Total War Center Forums - Total War Eras AARs

Total War Center Forums - Total War Eras AARs http://www.twcenter.net/forums/ Got Eras campaign or battle reports, stories and AARs? Share them here. en Wed, 22 May 2013 01:48:08 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.twcenter.net/forums/images/y2skin/misc/rss.png Total War Center Forums - Total War Eras AARs http://www.twcenter.net/forums/ <![CDATA[[IB:SAI AAR] We Three Kings (UPDATED 20/05/2013)]]> http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?601184-IB-SAI-AAR-We-Three-Kings-(UPDATED-20-05-2013)&goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 19:18:32 GMT Nos Tres Reges We Three KingsImage:...

Nos Tres Reges
We Three Kings

From Left to Right, the Emperors Valentinian, Procopius and Valens

Introductory Note

I fancied for a long time doing an AAR set in one of the Invasio Barbarorum mods but never quite got around to it. I think I was a bit intimidated by the time period of which I knew almost nothing, and I've never been entirely comfortable writing any sort of historical fiction without some degree of research.

As a result I have done a little bit of reading around the subject before commencing on this little project but it is worth pointing out that the whole tale has no claims of historical accuracy. I picked this campaign not because I knew much about the period, but because I thought it had the potential for a great story, and given my choice of faction it is naturally going to run through a very ahistorical course of events. However that said, much as the directors of HBO's series Rome commented on their work – I'm aiming not so much for accuracy but for authenticity. I still want it to feel believable, and as a result if I do make any glaring historical errors, I would be incredibly grateful if people could highlight them to me so I can correct them.

There will be errors of course, and some are even intentional – when it comes to the personalities and relations of various historical figures I've taken a large degree of creative license in determining their personalities and motivations. Firstly, because there's very little reliable biographic information on the figures of this period, and secondly, because my first priority is to tell a good story – I can twist the historical details to fit afterwards if needs be. In fact because researching a lot of things on this period is tricky, I've taken a dash of common sense rather than hard info when it comes to some details.

For instance the primary unit of currency I use among the Romans in this AAR is the Siliqua - silver coins used during the late Roman period. They weren't the only unit of currency used though, and I don't know what their relative value was in terms of goods one could buy with them. However from what little reading I've done I can tell they seem to be roughly equivalent to the Denarius which was used in Caesar and Augustus' time and since I am vaguely familiar with Denarii, I've chosen to make Siliquae (if that is the proper plural) my primary currency when I feel the need to mention it in the AAR.

There are, too, some entirely deliberate divergences from history. For instance in reality, it is fairly well recorded that Procopius lived with his family in Bithynia after escaping arrest with his friend Strategius but as you will soon see, that is not quite the case here. The reason is because I felt Procopius needed more motivation as a character to try and take the purple since historical accounts give very little reason for him doing it at all in the first place.
As another minor note, I will be using modernized versions of names and places where applicable. To use an example, I will refer to the mod's namesake as Emperor Julian as opposed to the latin Ivlianvs. Similarly a taberna would simply be a tavern, and a postribilium will be more clearly described as a brothel. Naturally there may be plenty of exceptions, but as a general rule that is what you should expect. I know some people like to be faithful to the original language, but I just find it easier on the eyes to modernize.

As an additional disclaimer of sorts, while there will be a fair amount of prose in this AAR, it will still be quite firmly grounded in the campaign I am doing, and screenshots will appear in abundance where necessary. However to begin with I feel the story must start some time before the campaign itself actually begins, simply because of the nature of the tale. I feel some context is required for a number of characters involved that I wouldn't be able to provide if I were to leap straight in from turn 1 onwards. After all why jump in starting with Procopius' rebellion when you don't know why he is rebelling in the first place? Anyway as the writer I simply hope you do not become bored by the initial lack of gameplay.

As for the rules and such:

The Mod: Invasio Barbarorum: Somnium Apostatae Iuliani
The Campaign: 365 AD Campaign with the full 6 turns per year script
The Faction: Imperium Procopii
The Difficulty: Hard Campaign, Medium Battles

Other Alterations: I have elected to allow the use of forced diplomacy where I feel it makes sense within the context of the story. Generally I will try my best to ensure the narrative reflects the game, and not the other way around (since otherwise it wouldn't be an AAR, really!) but sometimes if the AI is being exceptionally stupid where it simply wouldn't make sense in real life, I may choose to override. I will make a note in the update itself if and when this happens.

I will also use the “toggle_fow” command from time to time to take screenshots of other characters and places on the campaign map not of my faction. It will simply save a lot of time instead of sending spies out to all corners of the globe to achieve the same end.

Finally, and perhaps least importantly, I have adjusted the in game colours of the Imperium Procopius. This is simply because the they start with their faction colour being white, which unfortunately makes it almost impossible to tell from a glance at army banners on the campaign map how many units are in a stack. I'm sure none of you will mind, but I thought it was worth mentioning anyway. I chose green for no real reason other than alongside Valentinian's red and Valens' blue it reminded me of the Brutii from the original RTW which, considering Procopius' general disposition in this AAR actually seems quite appropriate.

Anyway, I've taken up more than enough of your time with this lengthy introduction, and all I can say now is I hope you enjoy the AAR.

P.S. - Confound the formatting of this forum! Is it really so hard to let me indent my paragraphs?!

CONTENTS

]]> Total War Eras AARs Jingles http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?601184-IB-SAI-AAR-We-Three-Kings-(UPDATED-20-05-2013) <![CDATA[[Hegemonia City-States Etruscan Story/AAR Re-Make] "Es Rasenna" - To Be Etruscan [Updated: 11/05/2013]]]> http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?600240-Hegemonia-City-States-Etruscan-Story-AAR-Re-Make-quot-Es-Rasenna-quot-To-Be-Etruscan-Updated-11-05-2013&goto=newpost Sat, 11 May 2013 20:57:09 GMT Image: http://www1.sulekha.com/mstore/friend2003/albums/default/chimera.jpg ...

Author's Short Introduction

The name of Roma is one that has come down through the sea of history, sweeping all before it like a tidal wave, the accomplishments of those such as Alexander the Great and the classical Greek city-states becoming nothing when compared to the mighty wars of those such as Julius Caesar, Trajan and that singularly powerful man Augustus Caesar.

Surely enough, the Roman Republic and then the proceeding Roman Empire were indeed mighty and those who stood against it during its height were inevitably crushed beneath hobnailed boots and unshod hooves.

Yet there is one period that is looked into little, a time before Caesars and a time before Roma achieved dominance over all of Italia, let alone of just Latium itself, a time when a completely different peoples held dominion over the greater part of Italia and fought wars to decide its fate.

This AAR, though it be more a tale and less of a 'report', is concerned with focusing on those collection of Italian poleis which, when spoken of together, form what we in the modern day know as the Etruscans. These are a mysterious people, shrouded in the mists of time and along with all the myths and legends that such history creates around them.

Who really were these people? How did they live? How did they worship and where did their motivations lie?

Well, I am not the one to answer these questions, nor would I say my mind is so academically inclined, but I shall say this...

...It'll make one hell of a story.

So, with that said, and with no claim to exact historical accuracy (though I shall try my best to remain faithful to such), please sit back and enjoy a modern historians tale of daring bravado and power struggles in a time and place less known but extremely understated. ]]> Total War Eras AARs McScottish http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?600240-Hegemonia-City-States-Etruscan-Story-AAR-Re-Make-quot-Es-Rasenna-quot-To-Be-Etruscan-Updated-11-05-2013 <![CDATA[Empiro Romanga [SPQR]]]> http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?599815-Empiro-Romanga-SPQR&goto=newpost Thu, 09 May 2013 04:55:25 GMT Hey TotalWar, Finally have made an account on here after not being able to... Hey TotalWar,

Finally have made an account on here after not being able to for the longest time! I will be updating this thread when I release updates on my AAR!
Please take the time to look through it, get into the story, and give me feedback on how to make it better here!

Thanks!

]]> Total War Eras AARs CNiper http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?599815-Empiro-Romanga-SPQR <![CDATA[[Video Series] Europa Barbarorum Rome VH/H]]> http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?599151-Video-Series-Europa-Barbarorum-Rome-VH-H&goto=newpost Fri, 03 May 2013 16:55:40 GMT Hi guys, I jsut want to make this as a pre-starter, as I later I will start my... Hi guys, I jsut want to make this as a pre-starter, as I later I will start my campaign so I've basically made this thread as an introduction.

I'll be playing as the Romans (was a touch choice between them and Macedon) with EB mod and Jirisys' Europa Barbarorum Mega Mod Pack for EB 1.2 submod.

So check here over the next few days for the first few videos. I hope that you will find them enjoyable and will ofcourse like them! ]]> Total War Eras AARs Legionary Jezza http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?599151-Video-Series-Europa-Barbarorum-Rome-VH-H EB Romani Parody.Prologue of Cuman Cake Confederacy http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?599140-EB-Romani-Parody-Prologue-of-Cuman-Cake-Confederacy&goto=newpost Fri, 03 May 2013 14:55:36 GMT First, I would like to thank to Musthaveaname for the writing style and the the... First, I would like to thank to Musthaveaname for the writing style and the the fact that he let me use it. Of course this is just a weak immitation.
Second, to CA for developing the game and EB for developing the mod.
I play Romani, my mod with lower prices and times for buildings and a little enhanced movement points. M/M cause I am a weak player. So enjoy...

Marius Curius Dentatus-Why the ****** we start with Taras?
Advisor- Well, the writer didn’t plan to make this AAR when he started the campaign..
MCD- AAR?Writer?
Advisor-Never mind…
MCD –Why does my name sounds like a teeth affection
Advisor- Dude… Ask the EB team!
MCD- Who?
Advisor- Oh…
?????-CAN I HAZ CAKE?
MCD –Who is this guy?
Advisor- No idea sir.He just popped out of nowhere.
????- HAI AI CAKMAK!
Advisor: Cakmak? Like the prophecy hero who will lead our kingdom to glory and power?
MCD –And cake! Don’t forget the cake!
Cakmak- CAKMAK WANTS CAKE! CAKMAK HELP RED GUYS FIND CAKE!
Advisor –It’s gonna be a long AAR….
Cakmak –CAKMAK LIKE LONG STORYS!

Caius Aurelius Cotta – So you are here to rest?
Army- Yes, sir, we just sacked Taras in search of cake!
CAC –Haven’t you heard the news? The prophecy hero appeared!
Army leader- But I haven’t seen him in the Family Tree.
CAC- Of course you didn’t, he’s just in the story…
Army leader- Eh, I won’t ask. I am wondering how smart and beautiful is he…. Like a legendary god!
Meanwhile in Rome-
Cakmak- CAKMAK BROKE MIRROR! CAKMAK WANT ANOTHER SHINY GLASS!

Abydos- Oooooooooooooooh, I am going at road with (ironically) 69 men. Can anything be more beautiful? I am going at road, a guy with shiny red clothes and a black cape hides in the bushes… Can anything be more beautiful? Wait! What?
Decimus the Spy- Nothing, continue your song! I am certainly not a spy who tries to find your army’s secrets for the Council of Rome so he can start a war with Carthage. (Damn!) You have such a good voice!
Abydos- I do? Well… Of course I do! Continue your hiding suspiciously in the bush ,red guy.
Iberian horsemen- Sir?
Abydos- Not now, Kevin ! I am singing!

Meanwhile in Rome:
Decimus Cornelius Blassio –I want to join the family…I will be a good general! I passed all the exams! I fought many wars against barbarians! I, I, I have money!
Cakmak- CAKMAK LIKE YOUR HAT. IT FUNNY. CAKMAK LET FUNNY HAT GUY COME IN!

Advisor- Sir?
MCD- What?
Advisor- I have bad news…
MCD- What?
Advisor- Due to hardcoded reasons you must die.
MCD- What? Why?
Advisor –That’s not a big deal… We have Cakmak…
MCD- But how I will die?
Cakmak- CAKMAK SORRY! CAKMAK HELPS! CAKMAK GIVES MAGIC POTION TO RED GUY!
MCD- Thanks Cakmak!*drinks
Advisor- What have you put in it?
Cakmak –CAKMAK FOUND MAGIC PLANTS IN FOREST. RED WITH WHITE SPOTS.
MCD- Whaaaaa….*dies

Kaeso- We go to war! We go to war! Hey, who you guys are?
Aristotelis- He just walked around… You know… Walking….
Kaeso- For me it’s enough! War!
Aristotelis – No, please , I have a rebellion to rise! We will run!
Kaeso- Damn! We won’t be able to catch them! We need a miracle!
Cakmak- CAKMAK APPEARED POOF! YOU NEED HELP! CAKMAK HELPS! CAKMAK SMASH!
Meanwhile in the front of the Messanian army…
Aristotelis: What,I can’t walk any further,damn this magic invisible wall ,we should stay here…

Samnites:We are the samnites!
Hastati: Yes, we know.
Samnites- We will kill more.
Hastati: Yes, we know.
Samnites – You are stupid!
Hastati – Yes we kno.. Wait what?

Samnite 1- Uh, I can’t see my soul in this dust! What the heck!
Samnite 2- They promised us hamburgers! We should charge the elite skirmisher cavalry!
Samnite 1-Hell yeah!

Hastati 1- And then he said: I won’t raise taxes anymore!
Hastati captain, Standard bearer, Hastati 2- Hahahaha! My belly hurts!

Samnites -Charge the cavalry! Charge the cavalry

Samnites- Huh, that was easy…
Samnites- Neah, the writer was to lazy to take any more screenshoots!

Rufus (because is easier to write)-Hi!
Decimus- Well ,hi!
Rufus –Tough life, ha?
Decimus- Yeah, it is…
Rufus –But we are from factions at war…Why can’t we kill eachother?
Decimus- I tried this many times. Some stuff is just hardcoded….

Koinos- Knock knock, mother**ker!
Kaeso- Damn this expanded movement made by the writer.
Abydos- Don’t worry! I am here with my 69… Hey! Where are 55 of you?
Soldier- They left for the rebels , Sir! They had blackjack and hookers!
Abydos- And why didn’t you go too?
Soldiers- We were loyal!
Abydos- Sure…
Soldiers- Ok, the truth is we were too weak for their standards.

Kaeso- I can’t see… Are they friend or foes?
Cakmak- CAKMAK TIRED! CAKMAK CANT USE SUPEREYES!*falls asleep. CAKMAK SNORRRRRRRRRR,CAKMAK SNORRRRRRRRR…
Kaeso- Damn…
Random soldier –They are many guys! So enemies!

Leves –Cause is the Peasant! Peasant night! You know it’s gonna hit you when you have a dart in arm!
Cause is the Peasant! Peasant night! You know you are too stupid when a Leves hits you right!

The magic Trio: For Carthage!

The magic Trio: Charge!

The magic Trio: Better not!

Stupid akontistai- We have javelins but let’s charge like nothing’s gonna happen!

Hippoakontistai: We are four horsemen against some silly infantrymen.What can go wrong?

HA- Well ,damn…*dies

Equites –We rested! Now pursue them! CHARGE!
Cakmak- DONT DISTURB CAKMAK!

Carthaginian general: Excuse me, Sir! Do you have a moment to talk about Baal, our Lord and Savior?

Carthaginian general: If Baal’s Book is too expensive… We have a shorter version just for dumb romans!

Carthaginian general: You missed me! Baal saw me!

Carthaginian general: You didn’t miss me anymore!

Samnite 1- Well we didn’t have any lines in this battle but it seems we won!
Samnites 2-Yeah! Let’s celebrate!
Cakmak: YOU WAKE CAKMAK! CAKMAK MAKE YOU SLEEP FOREVER!
Samnites: *****!

Kaeso:Geee, thanks Abydos! Even if we could win this battle without you!
Abydos: Hope we’ll see eachother again!
Kaeso: But not as enemies!
Abydos: Hahaha, enemies, that’s such a stupid idea.
:(

Decimus- Look Rufus, my men defeated their armies and now the white dudes take the prize.

And that’s the end, this is my army who will take Rhegion and eventually kick Carthage out of Sicily. ]]> Total War Eras AARs cristixe http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?599140-EB-Romani-Parody-Prologue-of-Cuman-Cake-Confederacy Thriamvos: The Rise of Nikomedes - An Original Narrative http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?598021-Thriamvos-The-Rise-of-Nikomedes-An-Original-Narrative&goto=newpost Tue, 23 Apr 2013 21:23:13 GMT Image: http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i366/esaciar/thri_zps44b54fec.png ...

by ♦Assiduus Victoria♦

~PROLOGUE~

I can always remember being enraptured by the tales of Acacius my grandfather, as though the very words he spoke were woven like gold into the fabric of time itself. Born in the district of Neapolis in the Sicilian city of Syracuse, he was the son of a Siracusani seafaring merchant who sold fine silks. I had always found great sport in suggesting that he himself was instead a trader in dreams and legends and that, indeed, his wares were crafted with the same undertaking in exquisite quality. In his time, he had kept the company of an abundance of prodigious men and had witnessed the emergence and ascension of Syracuse in those exalted days of mythos. He would himself, I was to find, play a pivotal role in that glorious triumph; the measure of his life stretching from the ravaging of Messana by the Mamertine savages, through the ill-fated reign of Pyrrhus of Epirus, the glorious age of Hiero II, the Roman invasion of our island fair and the unsurpassable genius of Archimedes.

These tales, would I particularly enjoy, when told in the dwindling light of an ebbing eventide as the setting sun would bruise the looming sky with radiant ochre and blushed magenta. It was as though, by the flickering light of the fire, the rhapsody in my heart could nestle in the reticent embrace of an approaching night. There forever could it stay, enshrouded in the innocent reverence of childhood. Indeed, by my adolescence, there were as many tales as there were stars in the night sky.

Nowhere upon this earth did I feel such sincerity and equanimity than in the presence of Acacius, my grandfather. His reminiscences, ebullient and potent in their delivery, bore me through the ages of men and endowed upon me seeming immortality. Battles won and lost, men victorious and defeated, lands conquered and fallen; I had realised them all in my beating heart and racing mind, invoked with such meticulous eloquence as to behold men who not only endured history but were its masters; the very hands who had etched their names within it.

But it was to be the fervently assiduous days of my grandfather in military service to the Kingdom of Syracuse that would forever ignite my own fervour and beguile my heart and mind to the end of infatuation. For within these declarations there resided a man of such towering grandeur, dauntlessness and noble artifice that my very being yearned to abide not in his legend, but in his very making.

That man was Nikomedes.
]]> Total War Eras AARs http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?598021-Thriamvos-The-Rise-of-Nikomedes-An-Original-Narrative