CelesAurivern Posted January 8, 2016 Posted January 8, 2016 (edited) Foreword from the author Salutations, dear BoBS. This is my attempt at a story revolving around a young nobleman who is discovering himself, in the age of discovery. (How apt.) The story will be told in mini-episodes. While I'll try to build a scene for each episode, but due to time and material constraints, I may have to put the story first. I love pop culture and black humour, so you may expect some to be incorporated into the story.("I knew that was going to happen" cliches and "I see what you did there" lines.) Additionally, there may be scenario branches at the end of each episode in which the audience is invited to choose the next branch. So it's a little interactive in the sense that it will affect how the next part of the story is told. This story is a work of fiction and any resemblance to any persons living or dead are purely coincidental. Introducing the characters Lenny - Leonard Wilburforce Whitegate (20) The protagonist and budding adventurer is the youngest son of Admiral Percival Forsythe Whitegate, 2nd Earl of Granchester. He has attended Archeon College and also served a term as a midshipman in Her Majesty's Royal Navy and so has some seafaring knowledge under his belt. His true interests, however, lie in the domains of science and discovery,such as, in the fields of botany, zoology, geology and other natural sciences. Skills: Diplomacy, Languages, Science, Celestial Navigation, Seamanship, Swordsmanship The Whitegate Family The Whitegates are a prestigious family of naval men; all men in the family have served in some capacity in the Royal Navy. The previous patriarch, Adm. Pierce Rothwell Whitegate was created the Earl of Granchester for a series of significant naval victories scored during the 49-year war with Orleans. The current patriarch, Adm. P. F. Whitegate is a member of the Admiralty Board and holds considerable influence. [No picture] Miranda Merryweather (22) The owner of a rising trade house known commonly as 'The Emporium'. Her story can be found here. Skills: Appraisal, Accounting, Diplomacy Elliot (10) An orphan that works at Miranda's Emporium Skills: None Sandeep (35) The Emporium's accountant. Comes from somewhere in the far west. Speaks Corlandish with a strong accent, which makes him difficult to understand at times. Skills: Accounting Horace Higginsbottom (55) 1st mate of the Peregrine. A sailor of over forty years with a wealth of sailing and combat experience under his belt. He served under, then Commander, Percival Whitegate, in his younger days. Due to his age and old battle injuries, he was downgraded from active service to lighter duties in the Royal Navy. Skills: Seamanship, Gunnery, Fishing Miley McRiley (30) 2nd mate of the Peregrine. A seasoned sailor from the Isle of Tam. Wears his trademark Tammish "Tam". Even though he is a competent sailor, his Tammish heritage has prevented him from serving in more important divisions in the Royal Navy. People who have sailed with him say that it is perhaps his issues with discipline that prevent him from getting promoted. Skills: Seamanship, Gunnery, Hunting Ivoire Rouge de la Mer (22) A red-headed beauty who leads a team of women mercenaries. Dual wields the cutlass and dagger with precision and skill. Skills: Swordsmanship, Dual-wielding, Leadership Hildegard Freyja von Reign (27) Large, muscular woman who splits hulls and skulls with the poleaxe. Always leads the vanguard in all campaigns and boarding parties. Takes pleasure in dominating her opponents with her sheer strength. Skills: Polearm proficiency, Bare Hands, Strength up, Constitution up Isabella Zarana Cervantes(25) A physician by training with a wealth of knowledge in medicines and poisons, she serves as the team's doctor. Also enjoys making alcoholic concoctions while bertending at the Flask and Flagon. Skills: Medical knowledge, Poisons, Chemistry Anyssa Cardini (19) Steers(wo)man of the Valkyrie. Despite her relative youth, she has been sailing with her father's merchant ship since young and has many years of seafaring experience. Also very popular as a barmaid at the Flask and Flagon. Skills: Celestial Navigation, Seamanship Velvetine Remington (20) Firearms expert of the team. Adapt in using all forms of firearms and an expert sniper. Skills: Sniping, Firearms knowledge, Gunnery Muluhulu the Wise (56) Chieftain of the Mahanuhakepepepulupalo Tribe Story Links Scene 1 Scene 1b Scene 2 Scene 3 Scene 4 Scene 5 Scene 6 Scene 7 Scene 8 Scene 9 Scene 10 Scene 11 Scene 12 Scene 13 Scene 14 Scene 15 Side Story Links Miranda's Emporium of Many Wares Fort Redoubtable Merryweather Lumberjacks The Valkyrie of Corrington I have no voice, and I must scream The Flask and Flagon The Velvet Room Mr. Townsend's Scribing Service CorTéx Language and Cultural Research Institute This! Is! Sparta! Edited April 28, 2016 by CelesAurivern Quote
TitusV Posted January 9, 2016 Posted January 9, 2016 Looking forward to seeing your builds and story! Quote
blackdeathgr Posted January 9, 2016 Posted January 9, 2016 Welcome to BoBS! We are eager for the stories to start! Quote
CelesAurivern Posted January 9, 2016 Author Posted January 9, 2016 (edited) SCENE 1 Lenny: Hello, Miranda! How goes the day? Miranda: Lenny, you came at just the right time. Make yourself useful and help Elliot with these crates will you? Elliot: Nnngh! Lenny: Ah, fresh produce... and... What's in the black crate? Miranda: Human skulls. Lenny: *chortle* Human skulls indeed, heh. Lenny: Holy bricks! Human skulls!! Miranda: Stop fooling around with the merchandise! It's an order from the academy's medical faculty. Lenny: Where in the world do you get these things? No, wait. Don't answer that. I'm better off not knowing... Miranda: Round the back it goes. Someone will come pick it up later today. Lenny: Aye, aye, ma'am! Edited January 11, 2016 by CelesAurivern Quote
Bregir Posted January 9, 2016 Posted January 9, 2016 Welcome amongst us - Corrington will grow larger! Looks like it will be an amusing set of short stories - can't wait for more! Although I do wonder where they got those skulls from.... Quote
CelesAurivern Posted January 9, 2016 Author Posted January 9, 2016 Miranda: So, here to whittle the rest of the day away again? Lenny: Well... about that... Actually, I have some news. That might or might not be good, depending on how you look at it. Miranda: Come on then. Are you going to keep us in suspense? Lenny: Queen's Decree of 615. I'm going on a voyage to chart the uncharted. To seek out new lands and new civilisations! To boldly go where no man... Well, you know the rest. Miranda: Your father's idea, I take it? He's finally had enough of you sitting around on your bum all day? Lenny: Long story, short; I might not be around for a couple of weeks... months... years, maybe? Elliot: That mean, we won't be seeing you around no more then? Awwww... Miranda: So when are you setting sail? Lenny: Fairly soon. Within the week or so, once I have everything in order. I'll be heading to the harbour later to take command of my ship. Miranda: Captain Leonard Whitegate. I say, you've made captain even faster than your brother did. Lenny: *coughs* Well, yes... That aside, I'll be needing some supplies. Oh, and a new outfit. Miranda: Come on inside then. Let's get you dressed to look the part. A few moments later... Miranda: There, looking all captain-like. Lenny: Thanks, Miranda. I'll see you later then. Miranda: And put what else you want on a list. I don't read minds, you know? Quote
gedren_y Posted January 9, 2016 Posted January 9, 2016 When I saw Lenny's middle name, I first thought of Mr. Humphries from Are You Being Served, but his first name is spelled with an 'e' instead of a 'u'. Quote
CelesAurivern Posted January 11, 2016 Author Posted January 11, 2016 SCENE 2 Lenny: Pardon me, gentlemen, but am I correct to assume this is pier no. 7? McRiley: Gentlemen? I don't see no bloody gentlemen here. Is he talking to us? Higgins: Aye, sir, it be. I'm Horace Higginsbottom, Higgins for short. And this is Miley McRiley. You must be the new captain, young master Leonard. You look just like your father in his younger days. Lenny: Pleasure to meet the both of you, Higgins, McRiley. You know my father, Higgins? Higgins: Aye, served with him on many an occasion. But those are tales best left for another time. We have received our orders from Admiral Whitegate. An exploration trip, aye? Lenny: It is as you say. Our leading navigators have reported a cluster of islands beyond the Terraversa Sea. Father is in the opinion that Corrington is to stake claim to the islands before our rivals beat us to the punch. I'm more interested in what new discoveries may lie in those uncharted waters though. Higgins: You're the Captain. We'll follow your lead. McReily: For as long as the Crown pays the wages. Lenny: So this is our ship? A little smaller than what I had expected. I guess this is all the Crown can spare in our current economic situation. Higgins: Aye, Captain. She be small but fast and seaworthy. Lenny: I see she's also unarmed. McRiley: Honest to God, Cap'n, if we ever see any combat, we'll be sleeping with Danny James at the bottom of the sea. Higgins: We're small and light, so we should be able to outrun any threat on the seas. If the winds favour us. Lenny: All right then. We'll be setting sail in a day or two, once I have ordered our supplies for our voyage. Will see you again shortly, gentlemen. Story choice How many days worth of supplies should Lenny order? A: 5 days B: 15 days C: 30 days All readers, regardless of faction, are invited to vote. Quote
Gideon Posted January 12, 2016 Posted January 12, 2016 Some really nice figures you've put together here Quote
Bregir Posted January 12, 2016 Posted January 12, 2016 B - let's go for compromise! Will be looking forward to more! As to the photos, the blue baseplates as backdrop does make them seem a bit heavy on the eye, if that makes any sense. I like how you post the builds individually, and then use them to tell a story here - great idea! Quote
Captain Dee Posted January 12, 2016 Posted January 12, 2016 You have some good characters and the story thus far is interesting. I think in purely practical terms it would be difficult to store 30 days worth of supplies on a vessel that size, so I vote B (15 days). Quote
CelesAurivern Posted January 13, 2016 Author Posted January 13, 2016 SCENE 3 Lenny: Hi Miranda, I'm back for supplies. Miranda: So what will you be having? Lenny: The ship is a small one, but I was thinking of sailing straight to King's Port and resupply once there, instead of stopping over at Arlinsport. Time is of the essence and we are already a few steps behind. There is much out there waiting to be discovered! Miranda: It'll take seven to ten to reach King's Port with the wind at your back. To be safe, I'd carry fifteen's worth as there's no chance to resupply once your sail past Tiberia. Lenny: Let's go with fifteen then. I'll also need some navigational supplies, assorted flags and, oh, a fishing rod. Now, how much do I owe you? Miranda: Actually, I have an offer to make. Your voyage is a commission by the Crown, correct? Lenny: Indeed. Miranda: Your mission is to discover and stake claim to new lands in the name of Corrington, is it not? Lenny: It is. Miranda: But anything else you find, besides land, you have no obligation to report to the Crown, am I correct? Lenny: I suppose you're right there... Miranda: So here is what I'd like to offer. I would like to invest in your voyage and your discoveries. Anything you find that might be of value, commercial, scientific, or whatever, you bring it back here. In exchange, I shall financially support your little adventure in its entirety, and share royalties of any discovery that is deemed to be of commercial value. Lenny: You have made me an offer I can't refuse. Miranda, you are truly the wind in my sails! Miranda: Smashing! Elliot shall supply your ship first thing tomorrow morning. The next morning at the pier. Elliot: That's the last of it. I gotta go. Another delivery waiting. Bon voyage, Lenny. Lenny: Thank you, Elliot. Send my regards to Miranda. "And so we set sail for the uncharted waters that lie beyond the Terraversa Sea." Quote
CelesAurivern Posted January 15, 2016 Author Posted January 15, 2016 (edited) SCENE 4 "With the winds favouring us, we arrived in King's Port in the late afternoon of our eighth day. There, we resupplied, had a good night's rest and set off the next morning. We sailed due east for the next six days, bypassing the recently discovered island of 'Annetta', charted to be southeast. On the seventh day, we spotted land." "As we approached the new island, it became apparent that the coast was surrounded by high cliffs and a coastline of jagged, protruding rock. Hardly a safe nor practical place to land, we thought." "We continued sailing around the coast looking for a place to disembark, and it was not long when we spotted the mouth of a river." Lenny: Look, a river! Let us see if we can sail upstream. That might save us a long trek up. Higgins: Captain, looks like she won't fit. The river's too narrow. Lenny: All right, let us disembark at the bank near the mouth then. Lenny: Secure the ship, lads. And grab a few days worth of supplies. We're going to follow the river upstream, so we won't lose our way. Higgins: Aye, aye, Captain. McReily: Aye, aye, Cap'n. "Unexplored new lands; a potential treasure trove of never before seen plants and wildlife. My heart beat with an excitement that only I could understand." Edited January 15, 2016 by CelesAurivern Quote
Bregir Posted January 15, 2016 Posted January 15, 2016 That raised baseplate works better than I would have expected, and I agree that it looks like she might not fit... :P And an expedition upstream sounds very interesting. I might add that Lenny is not the only natural philosopher with an interest in the unknown ;) Quote
CelesAurivern Posted January 15, 2016 Author Posted January 15, 2016 I might add that Lenny is not the only natural philosopher with an interest in the unknown ;) Perhaps then, he might cross paths with the good Don, in the future? Quote
Bregir Posted January 15, 2016 Posted January 15, 2016 (edited) Perhaps then, he might cross paths with the good Don, in the future? Indeed! And when the concept gets fleshed more out, perhaps they may even be members of the same scientific fraternity! :) Edited January 15, 2016 by Bregir Quote
Sir Stig Posted January 16, 2016 Posted January 16, 2016 I kinda liked the darkness in the background for this particular scene. Gives it a nice eerie mood. I like the how you make your story structured and collect them in one thread. Easier to follow. Quote
CelesAurivern Posted January 16, 2016 Author Posted January 16, 2016 It seems a lot of people like the first pic, myself included :) Will be thinking up the island plot over the weekend, as well as waiting for new parts to arrive, so the next update might take a few days or so. Quote
CelesAurivern Posted February 1, 2016 Author Posted February 1, 2016 SCENE 5 "We travelled upstream the rest of the afternoon. The crisp and clear water ensured our canteens were always full. There was abundant freshwater fish which we hunted and roasted when we camped for the night, preserving our rations for needier times." "The next morning, we continued our journey up the river. It was not long before we came across our first encounter with sentient life. I mean, besides the birds and monkeys, of course." Lenny: Do you hear that? Higgins: Me old ears are shot, Captain. What's that you hear? Lenny: Coming from that direction. Behind the trees. It sounds like people speaking... in an unfamiliar tongue... Come, let us approach them, but quietly. We do not wish to cause any alarm. *100 paces later* Lenny: Over there! There are people in that lagoon! My spyglass, Higgins! *Peers into the spyglass* Lenny: Word! It appears to be a group of native, females, by the looks of it? McReily: Females? Lemme see, Cap'n! *McReily grabs the spyglass* McReily: Ohhh... Women... Naked women... My loins are burning! *McReily quickly but stealthily approaches the lagoon* Lenny: Wait! What are you doing?! Come back! *McReily hides behind the bushes as he feasts his eyes on some fine specimens with a stupid grin on his face* Quote
CelesAurivern Posted February 9, 2016 Author Posted February 9, 2016 (edited) SCENE 6 Native man: Ah'chu apenkee? (Who are you?) McReily: Crikey! You gave me a shock! Native man: Kee chai chai cun kuta? (What are you doing here?) McReily: Look mate, I dunno whatchu sayin', but ol' McReily here don't want no trouble, hear? *Native man whistles and more men emerge from the bushes. McReily: I guess that means trouble... Lenny: Wait! Wait! *hands in the air* We don't mean any harm! Can you take us to your leader? Native man: I don't understand what they are saying, but it looks like they yield. We shall let Chief decide what is to be done. *Beckons Lenny and crew to follow. Higgins: Captain, they don't seem to be hostile. Lenny: Yes, so it seems. Let us follow them. They might be taking us to their village. McReily: Don't mind if I stay to finish the show then? Lenny: Yes, I mind. Now come along and keep your cakehole shut. *A short walk later, the party arrives at a village. Native man: Our chieftain, Muluhulu the Wise. Lenny: Take a deep bow, gentlemen. This man appears to be the leader of their tribe. Let us show respect. *the three men bow. First contact with an unknown tribe! What lies in store for Lenny and his crew? Stay tuned for the next episode! Edited February 9, 2016 by CelesAurivern Quote
CelesAurivern Posted February 11, 2016 Author Posted February 11, 2016 SCENE 7 Meanwhile, back at the Emporium in Bellson... Miranda: The markets in Bellson are saturated. There's next to no room to grow our business with all this competition. I'm thinking we should be expanding east, towards the new colony in Port Raleigh. Perhaps set up a trading office there. Lenny has sailed east in search of new land as well, so Port Raleigh would also serve as a foothold for further expansion into future colonies. Elliot: Swell! Can I go too? Miranda: Well, I'll need someone to run the errands... so I guess you'll be coming along. Sandeep, you'll be in charge while we're away. That means a promotion and raise. Sandeep: Thank you, mistress! Sandeep will not be failing you. *bobs his head* Elliot: Yahoo! To Port Raleigh! When do we sail? Miranda: I think three days should be sufficient preparation. Sandeep, ready the ship and supplies. Elliot, go tell Ivoire and her crew that we are heading out. Sandeep: At once, mistress. *bobs head* Elliot: That'll be the tavern then. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elliot arrives at the tavern to see the door fly open... *SMASH* *A man flies through the tavern door and unhinges it. Gruff woman: You have some serious balls to try and cheat me at cards. Du Hurensohn, ich bring dich um! *A redheaded woman quickly holds back the gruff woman. Redhead: Mon dieu! How many times have I said, no killing in ze city! Zere are laws in Corringtorn. *More men arrive outside. Man on the floor: You're in for it now, now that me mates are here! Get 'em, lads! Gruff woman: Wunderbar! *cracks knuckles and rushes the men* Redhead: *sighs* *A good trouncing later... Gruff woman: Ja, you better run! *spits* Elliot: Errr...Hello, Ivoire, Hilda... I guess I came at a bad time? Ivoire: Ah, little Elliot. Non, non, we were just leaving anyway. If you're here, zen zere must be a job for us, oui? Hildegard: About stinking time. Been here in "civilisation" for too long. Elliot: Miranda will be sailing to Port Raleigh to expand our business further east. We sail in three days. Ivoire: I will tell ze girls then. See you in three. Quote
Fuzzy MacFuzz Posted February 24, 2016 Posted February 24, 2016 This is great! A really engaging story with some very colourful characters. I like the way you keep switching between the frontier and civilisation; its a real soap opera! Your builds are imaginative, varied, and good quality and your figures beautifully (and often humorously) posed, but your photography sometimes lets you down, mostly due to flash reflection and other lighting issues. Quote
BrickOn Posted February 24, 2016 Posted February 24, 2016 This is awesome, really enjoyed the story updates :-) Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.