Glad to see Alvaro wasn't a traitor and that Drescher is dead. I must agree with AlexanderPrimus, I'm sure it'll be a great Season Finale. I listened to the mp3 as well and I really liked it, excellent work!
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AlexanderPrimus said:
I suspect canonized is also writing for Lost... thick plots, mutliple characters, neverending stories, season finales...
Considering what I hear about Lost..Murmurandus said:I suspect canonized is also writing for Lost... thick plots, mutliple characters, neverending stories, season finales...
..those must be the plots he rejects as too implausible for timelines
wha..what? Pablo is not dead? *Grumble* Poor old Drescher, i quite liked him and he was just settling down as well. Lets hope that by clearing the paths of snakes...ect. that Renault is not making it too easy for Herr Gehirn!
AlexanderPrimus said:And the plot thickens yet again!
I sense that Season 2 is building to a fever pitch, to reach its climax very soon at the season finale! I can hardly wait.
Oh, and just for the sake of repetition, terrific AAR!
Yep
Lots of things coming to culmination . The session in Constantinople , the descent to Satan , meeting with Zio , infiltrating the Siberian Facility and rescuing Tom and Rodrigo's parents and the Timepiece , and the truth about Leyla . Not to mention who she is , who the poofter is and why that's important at all . What's going to happen to our heroes in 1984 , and why the Panzerkardinal was electrocuted XD I didn't forget !Davout: thank you , sir
I just noticed too that out of your total postcount since 2001 , 18 of them have been in Timelines ! I'm very very honoured !ForzaA: Haha , I'm glad you caught on ! That's the general idea to his name XD
DarthJF: Great to hear about you catching up
And yes , XX-XXX is going to be an excellent time for you I think one of my favourit earcs English Patriot: Drescher was certainly more human than he was when he let Antonio's arm be broken by the Lord of Acid , but unfortunately Alvaro couldn't let him live .
comagoosie: Haha I'm glad you noticed that little interplay between Raul and Madeleine . I wanted to add some more hints at the tension going on there .
Capibara: Yep , the Silent Room is more resourceful than that XD
Fiftypence: the de Guzman family in general has been very tricky to decide upon with the father being a traitor , Alvaro being a staunch trickster , and Carlos having made a mistake but went back
Murmurandus: ROFL , i'd rather write for Battlestar Galactica XD
demokratickid: See ,
Stick to your guns and you get rewarded sometimes XDColossusCrusher: Haha , well now you're reminded !
ForzaA: ROFL , that's partly true . I haven't kept up with Lost at all since like a few years ago !
robou: Haha you're catching on ! Yes , Gehirn will definitely be reaching our heroes before the end XD
One of the pleasures of opening a games of boxes is that never ends... unless at the end of the last box you'll find Pandora's one.
Time for me to reread... to many thing lately fooling around...
No ladies doing a strip tease. I'm highly dissapointed, Canonized.
Time for me to reread... to many thing lately fooling around...
No ladies doing a strip tease. I'm highly dissapointed, Canonized.
Kurt_Steiner said:One of the pleasures of opening a games of boxes is that never ends... unless at the end of the last box you'll find Pandora's one.
Time for me to reread... to many thing lately fooling around...
No ladies doing a strip tease. I'm highly dissapointed, Canonized.
ROFL well there have been shower scenes ! XD and the obligatory hot spring scene !
haha
Hmm... I'm really wondering what special treats will be unveiled at the season finale...
AlexanderPrimus said:
I'm also looking forward to the inter-season showcase since that will show off some of our readers' contributions
Interview coming up in a few minutes !
You've Been Canonized!: Estonianzulu
Good evening everyone and welcome to this edition of You've Been Canonized! our interview segment here on Timelines where we take a patron author and get to know more about them, their thoughts on Timelines, and their current AAR or project ! I'm your host canonized , author of Timelines: What if Spain Failed to Control the World? and today's guest is Estonianzulu author of "The Footsteps of Illustrious Men"- USA GC AAR . Special thanks to crusaderknight for editing and formatting today ! Let's get to the questions !
Part I: The Estonian Zulu !
EZ shares a little bit of info about himself !
canonized: First , thanks for being on the programme ! Could you give us a little introduction about yourself ?
Estonianzulu: sure thing, well I am a recently graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelors in history. I have been a member of these forums for almost 7 years now, and have been in AARland for almost as long. I was born in Ohio, in the United States, but have lived in Virginia for the last 10 years.
canonized: Well congratulations on finishing your undergrad studies ! Being someone who's been around for so long , could you tell us some of your thoughts on the ever changing landscape of this , our place of gathering ?
Estonianzulu: Well, there is a complicated question. When I started there really wasn't an "AARland" as such. But, as more and more people became involved and as the forums grew, eventually it emerged. At first, like a lot of people remember, the different games were seperated and it wasn't untill a few years had passed that it all came together. Since then there have been noticable shifts in activity on all levels, but I think in the last year or so, the success of AARland as a forum has really grown.
canonized: You're also a regular contributor to the AARlander and every month you share your insight into the many going-ons and historical perspectives of AARland . Tell us a little bit about your participation in the publication ?
Estonianzulu: Well, I'd trace my participation back to the AARland Gazette. When the Gazette came about, the ideas and concepts of AARland being a community was still new. So, I set out to write about what AARland was, and try to explore that in my articles. As time moved on I continued to write on and off for the Gazette. After the Gazette came to an end, I stayed on the peripharies for a while before becoming involved with Anonymous' AARlander. I don't remember who asked who, but I assume I went to him with the idea that the AARlander could use some more historical discussions. As someone who has been around a while and enjoyed watching AARland move and change, I was really eager to share it. As time passed it became just a regular expectation for me to contribute something. Now that it has passed on to you, my job has pretty much stayed the same.
canonized: Getting back to your studies as a historian : naturally this line of education has greatly influenced your writing style and interests . How would you say your background in history has given you a unique (or maybe not so unique?) perspective and style for AARs ?
Estonianzulu: Well there are a few different perspectives it gives me. On the one hand I really like the study and portrayals of history. My study in history really led to the writing of Footsteps as a history book style AAR. I enjoy seeing how history evolves and changes, often with small shifts and minute differences to the real world. So, while reading about a USA where the South won the civil war is interesting, I'm far more interested in a USA where the South revoled five years earlier. I think, as a historian, I like seeing the world crafted by writers on the forums, and seeing the chains of events that make history what it is. Likewise, my interest in Nationalism, and the history of identity has led me to the development of my second contemporary AAR. I really enjoy reading about and studying how people begin to attatch themselves to, and develop their identites. This has left World War One, which is sort of the culmination of modern Nationalism, as my favorite period in history.
canonized: History book is perhaps a unique way of writing AARs in that it focuses on a writing style that requires much more research than , perhaps , gameplay or even narrative . What made you so passionate about history and have their been historical texts that have influenced you ?
Estonianzulu: Well, ive always been passionate about history, for that I blame my parents. It was their love of history, and growing up surrounded by history books, and discussions about history, that led to my love. And you are right, research is important. But there in lies the advantage to what we do. As AAR writers, our primary source is always the game itself. The game gives us the events, we just fit them into a plausable history. How all those events and wars and bizarre circumastances that occur in a game come together with history are what makes history books so fun. Historically, I don't know if any specific texts have influenced me in my History book AAR. Ironically, it was the texts of the Oddur Snorrason and the Heimskringla that inspired my narrative AAR. It was how these writers believed the 'truth' of history to be that interested me the most. The Heimskringla for example was written many hundreds of years after the events it describes. It illustrates how people during the time the work was written viewed their history. And since we define ourself by how our history and our past, these works become a window into the identity of the writers. And I love that about these sources.
Part II: A Historian's Perspective
EZ gives us his perspective on Timelines !
canonized: I always like to ask first ; your first impressions after reading some of Timelines ?
Estonianzulu: Its a unique take on the AAR, and in some ways its familiar. The element of time travel, or perhaps a post-event impact on the past, is something that a lot of AAR writers have approached. And it is a very difficult topic to approach. But I think your approach is both unique, and very well done. The take on our history as the 'fake' history is something I don't think we have seen in AAR's. And your approach is able to hold together both the alternative reality as well as accept it from within the frame of our own history. Its a fun read.
canonized: As a historian , what kind of impact would you say the narrative style has on you ; does it hamper some of the enjoyment or does it provide a different avenue of reception ?
Estonianzulu: I wouldn't say it hampers, it definently modifies it. Especially since it is as much fantasy (with the time pieces and such) as it is pure history. So I treat it like a novel rather than a history. I think that is the real impact, that the narrative style, with its distinct seperation from historical events, makes me see it as a fantasy rather than a history.
canonized: One of the 'advantages' one might say about writing narrative is being able to delve into the psychology and personality of a character as much as we want . Any characters that stand out for you ?
Estonianzulu: Well,I'm a big fan of the villains Now, i've only made it through Season 1, so I have some catching up to do, but for at least the first period, the villains were a little more interesting, less easy to read. The heroes, well they want the status quo. They want to expand and support the empire. The Panzerkardinal is totally awesome, but as a character I just find him 'too good'. He's self-righteous, brave and unflappable. Im much more interested in the pained, dark characters like Sio-Pan or Zio. Why they want things differently, how they want to reach those goals and how they fit into the scheme of things is very enjoyable to contemplate.
canonized: Speaking of the 'bad guys' , a lot of their involvement revolves around mysterious involvements with secret societies and forces moving under the cover of shadows . How have you been enjoying the more mysterious aspects of Timelines ?
Estonianzulu: Somewhat. I think, like Nazi's and Space Aliens, members of secret societies are sort of always bad. I think that, because of the society created in Timelines the elemnt of a secret society is important. With one super power in existance, the only way to fight it is to do it behind the scenes. Thus, the 'bad guy' societies. It Also has the element of dichotomy. Because in your story, the "good guys' operate from code names and secret meetings to control the empire. The foil to that, the Secret Societies of the bad guys.
canonized: Since you've completed a season of Timelines , what kind of encouragement would you say to those who might be intimidated by the length of the work ?
Estonianzulu: First thing,take your time. There is no reason to rush through it too fast. It can be tough if you don't have a lot of time. Its worth the read, so stick with it, but don't feel too overwhelmed. As time goes on and you become attatched to charaters and plots it will be easier to stick to it. If you ever feel overwhelmed, take a note of the chapter, and go read something else. Nothing helps rejuivante your desire to read a heavy AAR like Timelines like a trip to read a history book or game play AAR. Its always good to mix it up. And remember, Canonized is more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
canonized: Lastly from this section : any guesses on what the Timepiece is ? XD
Estonianzulu: that is the question of the day isn't it. I'll go with: some space alien's version of a paradox game. So, you know, EU but with planets instead of computers.
part III: Making His Own Footsteps
Lastly , we look at EZ's current AAR !
canonized: So American AARs are relatively rare but not only have you written on this wonderful nation , but it's also reaching epic proportions ! Please tell us your motivations behind choosing the good ole USA ?
Estonianzulu: Well, the pimary reasoning behind it is that I am American, so I know and understand American history better than any other. Plus, in Victoria, I think the United States is a relatively easy country to play and provides endless posibilityies. Since this AAR was my first with Ricky I felt taking a relatively easy game would be a good idea. I think the potential to go in any direction is very usefll for an AAR. America can be militant, peacefull, political, or anything you want. And since I really wanted to focus on politics, and how it moved through history, I think America was an excellent choice. Plus, the access to knowledge about American politicians is pretty vast, and easy to reach.
canonized: How much did this AAR overlap with your own studies and how much did you have to go find out independently ?
Estonianzulu: Well, Most of it is independant, but there are elements of my studies. For example, as an homage to my studies here at Virginia Tech, i had the final battle of the Civil War take place at Smithfield Plantation, which is on Tech campus. Likewise, I took a course by Dr, James Robertson, who is, if not the leading, then at least one of the top Civil War historians in the world. His influence in how my AAR evolved from the 1840's through the 1870's was key. I think he, above any other historian, he shaped how I view a lot of American history. Specifically my pre-civil war focus on the regions of America (in the post entitled "Windows") was thanks to his teachings. However, outside of that period, the history has been heavily my own.
canonized: A lot of your AARs , as the name suggests , focuses on the marks of great men on history . For example , you spend a lot of time explaining elections and key victories and policy changes in the electoral college . Is politics a big issue for you or does it just come naturally in the democratic system of the States ?
Estonianzulu: A bit of both I think. I enjoy politics, and I enjoy how politcs change over time. America was, for a lot of this period, unique in that it had a rapid series of changes in rule. And all of them came peacefull (except for the obvious exception). So, politics were so important, and how the elections turned out so key to how America evolved that you can't help but focus on them. Its also a mechanic of the game, Vicy is about political changes and parties, so I think its easy to make that a key component in the AAR. Now, as to Great Men, Im a bit of a Great Man theorist myself. I think that history, while not purely devoted to the actions of "Great Men" is shaped by the actions of individuals. How those individuals fit within the greater system is important so im not just a Great Man historian. But give me a study of a dictator or king over the study of a social system or economic structure anyday and I'll be happy.
canonized: Naturally there are many deviations from the norm ; one need only see the different states on the map or even the presidential names we may not recognize . What kind of system do you use to select when a change would occur ?
Estonianzulu: Well, it comes from a couple things. One, how the game played out. When I decided to make a state, or which party won the election does make an impact. The other changes, say the shape of certain states or the splitting of Texas, came from how I felt history would shape things. How the Civil War played out, or how wars were fought and won all shape the world as it exists in my AAR. It also comes from my imagination, how I want things to play out or how I plan things. Moving history around and using the course of history to tell my story is really the goal of the AAR. So its a system of the game, the butterfly effect and my imagination.
canonized: Some of the most exciting portions of your AAR include recently the surprise Pacific showdown that's about to occur as well as such shocking things as a socialist America . What other highlights would you say would attract readers to want and try Footsteps ?
Estonianzulu: My favorite periods of history in the game would be the rise of the American Party, and the conflifts with Mexico. And then, how those conflicts gradually evolved into the most in-depth period of history in my AAR, the US Civil War. I think through the 19th century, no event in America was as influential as the Civil War. Some of the differences (like Albert Johnston fighting for the Union at Shiloh, etc.) really give my AAR a unique flavor that I think people would be interested to see. Likewise the elections, which I think are the most discussed posts of mine, are enjoyable to observe. I try to go into detail about the primaries, and how they shape the general election. Tracking how the electoral map has moved and turned over history I think could also be a fun journey. And more recently I think the rise of the Populists over the Republicans, and how the Populist party fell, then was reborn in the Socialist party was enjoyable to write, so I hope people enjoyed reading it as well.
canonized: Lastly , do you have any AAR plans after you finish with this one ?
Estonianzulu: Well, Legacy of the North is getting a lot of my attention lately, because writing a Narrative AAR is a little more difficult for me. In terms of being an author that is my primary post-Footsteps project. But there are some other plans I have cooking up that I hope to bring out and work with AARland on. Of course, I will keep writing for the AARlander and stay as active a reader as I can. So, keep your eyes on the AARland main forum for some things that hopefully will get started soon. I am always batting around ideas for future AARs of course, including something to make up for the failure to complete my French AAR in CK. So hopefully, I'll find something to keep me busy.
canonized: We want to thank Estonianzulu once again for his participation in our programme and we'd like to thank our audience for once again reading
Please don't forget either of us when you go vote in the AARland Choice AwAARds this season ! That's all for the interview this time , see you next time , and in the meantime stay tuned for more Timelines : Fair , Balanced , and Unafraid !
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Interesting update
Sure looking forward to finding out what the others are. They are quite nasty in the song of ice and fire
Sure looking forward to finding out what the others are. They are quite nasty in the song of ice and fire
Avernite said:Interesting update
Sure looking forward to finding out what the others are. They are quite nasty in the song of ice and fire
Haha thank you XD Yeah we're definitely going to find out more about the Others ... next season XD
Interesting interview, that. Also, still waiting for those post-season summaries, canonized...
It is funny growing up surrounded by history books.
Heh, I forgot both of you I think.
Heh, I forgot both of you I think.
Snugglie said:Interesting interview, that. Also, still waiting for those post-season summaries, canonized...
Haha they'll come in the inter-season showcase XD
Enewald: Why is that funny ? XD
Congrats on getting you degree in history! I am jealous, wanna share?
And studying and discussing history is frowned upon in my family...we often get in a lot of arguments, but they are sick of me winning them.
o The series is getting way too long for my tastes
And studying and discussing history is frowned upon in my family...we often get in a lot of arguments, but they are sick of me winning them.
I heard that the next book was due in april, has it come out yet?canonized said:
o The series is getting way too long for my tastes
I actually thought about the Others from Lost when I read that part of the chpater. Great interview as always!