[OL-FB3] Battle of the Terrabank - Continuation

[Franco Clarke]

Ship's Log Day 13

The sun rose above our battered flotilla, as we made the best possible speed to try and escape the Terrabanks before we encountered any more privateers. I stared over the stern of my ship, holding the tiller steady. I couldn't face those poor crew sitting in the bow.

The lookout announced a sail had appeared astern, and with a leaden heart I turned my telescope on the position, sure enough a sloop was following us, with the same red banner as the one which had sunk the Sea Fox. TO make things worse, HMS Flea was sailing alongside. We signalled the rest of the fleet to close up and make best speed. Our slow merchantmen wouldn't stand a chance at outrunning the swifter raiders, but we might be able to convince them that we weren't worth the trouble.

I moved the Vif up to point position, and the Saler slowly slipped to the rear. Even with half of the gun crew straining at oars, it was barely keeping up, and would soon fall behind as the rowers tired. The Saler signalled saying that they had spotting another small ship flying the redcoat flag, moving to link up with the other two. Despite the danger which these ships posed, most of the fleet still only had half sails up, so that the Saler could keep up. I ordered the cannon rolled to the back of the ship so we could fire at the Corries when they got within range. Keeping my telescope trained on the pursuing vessels, I noticed them split a bit. Perhaps they were going to use their superior mobility to come at us in a pincer movement. Then between the two groups a fourth sail appeared, emblazoned with the Corrington crest. It came up in line with the smaller vessels, its mast towing over the low decks of the other raiders.

'Oh that ain't fair' I muttered under my breath.

The new pursuer was a Corrington Merchant Hunter, a type of ship I had heard about in tales from the Juniper wars, where their effect on Oleon's shipping had been lethal. Although not heavily armed, their speed was unmatched by any other ship which carried as much firepower, or could be crewed by so few men. The Hunter slipped into the lead, punching through the waves which marked where hills once rose over the long sunken Terrabank.

The ships closed to within the range of their long guns, and then began weaving allowing their side mounted guns to fire forward at our ships. Soon my merchantmen were being pelted with cannonballs, thankfully most of which didn't hit. At the back, the Saler attracted the majority of the fire, and her sail was soon pierced through until the sun shone cleanly through it. The Saler was barely crawling along, although our tormenters seemed to be content to loiter on the edge of their cannon's range. The only gun we had which could match them was the long 12 bolted to the prow of the Saler. We were trapped, if we turned and fought we would be destroyed, and with the crippled Saler we would never be able to escape. It was hopeless; we had been defeated by a superior foe. Perhaps we might be able to call a truce so no-one more would have to die.

Then I noticed Saler had altered course and was pulling a tight turn. A signal fluttered from the masthead; 'Engaging the enemy more closely, run, save yourself'

I heaved on the tiller, perhaps if we were to both attack the pursuers we would be able to sink a few of them, allowing the merchantman to escape. Then I felt a hand on my arm, it was Private Collins. 'Pierre has sacrificed himself; the Vif might be needed later to protect against other threats'

He was right, so reluctantly corrected our course, staring as the Saler sailed bravely towards its destruction. The 12 pounder fired giving off a huge cloud of smoke, and the bow lifted from the water before crashing back in. We put up full sail and the pace picked up quickly. I also had the flag lowered to half mast.

Meanwhile the all the raiders had turned their guns on the Saler as it was the greatest threat. The ship was obscured by the plumes of water driven up. When the water settled between volleys, I could see fire licking around the cabin and occasionally a return shot emanating from the Saler's single remaining cannon.

The Saler rolled over exposing her white underbelly, and the raiders closed in for the kill, pummelling the wreckage until the scene was hidden from view by the horizon. We had escaped, but at what cost?

A continuation immediately after the previous story, I wanted to have some proper fighting, although I lack the ships to do a huge battle at the moment. Apart from the merchant hunter which is simply a modified imperial flagship, the new model was the second Corrington raider, again drawing inspiration from the imperial trading post ship. I am not that pleased with the design of this one, although I was running out of parts when I built it.

In true classic pirate style, there is a small storage area in the stern.

[TitusV]

Nice ships with a very classic feeling indeed!

[blackdeathgr]

Hehehe, I love hidden compartments on ships! Great narration and special effects (things going kaboom)!

[Bregir]

While the MRCA sees many ships lost and taken, I think your narratives just about tops it. So much action going on!

As before, I will say that I really like the logical tactical considerations that guides your stories, but that I resent any implications that Corlanders should be behind these attacks!

And as I have said earlier, I suggest you add some more rigging to your upcoming vessels. I like how you include bowwaves and wakes for the vessels, and the photo angles really put us right in the middle of the action.

Well done!

[Franco Clarke]

Hehehe, I love hidden compartments on ships! Great narration and special effects (things going kaboom)!

Thank you, that's one of the best things about Lego, being able to destroy things

While the MRCA sees many ships lost and taken, I think your narratives just about tops it. So much action going on! As before, I will say that I really like the logical tactical considerations that guides your stories, but that I resent any implications that Corlanders should be behind these attacks! And as I have said earlier, I suggest you add some more rigging to your upcoming vessels. I like how you include bowwaves and wakes for the vessels, and the photo angles really put us right in the middle of the action. Well done!

Thanks I'm glad you like my stories! I do try to rig ships which turn out nicely, but those which are more ugly (and hence are probably going to end up sunk!) are a waste of string.