NationStates Jolt Archive

Intro.

Sign up and chat thread.
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=14144824#post14144824

Map Thread showing tradfe routes and wind directions.
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/Game-Images/AgeofSailMap.jpg

I have tried to make a system where by players can have targets to attack and can develop battles, rather than us all just swanning around and people getting into fights where they may not wish to be. The system I developed overnight is definetly not foolproof and likely has faults, so its a growing guide rather than a hard and fast set of rules.

This is the thread Players use to RP their battles, please dont use it for general chatter, the other sign up can be used as General OCC, chat and players fleet hand books.

Player Aids.



The Lines on the map (A,B, C etc) represent the trade routes that Merchant convoys will enter on.
Most RL days I will RP a merchant ship/convoy either leaving Rechburg or Kunesdorf or entering them. Players can RP their forces to intercept them. Equally players themselves may announce their forces as entering a trade route, without announcing what sort.

For example a Kunedorf player may say he has 4 ships coming on in trade route G, he doesnt have to say what the ships are. We require honesty from players rather than having a heavy handed god umpire.

Some of the announcements I mention in the shipping announcements will be juicy targets, others might be warships.

So for example I may say

Trade route A - 4 ships. Merchant convoy, or 4 Individuals.
The choice is available for a player to take over the 4 ships as his. He can make of them what he will. They could be 2 merchants and 2 Naval or simply 4 naval.
If no one takes them over and they are intercepted by another RPer the ships are assumed to be merchants and they are sunk or captured by that Player.

If they are intercepted by a RP player and they have a Player representing them then there is a battle.
There will be no non - player naval vessels.

Ships are repaired at 20% per day. They may not sail while being repaired. Player may or should still RP some stories about his crew, the adventures ashore or the intrigues at the Ambassadors Banquet ect.

All ship crews start of as green
For every 9 merchants a player gets through, he can nominate one of his Naval ships to go up a level.
For every 2 enemy naval ship sunk or captured he can nominate one of his ships to go up 2 levels.
For every 3 merchant ship sunk or captured he can nominate one of his naval ships to go up a level.
For every 20 merchants Rechburg and Kunesdorf players get through (combined Rechburg /Kunesdorfplayers etc), they get 25% of a naval ship built. Who gets the ship is between the players of that side. It may be no bigger than 50 guns, size is the option of the new owner player.

The levels are

Green
Experienced
Veteran
Elite.

When a player gets all his ships to Elite he may opt for another ship, which starts of as green.It may not be bigger than 50 guns.

I would suggest that we each open up a mini fact (thread) book listing the ships we own and their crew ratings. As things change by either ships sunk or crews promoted each player may edit as events occur.

A player cannot be in two battles at once unless he splits his fleet, and he can only travel a reasonable level per day. Say for example I would suggest a ship can only hop 1 trade route per day.If on Monday he is on Trade Route C, on Tuesday he can be on trade routes D or B.

Pirate players may not repair ships, but they may capture and USE a captured ship. They may not increase their fleet numbers, but may replace ships that are heavily damaged or sunk.

Finally think sailing ships when RPing a battle, the wind direction and strength were in important.

When I announce a ship or ships on a trade route I will announce the wind direction and wind speed (1 -10) for every number of wind strength over five - players deduct 10% of their guns off from firing.
This represents the closing of gun decks due to heavy seas.

(For example 1-5 winds all guns fire, wind 6 dedect 10% off - round up.
Wind 9 deduct 40% of the guns off.)

Remember this is a player RP, I am sure we want to not only read about battles, but your people as well. Why they are there, how they got experienced and why they do the things they do.
The advantage of a player having the choice of intercepting battles gives players flexibility, so if a player knows he has a busy next two days, he chooses not to start a battle until he has more time, he could of course till RP, but not get involved in heavy RPing.

I didnt want rules for players nor umpires, If someone is being unfair I expect everyone to tell him so... but do it nicely.

Day 1

4 ships on Trade Route F heading to Kunesdorf.
No intelligence on types.
Winds blowing strength 3 - from the east. (right side of the screen).

4 Ships on trade Route C heading to Delphia (Allied Rechburg)
Winds 2 - from the south (Bottom of the screen).
Intelligence suggests merchant convoy

(any player may take these ships over, and any player can attack them)
They arrive on the map today, and if not intercepted will arrive at their destination tonight.

Note:
Players can just position themselves anywhere at the start of the game.

Admiral Stuart Ney stood on the docks, the preparations being complete for this the 1st Rechburg Squadron to sail. he turned to the you commander of the Squadron Commadore reginald Davout.

" Well Davout, you have your orders, there is a convoy due in our waters either today or tomorrow, you are to meet it and escort it home"

The Commadore, busily watching his fleet get ready for sailing, with that experienced but critical eye.
"Aye Sir, we will meet her likely in the morning, bring her in for you, and then sir in accordance with your instructions I am to seek out the enemy and bring him to battle"

"Thats right Davout, I want that convoy in complete, it would not do to have the first ships due in, being attacked now would it."

"No Sir, not at all a good show, but fair naught sir, my crews are eager for the fight" Davout said rather hopefully.

"Well my boy, away with you now andgood hunting"

The Commodore stood erect, saluted and then made his way to his cutter, his coxwain, a burly Delphian called Samuel Banks saw him coming and muttered to his crew.

"Right you bloody shower, dont cock it up for the commodore otherwise I will have the bones on yer back stripped clean with the cat"

The Coxwain stood on the jetty waiting his beloved Commodore, as he approched the coxwain offered his salute, a knuckle to the forehead.

"Everthings ready sir"

The Commodore looked at him wiyh a strange smile

"I doubt that Sammy, but it will do Im sure, but lets get out to sea huh"

Master Commandant Thomas Dumfrey felt like the biggest landlubber afloat. If it weren't for a quick-thinking lieutenant, he would have drowned.

He looked down at the quarterdeck as three able seamen swabbed it in an effort to keep the slippery spot from causing anyone else to fall overboard. As for Dumfrey, he huddled with a blanket in his cabin in an effort to warm back up.

Captain Charles Riley waited for the second lieutenant's report on the latest gun drill. The ship had been at sea for two weeks and drilled with firing the great guns every day. He wanted to make sure his 44-gun frigate was in fighting trim after hearing rumours of pirates afloat.

However, Riley had his doubts. He thought the big frigate was too heavily armed with 30 24 pounder long guns making up the battery on the main deck, not to mention the carronades on the spar deck. Nonetheless, the design was one that Joshua Humphreys swore by. It was designed to be superior to any ship of its class.

Riley wanted to make sure his ship was the best of its class. He wanted its crew to be the best of the best, thus making the ship itself the best of the best. He remembered his days as commanding officer of the Scorpion, an 18 gun ship-rigged sloop of war. His crew was the envy of all the other sloops in the navy. He remembered a seaman from another navy stepping on board and declaring its scantlings to be those of a light frigate in his navy.

He saw Dumfrey emerge from his cabin a bit drier and none the worse for wear.

"Watch your step there," Riley said with a toothy smile. That was met by a grunt from a still-embarrassed Dumfrey.

"We should be on our way to Kunesdorf," Riley said. "There's a merchant convoy sailing from Rechburg. We want to make sure there isn't any funny business."

"How did the gunners do in the drill," Dumfrey asked, trying hard to get his fall out of his mind.

"Acceptable. They can always be better," Riley said. "The Marines are getting set to start their own drill up top. As for you," Riley said, moving his right hand on the left shoulder of his second in command, "I'd recommend a hearty helping of grog and an early night. It'll be a long day of sailing tomorrow."

Dumfrey nodded, saluted Riley and walked toward his cabin again. Riley looked out at his crew and thought about the risks and rewards of putting to sea.

The North Western Economic Inquisition Fleet, 2nd Division.

--------------------

En route to Delphia via trade route D onto D1.

--------------------

The convoy sailed along at a fair pace, the flagship, OMS Wandering Mariner, followed by the the second rate ships of the line protected the front of the line of five merchant vessels; the four fourth rate ships of the line kept their positions alongside the sides of the convoy, with two on each side. So far however there had been no disturbances or signs of trouble.

Major General Reginald Campbell lounged on the top deck of the Wandering Mariner, it was a bright day with a cool breeze blowing in. He sat back in a wickerwork chair with a cup of tea in a bone china cup, with saucer, held in his hand. Beside him was a small table on which sat his pot of tea and a bottle of port. He sipped delicatly, careful to not allow the rocking of the boat to spill it over himself; next to him stood his servant whos nam he cared not to remember who shaded him with an umbrella. As he sat there, indifferent to the labouring sailors further up the ship, Commodore Vincent Rachburg emerged from the cabin.

"Ahh Commodore!" He cried happily, placing his tea down on the table and reaching for the port.
"What wonderful weather is it not? Winds slow for the traversing of our venture but nonetheless delightful for a slight spot of indulgence do you not agree? Here pull up a chair and have some port. You there servant, fetch the Commodore a chair you impertinent child." He gave the Commodore a smile and poured out two measures of port into two tumblers. Rachburg seemed to bristle slightly.

"No thank you Major General, not whilst i'm on duty." Campbell shrugged and downed the two measures of port himself, smacking his lips he resumed drinking his tea.

Commodore Vincent Rachburg was a superb tactician, a man of honour and integrity, hence why he completely and utterly resented Major General Reginald Campbell whos knowledge of naval affairs was, to say the least, terrible. The Major General was an officious beuracratic loud mouthed somewhat whimsical aristocrat; which were all the reasons as to why he was in charge of this venture which involved beuracracy and bone headed aristocratic values, even Rachburg had to admit that if it were not for him he would have gone mad from the paper work. He sighed inwardly, accepted a cup of tea from the Major General who although annoying to an immense degree was hard to hold a grudge against and began to wander round the ship to assess it's adequatness.

(OOC: This is more of an intro than anything else. I'm guessing "tommorrow" whenever that may be, is when i'll arrive in port and do as i wish.)

1st Rechburg Squadron

They had beating into the wind all day, first tacking to port and then to starboard. The sailing master Mr Evans was constantly muttering under his breath about the damn farm boys the Press gangs had dredged up.

The 1st Lieutenant smiled to himself, it was well known aboard "The Duke" that Master Evans was the heart and soul of the ship. It wasnt unknown for him question the captains orders, though thank god he hasn't done it in the presence of the Commadore.

"Mister Evans, we are well aware we have a green crew, but with your keen eye and this blasted wind, I am sure by the end of the day; they will conquer the intricacies of sailing; either that or you have brow beaten them into shadows of their former selves."

Sailing Master Evans didnt like the 1st Lieutenant, he was just too much the Gentleman, like a real dandy; not like his captain, now there was a real seaman.
The 1st lieutenant had only arrived on board 2 days ago, and according to Evans he came with all "..is airs and graces".

Evans turned to the 1st lieutenant,
"Aye sir, I expect raw material to work with, but this lot are dumber than the damn cows they were working with last week.
I ask you sir, how am I going to make sailors out of shite; I tell you its just aint fair".

The 1st lieutenant had to turn away to avoid laughing at the poor frsutrated sailing Master, having composed himself he turned to speak

" I wouldnt worry about Mr Evans, we will......"

Suddenly from up on the Main mast a voice yelled

"Sail ahoy"

"Where's the sail, the 1st lieutenant yelled back"

"2 points on starboard, just crossing the horizen sir" came the faint voice, as it was almost taken away by a sudden gust of wind.

The 1st lieutenant lifted his telescope that had been given to him by his Uncle, Captain Leopold Ney.

He looked into the area the lookout had indicated, but failed to see anything, clearly it was so far away that it could only be seen from the top mast.

He turned to Midshipman O'Niel.

"O'Niel, go below and tell the captain we have a sail on the horizen"

A voice came from beside him.

"No need O'Niel, I am here".
The Captain approached the 1st lieutenant

"What have we got Simon?"

The 1st lieutenant answered,
"Its not visible from the deck sir, the lookout says its 2 points on the starboard"

"Well then Simon, you best take that dandy telescope and scarper up and tell me what you see"

The 1st lieutenant smiled, "Yes Sir".
The sailing master was still muttering about ...."fools and errands to himself"

There was nothing more that 1st Lieutenant Simon Beaumont liked more than climbing the rigging, to him the swaying and blowing of the winds were all part of the magic that the sea offered him. he had years of experience at it, despite coming from a distinguished rechburg family, he had come up through the navy from a young scared Midshipman.
He also knew, the captain was giving him a chance to show his abilities to the more experienced quarter deck crew.

The 1st lieutenant scarpered up the rigging like a professional.

The sailing master nodding to himself, and more likely talking to himself, simply shook his head

"..eee can do that alright, damn near like a monkey"

The captain smiled to himself, and then said to Evans

"It may be advisable to give the 1st Lieutenant some slack Brian, he captained slave chasers for four years before joining us, so why not give him a chance".

The sailing master, looked at the captain, murmered something quietly that sounded like "ees still like a money" and turned to watch the officer.

Simon stood beside the lookout, who simply gaped at the 1st Lieutenant,
"ere Sir, you did that alright, damn near as quick as me"

"Why thank you" Simon replied, "Now wheres our ship?"

"There sir, right over there" the lookout replied as he pointed out to starboard.

Simon looked through his telescope while braced against the main mast.
Sure enough the sails were there, more than 1 ship for sure.
He turned and yelled down to the deck below

"Merchant ships captain, about 4 and no escort".

The 1st lieutenant looked around the sea, the rest of the squadron were equally struggling through the heavy sea. The tiny Brig "Duchess, sometimes seemed to disappear behind waves, only to pop up over the next crest.
Having done what was required of him he climbed down again.

The captain turned to the 2nd Lieutenant, William Bathurst,
"Please signal Duchess - Investigate sail on starboard quarter".

The 2nd Lieutenant gave a salute and ran over to the signal midshipman.

He turned to Midshipman O'Niel

"Please go to the Commodores cabin and tell him we have a sail on the horizen".

The young boy, quickly disappeared.

The 1st lieutenant arrived back on the aft deck, smiling.

"Looks like 4 merchants sir, but couldnt see any flags"

"Thank you 1st lieutenant, well done"

"I guess we will just wait."

The North Western Economic Inquisition Fleet, 2nd Division.

The fleet had sailed along fairly pleasently throughout the day, Commodore Rachburg dissapearing into his quarters to escape the belligerent and misplaced enthusiasm of the Major General. At around one PM however Rachburg's silent retreat was broken when Campbell entered and suggessted a game of chess; that took the Commodore by surprise.

Even more suprisingly the Commodore had not only enjoyed the successive hours but also warmed to the Major General. He came to realise that Campbells rambling verbal articulation did in fact carry a message of intelligence, they disscussed politics, philosphy, matters of state and economy whilst pouring over their miniture battle field. As such Commodore Rachburg was rather dissapointed when his Lieutenant, Adrian Boltzman, announced that a city port was coming into view.

As such he finished the last of the tea and announced his leave to the Major General who declared their eight match a draw and made one last joke with regard to his suspicion that the Commodore had cheated him out of a move during their third; he in turn bid good night to the Commodore and went to his own quarters.

The Commodore stepped out onto the deck and took in a deep breath of fresh air, "Commodore on deck!" The sailors all snapped a salute as the Lieutenant announced his presence.
"At ease men." He gave the deck a quick look around, all seemed in order, the sun was low in the sky casting a wide spectrum of bright colours across the ocean, and there was indeed a city gradually increasing in size on the far off coast. He turned towards the rear of the ship and began to climb the steps to the rasied area at the rear.

"Check the marine chronometer please Lieutenant, assertain our position and inform me of the time please; oh and bring me a gin and tonic would you."

The Lieutenant snapped a salute and hurried off. Rachburg received a salaute from the salior at the wheel to which he replied with a crisp nodd. He picked up a telescope and assessed the coast.

-------------------

Two hours later his fleet pulled into the harbour, unsure as to where he should dock his vessels he simply took up a position in the center of the harbour, the trading vessel sitting in the center of a U formation. The Ostrotrophian flag, or for the traders the Companies flag, was flown proudly from their masts. The Commodore decided to wait and see if he was greeted by the towns representatives. If not he would simply send in his trading vessels.

(OOC: What's the port called? Will i be greeted by someone or should i just roleplay it myself? Me don't know... :p )

The Vengance rocked peacefully in the open sea, on it, Stras was reading recent reports of merchant activities in the area. He had been tracking several ships for days now and decided to pick out a target.

Stras was a experienced captain who had led dozens of raids against rouge slave ships and anything else that came in the way of him and the company. He was a tall man, but had yet to make full use of it when ordering people about. He never quite enjoyed the life of a law abider, as it often meant that he was no better off than the deplorable slave traders that he often had to put into jail. Now he felt that he was going to be respected, and an odd way of being famous, was to kill famous people.

"Kerl! Where are the reports of those ships that have been roaming about! We are close enough to striking distance of the group of ships in route C, and I want to know where they are now!" Captain Stras had a certain something in his voice, that made his men do what they were told fast.

"Here sir!"
"looks like a nice little target, not many warships in the area. If we are to begin our career, we have to start it with a bang. Signal for all ships to cut off the ships at route C!"

Immediatly the new recruit followed orders and the crew worked feverously to get it done. The Captain returned to his room. He looked around at the simple and small room, one which even the lowest of ensigns in any other navy would have thought to be to small. But he liked it just fine. And so did the crew. No crew member had a bigger room, more food, more than anyone else, unless they earned it. Reserving what would have been his room on a normal ship, for extra supplies and ammunition. Every ship was stripped of anything that wasn't needed to make way for supplies and other things to repair the boat.

After the fleet got underway, he sat down infront of his chessboard, looked at the pieces and moved the king's pawn forward 2 squares.

"I made my first move, now, what will be yours..."

The Vengance, followed by the pirate fleet, moved off the Brienne coast ahead of the expected interception point, hoping to go past the route then come from the south with the wind and make a single, deadly pass and move out quick to take the mercahnts.

(OOC: What's the port called? Will i be greeted by someone or should i just roleplay it myself? Me don't know... )

The port will be Marianne, you can RP the harbour master and unloading of ships, any other interaction on shore I will RP with you if you wish.

Your fleet will be leaving with the gold onboard that Rechburg paid the goods with. Beware of Pirates or enemies.

Captain Wright turned to the signal midshipman,
"Make to the brig Duchess - Investigate sail to the Nor east"

Immediately the midshipman under the watchful eye of the 3rd lieutenant and the Coxwain selected the signal flags and hauled them up on the signal line.
Within minutes the brig battling the heavy seas was making her way to the strange sails on the horizen.

About 10 mminutes later, the signal men saw the signal flags fluttering on the masts of the Brig.

Sails Nor east 4 merchant ships bound for Rechburg

Captain Wright looked to the Commadore, he smiled gratified they had found the convoy before the Pirates or the Kunesdorf navy.

Commadore Davout walked over to the captain.

"Signal them to join us"

The Captain instructed the signlman to send aloft the following signal

Conform on me.

The Captain turned to the Coxwain,
"Bring us around coxwain, 185 degrees."

Slowly the large ship of the line wore around, sails slarted flapping and then refilling as they gained the wind from the stern.
The Merchant ships, having just to sail down wind were quickly on them. The captain then ordered his squadron to conform around the convoy, with his ship in the lead and the Duchess out front scouting.

All they had to do now was escort the Convoy back to Rechburg.

The North Western Economic Inquisition Fleet, 2nd Division, Port Of Marianne.

The ships under the direction of Commodore Rachburg docked in the port of Marianne. Once the vessels had ben secured Rachburg returned to his quarters for the night, his Lieutenant took over from him in the placing of guards, ensuring all was well and finally dismissing the men. His last act was to meet with the harbour master and pay the docking fee before he himself returned to bed. From the Companies ships however an inconspicuously dressed man by the name of Henry Gardener left the safety of his vessel and dissapeared into the night.

During his wander, which lasted for most of the night, he sat in dens and pubs eaves dropping on those sitting near to him. He picked up on local gossip and news, it was already known to the Commonwealth and the Company that this nations was at war, hence why they had come stocked with gunpowder and a variety of arnaments and ammunition for sale. Of course, it would be a great asset to them if they could perhaps delved deeper into the mystery of it all; it would seem for example that this county and port was allied with a resistance movement. Intrigued he departed and paid a few visits to local traders, talking to people who both bought and sold arnaments and ammunition. It seemed that such things were in short supply here, and as such the costs were truly delightful for the Company. At around one in the morning he returned to the ships and made some comprehensive notes on what he had learnt, he then handed them to a guard on duty to be passed to the ships sales broker and the Commodore; he himself then returned to his quarters.

--------------------

At the crack of dawn the crew was up, servicing the ship, scrubbing the decks loosening and tightening ropes where nessacery and guarding the traders as they unloaded their stock. A crowd had gathered around the the Companies vessels, the dock master and his own guards were keeping an eye on it but with the presence of the nearby Commonwealth soldiers any riots would be short lived. For most of the day the traders sold their stock enmasse to mass buyers and individuals alike, the gold rolled in. After ten hours of continual bartering they had sold all of their goods. The takings had been secured away, and they prepared to set sail back Visigothia, first however the Commodore, and Major General Campbell on behalf of the company had prepared a sealed letter for the addressal of any senior or trustworthy official of the Knights Of Rechburg. It was handed to the dockmaster who was given to two gold pieces and promised a further four more once the letter reached the Knights hands. This done they set sail from the port of Marianne, intending to leave trade route D1 and sail onto route C on their return to Visigothia.

--------------------

The letter reads:

"To the receiver of this, under the presumption of it reaching those who we intend, we extend a warm greetings.

I, the penner of this letter, am Major General Reginald Campbell, the superior officer on board the 2nd Division of the North Western Economic Inquisition Fleet of the Commonwealth of Ostratrophic Visigoths. By my side, at the moment of writing this of course, is the esteemed Commodore Vincent Rachburg. But now to the point of my addressal.

I am representing the economic pursuits of the Ostrotrophic Visigotian Trading Company under the supervision of the Visigothian Inter-National Relations Department. Naturally your time of civil strife is an unfortunate event for you and your people, yet rich pickings for companies wishing to sell arnaments and ammunition as we wish to. However, we would wish to pursue an economic and military alliance between our nation and your faction. We offer a guarenteed shipment of high quality arnaments and ammunition, whilst offering you a standard market price as opposed to the inflated values caused by the scarce nature of such items. With regard to a military alliance, if it is to your liking we would wish to pursue a guarenteed trade contract at the end of the conflict in supplying a number of goods, whilst being reimbursed for any damages inflicted on our side; the plundering of materials and items from enemy vessels and locations will serve to cover numerous expenses in themselves. We will take an active role in attempting to use our naval superiority in cutting off your foes from vital supplies, as well as engaging their forces and generally trying to further your noble cause.

All the best in your endeavours, and wishing this letter a speedy delivery to your person,

Major General Richard Campbell"

The fleet passed through the trade route long before the mercahnts had come. With the Vengance in the lead, the all made a large turn and that would place them to the south of the route. They laid anchor a good ways away and raised the colors of a trading company to the north. These supplies weren't going to get to the soldiers of Rechburg, he wasn't going to allow them to get away with it. So, he simply waited and played his game of chess by himself. He waited for the signal of watchman. Soon it came.

"Sir! Masts in the horizen to the north!"

His put all his pieces into place not on piece had been taken. But then he moved to take the black bishop. A risky move in his position if he didn't play it right afterwords, but he had taken the enemy, and the ships raised anchor to take theirs.

(OOC: The ones they are going after are the 4 merchant vessels on Route C)

Duke Wilhelm sat in his private office and read the letter that had only this morning been delivered to him.
Already today reports were coming in from all over Rechburg of more uprisings against the Elector, admittedly some of these were days old, but they all indicated the success of achieving the concept of revolt amongst the people of the Duchy.

As he looked out over the vast lawns of the Palace Malmaison the Duke didn’t for a moment consider the option of defeat, the people had suffered under this Elector, and the Order of the Rechburg Knights had suffered in particular.

Despite the Chapter houses and hospitaleries being closed on the instructions of the Elector, the Knights functioned just as efficiently as they did in the past.
The centuries of existence of the Knights order, the very nature of the secret codes and structures always ensured the order would survive persecution.

The Province of Normandie had been the first province to raise the flag of revolt, others followed, namely the provinces of Delphia and Brienne. People rose up and attacked the Imperial Garrisons and raided the armouries in these provinces. In others they attacked and killed Imperial officials, all of which meant the Electors forces are stretched thinly.

However now that was changing, The Elector had started raising armies in Kunesdorf, Caledonia and Mantua. Other province also raised armies but they were often raised by both sides within the same province, causing huge destruction and hatred amongst families and communities.
The other advantage the Imperial Forces had, was the wealth of Rechburg had been concentrated in the province of Kunesdorf, the home province of the Elector Brunswick.

The Duke read the letter again, and it offered the first real glimmer of hope. Yes he mused to himself, we have raised the flag of revolution, but it take guns, cannons and swords to keep it flying.
To date most major powers had been reluctant to supply arms to the Ducal forces, but now the first major power was offering a chance, not only arms but an alliance against the increasing armies of the Elector.

He quickly decided to draft a letter.

Major General Richard Campbell

I am in receipt of your recent letter and assure you it was received with great joy.
As you indicated sir, the civil strife within my country is a unfortunate event, one that has already cost the lives of many thousands of Rechburgians.
However the willingness of my forces to accept the sword of Freedom, is tempered by the abilities to supply the Ducal forces. The majority of our forces are little more then revolutionary mobs, armed with ancient weapons, the training is limited and usually only achieved at very local levels.

The Ducal Armies are being raised, and they will be trained, however as you will realise sir that takes time and weapons. Your offer of assistance and alliance in our struggle has been meet with the greatest enthusiasm here in my headquarters, it is as timely as it is welcome.
I am sending this letter by the hand of my son Prince Albert, he has been authorised by me to act on my behalf in assisting you in anyway possible.

The situation at the moment is at best fluid, after the initial revolts, both sides have become quiet as they gather forces and train armies, the Imperial forces have the advantage in this matter and our agents have indicated an offensive is due very soon.
We are very fortunate to have several loyal Rechburg Naval units, these will assist you in the delivery of arms. The Ducal Navy has at the moment one 74 ship of the line, 4 Frigates and I believe 2 small Brig. this small but dedicated force will help in escorting your ships into our ports.
Please be advised sir, that this terrible strife in Rechburg has not only raised the interests of foreign powers, it has raised the grasping hands of greed. Our waters are in festered by pirates who will attack any ship, even on occasion naval vessels; so I would not suggest sending unarmed merchant vessels into our waters.

In the highest regard

Duke Wilhelm
Duke of Rechburg.

The letter and Prince Albert were sent to Port Marianne, to be delivered in person to the hands of Major General Richard Campbell.

Day 2

Naval situation

1)Rechburg Fleet is escorting a merchant convoy to Normandie via A and A1.
Will reach port today


2)Commonwealth of Ostratrophic Visigoths is in port Marianne and unloading, they will leave via c1 and C.

3) Pirate Fleet ( I assume is on Route C) the Visogoth fleet has sailed past unnoticed. Another Fleet has just entered C from the south.

4) A new Fleet has arrived on C

5) A new Fleet has arrived on E1

Both fleets in 4 and 5 can be taken over by any player and the fleets may be of any type

(OOC: I should be going out by D by D1, got the routes mixed up sorry. Seeing as that's the direction i came in from my nation :p )

The North Western Economic Inquisition Fleet, 2nd Division, Trade Route D1 Onto D


The Commonwealth fleet headed out along the trade route, the Commodore and Major General resumed their off topic, tea and port fueled conversations. At the end of the trade route D they would meet another convoy and exchange their treasure filled merchantmen for new stock filled ones.

The masts in the horizen were not who they were expecting. It was a fleet that hadn't been recorded and was only now entering Rechburg. Whatever it was, Stras wanted to find out. He made sure all the colors of the company was up and stood on the deck of his ship. With a few simple signals, the Delerious, captained by Terre, was sent out to scout the fleet and bring back information. Just incase they were Navy, Stras had all crewmembers dress in attire suitable for a rich company, one that could actually afford a fleet like this.

On Delerious, Captain Terre looked at the ships as they sailed, took a few notes before making caontact, and signalled to the ships. Hoping to get a response to get closer and identidy the ships and cargo. He gleefully thought to himself the thought of him leading his crew aboard a galleon and counting the gold aboard. Oh the profit! he was thinking to himself. Most of the crew was thinking the same.

Stras watched as Terre closed into the fleet, hoping that the fleet was fileld with the riches that would make him and his crew rich and famous.

Aqua Anu Merchant Fleet

The AA MF was a fleet of traders and civilians. The civilans were there to interact more with local cultures they came across while the traders conducted business. This was so the queendom could learn more about the world abroad. Battling out with the weather was one thing for the men and women of this ship, battling pirates was another.

Satella the captain of the Passanger/Merchant ship Sapphire kept her eyes out at the horizon looking for signs of trouble. "Turn the ship starboard 23, Keija."

"Yes Captain." Her first mate complied and turned the ship slightly.

OCC - What trade route are you on Aqua Anu, if not sure check the map on the top of page 1.

Escorting Convoy - A1

The Commodore watched with relief as the Rechburg Concoy sailed into port, he mused to himself
"Thank god I am rid of those slow lumbering tubs"

He turned to Captain Wright, take us to route c, Captain. Lets see if any of those Kunesdorf scum are lumbering around the coast.

Fleet will spend the day shifting trade routes.

Arriving on Trade Route H

Commodore McDoolin sat comfortably in his stateroom aboard his flagship Impenetrable as he read, and re-read his orders. They were just ambiguous enough to be open to interpretation..."Do what is necessary to sustain the resistance of the blahblahblah". 'What did landlubbers know about pirating any way?' Thought the aged seadog.

Thoroughly disgusted with his orders the Commodore walked out onto the sun lit deck.

"Commodore on deck!" Yelled one of the newer sea men.

"Easy lad, this isn't the bloody navy. We actually do work! All that "on deck" nonsense is a bloody waste of time. Instead just tip your hat in my direction, that shall suffice. Now, to business! MIDSHIPMAN ROBERTS! Your report if you please."

"Aye aye sir. Sir this lot is the worst group of sailors I've seen in years sir! It's enough to wonder how the navy can find it's ass in broad daylight with two fucking hands! Begging your pardon Commodore."

"Mr. Roberts you say that about every new batch we bring along but what exactly did you mean by "The navy" Mr. Roberts?"

"Well yes sir, we raided the naval pub and forced most of the fleet into service."


"Hmmm" Sighed the Commodore as he looked aft towards the rest of the fleet, "Mr. Roberts, If the crews are so inexperienced then why are Mr. Wells, and Mr. O'rulin able to handle themselves so deftly?"

Mr. Roberts looked back, and sure enough the Doggard and the Hammond were engaging in a sort of deadly ballet. The Doggard was using her superior speed to catch up to the Hammond who in turn was using her quickness to turn inside the Doggard. The ships were attempting to get into position to rake the other, and neither ship could gain the advantage.

"Mr. Roberts while you bitch and moan Mr. Wells and Mr. O'rulin have been drilling. If this crew is insufficiently prepared for battle I blame you. Furthermore I will have no cualms with making you an example."

Mr. Roberts' mouth fell open, but he quickly recovered, spun on his heels, and ordered the ship to fighting stance. It took the crew nearly seven minutes to prepare all the guns and prepare the ship for battle.

"Mr. Roberts, for the rest of the day the crew will be drilling. If they are not able to bring the ship to battle in under four minutes I will have your hide and theirs."

"Aye Aye Captain"

The Commodore returned to his chambers to re-read his orders, now that he was in a better mood

occ - have edited your trade route:rolleyes:

The journey from trade route A to C was uneventful. Though boring in not finding any enemy the time had been well spent in training on the guns and sails. The Commadore was extremely disappointed that he didnt see anything of the Kunesdorf Navy.
Clearly it was time he put into Marianne and got the latest reports.

He turned to the Captain,

"Please set a course to Marianne"

The North Western Economic Inquisition Fleet, 2nd Division, End Of Trade Route D

The escorting of the treasure laden Company vessels had been a matter of simplicity, they encountered no other vessels on that trip, in fact they rarely met other vessels on this route. Instead taking the time to drill their crew, the Major Generals booming reprimands at every slip up saw the crew tighten their performance some what; thankfully they were proffessionals. They met another fleet at an arranged place and exchanged their escort. The Commodore met with the other fleets head of command, handing over a message written by the Major General detailing their exploits and intentions. The two fleets parted once more, the Commodore turned his fleet round to return to Marianne, and he joined the Major General in his cabin for dinner.

"You know Commadore, it will be mighty tricky trying to accomplish what we're doing."
"Your point Major General?"
"Well, it's not that we are ill equipped for it, we are the finest navy in the world! May the Mother bless us all in our endeavours!"
"May she bless us indeed."
"But my thinking was this, we will be wanting to set our sight on any juicy oppertunities presented in Rechburg, have you ever noticed the irony inherited in our ventures name and yours Commodore?"
"Yes i do Campbell, you digress."
"Yes i have deflected from the mainstream of my evenings thought have i not... yes, aha, as i was saying, it's awfully difficult for us to accomplish anything in that land with having to escort the merchants back and forth."
"Indeed... i was pondering it myself but have not yet considered it untill we receive word from those whom we address."
"Of course of course, but someone such as i cannot lay in bed with such thoughts ticking away at me in an irksome manner. No, so i pondered the problem, and it occoured to me that there must be a bank, or an institute of similar purpose function or an equal alternative, somewhere in Rechburg, if we could find such a place then the traders could brave the journey themselves and deposit their funds in the bank for us to escort back when we have finished other matters."
"It is indeed a thought.. quite a thought indeed... we shall certainly look into it when we arrive back. Very good Major General i commend you."
"Thank you Commodore, more tea?"
"But of course."

(OOC: Would Rechburg have any banks or something similar? If not then can you think of an organisation, maybe the knights themselves, who would carry out a similar function? Alternativly the Company might go ahead and set up one themselves.)

OCC

Yes Rechburg is extremely Mercantile, the leading Banks in Marianne are run by the Foy Family (Foys National bank, later in MT times it became Ducal International Finance), the Foys National bank is the official Knights of Rechburg bank.

The Knights also operate a courier system throughout the Duchy, mail and packages are carried efficiently throughout the nation (In MT times it became Rechburg Telecomm), if a package of money is registered with the Knights, it is guarantted through the Foys National Bank.

You can get assistance through the Foy Bank or you are welcome to open one of your own.

The North Western Economic Inquisition Fleet, 2nd Division, Port Of Marrianna.

The Commonwealth fleet pulled once more into the port, docked it's vessels and waited. After soon arriving the dockmaster approached them with a response to their letter; he was paid for his good duty and asked to stand around to firstly take a reply to Duke Wilhelm and to secondly find a representative of the Knights Order who would deal with the purchase of their goods, three of the vessels were destined for the Knights and another one was for commercial trade. Another item of interest was a company official, acting on the word of the dockmaster, to investigate the possibility of opening up an account with a bank, he returned announcing he had found the best bank in the city run by Foys National bank, both the Commodore and the Major General were immensly pleased. By the end of the day their sales from the commercial goods vessel had been completed and the truly grand sum of seven hundred and seventy eight Ingersols had been deposited in the bank under the Companies name. The Major General however handed over the reply letter to the dockmaster hoping that he would receive a swift reply.

To Duke Wilhelm, Duke of Rechburg,

Honourable Sir,

Myself and the Commodore received your reply with great enthusiasm, at this very moment a letter to our own government is speeding along with a comprehensive report of your struggle in the hope that more aid may be offered by our own government, including possibly expereinced trainers to drill your men. But fo rnow however let us turn our attention to the resources at hand.

Three merchantmen filled with weapons and supplies of war are waiting in the port of Marianne, we await a representative from your organisation to oversee the transaction process, however, both me and the Commodore would wish to meet with an official of yours, preferably someone skilled or related to the planning of your campaign so that we may better understand the situation, and of course use that knowledge to make sure we utilise our resources in the most effective manner.

As such, our fleet will remain docked in the port of Marianne for some time untill a representative to deal with transactions and strategems, perhaps two different people, arrive.

Awaiting such a person, and your timely reply,

Major General Richard Campbell,

Port of Marianne

Commodore Davout was surprised to see so many ships in port, clearly much had happened while he was at sea.

The signal gun on Fort Pierre saluted him as his ship "The Duke" entered harbour. Looking through his telescope he was observing the new ships, they were flying the flags of the Visogoth Commonwealth.

He pondered what had happened while he had been at sea.

He turned to Captain Wright.

"Order two Frigates to remain on station outside the harbour, along with the Duchess, the rest can anchor with us; once that godamn harbour master sorts himself out".

Finally the signal flags were sent up from Fort Pierre, the signal midshipman quickly read the signals

"Squadron to anchor in the West naval roads, commodore & Flag captain to report to Fort Pierre immediately".

Port Marianne

The letter from Major General Campbell had been redirected to Prince Albert who was currently in Port Marianne. The Prince asked his secretary to send the following missive to the general.

To:
Major General Campbell
The North Western Economic Inquisition Fleet,

My dear General I would be most pleased if you and your commanding officers would do me the honour of having dinner with me this evening.
We can discuss all arrangements and plans over a pleasant meal. We will be joined by Commodore Davout and capatin Wright of the Rechburg Squadron you no doubt observed arriving this afternoon.

Carriages will arrive at 6:00pm to bring you to my Headquarters at Fort Pierre.

Yours in Highest Regards

Prince Albert

The North Western Economic Inquisition Fleet, 2nd Division, Port Of Marrianna.

To his Highness, Prince Albert,

Your invitation of dinner has been met with great enthusiasm by both myself and the Commodore, we will be delighted to be entertained by your most esteemed self, we will prepare ourselves for tonight.

With greatest respects,

Major General Richard Campbell

(OOC: Just pick my chaps up, take them to the fort and then enter, seat them, address them so we can get to the dialogue.)

Port Marianne

OCC
The Guests arrived at Fort Pierre, Introductions made and the meal has been eaten. We are now seated in the smoking room in large chairs and brandy.

IC
Prince Albert picked up his brandy glass, rose from his chair, he turned to the waiters and aides so as to dismiss them from the room. He walked over to the window, looking out over the entrance to Port Marianne. Looking out to sea he could see one of Admiral Davout's frigates patrolling out near the horizen. the other patrolling ships out of sight.

He turned, smiling to his guests
"Gentleman, here in Port Marianne all is quiet, yet sadly that is not the case elsewhere in Rechburg. My father expects the Elector to begin his offensive any day now, and gentleman regardless of what you gentlemen hear; we are not ready.

Our army is gaining in strength, but it is not an army; its still an armed rabble. General Quinn has been appointed as Inspector-General in charge of training and as well as Quartermaster-General. I have just read his latest report and it makes woeful reading.

Our country need two things, Time and weapons"

Commadore Davout placed his glass down, rose out of his chair taking a preloaded pipe out of his tunic pocket. He walked over to the large open fire, taking a stick of smoking ember out of the fire he drew deeply on his puff, his efforts rewarded with the lingering taste of Raw Rechburg tabacco and a cloud of smoke.

"Your Highness, our navy can give you time only by strangling the Electors supply lines, there seems little if any Kunesdorf Naval activity; but they are well supported by pirates it seems. It is my intention, therefore that we rid the coast of the pirate scum and blockade Kunesdorf."

The commodore Davout made his way back to his leather chair, he turned to the other guests, gestulating with pipe in hand.

"It is with these gentlemen, your highness that you get the other, that is weapons. However I suspect before long, when the pirates realize the wealth going out and weapons coming in; they will swoop on their convoys. It is imperative as far as I see it your highness, that the Pirates are our first priority".

Port Marianne, Fort Pierre

OOC: You know what my people like

IC:

The Major General and Commadore were, it was to say, immensly comfortable. Their Rechburg hosts knew their ways around hospitality it seemed. Both men were sitting in highly comfortable chairs, sipping away at glasses of brandy, both of them were also smoking on their pipes, sampling Rechburgs tobacco, it was rather pleasent, smoother than the stuff important from the East, the Major General made a mental note to recommend it to the Company. Both of them were in dress uniform, the Major General in his red jacket with gold embroidery, and positivly plasted with medals and decorations of his accomplishments; the Commodore was much the same, only his jacket was a deep midnight blue in colour. They listened to the conversation with great interest, exchanging cryptic looks every now and then to see what the other was thinking. Finally the Major General took the provided opening to speak, still in his chair he simply sat upright.

"Time may not be on your side your highness but in terms of weapons they most certainly are, as you are aware there are three transpots sitting out there loaded to the brim with weapons and ammunition, intended for the hands of your own forces."

He took a deep puff on his pipe, exhaling a great cloud of smoke.

"Goodness me that stuff is nice... but aside from the weapons your highness and of course to the Commadore" he nodded his head in the direction of Davout, "you are indeed correct that we need to act now on the pirates and indeed on Kunesdorf, if we can destroyt their naval factions it will simply be a matter of pouring in support to your nation untill we've finally smothered your foes like a fire in a pot!"

The Commadore poured himself another brandy, speaking as he did so,

"I agree with Campbell here, and by virtue of extent and origination both your highness and the Commadore here, of course, much can be gained from the situation if played right."

He stood up, glass in one hand pipe in the other, and wandered over to the fire place, leaning against the mantle he addressed the Prince,

"What you must understand your most royal highness is that for all honour and intentions we must do what i best for our own nation; whether the rewards be short or long term."

The Major General interrupd with his deep booming assertive voice,

"And the rewards are certainly worth it highness. The profit our nation will make from this conflict will set the Commenwealth further up in it's economic strength. And once your nation is under your factions control whom we will support through the duration of this campaign, the rewards will be long term, in terms of friendship and partnership."

He nodded to the Commodore to resume,

"But although we are obviously in this for the betterment of our nation we are not entirely mercentile your highness, for one thing we chose your faction. Why is this? Surely the leaders Kunesdorf would have more money from which we can ply from their scaly grasp? Your forces are weaker, your ports more liable to attack, blockade and plunder. And yet we chose your faction did we not?"

"For democracy sir!" The Major General resumed, blowing smoke out of his nose and managing to drink at the same time, "You stand for superior values which we ourselves wish to emulate across the world, that's why we chose you your highness, because you can't buy deceny in this day and age. Can you Commodore?"

"Certainly not, Campbell."

"Major General if you please, did you know gentlemen the Commadores name is Rachburg? What a spiffing coincidence."

"Yes as i was saying, once you have secured your realm you will need to replenish your finds will you not? Or else you'll drive your nation into bankruptcy, you need to secure funds, and what better way to do so than plundering from your own enemy..."

"And you should do it quickly sir! If we act quickly we can set out to the Kunesdorf areas, raid ports, shipping routes and if the oppertunity presents itself raid the ports. Split the winnings seventy thirty in your favour your higness! The opening stages or a well planned campaign are not about opening moves, it's about economics, if you cannot fund an army how can you expect to get past stae three of your master plan?"

The Commodore resumed, sipping brandy, his brow furrowed in thought,

"Such a plan could also work to our advantage, you mentioned pirates? They also work when they stand to earn the most, if they're on a pay roll then why not offer them a different contract? When we encounter them we inform them of the raid we wish to carry out and offer them an option, join us or be blown to the bottom of the oceans bosom. I'm sure they'll see sense. Your thoughts gentlemen? We must apologise, the Visgothian aristocracy is more than aware of it's tendency to articulate verbally and ramble somewhat."

"I'm of Ostratrophian descent actually Commodore."

The Commodore shushed the Major General.

OCC: Rachburg, those ships, do I just get them or something cause they haven't done anything.)

IC:
Terre had recieved no answer, so Stras thought of a good possible solution. Attack them, then claim that they were pirates if any naval ship came passing by. He decided to go for it and brought all his ships to bear. At extremely close range, because they still flew company flags, and they looked as if they were coming to join the convoy, which they did. The other ships didn't realize that they were pirates ready to board their ships. He had his cannon loaded and readied as tehy pulled up directly next to the ship that looked like their escort. they awaited the order to open the doors and make an extremely close range blast. One that most ships wouldn't survive. Guns were also loaded for individual crwe members as they marched about on deck looking as if they were guards, unsuspecting to the ships, while dozens got ready to pop out and rake their decks.

(Can someone please RP these ship's reactions as I haven't got a clue at what they are or who they belong to.)

OCC - I will RP them, they were a fleet I put up in case we had a new player come on, as we didnt I will RP any odd fleets. I do warn that they will not always be easy meats, sometimes they will be "allied NPC's" with naval ships, but usually they will merchies of 1 - 7 ships.


Merchant Fleet on Route C

The four ships had left Rammsteinburg over 3 days ago, they had sighted sails on the horizen on several occasions, but each time the mystery sails just disappeared over the horizen or were identified as neutral merchants.

The mood on board the flag ship was now one of relief, they were just a day or so out of Rechburg; surely naval patrols would escort them in.

Captain Charles Everat was a nervous man, these were Pirate waters, and every captain had to be weary. It was well known that ships heading for the rebel states would be attacked by Pirates or the Imperial Kunesdorf Navy. The rebel States or the Duchy of Rechburg as they were now known as, had too few ships to cover all the trade routes.

Everat's thoughts were interupted by the shout from the main mast

"Sail Ho"

The Captain looked up at the mast and through his megaphone yelled back
"You bloody imbecile, Sail HO tells me nothing. Where are they, how many?

God he thought to himself, how did I end up with all the idiots for a crew.

Again from the main mast

"Several sails to the north east.... Sir"

Taking his telescope the captain cast his eye to the North east. There just on the horizen he could make out sails, too far for positive identification.

Taking his magaphine to his lips again he yelled to the gun deck,
"Run out the Guns"
Each merchant ship had a gun deck with 6 x 12 pounders per side, enough to scare away the small pirate ships, but not anything of real size.


The approaching ships were a mystery, but he had to wait, if they were enemy ships of any kind; each captain knew what to do... they simply scattered and made their own way to Port Marianne.

Fort Pierre - Port Marianne

Prince Albert watched and listened to both the Commodore and the General. "Gentleman your nations assistance in this struggle will not be forgotten, we Rechburgians are much like yourselves, perhaps just a little more so. In our society your family needs to be either a member of the Order of Knights or a merchant guild, if you are not you are a nothing, a nobody"

He walked back to his seat taking his glass, he sipped the brandy and then placed the glass gently on the side table again.

He said smiling to himself
" Thus being either a knight or in a merchant guild we often have a tendency to be militeristic merchants. I would however add that we are literally a nation of shopkeepers. If you want finance, trading etc we are very accomplished in these matters, however in the trades such as building, mining etc we are mere learners. We are learning these skills but it is a long term project, so in the short term we are buying or trading for our essential materials."

"When it comes to our soldiers, they are brave when well equipped, sadly however the Elector purposely neglected to adequately arm the provinces that he didnt feel were loyal to him. So our men trained with sticks, and home made spears. However despite this rudimentry training, you will find any of our soldiers to be extremely quick to understand and learn. Purely because since before a Rechburgian boy is able to walk, he is taught the basics of the military art and military history."

Those units that are armed with modern weapons fight very well, sadly we dont have enough of them The shipments of arms you have brought us will go a long way towards requipping the army and giving the Duchy victory."

Commodore Davout went over the window, looking out to sea, he turned
"Commodore Rachburg, I do like your plan regarding the Pirates, why fight them if we can buy them, it shows much promise, I like it indeed. And the raiding of Kunedorf coastline is a mission I have been ordered to undertake by my Duke."

He puffed on his pipe finally understanding the Generals humourous remark

"Ahhh yes Rachburg, Rechburg, very good, very good indeed"

OCC: I will take that to heart.

Stras looked through his eyeglass at the ships as they took out their guns. Hopefully just a precaustionary measure. He made sure that all teh correct flags and symbols were up to represent a common trading company. His men were well dressed to look the part of a company vessel, but below decks, guns and cannon were loading, not opening the gun ports until they wre told. They would pull up next to the larger ships and ask to join their convoy. Once accepted, they would come along the ships and give harsh broadsides to them while they rake the deck with muskets. The merchant's guns didn't fire as they pulled up, a good sign so far.

"Ahoy there! Our escort hasn't found us yet, and we were hoping that you might happen to be our escort, but you don't seem to be. May we join you? These seas are very dangerous and our ships have few cannon left aboard! What do you say? May we join you?"

He knew that if they refused, his ships would simply open fire on them, but he wanted his to get closer to take them out in the first volly and force them to surrender. He awaited their response.

Merchant Fleet on Route C

Captain Everat was puzzled by the hailing of the other ships. he wondered how in christ almighty could they have possibly thought we were naval ships, we are sailing like a bunch of drunken landlubbers and our ships are sure not in the best repair.

They looked like trading company vessels, but regardless he couldnt just open fire with his meagre guns, god damn imagine the ruckass if he was responsible for sink a trading company fleet.

He picked up the mega phone

"Ohoy, there - you are welcome to tag along at the rear of the column".

Port Marianne, Fort Pierre

The Commodore returned to his chair sipping brandy whilt listening to the Prince, the Major General meanwhile remained by the fire leaning against the mantle, puffing on his pipe happily.

"Mercentile and militaristic, a nation of shop keepers." He mused to himself, "Indeed, we are alike, very good. Nations and a people which pull together in the pursuit of the same interests go very far. But the moment a nation attempts to pursue goals which are not in it's own interests it heads straight for unavoidable collapse."

He paused in his smoking to swig on his brandy, finding his glass empty once more he returned to his seat, pouring out an extra measure.

"Indeed the arming of your troops will be a worth while goal for both our nations, and i'm sure many buissness men in Visigothia will be very keen to bring their various expertises in trade over here for a song or two. Short term profit earning goals as it were. On the mention of short term goals, the rewards reaped from the raiding of Kunesburg establishments could prove most profitable. Although i'm sure that's something for the two Commodores to address."

He sat back, puffing his pipe, the Commodore put down his glass and laced his fingers together.

"This mission of raiding the Kunesburg coastline, very profitable indeed. Of course, if must be managed correctly, if we strike we must strike in a place that will be well worth it; if we begin to raid smaller settlements they'll be aware of our ploy and guard their more valuable targets much more carefully. If we are to attempt the raiding of a port it must be in either two circumstances, one, it is valuable and relativly undefended, but the moment our first strike lands they will be aware of our ploy. The second is if their naval support is crippled, allowing us to pick and choose our targets at our own leisure."

He leaned forwards, surveying everyone in the room,

"You said that this realm was low in manufactured supplies, surely this applies to the people of Kunesdorf? If they are receiving over sea resources such as yourself then if we cut off their support then we could indeed cripple them, render them unable to fight. Engage in a bout of... state approved mercentile action ourselves against traders who have allied themselves with Kunesdorf... perhaps it will be worth while to concentrate on not only securing the trade routes to their lands but also raiding when the time is right. Where exactly would the elector be based may i ask?"

The Major General jumped in excitedly at this,

"Imagine, how strategically wonderful, capturing the face of your enemy, holding him ransom for both information and supplies, possibly bringing the entire realm under your control under a single stroke. A longshot, but if the oppertunity arises surely it would be a worthwhile one."

Route C-

Stras Laughed as he heard back of the column. He called out repeatedly that he misheard him and need to know where exactly he wanted them. All while his ships went on the other side of the merchants, to a ship of their liking. AFter the third time asking, the ships pulled up next to the merchants in the rear.
"Well Captain! Looks like my ships are in the rear!I don't exactly like being last!" He laughed as he signaled a sailor to get the gunners ready. He walked into a safe spot.
A flag was raised, common to signal go to rear in many trading companies, but this one meant to fire for the pirates.
"It was good to meet you captain! I think I will take your ship now!"
At that moment, the guns came out, fully loaded and blasted the ships. only one merchant was to be left unscathed. It would carry their treasures mostly. At the same time, the crew got their guns and rakes the top of the merchant vessels, attempting to destroy morale of their crew.
"Care to give up now? We will spare your lives and set you free within sight of land! Just surrender your ships and treasure and you may leave! What do you say? I have another volly ready for you if you do not cooperate! I might even board your ships and kill all your men outright!"
His troops took firing positions to blast into the hull again, and to rake the ship on any deck crew if they didn't cooperate.

On the other ships, the blast had gone splendidly. The unaware ships were blasted by both sides in possible and raked with musket fire. Most ships though, had avoided destroying any important parts of their targets in order to keep it intact. Only the deck and the gun emplacemetns were targeted. They awaited the white flag of surrender from the ship.

Captain Everat only managed to yell "fire", before the defeaning crash of the broadside shot hit his ship. Only 2 guns managed to fire back, both missing before they too were shattered of the staunchins.

The combination of wood splinters, shot and musket fire swept the remaining ships, the carnage was huge and 3 of the four immediately began to sink. Only on the fourth ship did they manage to fire a complete broadside in return, their fire causing considerable damage to one of the Pirate ships.
However the return fire brought the main mast down, in falling it felled the foremast and both crashed entangled over the side.

The captain dead and the 1st mate wounded, the crew immediately raised the flag of surrender, their ship with all the destruction, blood and bodies recreating in the minds of many a scene from hell.

Srtas smiled to himself as he watched the enemy crew surrender. His guns reloaded incase of any funny business and his crew boarded the ship without harming the last of the crews, taking anything of much value. The final ship, unfortunantly with a completely destroyed mast, was no longer useful to Stras and his men, but at least its treasures weren't nearly as damaged as the others, and a large profit was reaped from that ship. Since the 3 ships were already sinking, he took the last of the ammunition, supplies, valuable items, and as much cargo as they could, on board his ships. Each split among the men. They even took the few cannon on board the 4th ship and decided to make it sink to.

After a good and profitable plunder, they piled all the merchant crews into the last ship and got them into the last lifeboats. Using some gunpowder that had ben smashed aboard the ship, the last couple of pirates placed it at the bottom of the ship. They lauched off the lifeboats, and dropped a torch. The pirates ran for the Vengance as it pulled away to escape the coming blast. They came aboard as they sailed away at full speed. After a minute of sailing, a deafening blast thundered throughout the sea, as the last of the merchant vessels were eliminated. They all were seen sinking beneath the ocean waves, never to be seen again.

The boxes of the cargo hadn't been opened yet, but the crews were already partying and singing already. Stras decided to let them keep their spirits high as he piloted the Vengance and the fleet, including the damaged Blasphemy, which had taken a few serious hits to here deck. Most of the damage could be repaired by simple handywork and the spare wood onboard, but much of the deck was to badly damaged and needed more wood and more professionals. It wouldn't hinder her though, so they pushed on. Stras hurrying to get out of the route to escape any possible Navy intervention.

Port Marianne, Fort Pierre

Commadore Davout puffed on his pipe

"yes Gentlemen, Rechburg strengths and weaknesses are the same as Kunesdorf. I agree that raiding and blockading is definetly the way to go in forcing the Elector to the table for peace talks. I would suggest that we train several battalions of infantry to be used as marines, they can be used on board warships or kept together if required for amphibious landings.

The commodore looked out of the window, a frown crossed his face, he walked over to the table and picked up the telescope.
Walking to the window he focused on a small ship just crossing the horizen.

The others noticing his attention out of the window joined him, the telescope focused on the ship, it was one of his, the Brig "The Duchess". Up on her yardarm were flying the signal

"Enemy in sight"

I fear Gentlemen our meeting may be disrupted, I have to join my squadron.
He turned to the Prince and bowed

"Sire, please excuse me"
He turned to the other gentlemen and saluted them

"Gentleman I believe we can do the business, I am sure you have much by the way of detail you need to discuss with his highness, meanwhile I best go and deal with event huh".

With that the Commadore donned up his Fore & aft hat and left the room, quickly scampering down the steps of the fort to the docks a little way down the roadway. Already his coxwain had the boat ready, he carefully boarded her and the with the sailor gently pulling on the oars he made his way to his ship "The Duke".
As he neared her he could see the activity on board, clearly the 1st Lieutenant had read the signal as well, crossing the bow of the huge ship he noticed the anchoir had been shortened and men were climbing the yardarm, in expectation they would be underway soon.

It had taken some time to tack out of Port Marianne, as he did so he raised the signal "Commander - Duchess report on board"

The little Brig had come alongside and its commander crossed by gig, climbing the side of the "74" he was met by the 1st Lieutenant.

"Welcome aboard Commander" the 1st Lieutenant said, "Please follow me, the captain and the commadore are waing sir".

They made their way down to the commadore's cabin, the 1st Lieutenant knocked on the door and announced

"The Captain of the Duchess Sir, Commander Ponsonby", he stepped aside and the young commander strode manfully in.

Captain Wright looked up from the map he and the commadore were studying.

"Come in Ponsonby and please make your report"

The young Commander despite his appearences was a nervous wreck, however he summoned the will to speak coherently and calmly.

"Yes Sir, thank you sir. I was as ordered on patrol on Route C, at approximately 1100 hours we heard gunfire to the north, though this was beyond the range of the patrol limits, I signalled to the Frigate Sampson that I was investigating.
At 1215 hours I came upon a scene of devastation Sir. We picked up a young boy who had been knocked over board from some fighting, it appears he had remained afloat by clinging to wreckage.
From this boy sir we have ascertained that he was part of a convoy of Merchants that had been attacked by Pirates, apparently the Pirates disguised themselves as a trading company".

"Damn cowardly scum", Captain Wright murmered to himself.

"Quite so" added the Commodore, "and what of the Pirates now Commander?"

"I searched for more survivors sir but could not find any, I ran a further 5 miles south along trade route C but failed to find any sign of them sir. So I brought us around and reported back here."

Commadore Davout asked "And the merchant ships, were they all sunk"

"The boy said he was sure his ship the "Southern Star" was afloat but was a wreck with main and fore mast gone, but he passed out and when he returned everything had gone, so he could not confirm whether it was taken in tow or sunk."

"Very well Commander, excellent report and good show of initiative, please return to your command and lead us out on to trade route C, I believe there is another convoy due tomorrow, so we will escort it in", said the Commodore.

ooc: Subscribed. And.. trying to figure this out. :confused:

ok, if you need help just ask... welcome aboard me hearty

ooc: Just not sure what I'm supposed to be doing. -.-

There are 3 convoys of ships coming on trade routes to day 5 ships in route I

5 on Route C and 5 on Route E.

Note.
These ships can be claimed by any player as a convoy, if they are not taken over by a oplayer I will RP any action required by them. What is not certain is if they are merchant or naval. I usually decide that by die roll It worls like this

Die roll 1-3 All Merchant
Die roll 4 All Naval - Some foriegn nation just looking, but may be attacked.
Die Roll 5-6 Mixed of Merchants escorted by Naval.

Port Marianne, Fort Pierre

The Commodore and the Major General said their polite good byes to Commodore Davout before turning to each other briefly,

"Do you need to return to the fleet Rachburg?"

"I think not Campbell, they would not enter the port, this is a mtter for them to investigate, no need to reveal ourselves quite yes."

"Ahh of course," Major General Campbell tapped his nose with his pipe and turned to the Prince, "Your highness a cloak of secrecy about our doings could do as well i believe, if we initially pose as being neutral we may be able to carry out a few tasks and gain the upper hand without inciting them against us." He leant back in his chair, puffing on his pipe and thinking. The Commodore meanwhile downed the last of his port and sat forwards,

"What is to be then your highness, are we in agreement, our two fleets to fight a common enemy, although taking a somewhat devious stand at first to gain a few advantages..."

"If this is to be so," Campbell interjected, "Then i am authorised to sign off our nation for such a venture. As reports and assessments pass back and forth between myself and our government we can make changes relating to support and so on. But what of it your highness? Shall i draw up a contract and, if it is to your liking that is, we sign up our two nations to an alliance?"

The main thing is this is a naval RP. You can select 7-10 ships name them and use them to attack Rechburg, Allied and Pirate Fleets. You can try and ally or make agreements with Pirate players. You may also attack Rechburg coast line or blockade a trade route. Just as we will you.

Contact will usually occur when two groups end up on the same trade route.

For every naval win you achieve the more gains your nation has on land (Tho that is abstractly reflected)

There are no real winners or losers in this, you are simply here to RP some naval action. If you lose a fleet you as Kunesdorf have another you can use. You may also capture ships and if possible add them to your fleet, but your fleet may not have more than 10 ships.

Keep it real is the theme.

You can "invent" a Allied major Power" as an ally, your major Ally supplies you with war material by convoy.

I will announce most days where convoys are coming on, if you can reach one, you are free to attack it.

It takes one RL day to cross from one trade route to another, there is no action while you do so.

any other points you are not sure about just ask

There are 3 convoys of ships coming on trade routes to day 5 ships in route I

5 on Route C and 5 on Route E.

Note.
These ships can be claimed by any player as a convoy, if they are not taken over by a oplayer I will RP any action required by them. What is not certain is if they are merchant or naval. I usually decide that by die roll It worls like this

Die roll 1-3 All Merchant
Die roll 4 All Naval - Some foriegn nation just looking, but may be attacked.
Die Roll 5-6 Mixed of Merchants escorted by Naval.

IC:

Kunesdorf Warship Shrike

A swift-moving frigate of the Kunesdorf Navy, Shrike was on a shortrange patrol along trade route E. A standard safeguard to protect Kunesdorf shipping.

In the masts of the ship, a lookout pointed and shouted, "Ships! East by northeast!"

The bow of Shrike swung eastwards, the sails billowed out and the agile warship began to close in on the convoy. Men with spyglasses peered intently towards the distant shapes, trying to make out ship types and flag colors.

OCC
Ships on E are merchant - You can claim them as a allied convoy and escort them in, this will add to a score I keep for the land war.

The convoy may still be attacked by Rechburg/Allies of Pirates.

Your Main Port in Kunesdorf is Matra.

OOC: I thank you for another fleet on C, lets go for another one.

Stras had moved farther along the trade route in order to avoid detection by naval ships. What he didn't expect was another fleet on the route. So, he got the attention of his men, ready for another raid after the successful last one. He decided that since no one had yet learned what to look out for, he decided to go with the same approach, except this time tehy would say that they were attacked by pirate vessels and needed assistance in repairing the Blasphemy. He again approached the ships, unsure of what type or alliegence they were, but none the less a possible wealth of treasure was aboard. So, the Vengance neared the lead ship, with the rest of his ship lined up behind him, each picking out a target to take out.

(OOC: Sense I have no real use it seems for treasure, can there be some ports that don't care who I am and just let me dock and spend my treasures there? Otherwise, it would be very dificult for me to continue pirating as I will simply run out of ships eventually and I can't use my treasure.)

OCC
Ships on E are merchant - You can claim them as a allied convoy and escort them in, this will add to a score I keep for the land war.

The convoy may still be attacked by Rechburg/Allies of Pirates.

Your Main Port in Kunesdorf is Matra.

Shrike will escort this merchant convoy in.

OCC
OOC: I thank you for another fleet on C, lets go for another one.
All convoy routes are decided by die roll.
Yeah I was pissed to find another convoy arrives on the same route that you just sunk one on. Obviously word had not got out.


(OOC: Sense I have no real use it seems for treasure, can there be some ports that don't care who I am and just let me dock and spend my treasures there? Otherwise, it would be very dificult for me to continue pirating as I will simply run out of ships eventually and I can't use my treasure.)

The Provinces to the north around Saxonne are considered wild and rebellious, so a Pirate would do well to rest and get drunk up there. But of course there are not many convoys up there either and at 1 trade route per RL day, it will take you out of the action for a day or two.
Your traesure levels assist your crew ratings, the more treasure you accumulate the more your ratings improve.

Commodore Davout decided to sail north along trade Route C, he sent a signal aloft.
A new convoy was expected in and since Pirates were operating in the area it would be neglilent not to escort it home.
He ordered the 18 gun Brig "Duchess" to scout ahead, mean while he sent the following signal aloft.

"Squadron to conform on me".

With that the squadron moved in line behind the flagship.

OOC:

Still waiting for a response Rechburg

The Prince only too aware that Rechburg needed all the support it could muster, and the proposal was a good one. His main concern was that might take time to have an effect and time was the one thing Rechburg didnt have.

Commodore Davout had sent back a signal that yet another Convoy destined for Rechburg failed to arrive, yet spies reported Kunesdorf supplies were getting through.
The sadness of it all was, the Rechburg Navy was so small and there were so many pirate fleets, rather than carrying the war to the enemy trade routes and coasts, the Rechburg fleet was spending all its time defending it own trade routes.

However at least the proposal was something to build on, if time permits.

The Prince left the window,
"Very well gentleman we have an agreement. I will have my secretary draw up a contract."

At that moment there was a knock on the door, The Prince's secretary walked in and handed his master a letter.

Placing the letter on the side table, the Prince turned to the commodore.

"I have just received word that Kunesdorf has invaded Delphia and Normandie, our forces in Delphia were routed and are in full retreat".

The Prince walked over to a map, on the wall desk, he indicated the others should come over.

" General Maximillian has withdrawn along the coast, that means the enemy are free to push inland and to seperate us from Normandie if unopposed.
My father is in Normandie with the Grand Armie, but he is awaiting supplies Gentlemen, Guns, Cannons, Swords, artillery; the whole paraphallia required for war.
The Grand Armee is very well trained, but they lack the tools to do the business, so Gentlemen I urge your Government to send us those tools quickly."

Port Marianne, Fort Pierre

The Commodore and the Major General simply nodded,

"Indeed, your highness i am confident that your armies will be equipped enough to easily take on your foes and push them back in a decisive defeat. We have three vessels in the docks carrying supplies, i suggest your ferry those to your troops with all due haste."

The Major General downed the last of his brandy and extinguished his pipe,

"I think that we had best leave you to work on the mechanics of your campaign, the Commodore and myself had best leave, if we leave tonight we should be able to meet up with the return convoy and return in two days; hopefully we will also have word from our own government and not just the Company."

The Commodore also stood up, placing his brandy on a side table and extinguishing his pipe,

"Your higness it has been an immensly pleaset evening and i hope our future relations are just as comfortable as tonight has been. But i fear for the sakes of both of us that we had best depart."

"Have your administration send the contract to us via the dockmaster, i wil sign it if it is to my liking on our return."

Both men bowed somewhat to the Prince as they prepared to leave.

(OOC: If it's alright with you i'm going to encompasse the days that i've missed out from this conversation and RP the two days i missed in a single post.)