Scenario #2 Trust of Arnor
So this scenario represents all 9 of the Ringwraiths gathering together and attempting to force their way through a lightly guarded part of the shire. 6 Rangers of the North would oppose them, with reinforcements coming in every turn. The Ringwraiths did not start on the table, rather then came in D3 at a time.
To win evil had to get 5 Ringwraiths to the other side of the board. As Good I had to stop them.
Good General-Myself
Evil General-Ambrose
My plan was simple, the Ringwraiths had recieved a battering in the last encounter, I hoped to capitalize on this, causing them to lose even more will as a group. If i could weaken them enough then the Hobbits would have a fighting chance (as starting next encounter I would begin using the Hobbits). In the practice game Ambrose had flooded through the center so I placed a line of three Rangers in the center, one on either flank, and one poor guy to print up on his own to slow Ringwraiths down. I would attempt to shower the Ringwraiths with arrows, then once they came close get in as many combats as possible to lower their will.
With that brief explanation of my plan let the game begin!
The sounds of Ranger's horns bounced amongst the small hills that spotted Bree's country side. Jumping to alert 6 Rangers of the North grabbed their weapons and spread out preparing to defend the peaceful lands beyond. Falnost, the Ranger's newest warrior stood in the center of two veteran warriors. He glanced nervously at his brethren.
"What manner of foe would venture so deep into our territory," asked Falnost. "Surely no orc would have made it past our Nothern patrols, and no troll would have passed up an attempted looting of Bree."
"Hush," snapped the cloaked Ranger to Falnost's right, "Dark tales have been afoot. A troop of our fellows was assulted one day North of here, by Black Riders using fell powers. What ever comes this way remeber your duties."
With that the older Ranger drew his bow, knocked an arrows and watched the hill side up ahead. More horns began to sound but still no enemy presented itself. Suddenly a figure broke the horison, outlined by the setting sun. It was a figure, the size of a man, robed in worn dirty black robes.
"There is the enemy, Rangers of the North forward!" shouted the lead ranger.
Moving swiftly forward the three Rangers rushed to move in between two woods.
The black figure moved forward rushing towards the Ranger's left flank. Falnost began to move, fearing they would be out manuvered, but the lead Ranger's hand stopped him.
"Trust your companions young one, Balfor lies in wait to our left, and he is deadly with his bow."
Shortly after this was said an arrow shot out from the hills on the left, spearing through the black figure. The shout of victory died on Falnost's lips; however, as the arrow mearly passed through causing no seeable damage.
"What manner of fould beast are these," whisper the lead ranger.
Another horn sounded closer to the right of the three rangers. Looking forward three more black figures came forward on the right side; however, behind them a fellow ranger also arrived.
Before the rangers laying in wait could shout a warning one of the black figures pointed his hand at the new arrival and a black dart shot forth striking the ranger. To the amazement of all the man did not fall, instead his cloak had caught the dart before it struck him, fate had surely smiled upon him this day.
Before the man could celebrate; however, another dart struck him in the neck knocking him to the ground dead. The 3 black figures were joined by a forth, who strode over the corpse of the dead men.
Before the 4 black riders could move forth; however, 2 spearmen came rushing out of the shadows with shouts of "Arnor!"
A flurry of arrows shot forth from the original Ranger party; however, though many found their mark none slew their foe.
More black riders rushed forth from the gloom attempting to overwhelm the right flank. The one of the spearmen who had charged forward was struck down by a black dart, the other; however, entered into combat with one of the evil minions of sauron.
A lone archer looked down in horror at the growing number of enemies rushing him.
On the left flank 4 rangers, including Falnost, moved to surrounded the lone black rider.
Losing a slew of arrows into their foe the rangers were sure of victory. However, their shots had no effect and the black rider continued to move forward looking for an opening in the line of men.
On the left flank shouts of hurrah were raised as the lone spearmen cast one of the black rider down and set him on fire with his torch. With his foe vanquished the ranger began to shout, "Use fire, Use fire," however, his warning was cut short as one of the black riders thrust his hand forward slaying the man with a black dart.
Setting their arrows alit the lone ranger on the right set another of their foes on fire. With a grim thought the ranger drew another arrow, on 6 more of the bastards to deal with; however, before he could loose another shot a black dart struck forth and slew him.
Seeing their weakness on the right flank two rangers sprinted forth hoping to cut the unopposed black riders off.
On the left flank flamming arrows flew forth into the lone black rider; however, the figure managed to stay unlit and burst forth from his surrounding foes.
With a shout the rangers pursued their quarry it was clear he was attempting to enter the shire.
On the right flank the remaining 6 black riders were greatly weakened from their large use of dark powers. Seeing their foe's weakness the two archers steeled themselves and charged into single combat (one each taking a foe). Dodging past the darting blades each lit one of their foes on fire slaying two more of the creatures (for the time being). The 4 remaining black riders sprinted forth, attempting to use dark magic to cunfuddle and force their foe away.
Though this had limited sucess, one archer would not be denied his vengance and charge forth casting down his enemy (the witch king :) ).
On the left flank the lone Ringwraith to the amazement of all managed to dodge all forms of attack and sprint off into the distance. On the right flank three Ringwraiths moved to disappear into the darkness; however, before they could do such the same determined archer rushed forth and cast yet another one down.
The remaining two disappeared into the darkness. With a sigh the remaining rangers moved back to see to their wounded and slain. Sitting down Falnost gasped his first battle had been quite different from what he imagined.
Outcome So that is yet another victory for good. I felt I weakened the Ringwraiths quite well in that battle, as almost every single one had used half their Will. Ambrose was happy with how he did (blamed his lose on my luck ;) ). I must say I was quite worried when nearly every Ringwraith came rushing down my right flank with minimal resistance to oppose them. But with some well placed resistance other allies were able to move into a position to help.
Recovery Ringwraith#1-Will left 1
Ringwraith #2- Will left 7
Ringwraith #3- Will left 1
Ringwraith #4- Will left 5
Ringwraith #5- Will Left 7
Ringwraith #6- WIll left 7
Ringwraith #7- Will left 2
Ringwraith #8- Will left 1
Witch King- Will left 2
So as can be seen I really weakened the Ringwraiths quite a bit. Sadly for me Evil only needs three Ringwraiths for the next scenario and Evil gets to choose which ones. This means that the three Ringwraiths at full will (7) will fulfil the needed number of troops for evil, meaning the hobbits will be fleeing from Ringwraiths at full power!
Oh well.
So look for updates on my progress soon. For the next scenario I need to paint up Frodo and Sam (I already have a painted pippin), and create either a hedge or paint up my GW fences to represent the side of a road.
As usual feel free to comment.