Action report; Bard's tale forum

[Louis de la Ferte Ste Colombe]

One suggestion for an additional forum here. Let me know what you think about it.

It would be nice to have an action report forum, where players qould write tales of their kingdoms, battles and why not, MP campaign.

Topics like King of... comes to mind, or the current Almo / HRE by mail campaign. Also, action report from pure SP campaign (ie same player all along) would be nice.
I don't play SP anymore, but those topics are still fun and enjoyable to read. (Special Kudos to Sinan Almo reign... interesting read). If a specific forum can give an incentive for players to post more of those enjoyable battle / campaign reports, it would make for some nice reading.

Also they are have been some attempt to play some Reenactement MP battles; a specific forum to set those up, and to have nice stories about how the battles went (with screenshot, etc....).
Not to mention the coming Clan mod from Ithaskar Fearindel, which I hope will lend it self to some nice campaign and story telling about, how, for example, Freedom Fighters kicked the Ravens http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif out of their capital http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif.

Why a specific forum? Well, unfortunately, it's somehow easy to lose track of a specific campaign, I don't know if it was posted in Main Hall, or Entrance hall, and then it might already be on page 5...
Also, as screenshot would be nice to see there, we might want to have some large topic, with lot of data in there (what is the current limit today? Can it be extended for a specific forum?).
+ it might inspire ppl to write more of those enjoyable stories.
And well, while I am still somehow dreaming... what about being able to post replays and saved game there (or, as an alternative to provide an easy link to the place where those can be found...)

As people taking part in the action might not be patrons of the org, everybody shall be able to post there.

My 2 cents,

Louis the Simurgh,

PS: would be nice if it could stay in entrance hall sometimes before moving to the watchtower to get some feedback...

[The_Emperor]

A forum dedicated to war stories and PBM campaigns sounds like a real good idea... at the moment the threads are scattered around and you have to do some searching, so it would be nice to find them in one place.

The Warrior Hold Thread has been made sticky in EH and rightly so... It would also make a good name for the forum as well.

Anyone else think this is a good idea?

[Monk]

i think its a good idea http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

[DemonArchangel]

Well if it's made, I wanna be one of the moderators http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif

[rasoforos]

it is a good idea indeed

[Dramicus]

Im all for it... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smokin.gif

[Hajji Giray I]

Definitely [game name]: Total War is a great game for After Action Reports (AARs); I would know because I've written a few for another game, Europa Universalis II. AARs (that be their proper name) are tons of fun to write and some can be tons of fun to read...you get some pretty innovative ideas (one for EUII that stands out was The History of Castille, as Seen on CNN with pictures of Larry King in Renaissance robes...lol ).

Superb addition to the forum in the making (Anybody else ever written one? Because otherwise I'll feel experienced, a weathered veteran in my field, if you will. [That's my humble way of saying, I could be a moderator... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif ])

[Gregoshi]

I've notified the rest of the staff regarding this request. I think you have a good idea here. There are currently 4(?) campaigns going (with write ups) and at least 2 fiction threads that are growing. Stay tuned.

[Louis de la Ferte Ste Colombe]

Yep, the AAR forum in EU2 is a good example.... Check a couple of those links...

The Timurid Scientist. EU2 AAR by Peter Ebbesen (http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=29075)

A chronicle of the Kingdom of Castille; EU2 AAR by the Secret Master (http://www.europa-universalis.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=28301)

A couple of MP one...

Asia the Awakening EU2 MP AAR (http://www.europa-universalis.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=46199)

The goon to shantytown; Tsunami2 EU2 MP AAR (http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=96025&perpage=25&pagenumber=1)

I think having a special forum might create some emulation and raise the overall level of our TW King of... threads. And that would also make them easier to follow http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Louis the Simurgh,

[Hajji Giray I]

Or of course there is World Conquest for Dummies or the immortal Tales of the Gluttonic Knights. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

The Bloody Fields of Kehl, which you can find on page one of the EUII AAR forum, is a single-battle AAR (by me) and thus is more like the Warrior Hold type thing. EUII has a superb collection of AARers, perhaps we could see if some have TW games and rope them over here...

[Louis de la Ferte Ste Colombe]

Thanks Gregoshi,

I think it would be helpful. To set up the ongoing King of... threads, which I am pleased to see thriving (might join one soon...) but also to remember the old long gone ones; there were some hilarious situation in Kings Of England. But now it might be on page 20 in either the main or entrance hall...

It might give some tips for beginners trying a new factions. And it might also give a boost to MP re Enactment battles, with players giving their account of battles, screenshot, etc...

Thanks again,

Louis the Simurgh

[Dramicus]

This could start and all-new era in TW history, just take a look at EU2 and HOI...

Im getting all tingly inside...... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Demon of Light]

This is an excellent idea. The first thing to consider is that these campiagn games take up a sizable amount of space in Entrance Hall (in a moment, I'll bump all the topics that deal with the campaigns and you'll see my point). Next thing is that these games really do encompass an idea that does not currently have a natural home within the Org. It started in Entrance Hall because that's just where Herodotus placed the first one. But Entrance Hall has a different purpose from these games. It exists to acclimate new members to the atmosphere of this community. The storytelling aspect of this proposed forum would serve as a home for many of the good writers I've observed in these forums. (Simon Appleton, ShadesWolf, SeljukSinan, Frogbeastegg, and many more that I don't have space for)

As far as potential moderators, I would nominate Cazbol (finished out the Polish game and took over in the HRE game after the first Admin dropped it) KukriKhan (his involvement has been consitant all throughout these games) or Simon Appleton (Quite simply the finest writer to partake in these games)

Can't forget Louis de la Ferte Ste Colombe (his idea)

[Demon of Light]

ummm... I can't find The King of Poland thread. It would be bad if it were erased because I never finished transcribing Aleborg's posts to the Glorious Reigns version.

See why we need a forum for this?? I either can't find it or its been deleted.

[frogbeastegg]

I too think that a separate forum is a good idea It would cut down on the amount of campaign write-ups and story threads floating about and getting lost. The Entrance Hall has a high turn over so these topics only stay at the top for a short while. This makes them hard to find for those who want to read them, as well as lessening the chances of new readers dropping in.

On a purely selfish note I'd love to be able to find my own topic With just me posting my vices and virtues stories it drops faster than a lead balloon, even if it is supposed to be popular (that's why I keep asking if people want me to continue it). I've had to bookmark the thing just so I can find it. Also because of this rapid sinking it only gets about 8 views before it drops off the page, either the people who want to read it aren't seeing it or no one wants to read it (if its the later I'll stop, just say the word and I will bother you no more with tales of mad Vices and Virtues). I think I might put my topic on hold until this is resolved, I like to know where I'm posting

The Entrance Hall is begining to get a bit cluttered so removing part of it to another forum would definitely help. Having a dedicated forum may also boost the number of storytellers on the org. Since the warriors hold started up we've seen a massive leap in the number of tales posted, a new forum may enhance this effect further. I must admit that I prefer the name 'Warriors Hold' to 'Bards Tale' though (sorry Louis ) A dedicated forum will also make it easier to find something to read when you want to.

Specifically on the 'King of...' topics, it would be easier if they were grouped together. It would make it easy to find out what versions were being run for potential kings, as it is you can very easily over look one or more threads because of the high turnover in the Entrance Hall. Some players may be put off because they don't want to join one kingdom, without knowing that there is another kingdom they may like more. Also with the VI versions of the campaigns it is even more important to be able to find all the threads before joining in. Don't forget that there is the 'King of Byzantium' in the Main Hall as well. I count 7 'king of' topics

On the subject of potential moderators I'll just say that I've not been nominated (too new), I'm not nominating anyone (don't want to drop a burden on anyone) and that I have no objections to those already put forward (as long as they want the job) so I'll keep out of it. I'll just wait until the dust settles and see who is left standing http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/pat.gif

Just one question for the org staff - Would you move all the existing story topics over yourselves or would we have to ask? Will some of the older, perhaps finished, threads get moved? It might give them a new lease of life.

[Shahed]

Very good idea Louis.

[barocca]

The creation of new forums, and appointment of moderators for same, is not in my area of control,
BUT
I have thrown my support behind you all for this proposal,
http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
I am kinda fond of the name The Warrior Hold for this new forum - a place to recount tales of Glory, Valour, and Disaster http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Alrowan]

i like the idea of a separate forum for these games

[Prince Romendacil II]

I thinks that a good idea.

[DemonArchangel]

Hey, go for it http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif The village idiot's right behind the total war crew.

[Dramicus]

I dont know if everyone will go for it but anyone who has played Shogun will reconize it... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/rolleyes.gif

I suggest that the name be something along the lines of The Throne Room or something like The Round Table

ahh, but what do I know?..... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Nigel]

A very good idea

Names could also be The Fireplace, where people sit down to tell stories, or The Anchestor Gallery or Dynasty Hall, where the lives and reigns of kings are memorated.

[Hajji Giray I]

Minstrel something or other;
The Town Gossip;
Bard's Tale is a good one

[Sjakihata]

It is a very good idea, and yes I have read a lot of the after action reports in eu 2, wrote on too.

Also I already have a report from a MP game to post so, stay tuned http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Teutonic Knight]

Amen brutha, amen http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smokin.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smokin.gif

[Kongamato]

How about we use the word saga in the forum name?

Like Hall of Sagas or something. This is a Viking age you know http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif.

I'd like this too, as I plan on including my Ordeals of Count Bryan story sometime, somewhere in this forum.

[DemonArchangel]

Yea, well, i'm gonna write up a cornerstone sticky thread for the creation of this new forum. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif

[Sjakihata]

Sagas are commonly used when speaking of Iceland not vikings http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Louis de la Ferte Ste Colombe]

Let's see what Tosa and Barroca think about it... Then it might be time for a poll to pick up name...

Personnaly I like The Throne Room... At least we would have created a throne room for MTW http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif

Louis the Simurgh,

[Alrowan]

saga is a long story, that is all http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif

[DemonArchangel]

True, but it shouldn't have saga in it's name. It should be the camp fireplace or something ALL warriors have in common.

[Brother Derfel]

I like the Warrior Hold as a title.

[DemonArchangel]

Or maybe, the Illuminatory?

[Hajji Giray I]

The Old Warriors' Retirement Center

(ducks punches from angry forummers)

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wacko.gif

[DemonArchangel]

*Kicks hajji giray in the crotch viciously http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif

[DemonArchangel]

Well, is the forum gonna be made or not? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

[The_Emperor]

I guess we should see what Tosa thinks of it all.

[Rob The Bastard]

If you all deposit $20 into the Admin slush fund I can guarantee that we will look more favorably at your request... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/joker.gif

...don't rush us ... the wheels of progress turn slowly... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[TosaInu]

Konnichiwa,

I've been afk'ish for over a week due to hardware/software 'pleasures', sorry for not investing much time here.

There are several to do's for the org and this may be one of them. The staff is already talking about it and I'll read this topic in detail to get a better understanding about what's been asked for. There shouldn't be technical issues preventing new forums.

[TosaInu]

Makes a lot of sense.

[Louis de la Ferte Ste Colombe]

Thanks for your answer Tosa, please let us know how it goes.

Thanks,

Louis the Simurgh,

[DemonArchangel]

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif
The village idiot begs for the new board http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif

[TosaInu]

Konnichiwa,

I've already added a bare forum, it's in the game related category. ShadesWolf is moderator there for now, we'll need at least one other, maybe two. Name, description etc still have to be settled, it shouldn't be to hard for storytellers to come up with suggestions (already saw a few nice ones). Moderators can move story topics to the new forum.

Please keep discussions/suggestions about how that forum should work in 1 topic. Maybe the EH moderators can move this topic there, while keeping the ref here?

At the moment all but the new members can start new topics and new members can reply to excisting topics (that's also something that will be looked at).

Have fun.

[Shahed]

Great.

[KukriKhan]

Moved to No name. See ya'll there. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Louis de la Ferte Ste Colombe]

Yup, thanks,

Louis the Simurgh,

[frogbeastegg]

I've already said thanks on the other topic but it's one of those words thats good to repeat:

Thank you http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

Now down to business, how's the topic move going to be handled? Are the staff going to hunt down any story topics and move them over, or do we have to nominate them before the topic will move?

[KukriKhan]

Both, I think. I'll dig 'round the EH, if you lot will point out other locations. I have some spare time today to get this done & (hopefully) organized.

NOTE: Let's keep the 'how it works' and non-story posts in the other thread (SeljukSinan's Thanks one) so the ShadesWolf won't have to clean this one up so much).

[Louis de la Ferte Ste Colombe]

May I point at a few other topics too?

The Warrior Hold (http://www.totalwar.org/cgi-bin/forum/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=15;t=8401)

MP re enactement battles (http://www.totalwar.org/cgi-bin/forum/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=18;t=6410)

Even if the story telling part of the MP game is somehow missing... It would be good for the players to share their experience in a storytelling mode...

And also a post on how to post pics from the game here (sticky), which is I guess something that newcomers might find helpfull.

Louis the Simurgh,