Stuyvesant, thank you very much!
I was actually a little surprised, because (especially before) I was never much of a commenter... most of what I read back when I was at the beginning, or the middle, but nowhere near to finishing, so I often withheld my comments. Lately I've had more time to read, and comment. And I've also taken a bit of inspiration from Coz in encouraging the new writAARs. It's really good to see there are still new writers, even for the older games. The AAR showcase and the WritAAR of the Week threads also have been attracting my attention to a number of gems in all the fora, which I've enjoyed reading.
I've also been spreading myself around because I recently got EUII -- looking for some of the AARs which would inspire me to write and/or teach me to play!
In my reading I've sure come across a lot of really good writing and really interesting gaming! I rarely get this opportunity, so... Since I've been pegged as a fan, perhaps I'll spread the breeze from the fan around a little and let you know some of the things on my reading shelf!
First, some of the people who I enjoyed a year ago and are still here... Coz1 has some incredible stuff -- I'm caught up on
Into the West, and catching up on
For the Glory of Persia (both Vicky). Heretic has been quiet lately, but his unique
Crown of Ice and Snow and his older Venezuelan
Bolivar II (both Vicky) were always well thought out and cleverly executed.
I haven't gotten to read
TekCor's newer stuff. And didn't get to comment much on his old string of Vicky AARs, but he's got a great playing and writing style. I couldn't comment on them because he was so rapid and concise that by the time I got caught up on one, he was done and on to the next one!
Recently, I've been keeping up on Mike von Bek's
Bride of my Constant Desire (brilliantly executed Oman campaign in Vicky), Stnylan's
In Memory of France (EUII), Draco Rexus'
For God and Country (HOI2), Prussiablue's Dutch
Fortune Favor the Brave (Vicky), Hajii Giray's
Hussite Lament (EUII), Verenti's
Barrett's Privateers (Vicky), Elias Tarfarius'
Oesterreich Uber Alles (EU II), and N.A. Kireevskiy's
The Idea of Russia (Vicky) have all kept my attention and keep me looking for more. BBBD's EUII
Annexing story is bizarre, but interestingly done! Shawng1 is not around (much) anymore, but I'm enjoying reading a couple of his EUII stories, including his Brandenburger
A Vision of Glory. The AAR Showcase turned me on to Alhazen's
Sins of the Father, a CK Apulia campaign.
There's a new writer, St. Fenix, whose
Scimitar in the Sand Afghan AAR (Vicky) is worth checking out and commenting on. A young writer, but with great promise, I think!
I admit to lurking through some which I'm not quite through.. Seidita,
El Presidentse,
Anonymous, and others are all great writers, but I haven't completed their works yet.
There are some authors who have been around a while but whose work I'm just starting to read, but with the intent to catch up and read all...
Mettermrck has a series of AARs that are all of excellent quality! And I'm just getting into
Director's stories, too. And I was impressed to be instantly drawn in by Catknight's American
Resurrection & Rebirth! (EU II)
And there are yet some folks who I know I should read but I haven't had the chance yet... Yogi, Frogbeastegg... and plenty of others who come highly recommended, not without excellent reasons!
Anyway... Please, continue "fanning the flames" of authorship by reading and commenting on these great works! Stop by mine, too! I've got
Fire Warms the Northern Lands (Vicky) up to 1881 now, and going at a much improved pace. I've also got one other started --
Castles in the Sky, a Vicky mod about Alexander Hamilton's western paradise -- and have another couple in mind. I hope to soon start an EU II adventure called Bearing Witness.
My apologies to anyone whose links I messed up or missed! And I know I've missed some great work. There are so many gifted writers here!
Enjoy your trip, Stuyvesant! We'll see you when you get back!
Rensslaer