I. M2TW AAR of the Month - The Winners - NEW: medal reception + category winners announced!

[Aldgarkalaughskel]

I hereby announce the winners of the Very First Medieval II Total War After Action Report of the Month Competition.

Thanks everyone for their hard-work and nominations.

Babagitta gained a clear victory in the voting.



The fight for the 3rd place was fierce though and needed to be decided by a tie breaker. Here are the Winners, read the interview with them.

1.
Ice Cold - The Brotherhood of Watchers (COMPLETED) by Babagitta

Details.
Game: SS-6.1 (clean - no sub mods).
Faction: Norway.
Campaign: Early Era.
Difficulty: Hard/Hard.

Description.
This is a millitary AAR which allows the forumers to support it with ideas, plans, strategies and tactics. My mission is to follow their instinct and do my best to win the game. Of course I'm using my own strategies too if it's necessary.

Author's comments: At first I like to say that this idea is really fantastic! I'm not an expert but I saw many excellent AARs and now there's a chance to see even better. This is my 2nd AAR. I'm not a writer and please forgive my poor English. My only wish is to finish it in time and before my summer holidays.
My suggestion to everyone is this: join the competition and have fun! Nobody cares who's the best. Enjoy your game and have a good time with all of us! Good luck!

Interview with Babagitta:

Q: What made you start your AAR? What was your inspiration?
A: Here in twcenter, I found some of the best writers and I've read a lot of breathtaking stories. Also, I really love the game but the most important reason was the support of the community. That was just my 2nd AAR and I still feel more like a student than a teacher.
My inspiration was the fact that I'm always playing to win and I thought that it wasn't a bad idea to share one of my toughest missions with the forumers. The Watchers were the soul of that AAR!

Q: What made you keep on writing it?
A: The forumers of course! Their support, the friendly feelings and all that great help! I believe that this victory belongs to them 100%.

Q: What was the most dramatic and the most comical moment in your story?
A: Lita's death was a very sad moment. Sometimes, even a King can lose the Kingdom of his heart. The death of King Jens was a comical moment behind a real tragedy.

Q: What is your "secret ingredient" to success?
A: My love for the game and again the forumers... my friends! It took me almost 50 days to finish my AAR by playing hours and hours every day. I believe that an AAR which allows the forumers to be an active part of it is fun and more interesting.

Q: Do you have a favourite AAR? What kind of AARs do you like to read?
A: I like all of them. Different styles, different ideas, different writing. Everyone has something special to give. I like to read anything has action, dialogues and beautiful screenshots.

Q: What are your writing plans for the future?
A: I'm thinking about an AAR where the forumers could be more active by giving them the chance to be IN the game.

Q: What do you think about the AAR competitions? How would you improve this sub-forum?
A: I'll say it one more time: it's a fantastic idea! It's not really a competition but a good chance to make friends and be a part of a team. This idea gives life to the community, a fresh air.
In the future, I would like to see some special awards like:
Top-3 screenshots (= 1 point).
Best Dialogue (= 1 point).
Best Scenario (= 1 point).
Views, replies, pages etc.

By winning the monthly competition, Babagitta receives the bronze medal. Congratulations!

Issue reason: Babagitta has qualified for the MAARC bronze medal by winning the I. M2TW AAR of the Month Competition, with his AAR, "Ice Cold: The Brotherhood of the Watchers".
See http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=182703 for details.

2.
The Mighty Migrating Templars by Kaiserjagen

Mod: Stainless Steel 6.1 (a handful of minor mods both by myself and others)
Faction: Templar Order
Difficulty: H/H

Description: A migration campaign. Full of ups and downs the campaign covers the exploits of an order from a historical narrative. Covers both the political history as well as the military history.

Comments: My first AAR has stretched for a couple months and is still going strong. I've tried to keep things fresh while providing realistic reasons for progression and wars.

Interview with Kaiserjagen:

Q: What made you start your AAR? What was your inspiration?
A: For a long time I would always take my campaigns a bit further in the way I played them. I'd take a slow pace and try to think of logical reasons behind expanding that would make sense historically. All I did with the Templars is put it down in writing, creating a loose story with a somewhat historical context.

Q: What made you keep on writing it?
A: So many great AAR's have died far too young. The egging on by TWC members and my own determination to finish this campaign has kept it going. Even though lately my updates have seemed infrequent and few and far between each other I assure you it will be finished.

Q: What was the most dramatic and the most comical moment in your story?
A: Oddly enough the most dramatic moment I figure was when I accidentally lost only a little bit into it (all my family members were killed off). Honestly I've only lost a campaign once before in the Total War series (back in the day with RTW). It was quite suprising. Thankfully people forgave me and let me continue.

Q: What is your "secret ingredient" to success?
A: Really all I could say is make sure you take a lot of sweet battle pictures, I see a lot of AAR's with plenty of interesting text but not enough visuals. This can be overdone of course, but don't hold back too much.

Q: Do you have a favourite AAR? What kind of AARs do you like to read?

A: Quest for the Holy Beer. Probably one of the most unique AAR's out there. I like reading all styles of AAR's as long as they're interesting.

Q: What are your writing plans for the future?
A: To get some bloody free time on my hands and finish my damn Templar campaign.

Q: What do you think about the AAR competitions? How would you improve this sub-forum?
A: Pretty cool idea, adds a little fun to a section and it may encourage more people to write something. As for improving it, how about a thread archiving past competition winners?[/spoiler]

3.
Glory, Honor, and Empire - An ERE AAR

Mod: Broken Crescent
Faction: Eastern Roman Empire by Old Dragoon
Difficulty: Hard/Hard

Description:
This AAR is told from the eye's of the Emperors. Occassionaly dialogue, but more of their memoirs. However, there is plenty of tales of Glory, Honor, and Empire as much of "Blood, Broads, and Bastards." Starting from the reign of Vaslikos too whoever gets selected. If they are stupid then the Empire will feel it. If they are brave and bold, then the Empire will expand. If they are just plain "Bastards" then all "Hell" could just break loose. It's up to their traits and ancillaries. Lastly there will be loads of battles, loads of screenshots, and loads of death and mayhem. Come and join in the fun!

Teaser:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Our forces rushed in with bloodlust in their eyes. The veteran Italians rushed in first with their warhammers swinging wildly and with much ferocity.


Not disciplined like our elites, but their ferocity would do. Making quick work of some scattered Turk infantry; Efthymios, who always like to fight on foot, led the regiment of Kontaratoi Pikeman following behind the heavy infantry to mop up the scattered remains of Turkish 'pride.' We would give the a new smile from the edges of our 'kontarion makions.' No mercy would be shown, not one bit


Horses, men, women and children who got in the way of our charge would not be spared. The god's of old said, "Fortune favors the bold..." well we didn't care who said it we were acting on it. Our weapons tore the Turks apart, one Italian used only the spiked end of his hammer, because the Turks had captured his family and had them crucified with nails. Another took to smashing the skulls in of the Turks that fell. The Italians spared no one who fell into their path.

Interview with Old Dragoon:

Q: What made you start your AAR? What was your inspiration?
A: I read other AAR's before and liked the concept, but it was not till I played Broken Crescent that I found the real desire to write one. After reading Imperator of Rome's and Notenome's AAR's, I concluded I must start one. The rest is history as they say.

Q: What made you keep on writing it?
A: The epic feel of Broken Crescent along with the real artful beauty of what they have done with the units. It's simply remarkable! Every time I fire my East Roman game up, I conclude that I must keep "Glory, Honor, Empire" alive. Plus I just do not want it to die like so, so many AAR's do.

Q: What was the most dramatic and the most comical moment in your story?
A: The most dramatic would have to be the 'Battle for the Plains of Ankara' update would have to be the most dramatic so far(this baby is just really getting started, so hold on to your socks! This AAR is going to be around for awhile.) The most comical moment would be when Capt. Efthymios during the 'Siege of Karaman' received a Turkish arrow his 'arse and right testical' and kept on fighting like a 'real man,' and later on after the battle lost his leg and had a 'peg leg' made from one of the spears that skewered Turkish Gen. Gunduz. Capt. Efthymios wanted walk on Gunduz for the rest of his life.

Q: What is your "secret ingredient" to success?
A: I don't know if really have one, I just try to envision myself as these characters and write from the heart.

Q: Do you have a favourite AAR? What kind of AARs do you like to read?
A: One that holds my attention. There are so many I like. I like Imperator of Rome's, Notnomes, Seniorbatavianhorses, and I'm liking the concept of Mollsomg's. I prefer the serious ones that can weave many aspects into their story. I like good screenshots that fit to tell the story. It doesn't have to be photoshopped to boot (because I frankly suck at ps'ing right now).

Q: What are your writing plans for the future?
A: Well, to finnish "Glory, Honor, and Empire" as well as firing up an RTW one called "Sons of Rome: The Prequel to Glory, Honor, and Empire."

Q: What do you think about the AAR competitions? How would you improve this sub-forum?
A: Since this is my first, and will not be my last, I love them! Hmmm, well just getting the name out so to speak. I would like to see more people voting. I know next one I enter I will help advertise if needed!

Announcing Category Winners:

Best Narrative: Destiny's Atrium - by Ar-Pharazon(+1 point)

In choosing AARs for the Narrative award, I look for a few things. Most important is the story--does the author make the reader feel they are a part of the world, rather than an outsider? Does the author's text have the intended consequence and impact on the reader? Less important is grammar and spelling, but it still plays a role. I am looking primarily for a readable narrative--no gigantic walls of uniterrupted text with no paragraphs. In parting, keep in mind that writng an AAR is not a science, and they are not judged by a specifc forumla. We just see what is engaging, compelling, and leaves the reader hungry for more.

For M2TW, the choice was more difficult. I chose Destiny's Atrium in the end. The author combines great pictures with a good narrative (character development!), along with delving more deeply into the campaign--he has a story to tell, not just a report on what happened.

Best Historical AAR: Glory, Honor and Empire - by Old Dragoon (+1 point)

Best Graphics: The Mighty Migrating Templars - by Kaiserjagen (+1 point)

Lots of great and informative campaign shots coupled with nice perspective battle shots help with the telling of this story. The added dialog to battle images was also a great touch.

Best Battle Report: From A Viking Heritage: A Danish AAR - by Theseus1234 (+1 point)

Wow, there were several top-Medieval II Battle Reports so my head started to hurt trying to decide which was a better report. In any case, here are my verdicts...

Theseus1234 struck a fine balance between describing military actions (in words) and sharing visual documentation of his battles (with the use of screenshots).

It was a real pleasure sharing in the bloodshed with Theseus1234 and his heroic Viking comrades.

Let's all rep and congratulate the winnners, who put down their names in the Hall of Fame!
After the victory, the only question remaining for them is...

[Babagitta]

I can't believe it!
I really can't find the words to describe my feelings! Thank you so much!

I'm back from my vacations but I'll leave again in 2-3 days. That was a very big surprise and I don't know what to say.

First af all, I like to congratulate all the writers! You did a great job and you deserve all of our respect. You are the best of the best and I'm still learning of you.

And what can I say about Tweety and PowerWizard? They gave us the opportunity to share our love for the game with each other. Thank you both of you!

And finally, I like to thank you all for the support. It really means a lot to me. It's not the award or the victory that makes me so proud, but the feeling of being a member of a friendly community. Thank you very much!

I'm new here and maybe I'm one of the oldest (by age) members of this community. It's true that I feel younger but I'm not anything special. I'm a gamer just like you are.
We are all the same and by saying this, I mean trust yourself and share your ideas with us. Writing an AAR doesn't make you a God but another friend who believes in friendship's power. Is there anything more important than this? No, believe me there isn't.

The next competition is coming soon, so come and give us some action! You can do it!

[♔Old Dragoon♔]

First things first, I think all the writers deserve a big thumbs up for their efforts. We all know how time consuming these AAR's are....well at least for me. It's great to be in midst of truly great writers. You all have my respect, truly. I thank all the voters who took the time to read through and vote!

Powere Wizard and Tweety, my hats off to you guys. Not only do you all write, but organize these competitions....WOW! Awesome indeed! Thank you both for your hardwork and efforts.

I am at a state of shock actually. When I was nudged to enter the competition, I was thinking as if mine really deserved or had a chance of winning. I mean it was not even through part one yet. Regardless, it is true honor to among the likes of this community. Thank you and bless you all!

[Musthavename]

Firstly i'd like to say well done to all who entered. Theres a lot of good campaigns and stories in there, but someone had to win!

On that note i'd like to congratulate Babagitta. A very, very deserving winner, though hopefully next months will be closer!

Slightly disappointed that I lost the third place tie, but the AARs ahead of me were all very good and deserving of their places. I can assure you I'll be back for the August competition, and I hope everyone else will be!

Also, hats out to all involved in the organisation of this. You guys do a great job

[Aldgarkalaughskel]

Musthavename, you're a gentleman! It's good to have such gallant members around. (This applies to the previous posters as well.)
After all this competition isn't just about winning, but also about having fun, making friends and being respectful to each other's talents.
Don't forget, that you almost made it, and I wish you good luck next time with your new Aragonese AAR!

[D.B. Cooper]

The level of talent here really is incredible...congratulations to a well-earned victory!

[welwelwel]

Congratulations Babagitta, Kaiserjagen and Old dragoon. I'm reading all the new AAR's now (which really costs me a lot of study time) and I hope by next month there will be more candidates...

[Scoundrel]

You deserved it, my Lord! +rep

[Confederate Jeb]

They get interviews too? No fair.

+ rep for all, as soon as I find your posts.

[Kaiserjagen]

Cheers to all!

Great idea these competitions were.

[Aldgarkalaughskel]

Great idea these competitions were.

It was Tweety's idea.

[Aldgarkalaughskel]

The bronze medal has been assigned to Babagitta. See the updated OP.
The category winners will be announced soon.

[August]

Congratulations, ladies and gents!
Bravo

[Babagitta]

Thank you very much!
What can I say? I really love it!

I feel like a 10 years old boy playing with his new electric train (I never had one...)! Being a member of this friendly community makes me very happy.

[Aldgarkalaughskel]

Don't excuse yourself, Babagitta, you've earned this medal.

[Aldgarkalaughskel]

Announced category winners. See updated OP for details.
See the FAQ for more info about the jury.

[D.B. Cooper]

Wow! I can't believe I won. Thanks!