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Post by mycophobia on Sept 29, 2019 1:34:05 GMT -6
The long awaited update , and great writing&image as usual. If only the british in my campaign were so helpful then maybe they wouldn’t have to lose half their empire XD In any case it does seems like you have a pretty tough diplomatic mess to deal with, sadly as admirals all too often we just had to hope the upper echelon can work out something sensible. Will be interesting indeed to see what the next year brings .
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Post by akosjaccik on Sept 29, 2019 10:37:23 GMT -6
Always glad to see you! Just today I played trough 1904 and I have to say, I encountered probably the most lucky option when it comes to diplomacy I had any hope achieving. ...will it be enough? I don't yet know. I generally work on my own stuff when I am at home and at my desktop computer, and only screw around with the AAR to a very limited extent when I only have acces to my laptop, so the next update will take at least two weeks I reckon. ...which is not at all bad, since I drop the "writer"-task and take up the "reader" role.
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Post by ewaldvonkleist on Sept 29, 2019 17:05:02 GMT -6
I hope C&Ping the AAR takes not too much time-I am fine with reading the AAR on the PC, although the mobile version here is of course appreciated. Looking forward to the first war (am I going to hell for saying things like this?).
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Post by akosjaccik on Oct 19, 2019 13:36:10 GMT -6
I hope C&Ping the AAR takes not too much time-I am fine with reading the AAR on the PC, although the mobile version here is of course appreciated. Looking forward to the first war (am I going to hell for saying things like this?). Compared to actually playing it out, logging data, modeling, painting, writing, editing, rendering images and such, it's absolutely not an issue. In a way I'd shoot myself in the foot if folks would like to follow this AAR, yet they couldn't due to technical reasons, because I am willing to put many hours into the AAR itself, but can't be arsed with that twenty minutes of copy-pasting it to the forum.
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Post by akosjaccik on Oct 19, 2019 14:08:55 GMT -6
In this year: - Crippling the majority of the Navy because hey, it might turn out well
- Taking a deeper look into those submersible-things
- Findig some friends and also some enemies down the road
JANUARY
Report arrived from the steel industry that they achieved some refinements regarding the face hardening process. It's good to hear that they are developing technology on their own, even though the Navy did not prioritize the sector. Still, that's only true for the R&D funding, as constructing warships still contributes massively to their income. With that said, it's worth remembering that if we don't take the cruisers currently under construction into account, currently all of our warships utilize harveyized armor plates at best. Perhaps more importantly, let's take a look at the current state of submarines fit for service around the world:
Based on reports coming from intelligence, six boats are combat ready, and another 24 are currently under construction. At this point, regardless of them being able to offer a new kind of offensive capability for our Navy or not, we can't just disregard their existence - if for nothing else, we need information on how to combat them. Firsthand information would be preferred. In short - we need to build submarines. Truth be told, this isn't our first dive into submarine technology (to be stylish with the phrasing), but the former open design competition did not result in a design that the Marinesektion deemed to be safe and seaworthy, as such a different approach is in order. Plans were bought from Simon Lake, John Philip Holland and Krupp's Germaniawerft, having two submersibles to be constructed based on each plan, for a total of six boats. Excessive testing of these types will grant us extremely valuable insight on their design process, technical solutions, capabilities and limitations. The synthesis of this knowledge will certainly serve as a base for both our native submarine programs and our anti-submarine doctrine later down the road. For now, we just have to watch and learn.
Historically the A-H Navy initially used roman numerals for their submarines, until about the spring of 1915, when arabic numerals took over. As such, above you can see the "S.M. Unterseeboot I.", later marked as "1". As far as I am aware, the K.u.K. Kriegsmarine never actually used the 'U-' prefix.
FEBRUARY
Excellent news, fantastic diplomatic success! Never thought we'll see competent politicians in our lifetime, yet here we are! The Marinenkommandant's staff was asked for a recommendation for the external affairs concerning the ever-increasing tensions with Italy, given that apparently the Navy will have to take up a fair portion of the conflict, if and when it breaks out. Well, given the italian advantage both in quality and quantity, making any more enemies could be outright fatal for the Monarchy at this point, and on the other hand seeking allies could be advised even at the cost of us gaining less in a potential victory. Now, based on our current relations, we thought, realistically speaking only two foreign powers can be taken into account:
It is crystal clear that at least in theory, France could help us the most, if willing - we said. With this assessment at hand, the austrian diplomatic channels opened up, and a bit later it turned out that the french are indeed willing at least on paper, which they promptly signed, marking the beginning of the Franco-Austrian Alliance. This is a hugely important chance for us, but let's not forget that the war won't be fought on paper. And who knows, maybe Italy will take this act a provocation, and for a fairly good reason too. Maybe this was the last point from we could've turned back.
MARCH
Italy did not take the announcement too well. In fact, the Regia Marina conducted a very bold operation and seized Mozambique right in front of the french bases of Madagascar. This caused some international uproar and our Navy considered to jump on the opportunity and engage the overextended, yet not entrenched italian offensive, but the issue was passed over to the Marine Nationale as this first and foremost belongs to their interests. France decided - among multiple reasons, the joint command structure and facilities being not quite finalized yet being one - to wait it out. As good as this opportunity was to declare hostilities, we are simply not ready.
Italy took control of Mozambique unopposed
APRIL
Urgh...! Not something we needed right now, but at the same time this is something we can not overlook: the Marinetechnisches Kommittee gave green light for central firing. If the data is credible, the differences in accuracy can be significant, which is no surprise, the main question was the technical implementation. Which from now on, has no barriers anymore. However, we are at the brink of war. Pushing capital ships into maintenance and even worse, adapting a brand new technology can very well grossly backfire. At the same time, we are already at a disadvantage as it is, and what if the italian ships already utilize central firing? This is a grinding problem, although at least financially we do have the wiggle room. We have esentially three options laying before us. - Take no action - Our crews are proficient at their current job, and implementing a different system might not actually bring the expected results in the first crucial engagements. Also in this case the fleet's avability would not suffer at all.
- Refit in batches - Take the middle road. Something will always be ready for sorties, but we don't dismiss the new technology either. However, this would be a longer process, and would cut our forces down even further. How much better is three battleships to zero battleships against six?
- Take the risk and refit all - For three to four months, our coastline would be practically undefended. We can't count on the necessary level of french presence to counteract this fact; and even if we could, that would be suspicious anyway. However, by the end of summer, the entirety of the fleet could set sail with the most modern fire control procedure.
After heated debates, option 'C' was implemented - and refits were ordered on every eligible ship at once. This is considered to be a state secret of the highest level, and every measure has to be taken to keep it that way, including for example showing force on the Adriatic with battleships under maintenance. If the italians realize that these ships sailing proudly under their noses practically don't have working armament and decide to act upon it, best case scenario is that the staff will meet the firing squad. In the worst case scenario the existence of the Monarchy may fade into uncertainty, but at least losing Dalmatia is all but certain.
MAY
It is a beautiful late spring outside, yet a lot of us are suffering from insomnia for some odd reason. The shipyards are working their hands down, but such a large-scale maintenance can be kept secred for only how long? On a more positive note, the industry is doing extremely well. This concerns not only their profits, but they also managed to come up with side drums and basic weight control, and also buying licences for pneumatic recuperators from british companies. Some men will get fat on this war, this much can be seen even without a rifle shot.
Having to overdrive our manufacturing and maintaining capabilities in the eve of war is not exactly a calming sensation. Neither errors nor delays can be tolerated now - S.M.S. Babenberg in drydock.
JUNE
The state of the Navy is a talking point even in the highest places. It's no surprise that such a gamble will bring some demands for explanation with itself. On an unrelated note, demand for certain hair growth formulas are at an all-time high. Go figure.
Fortunately, the industry continues it's mighty march. Some new studies arrived on improved subdivision, our newfound allies, the french bought basic weight control methods from us for a decent two million Crowns, and even the USA showed interest in our ecrasite explosives. ...by stealing them, and we had proof. The answer wasn't composed in a kind tone. We basically pointed out for them that in the spirit of capitalism, the proper method of transferring goods is in exchange for fair compensation. One would thought that they are certainly the ones who know this the best...? We got confession and official apologies on government level. And some cold stare.
JULY
Is it july already? The past months felt like four long days, five at most. Italy, while war propaganda is screaming the newspapers full with legitimate or fabricated claims and grievances on both sides, did not make a move so far. By the way a technician of the STT in this month came up with a clever, more advanced approach regarding the design of the turrets while working on the battleships. The guy now spends his holiday in his brand new seafront resort near Fiume with his family. After all, meritocracy is the one thing that can propel us forward.
AUGUST
By the end of summer, the fleet starts to regain it's combat capacity. Work is being finished, although due to the insane rush, proper check-ups are in order: we should be okay by now, but if we aren't, it's best not to realize this in the middle of the battleline.
For some ethereal reason, we had luck on our side. We were practically unarmed for four months, but managed to evade hostilities for long enough. This is such a relief that most of the officers involved in the refits don't find the thought of war as stressing as these months were. It's almost as if the hard part is over. A lovely illusion. Yet, however tempting, let's not lose track of reality.
SEPTEMBER
France was showing interest in buying our technologies regarding high-tensile steel - and we were willing to sell it for 1,55 million Crowns. It is certainly nice to sell licences for a change, and where the goods start to flow, the connections grow stronger. Speaking of connections, the United States yet again engaged in a spying activity (maybe out of spite this time?), and got their hands on a treatise regarding active mine warfare. The diplomats managed to smooth the issue out fortunately, but that was mostly possible due to them not getting any direct information on our planned defensive minefields. Extremely bothersome behaviour still from someone capable of such industrial prowess. Then again, this might be all about might instead of reason.
OCTOBER
A calm month. Maybe the calm before the storm. The ships's crews are familiarizing themselves with central firing, the Elswick Ordnance Company began advertising 14 inch guns on Britain, and nothing else of interest, probably. Still no news from Skoda regarding our own new large-caliber artillery pieces. Maybe we could buy from the french...?
NOVEMBER
With the feasible technical implementation of the gyroscope we've gained a step forward in torpedo technology. Even still, if the experiences of the past exercises are anything to go by, our torpedoes still cannot be considered much more than a weapon of opportunity at their current level of development.
1000yds@28kts/3000yds@15kts - Admittedly, having the Whitehead Factory in Fiume certainly helps...
Touching upon the tensions, war seems to be all but inevitable, however the long months of uncertainty went to the nerves of people. Understandable. Heightened awareness can be tolerated only for so long, and the occurence of one final incident seems to be only a matter of time. Weeks, maybe days even. Although finishing our cruisers will require about another six to eight months plus warm-up, we won't be more ready, only more tired, and meanwhile the Regia Marina isn't sitting on their hands either. In the end, the Navy decided to mobilize, prepare, distribute materials, open up storages, and notify the sleeping agents in Italy. The first destroyer to receive her dark grey scheme was the S.M.S. Drache. As the dragon took up her dark garbs, diplomatic connections between the states were suspended.
DECEMBER
After coordinating with our french allies, the Navy gave positive answer regarding the Parliament's question about taking immediate actions against Italy. As of now, we are officially at a state of war.
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Post by mycophobia on Oct 19, 2019 14:45:34 GMT -6
it was a really pleasant surprise to see this update first thing when I woke up from my horribly botched sleep schedule Great bit of writing over the frantic mass refit in the middle of the year, and despite the minor risk and prestige hit, it will hopefully prove beneficial in the long run. I look forward to how the navy performs in the war(and the chart and graphs that follows XD )
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Post by akosjaccik on Oct 19, 2019 15:02:33 GMT -6
it was a really pleasant surprise to see this update first thing when I woke up from my horribly botched sleep schedule Great bit of writing over the frantic mass refit in the middle of the year, and despite the minor risk and prestige hit, it will hopefully prove beneficial in the long run. I look forward to how the navy performs in the war(and the chart and graphs that follows XD )
My pleasure, apologies for the messed up phrasing here or there! I was thinking along the same lines; I'll need every help in the upcoming war, or at least the least disadvantage, so let's take this risk for a change of pace. "Hopefully it will prove beneficial." (Freeze frame) Narrator: "It did not, in fact, prove beneficial."
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happv
New Member
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Post by happv on Oct 23, 2019 21:11:59 GMT -6
Just stumbled across this project and the whole thing is incredibly impressive and absolutely stunning. Looking forward to more updates!
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Post by akosjaccik on Oct 25, 2019 12:53:30 GMT -6
Just stumbled across this project and the whole thing is incredibly impressive and absolutely stunning. Looking forward to more updates! I really am glad that you are enjoying it! I can't say I'm fully pleased with the quality of my writing as I'm not adept enough at neither the english language nor the naval matters in-depth, but it is still a really fun experience and I hope it shows through.
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Post by akosjaccik on Oct 25, 2019 13:13:10 GMT -6
For now, I'll follow the methodology of myco', since shells are saturating the air and content is getting piled up - meaning I'll break down the AAR into "smaller", more digestable sections of a month or a couple of months when desirable during the war.
1905, January A courtesy visit
For a nerve-racking couple of weeks, nothing notable seemed to happen. Neither side was willing to risk it's fleet in the opening stages of the conflict without a good enough reason: on our part this was largely due to the italian superiority, and on their part they were probably concerned about the french retaliations. Their concerns were not well-founded by the way, as all the Marine Nationale stationed in the Mediterranean was a single destroyer, the Arbalette - which was then sunk in a short order. Regardless, we had to do something eventually, unless we were willing to let the fleet's morale drop dangerously low, and Italy seemed to be happy to comply: our intelligence reports indicated that an italian battleship squadron has departed their harbors, presumably in order to shell targets in the area of Spalato on the 26th of January.
The responding force was built up around the First Battleship Division, albeit in absence of the Erzherzog - so in short, the three Wien-class ships. The two Donau-class armored cruisers were expected to screen the main force, while the Zenta-class light cruisers were tasked with reconnaissance, aided by most of the 500-ton destroyers.
The austro-hungarian force composition
Visual contact was finally estabilished at ~11:00 GMT, in clear weather, at about 24000 yards, when the lookouts of the Aspern spotted an unidentified fast ship to the southeast, likely a light cruiser. They finally came for a visit, and did so in force. Unfortunately, as the light breeze was blowing from the northeast, staying by our coastline would've meant that rangefinding and aiming would've been severely impaired by our own smoke. As subsequent reports indicated that the italian force isn't significantly larger - at least in numbers - than ours, and considering that turning to port would've meant the beaching the entire fleet in a short order, orders were given for a new course (210 degrees), esentially running with the wind ...and heading towards the italian soil.
~11:30 - The first unpleasant experience hits us when the italian main guns opens up, clearly beyond our own firing range. It's not that they have a reasonable chance at actually hitting us, but it's hard to convince the crew about that as they are actively getting shot at.
Columns of water emerging from the sea as the italian 30,5 cm guns try to find their range. Not an auspicious beginning. (Wien as flagship, Monarch, Habsburg)
~11:45 - The slow convergence of the fleets closed the gap enough for our ranging shots to finally ring out. The enemy fleet seems to be consisting of 3 battleships, 3 armored cruisers, 3 light cruisers and at least 15 destroyers. A comparable force on paper, but their battleships are 15000 +-500-ton vessels, armed with 30,5cm main guns and with a larger intermediate battery, meanwhile seemingly capable of keeping maybe a good 18 knots. "Alarming" is an understatement.
12:10 - Some italian torpedoboat-destroyers attempt a torpedo run, but at this point the range shrinked to roughly 5000 yards, and as neither side utilized evasive maneuvers, the targets are straddled and the firing intensity is almost unbearable. It's therefore no surprise that a hail of relatively well-aimed shells greeted the reluctantly advancing destroyers. Their attempt is then quickly and finally cut short as a 15cm shell from the Habsburg explodes on the midships of the Intrepido, sinking her in mere minutes. Neither now, nor on the way back does either side attempt a rescue during the running battle and the shoreline is not nearer than 30 nautical miles.
One man's fortune can sometimes be another one's tragedy. The destroyer Intrepido receiving a 15cm common shell to her midship section, which ravages the 400-ton ship.
12:38 - Italy has a range advantage, larger main caliber, more secondaries, larger ships with better survivability. It is imperative for us to concentrate fire on a single target, and preferably maneuver in such a way that facilitates this. At half past noon, this almost seems to be within our reach, as we may be able to single out a Regina Elena-class battleship, however...
...however at 12:38 the Monarch receives a 30,5cm armor-piercing hit that disables electric power, and in order to keep cohesion the formation has to slow down, losing the initiative. Damage starts to pile up on our side meanwhile, but the italian squadron - unfazed by the loss of their destroyer - seems to be by and large intact despite the shelling. As we are nearing the italian coasts, the fleet is ordered to turn around. It would be prudent to lose contact, but it might be too late for that, the ships are riddled with holes, leaking, pumping and in some cases despite that, listing; but most importantly - slowing down. Disaster hangs in the air.
15:16 - Due to the accumulating damage, the speed had to be reduced first to 15, and now to 12 knots. At this point, we have no means of outmaneuvering the enemy anymore, which is getting ahead of us and starts to push us towards the north. While the incoming dusk gives us some hope, visibility is still far too good, yet we simply don't have more time and the destroyers are ordered to charge and drive away the enemy capital ships, before they completely embrace free reign. At the same time, the fleet turns to starboard and heads towards Cattaro, sliding down on-, and cutting trough the rear of the enemy formation. The combination of these maneuvers finally restults in the two fleets separating from each other in the setting darkness.
~21:00 - While the slow crawling towards home waters is anything but glorious, we still have something to celebrate. Every ship is heading home under her own power, including every destroyer, which all survived their attack, despite the Python having to deal with a 15cm passtrough hit, two 7cm hits (one damaging the engine) and several near misses. Italy lost a destroyer, but we could've lost much, much more. Fortunately, for some reason, the italian leadership took a cautious approach and with the sunlight dimming they turned their ships towards home ports. Maybe they were happy with the results achieved up to that point, maybe they underestimated the damage caused to our capital ships, maybe they were afraid of a chaotic nighttime engagement. Whatever the case, the engagement ended "formally with mutual agreement." While still at sea, the captain of the destroyer Panther signalled their will to go back and look for the "poor devils", but their request had to be turned down. Locating the remnants of the sunken italian destroyer in the pitch black with the help of just two signalling lights after several hours of the event was certainly a fool's errand, and a dangerous one at that. Italy was sure to attempt to search the area, but even then their success is dubious at best. Ultimately, that's really all what either of us found in the first engagement - spent shellcases and grieving families. ...and luck was on our side this time - what will happen, once the goddess Fortuna leaves us?
The damaged Habsburg with the Zenta in the background
The evaluations of the battle are not clear-cut. The press at home did not have to lie and proud headliners advertised that the Navy "visited Italy" and came back in one piece, while sinking one of their destroyers. True. But far more telling are the truths not published.
- We have not managed to deal sufficient damage to our opposition - not even close. The most damaged italian ship appeared to be the Francesco Ferruccio, a 8,8kton armored cruiser, which was slowed down to about 15 knots and it is estimated based on how low she sat in the water that she lost maybe 20% of her reserve buoyancy, but that's about it. The reason can not be traced back to improper aiming or rate of fire. The most plausible cause is the 24cm/L40 being wholly unsuited against capital ship-type targets and the differences in-, and problems with the armor layout.
- In return however, we almost took more that we can chew. As a rule of thumb, the main belt held true, but the extended belt section very clearly did not, resulting in hits at the waterline tearing the ship open and causing flooding. Shipping water, coupled by one instance where the deck armor was pierced by fragments which damaged the machinery were the main causes for the fleet to slow down. For example, the Wien suffered a waterline hit from a 24cm armor-piercing shell fired from ~5700 yards by the armored cruiser Amalfi. It proved technically possible for armored cruisers to sink the Wien-class in theory.
Click the here for a larger version of the image - The Donau-class so far did not fulfill the expectations to their full extent. The armored cruisers failed to attach to- and keep up with the main line under fire, but what's worse, also failed to notably support from the second line. However, this was perhaps due to unsuitable and unclear command communication, and the Sankt Georg still managed to achieve some 24cm hits. She is, by the way, required to be drydocked after a single unlucky hit from a medium-caliber gun. Donau is in better shape despite her three hits, one of which is most certainly originating from a 30,5cm rifle.
- Small forces, due to the circumstances of the battle, played only a secondary role for the most part. Our destroyers conducted themselves well. It is worth noting however that due to the heavy incoming fire, light ships were not able to properly screen the battleline. This time, massed shellfire and some luck seemed to do the trick, but it advised that the most reliable and perhaps only certain way to counter torpedoboats is still - vigilant maneuvering.
All in all, despite the loss of their destroyer, the battle was clearly an italian victory, as they grabbed and held the initiative firmly in the last third part of the engagement. Now, while the actual ramifications were and are more grim for us than the armor (of luck) lets us see at first glance, we lived to hopefully learn from it and our prospects are not entirely dark. We are in clear disadvantage in a prolonged engagement, but the First Battleship Division still managed to sail to Italy and back under constant shellfire. The ground might not be even, but we do have some staying power, and the italian navy isn't consisted entirely of large battleships. Cautious, conservative engagements coupled with ruthlessly taking advantage of emergent opportunities could mean that while soundly beating the italian main battleline is not something we should dare to count on, keeping our shores in arms reach and chipping away at their forces with local superiority is something that can be done. It might still be prudent to think about how to notably-, and most importantly, reliably hurt our enemies on the strategic and on the tactical level in the very near future.
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Post by mycophobia on Oct 26, 2019 4:19:30 GMT -6
As expected, the amount of stuff happening grow exponentially once a war takes place XD
That’s a very well written and detailed report(I can prob learn a thing or two XD) and I look forward to the rest of the year, hopefully before the end of this year xD
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Post by Adseria on Oct 26, 2019 16:36:56 GMT -6
I can't say I'm fully pleased with the quality of my writing[...] Well, you should be. It occasionally shows that English isn't your first language, but I'm happy to overlook that. Besides, it's not your fault; by all accounts, English is one of the harder languages out there.
I look forward to the rest of the year, hopefully before the end of this year xD That sentence hurt my brain.
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Post by garrisonchisholm on Oct 30, 2019 18:10:54 GMT -6
...There is no point to my writing an AAR again. Your production values are an order of magnitude beyond any length of time i would consider investing. My word. Bravo.
I would pay serious coin when this is all wrapped up to have it in a binder. In fact I will do that, if I can manage the formatting.
Now 1905 does not seem to be present on your web-page, is this an oversight or a change?
Edit; asked and answered!
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Post by mycophobia on Oct 30, 2019 18:53:45 GMT -6
...There is no point to my writing an AAR again. Your production values are an order of magnitude beyond any length of time i would consider investing. My word. Bravo. I would pay serious coin when this is all wrapped up to have it in a binder. In fact I will do that, if I can manage the formatting. Now 1905 does not seem to be present on your web-page, is this an oversight or a change? I believe the OP intend to post it as a whole update once all of the year 1905 is complete, as what’s updated here is only the first month of 1905 so far.
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Post by akosjaccik on Oct 31, 2019 12:33:53 GMT -6
I am grateful - even still, I can't and won't compare my writing to such AARs that produce and produced texts of literary quality. Of course, having room to improve is in most cases best taken as an opportunity.
Oh HELL NO! In fact, quite the contrary! If I didn't had this original idea of modeling ships for a campaign, I could've not justify beginning an AAR by myself. I will not name them on purpose, but some players offer excellent analysis and explanations to the detail, some present excellent writing quality and unparalelled wit, some infused their AAR with their profound knowledge of the naval technology and organizations of the era, and some offer a very unique approach. In a certain way all I have are the half-baked means to visualize things in a more vivid manner, but up to this day I rather view as a "tool" than a "quality" in itself. This is why I was so glad hearing about inspiring mycophobia for example to start his own journey for example! It's really just all about digging for that extra bit of fun.
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