Man, I love this AAR!
I know you're a busy guy, but I think I speak for all of us when I say that we'd all be eternally grateful if you'd make a sequel!
Man, I love this AAR!
I know you're a busy guy, but I think I speak for all of us when I say that we'd all be eternally grateful if you'd make a sequel!
My work in progress AAR, come and have look.
L'État c'est moi, The Monarchy of France
http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=355826
Critic Quills review about my AAR.
http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=365219
Wow! The pope is your vasal? That will show the world who is truly the dominant power of Europe and the Middle East! Loved the bit about Attilla. Will you lay down the Persians and the Mongols in the next update, or are you going to offer them a Skantarian peace too? It wouldn'nt really fit with the overall story (them being the worst enemies of the Empire), but it may be too large a task to conquer them while Skantarios still lives...
80% of the people on forums have things in their signature they ask you to copy. If you're sick and tired of this, copy this in your sig
Fun things to do in Total war:
- Trample peasants to death with elephants (optionally with culverins)
- Burn peasants with greek fire
- Bombard peasants with mangonels
- Burn peasants with fire-arrows
Yes, I like my peasants...
Fried!!!
I thought it would be this Version (RC/RR). (?) 'Cause the 6.2 you posted doesn't contain the 1450 campaign, does it?Where did you find this for SS 6.2?? I only see one thread and its for 6.1
Go HERE to get the latest on SS 6.2. I believe it includes all the elements from this AAR to include the 1450 Campaign that I am using.
I don't want to sound presumptuous, but I am a bit confused right now.
I believe you can use either one. I don't know much about modding so I don't want to put out bad info. As I recall, the 6.2 mod incorporates both CBUR, RR/RC Compilations, and the 1450 Campaign. The RC/RR mod you linked to also incorporates the CBUR and the 1450 (as well as RC/RR). So, if I am reading this, you should be able to use either one.
I downloaded SS 6.2 back in October(?) and it had all the elements discussed above. The one you link to seems to be more updated and probably incorporates other elements (and probably some bug fixes) that I don't have. Either should be fine. I don't think they are mutally exclusive.
If anyone can shed light on this, please do so.
So you are playing with RC/RR? Good to know. I should try this, too. Never played with RC and RR.
As always great AAR (and stuff)!
Skantarios, other than playing on the 6.2 Stainless Steel Mod, are you using any other smaller mods? I would love to know because I wanna play your campaign. Also, this may be kinda stupid, but I can't seem to find the 1450 campaign in my 6.2 mod(maybe I didn't download everything?).
Last edited by PringlesMan101; May 14, 2010 at 09:31 PM.
skantarios
props on vassaling the pope, mate you've achieved somethign i'd thought impossible
also, sadness and condolences at benedek's passing; he will be missed, he was a true son of Rome e, and dedicated his life to the glory of the roman empire.
having said that, i'm much pleased at the diplomatic coups of the Pax Skantario (latin grammar?LOL) not only have you managed to secure the western and northern borders of the empire, but also managed to destroy and neutralize several key enemies.
Finally, it's with great sadness that i hear that the next update may be the last
we've followed this AAR with the same addiction harry pothead fans have towards jk rowling it does remind me of George RR MArtins' 'a song of ice and fire' books, and in saying that i'd like to congratulate Skanatrios the TWC member for his dedication and prowess in battle/strategy and his commitment to this story.
If possible (if your life and other commitments allow) i'd like to take the opportunity to also lobby for a sequel
in any case, i'll be looking forward to any other AARs you may wish to write in the future
Last edited by Exarch; May 14, 2010 at 11:32 PM.
You are most likely just using the base 6.2 version. I am fairly certain that Skantarios is using the RR/RC submod which includes 6.2, but a whole lot more. The 1450 campaign is in RR/RC but not in 6.2 RC4
http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=300716
Ok, so where can I get the RR/RC mod? Can you give me a link(a safe link)?
Investigate a little first my friend, some things are easier to find than you think! <-- there is your link
On another note:
I have been considering starting my own Byz AAR (again!) but Skantarios is such a hard act to follow!! Although, talk of a last post suggests that there may be a gap in the market for Coeur de Lion!
Great as always, and an especially great job on making the Pope a vassal and the peace in the west. The Attila the Hun comparison was brilliant. After so many wars the empire will need it to be ready for the next period of expansion. Sad to see Benedek go, though I suppose at least he died the way he would have wanted.
It seems that the Mongols are turning out to be a difficult foe, though that's to be expected considering they tend to use armies very similar in composition to the ones you use. At least the Persians were easy to deal with. I'm very interested in seeing how you end the story. +rep when I can.
I have finally finished this and I don't know what to say because all has been already said.
So I will just stay in silence and awe.
From the Personal Journal of Genessios Ksiros Laskaris
March, 1540 AD.
The news strikes me like a knife to the stomach. Many can simply not believe it. I am among them.
Our lord and master, my father, Emperor Skantarios…is…dead.
The reports coming from the Imperial Army in Italy say that his horse lost its footing while descending a steep mountain pass in the Alps south of Bern. Other accounts say that there was a small earthquake causing the ledge he was on to give way resulting in the fall. Either way, he and his mount fell down some thousand feet into the deep snow below.
The odd thing about the reports is that his horse was found dead and broken but the Emperor was not.
In fact, he was not found at all.
No blood, no clothing, nothing...The only sign of his body was the Sword of Constantine, still in its scabbard, lying some twenty feet away from the horse where it had settled upon a small pile of rocks. The entire Imperial Army searched frantically in every direction for more than three days for his body but the depth of the snow and the hazardous terrain made the search nearly impossible.
Much of the army had to continue south given the terrible conditions but six companies have set up camp at the site and continue to seek his body. To aid in the effort, over a thousand peasants from the area around Bern, including many accustomed to climbing in that terrain, have been conscripted to continue the search for our Emperor. At least half a dozen have already died in accidents looking for the body but with no success thus far. Captain Maggiados is in charge of the operation and has warned that, given the terrain, we may never find a body. The snow does not melt at that altitude and there are thousands of places where the body could have come to rest.
General Kalamodios has moved west to the site and confirms the accounts. He can only conclude that Emperor Skantarios surely died given the condition of his horse and the impossibility of surviving a fall of that height.
I think he is correct but for the wrong reasons.
Father would never have left his sword behind if he were still alive.
Stories have already sprung up amongst the peasantry that he did not die in the fall but was lifted up by God and taken to Heaven by a host of angels. Equally spurious stories have come from our enemies, saying that he was pulled down by the Devil as he reclaimed his servant. The Spanish King and the Pope appear to have started those particular rumors although both deny it.
Regardless, I must accept the terrible reality that my father is dead.
Given the uncertainty following Skantarios’s death, the Empire has fallen into paralysis. Where we had all become accustomed to receiving his dispatches and orders on a regular basis, none now come. The commanders of the armies are simply following their last instructions with no clear path or strategic direction. The populace has, thankfully, been mostly quiet and there are no reported riots or other unrest. We all seem to be waiting for something to happen.
Lord Vasileios has tried to step into this breach and has begun issuing correspondence in his capacity as Diadohos and Heir. He has already given recall orders for all of our primary generals. Separate dispatches have been sent to me, Vitos, Isidoros, Ioannis, and Kalamodios. We are all to put our forces in defensive positions or back to garrison and make our way to Constantinople with utmost haste. There, Emperor Skantarios is to be officially declared dead by the Council of Nobles and with the concurrence of the Patriarch. Following that, we are to be present for the reading of father’s will and participate in a great memorial service in the Hagia Sophia. Following the ceremony, Vasileios is to be crowned Emperor and Basileus and given the full power of the office. I also hear rumors that we are to be made to swear fealty to Vasileios immediately following the coronation; where he will also appoint his son, young Lord Efthymios, as the official heir and Diadohos.
I have been asked by Lord Vasileios to prepare an oratory to deliver at the funeral service in my place as Skantarios' adopted son. Vasileios will also say some words but he feels that it is fitting that I deliver the primary address.
What will I say??
From the Personal Journal of Genessios Ksiros Laskaris
September, 1540 AD.
Location: Constantinople.
My journey back from the East was hectic. Many of my soldiers begged to accompany me for the ceremony but I could accommodate only a precious few. Speed was of the essence for both me and Vitos as we were the furthest away and had the greatest distance to travel. In the end, we were accompanied by only our bodyguards and a few captains that had served with the Emperor in previous campaigns. Despite the speed of our travels, news of our journey came before us. In every town we passed, we were accosted by those wanting some confirmation that father was actually dead. Many of the old people simply refused to believe it. Many others tried to pass keepsakes to be placed at his grave. We took dozens until we could carry no more. I have left orders for a train of wagons to follow at best speed to carry those items we could not bear ourselves. It is a touching gesture and one that I will be sure to pass on to the others, especially my adopted mother, Empress Maria.
The Emperor’s empty tomb is to be consecrated following the ceremony in the Hagia Sophia. The location of the tomb is somewhat unique. Instead of being buried in one of the great churches, it was built on the hill outside of the city overlooking the Muslim mound where the armies of the Jihad were buried en masse. The suggestion actually came from Empress Maria. She thought it fitting that his memorial (as such the tomb must be called) overlooks the armies that he vanquished in defense of the city, our faith, and the Empire. I didn't think her mind worked in such ways but I approve. Lord Vasileios brought it to the Council, they agreed, and it was duly done.
Empress Maria has made arrangements to leave the city following the funeral. She is to take up residence at her expansive estate near Sofia. She states that her duty as Empress is now fulfilled and wants only to live a peaceful life free of the trappings of court and the bustle of the capitol.
In other parts of the Empire, father's death has begun a mini-building boom. Statues and monuments in his name are sprouting up in all of our major cities and even in some of the smaller towns and villages. Each constructing what they can in remembrance of him. I understand the one in Athens is particularly fitting.
The important men of the Empire attempt to outdo each other honoring Skantarios and his life. They have commissioned large statues and other memorials covered in gold and adorned with the weapons of the conquered armies. The Patriarch has already ordered construction of an abbey in the mountains near the site of the Emperor’s death. Monks and nuns are to be stationed there to pray for the salvation of Skantarios and the continuation of the Empire. Lord Vasileios has gone one step beyond and renamed not one city, but two, in honor of father. Tbilisi is to be called Skantariopolis in honor of his final victory over the Turks. Bern is to be renamed Skantarium in honor of the place of his death.
Lord Vasileios states that it is also fitting that the cities of his name will guard our territory for all time, just as the Emperor did. Skantariopolis to guard the eastern border of the Empire and Skantarium to guard the West.
I think father would hate all this. He never suffered sycophants and held vanity in contempt. He would rail against the expense and encourage us to spend it on something useful like roads or stables. Still, it gives the populace a way to vent their grief and we all feel we must do something to honor him. For my part, I have come up with an idea that I think he would approve. I have commissioned the publication of his diaries and the reports of his battles. I want all to know the real man as I did. The scribe I have hired is, ironically, also called Skantarios.
It has been quite a flurry of activity. Tomorrow will be the reading of the will and the funeral.
Truly, it is the end of an era.
- Genessios Ksiros Laskaris.
The world in 1450 AD.
The world in 1540 AD.
Last edited by Skantarios; June 27, 2011 at 01:12 PM.
Emperor and Basileus Skantarios Laskaris
Spoiler for Unit Card:
Last Will and Testament of Emperor Skantarios Laskaris
Spoiler for Last Will and Testament:
Funeral Oration Delivered by Genessios Ksiros Laskaris
Spoiler for Funeral Oration:
Historian's Notes
Spoiler for Historian's Notes:
Final Personal Diary Entry of Emperor Skantarios
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Last edited by Skantarios; June 27, 2011 at 01:23 PM.
It's over.
The final updates are posted and the story is done.
This has been a great journey and I am sorry to see it end. After more than four months of late nights with countless hours of playing, writing, and editing, it is finally over.
The last two updates brings the total number of posts/updates/chapters to 70. Wow. Never thought it (or I) would go that long. That does not include the other 81 non-update posts I did (comment replies, status updates, etc.) With two wins in the MAARC, 693 total posts, and 38,000+ (and counting) views, this has been a remarkable adventure in its own right.
Completing this brings an awful lot of personal satisfaction and I am happy to have seen it through.
I do want to give special thanks to a couple of people on the forums. First, I need to thank Giovi for his assistance in creating the outstanding picture at the beginning of the last post. He stepped forward out of the blue and crafted not only that photo but also my new signature line. So, thank you, Thank You!
I also want to thank dezikeizer, Juvenal, and the Nanny. For the final updates, I had a plot point that I needed some assistance/advice on and they helped me out to see which was the best way to go. Thanks for the advice guys.
Last but most important, I have to thank my wife. She fully supported me in this writing endeavor (when she finally found out what I was doing so late at night). Thanks, honey.
Thanks to everyone who has followed this for so long. Some of you like dezikeizer, Dan, STL, Beer Money, and others have been with it since basically the beginning. Others lent encouragement at different points but fell off. Some like Exarch, Karnage, Vampire, and others came in somewhere in the middle and stayed through to the end. I was particularly pleased to see so many who joined the forums just to comment here. I hope they will stay on and contribute in their own ways now that this is over.
I will be doing a bonus post sometime next week. This won't have any new content but I am going to throw in some things that were omitted and talk about some of my favorite moments, photos, stats, etc. There may even be a "blooper reel" of sorts. No idea exactly when this will actually be up but hopefully not before too long.
If you enjoyed this AAR, I would encourage you to post your own thoughts and remembrances about what you really liked (or didn't) or just something about the characters or story that stuck with you. Even better, Juvenal has started a letters section as part of the Critic's Quill. He is encouraging people to write some thoughts on AARs (like this one) for the inclusion in the next few publications. You can see how HERE. Feel free if you are so inclined.
Again, this has been an awesome journey. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it.
Thanks.
Last edited by Skantarios; May 15, 2010 at 09:09 PM.
An epic story for his death, that it took the very force of nature to kill Skantarios, rather than old age killing him.
YOU ARE SKANTARIOS!
CONVERT TO SKANTARIOSM!
So... epic... a fitting death for such a great figure... I will definitely miss this, the greatest AAR that I've ever read. Thank you for the AAR and I will definitely follow if you decide to write another AAR
For me, the greatest thing of this AAR is the part that you try to vassalize your enemies. I myself always try to vassalize everybody instead of delivering them a swift death. I enjoy all the personal diaries of Skantarios too. In the early days of this AAR I usually skip it but by the end of the story I check out everything from the start again... and discover many new things
And maybe can you post the most significant achivement of Skantarios in a post ? His greatest victories, diplomacy, I would really enjoy if you could put all the maps from the beginning of his career to the end. We could really see the restoration of the empire during his lifetime.
Again, thank you and hope that you will do best in your future endeavors ( write a sequel please... we really appreciate if you can write one )
I'm really going to miss this AAR. You need to do another AAR of some kind, even if it's not a sequel to this one. You have a lot of talent Skantarios.