My first AAR - what to do?

[afb]

Hi everyone

I'm about to embark on my first AAR, and I would like some input on what to do. I have some ideas, but wan't a second (and third, etc.) opinion on what to do.

Style
I'm a bit torn between a history book style and a more narrative/dramatic style. I'm thinking about combining the two somewhat, but I'm not sure exactly how it will turn out. In the end, I'll probably only decide once I actually have to write it, but at least now you know what my initial thoughts are.

I like the idea of using to layers of fiction. I really like the way it's used in canonized's Timelines AAR, but obviously I will want to do things a bit differently. One idea involves using different chroniclers, with different views of history, maybe even have them comment on each others work.

Either way, I want a well planned AAR, so I will play lots of years ahead. That also means that you won't see the AAR for a few weeks, so have patience

What I should play
There are a few things I already know.
*I'd like to try out Magna Mundi.
*I want to play in Europe.
*Don't want majors. I want a rough start.
*I will focus on diplomacy and dynastic relations.

My question is: What country should I play? I have narrowed it down to these:
*German minor with the intention of unifying the empire. Either centralized as Germany or as a vassalizing emperor.
*Italian state, trying to unify the scattered cities.
*Irish duchy, struggling for survival and prosperity. Unification, trade and scattered colonies.
*Denmark, sealing the Kalmar Union and ascending as a major power.
*Bohemia, breaking free from the HRE and carving out it's own empire in eastern Europe
*The brilliant idea that you guys come up with

Please, voice your oppinion. What is interesting? What hasn't been seen (too many times) before? Anything else?

Looking forward to hear your input.

Yours
Anders

PS: Could someone write or provide link to a short description of how to make and post screenshots?

 

[Cyrus_The_Great]

I think a German minor unifying Germany would be wonderful! Maybe Bavaria or Anhalt.
The idea of chroniclers writing about events and commenting on eachother's views also sounds like it would be excellent. I think there would be plenty to write about to, which may be lacking in a game as an Irish minor at least.

 

[canonized]

I agree with Cyrus , you seem to have great ideas for a style and subject already ! If you are going down the narrative route , I would suggest completing your scenario first (this is just a personal preference of mine many people have different perferences) so that you can mould your story around the events that you already know will happen . That way you won't get surprised but the audience will . Some people do the halfway route where they play a little bit ahead and then post and some people post as often as they play . Your style is up to you ! I'm flattered for the nod , and for that I wish you luck and I'll be keeping up with your writing whatever you decide !

 

[afb]

@Cyrus_The_Great: I mostly included the german idea because I always enjoy playing in Germany tremendously. I have seen quite a few german-minor-AARs, so I sort of expected that everyone would discorage me from that idea. Any paticular reason that you would like this?

@canonized: I'll play a lot ahead at least, but I'm not sure I have the patience to wait until I'm completely finished, but I'll keep it in mind. Great to have you on board!

Good to hear you both like the ideas so far.

Anders

 

[Turin the Mad]

It seems that - if you can - the 'mixed' style would work very well and potentially prove the most rewarding.

I do not recall an Irish AAR for EU 3, so if you choose that route, it would likely be a first. That having been said, play with what you personally find the most appealing ! After all, why play a game you are not enjoying ? (Well, besides the 'dating game', but that's a different thread ...)

There is one advantage (and one big disadvantage) to playing Ireland. The bad news : geographic isolation means you only have 3 minors next door to beat up on and annex before staring at a really big neighbor. It also means every province not on the Emerald Isle (I believe) would suffer the massively huge multiplier of unit build time from lacking a land link.
The good news : geographic isolation means you have one neighbor that is really big with a land border. If you can diplomatically persuade England that its best interests lie in becoming Irish ... ^_^ (Most likely, you'd have to win 2 wars with them to get them to go away, then catapult hordes of diplomats at them to like you again ...)

Good luck, whichever way you wish to go !