Dwarves vs. Easterlings (600 Points) - Sieze the Plunder

Flói rushed towards where Balin & Gimli were talking quietly, who stopped and turned to look at Flói when he approached. “Balin, Gimli. There are Easterlings approaching the river ahead. They appear to be interested in the goods that we found there. We must secure it before they can.” Balin nodded thoughtfully, before Gimli spoke. “Gather the Dwarves. Our axes will taste Easterling blood.”

Forces:

Good:

Gimli, 6 Dwarf Warriors with Shields, 5 Khâzad guard, and 1 Dwarf Warrior with Banner

Balin, 6 Dwarf Warriors with Shields, and 6 Khâzad guard

Dwarf Captain with Shield (Flói), and 12 Dwarf Warriors with Dwarf Bows

Evil:

Easterling Captain, and 8 Black Dragon Warriors with Shields

Easterling Captain, and 8 Black Dragon Warriors with Shields

Easterling Captain, 7 Black Dragon Warriors with Shields and Pikes, and 1 Black Dragon Warrior with Banner

Easterling War Priest, and 12 Black Dragon Warriors with Bows

Scenario:

Seize the Plunder

Flói’s archers marched forwards, their eyes on the nearby ford and Easterling archers. “Black Dragons,” hissed Balin, as his and Gimli’s Dwarves advance across the bridge and leapt over the river. The War Priest uttered words of the Black Speech, before moving to join the phalanx that had formed, standing behind the fluttering banner.

A volley of arrows flew through the air, a trio of Easterling archers falling, whilst the Dwarves thick armour protected them from harm.

A Dwarf collapsed, an arrow in his neck, uttering strangled noises, with an Easterling being slain in return. Gimli growled; some of the goods had been taken by the enemy, although they’d managed to secure two. “Barak Khâzad!” yelled Balin, and the Dwarves crashed into the Easterling line. Balin and Gimli quickly sought out the enemy leaders, each engaging a Captain.

The Dwarf archers, attempting to secure the Dwarves right flank, slew another 4 of the enemy bowmen with a deadly volley, the four returning arrows claiming a single Dwarf. Swirling melee erupted, Axe and blade being stopped by shield or armour. Balin grimaced as a blade swept under his shoulder, fatally wounding, but not killing, him. The Khâzad Guard showed why they were chosen for their duty, as four Easterlings were slain, to a single Dwarf.

Balin and Gimli both surged forwards, Gimli skilfully throwing an axe into the Captain, fatally wounding him. Their followers quickly leapt into the battle, whilst the plunder was being safely carried away, by both forces. Another, smaller, Dwarven volley flew into the air, and one of the Easterling thieves was slain. Archers attacked bowmen as the Easterlings dropped their bows to attack the nearby Dwarves, one of the Black Dragons beheading a Dwarf.

With three mighty yells, Balin’s axe struck the Easterling captain twice, and the leader of the men fell to the floor. Both Dwarves and men lacked the stomach for a prolonged fight, but Gimli managed to slay the evil captain he was fighting, with only a single Dwarf and Man dying elsewhere.

“Hold them!” shouted Flói, as the Dwarves attempted to break past the Easterlings. “Cowards!” yelled a Dwarf as one of the Easterlings fled to retrieve the fallen goods. Another Dwarf archer fell at the ford, as the last captain gave a mighty yell of “For Sauron!” his blade piercing the thick Dwarven armour of Balin, slaying the Dwarf. The Easterlings killed in the Dwarves blazing fury was little to make up for the loss of one so mighty.

“Reform!” the War Priest cried over the screams of the dying and clash of metal on metal, and the Easterlings fell back. The Dwarves had managed to escape with some of the goods, and the army hit the reformed line of Easterlings. A trio of Dwarf arrows flew into the neck of an Easterling thief, slaying the wicked man.

Gimli and three other Dwarves surrounded a Black Dragon, easily killing him. Flói grinned as he killed an Easterling, his axe flying through the man’s neck. The first Khâzad Guard fell, although his death was avenged, as another man fell. At the ford, two more Dwarves were slain, their body’s swept away downstream.

The two Easterling thieves fled, realising their allies had been killed by archers, and didn’t want to suffer the same fate. The Easterling Captain’s blade burned hot, easily slicing through the armour of a Khâzad Guard. Another Easterling fell in revenge.

A Dwarf archer fell in combat against two of the enemy archers, but was avenged by his allies. The burning hatred of the Easterlings met the fearsome rage of the Dwarves as the men stormed forwards.

The Easterling Captain’s blade was still steaming from the heat pouring out of it, but Gimli carved through his shield, wounding the man. An Eastern Warrior and Khâzad were thrown into the river, their bodies sinking to the depths. Realising death was imminent, an Easterling archer fled, drowning in the river. The War Priest groaned as an axe bit into his leg, and he limped backwards, but Dwarves were dying all around.

A Dwarf grabbed some of the plunder, and ran towards the Easterling encampment as he escaped the battle. The Easterling Captain, War Priest, and Banner bearer were all slain in the swirling melee, and their army fled.

- Evil broken – 3 victory points to good

- 2 objectives carried off side – 6 victory points to good

- 1 objective carried off enemy board edge – 5 victory points to good

- Enemy leader slain – 3 victory points to good

- No victory points to evil

- 17-0 to good

Good victory!

The Beacons are Lit! - The Fiefdoms vs. Mordor

The sound of Orc Horns and War Drums pounded in the ears of the men of Gondor. Hirluin glanced at the Beacons before turning back to Duilin and Derufin. “Are you sure there is no other way?” he asked them. Duilin nodded, and Angbor, the grim leader of Lamedon spoke up. “Then we have no choice, we must fight our way through. For Gondor!” He leapt out of the tent, followed by Golasgil, Hirluin, Duilin and Derufin. “As Gondor’s peril worsens, so we must fight before Minas Tirith is even besieged.” Golasgil muttered to Hirluin. “Aye,” he replied. “But they will not defeat us. Not while we fight.”

Scenario – Reconnoitre, 600 Points:

This scenario pitches the armies of the Fiefdoms, who are marching to defend Minas Tirith, against an Orc ambush. This is my first game using the Warband system, and I haven’t bought the books yet, just using what I know. Images will come after the report.

Forces:

Good:

Warband 1:

Hirluin the Fair (Leader)

12 Warriors of Pinnath Gelin/

Warband 2:

Angbor the Fearless

12 Clansmen of Lamedon

Warband 3:

Duilin and Derufin of Blackroot Vale

12 Blackroot Vale Archers

Warband 4:

Golasgil, Lord of Anfalas

6 Household Guard

Total – 46; Break Point – 23

Evil:

Warband 1:

Shagrat (Leader)

6 Mordor Uruk-Hai with Shields

Mordor Troll

Warband 2:

Gorbag

6 Orc Warriors with Shields

6 Orc Warriors with Spears

Warband 3:

Orc Captain with Shield

6 Orc Warriors with Shields

6 Orc Warriors with Spears

Warband 4:

Morannon Orc Captain with Shield

6 Morannon Orcs with Shields

6 Morannon Orcs with Shields

Total – 47; Break Point – 24

The Orcs under Gorbag’s command scout the area where they place their ambush, confusion filling their ranks when the Gondorian Warriors are nowhere to be seen. Order was quickly restored when Clansmen, Archers and the Household Guard were spotted. In his bloodlust, Gorbag forced his soldiers forwards, followed by Shagrat’s Uruk-Hai and the Morannon Orcs. The Orcs continued to march forward, the last of the ranks joining the fray. The Warriors of the Fiefdoms continued their long journey, joined by Hirluin and his Warriors. A volley of arrows flew through the air, one thudding into an Orc’s shield.

The Household Guard marched towards the lumbering troll, whilst Angbor prepared his clansmen to fight Gorbag’s rabble. Two Uruk-Hai were shot in the eye by the Archers of Blackroot Vale, Golasgil yelling encouragement at his men as the threat was reduced. The Clansmen and Warriors of Pinnath Gelin formed a line, ready to receive Gorbag’s rabble, the Morannon Orcs running to help. Shagrat gave a mighty cry as Fate protected him from an arrow, but another thudded into his arm, wounding him. The Troll howled as an arrow sliced into its eye, as another Uruk-Hai fell.

The Household Guard retreated to the archers of the Blackroot Vale, as the Troll howled in pain agony, an arrow in its stomach. The Orcs crashed into the Warriors of Pinnath Gelin, as another two arrows hit Shagrat, stopped by his armour. The Orc assault lacked the energy it required, as 3 Orcs were bought down, one valiant Warrior slain in return.

The Orcs tried to keep what little momentum they had left, Hirluin and Gorbag giving mighty cries, but the Warriors of Pinnath Gelin charged into the Orcs. 3 Arrows from the Archers of Blackroot Vale found their targets, and three Orcs fell to the ground, lifeless. Four Orcs and three Uruks were slain, but four Warriors of Pinnath Gelin, three Archers of Blackroot Vale, two crushed under the Troll, and one Clansman of Lamedon would never reach Minas Tirith. The smell of blood was heavy in the air; sixteen Orcs lay dead, as did nine men of Gondor. Of the Uruk-Hai, only Shagrat remained.

The Men gained momentum as they crashed against the Orcs. Derufin and Hirluin gave Heroic cries, as the Orc Captain and Gorbag did the same. Men and Orcs leapt at each other. Gorbag stalked towards Angbor and his group of Clansmen, the Household Guard surrounding the Troll. The Morannon Orc Captain gave a mighty swing of his weapon, chopping through a Warrior of Pinnath Gelin before decapitating a Clansman. Derufin was beheaded. The Household Guard proved why they had been chosen, their blades biting deep into the Troll’s flesh, slaying it. Seven Men, including Derfuin had been slain, but seven Orcs and the Troll were lying in the mud, never to move again.

With revenge spurring them on Angbor yelled at Gorbag, his cry drowning out the Orc’s, as Golasgil also drowned out the Orc Captain. The Men smash into the Orcs, bloodlust consuming their thoughts, a single Clansman running to try and get reinforcements from Minas Tirith. Hirluin leapt at the Morannon Orc Captain. Gorbag wounded the Fearless Angbor, but Fate abandoned him, choosing to protect the Morannon Orc Captain instead. A single Morannon Orc had fallen, but four men had been slain.

The Orcs leapt into action, Duilin yelling over Shagrat, both giving orders. One of the Household Guard also began running to Minas Tirith, as two Orcs leapt pass the Men, ready to spring the trap. Fate protected Hirluin, as the swirling melee continued to leave fallen Warriors. Four Orcs and an Archer were slain.

Shagrat and Golasgil barked orders at their followers, as the Morannon Orc Captain did the same, but Golasgil kept the men under control. Nine Orcs fled as their leaders were assaulted from all angles. Angbor’s blade swept clean through Gorbag’s neck. Another Orc and Men fell, but it was enough, and the Orcs fled.

Victory Points:

Good:

- Broke enemy army, without being broken – 3 Points.

- Wounded enemy leader (once) – 1 Point.

- No escaped models – 0 Points.

Evil:

- Didn’t break enemy army – 0 Points.

- Didn’t wound enemy leader – 0 Points.

- No escaped models – 0 Points.

Good: 4 – Evil: 0.

After Battle Thoughts:

Good:

Man (Men) of the Match has to go to the Archers of Blackroot Vale. They killed half of the Uruk-Hai before they could reach the lines, as well as wounding the Troll twice. They then killed plenty of Orcs in combat, wounding Shagrat twice as well! (Even though one was saved by Fate). The banner re-rolls proved invaluable, although not being outnumbered probably helped (hooray for Angbor killing Gorbag!)

Evil:

Curse those arrows! Those cowardly humans use pesky bows to shoot at me instead of fighting with honour! (Not that Orcs have much honour). I just couldn’t break through the ranks of men, the Household Guard swept through the flank, whilst Archers killed the rabble in close combat! Archers!

The Clansmen finished burning the bodies of those dead, leaving the Orcs, as Duilin helped Derufin onto a horse. Derufin had not actually been behead, an Archer had leapt past him pushing him to the ground and knocking him unconscious. “I thought you were dead,” Duilin spoke softly. “Nay,” Derufin replied. “It is not my time to die yet, but I fear that I will not live to return home.” Angbor walked over to them, his face grim. “Against the armies that have gathered in the East victory is merely a break between battles. I will take my men to fight the Black Fleet. Death is close.” His speech was as grim as his face.

The Survivors:

The Cursed Path to Moria - Dwarves vs. Haradrim

“We’ve spotted a Haradrim Camp across the plains, Balin,” Múrin told Balin. “We came back to warn you of the danger.” Balin looked troubled by the idea of Haradrim being this far North. “They fly the banners of the Serpent Lord and the Merchant King.” Balin sighed, turning to face Múrin. “Prepare the troops for battle,” he ordered, and Múrin nodded. “I will cut through their army by myself if it means we will reach Moria.”

Scenario – Contest of Champions:

Forces:

Good:

- Balin (Leader)

- Múrin and Drár

- The Raiders of Moria – 24 Dwarf Warriors with Shields

- The Goblin Hunters – 16 Dwarf Warriors with Dwarf Bows

- Balin’s Guard – 7 Khâzad Guard

- Balin’s Herald – 1 Dwarf Warrior with Banner

Evil:

- The Golden King (Leader)

- Suludân

- The Serpent’s Champion – Haradrim King with War Spear on Horse

- The Knight’s of the Serpent – 6 Haradrim Raiders with War Spears

- The Spear’s of the Serpent – 6 Serpent Guard

- The Abrakhân Rabble – 30 Haradrim Warriors with Spears

- The Scorpion Archers – 21 Haradrim Warriors with Bows

Deployment:

The Haradrim Archers split into a group of 7 and 14, the group of 14 deploying North, the group of 7 deploying South, whilst the rest of the army formed ranks in the centre, the cavalry behind the infantry.

All but two of the Dwarf archers deployed in the North with Drár, the two archers left deploying South. 5 Dwarf Warriors also went North, the rest deploying with Balin, Múrin and the banner in the South.

The Haradrim marched forwards at a word from their leaders, the Knight’s of the Serpent and the Serpent’s Champion loitering at the back so as not to be shot at. The Dwarves steadily walked towards them, bows raised to prepare a volley. 3 poison tipped arrows hit their targets, one piercing the armour of a Raider of Moria, whilst Drár’s expert shooting killed a Scorpion Archer, one of the Abrakhân Rabble also lay dead. Balin nodded as he saw this, glad his comrade had been avenged.

One of the Southern Archers was too scared to climb over the hedge in his way, leaving his friend by himself as his allies marched forwards, and found himself being yelled at by Balin. Another of the Abrakhân Rabble fell to the Goblin Hunters, but the Dwarves were protected by their thick armour.

The lonely Dwarf, realising he’d been abandoned, rolled clumsily over the hedge to try and catch the others up, as they continued their marching. Another Raider of Moria was slain by a poisoned arrow, but not before five of the Abrakhân Rabble were slain, one by Drár.

The Haradrim reformed their lines after their recent casualties, as the Dwarves spread out, revealing their true number. The Spear’s of the Serpent did not falter, ready to lead by example. Drár raised his voice to be heard over the pounding of feet, “Bring down the riders! Do not let them reach our lines!” The blood-curdling cry of a Khâzad Guard filled the air as poison made its way through his body, and he collapsed on the floor. Another Dwarf cried out as well, as the Scorpion Archers in the North killed another. The Dwarf was avenged, as five of the Goblin Hunters shot the Haradrim, an arrow shooting into his eye. Drár’s bow pierced the flank of a horse, crushing the rider under the weight, and the Dwarf army laughed at the pathetic Haradrim. This distracted the remainder of his archers, who only managed to kill another horse and one of the Abrakhân Rabble.

The Dwarves raised their shields as the Haradrim crashed into them, the Golden King and Suludân at each flank. Drár grinned – a perfect opportunity to shoot the Haradrim Raiders. The Southern Scorpion Archers aimed their bows at the closest Dwarves, shrugging their shoulders casually as their arrows pierced the thin cloth of the Haradrim Warrior they fighting. One of the Northern Dwarves was also slain, leaving one by himself. Drár killed another rider, as the Goblin Hunters killed the dismounted rider and 2 more of the Scorpion Archers. The Golden King killed a Khâzad Guard, whilst Balin beat back his opponent. A trapped Haradrim Warrior went into a frenzy, beating off three Dwarves and slaying one. 3 Khâzad Guard had fallen, taking 3 Haradrim Warriors and a Serpent Guard with them.

Balin watched the frenzied Haradrim leap at the Dwarves around him, as the Knight’s of the Serpent charged into a few unlucky Dwarves. Drár watched the lonely Dwarf deflect the blades of three Haradrim archers with his shield, as arrows flew through the air. Three Dwarf archers were slain, two of the Haradrim shot down in return. Balin and the Golden King both gave mighty cries as they launched into combat. Balin gave a mighty heave of his axe in the attempt to slay the Haradrim Warrior he was fighting, but failed miserably. The Golden King, however, showed his enemies what he’s made of, killing two of the Raiders of Moria. Múrin’s strength also left him, as the Haradrim he fought proved too tough. The Haradrim, inspired by the Dwarves complete lack of strength, went on to kill the final 3 Khâzad Guard and 3 of the Raiders of Moria, losing two Warriors in return.

Kill count: Golden King – 3, Balin – 0.

Both heroes are left on 1 Might, they called Heroic Combats and Balin used a Might Point to win the Fight. The Dwarves need to get the archers into combat – their line has crumbled after losing 6 of their number. Múrin needs to perform Heroic combats with Balin, to help raise the kills, and the Haradrim need to press their advantage.

The Good side has lost 20 models – another 6 and they’ll be broken.

The Evil side has lost 25 models – another 8 and they’ll be broken.

The Dwarves surged forward, but they’d lost the stomach for a fight. Drár “Sharpshooter” led his archers towards the fight, four heading towards the Scorpion archers. The Haradrim counter-attacked, arrows flying through the air, the single Dwarf arrow failing to hit anything, and the Haradrim arrows unable to pierce the armour of the Dwarves. The Golden King and Balin gave another mighty cry as they attempted to carve their way through the enemy army. Two Dwarves were slain, leaving the Herald of Balin vulnerable, whilst Balin killed a Haradrim Warrior. Múrin also kills a Haradrim Warrior, Suludân killing two Dwarf Archers in return, with 2 Serpent Guard, 2 Haradrim Warriors and 3 Dwarves also falling.

The Dwarves start to lose hope, both Múrin and the Serpent’s Champion giving heroic shouts in an attempt to motivate their armies, the Champion’s slightly louder. Balin uses some of his willpower to stop himself being bribed. Drár challenged the Serpent Lord to single combat, as Balin ran to save his herald. Three Dwarf archers fled, the last sacrificing himself in an attempt to delay Haradrim reinforcements, slaying one as he did. Blade deflected axe, as the Serpent Lord barely managed to beat back his rival, wounding him twice with a mighty cry. Destiny decided Drár was still needed, and protected him. Balin ripped through one of the Southerners, as the Golden King killed his herald. 3 Dwarves fell, as did a Haradrim Raider, 3 Warriors and one of the Serpent Guard.

Kill Count: Golden King – 6, Balin – 2.

Neither hero has any Might Points, Balin has 1 Will, Múrin has lost a Might Point, Drár a Fate and a Wound, whilst the Haradrim King and Suludân are both on 1 Might. The Dwarf Banner Bearer was slain, but both forces are broken, and the Golden King has all his Will Points remaining.

The Haradrim King, the Serpent Lord, Múrin and Drár all shout loudly, but the Southerners have the louder voices, and they barely rally their troops before attacking the enemy. 3 Dwarves turn and run, with no Haradrim fleeing. Balin leaps at the Golden King, as Suludân is surrounded by angry Dwarves and Drár. Múrin was protected by his shield, when four of the Haradrim and the Serpent’s Champion attacked him. Drár gave two Mighty cries, his axe beheading the ill-fated Serpent Lord, whilst Balin wounds a fated Golden King. 3 Dwarves and 3 Haradrim also fell in combat.

Múrin gave another mighty cry, as he launched himself at the Serpent’s Champion, Balin attacking some of the Southerners as a Dwarf sacrificed himself to the Golden King. 8 Haradrim fled at the sight of the Serpent Lords corpse, but the rest attempted to avenge their lord. The Golden King easily killed the sacrifice, whilst Balin was cut down by vengeful Haradrim, fate unable to help him from the multiple poisoned wounds. 3 Haradrim fell in revenge, one from Drár, but it was too late – the Dwarves turned and fled.

At this point the game ended, as Evil had a Major Victory and Good could do nothing about it.

Final Kill Count:

Golden King – 7, Balin – 2.

Evil Major Victory.

Warrior of the match goes to.... Drár!

Not only did Drár kill more Warriors than the Champion, Balin, but he also managed to kill Suludân.

Dwarves:

Thoughts:

That wasn’t the plan. Drár’s final kill count was 6 or 7, so he would have been a better champion than Balin. Next time I’ll throw my archers into combat sooner, so that they’ll have the chance to help surround the enemy, or just stick them in my shield-wall and swarm the enemy. Múrin and Drár proved that they are incredibly good support heroes, and I needed to bait the Haradrim into coming after me, to allow the archers to trap them. All in all it was a good game and the Haradrim deserved the win they got, although their ability to win tied fights when the Fight Value was equal was incredibly annoying. I may take out 4 of the archers and replace them with Dwarves with Shields. Splitting up the archers would also have helped, maybe into a group of 11 with Drár, and a group of 5.

Plans for the future:

Múrin and Drár are staying in the army, I’ll probably replace Balin and the Banner Bearer with the King’s Champion, or switch to Khâzad-Dum and use Flói, a King’s Champion and either Mardin or a Dwarf Captain with Shield. Also, some Iron Guard will come in handy; I’ve played against them with Haradrim and seen the devastation they can cause to a Haradrim army.

Harad:

Thoughts:

The plan kind of worked, the Dwarves were meant to trap my warriors so I could charge them with my Raiders, but the Haradrim killed too many too quickly. I liked the combination of heroes, backed up by a horde of warriors, worked well. The Serpent Guard proved useful, as did the Golden King. I took a risk with my Haradrim archers, by staying in a shooting war, but in the end it paid off. I still should have moved them towards the combats sooner – I’ll blame the hedge that was in the way. I may have to take out one of the archers though and use the points to buy others spears. Admittedly it would only have helped a couple of times but it may have been necessary, and so that will be sorted out soon. Balin did have a bit of bad luck, using a might point to win a Heroic Combat and then failing to wound, as well as being killed by a Serpent Guard. I should’ve made Múrin or Drár flee when I had the chance, but I wanted to remove Balin, who kept rolling high for his courage rolls (8 or 9). Both of our armies were heavily reduced, and if it was a war of attrition it would have been close, but in the end it was who’s Champion had the most kills, and that was the Golden King, so victory went to the Haradrim.

Plans for the future:

I need something that can crack open heavily armoured units, and while the Raiders do that half the time, more is needed. I may drop a couple of Haradrim Raiders, or downgrade the King to a Captain, take some spears on the Haradrim archers and add in some Merchant Guard. The Chop! Special rule of the Golden King proved invaluable (along with his many attacks). A Wraith may have helped in some situations (such as sapping Balin’s Will), but I don’t think it’s necessary for my army yet.

“Take it,” the Golden King said to the Abrakhân Rabble. They obeyed and quickly picked up the corpse of Balin, giving the axe to the King, who turned his iron gaze upon the Serpent’s Champion. “Do you swear loyalty to me?” he asked the Champion, who nodded gravely. “Good. Now I want you to take his mask,” the Golden King pointed at the head of the previous Serpent Lord. “You are to take his place, and become the new Serpent Lord.” He hid his smile and the Champion walked over to the head, taking the mask as he was told. “Today has been a profitable day, for the both of us.” The Champion nodded and the Golden King was carried away from him.

“Dain said reclaiming Moria would be a bad idea,” Múrin said to Drár as they watched the Dwarf survivors flee to the Lonely Mountain. “It’s just as well we warned them about the Haradrim Camp, otherwise they’d all be dead or slaves, at least this way a few of them have been spared,” Drár replied as they spotted the Haradrim Camp. Drár gave a howl of grief and anger and charged towards it. “Drár!” Múrin called after him. “Drár! Come back! Drár!” He muttered a curse under his breath, and charged after Drár.