Captain Genaro

Since the beginning of the game, certain islands have received bonuses for different property types and commodities. These bonuses have been automatically applied to properties, but no one was told when they discovered a bonus. That will now change. Whenever a bonus is activated (by having the right property type and commodity), it will be announced at the end of the month. Note that this does not change any rules nor does it require you to change your behavior or licensing. You can ignore this if you'd like, or you can use the information to try and discover additional island bonuses or to exploit known bonuses. Discovering island bonuses is part luck and part skill. Island descriptions (see the indexes for New Island Information in the master index) may give you clues as to what bonuses (positive or negative) exist, but these are not guaranteed to be completely accurate. Bonuses and islands are not created equal, and you very well may find some islands having a plethora of bonuses while others have nothing. Again, I would like to emphazie that no rules are being changed and nothing new is being added. All we're doing is making this information public so that builders can better exploit these bonuses. Without further ado, here are all previously discovered bonuses: Builder Faction Commodity Property Island Bonus (Extra DBs/Month) Small Medium Large Royal Phred Oleon Grape or wine Commerce Medium Île de Zeus 3 6 9 12 Ayrlego Corrington Tropical fruit Plantation Small Alicentia 4 8 12 16 Legostone Eslandola Timber or woodworking Plantation Small Cocovia 2 4 6 8 Phred Oleon Grape or wine Plantation Small Île de Zeus 3 6 9 12 Ayrlego Corrington Crab Commerce Medium Garma's Key 3 6 9 12 Legostone Eslandola Citrus Plantation Medium Isla de Victoria 3 6 9 12 ETTC Corrington Vanilla Plantation Medium Celestia 3 6 9 12 Mesabi Landing Corrington Agricultural science Plantation Small Argentia 3 6 9 12 Drunknok Corrington Agricultural science Plantation Small Argentia 3 6 9 12 Drunknok Corrington Agricultural science Plantation Small Argentia 3 6 9 12 Ayrlego Corrington Crab Commerce Small Garma's Key 3 6 9 12 LM71Blackbird Corrington Cocoa Plantation Large Cocovia 2 4 6 8 Mesabi Landing Corrington Agricultural science Plantation Small Argentia 3 6 9 12

This is a nice build. The irregularities in the rows of crops are convincing and help make it look more lifelike. As others have said, the manor house looks very similar to an old American southern plantation house, and it looks very nice. I suggest working on the pediment to better integrate it into the rest of the roof instead of having the roof slope down behind it.

This has been a very fun story all the way through to the end, and although I am interested in seeing how it will end, I will be somewhat disappointed that it must conclude. The brick built water is very nice and works well with the rest of the build's style.

Thanks, Bodi. Unfortunately not for this build. I have another build using similar techniques, and I'll go ahead and take a behind the scenes photo for you.

Thank you for the compliment. I've been trying to experiment a bit with non-square bases. Don't forget that only the survivors get the land. If we ever have too many potential pensioners, we can just start another war! I'm very glad the impression of a busy street came across. And yes, working with plates can take much, much longer. I doubt I'm the first one to use that roof design, but I have used it on a few of my prior build. Thank you.

And the story continues. I've actually had this one done for about two weeks now, but I'm just getting around to taking the pictures. Comments and criticism are welcome. Previously: Lavalette Inn An Offer Reaching King's Harbour Recruiting Sergeant To the armoury! (Bodi) Lavalette Armory by Capt. Genaro, on Flickr After meeting his old acquaintance, Contre-amiral Lagaufre, Captain Anthony Genaro began walking around the arsenal. Though dwarfed by the sprawling complexes back in Halos, Lavalette’s armory was one of the larger ones in the colonies. Familiar sights and sounds were everywhere as new soldiers received their uniform and weapons while older weapons were maintained and repaired by skilled craftsmen. After walking for a bit, Anthony waited under a balcony looking into a courtyard full of activity. In one corner, a group of grenadiers were ritualistically checking their deadly grenades, carefully inspecting each fuse to ensure that it was still in good condition, of the right length, and properly connected to the grenade. It is a dull, time-consuming process, but one which leaves no room for error, as the slightest mistake could result in one of the deadly spheres failing to explode, or worse, exploding prematurely. Further on in the courtyard, Anthony could various gunsmiths and engineers repairing damaged muskets, a variety of uniformed soldiers going about their duties, and two armorers putting new blades on enough swords to supply a small army. Lavalette Armory by Capt. Genaro, on Flickr “Fancy a new edge, sir?” a voice asked. It took Anthony a moment before he realized that one of the armorers was speaking to him. “A generous offer, but I’m afraid I haven’t long,” he said glancing at the chest full of unsharpened swords. The armrer simply shrugged. “Oh, don’t you worry about those there swords; they can wait, but we can’t have a proper gentleman wondering about with a dull sword now. You’ll become the laughting stock of the whole army!” Anthony laughed as he unsheathed his cheap, five guinea dress sword. “I’m afraid you’re wrong on both accounts, my friend. I’m no gentleman, and I’m fairly certain the a naval officer is already the laughting stock of the whole army.” Lavalette Armory by Capt. Genaro, on Flickr The armeror simply shrugged as he took the sword. “Gentleman, commoner, army, navy… your coins all look the same to me.” As the armorer began putting the sword to his stone, Anthony continued looking at all the activity in the courtyard. “Rather busy,” he remarked. “It’s been this way ever since the 31st arrived from Halos,” the armorer replied, not taking his eyes off his work. “Not that I’m complaining, mind you. A bunch of army gents just coming off their boats, pockets bulging with coins, ah, you’d be amazed, sir, absolutely amazed, by how easy it is to coinvince them to get their sword sharpened,” the armeror continued in a very casual tone, but Anthony didn’t care. After all, it wasn’t as if he needed to exert authority over this man. “They think it impresses the ladies, they do. Fools,” the armorer said the a chuckle. “But not the navy boys, sir. Oh, no! They’re smarter, smarter by far sir!” “And I suppose you’ll be telling the next cavalry man who walks past how they’re the elite, astute soldiers who couldn’t be fooled by the likes of you, eh?” “That’s just what I’m talking about, sir, you’re gone and proven my point! Perceptive you navy men are, able to see right through any flattery!” At this point the armorer held up the sharpened sword. “And equally able, no doubt, to notice the skill that went into sharpening your blade.” Anthony pressed his thumb against the blade. Sharp, very sharp, and a very even job up and down the whole sword’s edge. “A fine job indeed,” Anthony replied as he handed the man a livre. “Very generous, sir, very kind indeed,” the armorer said as Anthony tunred to leave. “And if you know anyone, any sir, who needs some sharpening, just send them on this way.” “Even a Corrie?” Anthony said in jest. At this, the armorer twisted his face. “Alas, sir, the good Lord has blessed me with the skills to sharpen swords and metal, but the dull mind of a Corrie is beyond even my expertise.” Lavalette Armory by Capt. Genaro, on Flickr Anthony couldn’t help but laughing, a deep laugh from his belly, as he walked on to the tavern where he would meet Lagaufre. “Oh, I’ll have to remember that one,” Anthony said to himself. “Sharpen the dull wit of a Corrie.” A few more pictures: Lavalette Armory by Capt. Genaro, on Flickr Lavalette Armory by Capt. Genaro, on Flickr Lavalette Armory by Capt. Genaro, on Flickr

Nice build. The house is a solid, clean build, and you did a nice job with the timber frame. The interiors are nice, too. One area that I would recommend working on is the terrain. I see how you used some plates to create variation, and I would encourage you to consider experimenting with that, including plates in different shades of green to create a variation in the colors of the grass.

Very nice sugar mill. The style looks good, and works well in a field of sugarcane. I also like the little cart in the first picture.

I did a quick search of the forum, but cannot find any vessel or references to White Hawk. Is it possible that it has a different name?

If you owe port taxes to Oleon you will receive a PM with the amount owed. No PM, no taxes owed. Here is the post for Oleon's port taxes.

The first result is correct. There were two submissions for your ship. I'll see about fixing this for the future.

As far as Prio is concerned, the three ships involved in attacking their squadron are flying the black flag. No other faction views your ships are having a black flag, but Prio views these three as being fair prizes. Seeing as these ships attacked and captured a ship from a Prio squadron in prior MCRAs, Prio's view is not unreasonable. That said, it's entirely possible that Prio would welcome a diplomatic solution to this issue. Dr. Spock is the Sea Rat representative on the NPC committee, and you should talk to him if you want a diplomatic solution.

That is a nice cutter you've built, Keymonus. It's nothing too fancy, but as you said, it has an irreplaceable role in commerce. The crew and sundry cargo are good details. I am a little confused by the sail plan. The third sail looks out of place, and I can't quite tell if it's supposed to be a jib or something else.

Nice cutter, Bodi. That's an impressive turn around time seeing how Keymonus just posted his yesterday. The rigging could use a bit of work. PM me the stats and a name, and I'll get her licensed.

Still a pretty good roll. Thank you.

That's an impressive build and a really nice way to introduce your new character. I particularly like the roof design, and this just further convinces me that I'll have to get some of those round pieces for myself.

Thank you. I'm not sure it would be a good technique for large-scale rockwork, but it could be used for smaller sections. Thank you. I'm glad you like it. Thank you for the comment. Hopefully the results are good.

Very nice build, Bodi. The canopies are a nice touch, and the courtyard looks worn and unmaintained without being excessively detailed. The architecture is nice, and the use of all the arches is well done, too. Sometimes stories are just better with Lego.

Hollande's Office by Capt. Genaro, on Flickr Hollande nervously paced back and forth in the office, forgetting about the platters of food surrounding him, his hunger being replaced by nervousness and anger as he waited for the Terraversan official to arrive. It simply wasn’t fair, Henri knew. A month ago, he had dreams of a peerage, his goals in Terraversa had accomplished more than anyone had thought possible, and the RNTC was becoming quite influential in the new island nation. Now his troops and ships were being held hostage in West Face, the local officials were becoming increasingly cold, almost openly hostile, towards the Oleanese, and he had no doubt that if he couldn’t manage to solve the problem some hot-headed general would be dispatched to finish the job. But all was not lost, and Henri knew that there was still a chance to repair the damage. Some heads might roll in the process, but as long as his stayed firmly between his shoulders, Henri couldn’t care less. A knock on the door interrupted Henri’s thoughts, a secretary announced the arrival of Jonathan Tarlo, and the guest entered. Henri knew the man well. They first met in Oldis’ grand chamber, though Henri questioned why the chamber should be called grand, and despite Jonathan’s initial misgivings the two developed a good relationship. There was still much Henri didn’t know about the man, such as his exact authority and power in Oldis’ court, but he did know that the man was a farmer by trade and tended to distrust the merchant elites that supported Oldis. Hollande's Office by Capt. Genaro, on Flickr “So, Henri, what’s on your mind,” Jonathan casually asked, using his host’s Christian name. “You know damned well why I want to talk” Henri replied, more out of frustration than anger towards his guest. “My men are being held prisoner in West Face, and I learn of it through a letter smuggled out by a prisoner, and every request to see my men is being denied with one flimsy excuse or another.” “Henri,” “This is not how civilized people behave!” Henri snapped. “We rescue your ships and then you proceed to arrest my men and hold them hostage for months with no news, nothing. Frankly, sir, I am starting to question whether we were ever negotiating in good faith,” and whether he would be able to hold all that he worked his whole life to achieve, Henri thought but did not mention. “Our negotiations were always in good faith, sir,” Jonathan replied stiffly, and rather more formal than he intended, “but we cannot allow anyone, even our friends to flaunt Terraversa’s laws. We, sir, are a sovereign nation and will no longer bow before colonial overlords.” “And as a sovereign nation, you must know that there are consequences for secretly holding Oleanders as prisoner.” Hollande began shuffling some of the papers on the desk. “You’ve heard the news from Breshaun?” “What are you getting at?” Jonathan asked knowing full well what the mayor was getting at. Still, he had to play along, and he did so, though he did become a little less comfortable at the prospect of doing so. “Three or maybe four ships of the line, ten heavy frigates, dozens of support craft,” Hollande said reading from the lists. He had no idea why such a powerful fleet was gathered in Breshaun, but then again, he remined himself, neither did his visitor. “The 31st deployed to Lavalette…transports in Breshaun.” Jonathan just stood there, silently thinking about the situation. He had no idea why Oleon’s fleet was in Breshaun. It seemed likely that their trade routes had something to do with it, but it also couldn’t be denied that, even if it was just a coincidence, that fleet could quickly be repurposed to threaten Terraversa. “Damn him, Jon, what was Oldis thinking!” Henri interrupted Jonathan’s thoughts. “Damn fool, he’ll succeed in turning all of Oleon against him!” “And what did you think, sending a delegation to Mardier while carrying on negotiations here!” Jonathan desperately replied. “Did it occur to your archduke that the delegation in Mardier is there to ensure that we can trade with Terraversa without provoking Marderian privateers?” “Is that what they’re doing?” “Whatever they’re doing, I do assure you that they aren’t holding any of your men hostage,” Henri said, a failed attempt to snarl making him sound like he was merely whining. “I must remind you, sir, that any attack against Terraversa,” Jonathan began, but Henri held up a hand to silence him. “I have no quarrel with Terraversa, and despite your Archduke’s insane musings I have no desire to conquer the island. After all, if Oleon took control of the island, how long before Mardier demanded it’s return? I doubt they would use force to take it, but it could damage diplomatic relations.” “You could have told me all this in a letter, Henri, and saved us both a lot of shouting,” Jonathan replied. “So why exactly am I here? Did you need a dinner guest?” “You’re welcome to enjoy the food, but I’ve got something you might find a little more interesting,” Hollande said, placing a small purse on the desk. “What’s this?” “I’m paying off my gambling debts.” “Ah,” Jonathan said as he greedily eyed the bag, understanding the gesture for what is was. “The purse holds livres, crowns, guineas, doubloons, and reals from about twelve different nations. A bit of an effort, but it would seem odd if you began running around with a purse full of livres.” “It feels heavy.” “It should. It’s worth 50 doubloons.” “Didn’t we wager 100?” “We wagered 50, and if you get greedy I’ll find someone else to play cards with.” “And you’re just doing this out of the goodness of your heart, are you, Henri?” Henri smiled. “Of course, of course, Jonathan. We’re old friends, aren’t we? And I’m sure you know how much I’d love to play cards with you again.” Henri paused, but seeing that Jonathan wasn’t going to reply he went on. “As I said when you entered, you know exactly why you’re here. I didn’t need to ask for you to discuss the men. They will be taken care of in due time. Right now I have more pressing matters. My mission, Jonathan, is in ruins. My counterparts in Londa manage to arrive, negotiate, and leave before I can even get the Archduke to come to the negotiating table, and if I don’t have some real progress soon, I’m finished. Finished, do you understand? I have this one chance, and if I fail here, I’ll return to Lavalette in shame.” Hollande's Office by Capt. Genaro, on Flickr “Henri,” Jonathan began sympathetically. “I don’t want to see you fail,” “Then listen. I’m desperate, Jonathan, desperate, you have to believe me. But I also know that someone in your government has to hate Oldis, there have to be enough people who dislike the Archduke and who might look for a friend in Oleon.” “What exactly are you proposing?” Jonathan asked, almost fearing the answer. “It’s not what you think,” Henri quickly replied. “I don’t fully understand how your republican systems work, but I know enough to realize that Oldis can’t properly govern without the support of his Court and the representatives. With enough pressure from them, I’m hoping that Oldis will have no choice but to acquiesce. Hopefully it won’t come to that, but if it does, I’d like to know that I have friends in some parts of his government.” “And to do this, you need…” “Names, Jonathan, names of people who hate Oldis. His rivals, people who would rather see him dead, those who believe they deserve his throne. Anyone who might form a coalition against him.” “If Oldis learns of this, he won’t be pleased.” “And how will Oldis learn of this? As far as anyone knows, a political outsider is simply meeting with a variety of Oldis’ court. And if you tell, Jonathan, if you spill a word of this to anyone,” Henri leaned forward and paused before continuing. “I’ll have you killed in the most painful manner the Clerics of Hades can devise” Henri finished holding up the letter he had from Lord Calida, the same letter that ordered all members of the Order to provide Henri with any assistance in his mission. “But I’m sure it won’t come to that,” Henri said, smiling. “After all, if Oldis comes to his senses, this will all be for naught, and if he doesn’t, I can lose a few hundred doubloons to you and the new friends you’re about to find.” And just a final picture showing the various furniture used in Hollande's office. Hollande's Office by Capt. Genaro, on Flickr

I'm guessing that Prio has a different view of the encounter that involves their ships being attacked without provocation. All that really matters to them is that shots were fired, men died, and they lost a ship and its cargo without any formal declaration of war. Prio would note that both ships captured or sunk in the retaliation, the Misfortune's Wrath and Dark Narwhal, were involved in the capture of the Palmetto the prior month.

That's a very nice plantation. Although the field initially appears to be uniform, I spotted some variation in the terrain and canes. The building is very nice, too. My favorite feature has to be the double-layered roof (I don't know what this design is actually called), and the fact that it is elevated.

That is an interesting development, and I am interested to see where it goes. The build is simple, but has some nice features. I like the potted flower and the front of the bar, though I do wonder why the back wall disappeared in the last picture.

That is a nice build with some nice details on the stonework and crane. That said, not everyone is so pleased. Here is an official response from the detained captains: To the Citizens of Bastion, You have heard accusations that our men are refusing to settle their debts. This is preposterous, as anyone who has done business with our sailors and merchants knows we are honest men. We see this for what it truly is, pirates, disguised as honest citizens of Bastion, are attempting to hold us hostage. In April of this very year, pirates flying under the skull and crossbones were defeated in battle by our small but valiant fleet. This was in response to attacks the pirate fleet made against innocent shipping, for we do not see it fit that innocent men should suffer and die so that dishonest men may profit. It is obvious that these recent accusations of default are driven by the same dishonest men who have attacked our shipping in the past. We entered Bastion under the impression that it was a free port where honest men could do honest business. We call upon Bastion's honorable authorities to restore order and to ensure that our ships are permitted to leave. Any man accused of defaulting on debts should be brought to trial where guilt can be established, but this unruly pirate mob should certainly not play the role of judge, jury, and executioner! We may lack the mighty armies and navies of Halo's empires, but we are fighting for our rights and freedoms as free men. We shall never surrender, we shall never back down, and should you insist on engaging in this form of piracy against our shipping you will find an alliance of free men to be far more threatening than all the navies of Halos combined. The Captains of the Pearl and Peacock

Just a friendly reminder that you have one day to finalize that paperwork! The deadline is the 30th, not the 31st.

A small prospecting build I made for Stéphanique. I tried experimenting with some of the new (well, new for me) ball-joint connectors to create the rock. I'm not sure how well I succeeded, but it has given me some ideas for future rockwork techniques. With the arrival of royal troops in Lavalette, Major Wolfgang Hochstetter was much happier, though his perpetual scowl didn't betray it. Company officials had been complaining for months about the lack of a geological survey, but until now he never had enough men to defend both the settlement and the survey teams. Now he did, and the men were surprisingly eager to volunteer for the duty. Hochstetter assumed it was their eagerness to earn his respect, but the truth of the matter was that it took them far away from the major and any other officers who might expect them to stand at attention and remain sober while on duty. Of course, it wasn't all fun and games. Bugs from rivers and putrid ponds swarmed the men and for some reason the survey men insisted on leaving the nice shade of the trees to clime around on rocks boiling under the hot tropical sun. Still, the soldiers were well prepared and with some liquid fortitude they managed to endure their difficult task. A Hard Day's Work by Capt. Genaro, on Flickr