Weekly Update #96

Editor's Note

Sorry about the odd posting schedule last week. On top of a hectic couple of days at work, I had to approve the proof for Once Upon a Clockwork Tale, the Echelon Press steampunk/fairy tale anthology where my short the story "The Enchanted Bean" will be appearing.

Exciting I know, but as you can probably guess I was very distracted and probably will be for some time as I begin working on promoting the anthology. If anyone wants to sign up for a review copy, let me know at ahwupdate at gmail dot com.

And now the news...

Saddam's Iraq and the Arab Spring

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair made a controversial counterfactual last week, speculating that if the 2003 invasion of Iraq had not happened any uprising by the Iraqi people during the Arab Spring would have been crushed severely. Here is section of the article that sums up Blair's thoughts rather well:

Mr Blair said he regretted how difficult Iraq had been and the loss of life, but he did not regret the decision to oust Saddam. 

Mr Blair said Saddam Hussein had used chemical weapons on his own people "and that's why, when people say to me, 'do you regret removing him', my answer is 'no - how can you regret removing somebody who was a monster, who created enormous carnage - not just amongst his own people but amongst the people of the region'". 

Mr Blair said he believed "very sincerely and deeply" that the former Iraqi leader was "a security threat" who had to be dealt with.

Mr Blair's former deputy prime minister, Lord Prescott, has said the invasion "cannot be justified" 

"And if you look at what's happening in the Arab Spring today and you examine what's happening in Syria - just reflect on what Bashar al-Assad, who is a 20th as bad as Saddam, is doing to his people today and the number of lives already lost. 

"Just ask yourself the question: 'What would be happening now in Iraq if he had been left in power?'"

Twitter was not happy with Blair's counterfactual on the Iraq War, with one Tweeter calling it a "shameless defen[s]e". Blair, however, has his defenders including Bobby Ghosh from Time Magazine who said:

...Saddam would have had no compunction ordering a general slaughter of revolutionaries; and unlike the Tunisian and Egyptian military brass, the Iraqi generals would swiftly have complied. They had already demonstrated this by killing tens of thousands of Shi'ites who rose against the dictator after his Kuwaiti misadventure.

While mass slaughter of Iraqis during the Arab Spring if Saddam still ruled from Baghdad seems to be a popular theory, not everyone backs it. Max Fisher at The Washington Post painted a different scenario, comparing Iraq to OTL Algeria:

Maybe the most apt comparison for how Saddam Hussein’s Iraq would fare in the Arab Spring isn’t Syria, but Algeria. Though Algeria is ruled by an authoritarian, nationalist, military-aligned government, and though popular discontent appears high, there has been no revolution. There are many theories for why this might be, but one of the most persuasive comes down to uprising exhaustion. The county endured an awful civil war from 1991 to about 1999, which the regime won. In the thinking of some Algeria analysts, the legacy of that conflict has left the would-be protesters too tired, too wary of bloodshed and too weak to rise up again.

Of course, this all assumes the Arab Spring still happens on schedule even without the 2003 Iraq War. Any POD preventing the conflict would need to happen years in advance and could range from a Gore presidency to 9/11 never happening. Would the Arab Spring still happen? Were the the triggers in place and ready for the right spark far enough in advance that it was not a matter of if but when?

What do you think?

Update: Finishing School by Gail Carriger

The cover and description for the second novel in the Finishing School series, Curtsies & Conspiracies, by Gail Carriger has been released. Here is the description from SF Signal:

Does one need four fully grown foxgloves for decorating a dinner table for six guests? Or is it six foxgloves to kill four fully grown guests?

Sophronia’s first year at Mademoiselle Geraldine’s Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality has certainly been rousing! For one thing, finishing school is training her to be a spy (won’t Mumsy be surprised?). Furthermore, Sophronia got mixed up in an intrigue over a stolen device and had a cheese pie thrown at her in a most horrid display of poor manners. 

Now, as she sneaks around the dirigible school, eavesdropping on the teachers’ quarters and making clandestine climbs to the ship’s boiler room, she learns that there may be more to a school trip to London than is apparent at first. A conspiracy is afoot–one with dire implications for both supernaturals and humans. Sophronia must rely on her training to discover who is behind the dangerous plot-and survive the London Season with a full dance card. 

In this sequel to bestselling author Gail Carriger’s YA debut Etiquette & Espionage, class is back in session with more petticoats and poison, tea trays and treason. Gail’s distinctive voice, signature humor, and lush steampunk setting are sure to be the height of fashion this season.

If you are interested in reading the first book of the series, Rebecca at The Ranting Dragon called Etiquette & Espionage "a quick, very fun read and opens a series that promises to continue the fun."

Paradox News

Some important announcements from our good friends at Paradox. First, a new patch for March of the Eagles is coming. The latest update to the wargame based on the Napoleonic wars adds the complete set of modding tools from highly popular Crusader Kings II, allowing players to mod March of the Eagles in nearly every aspect imaginable, as well as play with multiple simultaneous mods.

The patch also includes major updates to the gameplay, such as better retreat paths and not allowing low morale units to enter enemy controlled territory, as well as brand new content such as historical generals, completely new combat mechanics and battle sounds. Those interested in playing March of Eagles can download the free demo or buy the game for $19.99.

Next up, the weeks leading up to the release of Crusader Kings II: The Old Gods will be marked with developer diaries pointing out how The Old Gods expansion will transform your Crusader Kings II experience. The first entry in this series of dev diaries about the anticipated expansion, titled "A Different Europe", has already been released.

Lead designer and friend of The Update Henrik Fåhraeus said: "Most importantly, however, the North and East are completely dominated by bustling tribes of unrepentant heathens who remain less than impressed with the White Christ. Why debase yourself before a dead man on a cross when you can loot the riches of his fat clergy instead? Just as the fury of the Northmen descends on the undefended shores of Europe, other, equally pagan threats are on the rise in the steppes of Tartaria. Like the Avars before them, the feared Magyar horse lords are pushing into Europe from beyond the Carpathians. Why is all this more important than the affairs of Christians and Muslims? Because with The Old Gods, all these heathens are finally playable!”

Crusader Kings II: The Old Gods, available in Q2 2013, adds two hundred years to the start of the game, when Viking armies and freelance adventurers pillage towns and monasteries, sailing wherever the promise of gold and glory await them. The hinterlands are still ruled by unrepentant heathens who may only submit to the Glory of God at the point of the sword, and in future Russia, the Orthodox faith may slowly make inroads to lands the Apostles had never dreamed of. Check out the trailer below:

Finally, Paradox Development Studio will be holding a live stream event on March 27, 2013, giving strategy fans never-before-seen looks at two upcoming titles—Crusader Kings II: The Old Gods and Victoria II: Heart of Darkness. The online extravaganza, which will also play host to a special appearance by Europa Universalis IV, will be hosted by Studio Manager Johan Andersson and the rest of the developers in an all afternoon affair that will showcase this year’s portfolio of strategy titles.

Join PDS at 12:00 p.m. GMT (8:00 a.m. EDT) on March 27 by heading over to the official Paradox Interactive channel on TwitchTV.

To go along with the festivities, Paradox will be offering a 75% discount on a large selection of strategy titles during the live stream, including Victoria II and Crusader Kings II, all of which can be purchased from the Paradox Web Shop.

Got to remember to mark my calender, because I really want to pick up Crusader Kings II.

Calender

Here is a rundown of upcoming events:

May 1: Membership rates to join Loncon 3, the 2014 World Science Fiction Convention, will be increased.

May 3-5: Jay Lake Benefit Auction at Gaslight Gathering in San Diego, CA.

May 30: Deadline for submissions to Whispers from the Abyss, an H.P. Lovecraft inspired anthology.

Links to the Multiverse

Articles

Japanese steampunk by Bruce Sterling at Wired.

More Steampunk Goodness Coming from George Mann with “The Casebook of Newbury & Hobbes” at SF Signal.

North Korea Video Shows Washington Under Attack at The Huffington Post.

Santorum, Gingrich Nearly Ruled America by Jonathan Chait at New York.

So You're Stuck in a Time Loop by Chris Bucholz at Cracked.

Solaris commission Eric Brown steampunk novel at SF Scope.

Top Alternate Histories by James Rayneau.

What is good and important about steampunk by Cory Doctorow at Boing Boing.

Why serialize? by Leanna Renee Hieber at Steamed!

Book Reviews

Skull Island by Will Murray at SF Signal.

Games

15mm Steampunk Adventurers by Robert C Kalajian Jr at Purple Pawn.

Bioshock Infinite Competition at Fortean Times.

Assassin’s Creed 3: The Tyranny of King Washington Episode 2 Review by Keza MacDonald at IGN.

Achievement Hunter : Let's Play - Sniper Elite v2 Nazi Zombie Army at Achievement Hunter.

Interviews

Ellen Datlow at The Horror Zine.

Podcasts

Ratchet RetroCast Episode 5 – Take This Mushroom, Its Not Safe To Go To Another Castle! at Earth Station One.

Television

The Office Alternate History: Ben Falcone as Michael, Mary Lynn Rajskub as Pam, Adam Scott as Jim by Amos Barshad at Grantland.

“Snodgrass” Airs in UK by Steven H Silver at SF Site.

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Matt Mitrovich is the founder and editor of Alternate History Weekly Update, a blogger on Amazing Stories and a volunteer editor for Alt Hist magazine. His fiction can be found at Echelon Press, Jake's Monthly and The Were-Traveler. When not writing he works as an attorney, enjoys life with his beautiful wife Alana and prepares for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. You can follow him on Facebook or Twitter.

March of the Eagles is Ready for War!

Last Tuesday, Paradox Development Studio and Paradox Interactive released their latest strategy/wargame March of the Eagles. The game is now available from major digital distributors for $19.99.

In March of Eagles you take control of one of the great powers of Europe and push for land and naval dominance at the height of the Napoleonic Wars. According to Paradox, March of the Eagles is friendly to wargame newcomers, while still having the streamlined diplomacy perfect for cutthroat scheming for both newcomers and veterans alike. Players fight and negotiate over a historical topographic map in full 3D with a complete view of Europe. The game also features a multiplayer allowing for 32 players to play at once.

Check out the launch trailer below:

If you are still not sure about March of Eagles, don't fret. A demo for March of the Eagles, Paradox’s newest wargame, is now available on Steam for those of you that want to give an army a test drive before taking up the reins of power.

The demo limits you to playing Prussia, the great central European power sandwiched between the might of France and the inexhaustible hordes of Russia. All single player capabilities as well as the tutorial and the hints system are included in this demo. There are no multiplayer capabilities, and saved games have been disabled.

If you want to learn more about how the game was made, you can read all the March of the Eagles developer diaries Paradox has made available.

Will history play out as before or will take humanity down a different path? If you do play the game, let us at The Update know. Submit your review to ahwupdate at gmail dot com and your thoughts will be shared with all of our readers.

* * *

Matt Mitrovich is the founder and editor of Alternate History Weekly Update, a blogger on Amazing Stories and a volunteer editor for Alt Hist magazine. His fiction can be found at Echelon Press, Jake's Monthly and The Were-Traveler. When not writing he works as an attorney, enjoys life with his beautiful wife Alana and prepares for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. You can follow him on Facebook or Twitter.

Weekly Update #88

Editor's Note

Made some big changes to the renamed Submissions page. I'm hoping to encourage more fiction and non-fiction submissions for the blog. Who knows? Maybe one day I will even start paying for submissions...

So I took down the poll for the March contest because it looked like "steampunk" was going to win. So the tentative theme for March is steampunk. I say tentative because I am not sure whether I am going to keep doing these monthly themes because the number of submissions for No Americans and Balkanize Me have been disappointing. Perhaps I am not promoting these things well enough. I guess we will see how next month goes before I make a decision.

Need to do some self-promotion here. I hope you guys have checked out the now live Amazing Stories. My new articles on Balkanized North America is now up for your enjoyment. Also congrats to contributor Tyler Bugg (author of Industria, Tecnologia, Potenza) whose short story "From Enigma to Paradox" appeared in the anthology Substitution Cipher, which came in #11 in the Preditors & Editors Poll.

It has been a while since I welcomed readers from a new country. Today I get to say hi to our first fan from Congo [DRC]. Welcome!

And now the news...

Ack-Ack Macaque by Gareth L. Powell

Interested in reading about a Nazi fighting monkey? Of course you are. Check out the description for Ack-Ack Macaque by Gareth L. Powell:

In 1944, as waves of German ninjas parachute into Kent, Britain’s best hopes for victory lie with a Spitfire pilot codenamed ‘Ack-Ack Macaque.’ The trouble is, Ack-Ack Macaque is a cynical, one-eyed, cigar-chomping monkey, and he’s starting to doubt everything, including his own existence. 

A century later, in a world where France and Great Britain merged in the late 1950s and nuclear-powered Zeppelins circle the globe, ex-journalist Victoria Valois finds herself drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse with the man who butchered her husband and stole her electronic soul. Meanwhile, in Paris, after taking part in an illegal break-in at a research laboratory, the heir to the British throne goes on the run. And all the while, the doomsday clock ticks towards Armageddon.

Eric Brown at The Guardian called it "an explosive narrative with brilliant cliffhangers and brings the lot to a satisfying conclusion" and Jim Higgins of Journal Sentinel called it "an over-the-top, verbally caffeinated adventure story with smart, nasty ideas and plenty of pulp." What more can you want?

The Aylesford Skull by James P Blaylock

How about the return of a steampunk legend? James Blaylock returned to his Langdon St. Ives series with his new novel The Aylesford Skull:

It is the summer of 1883 and Professor Langdon St. Ives - brilliant but eccentric scientist and explorer - is at home in Aylesford with his family. However, a few miles to the north a steam launch has been taken by pirates above Egypt Bay; the crew murdered and pitched overboard. In Aylesford itself a grave is opened and possibly robbed of the skull. The suspected grave robber, the infamous Dr. Ignacio Narbondo, is an old nemesis of Langdon St. Ives. 

When Dr. Narbondo returns to kidnap his four-year-old son Eddie and then vanishes into the night, St. Ives and his factotum Hasbro race to London in pursuit... 

This is Blaylock's first new steampunk novel in over 20 years and people are excited. You can read the prologue over at io9, learn about some of the novels that inspired Blaylock at Blastr and learn about his opinion of the steampunk movement in general.

Planesrunner by Ian MacDonald

Falcata Times did some coverage last week on the young adult, parallel universe adventure story Planesrunner by Ian MacDonald. Here is a brief description of the novel:

There is not one you. There are many yous. There is not one world. There are many worlds. Ours is one of billions of parallel earths. 

When Everett Singh's scientist father is kidnapped from the streets of London, he leaves young Everett a mysterious app on his computer. Suddenly, this teenager has become the owner of the most valuable object in the multiverse the—Infundibulum— the map of all the parallel earths, and there are dark forces in the Ten Known Worlds who will stop at nothing to get it. They've got power, authority, and the might of ten planets—some of them more technologically advanced than our Earth—at their fingertips. He's got wits, intelligence, and a knack for Indian cooking. 

To keep the Infundibulum safe, Everett must trick his way through the Heisenberg Gate his dad helped build and go on the run in a parallel Earth. But to rescue his Dad from Charlotte Villiers and the sinister Order, this Planesrunner's going to need friends. Friends like Captain Anastasia Sixsmyth, her adopted daughter Sen, and the crew of the airship Everness. 

Can they rescue Everett's father and get the Infundibulum to safety? The game is afoot!

Their review said "young readers will find hard to put down" and the novel has "top notch dialogue." It must have been a nice compliment because the author himself wrote a guest post where he discusses why he likes creating alternate worlds over alternate histories.

Paradox news

Two big Paradox announcements for fans of grand strategy games. First, Crusader Kings II: The Republic Expansion was released on Tuesday.

Crusader Kings II: The Republic introduces the great merchant Republics of medieval Europe as playable entities for the first time. A fresh, new experience from playing as a feudal region in Crusader Kings II, players adopt the role as the head, or Patrician, of one of the great merchant families of medieval Europe: Venice, Genoa, Pisa, Gotland and the Hansa. Build trade posts and expand your mercantile empire by controlling the sea-lanes and coasts of Europe... and defend it against rival Patricians, Republics and greedy feudal lords.

Check out the launch trailer:

Crusader Kings II: The Republic is out now from all major digital download portals for $9.99. Patch 1.09 for Crusader Kings II has also been released today.

Next, armies are on the move in new March of the Eagles video developer diary. March of the Eagles is a strategy wargame set in the turbulent Napoleonic Wars. You can lead any of the dozens of European powers in a quest to establish yourself as the most dominant power on land and sea. Take control of any one nation of Europe in this geopolitical barfight, dispatch armies and envoys, raid supply lines, form coalitions and get with the times, already.

Published on the official forums, these developer diaries gave details on the major nations, the art of Napoleonic combat, the subtle game of diplomacy and how to master the seas among other topics. Read all the March of the Eagles developer diaries here.

Now the development team has released their first video developer diary. This three minute video shows the map changing through seasons and other on screen action as Designer Chris King walks you through the finer points of the supply system in March of the Eagles. Learn how this two tiered model of feeding and arming your troops can lead to difficult decisions about what to build and where to expand.

With its early 2013 release soon upon us, it is time to learn all you can about the field of battle and how to keep your armies from wasting away on the Russian steppe.

Things to do

I know not all alternate historians like steampunk, but here is something that should make everyone happy. The guest of honor for Steamcon V (Oct 25-27, Bellevue, WA) is none other then S.M. Stirling! He is the author of one of my favorite alternate history books The Peshawar Lancers, which does not get enough credit as a steampunk work...until now.

Meanwhile, Tor has come up with a good list of steampunk conventions in case you are interested in learning what the big deal is with this whole literary/aethstetic movement. Apparently IBM thinks its a big deal (more tomorrow on that story).

Interested in a little magic? Kim Harrison will be doing a book tour for her new novel Ever After, the 11th book in the Hollows series. You can find the full details from Harper Voyager.

Have fun!

Call for Submissions

Two new announcements for the past-oriented writer. First, the award winning dynamic duo, Ann & Jeff VanderMeer, have put out a call for stories for the Time Traveler’s Almanac a time travel anthology. Deadline is Feb 28 and the word count max is 10,000.

Then we have something fun for the people who like the pillage and plunder on the high seas. Kerlak Publishing is looking for pirate stories between 2k and 9k words. Deadline is June 15.

Need some advice? Well since any period drama needs good language you should check out How to make sure the language in your historical fantasy novel is period-accurate by Lauren Davis at io9. Also are you have trouble selling your manuscript? Well maybe you are ready for self-publishing. Make sure, however, you first read Five Signs You Should Self Publish by James Palmer at Amazing Stories.

Good luck!

New Releases

Paperback

The Nanking War by Ryan McCall
The Nanking War is a work of alternate history, a scenario that would lead to the Japanese atrocities at Nanking being even more exposed to the world at large and leading to a war by the western powers to aid China against Japan.

E-books

Barbarossa Reloaded by A non
An alternative military history of the war on the Eastern Front in Russia in World War Two.

Rink Rash by James Desborough
After the a-bombs dropped at the end of WWII the world was shattered. A rock-and-roll post-apocalypse emerges from the glowing ashes and with it a new sport, a violent version of roller derby.

Shadows Will Fall: The Spear of Destiny: Part Three of Three by Trey Garrison.
Part Three of three in The Spear of Destiny, the steampunk, horror, alternate history, action-adventure series set in a 1920s where the Nazis have begun their subjugation of the world using the occult, advanced science, and a holy relic with awesome powers.

Something In The Blood by M, J. Kukla
It’s Halloween night 1943 and Hollywood’s original vampire Bela Lugosi is alone and broke and involved in yet another badly written vampire movie. Lugosi longs for his days of glory as a star of Broadway and film and decides the only way back is to find his old friend and "Dracula" director Tod Browning, a Wes Craven-style film director, who disappeared mysteriously from Hollywood in 1939.

Audio

Dawn Crescent by David Dvorkin
In 1991, at the beginning of Desert Storm, the defeat of American forces at the battle of Khafji is the signal for a broad and bloodily successful anti-Western uprising. In this alternate history, America faces endless war in the Middle East, a resurgent Soviet Union, and growing tyranny at home.

Links to the Multiverse

Articles

6 Ridiculous Myths About the Middle Ages Everyone Believes by Steve Kolenberg at Cracked.

An alternate history of Super Bowl matchups by Daniel Krook.

Do you like alternate history stories? by videomonkey at Seriously, I'd pay good money to read this.

How to Not Be Steampunk by Austin Sirkin at Steampunk R&D.

New royal succession law despite MP's Kaiser warning by Tim Iredale at BBC.

On This Spot, In 1753, Nothing Happened. Or Alternatively, It Did at Gentlemen and Tarpaulins.

PayPal Apologizes For Freezing Science Fiction Writer Jay Lake’s Cancer Fundraiser, Promises Greater Transparency by Anthony Ha at TC.

Ryan Gosling Was Nearly A Member Of The Backstreet Boys by Josh Kurp at Uproxx.

Book News

2013 Lesbian Fiction Appreciation Event: Heather Massey on Lesbian Steampunk by KB/KT Grant at Babbling About Books and More.

TOC: ‘Clockwork Phoenix 4′ Edited by Mike Allen at SF Signal.

Book Reviews

The Alchemist of Souls by Anne Lyle at The Ranting Dragon.

The Iron Wyrm Affair by Lillith Saintcrow at Literary Escapism.

Osama by Lavie Tidhar at The Guardian.

A Perfect Blood by Kim Harrison at SF Signal.

The Rise of Ransom City by Felix Gilman at Steampunk Scholar.

Comics

Frederick the Great: A Collective of Unconscionables by The Gentleman Scholars at Kickstarter.

Films

6 Deleted Backstories That Totally Change Classic Movies by Robin Warder and Patrick Thomas at Cracked.

Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar: 10 Things You Need To Know by T.J. Barnard at What Culture!

Porn Star Wants to Make Steampunk Western with Your Money by Luke Y. Thompson at Topless Robot.

A Stylish and Whimsical Steampunk Short about the Wheel that Runs the World by Lauren Davis at io9.

Games

PC Specs for BioShock Infinite Announced by Soulfinger at Geek Syndicate.

Total War Rome II Announce Rather Cool Looking Wiki at Mark Lord's Praeter Naturam.

Interviews

John Birmingham at SF Signal.

Gail Carriger at Publishers Weekly.

Television

6 Things to Know About Revolution's Return by Natalie Abrams at TV Guide.

* * *

Matt Mitrovich is the founder and editor of Alternate History Weekly Update, a blogger on Amazing Stories and a volunteer editor for Alt Hist magazine. His fiction can be found at Echelon Press, Jake's Monthly and The Were-Traveler. When not writing he works as an attorney, enjoys life with his beautiful wife Alana and prepares for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. You can follow him on Facebook or Twitter.

Paradox announces Crusader Kings II: The Republic expansion and March of Eagles trailer

I am big fan of Paradox games. Most alternate history games out there are mediocre in their storytelling, but the Paradox grand strategy games give you the opportunity to play out your own scenarios. So with that said, here is some news on upcoming titles:

Capitalism Reigns as Crusader Kings II: The Republic Expansion is Announced 

Not of royal blood? Not a problem! Money-making merchants are the order of the day as Paradox Interactive and Paradox Development Studios today announced Crusader Kings II: The Republic expansion. The great medieval mercantile republics are given the (trade) stamp of approval in the third expansion of the critically acclaimed Strategy/RPG Crusader Kings II.

Trade trumps bloodline in this latest expansion, as players will experience a whole new style of game based on playing as the head of a Patrician family of in one of the great Merchant Republics. Take control of the seas to expand and defend your trading empire, survive feuds with rival families and and plot to seize their Trade Posts.

Crusader Kings II: The Republic introduces a silk route’s wealth of new features, including lobbying to become Doge, where investing money in the campaign coffers will make up for lack of family ties and prestige. Cold hard cash is king here, may the richest man win!

Crusader Kings II: The Republic expansion will release in Q1 2013 on all major digital download portals for $9.99 USD. Here are few things you can expect from the new expansion:

• Experience a new and different type of game by playing as one of the great merchant republics of Venice, Genoa, Pisa, the Hanseatic League or Gotland.
• As the head of a Patrician family, you must guide your Republican dynasty through fortune and misfortune in a world dominated by kings and emperors.
• Build Trade Posts and expand your mercantile empire by controlling the sea lanes and coasts of Europe... and defend it against rival Patricians, Republics and greedy feudal lords.
• Improve your trade posts and your prestigious family palace with dozens of unique new buildings.
• Compete in the Doge elections, compensating for lack of age and prestige by investing money in your campaign fund.
• Survive feuds with other Patrician families and plot to seize trade posts from your rivals; new plot and many special events for characters in the Republics.
• New Republican skin for the interface.
• Unique clothes and ship models for Republics.

March of the Eagles Live Gameplay Trailer Released 

Raise the regimental banner and beat the drums of war, because the holiday season is coming fast upon us and it is time to think about the important people in our lives. Our comrades in arms. Our commanders. Our Emperor. And hey, if you don’t have an emperor yet, you can become one!

Be sure to view the new March of the Eagles trailer, the war-focused strategy game from Paradox Development Studios and Paradox Interactive. Read the development diary to learn more about the game or watch the Napoleonic Era spring to bloody life in the new March of the Eagles trailer:

On Thursday, December 13 at 7 p.m. GMT / 11 a.m. PST, Chris King, Game Designer at Paradox Development Studio will stream live game footage on the official Paradox Twitch TV channel. This is a chance for you to see what the premier developer of historical strategy games has in store for you early next year.

March of the Eagles is a strategy wargame set in the turbulent Napoleonic Wars. You can lead any of dozens of European powers in a quest to establish yourself as the most dominant power on land and sea. Take control of any one nation of Europe in this geopolitical barfight, dispatch armies and envoys, raid supply lines, form coalitions and get with the times, already.

He who fears being conquered is sure of defeat. You keep that in mind, because the March of the Eagles will be advancing on all fronts in Q1 2013 on all major digital download portals.

* * *

Matt Mitrovich is the founder and editor of Alternate History Weekly Update and a volunteer editor for Alt Hist magazine. His fiction can be found at Echelon Press, Jake's Monthly and The Were-Traveler. When not writing he works as an attorney, enjoys life with his beautiful wife Alana and prepares for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. You can follow him on Facebook or Twitter.