Oliver and I travelled the long way down south to sunny Thurrock for 60+ player event hosted by Yecats Miniatures and set at the Best Western Thurrock Hotel.
We arrived early evening and caught up with the other early arrivals for an evening of drinks on the patio...
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WARDENS OF THE NORTH-WEST MEDIA CONTENT
(Courtesy of Aden "spykr")
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I had been painting up Starks to go alongside the Yecats tale of four gamers, and had did more than enough for a few lists. I managed to get three game in testing list and commanders, getting tabled by Greg's Free Folk and Andy's Martell's before Ste didnt table me by going Targaryens and taking it easy.
3 defeats, several tweaks and changes and some poor performances at the Welsh GT, Invitational and Northern GT didn't fill me with confidence, despite a good second place at Battle of Chained Stag II. But hey ho, I figured dice were due to come good eventually and as long as I won a game I'd be happy.
The Scenarios would use chosen terrain
My lists kept same commander as fewer cards and orders etc to remember.
LIST 1
Aggressive and Mobile
House Karstark Loyalists with Robb Stark - The Wolf Lord (C)
House Tully Cavaliers with Winterfell Guardian
Stark Outriders with Brynden Tully
House Umber Berserkers with Greatjon Umber
Stark Outriders NCU's
Catelyn Stark
Walder Frey
LIST 2
LIST 2
Defensive and Mobile
House Tully Sworn Shields with Robb Stark - The Wolf Lord (C)
House Tully Sworn Shields with Rickon Stark & Osha
Stark Bowmen with Crannogman Warden
House Umber Berserkers with Greatjon Umber
Shaggydog
Grey Wind NCU's
Eddard & Catelyn Stark
EVENT PRIZE SUPPORT
Grant Stacey at Yecats would like to give a very special thanks to all those that contributed to supporting the event.
Titan Trays and Brad Blackburn for Best in Faction Awards
Beowulf for Best in Club
Artis opus for Best Painted
Asmodee Uk and CMON for overall prize support
And all the attendees got a faction tactic board and a
full set of Influence tokens
GOOD INTRO HERE FOR EVENT
(with Special Guest but there are some Spoilers after 10:30mins)
Grant Stacey at Yecats would like to give a very special thanks to all those that contributed to supporting the event.
Titan Trays and Brad Blackburn for Best in Faction Awards
Beowulf Miniatures for Best in Club
Artis Opus for Best Painted
Asmodee Uk and CMON for overall prize support
Game one saw me facing a Brotherhood army that looked quite nice
With models glued onto base and counter used to keep track of wounds
GAME 1
CONNOR "Squigy666" REECE
"Brotherhood without Banners"
Scenario: A Dance with Dragons
Brotherhood Archers with Beric Dondarrion (C)
Stag Knights with Thoros & Edric Dayne
Brotherhood Sworn Knights
Golden Company Swordsmen with Gendry
NCU's
Jaqen, Ghost of High Heart & Ravella Smallwood
I faced Connor at the Welsh GT and his cavalry heavy and Lady Stoneheart in Archers
had cut my Free Folk to pieces. So I was kind of glad he didn't choose that list. We'd been
smack talking each other the evening before, so filled with trepidation about another
massacre and dice disaster we set up. I didn't think my Aggressive list would fair well against
Lady Stoneheart so I opted for the infantry defensive list. And Connor took his Beric list...
TERRAIN & DEPLOYMENT
TERRAIN: Stakes, Bog, Weirwood & Woods
Brotherhood: Sworn Knights, Archers, Beric's Stag Knights & GC Swordsmen
Starks: Greywind, Umbers, Robb's Tully Sworn shields, Bowmen & Rickon's Tullys
Initial Plan: Wasn't really sure how to crack this, but figured Robb go for middle,
Rickon the right and Greatjon left, with wolves supporting flanks
and pinning cavalry while Bowmen shot up what they could
ROUND 1
As seen above, I took the Horses to advance my Bowmen up, followed by a tac reposition to move even further up. Connor took the letter, so I marched my Rickon's Tullys up on the right
Connor then took the crowns and my archers passed the panic check
(in my lovely Yecats dice tray, courtesy of last place in Darlington)
The Sworn Knights moved up to the stakes on my left, so I had the Umbers get closer
Controlling the horses allowed me a swift reposition on the Bowmen,
before I took the Swords
They had already downed a few Stag Knights with their Overwatch order
and shot (after a shift) off the Swords
And all seven hit from that shot...
On activation, six more shot found their mark as Connor healed off bags
All the four's on the roll...
END OF ROUND 1
Shaggydog had claimed the right objective. If Connor claimed either centre or left,
I was well placed to counter
ROUND 2
Connor went for a GC Swordsman charge at Shaggydog but failed. That left his flank exposed for me to take Swords and shoot their flank
I followed that up with a flank charge. Too good an opportunity to pass up
And my dice were doing me proud...
I played Hit and Run to retreat after my attack, protecting the Bowmen. Beric's Stag knight hit Robb and took the centre objective.
Shaggydog charged the GC Swordsmen then took some wounds from shooting, but passed his panic check. He kept the objective as he wasn't attacked by an engaged enemy. Robb healed up and attacked back, dropping Stag knights to two ranks and claiming the objective from them.
Another failed charge from Connor was again pivotal, this time on the left flank.
This allowed me to hit them hard with the Umber's on the charge, given the Greatjons furious charge.
END OF ROUND 2
HOUSE STARK 2 VP's (2 objectives)
BROTHERHOOD 0 VP's
Board End of Round 2
With all Connors combat units engaged, and our archers
slugging it out, I felt I could win the attrition with Eddards help
I took the Swords and got stuck into the cavalry with Greatjon. After activating and dropping them down to a rank, they retreated out of combat. But another tactical reposition and cavalry move put Greywind in for a 5+ charge which I made, taking the objective for end of round.
I did lose Shaggydog, and the right objective but held the centre and retreated out with Robb, healing as I went
Board End of Round 3
END OF ROUND 3
HOUSE STARK 4 VP's (2 objectives)
BROTHERHOOD 1 VP (1 objective)
ROUND 4
Connor took the Swords and slapped Greywind, but didn't do enough to kill it or even take the objective. Greatjon and his Berserkers charged home and the remaining sworn knight (on two wounds) was hacked to pieces...
I even found time to do some showboating with spinning corner dice tricks...
The Golden Company chose not to charge but hold onto the objective until my Bowmen shot them up and they failed the panic. Connors Archers shot my Tully's. My armour was better, as were my panic dice...
The Stag Knights charge into Robb said it all, with one hit getting and my shieldwall not budging...
END OF ROUND 4 (and Game)
HOUSE STARK 7 VP's (6 objectives, 1 unit)
BROTHERHOOD 2 VP's (1 objective, 1 unit)
With 15 minutes left, do not start a new round had been called and
Connor knew he couldn't catch me up.
A cracking game to begin with, Connor is fun to play against and
that went really well for me with the two failed charges in Turn 2
giving me a real advantage. I solidly held the centre Connor and couldn't
dent my Tully Sworn Shields. And Greywind getting his Knights turn 3
and taking the objective I kept my Bowmen out of duelling range
of Brotherhood archers, attacking his infantry and letting my armour protect
me from incoming. Connor didn't do much wrong except fail charges and roll dice.
Revenge for Wales and the dead Free Folk!!!
London Grand Tournament for the decider...
PAINTED ARMIES
GAME 2
ALEX "MUDSKIPPER" HAYES
Scenario: Winds of Winter
BARATHEONS
Baratheon Sentinels with Cortnay Penrose (C)
Baratheon Halberdiers with Guyard Morrigen
Thorn Watch with Sandor Clegane
Riders of Highgarden
Stag Knights with Bronn
NCU's
Alester Florent & Lord Varys
I'd not met Alex before, but knew he had won well against
Karl Christy's Targaryen's Game 1 so figured this
would be tough. With a tough infantry list too, attrition may not
help so I had to concentrate on the mission cards
TERRAIN & DEPLOYMENT
TERRAIN: Palisade, Bog, Weirwood & Stakes
BARATHEONS: Highgarden Riders, Halberdiers, Sentinels, Stag Knights and Thornwatch
STARKS: Berserkers, Greywind, Bowmen, Robb's Tully Shields,
Rickon's Tully Shields & Shaggydog
Initial Plan: Missions would win me this, but I felt the combination of Berserkers and
Greywind could chase down the Riders and turn the flank, while my Sworn Shields
held the brunt of the Baratheons attacks
ROUND 1
I took the Letters with the first player activation, getting some good cards
We maneuvred around in Round 1, and I closed on the Higharden Riders
Alex played score if enemy take a tactics zone before you. And I took score if engaged with an enemy with fewer ranks (figuring my wolves could do that)
ROUND 2
Alex must have figured I was targeting his Riders as they dropped bag. I sent Robb up onto the Centre, inviting the charge.
The Halberdiers accepted the offer and charged in. My Shieldwall held and I countered with the Greatjon and his Berserkers
My dice again were doing me proud...
I retreated the Umbers out after they lost five to Final Strike but had the Stag Knights engaged with Rickons Tully Sworn Shield
The Sentinels got a move across to see them
We engaged across the centre and my Bowmen were able to drop three Sentinels. And then one died from Stubborn tenacity in the Tully Sworn Shields. This left two units on fewer ranks than me
END OF ROUND 2
HOUSE STARK 2 VP's (2 Missions)
HOUSE BARATHEON 0 VP's
ROUND 3
Alex played take first turn and score a VP, and I played score 2 if an unengaged unit
is in enemy deployment
Alex took the opportunity to charge home against the Berserkers but rolled a 1
on the way in
The end result was that I healed up the four wounds I lost with Eddard and between them and Greywind, the Highgarden Riders were wiped out
The Halberdiers retreated out of combat to protect the Baratheon flank. But the Bowmen shot up Courtnay and his Sentinels
And they failed the panic and were wiped out. The Thornwatch flanked Rickons Tully
Sworn Shields, doing no damage before retreating out with their Swiftstrike into my deployment zone.
I sent Greywind up to score in Alex's deployment while Shaggydog came back and made a 4+ charge to engage the Thornwatch
END OF ROUND 3
HOUSE STARK 6 VP's (4 missions, 2 units)
HOUSE BARATHEON 1 VP (1 mission)
ROUND 4
With me now going first, I played score a point for each objective in enemy half,
while Alex played opponent score if you take Swords or Letter
I had Catelyn take the Horses and move Greywind around the rear of the Baratheons. Alex had the Thornwatch attack, doing a wound on Shaggydog before their retreated and healed with Swiftstrike
I disengaged across the board, with Gretjon and Greywind taking the enemy side
objectives and Alex also gave me a VP by taking the Swords as
Rickons unit got hit hard
END OF ROUND 4
HOUSE STARK 9 VP's (7 missions, 2 units)
HOUSE BARATHEON 1 VP's (1 mission)
ROUND 5
Alex played score 2pts from Centre objective, while I played score 1 VP for each
objectives controlled .
The Stag Knights smashed into Rickon killing the unit for 2 VP's.
I took the Horses to deny the Thornwatch a move, and the Halberdiers charged Robb.
I took the Swords and attacked and stayed engaged
I avoided all other engagements and score three VP's from objectives,
as did Alex from the centre.
BOARD END OF ROUND 5 (& Game)
END OF ROUND 5 (& GAME)
HOUSE STARK 12 VP's (10 missions, 2 units)
HOUSE BARATHEON 6 VP's (4 mission, 2 unit)
A second great game and a real pleasure to play Alex. He hasn't been playing too
long, and the mission based scenario helped me but again it was the Tully Sworn Shields ability to soak up attacks that allowed me to run down the Riders of Highgarden and then use the Wolves and their maneuverability to score from the missions. I found myself unexpectedly up in the top tables...
GAME 3
Mickey "Masarath" Arnold
Scenario: A Clash of Kings
Free Folk
Varamyr Sixskins - Master Skinchanger (C)
Shadowcat
Wolf Pack
Bonelord's Chosen with Rattleshirt & Harma's Banner
Thenn Warriors with Harma
Free Folk Raiders with Borroq
Borroq's Boar
Free Folk Raiders with Walrus Clan Chieftain
NCU's
Lady Val, Craster & Jon Snow
Well, don't suppose Mickey needs much of an introduction. Faced him a few time and he has slapped me with consummate ease each time. Still, I'd already performed better than I had expected, so I'd do my best and try mixing it up with the top ranker in the UK 😉
TERRAIN & DEPLOYMENT
TERRAIN: Corpse Pile, Wall, Bog, Corpse Pile
FREEFOLK: Chieftain Raiders, Borroq Raiders, Boar, Bonelords Chosen, Varamyr,
Wolf Pack & Harma's Thenns. (Shadowcat offboard)
STARKS: Rickon's Tully Shields, Shaggydog, Bowmen,
Robb's Tully Shields, Greywind & Greatjons Berserkers
Initial Plan: Having talked about how to beat Mickey with Mickey and Nicholas
on Friday, key was to try and upset Mickey's plan and do things that throw him.
Not easy, and not really a plan...
ROUND 1
I would be activating first so Mickey brought on Shadowcat on far right. I took the letters, opting to give Varamyr a panic token. As a plan was forming. Mickey took the Horses, I took the bags to keep Varamyr panicked. Mickey took swords and crown zapped my Bowmen who passed their morale.
We maneuvered up on my left side first.
The tactics board filled out first.
I kept things tight on the right, but Mickey's activation advantage allowed the Shadowcat
to get right behind me.
ROUND 2
So my cunning plan was simple enough. I activated Greywind, moved up and charged Varamyr. I got in but rolled a 1 on the way. One hit got through and with expending the panic, Varamyr failed his panic. Sadly, not well enough to die.
I then played Sudden retreat but Mickey played Bonded Guardian to get the Wolfpack to charge me
We then realised I'd rolled a one on the charge, so shouldn't have played Sudden Retreat. Didn't change sequence and I took a wound from the little wolves. Mickey then took the swords and attacked with Varamyr, but Greywinds disrupt meant he only took 2 wounds and passed the panic and Eddard token allowed him to heal them both. Itook the bags with Catelyn, to deny the heal and played assault orders, but Varamyr's armour was up for it.
After Mickey did something else, I activated Greywind, doing a further wound to the Free Folk boss, leaving him on one wound. The Thenn's flanked Greywind, cutting him down.
Well, it was a valiant effort. Now the real battle could begin
Things carried on poorly with an auto charge at the Thenns being disorderly after rolling a 1
I managed to drop a rank, but the Umbers were out on their own.
The Followers of Bone crunched into the Tully Shieldwall, dropping three...
I attacked back, rolling well after passing the Horrific Visage check
Shadowcat flanked my Bowmen, who retreated using Sudden Retreat to get out of melee
My left Tully's and Shaggydog managed to half the number of Raiders on the left but they now had Endless Horde to fall back on. They even managed the 11+ panic from Shaggydog's flank attack near a corpse pile
Varamyr had flanked the Greatjon but I held up with Eddards help. Robb was flanked by Borroq's unit and Boar redeployed towards Shaggydog.
END OF ROUND 2
FREE FOLK 2 VP's (1 unit, 1 objective)
HOUSE STARK 1 VP (1 objective)
ROUND's 3, 4 & 5
(It was tense)
Taking the Swords, Varamyr hacked into the Umber's but rolled poorly. I attacked back and killed Varamyr, using Hit and Run to retreat out onto the right objective. After Mickey healed up a bit up from bags, and some to and fro attacks on the left raiders, I took the crown, destroying the Walrus Chieftains Raiders on the left.
This edged me 3-2 ahead but the Shadowcat was nibbling my rear and Robb was under real pressure in the centre as the numerically superior Free Folk started to pick their fights
As if to under line this, the Wolves went into Robb's rear...
Robb succumbed to the numbers, but I had repositioned to hold tight on the left.
Mickey had Lady Val reposition Borroq's old Raiders who had been topped up with Regroup and
Reform from the Endless horde Raiders and swap Borroq and the Raid Leader.
That granted seven attacks, six of which hit...
Saving on sixes, wow! What a roll!!! Unfortunately, I rolled seven dice as miscounted,and despite my very generous off of actually taking two wounds, Mickey wouldn't go for it and so I had to re-roll the fecking lot... (and didn't get a single six!)
The Thenns charged the Umbers scoring six hits...
And I saved five with the increased defence from losing a rank...
Using a card to Summon Companions, Mickey redeployed the Wolves and Rickon's Sworn Shields were surrounded and swamped by beasts.
The Bonelord and his Chosen swung over the help out the Endless Horde carrying Thenns
I wiped out the Thenns on the right but had a new unit of Endless Horde Raider backing
the Bonelords Chosen up over there. Borroq and his Raiders finished off Rickon's
unit, with a bit of help from the menagerie...
The Greatjon retreated out of melee to try and avoid a tabling but the Bonelord still had to activate
They charged in and I took two wounds, and with both my To the Last's used, I needed the Greatjon to pass his panic...
I passed it, surviving the battle with the Great Jon
END OF ROUND 5 (& GAME)
FREE FOLK 10 VP's (5 units, 5 objectives)
HOUSE STARK 5 VP's (3 units, 2 objectives)
Well, I thoroughly enjoyed that as I felt I gave it a good go.
Obviously I lost badly, but it was close until turn 4 when Mickey's
numbers took their toll. Mickey picked my units off and my forces
couldn't cope with his maneuverability but he did spend turn
2 reacting to me. I put a lot of effort in to
Greywind's attack, which offered some distraction but you
cant win when overwhelmed and Mickey was never really
uncomfortable. Always fun, and I didn't get table 😏
TOP FIVE PAINTED ARMIES
(Far more detailed images)
INTERMISSION
3 cracking games for day one, rounded off some sword fighting (which Steve Butler
seemed to excel at, probably because he is old enough to remember how things were
done that way...) and some axe throwing which I found very therapeutic)
A burger and chips included with the social event, and then a GoT themed a quiz in
which our team came second. A few drinks in reception before an admittedly early night as
I was knackered. Oilli stopped out until gone 0030 but the Bruces went out on
the town and there are after images forever stuck in the collective memory
(Imagine The Hangover the first time you saw it)
DAY 2
The draw was done early Saturday evening and two saw me facing another Brotherhood player.
I didn't want to spend the evening mulling over what list I'd face so opted to
use my Defensive list again, as it had served me well on Day 1
GAME 4
Kyle "Kylew" Whiting
Scenario: Fire & Blood
Brotherhood without Banners
Bloody Mummer Skirmishers with Lady Stoneheart (C)
Riders of Highgarden with Glory Seeker
Man-At-Arms with Gendry
Peasant Levy with Tom Sevenstringers
Brotherhood Archers with Hot Pie
NCU's
Ghost of High Heart, Thoros of Myr & Lord Varys
I had not met Kyle before, but he is part for the cryptic Cabin crew and had an
interesting Brotherhood list, with no heavy cavalry and eight activations.
With more NCU points than I, I know there was a lot of talk about sitting
back and letting your opponent come to you but I wasn't sure I could do that.
TERRAIN & DEPLOYMENT
TERRAIN: Stakes, Weirwood, Weirwood, Palisade
BROTHERHOOD: Riders of Higharden, Men-at-Arms, Peasants,
Archers and Lady Stonehearts Mummers
STARKS: Rickon's Tullys, Archers, Robb's Tullys, Umbers, Shaggydog and Greywind on my board edge.
Initial Plan: I chose side and let Kyle deploy first. I deployed both Wolves at back to avoid being marked up, with Kyle marking my archers and Rickons Tullys. I marked
the Peasants and Archers. I would refuse the left and hit with the Umbers on the right, wolves assisting as required. My armour would bear brunt of archers and my bowmen would counter.
ROUND 1
Kyle let me go first, so I opted for Eddard on the Letters
What happened next was, well, pretty lucky for my part. Having set up just in shift range, the Archers opened up on my bowmen. I lost a few but passed the panic and healed up from bags after the enemy archers moved back3" with Deceitful Reposition. Start of enemy turn I used Robb's Tactical Reposition to shift 3" forward with my archers, so Kyle's archers were in range. So Kyle activated his Peasants, moving them into Sevenstringers "Taunt" range, but this triggered Overwatch and I cut down six peasants due to a failed panic. I then activated my Bowmen, ignoring taunt as I targeted the Peasants and another volley of successful hits and a badly failed panic wiped them out. As a marked unit destroying a marked unit, I scored 3 VP's early in Round 1
The rest of the round saw the Riders of Higharden move up on my left, I sent one Greywind over to support my Tullys there, while the Berserkers destroyed the Palisade and the Shaggydog joined them on the right.
END OF ROUND 1
HOUSE STARK 3 VP's (1 unit)
BROTHERHOOD 0 VP's
ROUND 2
Kyle took the Letters to start Round 2, and I healed up from the bags. The Men-at-Arms were shot up a bit, but the Brotherhood shooting was ineffectual.
Greatjon got a charge into the Mummers, needing four to hit due to disrupt.
No counterstrike hits back after re-rolls...
And I used hit and run to drop back out of the Archers LOS
END OF ROUND 2
HOUSE STARK 3 VP's (1 unit)
BROTHERHOOD 0 VP's
ROUND 3
Kyle played Regroup and Reform to heal the Mummers before I took the Swords and played Assault orders to charge with Greywind
I also played Devastating Impact and Winter is Coming
Again no Counterstrike and I dropped four Mummers but they responded by
cutting the Wolf down
On the left, the men-at-arms had charged into Rickon's Shieldwall last turn,
with minimal impact. I'd activated ad moved over to let Greywind in
and leave Gendry alone with one man. Now, in Round 3, I activated my Bowmen
and they cut them down with four failed saves and Resilience no use...
Kyle responded by sending the Highgarden Riders into Rickons Tully
Sworn Shields flank. Saving on 5+, I rolled better than average.
But I was vulnerable...
And still made five 5+ saves. With Shieldwall, I only took one wound
Greatjon ran down the Mummers, who had surged forth away after killing Shaggydog.
Using the horses and tactical Reposition, Robb closed in on the Archers
gOn my left, the Shields had barely moved.
But I turned and aided by Shaggydog, cut the Riders down a rank, Shaggydog taking a wound back from Stubborn Tenacity. The Archers used cards, Deceitful Reposition and their activation to get away from Umbers and Tullys
Tactics Board End of Round 3
HOUSE STARK: 7 VP's (3 units)
BROTHERHOOD 1 VP (1 unit)
ROUND 4
Kyle to the Horses to move the Archers out of Robb's charge
Greywind attacked off of the swords, cutting the Highgarden Riders to one man
The lone Rider activated and retreated, but a low roll meant he could never outrun the Direwolf
And the dice roll were the finally ignominy as the attacks all showed the Wolf
The archers were penned in and would ultimately succumb.
END OF GAME
HOUSE STARK: 10 VP's (5 units)
BROTHERHOOD 1 VP (1 unit)
Another crushing victory, and Kyle was great fun to play against. He was unlucky with my dice Round one killing his Peasants, and then I was able to deal with his units one at a time as his attacks were disjointed. My dice were pretty good throughout the game, especially in taking out the horrific visage Mummers. Another important factor was again managing to out heal the Brotherhood, through Eddard and the bags.
GAME 5
Johnny "JBone" Bull
Scenario: Honed & Ready
HOUSE BOLTON
Blackguards with Roose Bolton (C)
Blackguards with Ramsay Snow & Reek
Cutthroats with Sour Alyn
Dreadfort Spearmen with Grunt
Dreadfort Archers with Steelshanks Walton
NCU's
Walda Frey,Tybald & Lord Varys
Ah, the bane of Darlington. Having leathered Johnny at Wales, he had absolutely
smashed me at the Northern GT. Always a good game, Johnny has improved with
his Boltons over the few years we've played one another (as evidenced by his position
after 4 games). I was happy he had not taken his double Flayed Men list
as their maneuverability could counter my wolves hunting objectives. But two units of
Blackguard would be tough to crack...
Johnny's Army (it's above in the top five too)
TERRAIN & DEPLOYMENT
TERRAIN: Corpse Pile, Weirwood, Weirwood, Stakes
BOLTONS: Spearmen, Roose's Blackguard, Archers, Cutthroats,
Ramsey's Blackguard
STARKS: Shaggydog, Bowmen, Umbers, Robbs Tullys
Rickon Tullys, Greywind
Initial Plan: I planned to take and hold the centre with Robb, and hit the Spearmen
with his Berserkers, while the wolves and Bowmen could take flank objectives
and get ahead on points early.
ROUND 1
The Tactics Board end of round 1
BOARD END of ROUND 1
I kept my archers sheltered and in position to take the left objective. Robb was sat on the centre, and both wolves were in position take objectives or help in melee. Ramsay's Blackguard was out on the right, so hopefully he would stay there and I could avoid fighting him
ROUND 2
I played Tactical Reposition to moved Robb 3" forward. Johnny took the swords,
shooting into Robb's unit and killing three so I healed up off the bags with Catelyn
influencing the Berserkers.
Robb was now in the think of it. But I would let Johnny bring the fight to me
The tactics board filled up quickly again, with Eddard taking Horses after
Johnny took Letters and Crowns
This got the archers onto the left objective
When the Blackguard went in, Superior Positioning made the charge disorderly
and on the left, Greatjon and his berserkers charged the Spearmen, cutting them down for the loss on one berserkers to the Set for Charge. But the attack cut them down to a single rank
END OF ROUND 2
HOUSE STARK 4 VP's (4 objectives)
HOUSE BOLTON 1 VP (1 objective)
ROUND's 3 & 4
My archers took the most wounds from the wall shooting before I
wiped out the Spearmen. Johnny swung his archers around to support the centre Blackguard while I moved my Tully's out to face cutthroats and withdrew Shaggydog who was wounded from the wall. I retreated out of combat with Robb again as the Berserkers were able to flank the Blackguard round 4.
Rickon's Tully's whiffed in attacking the Cutthroats but took the objective
But the Dreadfort Archers moved under Sentinel, before firing in and I failed my panic. The Cutthroats cut me down to a single rank, so Shaggydog had to go into the flank to reduce them so they no longer contested the objective.
END OF ROUND 4
HOUSE STARK 8 VP's (1 unit, 7 objectives)
HOUSE BOLTON 3 VP (3 objectives)
BOARD END OF ROUND 5
ROUND 5
I took the Swords and had Shaggydog kill the Cuthroats after the Cutthroats had activated and killed Rickon. Harsh Punishments had been played on Roose's unit last round.
Roose was trading blows with the Berserkers, and the Blackguard even failed their panic check
But after a sentinel move to get into arc, on activating and cutting the Umbers
down to the Greatjon, Roose failed the panic check for 4 wounds due to Harsh punishments
I dropped Greywind and the Bowmen back onto the objectives on the left as the game ended
END OF ROUND 5 (& GAME)
HOUSE STARK 13 VP's (3 unit, 10 objectives)
HOUSE BOLTON 5 VP (1 unit, 3 objectives)
BOARD END OF ROUND 5
Johnny was great fun to fight again, for the third time this year. Leaving Ramsay out
on the wing scoring allowed me to ignore him and pick on the left side.
The wolves maneuverability also helped again, as did Robb getting onto the centre and
holding it. I was lucky none of the wolves succumbed to shooting from the wall.
With Game of Thrones being the last scenario I now had a sound tactic for that mode.
GAME 6
Karl "Cushty" Christy
Scenario: A Game of Thrones
TARGARYENS
Unsullied Pikemen with Barristan Selmy (C)
Unsullied Swordmasters with Skahaz Mo Kandaq
Unsullied Swordmasters with Marselen & Mirri Maz Duur
Dothraki Outriders with Rakharo
NCU's
Illyrio , Xaro Xhoan Daxos & Daenerys Targaryen
Ah, so the Warden of Northamptonshire (winner of Battle of Chained Stag II)
facing his squire (me, runner up at same event). To be fair, having seen the other list
and knowing how well Karl plays Targaryen's, I thought I'd had it but Karl opted for his
Unsullied list rather than all cavalry Drogo led force. Karl is a pretty chilled guy, so a fun
no-hassle game was guaranteed but he was also playing for top Targaryen
and top Chelmsford Bunker player.
TERRAIN & DEPLOYMENT
TERRAIN: Weirwood, Wall, Palisade, Weirwood
Karl placed the wall on centre first, and the left side Weirwood.
Selmy targeted Robb's unit with Knightly Vow
TARGARYENS: Outriders, Swordmasters, Swordmasters, Selmy's Pikemen
STARKS: Rickon's Tully Shield, Greywind, Bowmen, Berserkers,
Robb's Tully Shields and Shaggydog
INITIAL PLAN: I won the roll and chose sides making Karl's deploy first. Placing my Wolves on both sides allowed me to see where Karl deployed, so I had my plan. Same as last game, Robb would take and hold the centre, retreating rather than fighting. Rickon would hold the left, but with the Outriders facing them, I would move Greywind to the right and with Shaggydog take the two right objectives. My Bowmen would support left and centre and Berserkers would help there too
ROUND 1
Karl let me go first, so I took Letters, Karl took the Horses and moved up his Outriders. I took Swords to deny a free shot and Karl took Crowns. With my tactical reposition on Robb, I was able to march onto and beyond the centre objective as planned. The Berserkers held back a bit as did my Bowmen fed and Greywind moved and marched ready to take the near right.
Tactics Board End of Round 1
ROUND 2
Karl took the Swords to shoot my Archers losing six but Eddard allowed me to heal three when I passed the panic check
I was charged by Selmy's Pikemen, but with the wall and Superior Positioning,
I took a single wound. I healed the archers from the bags and took Horses too to
move Bowmen a bit.
Belwas's Sword Masters cut down five of Robb's Tully Sworn Shields, with Precision as my Shieldwall stopped the basic hits that got through. I also failed the panic but held on to the Eddard token for healing when passing. Greatjon's Berserkers charged them back using Devastating Impact...
All nine attacks hit
But Karl rolled well, even with the vulnerable token, they passed a morale to heal and
Illyrio also healed them back to a third rank.
Marselen charged the Umbers but rolled really poorly as had rolled a one on the way in...
Tactics Board End of Round 2
BOARD END OF ROUND 2
Rickon took a left objective, marching well over it as did the Outriders, while Robb retreated out of combat, healing 3 as he went. The Wolves took both the right two objectives.
END OF ROUND 2
HOUSE STARK 4 VP's (4 objectives)
HOUSE TARGARYEN 1 VP (1 objective)
ROUND 3
The Berserkers attacked after Catelyn took the Swords, but I only cut down a few
and they healed off the bags
.
Karl's exact words at this point were I can see how this is going to pan out so had
both Swords Masters attack the Umbers who finally succumbed to Outriders attack
My Bowmen dropped an outrider, after they had move up off the objective to finish off the Greatjon
Selmy had moved off to chase down Shaggydog, so I charged Belwas, before playing Hit and Run to retreat back to the centre
Selmy's unit failed a 4+ charge after Swift reposition and horses move as I took another four objectives
BOARD END OF ROUND 3
END OF ROUND 3
HOUSE STARK 8 VP's (8 objectives)
HOUSE TARGARYEN 2 VP's (1 unit, 1 objective)
ROUND 4
Karl activated Selmy and set up for an Overrun charge into both wolves...
The charge was successful, but only did three wounds due to some good saving throws on my part and I passed the panic. I took the Swords but shot ineffectually into Marselens unit.
Karl has Xaro take the Horses to turn Marselen to threaten Rickon. I countered by marching the bowmen into block a charge.
I healed Greywind up from the bags
As this would allow him to score from the objective
The filled out tactics board end of Round 4
BOARD END OF ROUND 4 (& GAME)
The Outriders backed onto the objective and shot my Sworn shields but I healed off Eddard The bowmen were cut down by Marselen's charge but the overrun into Rickon's Sworn Shields bounced due to Shieldwall. I then retreated where I could and held three more objectives
END OF ROUND 4 (& Game)
HOUSE STARK 11 VP's (11 objectives)
HOUSE TARGARYEN 4 VP's (2 units, 2 objectives)
Another great game, as it always is with Karl. With hindsight, Karl agreed he had picked
the wrong list. His all cavalry had mobility, shooting and hard hitting units and he could
easily have ran down my wolves. Karl had planned to seize the centre and left objectives
but I got there first. Again, with hindsight Karl should have used
Horses to move Selmy up first but I did play very defensively with Robb
and my plan was executed perfectly, especially the wolf switch. My dice were good and
Round 3 saw the Targaryens spend the round killing the Umbers. Karl's failed charge
followed by his inability to kill Shaggydog was also a pivotal moment.
So, a great event with five crushing victories with an untested force.
And NO Tully Cavaliers!!! My faith in dice is restored, and when luck is with you,
it isnt just dice. I played the right opponent/force on the right scenario, and didnt face any
Scorpions, Giant Spear throwers or a cavalry heavy list.
Need to say a big shout out to Grant, James, Steve, Karl and all the
other Yecats and Chelmsford bunker guys who worked so hard on putting this
whole event together. So much effort went into it, and it was outstanding!!!
AWARDS
There were lots of awards! Best in Faction, Best in club
(of 4 members or more), Last place, 3rd to 1st,
Best painted army, monster, character and Most Sporting
1st Place and Best Greyjoy
Nicholas Keyes
2nd Place and Best Free Folk
Mickey Arnold
3rd Place and Best Stark
Brian McGonigle
And to prove that luck goes on a roll...
I also managed to win the main raffle prize... 😇
Martell Starter set was Raffle Prize!!!
Rest came from 3rd place and Best in Faction
_________________________________
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EVENTS
Summer Bash
Board In Brum West Midlands Gaming Centre, Walsall, Willenhall, UK
Sat Jul 19
-----------
26th JULY,
BATTLEFIELD HOBBIES, DAVENTRY, UK
===============================================
16th AUGUST
The Hamworthy Club, Magna Road, Canford Magna, Bournemouth, Wimborne, UK
LINK TO STATS
----------------
Always Winter 2025
Common Ground Games, Stirling, UK
AUGUST 23rd/24th
Got my ticket!!! Definitely one of the best events around...
______________________________________________
23rd/24th AUGUST
UK MIDLANDS GT
--------------------------------------------------
THE KRAKENS WRATH
28 Player, 3 game one day event
13th September 2025
Battlefield Hobbies, Daventry
_________________________________
YECATS MINIATURES PRESENT
UK NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
(formerly known as the LONDON GRAND TOURNAMENT)
Sat 27th / Sunday 28th September
Lea Valley Athletic Centre
61 Meridian Way, London N9 0AR, UK
Nine Wardens of the North-West will be present...
----------------------------------------------------
Autumn War!
Board In Brum West Midlands Gaming Centre, Walsall, Willenhall, UK
Sat Oct 18
_______________________________
Thomas Whitworth presents:
A team event with more prizes than you could shake a sausage at...
SUNDAY 19th OCTOBER
LEODIS GAMES, LEEDS
------------------------------------
RIBBLE RUMBLE
"Never Forget What You Are"
SOLD OUT
NOVEMBER 29th/30th
ELEMENT GAMES, STOCKPORT
More info/tickets
"Never Forget What You Are" A Song of Ice & Fire at Ribble Rumble 2025 | Facebook
SOLD OUT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Winter Has Come!
Board In Brum West Midlands Gaming Centre, Walsall, Willenhall, UK
Sat Dec 13
----------------------------------------------------------------
_______________________
Duke's Gaming
& Yecat's Miniatures present
WELSH GT 2026
March 7th & 8th
--------------------------------
APRIL 10th -12th 2026
GLASGOW
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