Published May 14th, 2009
Author: Hotspur
Technical notes: A full-up RP post will follow in proper RP voice as time allows. This is more of a quick narrative with some observations and QA stuff all sides agreed to later. Thank you for pictures from Nabila Nadir and Viv Trafalgar, I had settings dialed back for less “crashiness”.
Summary of RP Narrative:
Dateline Roatan: A small patrol of ironclads, led by the embittered LCDR James Montgomery Messmer, FWE, is returning from long range patrol in the waters near Dismal Swamp. The patrol consists of Two Kotetsu, a Lavanco and a Tyrann Mortar Boat. This was the patrol mentioned at the end of the Punishment Fleet post. Messmer has ordered a return, perhaps earlier than usual, as his coal bunkers are getting low. Ammunition supplies are full. Messmer is a complainer by nature and a bit of a stick, but he is still a professional, and he would not have his patrol endangered by running low on fuel. The patrol discovers a small landing party at Althorn Point flying the flags described flying on “the Object” in Lamunda’s report. There are humans about, but also some form of sea creatures, in shiny bubbles of water that are floating .. moving fast.. on the water. The mer people attack viciously upon sight and engage using a very rapidly firing pistol at close range. There are rapid fire guns mounted on the tower as well. Messmer formulates a battle plan on the spot, and it’s not bad. Tyrann to hold back and engage the artillery at a distance. Kotetsus and Lavanco forward to engage close. And thus, the battle is joined.
QA NOTES:
I enjoyed playing with the Armada crowd. This is my kind of thing, setting up a scenario and turnign it into a battle. We all had a blast, everyone was very sportsmanlike and nobody had to be “called down” for anything. The perfect battle no matter what the result, in my opinion.
Setups: Armada had a tower to defend. We put up targets to shoot at that were ICS enabled. I’m not sure if that worked or not, the guns should stop firing when the target says “destroyed”. As I did get an IM from Viv saying “Guns out” both times, I assume this worked well as a means of counting victory for our side.
Wrath had their Mortar Ship to defend, which didn’t go down either time. We improvised a “Forward Observer” as best we could. The other ships did go down, though, far quicker than I would have liked, and part of that is the nature of the mer-weapons. They do fire a tad to quickly and as the firing target is so small and fast moving it’s almost impossible to hit them. An ICS ship just can’t react quickly enough in Second Life. My suggestion might be to have someone with a mouseviewing ICS gun along to engage mers with. I have also spoken with Jasper about the pistols and Viv about the bubbles.
Communications were by shouting and IM. If we fight another one at Lilliput, I’ll attempt to use the state channel if possible, as it’s critically important for action to cease when the HOLD!!! order is shouted.
Victory: Outcomes were pretty straightforward. We gave the first battle a draw, as our last vessel other than the mortar went down before HOLD was called, and the second one was a Wrath victory as the tower, a gun, the phalanx, and the other side’s ironclad were all dispatched before we lost our third non-mortar ship. All present agreed to these results in good humor.
In sum, The Wraths greatly enjoyed this event and are willing to host more in the future. I am already speaking with Viv about a projected round two and will follow up on it. I wish to thank everyone who participated for showing up and enthusiastically participating in good spirits and sportsmanship. You all make it a pleasure to work on these events.
Hotspur
Proud to roleplay with grownups!
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Published May 14th, 2009
Author: Hotspur
Follows The Court Martial of LCDR Lamunda closely.
The moon shone brightly on the waters of the Blakes Sea as the Retribution Task Force gathered steam. I looked down the hatchway at CDR Bellambi and the duty navigation officer. They seemed worried.
“Everything shipshape, Commander?”
“I’m worried about the wind, sir, it’s picking up. We have not way of determining if this will affect the location of the Object.”
“We shall do the best we can, Commander, with what we have. It’s a miracle we even have a bearing on this Object. You’ve done a credible job, Commander. I’m giving the order.”
I wasn’t worried. I was gleeful! We had not seen action of this sort in many a month. I leaned out the control cabin of the borrowed Tyrian and pulled the lanyard on the steam whistle. Once, twice, then two together quickly. MAKE STEAM! Follow in battle line!
Slowly the fleet of somewhat groggy officers (recently toasting Lamunda’s success in escaping severe career damage in court martial) brought boilers to the true operational pitch, and formed a long battle line. I wish we had air cover for this mission, but I would not risk one of Jonas’ airships for spotting fire with the wind picking up. I would regret leaving him home in a few hours, but at the time I was blisfully ignorant… aye, and perhaps a tad overconfident.
Lavancos trailing, and Kotetsus on flank, with the mortar ships in the center– always delicate hulls, those.
We picked up steam, and crossed to the East of Althorn Point, dipping our flags to the Autocrat’s office as we passed it. I could see his lone figure on the observation deck of his mansion, silently staring out to sea as the Retribution Task Force gradually picked up steam to a level that all ships could maintain at a steady head of steam, with an interception point of 1.5 hours.
I gave the wheel to the helmsmen, and went down to the captain’s quarters to use his chart table as a desk. A seaman already had coffee ready. I nodded thanks.
As we steamed south, I pondered a note I noticed in my inbox just as we were walking out the door. A large cream colored note with an odd red wax seal. Not giving it much of a glance, I stuffed it in my jacket as we were running out to board ship.
Well, I had about an hour.
I slit the wax seal, and read the message. “To the Commodore of the Fleet of Wrath Exiles, from a leading citizen in the community you refer to as the Object”
That had my attention.
“It has come to my attention that you have visited our fair city at least once in the past few weeks, and might consider doing so again, perhaps this time with a little surprise.” I winced, for this was a job I was reserving for Lamunda, but this time with several pounds of dynamite.
“If you attempt incursion to our territory through that avenue of approach, you might find it blocked next time. Or perhaps not, if you will lend an ear to my proposal.”
“There is a certain troublesome individual that has blocked certain projects of mine at Armada. You would be doing myself (oh, and Armada) a great service if, somehow, she were to go missing in the attack that surely looms. I would wish to meet with you in advance of this attack to discuss certain matters of mutual benefit to both our communities. Signed…”
And an illegible scrawl followed.
I looked at the sheet, puzzled. What the devil? Still, one should never discard a useful tool. I set that down in my portfolio and went back on deck. The moon was at its height now and the Object, what they called ARMADA, should be hoving into view.. NOW.
Nothing.
I looked around the horizon, first with the naked eye, then with the Night-Glass.
Still Nothing.
“YOUR LADYYYYSHIP!”
CDR Bellambi appeared instantly to my bellow. I was calm.
“Madame, scan the horizon. We are at the coordinates you gave us. Where’s the Object?”
For the first time in a long time, she appeared less than certain.
“Commodore, I have no idea. Based upon what we know of projected course, state of the sea, wind and tide, THIS IS WHERE SHE SHOULD BE.”
“Hmph. Well, madame, I will not waste precious coal on this fool’s errand. We’ve been humbugged, it seems. Signal Fleet orders. Set course for Port Merrimac, return to base. Leave a Tyran and a few direct fire Ironclads out on long patrol, your choice, and the body of the fleet to return home at once.”
I leaned out the control window of the Tyrann to get some fresh air. An ironclad can get rather stale after two hours underway at three-quarters turn of the screw.
I looked out at the water, in the general direction of where the Object (Armada, I must learn to call it that) should be. Was it my imagination, or were there lights UNDER the water, flashing back and forth?
I shook my head. Trick of the light, to be sure.
I sighed, gulped my coffee, and returned to the Captain’s stateroom, to finish my coffee and ponder this unusual communication I had just received. We would not bombard Armada today. But the day would come, I knew it as sure as I was sitting here.
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Published May 14th, 2009
Author: Hotspur
Follows “Prepare the Riposte” closely.
The bosun whistle called out the long dolorous note that indicates a summoning into a court martial. LCDR Dorien Lamunda stepped in to the jury rigged courtroom, accompanied by an escort and CAPT Huszar of the BUFFALO. His back was ramrod straight; he strode forward the measured ten paces, removed his sword, and placed it, hilt first, towards the panel of myself, CAPT Somme (Operations) and CDR The Honorable Lady Bellambi (Fleet Intelligence). Boots crashing together, he came to attention as the Lady Bellambi read the charges.
(mouse over embedded slide presentation to see captions)
“MISTER Lamunda, you are hereby under review for the incident on the tenth of the previous month, where the FWES SHANNON, under your command, was lost in the waters south of Port Merrimac, under combat. You understand that it is a procedural matter that all combat losses are placed under senior court martial review, and that the charges (if any are brought) are of a serious and substantive nature?”
Lamunda nodded. I leaned over to Somme, who was taking notes. “Witness indicates affirmative. Proceed, Lady Bellambi”
“Very good. Therefore, you answer the following review at your peril, as an officer and gentleman of the Fleet of Wrath Exiles. Please explain, for starters, the events of 10th of last month, in your own words, with no embellishments.”
Lamunda’s singsong islands accent rose somewhat as he recounted the events of the sinking of the Shannon. He had admirable poise for this situation, but I have a sense for these things, and I knew he was nervous. As he damned well ought to be.
Lamunda recounted the events as he had witnessed them– from his perspective. How he had encountered “The Object” (now known to be a pirate’s den called “Armada Breakaway”) far to the South. How it appeared to be the flotsam of many sea wrecks, and how his first instinct was to lend assistance of a humanitarian nature.
I interjected at that stage. “All very commendable, Mr. Lamunda. Now, pray tell the court.. How far away were you when you hailed the structure?”
“About five cable lengths, sir”
“As close as that, eh? And your narrative states (glancing at Somme to confirm) that you could clearly see figures, quote, “Swarming all over the upper works” of this Object, yes?”
“Correct, sir”
“So you mean to say, you were within hailing range (certainly within speaking-trumpet range) of this Object, and they gave you no response as you approached under flag?”
“Again, Correct, sir”
“Hmmmm.. Did this not give you pause to wonder?”
“Of course, sir. I came to the conclusion they didn’t speak our language, sir.”
“Quite possibly a conclusion I might have arrived at. OR, perhaps, they wished to stall for time as they were luring you into range, could that be another interpertation?”
Lamunda looked sick. “Yes, Sir”
“And what were CAPT Huszar and the BUFFALO doing at this time? “
“I had command of the patrol sir, and signaled I would approach the Object under a flag of parley, whilst CAPT Huszar would remain 8 more cables outward.”
“Out of range of most cannon, very prudent, sir” I snapped.
He continued. “We approached under white flag of parley, not seeing any obvious gunports on the structure. As we rounded the eastern edge of the Object, many gun ports in the oddest locations opened up, revealing guns of assorted calibers and bores. They commenced a steady bombardment of the SHANNON, which had steam up and cannons loaded, so we engaged them back quickly”
“To what effect sir, to what effect? How well did a Wrath Ship of recent design do in this situation?”
He looked downcast.
“Not well, Sir. We managed to stove in the wooden wall of one of the structures, and unseat at least three cannon, and start a fire, but the structure was too large, with two many intersecting fields of fire, and their cannon were too high up for our guns to bear”
“How long were you engaged?”
“It would seem an hour, sir, but we returned fire for ten minutes as we were reversing out of the sort-of harbor they have there.”
“That bears up with CAPT Huszar’s account. And where was he?”
“Steaming to assist, sir. He had the Object under fire quickly. However, when the giant Fear Engine showed up, we knew both of us were outclassed in gunnery, and we should retreat to keep our ships.”
“Did you engage the other ship?”
“It was more a matter of it engaging us, sir. The Shannon had taken many hits already, and when the Fear Engine’s shell hit us beat the juncture of turret and frame, that put paid to the structural integrity of the hull. We started to take on water fast, and when seawater poured into the engine room, I knew she was lost.”
“Yes, I heard there were some scalding injuries.. how many?
“Two sir”
“Yes, one of them Cadet Asturias, the Autocrat’s nephew, I hear?”
Again, he looked miserable.
Somme got him to recount the evacuation of the ship, which was well done, I thought, considering an enemy ironclad was bearing down upon him and the ship was rapidly foundering and in flames.
CAPT Huszar, his usual laconic expression far more worried and animated than usual, gave his testimony, which confirmed Lamunda’s words.
CDR Bellambi inquired into the structure, what can be discerned about power sources, forms of motive power, and most especially the caliber, number and range of their weaponry. She took copious notes.
I banged the gavel. “You may retire to outside until called for, MISTER Lamunda.”
Lamunda about faced and walked outside with Huszar, his sword still on the table, hilt first.
I turned to confer with the other court martial board members. Somme pointed out the cost of the Shannon, Lamunda’s youthful age and less experience than Huszar, questioning his command in this situation. The Lady Bellambi nodded, looking worried. I know she has a soft spot for these younger officers from the post-Middlesea era. Lamunda is particularly popular amongst the younger crowd, being friendly and energetic. It would be a damned shame to ruin him.
“Call them in, Bosun”
The whistle blasted and Lamunda returned under escort, other officers trailing behind.
I rose to my feet to give the verdict.
“MISTER Lamunda. It is the opinion of this court that you did behave recklessly on the day of the tenth of last month, in approaching the so-called Armada Breakaway Object, and did engage the enemy without intelligence as to his strength or intention. As a result of your decisions, a ship was lost, and almost a crew. This IS a matter that the court will take seriously. However, there are mitigating circumstances, humanitarian concerns, and none of the court assembled can clearly state that you did NOT act in accordance to standard orders for patrolling the Blake’s Sea. My only fault, and it is a serious one, is that you placed your crew and ship in jeopardy by approaching the object too closely, and falling for what was clearly a ruse. We have lost a ship. You will take this lesson to heart. I am, therefore, docking you a month’s pay, less meals and uniform allowance. You will, however, retain your rank and full responsibility of a Commander in the Fleet of Wrath Exiles.”
His face lit up, involuntarily.
I reached over, and reversed his sword.
“You are out of uniform, LCDR Lamunda. Your sword is returned to you. Always bear it with honor in service.”
Tears welled up in his eyes as he gazed at the hilt reversed. He reached down, and swiftly returned it to its scabbard, and saluted, his voice cracking.
“Th.. Thank you, Sir”
I saluted back. “Excellent effort pulling them off, Dorien. Try not to lose any more ships, lad. Now, off with you! We have a bombardment to plan, GET TO YOUR STATION, sir! We will meet to discuss your assignment shortly.”
Lamunda’s sad countenance was replaced with a grin as he about faced and marched out with Huszar and some of the other young officers. I studiously avoided noticing the very loud cheering from several young officers congregated outside as they noticed the sword on his belt and epaulets still on his shoulders.
Somme smiled. “You always were a tad soft-hearted, O’Toole. Let’s hope you don’t have a soft head, too!”
“Oh, he’s shaping well. Neat trick to pull the crew off like that, under fire. We’ll make something of him, yet!”
CDR the Lady Bellambi nodded. “he is shaping well, as are all of the officers of this generation. We have put down good roots hear in Roatan”.
I grinned at her. “We shall allow them exactly two hours to buy Lamunda drinks at the Officer’s mess and tell him what a clever fellow he is to escape the Ogre’s wrath. After that, it’s every captain to his ship and get steam up. We’ve lost a lot of time on this, and I mean to sail as soon as the tide breaks tonight! Is the Reprisal Fleet ready?”
She nodded. “Fully loaded, extra mortar rounds, extra rounds, full coal bunkers, fires banked for quick steaming”.
I looked at Somme and Her Ladyship. “Tonight, we will sally forth and give them something to encourage them to ply their trade in other waters.”
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