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Seconding the above. A strong narrative that can carry the weight of the story on its own doesn't strictly need screenshots or other ancillaries, though using a few for scene-setting or embellishment could certainly go a long way.

As for general story concerns, I want to put it on record that I've been enjoying this tale immensely :) If there are any formal or structural issues with the writing, they are few and far between enough that I've never really picked up on them -- no glaringly obvious typos, misuse of vocabulary, etc. I couldn't speak as to plotting -- it's definitely a bit of a "slow burn," and the make-or-break point to those is always in the payoff (which of course we are yet to see), but the story as a whole has been entertaining and thought-provoking thus far.
 
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I have no issue with the narrative - it's impressive the work you've been able to put in as back story.

With screenshots, I actually use them more than anything else these days to show characters. I find one of the harder things to do in narrative stories is keep track of everyone, so having a screenshot on repeat to refresh everyone's memory can be helpful.

Otherwise, I'll use them to show the event that the chapter is based on (if it is based on one). And sometimes, to just break up long blocks of text.

Am looking forward to seeing how it all shakes out now that we're on the verge of the game actually starting.
 
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Bullfilter said:
Re screenshots: if you’re going to be more narrative than gameplay, no need to (like me :D) go overboard with them. Maybe for characters to let us put a face and traits to a name, for the occasional event of interest or major battle or war outcome that seems to aid the narrative.
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I suspect they won't be too heavy (you probably won't see most of them aside from maps and character pages). But characters should be useful, especially because unlike most games I've played, everyone is quite visually distinctive...albeit in some characters that's because some nut job blinded them.

Bullfilter said:
But the style of the AAR so far would seem to be suited to a more minimalist screenshot approach - unless you have a bunch of them you’re just bursting to edit and upload ;)
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Probably just characters and maps in chapter then, and maybe author notes can have particular weird events or explanations for how I adapted the game for those interested, easily skippabke otherwise.
 
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Specialist290 said:
As for general story concerns, I want to put it on record that I've been enjoying this tale immensely :) If there are any formal or structural issues with the writing, they are few and far between enough that I've never really picked up on them -- no glaringly obvious typos, misuse of vocabulary, etc. I couldn't speak as to plotting -- it's definitely a bit of a "slow burn," and the make-or-break point to those is always in the payoff (which of course we are yet to see), but the story as a whole has been entertaining and thought-provoking thus far.
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Thanks very much. The pay off...there's a few in this story. One is decades from now in venues future, one is really close at hand and there's a few others. So hopefully Cosma taking power matches your expectations.

JabberJock14 said:
I have no issue with the narrative - it's impressive the work you've been able to put in as back story.

With screenshots, I actually use them more than anything else these days to show characters. I find one of the harder things to do in narrative stories is keep track of everyone, so having a screenshot on repeat to refresh everyone's memory can be helpful.

Otherwise, I'll use them to show the event that the chapter is based on (if it is based on one). And sometimes, to just break up long blocks of text.

Am looking forward to seeing how it all shakes out now that we're on the verge of the game actually starting.
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Thanks for thoughts on screenshots. I suspect I'll try something similar at least to begin. I suspect painting the geography of Venice out will be required though, because not only is it complex and paradox does a dreadful job of it even for a simplification, but this period (especially cos Cosma's in charge) saw a ton of changes on various islands. So it's no time just characters we need to keep track of here!
 
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JSB217118 said:
Just caught up. I love this story. I can't wait for more updates. I'd like to at least see screenshots of the main cast and what their traits are.
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Traits shall be more important once we get to the main game, except for Cosma who got some build up. Since traits are a mixture of what the character actually is and what other people think they are, there's a lot of room for interesting choices here.
 
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An update is in the works but forstalled by the last of several blood tests. I suspected the chapter would be slow going however because, as said many times before, we are on the approach to venice now and I am nervous of reaching it. Also my notes of the game have mysteriously vanished, though the screenshots have not. Hopefully they will be found presently.
 
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Well...this and Lancaster were begot by lengthy hospital things so if Friday comes and blood is clean...

Hmm...not sure what happens then. No more random drug episodes like secret the bear and Cosma having various existential late night chats with the master probably.

He might even have a happy ending...
 
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Yes, all the best my friend.
 
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I hope your blood studied hard and has passed it's tests. :)
 
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Cards on the table here. Sorry if this breaks a rule, I'll edit if necessary.

1. I have coronavirus.
2. Due to this happening in the middle of recovery for something else, this is seriously bad news.
3. My family has private healthcare and I'm being extremely well looked after.
4. All this being said...I'm basically not going to be commenting very much/at all for a while. Which is annoying because otherwise this time could have been used to respond to all the new content that will be coming out and perhaps actually update my own stuff for once.

So...um...if I'm a regular on your AAR, I've probably not stopped reading, just responding. And...I'll probably post some update at some point when things get better.
 
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Dear TBC,

As discussed on PM my friend, my heartfelt best wishes for your recovery. You'll have lots of content to read and, when able to again, comment upon, as is your wont. And finally have fate allow you to continue this great story - all in good time. Get well first. <3

PS: everything there highly appropriate and very thoughtful of you to provide.

your friend,

'Bullfilter'
 
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TheButterflyComposer said:
Cards on the table here. Sorry if this breaks a rule, I'll edit if necessary.

1. I have coronavirus.
2. Due to this happening in the middle of recovery for something else, this is seriously bad news.
3. My family has private healthcare and I'm being extremely well looked after.
4. All this being said...I'm basically not going to be commenting very much/at all for a while. Which is annoying because otherwise this time could have been used to respond to all the new content that will be coming out and perhaps actually update my own stuff for once.

So...um...if I'm a regular on your AAR, I've probably not stopped reading, just responding. And...I'll probably post some update at some point when things get better.
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Ouch! Definitely take as much time as you need to rest, recuperate, and fight the virus off. I've heard that those with preexisting medical conditions are among the most vulnerable.

Don't worry about the lack of updates and comments; especially in dire times like these, your own health and well-being comes before anything else. My own thoughts and prayers will be going out to you and yours.
 
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No need to worry about slow writing or responses. Just rest up and recover.
 
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