes first, then Eslandola (2), then Oleon, then the Sea Rats. Second, to help those of you out that are buying against their expected income, here is a list of how DBs will be awarded at the end of the month. There is also the tally and the prize DBs for each of the factions. They have already received this money on the scorecard. Eslandola Kai NRG 15 Captain Green Hair 15 Alfadas 15 Legostone 15 Tiddlymouthwash 15 Captain Braunsfeld 40 Kabel 15 TitusV 40 Maxim I 40 Faladron 60 Elostition 60 Sir Stif 60 Sir Iron 20 Capt Wolf 45 Tuben 15 Total: 470 * 80% = 376 DBS Corrington Tomsche 15 Bregir 95 Puvel 40 SilentWolf 40 Mike S 70 CelesAurivern 40 Brickwolf 40 Ayrlego 120 Brick On 15 SkaForHire 15 Simon S 45 Total: 535 DBS Oleon Robinnilson403 50 BlackDeathgr 40 Franco Clark 15 Khorne 60 Gideon 120 Phred 15 The Sarge 15 Total: 315 * %60 = 189 DBS Sea Rats Vedauwoo 80 Pombe 60 dr spock 40 MKJoshA 15 Bart 30 Total 225 * %40 = 90 DBS

Thank you everyone! I was thinking about this, an early 18th century ship would probably still have a pretty high sterncastle, but probably not on a brig this small. The funny thing is, when I found this hull, I thought it was my attempt at the US Brig Niagara, but it couldn't be, because of that stern. So somewhere, there is another black and tan and grey ship laying around buried in my collection. I was obsessed with extending smaller ships years and years ago, so I bought a lot of slopes for this purpose.

With New Terra growing every day, it has become evident to Her Majesty’s government that proper precautions must be made in the far seas. With a rapidly growing port in the Sea of Storms, Corrington is poised to move quickly into New Terra and across the Terraversa Sea. But, beyond the line there is only danger. Corrington’s ships sailed proudly and without fault during the last month, but Poseidon’s blessing may not be so kind in months to come. For this reason, the Naval Board has repositioned some of its warships away from the Northern Home Fleet and to the waters of New Terra to escort its many traders. Two new ships have just arrived at Arlinsport, the HMS Mars and the HMS Bull Shark. Both are modified Brigs, and pack a walloping punch. Below the Bull Shark is pictured. HMS Bull Shark by skaforhire, on Flickr Painted here in the midst of a training exercise off the coast of Tiberia, her sails are down being mended on shore, while her crew gets some needed firing practice. Today they are using live rounds for the first time since crossing the Terraversa Sea. Her smaller cannons have not been brought back up on deck, as they were packed for ballast during the rough journey to New Terra. DSC_2789 by skaforhire, on Flickr Her captain, Edmund Freise, is a renown geographer, who was responsible for charting many of the northern reaches of the continent. This is his first venture into the New World, and he is excited to grow his legacy. Besides his talent in cartography, he is an avid disciplinarian. Here he is personally drilling his crew, rather than letting his lieutenant do so. Only thirteen more men are before him on the naval rolls before he can be considered for Commodore duty. DSC_2779 by skaforhire, on Flickr The HMS Bull Shark is a Class 5 Heavy Armed vessel, and will be jumping on escort duty right away. DSC_2773 by skaforhire, on Flickr ----- This actually is a ship that I started to build over 15 years ago! I was unpacking some older Lego and found half a hull and decided to finish her, before tearing her down to start a new. This was obviously started when I didn't care too much about presentation, as I used colored plates on the bottom. However, with some PS they disappear nicely for at least one picture! It was fun "finishing her," instead of ripping her apart like I have done with a handful of other ships I have found. I did not cut sails for her, because I am taking her a part soon -- so it didn't make sense to cut custom sails.

Yes, that was crazy close. I can't wait until Challenge 2 now. It looks like we may have a rivalry going. Although, Oleon or Sea Rats might sneak up on us both!

Nice little brickbuilt rower!

IF you are loading them on ships, please let me know in the leader forum, because I did not put that question in on the MRCA form this month. But here is an easy rundown of troops: Troops cost money to build (more than the one regiment your faction starts with) Troops have upkeep. Troops can be used to: Supplement Crew value on government owned ships. Guard a fort (and Later on: Attack!) Troops are instantly moved, a leader just has to state where they are. Oh, and troops owned by players can supplement crews of private owned troops. (Mercenary company, anyone?)

Well, it was a team effort, there were 9 judges in all.

Yes, we can add them into February, that will make it easier than waiting until march and forgetting about them.

Category A 1st Corrington 1st Bregir 2nd Ayrlego 3rd Mike S 2nd Eslandola 1st Elostition 2nd Sir Stif 3rd Capt Wolf 3rd Oleon 1st Gideon 2nd Khorne 3rd Robinnilson403 4th Sea Rats 1st Vedauwoo 2nd Pombe 3rd Bart Overall Winners: 1st Bregir 2nd Ayrlego 3rd Gideon / Mike S. Category B 1st Eslandola 1st Faladron 2nd Sir Stif 3rd Sir Iron 2nd Corrington 1st Ayrlego 2nd Simon S. 3rd Bregir 3rd Oleon 1st Gideon 2nd Khorne 3rd Robinnilson403 Sea Rats 1st Vedauwoo 2nd Bart / Pombe Overall Winners: 1st Gideon 2nd Ayrlego 3rd Simon S. Challenge 1 Results: Tie Corrington and Eslandola (Tiebreaker goes to Corrington 14.669 to Eslandola’s 14.624 average) 3rd Oleon 4th Sea Rats DB Awards for this Challenge Participating in one Category= 15 DBs / PiPs / Score points to those not doing the economic system. Participating in both Categories = 40 " / " / " ALSO: Best faction build for each challenge category = 20 " / " / " Second place faction build for each challenge category= 10 " / " / " Third Place Faction build for each challenge category = 5 " / " / " Overall winner for each challenge category = 50 " / " / " Overall second place for each challenge category = 40 " / " / " / " Overall 3rd place for each challenge category = 30 " / " / " / " A builder can only receive one reward per category, the highest possible out of their two options. The reward for participating is in addition to these prizes.

How meta of you! Great little build!

Updated the membership post, if you are not on it, please let me know! News from the homeland -- Recently Viceroy Oxley has taken up a partial retirement due to crucial affairs. No longer active viceroy of the seaborne colonies, he still holds the title honorarily. Governor Denear has been promoted to Undersecretary of the Viceroyalty and will be administering this position from his current position at Arlinsport. Now of greater value to her majesty, some of his smaller duties must be taken care of by subordinates. The Queen wishes to Offer Aiden Coyle the position of representative of Tiberia in the House of Representatives -- since this is a new position in the HOR, the Queen has the right to name its first officeholder as is custom in Corrington. If he so wishes to join this esteemed body, he will be appointed to undersecretary to the Minister of Trade, where he will continue his (current, and authorized) duties as trade organizer for her majesty's lands east of Belondia. This is a class 1 Government position, the stipend of which, should he wish to take it, will be determined in the next legislative session. This position should be administered from Arlinstport, with Coyle's representative in Belson relaying his vote.

New Islands described

Island reports. After a few months of searching the near New Terran islands, rumors and reports have circulated to every Tavern this side of Oleon. These are those reports, and as your nation starts to choose an island or two. All of these islands have some sort of advantage that is hidden from the public. The first listing is a sample island with its whole listing. When your nation claims an island through the challenge, it won’t be given a list of the advantages, and those will have to be figured out through trial and error. Some are building advantages, some are mineral deposits, others are strategic, and even more are a little more obscure or mystical than that. Island Sample (has many of the features that you could find) Nickname: Cobra Island Geographical Features: Shaped like a snake, this island has a small mountain chain through the middle. It has some natural bays, but limited fresh water due to the salty content of the soil. Rumors: It is said that there is a hostile tribe on this island. It said that it is haunted by the serpent god. It is said that it has naturally fertile soil when growing tree fruit, like apples. It is said that copper is abundant. The island is said to be infested by rabits. Reality: +3DBs for every level of a Apple and Pear plantation. 30% chance to find copper when mining. -10% settlement value due to poisonous snakes raiding towns. +2dbs per level for every ranch rabbit property. +6 crew to defense roll per fortress because the island is very defensible due to high cliffs. New Batch One by skaforhire, on Flickr Island #1 Nickname: “The Pig” Geographical Features: about 35 miles across, good soft shore beaches, elevation high enough for farming. No natural cove or bay, waters are shallow surrounding the island for a few miles. Rumors: The pig is practically haunted by wild boars. It is unknown if there are natives on the island. Soil is a bit rocky, but likely can produce common foodstuffs like wheat. Silver flakes found in one of the streams. Island #2 Corrington Nickname: “New Terraversa” Geographical Features: The coasts are heavily populated by mangrove trees, and the island itself seems almost impenetrable. The northwest portion of the island seems to have a suitable bay, and there is perhaps another site on the south side of the island. The thick forests and swampy marshes of the island, where most of the water is brackish or saltwater, raise the natural temperature of the interior 10 to 20 degrees. From the ocean, one can see that there are a few large mountains in the central portion of the island. Rumors: Called this because of a small Mardier fort on a small island off the NW coast of the island. Now abandoned. It is thought that Mardier had claimed the island, but the adventurer and his party had succumbed to something on the main island before coming back to Terraversa. The soils are very much like Terraversa, and there are rumors that vast mineral wealth is abundant within the mainland. It is a huge island, and is comparable to her namesake. Sugar should grow well here. Island #3 Nickname: “The Trap” Geographical Features: A small island, no more than 30 miles long, it is shaped as an upside down and backwards “L” the inner bay seems to have become a final resting spot of at least three explorer’s vessels and crews. This is caused by a unique wave pattern that comes crushing in towards the center of the “L”. The island itself has a higher elevation than “New Terraversa” which it sits only seven miles form. It has rocky cliffs, but none of the swamps that its neighbors have. Rumors: It is rumored that a great Pirate Lord has made this island his home, and within it is a great Gold mine. Island #4 Nickname: “The Teardrop” Geographical Features: This island sits at about 55ft above sea level at its highest point, it is relatively free of forests, but does have plenty of trees scattered amongst the mostly pedestrian looking plains. No great harbor, but several places to anchor a ship safely. Rumors: This island would be perfect for sugar, but it is heavily populated with native peoples. Not much is known about them. Island #5 Eslandola Nickname: “Moon Island” Geographical Features” The highest elevation of all of the new reported islands. Has a mix of dense jungles, plains, and small mountains. No great harbor, but many safe anchorages. Good water supply, and good soil and hardwood that rivals the old world in quality. Rumors: This island is inhabited, but it is so large, that there probably is plenty of land for everyone! No other major rumors. Island #6 Eslandola Nickname: “Far Island” Geographical Features: 50 Miles long, good coves and plenty of natural bays. Most likely a strategic location, but the climate is good for tropical crops, Rumors: Some say that this island is perfect for indigo. Most likely inhabited by natives. Rumor that iron can be found on this island fairly easily. Island # 7 Nickname: “The smoker” Geographical Features: 50 to 200ft High cliffs on all sides of this small island, an active volcano that gives off smoke more than a couple times a year. Highly volatile, its eruption this year was felt as far away as Nelissa. Rumors: The high volcanic activity has led some to believe that there is gold to be mined in the cliff regions of this island. A large native tribe lives on this island, and they are rumored to be hostile. Island #8 Nickname: “The Tadpole” Geographical Features: Maybe 10 miles at its longest, and under a mile wide at points, the tadpole is the smallest major island in the region. Like the Smoker, it sits up on bluffs, and old Volcano falling back into the water through erosion. There is little soil for producing much more than rudimentary crops. However, the cliffs and its small size make it nearly impenetrable from sea. A true stronghold, with few resources. Rumors: no major rumors. Island #9 Nickname: The Wind Catcher Geographical Features: A large irregular island, formed by a volcano, most likely, the Wind Catcher has a diverse terrain and is fairly large. It has rich soils on its west end, and many natural bays and plenty fresh water. It has varying elevation, but its peaks have been worn over time. It may have an active volcano. Rumors: The soil of the Wind Catcher is excellent for tropical plants. Her native tribes are peaceful, and there may already be a Garvian settlement on the island. Island #10 Corrington Nickname: The Chocolate Island Geographical Features: One high, inactive volcano with a large landmass spreading in all directions. Many natural bays, a few outlier islands. Ample freshwater. Dense forests. Rumors: That the king of the natives on this island bathes in cocoa, and their religion revolves around the new exotic foodstuff. These natives are a distinctly different culture than all of the other islands. It is likely that cocoa and perhaps even coffee grow well on this island. Island #11 Sea Rats Nickname: “Devil’s Island” Geographical Features: Probably the best natural harbor in near New Terra yet to be discovered. Relatively low lying elevation, but evenly spread with dense jungle and much fresh water. Rumors: Not only does the island look like a devil, but there are a strange people here who are rumored to eat intruders, and have strange pets. They are hostile, but a small population that seems to vanish into the forest. There is an excellent supply of wild bananas and game here. Island #12 Oleon Nickname: The shrouded isle Geographical Features: Odd currents and wind patterns have almost permanently shrouded this island in a constant fog which rolls in and out multiple times a day. The island is heavily wooded, and 75ft at its highest point. There is a good water supply. Rumors: There is a powerful artifact on this island, one which Zeus dropped himself. This causes the clouds to be attracted to the island. It seems hard to see on this island, and may be hard to see ships approaching as well.

Excellent work! She is a real beauty, looks like your shipyard is far ahead of some of the others in design!

OMG. Wow, very nice work! Proving once again that Corrington rules the waves!

The property yield is considered commerce which results from having that enterprise established. The taxes paid to the crown come not from the owner of the building, but from his customers. So if anything, the customers or clients should have more money in their pockets. (No trickle down here, they just spend it at other places)

Can that hull really be built? Very nice build!

Oh and there is the case that the Sea Rats don't actually make money on taxes -- they get 20% FIPs but no DBs, (January was an exception to get a little money in their coffers.) SRs should be the most innovative faction when it comes to making money and defense. The thought was that we would have twice as many pirates as any one faction, but that proved to be not the case right now.

The Swift. I gave you and other leaders who built intro MOCs to kick this off full salary, even if you did not register the build.

The result of lost at sea is a 1/10 then 1/6, that is actually what happened to two ships during the january MRCA. I amworking on a few things that will lead to more experienced crew having a lower fail rate.

Very nice to see industry kicking off on Annetta! I like the felling look you have going. I suspect that we will have multiple takes on many different industries, because that is the nature of the game.

Yes that was a mistake -- SO, everyone who has registered in the last 24 hours that did not have to put their name in, must go back and resubmit the form. It should be fixed now!

The MRCA form is now available again for this month. Note, there is now a section for pre-set convoys. If you are part of one that has been registered, you can just put the name of the convoy in, and skip the rest of the work. You should probably tip your convoy leader for setting up the convoy though! they still have to do the work! Also, a note -- the MRCA will run the same as it did last month, although we have some interesting changes coming up in month three.