The Wars of the Roses

coz1 · Oct 2, 2007

Thanks again to everyone who has stopped by and I will answer some specific feedback soon, I promise (especially as I've seen some old friends stop by above and some new folks come on board.)

I just wanted to give a heads up that things will be moving along but a little slowly for the next week or so. I am trying to finish up 40 Years On before putting too much more effort here for various reasons (one being I need to upgrade the game and the Mod.) Anyway - have patience and we will get another update soon.

Thanks again for reading and commenting, all!

unmerged(514) · Oct 2, 2007

Excellent story!!!

Take your time!

BBBD316 · Oct 3, 2007

Really good Coz, and yes I moved jobs and couldn't get the password to my old name back so a new me emerged.

I am looking forward to the next update.

coz1 · Oct 4, 2007

No update yet but some fb-fb:

VILenin said:
Don't worry, the fact that he thought he was doing the best for his brother did come across as well as genuine regret. The sacrifice to ambition is that he and his family have been forced into this position and to rise above it requires loss. He's got the makings of a fascinating character.

Thanks. I was hoping to get both a little regret and selfish ambition. Ambiguous us good.

Storey said:
Okay I'm in. That makes three so we need just a few more for a game.

Interesting update coz. You're creating complex characters folded into a byzantine plot supported by a medieval mind set that produces a fascinating tale. Not bad not bad at all.

Joe

Uh oh...playing poker with Joe...that is a recipe to lose all my money.

And thank you sir. Glad to have on board for the ride. Should be fun.

Rensslaer said:
Okay, I've started reading with earnest...

Very interesting story developing, even by the 3rd page!

I actually developed quite an interest in the Wars of the Roses while producing the Strategy Guide.

Knowing your talents, I'm curious to see how you take this!

Rensslaer

Excellent to hear. I always enjoy your thoughts, sir!

M.ShawPyle said:
I shall be following this with great attention.

As, given the authorship, who would not?

Excellent work, as ever.

Wonderful to hear from you again! And thank you for those very nice words.

Now when do we get to see that new project for Vickie?

Doge Robert said:
And yet another brilliant AAR Coz.. At least I don't have to read a 1000 posts to get updated on this one

Yep - still on the short side for this one thus far. Fear not, it won't last.

Thanks.

GhostWriter said:
coz1: ...“I have failed, yes! I have dishonored my house and myself! And what is more, my career is over! My life, such as it was my brother, is done!”

not good ! !

magnificent update ! !

Not good for John Beaufort, that's for sure. But for Edmund...

Lord Durham said:
Nice bit of writing, and an equally nice contribution from Lewis. The way I see it, Edmund had little choice. Suicide back then would have been disastrous for the Beaufort clan, assuming the news got out. They would have operated under a damnable cloud. Still, Edmund has entered the slippery slope, and who knows how many 'secret' witnesses paid by Suffolk watched the whole sordid affair. As future leverage, of course...

Indeed, Suffolk would hope to use this to keep some power over the Beauforts (them being princes of the blood and all that.) And you are right, Edmund had to ensure his brother's dishonor didn't taint himself.

Kurt_Steiner said:
Dion't worry, take your time and recover from the cold

Thanks, KS. Feeling a bit better now.

Director said:
coz, you are my great and good friend. Friendship be damned - the truth is this AAR already is well on its way to being a classic.

I very much like the way you bring out the major themes of Plantagenet England. There is the emphasis on family, standing and 'face' that must be maintained regardless of monetary and personal cost. There is the crown's recruitment of nobles to go do the king's work without the king incurring much risk or expense.

In regard to France, England was probably wealthier (wool trade) but had a much smaller population base. Despite that, good soldiers (longbowmen) and generals (Henry V) had fairly brought France down... but lack of population and good generals meant it would be difficult to hold.

I note in your scenes with Henry VI and with Richard a certain dawning that things in France are beginning to get away from them... which young overconfident fools like John Beaufort don't help to assuage.

I may be missing something here, but I see no way that Edmund is 'forced' to take any action on his brother's part. So the young fool went haring off and wasted a year's campaigning (and a year's funds). Send him off to run the family estates in the Scottish Marches, Ireland or (God forbid) Cornwall ( ). In a year or five he can come back to court and few will remember or remark on his disgrace.

No, Edmund has some more urgent reason to risk something as ripe for blackmail as fratricide. After all he could have just given the suicidal young twit a nudge - or a helping hand - and not a poisoned cup.

Absolutely stellar work.

This is a truly kind comment, Director and I am pleased things are going so well at first. The force is more of a fait accompli more than Edmund had "no choice" in the matter. He in fact, likely wanted to for his own gain as much as anything, but there was some regret and sadness. Perhaps he himself feels the victim when in truth he is no such thing.

Chief Ragusa said:
There's a sense that Suffolk ould have moved to try John for treason. That would have cost the family their estates and control over John's children. This way doesn't guarantee either outcome, but it does offer a greater chance that they'll keep most of their land and control over Margaret especially.

That is true and control of Margaret is certainly important as we shall all see in due time.

thrashing mad said:
I`ve just read through this AAR and here are my thoughts: I`m no expert of late medieval English history, but the way you presented characters and situation seems to be convincing and realistic. Same goes to the way characters speak to each other. I`ve enjoyed last chapter very much, you have described depressed and broken man - John Beaufort, killed by his ruthless brother, in a very convincing way. As for descriptions - they are short but persuasive, and it`s hard to achieve such good balance between quantity and quality. As for chapter length - it`s exactly what person with poor English like me want to read - not too long, not too short. Finally, even though I have little idea about historical background, there`s huge intrigue, and conflict of characters with contradictory motivations rising on the horizon.

So in other words - very good writing, keep it up.

Thanks TM! I am glad it is coming across. I did not want to get too flowery with the language so dialogue and such could be understood but I would like to present an air of verisimilitude.

ubik said:
Excellent story!!!

Take your time!

Thanks ubik. I should be patching on MM Gold very soon and getting thegame underway in earnest.

BBBD316 said:
Really good Coz, and yes I moved jobs and couldn't get the password to my old name back so a new me emerged.

I am looking forward to the next update.

Well great to have you back BBBD. You were missed. As for the next update, see below...

To all - The next scene has been rumbling around in my head for a couple of weeks now and has taken on many guises, but I think I have settled on which way to go with it. Look towards the weekend, perhaps Sat. morning. Thanks to all that have stopped by and commented. I am truly pleased to see such a reception. And hey, if you get a second, maybe even vote for this for Favorite Narrative AAR in the AARland Choice Awards. I could always use the support given all the great AARs in this area. A win would be a hard fought thing.

coz1 · Oct 6, 2007

* * *

Paris, 1445

William de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk paced back and forth in the great hall where he and his wife were given lodgings by the French King. A years worth of diplomacy had yielded a momentary peace and further, a bride for the English King Henry VI. They were to greet to new Queen after her great stately welcome at the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and soon they would be on the road through Normandy, and from there, England.

Suffolk’s wife was Alice Chaucer, granddaughter to the famous poet. She was a strong woman, as formidable as her ancestor was talented. And today she was in a mood…one he knew well. Thus it was left to him to storm up the stairs and retrieve her so they might be on time for the grand reception.

Taking the steps two at a time, he finally reached her room and burst through the door without knocking, “Damnable woman, would you move!”

She sat on a stool by a window brushing her long brown hair and did not turn to face her husband, “I still do not understand why it is that we must stand aside in favor of the Duke of York, my Lord.”

“I have told you, my wife…he is the King’s representative here in France. And further, Regent in Normandy…it would be unfitting of us to pass him over.”

“Are you not the King’s representative in the recent talks? Have you not just stood in his stead in Nancy for the proxy wedding? Did we not just escort Margaret of Anjou all the way to Paris, my Lord?” She turned to face him giving him a waspish look on her last words.

“Dearest wife…I care not to argue with you at this or any other time.” He paced across the room and filled a goblet full with wine. He started to take it down but stopped just short and looked back at her, “If we might simply get through the day and have this princess sent off to London I would be most grateful.”

He then took the drink as Alice raised herself from her stool and walked slowly towards him taking a slightly different tone but relentless all the same, “You are a man of means, my Lord…however meager…and it is in you that the King has entrusted the care taking of not just his Kingdom but so too his new bride. I offer only words such that you follow this path and let not another take from you that which you have earned.”

She briefly laid a hand upon his shoulder before pulling it away as he turned to face her, “I have done what was asked of me, my wife, and I shall stand against any man…or woman…that says otherwise. I was asked to bring peace by the Cardinal, he so aged as to be unable to find his piss pot with the sunny sky above, and regardless of the peace I make, it will be unpopular. I need not this rancor, my love.”

“And what peace have you made…my love?” She spitefully walked away to place the cover upon her head. Pulling back her hair tightly and attaching the bonnet, she turned to face her husband and waited with steely eyes.

“I care not for the question,” Suffolk shifted and began to walk from the room, allowing a brief glance back to his wife.

“And I care not for the answer, my Lord Duke.” She walked gently to him and stood strong as she waited for his full reply.

After a moments silence he relented, not happy about it but willing to trust in the one person whom he knew had his best interests at heart, “I have offered the French King some recompense. That is all you need know.”

“Recompense?” Alice stepped back with no less a strong look. “He has already deceived us into taking on a princess with naught a dowry nor even a decent trousseau…what else does his Grace require?”

Suffolk stood silent, unwilling to reply right away but the fierce look in his wife’s eyes let him know he would not make the reception this day if he did not answer, “…Maine and Anjou.”

“Christ’s Keys!” She turned away from him at first and took a step towards the window before swinging back upon him, “You will be hung from every gate in London, my husband!”

“I have it on firm authority from both King and Parliament…my task was to make a peace and I have done so.”

“This is no peace, William...this is treason!”

“It is what is required from the court! The Beauforts have cocked it up as far as we have seen and the Duke of York has been unable to parry the French thrusts both south and north. We have lost Pontoise and so Ile-de-France. But we will keep both Gascony and Normandy and have this war done which was my charge. Do not presume to question my judgment woman! I’ll not have it!”

She stood firm, “You may raise your hand to me as is your prerogative, but this does not mean I should stand silent and see my great husband find himself dead within the year! Gloucester will have your head!”

“I think not,” Suffolk began to move from the room, “But I shall have yours if you are not outside and on the move within the minute.”

William de la Pole stormed from the room, angry with his wife, and angrier still that what she said was truth. But as he had stated, it was his charge. He moved down the stairs as quickly as he had ascended and his wife did follow, but she said not a word to him as they moved towards the reception. As they approached, they were met by the Earl of Salisbury and all due deference was given by both parties. They all stood in line and waited for the new Queen to arrive.

After some time, Alice did lean towards her mate and ask with coldness, “Where does the Duke of York presume to meet her Majesty?”

“Here,” he replied with the same air.

“Does he assume to completely show us up? He cannot greet us with any style?”

Suffolk looked out over the horizon in wait for their new Queen Margaret of Anjou, “He must put on a show...as always.”

There was a moments silence before Alice got in the last word with great scorn attached, “It is sure to be the wife.”

Soon, the crowds that gathered moved into a throng and there were many cheers as the new Queen Margaret of Anjou moved through the streets atop a snow-white mare adorned with a brilliantly etched leather saddle over a scarlet cloth draped from the sides. She was a beautiful woman, and seemingly proud even given her birth to a man with titles that had no land attached. As she rode past the many gatherers, she stood tall in her saddle, her head lifted as if to reach to the sky. This was an important day, not just for herself but so too her family.

Behind her rode her father, that same bearer of empty titles – King with no Kingdom, Duke with no Duchy and Count with naught a County to speak of. Rene d’Anjou lived in the grace of his wife’s inheritance and the goodwill of the now King of France, Charles VII. But for a time it gave him the prestige that his lack of money could not support. Thus, the marriage of his daughter to a King of England was a coup not simply for himself but so too his liege Lord.

Other dignitaries followed along, though conspicuously absent was the actual Charles who had proposed the match and would reap the rewards. But one such present was the lady’s “Chevalier Servant” as he called himself and Pierre de Brézé was quick to dismount his horse and move swiftly to her side to help her off her own.

As they moved to the ground, a quiet came over the crowd as a sound from the distance began to echo through the hushed tones. Suffolk and his wife, along with all others, shifted their eyes to see the shape of a long train of men moving towards the reception. At its head was the Duke of York and next to him, adorned as if she herself were the Queen of France, was the Duchess Cecily. It was clearly meant to be a brilliant attempt at pomp and circumstance but none there as witness could mistake the perfect show of force it provided to the French, numbering as it did at least six hundred English archers alongside further retainers of the nobles in Richard’s service.

Pierre de Brézé lead the new Queen forward to the front of the steps and waited as Richard slowly moved up the lane and finally in front of her. As he did so, he led a palfrey caparisoned with crimson and gold velvet sewn with golden roses. He dismounted and led the palfrey towards the new Queen, and then bent a knee as he presented it to her. All heard him announce in perfect French that it was a gift from her noble husband.

She clapped her hands together and all the crowd saw her smile with glee, but she presented the perfect royal person as she bade Richard stand once more and herself gave a regal nod. Suffolk and his wife looked on and if one were to look at them, they would have seen faces of near disgust.

“See how he acts as if he were the right hand of our Lord, my husband?” Alice softly scoffed.

“He is only acting in King Henry’s place. It is all well and fine.”

“I like it not, my Lord.” She remained quiet for a time but then suddenly followed, “Though she is a pretty thing.”

“She is indeed,” Suffolk was quick to reply.

Alice gave a sly turn to her husband before attempting to lock eyes with the Queen but Margaret and Richard were in the midst of a flowery conversation spoken entirely in French.

“She does have bearing as well, she will be a fine bride.” Alice again attempted pleasant words where there were none in her mind.

“As long as she provides the balance we require and does not forget her place, all will be well.” Suffolk suddenly gave a large smile as he noticed Margaret leading Richard over to speak with himself and his wife.

The conversation that followed spoke of elegant celebrations and grand feasts to take place all the way from Paris, through Rouen and finally to Cherbourg where Margaret of Anjou would sail the channel to finally marry her new husband in full. York and his wife would act as cordially as possible to Suffolk and his own and as well towards all the many nobles in accompaniment. Only the principles could tell that something underneath it all was perhaps not quite right. But none knew precisely how history would unfold and certainly no one was aware that the very fine and pleasant meeting held that day would be the very last that Richard, Duke of York and Margaret of Anjou, now Queen of England would ever have again. And Suffolk…he too would find a difference after this day. His wife’s words had been truer than either of them knew.

Woody Man · Oct 6, 2007

The She-Wolf of France!! God save us!

unmerged(59737) · Oct 6, 2007

English Patriot said:
The She-Wolf of France!! God save us!

York will...take care of that...

unmerged(24320) · Oct 6, 2007

coz1: ...And Suffolk…he too would find a difference after this day. His wife’s words had been truer than either of them knew.

egad ! ! what a reward ! !

magnificent update ! !

Hannibal Barca2 · Oct 6, 2007

Richard of York truly seems to have the king's favour! And I am slightly beginning to create a better understanding of how things work in this place.

Anyway, will you do an actual gameplay? Or will it be a history mostly based on reality?

And I must agree with GhostWriter... This truly is a great update

unmerged(10971) · Oct 6, 2007

Ah, Margaret of Anjou... the pieces just keep falling into place, don't they? They way you're setting up your characters, once they get into action after May 1453, they'll be able to cause quite a good mess.

Director · Oct 6, 2007

Enter Iron Margaret, fair of face and mild of speech. That will certainly change.

I must agree with de la Pole's wife: giving up two provinces for peace only ensures the peace will be short. Such a peace only gives the English a scapegoat to blame it on...

LeonTrotsky · Oct 6, 2007

Excellent dialogue again. Biting sarcasm is always a winner in my book.

Lord Durham · Oct 6, 2007

Nice work. I'd say you are hitting your stride with the characters, establishing their divergent personalities and motives. This story promises to be intricate and detailed, the way I like them. Can't wait for more.

Lord E · Oct 6, 2007

Nice update Coz

Your characters are becoming better and better and I must say you are setting the scene very well. It is a little funny to think that we are still just in the prologue part of the story as the game hasn’t started yet, but the more I read the more I want for this to go on for a long time because it is a very fine and good story. I fear that Suffolk will soon be in trouble if giving away two provinces are his view on a good peace and the new Queen is sure to create a lot of trouble…

J. Passepartout · Oct 6, 2007

What are we saying, gentlemen? This woman is obviously as pure as snow, and meek as the lamb! Why would the Duke of York wish to anger her?

stnylan · Oct 6, 2007

Well I have now managed to read up on this most excellent tale, and most excellent it is. There is a good sense of the dynastic elements already, which I presume will work themselves through in time. Families are tricky businesses at the best of times, and these are not the best of times. There is an undercurrent to all the updates, sometimes more to the fore, sometimes less, but always there. Something is not right in the realm of England, there is a discordant note that screeches, rather than sings. It started right in the first post, with the murder already done before the would-be assassins had a chance to ply their trade. More recently a little fratricide made the sound stronger, more insistent, and now we have a dishonourable peace, brim-full with the possibility of recrimination and accusation. There is great pomp and show, and just at this moment I think that perhaps the players are not really aware of the sickness in their souls. Perhaps they catch a hint of it, now and then, but for the most part think nothing of it and attribute such ill-thoughts as they possess to the nature of the world, to the politics and dislikes, ordinary emnities. Apart from perhaps a brother with a brother's blood, and maybe a wife who sees more clearly than her husband. Perhaps, for I am not sure.

All in all, excellent!

Edit: In some respects I have just realised this reminds me of the start of Into the West, in the way that through a number of incidents there you showed and described the slow decline from an earthy heaven to a very real hell. Of course here things were never so celestial at the start, but the sense of an impending storm remains the same. It is a subtle thing, but you are portraying masterfully, whether you intend to or no.

VILenin · Oct 7, 2007

Quite an ominous ending!

Fortunately, in this instance, my knowledge of the War of the Roses is somewhat sketchy so the story remains very much a surprise. You have me hanging in suspense, coz.

Suffolk and Alice Chauced are a most excellent couple, I might add; they seem to be made for each other.

And I certainly wouldn't want to get on Alice's bad side.

Nil-The-Frogg · Oct 7, 2007

What can I add to VILenin's post? That I won't have time to improve my knowledge about the war of the roses and will just read your story like a good novel!

merrick · Oct 7, 2007

And so the players are assembled - for the first act, at any rate.

Interesting that John Beaufort regarded Suffolk as the author of his misfortunes, but Suffolk appeared to believe that the Beauforts had failed him. A difference of perspective? Or wheels within wheels?

coz1 · Oct 8, 2007

Fb-fb:

English Patriot said:
The She-Wolf of France!! God save us!

Well, not THE She-Wolf, but Margaret works just as well as Isabella did back in the day.

She'll certainly have some effect.

Fulcrumvale said:
York will...take care of that...

This made me laugh quite a lot, Ful! Wonderful. :rofl:

GhostWriter said:
coz1: ...And Suffolk…he too would find a difference after this day. His wife’s words had been truer than either of them knew.

egad ! ! what a reward ! !

magnificent update ! !

Indeed. But consider that his peace proposal was not sanctioned and is truly not what will endear him to pretty much anyone. He has it coming, to be sure.

Hannibal Barca2 said:
Richard of York truly seems to have the king's favour! And I am slightly beginning to create a better understanding of how things work in this place.

Anyway, will you do an actual gameplay? Or will it be a history mostly based on reality?

And I must agree with GhostWriter... This truly is a great update

Excellent! And thank you. As for the game, I certainly intend on using the game as template. It will be buried, but it will be a guide, nonetheless. Right now I am using the actual history to help build towards that divergence and hoping to set up "the players" that will inhabit that alt-world.

Judas Maccabeus said:
Ah, Margaret of Anjou... the pieces just keep falling into place, don't they? They way you're setting up your characters, once they get into action after May 1453, they'll be able to cause quite a good mess.

Indeed, they will. At least, that is the hope.

Director said:
Enter Iron Margaret, fair of face and mild of speech. That will certainly change.

I must agree with de la Pole's wife: giving up two provinces for peace only ensures the peace will be short. Such a peace only gives the English a scapegoat to blame it on...

Yes, it certainly will. And so true on Suffolk - he won't be happy in a few years time...that is, if he can feel any emotions at all.

LeonTrotsky said:
Excellent dialogue again. Biting sarcasm is always a winner in my book.

Mine as well. There is something so wonderful about using flowery language to say the meanest things. I have a lot of fun with it, definitely.

Lord Durham said:
Nice work. I'd say you are hitting your stride with the characters, establishing their divergent personalities and motives. This story promises to be intricate and detailed, the way I like them. Can't wait for more.

Thanks, LD! I do feel as though I am getting more comfortable with their personages and how they interact, as well as gaining some steam with their motives. It has been both fun and a challenge to give just enough to make them interesting while also making sure that what they do and say plays into what comes after - when the game starts. We'll see how well it works, certainly.

Lord E said:
Nice update Coz

Your characters are becoming better and better and I must say you are setting the scene very well. It is a little funny to think that we are still just in the prologue part of the story as the game hasn’t started yet, but the more I read the more I want for this to go on for a long time because it is a very fine and good story. I fear that Suffolk will soon be in trouble if giving away two provinces are his view on a good peace and the new Queen is sure to create a lot of trouble…

Thanks so much for that comment, Lord E. I do so enjoy creating rich characters. More than anything, they are what my stories hinge upon. That others see them as artfully as I do as a wonderful thing to hear. It means I am doing something right. And yes, Margaret plans on having much to say in future updates.

J. Passepartout said:
What are we saying, gentlemen? This woman is obviously as pure as snow, and meek as the lamb! Why would the Duke of York wish to anger her?

So true, JP. Why indeed? Heh. Why, they should be best of friends, right?

stnylan said:
Well I have now managed to read up on this most excellent tale, and most excellent it is. There is a good sense of the dynastic elements already, which I presume will work themselves through in time. Families are tricky businesses at the best of times, and these are not the best of times. There is an undercurrent to all the updates, sometimes more to the fore, sometimes less, but always there. Something is not right in the realm of England, there is a discordant note that screeches, rather than sings. It started right in the first post, with the murder already done before the would-be assassins had a chance to ply their trade. More recently a little fratricide made the sound stronger, more insistent, and now we have a dishonourable peace, brim-full with the possibility of recrimination and accusation. There is great pomp and show, and just at this moment I think that perhaps the players are not really aware of the sickness in their souls. Perhaps they catch a hint of it, now and then, but for the most part think nothing of it and attribute such ill-thoughts as they possess to the nature of the world, to the politics and dislikes, ordinary emnities. Apart from perhaps a brother with a brother's blood, and maybe a wife who sees more clearly than her husband. Perhaps, for I am not sure.

All in all, excellent!

Edit: In some respects I have just realised this reminds me of the start of Into the West, in the way that through a number of incidents there you showed and described the slow decline from an earthy heaven to a very real hell. Of course here things were never so celestial at the start, but the sense of an impending storm remains the same. It is a subtle thing, but you are portraying masterfully, whether you intend to or no.

As always, an excellent comment, my friend! I certainly have worked to try and build with these posts something that will help inform what comes after when the game begins. I have tried not to spend too much time on the specifics and rather simply build upon a theme which must be coming across if you are picking it up. Once we get going in earnest, things will be a bit more magnified, but the theme should remain. Keep me honest on that, won't you?

And I just want to thank you again for recalling Into the West as it was such a labor of love for me...a labor, to be sure (hah, hah!

) but one that I was so very proud of once completed. It is good to know that it is still remembered long after it has fallen to page three and beyond.

VILenin said:
Quite an ominous ending! Fortunately, in this instance, my knowledge of the War of the Roses is somewhat sketchy so the story remains very much a surprise. You have me hanging in suspense, coz.

Suffolk and Alice Chauced are a most excellent couple, I might add; they seem to be made for each other. And I certainly wouldn't want to get on Alice's bad side.

Well, that's a good thing, no? Perhaps while I entertain, I may also educate a bit and that is the ultimate goal of an artist (not that I may call myself that, but one can hope.) And no, Alice is not one to be trifled with.

Nil-The-Frogg said:
What can I add to VILenin's post? That I won't have time to improve my knowledge about the war of the roses and will just read your story like a good novel!

Being French yourself, I imagine you had enough learning of the 100 Years War period, Who needs to know the intricate workings of that nation of shopkeepers, right?

Well, they may fascinate you. At least, I hope they do.

merrick said:
And so the players are assembled - for the first act, at any rate.

Interesting that John Beaufort regarded Suffolk as the author of his misfortunes, but Suffolk appeared to believe that the Beauforts had failed him. A difference of perspective? Or wheels within wheels?

Good that you saw a little of Suffolk's problem, as I see it. He wanted the power but wasn't quite up for it. He certainly sees things from his own perspective and he and the Beaufort's, while allies, still have a bit of a power play going on.

Lot's of excellent comments, folks! Thank you so much for that. I really kind of struggled with this past scene and it feels so good to see it received as it has been, as has this whole enterprise thus far! I really do appreciate it. We are just about near to the end of 40 Years On which means all of my attention will be turning towards this in the days and weeks ahead. I hope to get the actual game off the ground within the next couple of weeks and then we can really get moving.

I do wonder - are there any graphics wizards out there? I have an idea for a new avatar but have been unable to work it properly to my satisfaction. I could use a little help. Send me a PM if interested. I would definitely appreciate it since I myself am hopeless. [EDIT - worked that one out, thanks.]

Thanks for all your comments and for reading my words. Truly!

The Wars of the Roses

GunslingAAR

MM Dev Team

Field Marshal

GunslingAAR

GunslingAAR

SWMH Bretwalda

Strategos ton Exkoubitores

Field Marshal

General

Alien Space Bat

Maestro

Captain

The Father of AARland

Non sufficit orbis

Shah Space Invader

Compulsive CommentatAAR

Revolutionary Leader

Big fetid toad

Lt. General

GunslingAAR