Something from the past...

Hello there!

Bet you weren't expecting a post on here? It has been a while and though I shan't be returning to the world of SBG anytime immediately. However, this is a little different.

More recently I went through some of my old fictional scenarios and rules for campaigns etc... Mostly as I was interested in making rules for scenarios, developing game concepts and to a certain extent developing ideas for campaigns. These campaign plot ideas I'd though up in 2011 or 2012 and developed bit by bit (but given I was early teens at the time, they had as many plot holes as a block of swiss cheese), naturally I'd been meaning at some point to write them up or share with some other people. But...that didn't happen.

So really, I'm sharing some funky ideas for campaigns in Middle-earth I've come up with. Compared to what they were initially they are soooooo much better, some creases have been smoothed out (particularly in the case of the background to the campaigns and some of the special rules).

These scenarios are designed to be played for the primary victory conditions, but points are awarded for achieving secondary victory conditions to encourage hard fought battles and that each objective is important in the grand scheme of things (5pts for primary and 2pts for a secondary). The scores and victories are tabulated at the end to see which player has the most points or most victories if the players are tied (when the players are within two points of each other).

PDF - Journey to Harad

This one is the funky one, Initially I had it as Glorfindel rescuing the elven companies, but that seemed a 'touch' unrealistic. Tbh the idea is a bit farfetched, but the thought of elves fighting a Mumakil was particularly tough to pass up on, although it was hard finding a storyline to fit all the companies on and get them in the right place.

This is perhaps a lot to take in, I do have a few more supplements on the way so brace yourselves! Hope you have enjoyed this small piece. Let me know if you have any comments and such :)

Until then

Fish

Face-off 2016 Final Théoden's Host Vs Rivendell

And finally the Face-off 2016 Final! The elves defeated the Serpent Horde from a heroic duel between the elven captain and Suladan, after a very close encounter with the Mordorians which also resulted in a heroic duel that the captain got the better of the orc from. The Rohirrim, meanwhile took a close, but deserved, victory over Moria in the first round from Erkenbrand's special rules, then a well fought victory over the Fiefdoms.

Rivendell Vs Théoden's Host (Domination)
Whoever claims more of the five objectives after one side is broken and a 1 or 2 is rolled on D6 (in end phase). Objectives are claimed by having more models within 3''/8cm when the game ends.


Setup

The elves fan out, and the Rohirrim concentrate on their left flank.

One of the elves gets caught in the bush and his brains are dashed
across the floor! The elves advance un-phased.

The Rohirrim stand off their adversaries, who simple charge them. 

Then both captain call a counter charge...

There is tremendous crash of steel as the sides clash, the elven captain
slices through two royal guards, who were looking at Erkenbrand stab
an elf in the face. Also another Rohan warrior falls to an elf spear.

Erkenbrand calls another charge allowing them to surround the elves,
and an elf is speared from three foot away.

Initially the elf captain took a deep leg cut from a throwing spear and
as he bent over to grab it Erkenbrand clove him in twain.
Another Rohan warrior gets speared too. 

Things are looking bleak for the elves, who have been broken,
but they stand fast hoping the battle will turn in their favour.

And so two more elves fall beneath either spear or sword of the Rohirrim.

Erkenbrand orders his guard to claim the remaining objectives.

While he fights fiercely with an elf, but knocks aside his shield
and drives his sword into the elven warriors gut.

The last elf stands, and fights a royal guard, although
neither has the better of the other.



Erkenbrand hastens to remove the faithful elf.



But his guard manages without...

And so the Rohirrim remove all the pesky elves from the field, and claim total victory!!

Théoden's Host = 10 + 5(breaking elves) + 3(killing elven captain) + 5(number of objectives claimed) = 23 
Rivendell = 4

This victory was far too easy for the Rohirrim. Their throwing spears really gave them the edge, allowing them to effectively roll-to-wound on a 4+, not only that but the initially killed elf really meant that the elves had to charge into the Rohan line in order to win the well or the number of objectives would be against them once either side was broken.

Overall Hero Kills
Erkenbrand = 12 (16)
Elven captain = 9 (15) or 19 (27) inc. play-offs
Suladan = 9 (11)
Duinhur = 8 (8)
Shagrat = 3 (3)
Goblin captain = 3 (3)
Goblin Shaman = 2 (2)

There are some clear candidates for the person of the tournament, Sadly Suladan won't be taking it this time, as despite the number of kills he was too easily neutralised by other forces in the last two scenarios. Erkenbrand fought well in his three scenarios, getting a reasonable amount of kills, however a decent portion of his sides kills were from his bodyguard. The elf captain, however, has played a key role in the elven successes, destroying the dwarves in the play-offs, killing Shagrat and Suladan in the first round and the semis with many other kills along the way, although the final was  a poor showing from the elven force, he still earns himself the Elf of the Tournament award for carrying his warband to the final battle.

So this concludes the Face-off 2016, albeit 5 months later than intended. I have done some other things over the Easter break, and they will be put up in due course :)

Until then

Fish

Face-off 2016 semi-final Rivendell Vs The Serpent Horde

After cutting through the Mordorians, the elves have made it through and face a very dangerous Haradrim force that got revenge over the Easterlings. The elves have courage and melee skills on their side, however some lucky rolls could lead to a crippling charge from the Serpent Lord. In this case though, the leaders are the prime targets, so they'll ideally be sticking close to their bodyguards.

Rivendell Vs The Serpent Horde (To Kill a King)

Setup.

Suladan takes centre stage, as both bodyguards move closer.

And then the Serpent Lord calls the charge!

Suladan lops the heads of the nearest elves whilst trotting around,
the elf captain stands around watching this as another elf
gets pieced by a poisoned spear.

But then he orders a counter charge, which takes Suladan by surprise,
so the elf takes a huge slash at him leaving his hors splayed on the
floor and a blood stained thigh. Elsewhere an elf and serpent
guard succumb on either side.

The Serpent Lord rises from the dirt then promptly engages the elf
captain seeing the numbers of elves dwindling.



All the elves hold their ground, and even cut down a couple of
Haradrim, leaving them questioning their chances of victory...



The Elf captain pulls himself together, calls his warriors to charge
Suladan again, who loses his footing against the number of point
spears and blades allowing the captain to stab him in the chest.

And with the Serpent king killed the victory goes to the elves!

Rivendell = 10 + 5(breaking Haradrim) + 3(Killing Suladan) = 18
The Serpent Horde = 4 + 5(breaking Elves) = 9

Hero Kills
Suladan = 2(2)
Elven captain = 1(5)

The elves tried to block Suladan from charging, this wasn't completely successful but the captain managed to contain the Serpent Lord, allowing the other elves to out-do the other Haradrim slowly and the elf captain could bring him down. His bodyguard couldn't reach him through the unyielding elven shields, although both heroes are similarly skilled, the elf captain kept rolling 5's and 6's so he kept losing fights and succumbed. 

Again the Haradrim are denied another chance to fight in the final! And the Elves get their first. Who will meet them there? Fiefdoms Vs Théoden's host in Seize the prize is next...

Until then

Fish

Face-off 2016 1st Round Cirth Ungol Vs Rivendell

After easing through the play offs the elves get more action in the shape of a pack of Shagrat's orcs. This looks simple enough or the elves, with higher courage, high and defense values the orcs seem to only have their numbers as an advantage. However, they also have Shagrat, who has an extra might point and fight value is equal to the elves.

Cirth Ungol Vs Rivendell (To The Death!)

Setup

Both sides move closer to the barrier, whoever gets
there first wins the barrier combat bonuses.

The orcs get there first, and Shagrat sends a group to flank the
elves, who stand-off the stone wall.

But the flankers simply vault back over the hedge.
The elves must now attack the barrier. And they do.

They are repelled from the wall, but attack again this time also over
the other side of the wall, where one unfortunate elf trips
and his blood spills across the ground.

The Elf captain un-phased by the wall, slices through his opponent
and takes his place on the other side. 

Shagrat calls his orcs into the melee engaging and trapping the elves,
while another elf trips over the wall, but only takes a gash to the knee.

Despite being pinned down, the elves manage to break a hole in a
section of the orc's line, with the captain again cleaving up an orc.

The elf captain seeing a glimmer of fear in Shagrat's black eyes,
calls the elves to charge the pesky orcs.

And the captain promptly cuts down two orcs in front of the banner bearer.

Shagrat tries to swing the battle in his favour and orders the
orcs to go on the attack again!

Both leaders kill their opponents, and another elf falls to a cunning orc
spear thrust, that leaves both sides broken and wondering
if leaving home was at all a good idea.

Although Shagrat calls the orcs to stand their ground, one doesn't,
but another elf is downed so things are evened up.

Shagrat's bellows fill the field again and the
orcs pin down the elves again.

It's the elf captain to, who engages Shagrat who can only defend
himself as two of his followers can't take the
pressure any longer, so flee! 

Shagrat gets his revenge stabbing the annoying elf in the chest,
yet another of the orcs is wounded in response.

The elf captain encourages his last remaining follower to attack again,
while the other orc sees his captain engaged so flees
while he can't do anything about it!

But the Uruk captain is not to be underestimated, parrying the feeble
elf attacks, and punching the elf warrior unconscious. 

This leaves both leaders, standing toe-to-toe. a fierce melee
ensues, either side cutting and piercing the other,
blood staining cloak and ground alike...

And finally, the captain thrusts his blade deep into
the uruks belly leaving him prone on the floor.

So the elves snatch a very, very close victory over the orcs!

Rivendell = 10 + 5(breaking enemy force) + 3(killing Shagrat) = 18
Cirth Ungol = 4 + 5(breaking enemy force) = 9

Despite the orcs reaching the barrier first they only had the barrier advantage for three turns, but the banner was effective for around 6-7 turns, still the elves defense and fight advantage took it's toll and thanks to the Elven captain getting a stream of kills the orcs were broken at the same point as them. 

But the orcs still put up a good fight, Shagrat's stand fasts and occasional kill kept the battle within reach. Until too many of the orcs had fled, and only the captain were left, which was to the elves advantage.

Hero kills
Elven captain = 6 (8)
Shagrat = 3 (3)

So the Elves manage to progress again, and the orcs eliminated for the third time in a row. Up next is Isengard Raiders Vs The Fiefdoms.

Until then

Fish

Face-off 2016 play-offs

Play-offs

This, as mentioned, will be three battles between three forces under three scenarios, the overall loser will be eliminated and the remaining two will progress to the knockout stages.

The loser is determined by:

• Number of victories
• Number of draws
• Number of major victories/or major losses
• Points obtained against points conceded
• A heroic duel between the contesting forces heroes (I personally would like this to happen)

With that out of the way. To the battles!!
 
Rivendell Vs Moria (Reconnoitre)

Setup

Both sides split off into two directions. The goblin archers fire a volley
towards the elven captain, who takes an arrow to the
right arm, yet it doesn't phase the elf lord.

The elves arrive at the wall first, but the goblins
mount their assault carefully.

And two sneaky goblins vault the wall, slitting the throat of the
defending elf as they pass!

This allows more of the goblins to pass over, but the elves are not
without hope, as the captain cuts down one of the attacking goblins.

One of the goblins evades through elf lines, with more on their way,
still the captain re-assumes them as he slices and
cleaves the two goblins nearby.

By the house the elves have successfully held off the goblin attack.

And elf prowess shows, as yet another goblin
succumbs to the elven blades.

Another goblin manoeuvres through the elf lines,
so two elves are sent to even the scores.

The goblins strike back, stabbing an elf blocking two from certain escape.

And while the Elven captain finally brings down the shaman,
the goblin captain kills another elf.

So the goblins are reduced below 25% and the game ends! This gives Moria the victory:

Moria = 10 + 5(breaking elves) + 5(models evading) = 20
Rivendell = 4 + 5(breaking goblins) + 3(killing shaman) + 2(models evading) = 14


Erebor Vs Rivendell (A Clash of Piquets)

Given the elves lost the previous encounter, they need to win to stand a chance of progressing.

Setup.

The forces more closer to the well and they increase in number,
more arrive on the field as they march.

The sides rush at each other, the elves getting the upper hand initially.

The last of each side have entered the field as they clash again.

This time the dwarf captain squishes an elf, another falls swiftly
beside him, the elf captain takes a nasty cut on the thigh.

But returns the favour to the dwarf, removing the leg from under him.

Both leaders go all out for the victory, killing upon either side.

But the dwarves are broken first, so the game ends:

Rivendell = 10 + 5(breaking dwarves) = 15
Erebor = 4

Moria Vs Erebor (The High Ground)

Moria already have a victory, so a draw ensures progression, whereas the dwarves need a very distinct victory to stand a chance of progressing.

Setup



Both sides approach the contested hill.

And split into two sections.

A fierce melee occurs.

Leaving three bloody goblins and a dwarf on the ground.

The goblins want more, and charge with the fury of the Shaman!

And three dwarves keel over from the red-eyed goblins.

Which leaves the dwarves to be swarmed by the many goblins.

But the dwarf captain provides a small lifeline of goblin corpses.

The dwarves hold out as more goblins fall. But one dwarf succumbs,
leaving the dwarf force broken!

They don't have time to flee, as the goblins force
them to fight for their lives.

Two goblins and the same number dwarves are
cut down, leaving the goblins broken too!

The goblin captain has had enough, but the shaman calls
the goblins to arms and they charge again.

All who remain.

Two goblins flee as the dwarves hold their ground, and the dwarf
captain lobs the head of the nearest goblin, leaving
the hill claimed by the dwarves!

So the dwarves have got a close victory:

Erebor = 10 + 5(breaking goblins) + 3(number of dwarves on hill) = 18
Moria = 4 + 5(breaking dwarves) + 2(number of goblins on hill) = 11

So the final tallying's:

Rivendell (1 minor victory and loss) - pts = 29/24    (1st)
Moria (1 minor victory and loss) - pts = 31/32          (2nd)
Erebor (1 minor victory and loss) - pts = 22/26        (3rd)

Kills by Heroes
Elven Captain = 10 (12)
Dwarf Captain = 7 (7)
Goblin Captain = 5 (5)
Goblin Shaman = 0 (0)

So Erebor despite some late heroics, will not progress. Therefore Rivendell go through as 1st place and Moria 2nd place.

This makes the next battles as follows: 

The Easterlings Vs The Serpent Horde (A Clash Of Piquets)

Rivendell Vs Cirth Ungol (To The Death!)

Isengard Raiders Vs The Fiefdoms (Seize The Prize)

Moria Vs Théoden's Host (Contest Of Champions)

Merry Christmas!!!

Fish