Whiskey in the jAAR - Part Deux-twa

[DensleyBlair]

DB turns towards the group from their spot in front of the now seasonally-appropriate fire:

"Perhaps coz1 & LD could share if they know of other holiday AARs or chapters?"

– I’m neither of those two fine friends, but I can offer a holiday vignette from Echoes. “Redadder’s Christmas Carol” was the fevered consequence of several months in lockdown during that first pandemic year, and gave me and a few others who read it a bit of needed festive cheer.

Now in his full flow, pausing to pick up a slightly faded copy of an old journal, DB adds:
– Also in 2020 we did a special festive edition of the AARlander, AARland’s occasional periodical, which I remain greatly proud of. It felt at the time like a wonderful record of the spirit of camaraderie (even more potent than usual) that we had fostered during a very difficult year for many of us. It lives in the fAARq these days, where all who browse may enjoy it, but it seems fitting to give it its moment in the firelight now that its anniversary approaches.

– Anyway, greetings of the season to you all! Or as we say in Cymraeg: nadolig llawen i chi gyd! And here’s my choice for the jukebox:

 

[coz1]

"Ahhh, Denss!" coz1 claps, "While I am firmly in the Beatles/Stones/Who camp, the Kinks never get enough love. Good on you, mate!"

"For my youth, this one always did it..."

coz1 lights a smoke and then suggests, "Come to think of it...this would be a good one for @filcat ."

 

[Lord Durham]

coz1 raises his head and tamps down the butt if his heater as LD enters the bAAR, "Always well done, sir. Yet scrolling is half the fun."

LD chuckles. "Speak for yourself, sir. I'm scrolled out. I'm sure no one will really care, in the long run, but at least it's more manageable." Raising his glass to @Chac1, he says, "Thanks for the thanks. At least certain threads and initiatives have been brought up to the present day. Oh, and cool recipe. I'll have to try that one." Looking back at @coz1. "And thanks for pointing out 'Christmas in Wolgast' from the classic The Eagle in Winter. Delightful piece." To @jak7139, he said, "A couple other Christmas works is a little number by @Peter Ebbesen as part of a Guess the Author exercise titled The Night Before Christmas, and the retired @Prufrock451's War on Christmas - the AAR."

Walking over to the jukebox, he said, "For some reason that Bangles song isn't available to show in Canada. The uploaders prerogative, I guess. Anyway, here's a little tune by Greg Lake (RIP) of ELP:

 

[jak7139]

Jak finds a spot to sit and drink. "Nice recipe, @Chac1." He doesn't drink that often, but on occasions, such as this, maybe. "Something sweet like what you describe is my cup of tea... or whiskey, in this case. Here's one my family found many years ago. Good for any celebration."

Woo Woo Cocktails (Woo Woos, for short).

• Vodka
• Peach Schnapps
• Cranberry Juice
• Lime Wedge Garnish (optional)

The discussion continues to grow as @DensleyBlair joins in, providing more music and festive AAR recommendations. Jak notes them down and grabs the necessary copies from the shelf. Same for those highlighted by @Lord Durham. Caught up in his reading, Jak is content to sit back, relax, and listen to the music.

 

[Chac1]

Great to see @DensleyBlair , the ancient one thought to himself. When they show up then the party truly has started, he believed, at least from his somewhat limited experience in these matters during the past two years.

With the jukebox pumping out great holiday rock classics, who could argue with that assessment?

"Kinks... love that one," Chac1 swayed like any older person trying to keep up with music that he might have aged past. "The Waitresses! Fantastic! Doesn't get played enough." Chac1 was now finding another gear as he danced in a circle near the bar where he usually sat. This time he showed some unbelievably dexterous moves. But for the Greg Lake number he threw himself into a comfy chair near LD and sighed loudly. "So sad that Mr. Lake is gone. Miss him."

Then he turned to @Lord Durham and said, "Try this magic link. Not the Bangles but Susanna Hoffs, so close enough."

"Something sweet like what you describe is my cup of tea... or whiskey, in this case.

"Well Jak," he replied, "I appreciate you are willing to try it. Just remove the extra nitrous oxide and substitute with regular whipped cream, if you try this at home. But if you want to adjust the sweetness upward, try different coffee, and substitute the brown sugar for a teaspoon of regular sugar. The dark coffee and brown sugar actually work to dial the sweetness back.

"I will try one of those woo-woos when I'm done with the cider," Chac1 promised. "I have taken to liking cranberries from all my travels in these northern lands."

As the last of the music faded, the ancient one got up with his cider and headed to the jukebox.

"Here's another one from someone I miss very much..." His voice broke a bit with some emotion.

("Christmas All Over Again" by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers)

Then the ancient one shuffled over to the library side of the bAAR near the Inkwell (also near where @Macavity116 had appeared, although he seemed to have faded away from the scene). He plucked out the various readings he would need about Christmas in AARland, as recommended, and he began to read as the music played. He looked over at Jak who was also reading and winked. Or was that a tear in his eye, that he was trying to blink away?

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

"Or maybe we could convince @TheButterflyComposer to put a Secret Santa scene into his ongoing HoI4 AAR?"

I'm doing an entire Christmas challenge playing as historical Sweden in historical HOI4, played very historically. Everything that happens is true.

It's to remind everyone the true meaning of Christmas - excessive consumer capitalism at the expense of all morality, strategy and common self, to self-destructive levels and probable eventual global catastrophe.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

– I’m neither of those two fine friends, but I can offer a holiday vignette from Echoes. “Redadder’s Christmas Carol” was the fevered consequence of several months in lockdown during that first pandemic year, and gave me and a few others who read it a bit of needed festive cheer.

Now in his full flow, pausing to pick up a slightly faded copy of an old journal, DB adds:
– Also in 2020 we did a special festive edition of the AARlander, AARland’s occasional periodical, which I remain greatly proud of. It felt at the time like a wonderful record of the spirit of camaraderie (even more potent than usual) that we had fostered during a very difficult year for many of us. It lives in the fAARq these days, where all who browse may enjoy it, but it seems fitting to give it its moment in the firelight now that its anniversary approaches.

Both are great works.

Seriously need considering another anniversary special of the AARlander, because a lot has happened since. CK3 did suffer a strange death of sorts, as I worried might happen, and has subseqneutly been reborn. Imperator has somehow climbed out of the abyss it fell into on release, as has the AAR section for it. And Victoria 2 has been replaced by Vicky 3...which I suppose is ok.

There is also the great white elephant careening towards a slow but possible end, as the constant new hints indicate that EUIV is being put out to pasture and EUV is incoming. We'll have a complete new set of Paradox titles for the first time in decades.

Also HOI4 has gone mad and needs restraining.

 

[DensleyBlair]

Seriously need considering another anniversary special of the AARlander, because a lot has happened since.

I’d be well in favour of any such initiatives taking place. Always good to see the AARlander revived, however briefly.

 

[jak7139]

Jak was content to let the other discussions and talks play out. But he felt he should compliment @Chac1 on their selection. He tapped them on the shoulder, momentarily breaking the elder gentlemen out of their reverie. "Tom Petty...one of my all time favorite artists. Great choice. He will be missed."

 

[Chac1]

"Thanks for that, Jak," Chac1 whispered a bit reverentially to him so as not to break the mood. "I really miss Tom and Greg. Such musical losses. Sorry that I got a bit misty there and shed a tear or three in front of you."

After the Petty song was done, the ancient one went back to the bar and decided to make good on his promise to @jak7139 . He mixed up a pitcher of those Woo-Woos and poured himself one. Then it was time to address other issues as he took a sip and smiled.

I’d be well in favour of any such initiatives taking place. Always good to see the AARlander revived, however briefly.

Seriously need considering another anniversary special of the AARlander, because a lot has happened since. CK3 did suffer a strange death of sorts, as I worried might happen, and has subseqneutly been reborn. Imperator has somehow climbed out of the abyss it fell into on release, as has the AAR section for it. And Victoria 2 has been replaced by Vicky 3...which I suppose is ok.

"Before I am accused of volunteering for something while drunk," Chac1 responded, "I would volunteer to write an article for the AARlander. Although @DensleyBlair as the editor (or whoever volunteers to edit) would need to assign me a topic. That's why I've delayed drinking the rest of this glass of woo to get that on the table.

"Just finished reading the insightful CK3 review by @TheButterflyComposer in the last one and yes, many of his predictions came true, but an update is needed. CK3 looks to be healthy with more DLC on the way."

There is also the great white elephant careening towards a slow but possible end, as the constant new hints indicate that EUIV is being put out to pasture and EUV is incoming. We'll have a complete new set of Paradox titles for the first time in decades.

"I actually broached the topic of EUV (or is it EU5) over in Jak's Game Guide recently," Chac1 noted. There's the beginning of a discussion about it there and of course many comments in the Tinto Talks sessions. Maybe it is worth discussing in the bAAR too."

I'm doing an entire Christmas challenge playing as historical Sweden in historical HOI4, played very historically. Everything that happens is true.

"Indeed," Chac1 nodded in agreement. "And amazingly, I have found time to read it! Enjoying your attempts to keep the game historically focused. I must say though, Imperial Cheese, Part 2 is quite funny. Enjoying that one quite a bit too."

Then as the conversation lagged a bit, the ancient one remembered the jukebox had stopped. He was tempted to play the Petty number another time but he let it go. Time for others to have a sentimental musical spin, if they wished.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

"Indeed," Chac1 nodded in agreement. "And amazingly, I have found time to read it! Enjoying your attempts to keep the game historically focused. I must say though, Imperial Cheese, Part 2 is quite funny. Enjoying that one quite a bit too."

2020 was when I made the full switch to comedy AARs with little seriousness and a heap of literal game absurdity. However, it was spurred on by the increasing cursed Lancaster game in 2018 and 2019, as Paradox updated and broke CK2 so often that really bizarre stuff started happening.

Imp Cheese 2 is a successor of sorts as it is a) supposed to be 'historical' but...isn't and b) got killed by an update to HOI4. However, this time I played in advance so I have enough to finish.

We'll see the Sweden Challenge through first though. Never done a challenge AAR before but it's been interesting, so far at least.

 

[DensleyBlair]

Before I am accused of volunteering for something while drunk," Chac1 responded, "I would volunteer to write an article for the AARlander. Although @DensleyBlair as the editor (or whoever volunteers to edit) would need to assign me a topic. That's why I've delayed drinking the rest of this glass of woo to get that on the table.

DB smiles and turns to reply to Chac.

– We’ve worked in a couple of different ways in the past – and others still before my time for sure – but most recent practice has been that I (or whoever edits) would put out a call for contributors and a deadline, then anyone up for it could respond with an expression of interest or even a fleshed-out article proposal. So I (or the editor) wouldn’t need to assign anyone anything, per se, but we can always workshop ideas if it’s helpful.

2020 was when I made the full switch to comedy AARs with little seriousness and a heap of literal game absurdity. However, it was spurred on by the increasing cursed Lancaster game in 2018 and 2019, as Paradox updated and broke CK2 so often that really bizarre stuff started happening.

I had an even more surreal experience than intended reading Lancaster; I did it with only the threadmarked posts visible and so completely missed all of the surrounding context about the game breaking and things having to adapt around it. Magical.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

I had an even more surreal experience than intended reading Lancaster; I did it with only the threadmarked posts visible and so completely missed all of the surrounding context about the game breaking and things having to adapt around it. Magical.

I recall this. Quite what you thought was going on when Secret the Great Bear Spy appeared (which is definitely the moment I threw my all into writing up Paradox AARs literally)...made all the more surreal no doubt because CK2 really wasn't always like that. The Little Dux was a straight historical drama, and the complete game it was based on was entirely within the bounds of plausibility and not much wacky hijinks beyond the usual human foibles occurred. Dux is going to be an albatross for me, given all the images are saved and I have everything I need aside from my writing notes (which is why it froze in the first place) to write that thing.

My record for AARs is a bit spotted:

• Empire of Albion -> Killed by Paradox.
• The Little Dux -> technically entirely finish-able. Just requires resurrection.
• Lancaster: King in the North -> Repeatedly killed by Paradox.
• Italian Introductions -> Rubbish. Binned and turned into...
• Imperial Cheese -> Complete!
• Ged's Existential Nightmare -> Complete!
• Life of Brian -> Complete, albeit rather grimly!
• Imperial Cheese 2 -> Ongoing
• TBTM -> Ongoing
• Sweden Challenge -> Ongoing (hopefully finished before end of the year, but will finish 'on time' if it ends before the close of voting for Yearly AAR Awards, in a few months)

Out of 10, 3 complete, 1 rewritten into another, 2 definitely dead, 1 mostly dead, 3 ongoing.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

My 'completion rate' isn't actually that bad, now I've laid it out like that. 2020 onwards really boosted my numbers quite a bit.

 

[DensleyBlair]

Meanwhile I’m 12 years in to this writing AARs lark and I’m yet to complete one!

(Properly, anyway. You could make an argument – and I wouldn’t – that the first of the Norfolk duology was completed when the second part started – but I shamelessly rushed that so I could capitalise on EUIV coming out and hardly tied up the story properly.)

I’ll bravely venture that 2025 will be the year I finally finish Echoes, but then 2024 has been and gone without a single update, so I don’t have much credit on that front.

 

[El Pip]

The Miner drags himself up from his sickbed.

I’ll bravely venture that 2025 will be the year I finally finish Echoes, but then 2024 has been and gone without a single update, so I don’t have much credit on that front.

"I admire the shear audacity of this ambition just as strongly as I expect it to careen off into a ditch. I wish you the very best of British in this venture, for you will most assuredly need it."

Resisting the urge to call for a 'medicinal' shot, he observes TBC making a scene with a flipchart.

"Doing completion stats are we? The winner is surely Nikolai, his Inkwell page of completed works is longer than many of the abandoned AARs in this place."

 

[jak7139]

Then as the conversation lagged a bit, the ancient one remembered the jukebox had stopped. He was tempted to play the Petty number another time but he let it go. Time for others to have a sentimental musical spin, if they wished.

"If we're still doing Christmas songs and tributes to departed artists, then here's a little number that hasn't been played yet. There's also that John Lennon number, but I don't really like that one. I much prefer the one Paul did."

*
"Last Christmas" by Wham!​

 

[Chac1]

"Thanks for taking command of the jukebox, Jak," Chac1 spoke and nodded. "Best if others make their choices, as I have said. I'll get back to the music eventually."

He then sipped on Jak's Woo-Woo drink and continued to be pleasantly surprised.

"If we're still doing Christmas songs and tributes to departed artists, then here's a little number that hasn't been played yet. There's also that John Lennon number, but I don't really like that one. I much prefer the one Paul did."

"There's another Lennon number I like and it doesn't mention the season that I recall, but it is appropriate. More so after Christmas for that one, I think," Chac1 replied.

But pivoting, the ancient one sat back down in a comfy leather chair to respond to @DensleyBlair .

– We’ve worked in a couple of different ways in the past – and others still before my time for sure – but most recent practice has been that I (or whoever edits) would put out a call for contributors and a deadline, then anyone up for it could respond with an expression of interest or even a fleshed-out article proposal. So I (or the editor) wouldn’t need to assign anyone anything, per se, but we can always workshop ideas if it’s helpful.

"I will stand ready if this proceeds forward and I'll try to think of an essay that may fit," he replied.

But then the ancient one pulled something from the archives...

What unites all of these projects is that they stand in direct contradiction to my previous doom-mongering, not only in the fact of their survival, but in their methods. Now that we've seen the release of Crusader Kings 3, and accepting that Victoria 3 remains a distant pipe dream, each AAR cited above concerns a superannuated game, often with a small core of commentators forming a community around the story. Thus while I spent my moody teen years predicting that the decline of the mass-appeal work would be fatal for AARland, the exact opposite seems to hold true: find your passion, carve out a niche, stick to it in the face of all obstacles, and the rewards will be yours in time. And what rewards they are, for even in spite of dwindling view counts and the advent of the reaction over the comment, top AARs today frequently equal (and in some cases far exceed) the masterworks of the past in measurable popularity. If anything – dare I say it? – AARland looks happier and healthier than ever before.

"That's a quote from the 2020 AARlander that I engineered to appear here. I still have a lot of the Christmas reading to complete but this paragraph caught my eye," Chac1 noted.

"I wonder if DB would say the same today? Is this place still in a healthy state? If so, maybe that's something to celebrate, but what gives us that idea? And if not, why? And if not, how can we change the trend?

"Sorry to bring such seriousness to these celebrations, but still as someone here for a relatively short time, I do wonder," he added.

The Miner drags himself up from his sickbed.

"I was quite sorry to hear The Miner had been under the weather and he referred to the illness as The Plague!" Chac1 replied. "Well, he did so elsewhere even if he did not say so here.

"I toast your efforts, @El Pip !" Chac1 said with enthusiasm and then sipped another bit of the Woo.

Then he picked up another of the tomes on the table nearby and began reading. "Sorry gents, still not done with all the holiday fare that was recommended," he said as he dove back into the book.

 

[Wraith11B]

The deputy-soldier-student crawls slowly into the bar, his face mauled from the dermatologist's knife--twice--his spirit nearly broken from the grueling three class schedule of his masters program. "Whiskey... Rye... Please..." he croaks, hoping the bar might have some Angel's Envy Rye available already. After hauling himself to a seat, he slaps down the sheet of grades from his third semester. "Kept that 4.0, despite crap profs!" he chuckles, wincing because of the two inch by one inch hole in his skin is throbbing.

As he reviews the music selection and seeing that one of his favorites from The Waitresses was already played, he selects another classic, though not from the wide array of styles previously played. "This one is also a classic, even forms part of the soundtrack to a great Christmas movie. Hopefully everyone is enjoying the season?"

 

[jak7139]

"Ah yes, Die Hard, a true Christmas classic!" Jak goes to tend the bar.

Rummaging through the cupboards, he smiles. "You're in luck, we do have some Angel's Envy available."

He pours @Wraith11B a shot of rye whiskey and leaves the bottle. "It should help with the pain" Jak wonders what happened, but decides it's probably best not to ask.

Hopefully everyone is enjoying the season?"

He responds to their query. "I am, though the year seems to have flown by. But that's good in some ways. If it was going slowly then nothing exciting happened."