Battle of Scarif - Star Wars Battle Report

Got together today with Dan Kerrick, Roy Scaife and Matt Hilzendrager to play test Dan's Battle of Scarif game.  While this is still a bit of a work in progress ... the majority of the stuff is done and Dan has brought together an excellent game here.  Dan will be running this game a DundraCon in February.  We'll see this again for another play test.

Not being very happy with the Star Wars Legion rules we've taken the tried and true approach of modifying Bolt Action to work for Star Wars - using the Legion rules/unit stats as inspiration for the adaptation.  More on this in a future post ... but in short, this worked really well for this game.

The rebels start with two identical groups that start off on each of the two small islands.  Each group has 2 infantry sections (7 figures each) and a single RT walker.  An additional RT walker comes in at the end of turn 3.  The rebels also get air support from Blue Squadron each turn.

The Imperial forces start on the large islands.  Each force has 2 sections with 8 miniatures each.  Reinforcements arrive via the bunker on each large island.  From each bunker (1 on each large island) 2 additional sections with 6 figure each arrive.  Imperial infantry units recycle from the bunker the turn after they are destroyed.  At the end of turn 3 an AT-ACT arrives and moves diagonally across the table.  It provides additional jump off points for recycled units as well as fire support from the super-heavy laser cannons mounted on the head of the walker.

The game went well ... with the edge going to the Imperial forces near the end.  We took tons of notes to update the rules and modify the scenario but we all had a blast(er)!

TONS of pictures below ...

I pulled out my nice camera and zoom lens and went to work!  Lots of close up shots below ...

Phone pictures below ...

Battle of the Pelennor Fields

Spurred on by a reinvigorated line from Games Workshop and breaking many vows to never give them any more of my money, I have decided to work towards my LOTR objectives/games.

I've always wanted to do the Battle of the Pelennor fields and strangely enough have found myself with all the miniatures necessary to do it (using the War of the Ring mass battle rules) and about 1/2 of the miniatures already painted!  So, I decided to get off my butt and work out what this game would look like ...

To start though ... some (phone camera) eye candy on several in progress and finish items ...

Battlefield & Troop Dispositions

I did up a map ... and the talented David S. is already at work to make my fur mat for the tabletop.  I'll be scratch building the Minas Tirith walls using foamboard.

Battlefield Map & Troop Dispositions

An extensive order of battle is listed below.  As you can see this is a large undertaking.  If you are not familiar, a "company" of infantry is 8 figures while a "company" of cavalry is 2 figures (again, using the War of the Ring rules).

Garrison of Minas Tirith

(98 Figures + 6 War Machines – 720 points)

Main Gate (32 Figures – 150 points)

• Citadel Guards – 2 Companies (16 Figures – 2 x 35 = 70 points)
• Citadel Guards with Longbows – 1 Company (8 Figures – 1 x 40 = 40 points)
• Citadel Guards with Longbows – 1 Company (8 Figures – 1 x 40 = 40 points)

Left Ramparts (33 Figures + 3 War Machines – 285 points)

• Minas Tirith Archers – 1 Company (8 Figures – 1 x 30 = 30 points)
• Minas Tirith Archers – 1 Company (8 Figures – 1 x 30 = 30 points)
• Minas Tirith Warriors – 1 Company (8 Figures – 1 x 25 = 25 points)
• Avenger Bolt Thrower – 1 Company (3 Figures + 1 War Machine – 1 x 50 = 50 points)
• Avenger Bolt Thrower – 1 Company (3 Figures + 1 War Machine – 1 x 50 = 50 points)
• Battlecry Trebuchet – 1 Company (3 Figures + 1 War Machine – 1 x 100 = 100 points)

Right Ramparts (33 Figures + 3 War Machines – 285 points)

• Minas Tirith Archers – 1 Company (8 Figures – 1 x 30 = 30 points)
• Minas Tirith Archers – 1 Company (8 Figures – 1 x 30 = 30 points)
• Minas Tirith Warriors – 1 Company (8 Figures – 1 x 25 = 25 points)
• Avenger Bolt Thrower – 1 Company (3 Figures + 1 War Machine – 1 x 50 = 50 points)
• Avenger Bolt Thrower – 1 Company (3 Figures + 1 War Machine – 1 x 50 = 50 points)
• Battlecry Trebuchet – 1 Company (3 Figures + 1 War Machine – 1 x 100 = 100 points)

Sally Forth, Men of Gondor!

(200 Figures – 1,535 points)

• Knights of Dol Amroth – 6 Companies (12 Figures – 6 x 50 = 300 points)
• Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth (125 points)
• Banner Bearer (35 points)
• Minas Tirith Knights – 6 Companies (12 Figures – 6 x 25 = 150 points)
• Captain of Minas Tirith (50 points)
• Banner Bearer (35 points)
• Warriors of Minas Tirith – 6 Companies (48 Figures – 6 x 25 = 150 points)
• Captain of Minas Tirith (50 points)
• Banner Bearer (35 points)
• Hornblower (15 points)
• Men-at-Arms of Dol Amroth – 4 Companies (32 Figures – 4 x 35 = 140 points)
• The Axemen of Lossarnach – 6 Companies (48 Figures – 6 x 25 = 150 points)
• Forlong the Fat (75 points)
• Blackroot Vale Archers – 6 Companies (48 Figures – 100 + 5 x 25 = 225 points)
• Banner Bearer (Included)
• Duinhir (Included)

The Charge of the Rohirrim

(108 Figures – 2,325 points)

Théoden’s Éored (36 Figures – 910 points)

• The King’s Guard – 6 Companies (12 Figures – No Hama – 50 + 5 x 35 = 225 points)
• Théoden, King of Rohan (125 points)
• Royal Standard (50 points)
• Riders of Rohan – 6 Companies (12 Figures – 6 x 30 = 180 points)
• Meriadoc, Esquire of Rohan (75 points)
• Éowyn, Shield-maiden of Rohan (75 points)
• Riders of Rohan – 6 Companies (12 Figures – 6 x 30 = 180 points)

Erkenbrand’s Éored (36 Figures – 700 points)

• Riders of Rohan – 9 Companies (18 Figures – 9 x 30 = 270 points)
• Erkenbrand, Captain of the Westfold (75 points)
• Riders of Rohan – 9 Companies (18 Figures – 9 x 30 = 270 points)
• Captain of Riders (50 points)
• Banner Bearer (35 points)

Éomer’s Éored (36 Figures – 715 points)

• Riders of Rohan – 9 Companies (18 Figures – 9 x 30 = 270 points)
• Éomer, Marshal of the Riddermark (90 points)
• Riders of Rohan – 9 Companies (18 Figures – 9 x 30 = 270 points)
• Captain of Riders (50 points)
• Banner Bearer (35 points)

The Arrival of the Black Fleet

(147 Figures – 1,520 points)

• Aragorn, Isildur’s Heir (1 Figure – 1 x 200 = 200 points)
• Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood (1 Figure – 1 x 200 = 200 points)
• Gimli, Son of Glóin (1 Figure – 1 x 175 = 175 points)
• The Grey Company – 6 Companies (48 Figures – 75 + 5 x 40 = 275 points)
• Halbarad (Included)
• Banner of the King (50 points)
• Elladan (35 points)
• Elrohir (35 points)
• Clansmen of Lamedon – 6 Companies (48 Figures – 6 x 30 = 180 points)
• Angbor the Fearless (75 points)
• Court of the Dead King – 6 Companies (48 Figures – 145 + 5 x 30 = 295 points)
• King of the Dead (Included)
• Banner of the Dead (Included)

The Besieging Force - Mordor & Angmar

(356 Figures + 1 Beasts + 5 War Machines – 2,495 points)

Command & Support (30 Figures + 1 Beasts + 3 War Machines – 585 points)

• Winged Nazgûl (1 Figure + 1 Beast – 1 x 250 = 250 points)
• The Witch-King of Angmar (75 points)
• Gothmog, Castellan of Minas Morgul (1 Figure – 1 x 110 = 110 points)
• Mordor Uruk-Hai Warband – 2 Companies (16 Figures – 2 x 25 = 50 points)
• War Catapult Battery – 3 Companies (12 Figures + 3 War Machines – 3 x 100 = 100 points)

Left Column (147 Figures – 915 points)

• Mordor Orc Warband with Shields – 9 Companies (72 Figures – 9 x 20 = 225 points)
• Orc Captain (50 points)
• Banner Bearer (35 points)
• Orc Taskmaster (25 points)
• Morannon Orc Warband with Shields – 9 Companies (72 Figures – 9 x 25 = 225 points)
• Orc Captain (50 points)
• Banner Bearer (35 points)
• Orc Drummer (15 points)
• Mordor Troll (1 Figure – 1 x 100 = 100 points)
• Mordor Troll (1 Figure – 1 x 100 = 100 points)
• Mordor Troll (1 Figure – 1 x 100 = 100 points)
• Siege Tower (1 War Machine – 1 x 0 = 0 points)

Right Column (179 Figures – 995 points)

• Mordor Orc Warband with Shields – 9 Companies (72 Figures – 9 x 20 = 225 points)
• Orc Captain (50 points)
• Banner Bearer (35 points)
• Orc Taskmaster (25 points)
• Morannon Orc Warband with Shields – 9 Companies (72 Figures – 9 x 25 = 225 points)
• Orc Captain (50 points)
• Banner Bearer (35 points)
• Orc Drummer (15 points)
• Mordor Orc Warband with Bows – 4 Companies (32 Figures – 4 x 20 = 80 points)
• Mordor Troll (1 Figure – 1 x 100 = 100 points)
• Mordor Troll (1 Figure – 1 x 100 = 100 points)
• Mordor Troll (1 Figure – 1 x 100 = 100 points)
• Siege Tower (1 War Machine – 1 x 0 = 0 points)

The Besieging Force - The Fallen Realms

(140 Figures + 3 War Machines – 1,580 points)

Khand (56 Figures + 4 War Machines – 825 points)

• Khandish Charioteer (1 Figure + 1 War Machine – 1 x 100 = 100 points)
• Khandish King (50 points)
• Khandish Charioteer (1 Figure + 1 War Machine – 1 x 100 = 100 points)
• Khandish Charioteer (1 Figure + 1 War Machine – 1 x 100 = 100 points)
• Khandish Mercenary Warband with Two-Handed Axes – 4 Companies (32 Figures – 4 x 25 = 100 points)
• Khandish Chieftain (50 points)
• Khandish Mercenary Warband with Bows – 2 Companies (16 Figures – 2 x 25 = 50 points)
• Khandish Mercenary Raiders – 6 Companies (12 Figures – 6 x 25 = 150 points)
• Khandish Chieftain (50 points)

Easterlings (77 Figures – 830 points)

• Amdûr, Lord of Blades (1 Figure – 1 x 165 = 165 points)
• Easterling Cohort – 6 Companies (48 Figures – 6 x 30 = 180 points)
• Easterling Captain (50 points)
• Banner Bearer (35 points)
• Dragon Knight (35 points)
• Easterling Archer Cohort – 2 Companies (16 Figures – 2 x 35 = 70 points)
• Easterling Kataphrakt Cohort – 6 Companies (12 Figures – 6 x 35 = 210 points)
• Easterling Captain (50 points)
• Banner Bearer (35 points)

The Counterattack

(105 Figures + 3 Beasts – 1,465 points)

• Haradrim Raider Warband – 6 Companies (12 Figures – 6 x 30 = 180 points)
• Suladân, the Serpent Lord (150 points)
• Serpent Rider Warband – 3 Companies (6 Figures – 3 x 30 = 90 points)
• Mahûd Rider Warband – 3 Companies (6 Figures – 3 x 35 = 105 points)
• Half Troll Warband – 2 Companies (16 Figures – 2 x 95 = 190 points)
• War Mûmak of Harad (13 Figures + 1 Beast – 1 x 250 = 250 points)
• War Mûmak of Harad (13 Figures + 1 Beast – 1 x 250 = 250 points)
• War Mûmak of Harad (13 Figures + 1 Beast – 1 x 250 = 250 points)

General Update - PacifiCon and Lord of the Rings

Hey there folks!  Wow, I've really been consumed in recent months.  What time I have gotten for hobby stuff has been packed full of making progress on multiple projects.  The good news is that while I have not blogged much, I have been making steady progress.

If you are still following this blog by some miracle ... thank you!

Lord of the Rings

An exciting new development is in the area of the Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game.  For DundraCon (February) I'll be running a game called "Charge of the Mûmaks" - in which 5 Mûmaks will be facing off against 60 mounted Rohirrum. 

I finished assembling the 5 Mûmaks and they've been sent off to the trusty Steve Dake for painting.  I did some head conversions on them to add some variation, and used the Forge World Mûmak Chieftain conversation kit for the "main" guy.  I'm working through assembling the Rohirrum now.  They will be divided into 5 groups of 12 models each (with a leader/character in each).  Theoden's retinue will be 1/2 Royal Guard, along with Gamling and Theoden himself.

Really looking forward to this game as I've been meaning to get LOTR on the tabletop for years now.

PacifiCon

I attended the PacifiCon Game Expo this year in Santa Clara, CA.  I've gone many times in the past, however last year we opted to rent a cabin in the Santa Cruz mountains and do our own thing for the weekend.  This year we headed back though.

I did have fun, but not because of the miniatures games.  We opted to "take it easy" and play mostly board games all weekend.  I had several new games I wanted to try and they all turned out to be a hoot.  The hotel is under construction which really dampened the entire atmosphere.

Unfortunately, my overall opinion of the convention hasn't much improved.

Perhaps I'll be a little too honest here ... I generally want to provide positive reviews of gaming related things (following the age old "if you have nothing positive to say ...") - but an exception is warranted here.  

This is a convention that has been on life support for years now IMO.  Miniatures has been the focal point of what is played at this convention, but sadly the games showing up are mostly on the very medicore scale with essentially none that are good looking at all.  Matt Hilzendrager ran his Bunker Hill game, which looked splendid ... but it was the only game that looked anything like "quality convention" level gaming.  The size of the miniatures area has shrunk.  The miniatures coordinator and convention in general hasn't done anything to provide a welcoming atmosphere for miniature gamers - to the point of sending long rants ahead of time about not wanting long running games or large games.  Sadly, that mostly keeps me and the group I play with away from running anything there.

I do recall - long ago - the good times I had there playing and hosting miniatures games.  I hope for a future return to that - but for now my time and effort will be invested in DundraCon (February) and KublaCon (May).

On a potential positive note though, a new miniatures coordinator is stepping in.  We'll see if a change is heralded by this - but I'm not holding my breath.

Other Things

I continue to pick away at my ships for Trafalgar.  This is taking longer than expected due to work getting in the way of things and my general proclivity towards gaming distractions.  I needed to take some time to assemble the LOTR stuff ... but rapidly closing in on finishing that.

I've had two Kickstarters arrive --- the second wave of pirate stuff (the No Peace Beyond the Line KS) - which has a truly redonculous sized Galleon - and my Game of Thrones stuff (ASoIaF).  The GoT stuff I have on the radar to get done, but it is slated for the first half of 2019.  I also have some odds and ends to wrap up with my Napoleonic French and ACW armies.

My big thing right now I wanting to just play more games in general.  I'm a little burned out on "all work with no play" ... so I'm pushing to host some games very soon.