The Eagle Standard Volume VIII Issue 1

[Empress Meg]

Letter from the Provisional Editor

Hello all,

It is my honour to present to you the October edition of the Eagle Standard. It is not without sense of regret that I have to do it, as this should have been Calvin's task as editor. He should be amusing you with his clever remarks and his high-brow witty jabs. But we lost him the 28th of October and I lost a friend. As did many of you. However, Calvin would not have liked to have delayed something nor would he ave looked kindly on those who delayed it! So in his memory we release this issue according to his timeline and his concept for future editions of the ES. I shall leave it to the experts, the team leads, to further explain the new themes within.

So enjoy this new incarnation of the Eagle Standard, volume VIII issue 1 in Calvin's memory.

And as Calvin would say, "So without further ado, it's time to muse, peruse and amuse yourselves over this October edition of the Eagle Standard."

Empress Meg

Table of Contents

Medieval II and Kingdoms News
Brought to you by Viking Prince, Lord William, Augustus Lucifer.

The Captain's Cabin
Brought to you by Major Darling.

The Artist's Gallery
Brought to you by SonOfAlexander, Theodotos I, and Juvenal

Medieval II and Kingdoms News

Click to view content: 

Welcome to the first installment of the new format in Medieval II News. This makeover is part of the ongoing effort here at the Eagle Standard to not suck. And it's difficult I assure you, because we are only robots, who need to learn... to love. Or write engaging articles, I forget which. For starters a little background about this segment. Instead of one writer there are three writers collaborating to bring you the news. They are:

Viking Prince, the Pulverizer; Lord William, the Contender; and yours truly, editor-n-chief and all around schmuck, Augustus Lucifer.

We might try out different ways to accredit who wrote each snippet, or we might not, who's to say. It's more fun if we don't, because then you get to play guess the writing style. Ooh pick me, pick me, I know... was it Robert Jordan? No, no it was not. Actually you'll see each snippet signed on the right side of the page. Moving right along. As with all new things, we've been asked to come up with a slogan. So let's try a few.

M2 News.. where we shove news down your throat and you like it!

All the fun of crusading, with all the exertion of sitting in a chair!

If you think you have a better slogan, post it in response to this issue and we might just use steal it. We would also like to remind our readers that the material we cover may change during the course of publication if it is undergoing a fast development cycle, so following the links is always in your best interests. Last, but certainly not least, we must warn you about the risks of reading this article. If you experience an erection lasting longer than four hours, you're reading it right. So sit back, relax, get inebriated, and enjoy!

Index

Spotlight
On The Shelves
Plug N' Play
Showroom
Cheese Shop

Spotlight
Where we tell you what's important, and you deal with it.

In this section, each contributing writer can highlight one piece of news they feel is particularly newsworthy. This doesn't mean the news is any more or less newsy than other news is newsy. Or does it? You decide. I can't decide for you, I'm still busy coping with the fact that newsy is an actual word.

Deus Lo Vult 6.2 Released

For fans of M2TW Kingdoms modifications, this is good news. Repman has announced the release of DLV 6.2 Mod Deus lo Vult Kingdoms ( Patch 6.2 09\25\2009 ). Deus lo Vult is one of the most played mods available (yes Stainless Steel fans – your mod is not the only big thing available). I have just installed the newest and greatest myself. DLV was one of the first mods that I installed and I still return to it for some fun action.

The improvements are always an ongoing process and the 6.2 patch is a good package for a very clean updated DLV rather than keeping up to date on the major mini mods. Along with the usual economic tweaks, the patch includes more updated versions of Taiji’s Battlefield Balance Mod and the Text Overhaul Mod.

Taiji’s Battlefield Balance (15/10/09 - Battlefield Balance for DLV 6.2) has been updated and continues to get tweaks for DLV 6.2 as well. BB has been included in part in DLV since version 5.8. The recent 6.2 version has incorporated all of the unit balancing and battle AI system but missed the recruitment changes (up to 21\08\2009 is part of the 6.2 DLV patch). BB is for those that don't appreciate being overflowed with mercenaries, AI armies full of peasants, AI armies lagging behind technologically, gunpowder units all arriving at once... etc. I have not felt the need to update more than what is already in the patch, but I will check back to this mini mod later. You should also if battlefield balance tweaks are of interest.

The Text Overhaul Mod is still a work in progress. For DLV 6.2 there is now the The Text Overhaul Mod v0.93 Beta (v0.85 is included in the 6.2 DLV patch). This mini mod is getting oh so close to completion and has been confirmed to be compatible with the new DLV 6.2 as well as the latest BB mini mod. Try it and you will like it. There is nothing better for your inner role playing self for getting immersed in the period than accurate text. For example of the improved detail: “Poland will no longer be referred to as 'The Kingdom and Duchy of Poland,' instead now 'The Kingdom of Poland' to fit the year 1180 better in a historical context.”

Viking Prince

Kingdoms Grand Campaign ~ Patch 4.2 Released!

After almost two years of development and releases, Kingdoms Grand Campaign Mod has reached its final update. During this time the mod has progressed from a glorified retrofit mod into a formidable player in the Medieval II vanilla improvement division. Dave Scarface has brought the mod through all its phases and ended with a stellar product, all the while being a modder's modder and a right gentleman. The final patch for the mod adds even greater stability and some solid gameplay mechanics. I hope you'll join me in thanking him for the work he's put in, and all those involved in the process. Now skedaddle, and go play the mod, ya hear?

Read & Download Here

Augustus Lucifer

On The Shelves
Fresh off the presses! The main attraction!

I love the smell of mod releases in the morning. You know, one time we had a forum spammed, for 12 hours. When it was all over, I clicked out. We didn't find one of 'em, not one stinkin' spammer body. The smell, you know that new mod smell, the whole forum. Smelled like... victory. Some day this mod's gonna be complete.

Third Age Patch 1.3

The only good orc's a dead orc. The bloody orcs have gone and darkened their skies, making it mighty unpleasant to do battle in the wastes of Mordor. Well, for the soldiers at least... the maniacal puppetmaster on the other hand can delight in this new battle map enhancement. But every armchair general would do well to take the mighty men of Dale along with him, for they have become a formidable force. Now all that's left to make this prestigious mod live up to the lore is to implement the fabled Hobbit Cartwheeling Nunchaku Warriors. It was in Unfinished Tales, the unfinished part, trust me.

Read & Download Here

Augustus Lucifer

BGR IV Enhanced

Okay so there's this mod called Byg's Grim Reality. And I have a bone to pick with it. Why is reality grim? I mean sure, the world economy is spiraling around the celestial crapper, and they canceled John & Kate Plus 8, but there's still things to look forward to... like the end of the world for instance. The rapture's coming you know, I heard it from Kirk Cameron so it must be true. And what better way to prepare for the rapture than to verse yourself on those crazy notions like 'supply' or 'morale', which quite frankly have no place in a war game.

The way I see it, the more you play this mod, the better prepared you'll be to survive when the armies of the damned come knocking. That or you'll have carpel tunnel, one of the two certainly. Modders should be aware of a new version which attempts to provide for more cross-compatibility; keep in mind though, for 'total conversion' mods you're still going to have to do a lot of converting.

Read & Download Here

Augustus Lucifer

XVIIth Century Mod Beta

First the good news. XVIIth Century has released a beta that allows for custom battle play with their developed units. Now for the bad news. This means that the mod is no longer in active development and will not be completed as originally envisioned. Such is the way of things in the modding community, that vixen 'life' and her sorority sisters 'commitments' conspire to keep us away from the tender juicy mods we crave. On the bright side though, the release of the material for the mod is the most that can be expected of anyone, and is a much greater service to the community than the sometimes traveled route of no releases whatsoever.

Read & Download Here

Augustus Lucifer

Plug N' Play
Like Mini-Me, just not as adorable.

The culture that began back with the Extended Realism mod is prevailing and paying dividends still today. Sub-mods may look like blood-sucking leeches on the outside, but on the inside they're vampires. Okay maybe not. At any rate the sub-mod community espouses an important aspect lacking in the modding community at large, which is derivative works that don't need to be envisioned as an entirely separate project. Because if you think about it, if everyone who had their own ideas went off and made their own full mod, nothing would ever get done... says the guy who went off and made his own mod. :

The Long Road: Medieval Total World 2.3

The Long Road was one of the first generation mods, from the bygone era of 2007. I know, that's like 30 years ago. Back when Wham! was the hottest thing since something hot that came before Wham!, and it was still okay to wear an orange sweatshirt around your waist without being from Northern Ireland. Those were simpler times, but it wasn't a simple mod, far from it. It knew what it wanted, and it was going to take it. Now 2 30 years later, some much needed life has been stirred up in the form of a new mini-mod. Does this mean short shorts are back in style? This writer is way ahead of the curve.

Read & Download Here

Augustus Lucifer

Real Combat / Real Recruitment Compilation Mod for SS 6.2

If ever there was a sub-mod that could be called a 'total conversion', RR/RC for Stainless Steel might just be it. The Pacman-style development cycle, which has seen many smaller mods gobbled up and added to its tremendous girth, is getting almost too big to contain. Pretty soon the mass of this mod will be so dense that it will collapse in on itself and take the entire Stainless Steel forum with it. But that won't be for at least another few years, so there's no need to take preventative measures, our grandchildren can deal with it the unlucky sods.

Read & Download Here

Augustus Lucifer

Showroom
Other announcements strut their stuff.

Not all news is about a release. Some news just likes to taunt, like that girl in Physics class who won't stop playing with your beaker. Cindy if you read this, that was not cool. Not cool Cindy. We can dance if we want to... we can leave your friends behind... 'cause if you friends don't dance and if they don't dance... well they're no friends of mine.

Vacuus Lux Lucis Preview

VLL would like to remind folks that you can never get enough Dark Ages. In fact, doctors recommend at least 500mg of Dark Ages along with diet and exercise to promote a healthy heart. Or maybe that was Green Tea Extract. Either way, they're here to tell you: We're here! We're not austere! Get used to it! Again, I think I got that one right but my brain tends to output in much the same way one might view The Twilight Zone. At any rate, the preview boasts an impressive visual ensemble, and promises to make you eyegasm.

View Here

Augustus Lucifer

Broken Crescent New Forums

What's this?!?! The BC Team is seeing other forums? I should have known. All those late nights they said they were 'modding' or 'working', I knew the truth, I just didn't want to believe it. Boy I tell you if they think they can get this by me they've got another thing coming!

My secretary has just informed me that I had a hand in this process... and am in fact an admin on their forums... well... hrm... so about all of that I just said... it's the meds. Like all kids you gotta let em go so they can spread their wings. Overall not much should change for fans of the mod on TWC, though the biggest supplement to this announcement comes in the form of a new mini-mod allowance policy. You heard it right folks, but if you don't believe me go ahead, click the link. You can do it!

Read More...

Augustus Lucifer

The Cave: Medieval Time Travel Video Trailer

Have you ever sat and pondered what might happen if time traveling British miners got launched into the Feudal Era and went to work Bruce Lee style? Well I have, I often contemplate such matters of importance during mid-terms. Thats y i r so gud et skul. I really don't know how to spin this video, it pretty much speaks for itself. Seriously, go watch it, it's a breath of fresh air from the usual musty old historical jibber jabber we always ramble on about.

Read More...

Augustus Lucifer

Warcraft: Total War






Monty Python Total War



Call of Warhammer: Total War





See More Here

The Imperial Conflict 1405

New Project: Mors Vel Gloria

 An original fantasy modification, will it survive the black hole created by its predecessors? Only time will tell.

New Project: The Religious Crusades: 30 Years War

 This mod has something that many upstart mods nowadays don't... a reasonable scope.

Resource: Serbian Character Names

 Not made by an official member of the Character Names Project (CNP), but still in the same spirit.

Cheese Shop
Sorry sir, we're fresh out of cheese...

No Cheddar? Why it's the single most popular cheese in the world! This section features the happenings of the modding community. You know those Cheetos stained fellows who make the mods everyone plays? Well this section takes a closer look at their voodoo magic.

Wrath of the Norsemen Unused Units

There is an interesting aspect to this release announcement that I think is worth mentioning to all mod teams. Why not release units that for one reason or another will not be included so that other modders may make use of them if possible? It is cool to see an honest attempt to get the most use out of the efforts of a modding team by making good efforts available even when they ultimately do not fit into the current mod master plan. Kudos to Vikingr for giving his team the opportunity for more credit by other mods.

View & Download Here

Viking Prince

[Tutorial] Creating a World - Functional Grape Shot

If you've ever been manning your artillery and just thinking to yourself... "You know, I enjoy pelting peasants with large lead balls as much as the next bloke, but my only wish is that I could pelt more peasants with every shot... perhaps with a hail of little balls."... then you may want to read this tutorial. Balls as far as the eye can see. And if you thought the innuendo stops there, just read the first sentence of gigantus' own introduction to his tutorial!

Clickable Knowledge Expand-y Button

Augustus Lucifer

Knowledge: Research Hub (Unit Cards & Test Scripts)

 Explains the way to use two overlooked EDU lines, as well as the practice of utilizing test scripts in a scripts folder.

Knowledge: How do I kill him?

 A list of all the ways you can kill characters via script. Sadly not one of them is keelhauling.

Discussion: Slower Shooting Rate, Individual animations

 The prospects of modifying the firing rate through individual animations, an interesting discussion.

Are you a modder and disappointed that your preview, release, or important announcement wasn't covered in this months wrap up? If so, make sure to send a PM to Augustus Lucifer whenever you have significant news to bring attention to it, and it will almost surely be covered in the subsequent issue. I can't be everywhere, though I'd like to think I've been quite a lot of places in covering this month.

That's all for this installment. Until next time, stay inebriated!

Disclaimer: The author(s) of this article assume no responsibility for unlawful underage drinking or any adverse actions that may happen as a result of it, such as enjoying this article. Women who experience an erection lasting longer than four hours should see a doctor... immediately.

The Captain's Cabin

Click to view content: 

Welcome Loyal ES Readers to the Newest Issue of the Eagle Standard or the ES as the Addicts call it. Now, I am writing the Introduction to the Newly Formed Captain's Cabin, "What is the Captain's Cabin?" I hear you mutter.. Well the Captain's Cabin is the Interview Section of the Eagle Standard where we interview Selected Mod Leaders. Due to several Issues we only have one interview by 'Yours Truly' but I promise that next Issue we will have at least Two! Major Darling Takes No Responsibility if this does not happen.. SO Alright, Be Prepared for the Most Gripping Interview you will ever read... Which isnt in this Publication!

Index

Interview with ToonTotalWar and Hip63 - Major Darling

American Revolution Mod - Interview
Where Major Darling Interviews ToonTotalWar.. Again, oh and hip63!

Hey Guys, Yet Again I will be interviewing ToonTotalWar but this time it is a little different; recently his AWI Mod became a Hosted mod and is now called The American Revolution Mod. It has a fancy installer and now is an even better mod so here to tell you about it is ToonTotalWar and his partner, hip63. What you have to know is that this Mod was once a small Mod in the Empire Un-Hosted Mod Forum.. But the dedication from Toon and His Team has finally made sure that they have reached their goals. From Being a few extra units on the Game to now nearly every real unit that served in the American War of Independence. The Features range from Fixed Recruiting thanks to startpos editing to Essay-Like Unit Descriptions. The Mod installs easily thanks to it's earlier mentioned dedicated Installer and then plays easily and even works with DarthMod. I have not had a single conflict with the Mod. Enough of my blathering on! On with the Interview!

Interview With ToonTotalWar and hip63

Click to view content: 

Personal Questions

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
hip63: I'm 46, work tech support job and play way too many video games.[/COLOR]

ToonTotalWar: A 41 year old Man who spends far too much time playing with Virtual Toy Soldiers!!!! lol.


What is your area of modding expertise?
hip63: I'm more of a packaging expert than a true modder although I have modded other games in past and I've been learning a great deal about modding ETW lately.

ToonTotalWar: Texture Modding and db files editing.


Why and how did you get into modding and how long have you been doing it?
hip63: Mostly I got into packaging because of lazy friends, big bums they are, LOL. I would find a great mod but they wouldn't want to deal with unless it was easy to install. So I started making installers for them and it just kind of went on from there. Been doing it for about 7 years.

ToonTotalWar: I started modding back in February this year on a MTW2 mod, and i then started my own mod in March of this year when ETW was launched as i always had an interest in the American War of Independence, so yeah am still a virgin and learning the ropes of modding, Photoshop etc.


What do you like/dislike most about modding?
hip63: Likes - Just being able to be creative has been fun for me.
Dislikes - the utter lack of support for modding from CA.

ToonTotalWar: When things go wrong, I get frustrated! I am sure this is just a natural instinct, so I go grab a cappuccino, think what I have done wrong, analyze the problem and hey presto I normally resolve my issues pretty quick! That's the bit I do like.


Your favourite/worst modding moment so far?
hip63: Favorite moments: Release! Worst moments are usually failed uploads! They take forever! Or finding a bug five minutes after the upload completes, rrrrr!

ToonTotalWar: I have had many but the worst seem to be when I got to reinstall the game. Fortunately that has not been too many times.


What are the most important qualities in a mod for you?
hip63: If it works is number 1, next is fun factor.

ToonTotalWar: The workmanship, thoroughness of the research into the mod and of course not forgetting the team who make the mods possible.

Apart from this one, what other projects you've been involved with?
hip63: Oh God, you would ask. For the Total War Series I have done installers and/or launchers for the FRRE Mod, the Res Gestae Mod, the Chivalry Mod, the Battles of Asia Mod and Sparta III Mod. Outside of the TW series, I have build installer for the FreeSpace Open Source Project and of course one of the best free games ever, The Babylon Project. My Current Empire: Total War project is the Darthmod Ultimate Commander Edition.

ToonTotalWar: I played a small role in stratmap modding on Hegemon: Ancient Wars mod for MTW2

Mod Questions

How would you sum up this mod in a couple of sentences?
hip63: The funnest American History exam you will ever take!

ToonTotalWar: The most comprehensive all in one realistic and historically based mod that's out there for ETW!!!

What are the mod's key features and goals?
hip63: Striking a great blend of History and fun game play. Easy to install, configure and play.

ToonTotalWar: Now that hip63 has designed the launcher it gives the TAR mod an all in one feel to the previous AWI mod which was great but so many files to place in different folders etc. was a little confusing at times, so having purchased ETW you also feel that you have an add on game now with TAR mod!!, I also think that one of the main features we have is the ability to add other peoples work to the mod via the launcher, there is no need for lots of mods now in the data folder as well as a lot of mods are integrated into the launcher that hip63 has produced. We still have a lot of work to do with lots more mod add-ons as and when they become available from members and our team alike, plus updates on a frequent basis.


How much has the mod progressed so far roughly?
hip63: Heck, it's a done deal, grab it now!

ToonTotalWar: 1000%!!! we only launched the TAR Mod a week ago and the response has been phenomenal! Me and hip63 have already made 2-3 amendments in only a short time frame.


What about any unexpected/major breakthroughs/problems?
hip63: Hate to brag but I think the TAR Launcher is pretty innovative (and was a real * to design) and Toon and AWI team's work is really just fantastic!

ToonTotalWar: There are always problems, that is just the nature of PC gaming and compatibility problems is always a!!. Having the installer mod from hip63 has made the dream I had of AWI mod now into a reality!!! he really is a top bloke!! and this to me is a major breakthrough for the mod.


Team Questions

How many people are on the team?
hip63: 6

ToonTotalWar: 2 Active and all the rest of the AWI team.

How does mod organisation roughly works?

hip63: I build it, Toon breaks, rinse/repeat until Toon can't break it any more, LOL.

ToonTotalWar: hip63 packs the mod and updates, i test the mod and we both find mods to add etc., simples!!


What is your role in this mod and what are the difficulties of the job?
hip63: Roles -Packaging, file management, distribution, some modding
Difficulties - trying to keep up with Toon breaking stuff, LOL.

ToonTotalWar: Beta tester, db file editing and adding new units to mod, and looking for ongoing expansions to the mod. Testing is a horrible job when things go wrong, but I get to see everything first! And that's a great feeling to have on this great mod.


Are there any team-members you think does a great job but keep below the radar?
hip63: Yeah, the rest of the AWI team. T their work can not be discounted. They worked hard to make this mod what it is, GOOD!

ToonTotalWar: Yeah, all of my AWI team gary, Officerpuppy, Kave-In, Newman55f9, without these members we would not have this mod!! and of course hip63 who has made the TAR Mod possible for us all to enjoy.


Are there any people you met working on the mod that you're going to keep in touch with even after it's done?
hip63: Yeah, Toon Total War. I mean, I just can't shake the guy, LOL.

ToonTotalWar: Yeah, I hope all of the AWI team as I feel they have all become good friends to me now. And of course hip63 which I work very closely with on this mod.

Future Questions

Can you give us a very rough estimation of a release date? (ie X quarter of Y year)
hip63: What? You're still waiting? Grab it already! It has been released!

ToonTotalWar: Saturday 17th October, we launched the mod.


Do you have any plans at the moment for after the mod is released?
hip63: Yeah, to actually get to play ETW again, LOL.

ToonTotalWar: There will always be ongoing projects to this mod and we will keep you all informed. It's all very hush, hush!


Are you planning to mod any other TW Games,
hip63: The BIG project right now is the DARTHMOD ULTIMATE COMMANDER 3.5 that's on my plate (and it's a bloody big plate!). I've warned Toon's he's about to have 300 pound gorilla enter the room so he better look out.

ToonTotalWar: Not for now, but I am interested in getting involved maybe next year in an Ancient Greek war mod for ETW!!


Closing

Any last Words?
hip63: Why are you reading this? PLAY THE DAMN MOD ALREADY!

ToonTotalWar: A big thank you to all the AWI team and a special thank you to the big man himself hip63 for making the TAR Mod possible. So, what you waiting for? Go download the TAR Mod!!!

Now this is one mod that I will actually tell you to download immediately, If You don't I will start spamming your visitor wall until you do.. I have to say that this Mod is the most accurate American mod I have seen, the accuracy even goes down to the colour of the Infantry's Button and the size of the hat they wear. Well Done you Guys!


Last Word
Major Darling Signs Off for The Eagle Standard

Thanks guys for reading the ES, you will get good karma, I promise! I have to apologise for the... Lack of Content but it shall be rectified by next issue. I would also like to thank my Interviewees, ToonTotalWar and hip63. I would also like to thank Calvin, Empress Meg, Viking Prince and the other members of the ES Team for their support and help with my article and the new ES as a whole. If you are interested in getting your mod featured in the ES please DO private message me.


Ok, Now the that Is over there was something I wanted to say, as we all know we have lost a great friend - Calvin.. When I joined the ES and B.Ward was still Editor I actually used to ask Cal for help with my articles and time after time he would be so kind, check through them and just improve my writing overall. With the renaissance of the ES by Calvin it shows the dedication he had to us useless hacks .. So here we are with what would have been Cal's first issue of the New ES. Goodybe Andy/Calvin, you won't be forgotten...

The Artist's Gallery

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Welcome to the first in a regular series of articles covering AARs and RPGs. It is our aim not only to keep you informed of what has been happening on TWC during the month of publication, but also to delve into some of the more interesting work to make sure it doesn't pass unnoticed. in future months (when we metaphorically find our feet) we will endeavour to expand the format, bringing you in-depth treatments of selected topics, and subjecting you to the full weight of our literary opinions (you have been warned).

Index

AAR Round-up
RPG Headquarters
Tale of the Week
Last Word

AAR Round-up
In which Juvenal piles a month's AARs into a heap to see if they really do reach to the Moon

Let it be known that I have scoured (well skimmed) TWC for AAR stories, pacified them (at great personal risk), and painstakingly dragged my prizes back to Eagle Standard HQ for your delectation.

Now, gentle reader, you may well have dipped into a few AARs yourselves and found nothing that captures your imagination, but I can assure you there really is something for everyone out there and I hope that this article will inspire you to look further afield to experience some of the outpouring of enthusiasm and talent (sometimes even both at the same time) to be found on these boards.

MAARC XIV

The monthly AAR competition, MAARC XIV delivered no less than two tie-breakers! Fighting it out for first place we had ALZU's Timurid Apocalypse and Fixiwee's History of Men, the latter's bandwagon acquiring unstoppable momentum during the run-off. Not far behind the leaders, and scrabbling over third place were SonOfAlexander's Ri'Inse Ghall (which was third last month also) and his nemesis Antiochos VII Sidetes' Ultimus Romanorum (who duly triumphed, leaving SonOfAlexander with the Wooden Spoon).

Since the membership have given all these AARs such a resounding recommendation, the least I can do is give you a quick summary of each.

History of Men

The author, Fixiwee, has very kindly done my work for me, so I shall present you with the thrust of the story in his own words.

What is this AAR about? This AAR can be considered as a mammoth project I have been thinking about for a while. History of man will replay an entire string of history, from the Persian Empire till the American domination of the 21th century. Yeah that’s right, I want to pull off a series of AARs that connect to each other, an entire alternative history.
Since I know this is a big AAR and everyone will most likely have doubts ("yeah he’ll start it and never finish it."), I’ll post first things first. I am fully aware how much work this will be, that’s why I will take a slow approach. A very slow approach. Secondly, I have already played a test run from 300BC till 1500 AD, and playing that alone already took me half a year. But I am willing to take my time.

What are the methods? Since this is my first AAR I’ll have to try a few things out as we go. But this AAR will be written as pseudo realistic primary sources. Certain people will write about something in history. Sometimes they are writing to back up a king, sometimes an aristrocat will write negative comments about a ruler. Sometimes a historical source will be critical with the situation itself. Sometimes it will have lies and plot-holes in it. Some writers might be more interested in facts, some in myths, and well often enough a writer will be more curious about who the king/emperor/president is having an affair.
But there will be also historians posting scientific or populist work about it. You will meet all those persons as we go.
What I want with this method is to create a multi-structural history. I don’t want to simply entertain with jokes or simple dialogues, I want my reader to think and re-live my history with me.

What mods/games will (probably) be used? Rise of Persia, Megas Alexandros, Paeinsula Italica, EB, IB, Sicilian Vesper, Viking Invasion, Various MTW2-Kingdoms games, Europa Universalis III, ETW, Victoria, Hearts of Iron II

Read it here

Timurid Apocalypse

A bumper package of Dane-on-Timmy action brought to you by the indefatigable ALZU.

Once upon a time Dunecat wrote an account of his M2TW Russian campaign that had mutated into a monster. He had been playing a manipulation-style game where his faction acted not in its own interests, but only to support favoured factions he wanted to see survive longer than usual. And so it passed that the Timurids passed that tipping-point of power and surged unstoppably across Europe like a plague of rats.

Dunecat's teasing descriptions of his efforts to push the Timurids back (and long his silences without posting) have created so much interest on these boards that a whole new genre of AAR has been borne. This AAR by ALZU is the first and greatest of those inspired by Dunecat. It chronicles the efforts of a migrated Danish faction (based in Nottingham!) to push back the Timurid juggernaut and save Western civilisation.

I invite you to consider Dunecat's AAR to be a kind of taster (since it describes results but skims over the battles), this AAR delivers battle after gut-wrenching battle until the reader begins to stagger with the medieval equivalent of shell-shock.

Read it here

Ultimus Romanorum

A dire warning for all those you think they are brave enough to sample this AAR by Antiochos VII Sidetes... THERE ARE NO PICTURES!

There, I've said it, "An AAR without pictures?" you say (I hear the quaver in your voice) "But how are we going to know what's going on? Are you saying we might have to actually READ the text!" (An appalled moan rises from the assembled throng, and people begin to sidle away, hoping no one noticed they had been here.)

But once you get over the shock of text, the story itself is gripping, epic, and above all well-written. This is the Late Roman Empire, it cannot help but be epic, tragic and heroic (in a doomed kind of way), and is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat as the protagonist tries to hold his outlying piece of the Roman Empire together against barbarians, rivals and traitors.

Read it here

The Epic of Caelvs Morsvs Lvminivs - 'Rí Inse Ghall'

SonOfAlexander styles this tale as a multi-mod AAR, which means that in reality of course it isn't an AAR at all, but instead an illustrated adventure story (cue Biggles?). Our hero suffers agonising family loss, is captured and enslaved, sold, and given the opportunity to travel across the ancient world as a Roman legionary, teaching his own unique self-serving brand of morality to many rivals and enemies as he goes.

If you have ever had the hankering to make your way in the world through your wits and a strong right arm, then read this AAR and you may well be able learn a thing or two.

Read it here

Where to find AARs?

October has been a busy month for new AARs in the main forum. But of course, as the saying goes, many are called but few are chosen. Which of these brave starts will grow into epoch-spanning epics that become new stars in the TWC firmament? (Thus allowing me to go on building my pile of metaphors up to Tower-of-Babel proportions.)

New AARs in October

• [RTW AAR] The Civil War - A Roman AAR by Benz282
• [IJ AAR] 'Dominus...there are some Germans here to see you by Justinian Australis
• [RTR AAR] Hated Heroes by MIDN Mainolfi
• [RS AAR] Pro Patria by Herius Domitius
• [M2TW AAR] dark times of poleind by Theoo
• [SS AAR] The Lost Lineage of Istvan, an Irish Saga by Old Dragoon
• [SS AAR] Nobody Expects The Spanish Inquisition!: A Spanish AAR by The Flying Dutchman
• [SV AAR] After Manzikert: Rome? by Tweety
• [SS AAR] Heaven's Descent: A KoJ Tale by Thokran
• [SS AAR] The Sleeping Bear - A Kievan Rus AAR by Vaz
• [Retrofit AAR] The Russian story campaign report by NikoZ
• [ETW AAR] Vive le Québec- A Québécois AAR by Vandal Warlord
• [ETW AAR] The Malady of Sweden by CyriusWolfe
• [ETW AAR] They'll Break by Obadiah Hakeswill
• [ETW AAR] (help me decide) the death of Innocence, a Portugal AAR by Penquin11
• [ETW AAR] A History of the Empire by Wolfang
• [ETW AAR] A lazy Indian afternoon by GrinningManiac

AARs “In the Wild”
Of course there are many more AARs than this spread around the mod forums (last hold-outs to the “Big-Government” drive of the central forum). So that the casual reader can find these more easily, here is a list of mod-specific AAR forums.

• A Proper Empire: Terra Incognito
• Broken Crescent
• Deus Lo Vult
• Pro Deo Et Rege
• Third Age: Total War
• Westeros: Total War
• Diadochi: Total War
• XGM (Extended Greek Mod)
• RTR and sub-mods
• Chivalry I: Total War

RPG Headquarters
Role-ing over Beethoven with SonOfAlexander

Unfortunately, in a way, RPGs and me have never really got on - a shame, as I always rather enjoyed the idea. I even played on YATS for a spell. But for the ES, I have patched up the old wounds and wandered on over to check up on the RPG scene. This RPG report contains not just an update on how these RPGs are getting on, but also what they are all about for new-timers who may be interested.

The First Triumvirate (TFT)

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

I was hoping that we would see sheaves of campaigns begin to pile up at TFT again, but sadly it has not recovered since the last ES report. This post from the well known 10th Legion, who works ceaselessly to keep most of TWC's RPGs going, and who created TFT in the 1st place. It says it all really... I think this is the last time you will be seeing a report on TFT in the ES.

You Are The Senate (YATS)

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The new restart seems to be going well from my external viewpoint. The dedicated hardcore players that have kept YATS going are still there, and a definite rethink is going on. Stickies have been incarnated such as 'The 12 Rules of Roleplay' and 'What jobs need to be done for reviving YATS?', and it's great to see a revolution to bring in new rules and improve people's playing experiences. The feeling of constructive progress is excellent, with great ideas being brought in across the board. YATS recently took one for the team when it had to restart, but I hope to see a resurgence in recruiting and a true return to form soon!

God Save The King (GSK)

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

By far the biggest of all current RPGs, all areas of the site active and lots of people are getting involved: exactly what a good RPG needs! A good, simple, interesting idea and lots of people are the 2 ingredients these things need most, and GSK has all that in spades. The new section, Beyond the Realm, is proving popular, with crusades and much adventure taking place already. The spirit of reality is maintained well by a good helping of kings killed, etc., and a Siege of Nottingham that played out very well. Why not take a stroll over?

Augustus!

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Augustus has often 'marketed' itself as the lighter AAR, that people don't have to spend hours on, instead playing RTW at the same time. It's true that the lack of roleplay definitely gives the air a less stodgy, realistic feel than the other RPGs, and although that might make some RPG players turn up their noses, I think it could attract large crowds from those who don't fancy a long slog of debating in the Curia or campaigning against a Rebel tyrant.

Kampf Um Europa (KUE)

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

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After a successful restart, Santini's little gem seems to be holding up well, and I think it will soon be established as one of the more permanent creations such as YATS or GTSK. It has all the ideals of GTSK of rising through the ranks, with the serious politics of YATS, not forgetting the new format of ETW, with the 18th Century theme and a ETW mod (APE: TI) for the campaigns. The ingredients are right, and Santini has cooked it to perfection. Only one question remains...

How does it taste?

TFT may have finally gone to the big forum in the sky, but KUE looks set to retain it's position and replace it. Who knows, maybe YATC will return to the RPG scene.

More than anything else, especially for those who have never seen or played any RPGs, I encourage you to go and look at these things. Find out what they're about and if they're for you. I said before that RPGs need a simple, interesting driving idea and lots of people for a fun playing experience. All of the RPGs out there today have the first attribute in spades, but everyone who is interested should go and join in - it makes the game more fun for everyone!

Any more questions on the RPGs of TWC, don't hesitate. PM me and either I'll answer your question or I'll refer you to one of the experts

Or I might throw you to the lions

Tale of the Week
The Critic's viewpoint from Theodotos I

Tale of the Week—October!!! There are Elves, alley rats, and alliterative haiku. . .Oh, my!! Details below...

Tale of the Week #56

The month started off with TOTW 56 where Legio Caesar snatched the crown with his war-weary story, Home.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Home

The boy stood, his knees shivering and his hands fidgeting. He should have stayed home. He should have fought the urge, but no. He just had
to leave. And now he was. Here. In the front line.

It's not as if he was a coward under fire. He had been in fights before. Staged brawls in the alleyways, spontaneous punches thrown in crowded
taverns. Frantic blows to ward off brigands at night. He could take all those without a second though. But this...this was different. It was
too....regimented? Controlled?

Or maybe it was because the boy already knew the outcome of this battle. He knew the opponents he would be facing. No excitement, no well-titted
barmaids he had to impress. Only the rugged officer who had dragged him from the street corner. The boy didn't want to impress him, he wanted to run.

He hated these open plains, these flat expanses. He hated the sprawling churches at his back, and most of all he hated the homes of the merchants
he had been conscripted to defend. He hated the merchants, too. It was all he could to to restrain himself from breaking and running, from turning
tail and attacking his so-called benefactors. He belonged on the streets. Not in a battle line.

The boy would have chuckled if he hadn't been terrified. He had always heard the stories of warriors thinking of their homes and wives before a battle.
He had always written it off as that- a story. No true warrior, no true man would think of that. He would think of nothing but killing! Killing....

He looked behind him, straining his eyes to see the part of the city in which he lived. He could just see it in his mind's eye. Filthy. Grimy.
Disease-ridden. Crawling with thugs and prostitutes. But it was home.

And as the enemy approached, a tear came to Niko's eye. They were trying to take that home away from him. And they would have to die.

Tale of the Week #57

TOTW 57 saw Legio Caesar squeak out yet another victory over his intrepid opponents with his unnamed story of an elf in the Sindarin armies. However, due to some contestants' obsession with poetry, several stories did not reach the word minimum and therefore no points were awarded for the effort. . .

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

It was a good blade. It was a stolen blade, too. It was a sturdy helmet. It had been stripped from a corpse. It was nice weather. Perhaps that had
been spirited away from the Undying Lands by a mischievous burst of wind?

Anyway, what did he care? All he had come here for was the gold. And supposedly, glory. The stern recruiter had regaled him with tales of the great
Gil-Galad, or Earendil the Mariner. But that was not what had convinced him. The free ale was what had convinced him.

Who cared if he was Sindarin, Eldar, or even a dwarf? Well, he was thankful he wasn't a dwarf. Short stature meant shortness in other things.
Breath was not what he was thinking of. But maybe if cut a few orcs down to size, maybe then he would get paid. But the captain was a stern one.
No pay until they had fought. And they wouldn't fight until they had found something to fight. And what was there to fight in this land? Absolutely
nothing! Not an orc to be seen, not even a pile of orcish dung to track.

And there wouldn't be any orcs for some leagues. They were now in the heart of elven territory, and very few orcs could make it past the borders.
Their best bet would be with the mountain passes and crevices. There, they would find something to fight.

But for now, all they could do was strike at the wind.

Last Word
In which Juvenal tries to make sense of it all

Dear readers, we hope that this month we have given you a tiny glimpse of the incredible abundance of story writing talent at TWC. There are truly not hours enough in the day to read them all, but we are confident that whatever your taste, you will find something to satisfy it here.

And don't stop at just reading, consider making a contribution yourself! There are innumerable opportunities. If an AAR is too daunting (or demanding), then there are shorter formats, such as Battle Reports or Tale of the Week. If you feel you need interaction with others for your inspiration, then go join an RPG and help create a story you can share with other enthusiasts.

OK, enough tub-thumping. If you liked this section, please remember that, like the rest of the new-look Eagle Standard, it owes everything to the inspiration, vision and driving force of our beloved Calvin.

Goodbye until next month.

[Major Darling]

Pat on the Back to everyone who managed to get in it on time.. Congratulations! Thanks to you Meg for filling in so well..


RIP Cal.

[Pøntifex]

A nice read, good job all.

And alas, it seems TFT will finally sink into the abyss. Fare thee well my RTW lovechild.

[Viking Prince]

Thanks to Boo-gers aka Meg for a grand effort and to all the staffers who helped with the last minute push to get a new look and feel published on time.

And thank you Calvin for your ideas and vision as an editor. The next editor will have big shoes to fill. Rest in peace.

[Nole4694]

Great work you guys, was an entertaining read

My regards to Calvin and his family/ friends

[Selifator]

The newest lay-out feels like a pair of old boots, well done everyone!

[Theodotos I]

For those who don't know, the new lay-out was largely Calvin's brainchild, part of what no one knew would be his final push to bring the ES into greater relevance among the community. A shame that he never lived to see its fruition. Rest in peace, man.

[Lord Willy]

Good Job as always Guys

Rest in peace, poor calvin

[Augustus Lucifer]

It saddens me greatly that the triumphant release of the new ES comes with the passing of a great friend and colleague. This will be only a small part of his enduring legacy.

[y2day]

Calvin would be proud of the new look issue. Great work everyone. I hope you guys liked the new art, Calvin really liked it and was excited about this issue.

[ALZU]

LoL thanks for putting my AAR up there I almost didnt find out since I dont usually read the Eagle Standard

[Spartan262]

Nice read for Total War Modding and AAR news. I'm gonna start reading.

[|Sith|3|DarthWarman88]

Good read !