coz1 leans forward...fascinated as he fills fil's glass, "This is, of course, why I shot a vote your way for Character of the Year, my friend. Please continue." 
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You wake up blabbering, "Wrong adjective, it should be a tall glass, not long."
You raise your head over the counter, give a nod to coz, look at the eight-fingers, "Cheers mate, but a bit early for the fifth round, after the tea," but you look for the teabags stnylan had brought. You get up, walk behind the counter, take the pots, fill one with water, walk to the kitchen, put the full pot on the electric cooker, and push the button. You then return back to the hall and sit by the counter, still yawning.
"So, to continue," and the music[*] in your mind helps you with the rough morning.
The vapour, unschakled of its bonds as its pressure becomes the same as the surface pressure, runs away screaming out of the water.
"Hang on," you get up and proceed to the kitchen, take the empty pot, put four teabags, then pour the boiling water from the pot on the stove. After filling the tea pot, you refill the other with water, put it back on the stove, carefully place the tea pot on top of it, and you return to the hall.
"About the historybook aars, there is one more to mention," your stomach makes sad noises, you are hungry, "and that is of course Echoes of a New Tomorrow. That one is the answer to What is a historybook aar and how to write it better?" and only then you realise that it was Yorkshire tea, and the brits drink it different than you. "Unfortunately DB did not update it in the past year, therefore I could not add it to the list, though that does not stop me mentioning it."
You get up, "By the way, the tea is ready, I will wait for it to settle until I come back," and you walk to the hanger, take your scarf, coat, hat, and push the door, "I'll be back; anyone else wants anything for breakfast?"
[*] Watch Out from the album Black and Gold by Thundermother (2022)
You raise your head over the counter, give a nod to coz, look at the eight-fingers, "Cheers mate, but a bit early for the fifth round, after the tea," but you look for the teabags stnylan had brought. You get up, walk behind the counter, take the pots, fill one with water, walk to the kitchen, put the full pot on the electric cooker, and push the button. You then return back to the hall and sit by the counter, still yawning.
"So, to continue," and the music[*] in your mind helps you with the rough morning.
Historybooks
"This is an easier one to provide a list, but very hard to limit with only six entries for me.
"Thanks to the nature of the games it can quickly become a record of history, annals of an entity, an account of the past when one starts to write. This also facilitates the authaars to write in great lengths and details and subject matters, a certain benefit of such works for the readers. The unfortunate side is that most works focus on the history of the ruling classes of any game setting available, a remnant of basic history education. Yet there are still considerable amount of works that involve more comprehensive approaches of telling the story of a game-run through the eyes of a historian but with varying perspectives of those other than the rulers, the monarchs, the leaders, and such works are significantly more valuable."
1. Breaker of Chains and Mother of Dragons by Thaiga
2. The Kingdom Of The Franks by CaesarofCK
3. Blood of the Wolf by Flinteroon
4. Wings of Faith, Wings of Fury by Superstorm
5. "Du Bekâr!" by Koweth
6. History of House Arevmaneli by Greek the Nick
"This is an easier one to provide a list, but very hard to limit with only six entries for me.
"Thanks to the nature of the games it can quickly become a record of history, annals of an entity, an account of the past when one starts to write. This also facilitates the authaars to write in great lengths and details and subject matters, a certain benefit of such works for the readers. The unfortunate side is that most works focus on the history of the ruling classes of any game setting available, a remnant of basic history education. Yet there are still considerable amount of works that involve more comprehensive approaches of telling the story of a game-run through the eyes of a historian but with varying perspectives of those other than the rulers, the monarchs, the leaders, and such works are significantly more valuable."
1. Breaker of Chains and Mother of Dragons by Thaiga
"This is the work that compels the reader not only to consume but to study for writing a good historybook aar. Great work presented in immaculate format, and with a strong structure that covers as much details without losing any focus as possible, ranging from the characters to the tribes, from the lands to the myths of the lore. The writing is pristine, and the world is almost alive, allowing the reader to dream along with it further. The images are used to enrich the format instead of just filling a post, and despite their full-sizes, the presentation does not suffer from them.
"It is an agot mod for ck2, which may deter those looking for aars set on the earth rather than on the continents of westeros, essos, sothoryos, and those who do not prefer reading such works do miss a lot."
2. The Kingdom Of The Franks by CaesarofCK
"This work does not attract my attention by its setting, nor by its structure that is similar to many, nor by its writing that ranges from the record of a historian to the notes of a player. The text is fairly adequate and has been improving over time, the format is clear, the images are acceptable in numbers and not used to inflate a post, with few examples of very good illustrations presenting it as if an illuminated manuscript.
"Yet it is a historybook written in ck3, and I will always have my positive bias towards the works in ck3, will continue to read and mention and support any work in ck3. Moreover it is the first aar of the authaar, therefore it is a significant work, a valuable addition to the ck3 library, and again, I will always value this work more than any others."
3. Blood of the Wolf by Flinteroon
"This is a work that is still at its beginnings, and pending continuation. It is a common problem for many works, which are on hold else paused indefinitely.
"Yet despite its short length and current status, it is a historybook in ck3, set in Oghuz lands, unique among its contemporary aars, and it is definitely more interesting than many others that is worth reading.
"...and worth hoping for its continuation. I have time."
4. Wings of Faith, Wings of Fury by Superstorm
"From its opening, this is a work that instantly grips the attention. Its structure does not offer much variety but only follows the monarchs of the House Gryfita, whereas the format is of higher quality than many other works in the similar category. The text is clear, and does not compromise from its perspective of the historian. The images are used in full-size, which cause problems while scrolling.
"Yet it has been running strong since more than three years, and the authaar has provided enough material for any interested reader to dive into the history of the Pommersche pagans for a good read. It is definitely the magnum opus of its authaar.
"That is, until superstorm finishes it and begins another one."
5. "Du Bekâr!" by Koweth
"Back to ck3. This work has its structure built on excerpts from Mazarbul chronicle for the history of Morian dwarves. Koweth does wonders with the presentation of this work, the text is pristine, the images are cut-edited adequately, in addition to being very good finds from the net, and cited properly - I should have voted for Koweth also for the graphics, but unfortunately limited voting does not leave much room for repetition. The work also includes few music choices, which are fine enough, but I am unable to relate them to the text.
"Yet this aar is infinitely more interesting than many other works including the authaar's other work in ck3, by its setting and its writing powered by its amazing format."
6. History of House Arevmaneli by Greek the Nick
"And ck3 again. Of course. This work is also a first aar by another first-time-authaar. The text does require editing, the structure is proper defined but the posts are lacking a precise format. The images are in full-size, but fortunately they are presented at the end of the chapters as supplements.
"Unfortunate it is, that this work also seems to be on hold currently, and hopefully it will continue.
"Yet it is a ck3, and a first-aar of the authaar, and by its setting in Armenia, it is definitely more interesting and valuable than many other works in the same category."
The vapour, unschakled of its bonds as its pressure becomes the same as the surface pressure, runs away screaming out of the water.
"Hang on," you get up and proceed to the kitchen, take the empty pot, put four teabags, then pour the boiling water from the pot on the stove. After filling the tea pot, you refill the other with water, put it back on the stove, carefully place the tea pot on top of it, and you return to the hall.
"About the historybook aars, there is one more to mention," your stomach makes sad noises, you are hungry, "and that is of course Echoes of a New Tomorrow. That one is the answer to What is a historybook aar and how to write it better?" and only then you realise that it was Yorkshire tea, and the brits drink it different than you. "Unfortunately DB did not update it in the past year, therefore I could not add it to the list, though that does not stop me mentioning it."
You get up, "By the way, the tea is ready, I will wait for it to settle until I come back," and you walk to the hanger, take your scarf, coat, hat, and push the door, "I'll be back; anyone else wants anything for breakfast?"
[*] Watch Out from the album Black and Gold by Thundermother (2022)
- 2
You return with the shopping bag in your left hand.
Stomping until the snow drops off the boots, hanging the scarf, the hat, the coat, you hastily take the bag to the kitchen. Tomato, parsley, olive, avocado, melon, of course the eggs, honey, jam, but of countless types, as peach, plum, strawberry, Himbeere, Johannisbeere, Brombeere, wait, you confused the language. Back to the list, cheese naturally, lots of cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, Emmentaler, Leerdammer, Appenzeller, Schwyzer Rosmarin, Feta- und Hirtenkäse - dammit sigh, and so yeah, cheese, what is left in the bag, huh, olive oil, butter, and naturally bread, of wheat and rye, of yeast and unleavened, black, brown, white, and... toast.
Only then you realise the time for breakfast has passed, the day is about to leave the sky for the night. You put the purchases on the shelves, into the cupboards, into the fridge, in case anyone gets hungry at a later time. You take a cup, pour the tea, return back to the hall, and sit by the counter.
"Yes, because everything that is written is just a list of everything, and lists are beautiful," and you check what you posted before.
You rub your eyes as you see the mess you left behind. The melody does not catch up, well, off-beat[*] it is, then.
You drink the tea. The distinct aroma finds its way on your tongue, directed through the neurons into your brain. "Nice brew," then you re-check your words.
"Yes, there is the work of coz. The Wars of the Roses has to be mentioned when talking about the narrative aars around, as it is the only story currently running that one can print as a book and have a good read, and actually that would be more beneficial for avoiding the comments," another sip from the tea. It burns your lips, your tongue, your palate, as you hastily clean the cup after you cough. "Then again, there are macavity's seven-hundred-eighty-three stories running wild in stellaris (estimated; could be more). Also there are new cora giantkiller's ck3 stories from the past year. Or chac's ck2 stories," one more sip, this time you are not getting the taste, your tongue is hurting.
"Yes but had I included coz's work, then how to highlight the stories of the others? If I add one from five-thousand-six-hundred-seventy-two stories of macavity (approximate numbers), then I could not have highlighted stories from aow or i:r, and I am still not fond of excessive exclamation marks. I have missed cora giantkiller's new story, as I am still waiting for Flight of the Swan or The Sons of Israel, and they were more... interesting. But the finnish story is good enough variation, I should not be this much particular. Yet otherwise I would have to discard one from ck2 perhaps. Or chac's story, but I am not interested with its setting, and I completely disregard the artificial non-images, yet it is definitely a story worth reading by its meticulous structure and characterisation."
You sip the rest, this time the taste settles down. You get up, go to the kitchen, and have another cup of tea. You return, and you are sulking.
"Yes but fortunately they are significant works. All are valuable, definite treasures of the library. Fortunately thanks to this, they were mentioned by others. So the choices are fine, the number of lists is fine, but... I am not going to talk about the megacampaign or other lists. I use them as a work-around, so to make anyone lingering on those pages see there are even more than one can think they can find. And yet there is the disease of the best of the top of the most of the super finest perfect most-est best-est - eh!" you sip from the cup as you sit by the counter while rambling, and of course, it burns, and this time also your throat.
It takes a long time for you to suppress the pain, eyes closed, face winced, rapidly breathing. Slowly your senses come back to normal, "I should have found a way to include The Sword of Virtanen. Or The Lost Saga. Or The Galex Incident. All highly valuable works, they are arguably... interesting. If we are not sharing what we read, telling others who is writing what over where, then what are we doing?" You suddenly stop, look at the cup you hold. You have a sip, enjoy the taste but resenfully pause, then, "What am I even doing here? Who the faq am I to comment?"
The silence falls on your anger, the pain receptors are still on alert but at managable levels, the reign of the night is ever omnipotent for a couple more hours, then the day of the responsibilities will begin.
Before the world of dreams overwhelms the mind, there is still time, but you are empty, deprived, drained, void. You finish the cup you are holding, put it on the counter.
---
You see words remained of the recent past floating in the air of inifinity of the hall.
The door closes lazily after your storming exit[**].
[*] Immigrant Song from the album Led Zeppelin III by Led Zeppelin (1970)
[**] Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77: III. Allegro giocoso, ma non troppo vivace, Johannes Brahms (1878), performed by Anne-Sophie Mutter, Berliner Philharmoniker, conductor Herbert von Karajan (1982); also from the soundtrack of There Will Be Blood (2007)
Edit: Corrected formatting and punctuation mistakes.
Stomping until the snow drops off the boots, hanging the scarf, the hat, the coat, you hastily take the bag to the kitchen. Tomato, parsley, olive, avocado, melon, of course the eggs, honey, jam, but of countless types, as peach, plum, strawberry, Himbeere, Johannisbeere, Brombeere, wait, you confused the language. Back to the list, cheese naturally, lots of cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, Emmentaler, Leerdammer, Appenzeller, Schwyzer Rosmarin, Feta- und Hirtenkäse - dammit sigh, and so yeah, cheese, what is left in the bag, huh, olive oil, butter, and naturally bread, of wheat and rye, of yeast and unleavened, black, brown, white, and... toast.
Only then you realise the time for breakfast has passed, the day is about to leave the sky for the night. You put the purchases on the shelves, into the cupboards, into the fridge, in case anyone gets hungry at a later time. You take a cup, pour the tea, return back to the hall, and sit by the counter.
"Yes, because everything that is written is just a list of everything, and lists are beautiful," and you check what you posted before.
You rub your eyes as you see the mess you left behind. The melody does not catch up, well, off-beat[*] it is, then.
Narratives
"The works in this one are significantly more comfortable to read since a story is much more able in allowing the reader into its world, as opposed to the other categories that bluntly expresses the existence of the construct. A story not only gives the power of infinite worlds to its creator, it does enable to hide the reality into the illusion of the fantasy, either realistic else fantastic, epic or lyric, prose otherwise poetic. And that power at the hands of the author, the writer, the storyteller provides the opportunity to create in however form, perspective, or length, more than any gameplay or historybook aar can. I tended to dismiss the gameplays and the historybooks in general, a failed attempt that was as I saw how much I miss, but the story of a game played, the tale of a protagonist against an antagonist else a player's self through the journey, is always the preference I have when I look for a read."
1. The Thin Wedge of Europe by Revan86
2. The Dragons Realm by streaker77
3. The Last Age of Disorder by Quinzal
4. Page of Wonders by Yavor
5. Towards Ta-Seti by Calavius
6. The Legend of Celatus Bolgius by DukeOfNorfolk
"The works in this one are significantly more comfortable to read since a story is much more able in allowing the reader into its world, as opposed to the other categories that bluntly expresses the existence of the construct. A story not only gives the power of infinite worlds to its creator, it does enable to hide the reality into the illusion of the fantasy, either realistic else fantastic, epic or lyric, prose otherwise poetic. And that power at the hands of the author, the writer, the storyteller provides the opportunity to create in however form, perspective, or length, more than any gameplay or historybook aar can. I tended to dismiss the gameplays and the historybooks in general, a failed attempt that was as I saw how much I miss, but the story of a game played, the tale of a protagonist against an antagonist else a player's self through the journey, is always the preference I have when I look for a read."
1. The Thin Wedge of Europe by Revan86
"That is a revan.
"No more reasons are required after that signature, but for those who are unfamiliar with the authaar: this is the continuing story of the Moravians since ck3, and it has the wonderfully rich text, is written with a precise structure, in the solid format of the authaar enhanced with gorgeous images cut-edited proper, with rare actual hand-drawn ones, and its characters are alive, with dynamics not only shaped by what happens on or around them but breathing in the authaar's world. The setting, albeit not unique, is different than many others. It is, however, sometimes overwhelmed by the existence of its source material, that is the game it originates from, but revan skillfully provides more with a parallel-narrative in the form of interludes.
"As said before, it follows its ck3 story, which was even better than this eu4 part, and currently it continues in the vic3, but unfortunately I do not prefer reading much in vic series, nor anything in hoi at all.
"So yes, it is a revan, and it is infinitely more interesting, more appealing, more engaging than any of the stories in any part of the aarland."
2. The Dragons Realm by streaker77
"The Targaryen story of streaker has been in the works since more two years, and running a strong story, built on a good structure narrated from the character perspectives as the mod's source series, and the format is fairly tidy, despite the full-size images, but those are carefully placed, with proper supplements; it could have been better if the references were also provided. The text seldomly lacks editing, but the sheer size of the work helps disregarding such minor mistakes and lackings. It is set in ck2's agot mod, which is incredibly fertile for a narrative aar, and the authaar uses this advantage in its full capacity.
"So yes, however it may be another story of Aegon, it is admirably more interesting story than many others, and even more so considering the authaar's previous works."
3. The Last Age of Disorder by Quinzal
"Ahh. No one begins a story as gripping as quinzal. The stars shall fall in line.
"If you did not get that reference, you should be thankful for the age we live in, since it is much quicker to find a binary-to-text translator online.
"Yes, the world creation of the authaar is matched by no one as of yet, and the format is ever amazing than any other works you can find. The structure is fluid, under complete control of the authaar, and the words are freely moving and deforming in that narrative. The only issue is that it has not been updated since last October, but hopefully it will continue. I am still waiting for the authaar's other gem, Onward, Toward Perfection, since 2022.
"And I have not mentioned the setting as of yet, right? That is how powerful this stellaris story is in captivating the reader.
"So yes, it is infinitely more fascinating than any comparable story, and it will be, whether it continues else - no, I do not want to hear about the other possibility. I will wait. Patiently."
<makes a quick-check at the stellaris page>
<sighs>
4. Page of Wonders by Yavor
"This is a curious one. Starting right into the short story compilations and hurling the reader right into the world of trolls, orcs, elves, is not the only reason. The text is fine, fairly attractive, and enriched with short poetic parts. The format has not settled proper, the structure is confused, and yet it is wonderful in its pure aar style, no need for images when words colour the dreams.
"So yes, it is wonderful to read a story set in age of wonders, but more so as the authaar first published this on the game's main page, then migrated to the aarland, a wondrous -wait, too much repetition- addition to the library, and it is wond- damn err... more interesting than many other stories available."
5. Towards Ta-Seti by Calavius
"Another first-timer, and back to serene pages of ck3. By its setting as a start with Beja tribe, this work catches up the attention, and on a good structure built, in an acceptable format presented, and the text is not distracting the reader from the world of the story. Unfortunately its updates are... pending continuation.
"So yes, on hold else paused, it is definitely a story worth waiting for, and obviously more interesting than many others."
6. The Legend of Celatus Bolgius by DukeOfNorfolk
"A fine and short work this is, focused solely on its titular character. The structure is well-defined, the format is lacking some polishing, heavily depending on full-size images, yet the text is very interesting and carefully written abiding the perspective of its character.
"So yes, moreover on above, despite being a short story, it is an i:r setting, and with its character creation it is definitely more valuable than many other works."
You drink the tea. The distinct aroma finds its way on your tongue, directed through the neurons into your brain. "Nice brew," then you re-check your words.
"Yes, there is the work of coz. The Wars of the Roses has to be mentioned when talking about the narrative aars around, as it is the only story currently running that one can print as a book and have a good read, and actually that would be more beneficial for avoiding the comments," another sip from the tea. It burns your lips, your tongue, your palate, as you hastily clean the cup after you cough. "Then again, there are macavity's seven-hundred-eighty-three stories running wild in stellaris (estimated; could be more). Also there are new cora giantkiller's ck3 stories from the past year. Or chac's ck2 stories," one more sip, this time you are not getting the taste, your tongue is hurting.
"Yes but had I included coz's work, then how to highlight the stories of the others? If I add one from five-thousand-six-hundred-seventy-two stories of macavity (approximate numbers), then I could not have highlighted stories from aow or i:r, and I am still not fond of excessive exclamation marks. I have missed cora giantkiller's new story, as I am still waiting for Flight of the Swan or The Sons of Israel, and they were more... interesting. But the finnish story is good enough variation, I should not be this much particular. Yet otherwise I would have to discard one from ck2 perhaps. Or chac's story, but I am not interested with its setting, and I completely disregard the artificial non-images, yet it is definitely a story worth reading by its meticulous structure and characterisation."
You sip the rest, this time the taste settles down. You get up, go to the kitchen, and have another cup of tea. You return, and you are sulking.
"Yes but fortunately they are significant works. All are valuable, definite treasures of the library. Fortunately thanks to this, they were mentioned by others. So the choices are fine, the number of lists is fine, but... I am not going to talk about the megacampaign or other lists. I use them as a work-around, so to make anyone lingering on those pages see there are even more than one can think they can find. And yet there is the disease of the best of the top of the most of the super finest perfect most-est best-est - eh!" you sip from the cup as you sit by the counter while rambling, and of course, it burns, and this time also your throat.
It takes a long time for you to suppress the pain, eyes closed, face winced, rapidly breathing. Slowly your senses come back to normal, "I should have found a way to include The Sword of Virtanen. Or The Lost Saga. Or The Galex Incident. All highly valuable works, they are arguably... interesting. If we are not sharing what we read, telling others who is writing what over where, then what are we doing?" You suddenly stop, look at the cup you hold. You have a sip, enjoy the taste but resenfully pause, then, "What am I even doing here? Who the faq am I to comment?"
The silence falls on your anger, the pain receptors are still on alert but at managable levels, the reign of the night is ever omnipotent for a couple more hours, then the day of the responsibilities will begin.
Before the world of dreams overwhelms the mind, there is still time, but you are empty, deprived, drained, void. You finish the cup you are holding, put it on the counter.
---
You see words remained of the recent past floating in the air of inifinity of the hall.
"OH SHT!" you jump off the seat, "sorry mate I forgot," run towards hanger, get your scarf, hat, coat, but before wearing them proper, you return back to the counter, "cheers mate, sorry I forgot to say congrat's!" then you find the eight-fingers, from the night before, drink up, seven seconds, six gulps, "for the road," then you run back, struggling with the scarf and the hat, the arm of the coat escapes, you push the door, mumbling, "and where was that again?" and you enter the darkness to find the thread for a late night reading.
The door closes lazily after your storming exit[**].
[*] Immigrant Song from the album Led Zeppelin III by Led Zeppelin (1970)
[**] Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77: III. Allegro giocoso, ma non troppo vivace, Johannes Brahms (1878), performed by Anne-Sophie Mutter, Berliner Philharmoniker, conductor Herbert von Karajan (1982); also from the soundtrack of There Will Be Blood (2007)
Edit: Corrected formatting and punctuation mistakes.
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- 1
"The Sons of Israel!" Cora smiles, thinking wistfully of her old AAR. "That was a fun playthrough, and a fun little society that came out of it. In truth, there were interesting stories left to tell there, but I was getting tired of writing in the history book format by then and couldn't think how to change it up. It would be fun to try that concept in a narrative style, particularly now that I know a little more about Judaism."
- 3
The ancient one came bustling back into the bAAR, still carrying a heavy tome he had borrowed from the Inkwell and his scroll of unread Stellaris stories and chapters. He looked around with some dismay.
"I am so sorry I missed @filcat ," he announced. Then he went behind the bar to serve himself some mezcal. He could never hope to replicate the drinking marathon filcat had just performed but he poured himself a hefty serving of the best and then gulped part of it down.
"I very much appreciate hearing more about filcat's perspective and interests. His deep dive into some of his ballot in the recent awards was illuminating, I hope folks will agree," Chac began. "I remember having some of this discussion during the Zoom call that was referenced earlier from last year. Always interesting when filcat lays out his reasoning.
"But I also appreciate that despite not having any interest in Vikings it is obvious filcat gave my work a good look, certainly more than a quick skim. That's a very good review and I appreciate it. And I think he should know there are people very close to me, in my family, who are not happy with my use of AI images too. I try to approach that use ethically, but I understand the perspective of those who believe any use is tainted, perhaps even radioactive. So I get the passion of his review and I appreciate it very much."
The ancient one paused and took a sip this time from his tall glass of mezcal. He sighed.
He looked around the room and didn't see many folks there except for @Cora Giantkiller but he was resolute in what he had come to do even if the bAAR was sparsely populated.
"I'd like to offer a toast to @coz1 and @Nikolai for their hard work during the award season. The ACAs and the YAYAs were a success. Some of the winners are still here in the bAAR... looking at you Cora... and they too are due our congratulations. Great to see so much interactivity in AARland connected to the awAARds and great to see how many AARs and stories were told in this part of the internet," Chac proclaimed and held up his glass of what was left of the mezcal.
"I hope folks will join me in this toast to thank the folks who keep the place buzzing," Chac added as he brought the glass back to his lips and drained what was left.
"I am so sorry I missed @filcat ," he announced. Then he went behind the bar to serve himself some mezcal. He could never hope to replicate the drinking marathon filcat had just performed but he poured himself a hefty serving of the best and then gulped part of it down.
"I very much appreciate hearing more about filcat's perspective and interests. His deep dive into some of his ballot in the recent awards was illuminating, I hope folks will agree," Chac began. "I remember having some of this discussion during the Zoom call that was referenced earlier from last year. Always interesting when filcat lays out his reasoning.
"But I also appreciate that despite not having any interest in Vikings it is obvious filcat gave my work a good look, certainly more than a quick skim. That's a very good review and I appreciate it. And I think he should know there are people very close to me, in my family, who are not happy with my use of AI images too. I try to approach that use ethically, but I understand the perspective of those who believe any use is tainted, perhaps even radioactive. So I get the passion of his review and I appreciate it very much."
The ancient one paused and took a sip this time from his tall glass of mezcal. He sighed.
He looked around the room and didn't see many folks there except for @Cora Giantkiller but he was resolute in what he had come to do even if the bAAR was sparsely populated.
"I'd like to offer a toast to @coz1 and @Nikolai for their hard work during the award season. The ACAs and the YAYAs were a success. Some of the winners are still here in the bAAR... looking at you Cora... and they too are due our congratulations. Great to see so much interactivity in AARland connected to the awAARds and great to see how many AARs and stories were told in this part of the internet," Chac proclaimed and held up his glass of what was left of the mezcal.
"I hope folks will join me in this toast to thank the folks who keep the place buzzing," Chac added as he brought the glass back to his lips and drained what was left.
- 2
"Hear hear!"
The Signalman raises a glass for the two hosts, then takes a sip of his first alcoholic beverage since before the pandemic. He pulls a funny face and sets the glass down on a formal-looking document bearing a military insignia, chosen quite deliberately to act as a coaster, so that the Signalman can put off the inevitable for just another month or so.
"Running the quarterly and yearly awards is a time-consuming effort. Wrangling all of us into voting and sharing the voting threads without promoting our own works along the way is exactly like herding cats. Then you have to double-check the ballots to make sure all of the entries are qualified to be there. So much diligence goes into the YAYAs and Quarterlies.
We can't forget the work our hosts have put in to make these fun events happen. So thank you @coz1 and @Nikolai for all you've done for the community."
The Signalman toasts the hosts again and this time, he downs the glass of apple wine.
"Discovered this stuff when I was in Germany before the Pandemic. I almost never drink, but this is something I can make the occasional exception for... and recommend to others."
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coz1 raises a glass, "All praise to @Nikolai. He does it four times a year and does it well each time. Cheers!"
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Nik peeks in through the door.
"I was told there was a party?"
He pours himself a whisky and sits down in a delicously soft chair.
"Being the host of the ACAs is both hard work and easy as that - most of the work is done over a day or two, and doing it for this community who have given me so much over close to twentyfour years....."
He trails off.
"...it is a pleasure, as well as an honor." He finally says.
He raises his glass.
"To the ACAs, to the YAYAs, to @coz1 - and to all of AARland!"
"I was told there was a party?"
He pours himself a whisky and sits down in a delicously soft chair.
"Being the host of the ACAs is both hard work and easy as that - most of the work is done over a day or two, and doing it for this community who have given me so much over close to twentyfour years....."
He trails off.
"...it is a pleasure, as well as an honor." He finally says.
He raises his glass.
"To the ACAs, to the YAYAs, to @coz1 - and to all of AARland!"
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Jak has been dozing in a chair nearby, halfway listening to the exchanges and @filcat's reasoning. Hearing @Chac1's offer of a toast to the two award hosts, he sits up and pours a glass.
"To @coz1 and @Nikolai! May your efforts never go unappreciated, may your efforts never cause too much stress. Trying to wrangle us all together to provide links, eligible works, and to, you know, actually vote has to take so much energy. I hope the awards are never a hassle and always a pleasure."
Jak gets up and makes himself a sandwich out of some of the cheese and bread filcat bought.
"To @coz1 and @Nikolai! May your efforts never go unappreciated, may your efforts never cause too much stress. Trying to wrangle us all together to provide links, eligible works, and to, you know, actually vote has to take so much energy. I hope the awards are never a hassle and always a pleasure."
Jak gets up and makes himself a sandwich out of some of the cheese and bread filcat bought.
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"Very interested to learn about your novel, @jak7139. Are you looking for more people to read it when the time comes?
"I've been thinking about doing that too, after The Sword of Virtanen is over. It always seemed a little intimidating, one of those things that everybody says that they're going to do but most people never do. But the thing is, I've already written sixty thousand words of fiction over the past seven months, and that's always seemed like the hardest part."
"I've been thinking about doing that too, after The Sword of Virtanen is over. It always seemed a little intimidating, one of those things that everybody says that they're going to do but most people never do. But the thing is, I've already written sixty thousand words of fiction over the past seven months, and that's always seemed like the hardest part."
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"Thanks, Cora. Yes, I would love as many test-readers as possible. If you're offering, I'd be glad for the help!"
"They say writing is the hardest part, and it is. There have been times when writing my book or other AARs, as I'm sure we've all experienced, that it is like dragging yourself out of a pit, a pit that is trying its hardest to suck you back in at every opportunity. You have to keep at it, one sentence at a time, and keep going. That is something I've often failed with, but my novel is getting there, nonetheless."
"I've loved writing all my AARs, even though it's been difficult. I've loved writing my book too, even though there are times--lots of times--I've struggled. But it has also been really fulfilling watching worlds and characters and plots take shape. That is something everybody here can relate to. AAR writing has also been great practice and encouragement. When writing something here, we get instant feedback and gratification, and don't have to worry about whether or not somebody sees what we've posted."
"The Sword of Virtanen has been a great read! Really well done! I hope you have enjoyed writing it as much as your audience has enjoyed reading it."
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"It can be tough sometimes. What I didn't anticipate when I first started writing in the narrative style is how many micro-decisions go into each scene. Things like, how can I establish that X exists early so that folks know that it exists later; how often do I show character Y so that he remains a presence in the reader's mind; do I need to justify character Y knowing this thing or will the readers be fine if I skip right past it; this section is great but does it set the wrong tone for the story; etc. For a specific example:
"I wrote a long chapter from Pihla's POV in Book 2 that I liked and was quite attached to; but it had Pihla remaining in the dark about Zygmunt's Christianity, which of course meant that she would only learn after the events of the climax, and then I would have to deal with that in the denouement and that didn't feel right. So I ended up yanking it all out. The replacement chapter (which ends with her at the church with him) ended up being one of my favorites, but I had to spend a fair amount of time writing it the wrong way before I knew how to write it the right way.
"And for the record, I am enjoying writing it quite a bit; I think I'm enjoying writing Marja's story the most, at least so far. I have no intention of stopping before it's over."
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Heh.
Yes...so much this...trying to keep continuity, not just of place and action, but of theme...can be quite the challenge.
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coz1 nods with a smile as he pours another scotch, "The work of writing ain't easy. Notes, sketches and all else...good luck to anyone that tries it. I am in awe of the better ones and still trying to find my inner Nabokov."
ETA - Which should be a verb...to Nabokov. That is to me as definition...to get the precise wording and understanding of language. Not so much to write about prurient subjects.
ETA - Which should be a verb...to Nabokov. That is to me as definition...to get the precise wording and understanding of language. Not so much to write about prurient subjects.
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The ancient one gets up from his spot at the bar and moves behind @coz1 to get to the good mezcal on the higher shelf. He refills his tall glass and begins sipping. Then he moves back to his spot in the corner of the main barroom.
"I definitely understand the challenges you lay out @Cora Giantkiller & @TheExecuter ," Chac agrees. Then he takes another sip and sighs.
"Currently, between major projects and outside the forum life always threatens to intervene. However, if my perspective is worthwhile, would be happy to serve as a reader for a project. I do have professional editing experience."
With that, he sat back and enjoyed his mezcal, happy that the bAAR was buzzing with talk about writing.
"I definitely understand the challenges you lay out @Cora Giantkiller & @TheExecuter ," Chac agrees. Then he takes another sip and sighs.
"Currently, between major projects and outside the forum life always threatens to intervene. However, if my perspective is worthwhile, would be happy to serve as a reader for a project. I do have professional editing experience."
With that, he sat back and enjoyed his mezcal, happy that the bAAR was buzzing with talk about writing.
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The awkward silence stretched into a long pause, and then after time a chilling, numbing hush descended, reflecting a general disconnection of interest altogether. Those who had been engaged in conversation, drinking and toasting retreated. Some drifted away from the bAAR or left the general barroom for the back rooms or the upstairs. Some sat in the leather chairs near the fire, contented to read, although most who remained looked more like they were sleeping rather than reading. Silence ruled the bAAR.
The ancient one knew it was time. He returned the tome he had been carrying with him for many months to the Inkwell. He also left the long scroll of Stellaris titles. A valiant effort to back-read so much material and despite his efforts he was falling further behind, he thought somewhat to himself. He vowed to read on but there was always writing and indeed other missions to attend to now.
He went to the cupboard where @filcat had left the foodstuffs and made himself a sandwich, that he folded neatly in a napkin and slid into a long pocket in his robes. Road food would be necessary on his travels.
He thought that it was alright for such quietude after all the awards and revelry, but he didn't come to the bAAR or indeed this place in general to have silence reign. He was happy that @StrategyGameEnthusiast and @Ran Miller had enlivened AARland in recent months with their enthusiasm and talents. But he wondered about the hush that often descended after awards season.
He vowed to himself that he would return when the time was appropriate. Then he went to the jukebox to punch in a selection (not the same performance that had stirred some general criticism in this adopted place recently but a similar one) which played as he made his exit from the bAAR.
"Abbey Road Medley: Golden Slumbers/Carry that Weight/The End" by Paul McCartney (& his band)
The ancient one knew it was time. He returned the tome he had been carrying with him for many months to the Inkwell. He also left the long scroll of Stellaris titles. A valiant effort to back-read so much material and despite his efforts he was falling further behind, he thought somewhat to himself. He vowed to read on but there was always writing and indeed other missions to attend to now.
He went to the cupboard where @filcat had left the foodstuffs and made himself a sandwich, that he folded neatly in a napkin and slid into a long pocket in his robes. Road food would be necessary on his travels.
He thought that it was alright for such quietude after all the awards and revelry, but he didn't come to the bAAR or indeed this place in general to have silence reign. He was happy that @StrategyGameEnthusiast and @Ran Miller had enlivened AARland in recent months with their enthusiasm and talents. But he wondered about the hush that often descended after awards season.
He vowed to himself that he would return when the time was appropriate. Then he went to the jukebox to punch in a selection (not the same performance that had stirred some general criticism in this adopted place recently but a similar one) which played as he made his exit from the bAAR.
"Abbey Road Medley: Golden Slumbers/Carry that Weight/The End" by Paul McCartney (& his band)
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Nik walks in, looking around smiling, before going to the bar and pouring himself a whisky.
Sitting down, he turns to the scattered crowd and nods.
"You know, it's less than one month to the Q1 2025 ACAs. Sometimes it feels like it's an ongoing, constant thing, despite the three months in between."
He smirks.
"I guess the five weeks of voting and the small week I often need to compile the votes doesn' help."
He takes a sip of the whisky.
"But I am happy to do the service to the community, as long as my health allows. My AAR writing speed has gone down severely this last quarter, though. Too much real life issues at hand."
Sitting down, he turns to the scattered crowd and nods.
"You know, it's less than one month to the Q1 2025 ACAs. Sometimes it feels like it's an ongoing, constant thing, despite the three months in between."
He smirks.
"I guess the five weeks of voting and the small week I often need to compile the votes doesn' help."
He takes a sip of the whisky.
"But I am happy to do the service to the community, as long as my health allows. My AAR writing speed has gone down severely this last quarter, though. Too much real life issues at hand."
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