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Post by Linx Exotic on Dec 26, 2007 14:03:54 GMT -5
Not all of the cannons were to be right on the deck of the Stormy Otter. There would be a second, belowdecks level... Probably the most annoying part of it was carving out the windows, as opposed to just rolling the guns into place. Linx watched his orders being carried out impassively, although behind this expression, or a lack thereof, he felt an illicit relief in that he didn't have to be the one messing around with the saws and whatnot. The pieces of wood they removed weren't going to be discarded, though, unless they were in dismal condition... Rather, they could be used to block the windows when the cannons weren't in use and just flip upwards with some handy hinges. Here comes Archon. Better get back to reality. "How's it going up there?"
"Faster than here on belowdecks..." The mouse had spent his time on the main deck since they weren't doing any serious, back-breaking labor up there and pretty much everyone knew how physically hindered he was now. They were just rolling the cannons up the gangplank and onto place on the deck, one by one... There were, what, eight on each side, total? And that wasn't even counting the belowdecks level. "We just finished, that's why I'm down here. All the cannons are accounted for and tethered in place... Do I have to call you sir?"
"In authentic context? Nah." This relationship felt more and more inappropriate as time passed, being between an officer and typical soldier, but it hadn't started that way and Linx tried to his best ability to prevent it from his duty from messing up his personal life, and vice versa. Linx glanced at all the toiling beasts around them and then back at Archon, who was sort of standing there awkwardly the way he always did... It was hard not to all-out embrace Archon's foibles... Hopefully not literally. "Uh, go up and tell them they can bring the components down here." The belowdecks door was by far too small to bring the cannons down whole. They had to be assembled right down in the room where they would be fired, although this wasn't too hard to do.
"Sure, Linx..." And with that, Archon was off. He couldn't tell, and didn't care, if it was actually an order or not. If Linx said it, it was an order anyway.
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Post by Raiden, Zahi, Lars and Ama on Dec 26, 2007 20:46:28 GMT -5
Woah! Mind out!
**Steping out of Archon's way, a slightly green-tinged Raiden went and stood next to Linx.**
I don't know why you invited me here to help... I can't stand boats... Big one's are better than small ones, but I just can't stand the rocking of the boats...
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Post by Linx Exotic on Dec 26, 2007 20:48:41 GMT -5
"It's not rocking, you are." Linx was perfectly in tune... Relatively, anyway. "I wanted you to see this, though. We're putting them here, then the sloops, then maybe the fort battlements."
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Post by Raiden, Zahi, Lars and Ama on Dec 26, 2007 20:54:36 GMT -5
Easy for you to say... You've never been caught between a small boat and a large galleon before... Near killed me that did... 'sides, even anchored boats rock. Currents are everywhere you know.
**Looking slightly more at ease with the fact the boat wasn't rocking as much as he thought, Raiden looked about the deck.**
Not bad... Large artillery. Not quite the range of siege artillery, but I'd guess at more acurate.
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Post by Linx Exotic on Dec 26, 2007 20:56:13 GMT -5
"You don't need long range when these are in play... About the range of ballistae, but they're direct-fire so much more accurate. Did I mention that they're repeating, and utterly devastating?"
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Post by Raiden, Zahi, Lars and Ama on Dec 26, 2007 21:00:25 GMT -5
I believe so. Gotta be careful though... Rumour has it that some corsair ships are mounting smaller versions of static artillery catapults. Some of thouse have power and range equal to that of the larger versions. Ballista-level accuracy too.
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Post by Linx Exotic on Dec 26, 2007 21:01:47 GMT -5
"Catapaults? Not a threat. Really, really inaccurate. It arcs like crazy and does some weird things on a rocking boat... Plus wind offset."
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Post by Raiden, Zahi, Lars and Ama on Dec 26, 2007 21:07:24 GMT -5
True, but you're looking at a mouse who spent two years wandering amongst good and evil beasts. I've actually seen one of those catapaults at work. Windy day, rough seas, and they still hit a catapault in a fortress. Smashed it apart with a lump of cast-off iron they did.
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Post by Linx Exotic on Dec 26, 2007 21:09:19 GMT -5
"Now, that's some precision work... Do you want to see what this can do in response? Just wait until the firing ports are set up."
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Post by Raiden, Zahi, Lars and Ama on Dec 27, 2007 10:35:10 GMT -5
Erm... I'll pass. At least for now... But trust me, a good, experienced crew on one of those catapaults makes it far more dangerous to aproach than normal.
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Post by Linx Exotic on Dec 27, 2007 10:48:14 GMT -5
"And the range of these would surprise you. They're extremely high velocity, during test shots all I could see was a flaming blur before the shell burst into the target. They're also precise enough to knock the mast off a sloop from a couple hundred feet." Linx gave Raiden a reprimanding look. "Are you doubting the utter superiority of my technology? Catapults are obsolete. These are better."
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Post by Finnerator Rudderbow on Dec 27, 2007 12:12:47 GMT -5
*Finnerator Rudderbow stepped onto the docks and looked up at the schooner at anchor there. The Stormy Otter. The sea otter grinned at the sight of it. There had been many a good day upon that ship. It may not be as big or as fast as the others out there, but it was her ship and that made it better than all the frigates and galleons out there. Her boots thudded on the wooden docks as she strode up to the ship. Linx's newest invention was just now being dragged up the gangplank onto the deck of the ship*
*The leader of the fort had her doubts about what the commander called a cannon. Warfare had made advances in great leaps in recent years and Finnerator wasn't sure if she was ready for it. Whatever happened to the days when had to be within longbow range to kill vermin? Now with this equipment, you never even had to get that close. The sea otter felt uneasy about it all, but still Linx assured her that most vermin and corsairs were equipping themselves similarly. The only choice was to advance with the times so Otter's Fort could keep doing its job. Finnerator sighed and shook her head. The decision was already made and the cannons were being assembled. It's too late to turn back now, Finnerator. Progress can't wait for you to make up your mind anyway, she thought to herself*
*The ottermaid pondered these things while she waited by the gangplank for one of the new weapons to pass then followed it up onto the deck of the ship. On the deck of the ship many of the weapons were already set up by the otters and other creatures of the fort. She strode about the deck looking over the weapons before she headed below to find Linx*
*She walked down the stairs and waited a moment at the foot of the steps for her eyes to adjust to the dimmer lighting. Below decks there was much more activity. Here, the guns had to be assembled and holes had to be cut into the ship for them. Finnerator glanced around and found Linx talking with Raiden. They seemed to be discussing the advantages and disadvantages of catapults when Finnerator walked up to them and nodded to both of them*
*After Linx made what sounded like a final point, Finnerator interjected* I see you've been making a good amount of progress Commander. Anything to report?
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Post by Raiden, Zahi, Lars and Ama on Dec 27, 2007 13:10:49 GMT -5
Huh? Ah! I wish beasts wouldn't sneak up on me like that...
**Throwing a hasty salute to Finnerator, Raidne glanced back to Linx.**
What say we continue this discussion in the tavern later?
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Post by Linx Exotic on Dec 27, 2007 13:25:06 GMT -5
"Later." Linx turned to Finnerator, mildly surprised by her sudden appearance. He had wanted her to come down here when they were actually done, but apparently that wouldn't be the case. Now he could just... Give a progress report. Again. "The firing ports are pretty much done. We can install the hinges and those will be done, then we can start bringing down the components in earnest." He paused, thinking about the progress on the main deck, then continued. "Let's save the ballista swap for last."
This referred to changing out the Stormy Otter's original large arms, the bow and stern ballistae, with double cannons mounted on the original swiveling stands. They would be able to target anything around the ship and be the primary weapon used in pursuit situations, as either the chaser or chased, and since they could rotate in any direction they could participate in broadside firing as well. "Now, I made a slight change of plans for that one. Not an actual... Change, actually, more an addition. In retrospect those will be the two most vulnerable points on the ship. Think they should have an armored wall around them, with a gap for the cannons, of course... I know how far it is into progress but since we haven't even started installation of the turrets it wouldn't be a major hassle and I have plans already drawn out for it. Half an hour more to put the pieces together, tops."
He knew how much it was asking, particularly since this entire refitting rendered the Stormy Otter temporarily useless and this could only extend that period of time. However, the batteries would be extremely vulnerable unarmored and it was at least worth mentioning, even if the offer was declined. Besides, he had already put so much time into the idea... I need to mention this stuff earlier.
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Post by Raiden, Zahi, Lars and Ama on Dec 27, 2007 13:30:22 GMT -5
Linx, just swaping the original armaments leaves a vulrability in the way; No armour to protect the guns from impacts.
**Little did Raiden know that Linx was already thinking and planning around the same thing.**
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