So, with new recruits swelling the ranks of the Wardens of the North-West, eleven of us headed the short distance to Element Games in Stockport for Carlo's Invitational event, bringing together some of the best players in the world, from 18 countries. A massive organisational feat, 18+ months in the making and supported by Hits & Crits, Barons of Dice, Asmodee UK and with professional photography from
The pictures on the above link are simply amazing, really capture the whole essence of the event magnificently.
Colin (Martells), Cameron (Lannisters), Me (Free Folk), Callum (Baratheons), Ray (Baratheons), Andy (Targaryens), Matt (Stark), Greg (Lannisters), Ste (Stark), Oliver (Nights Watch) and Aden (Greyjoys).
Callum, Cameron and Oliver were freshly recruited from VPW for the event
Great for a Saturday night out in Stockport, they bring they're own cavalry...
Everyone attending got a faction tactics board, short inch and base marker, as well a Baron of dice die (I was given a second by a mate who doesn't have Free Folk)
The hustle and bustle of Saturday morning
Organisation
So myself and Aden were placed in GROUP 1. The event was organised into 4 Groups, with16 "seeded" players based on Stats rankings, 4 in each group with the two top seeded who avoided playing one another. The top two finishers in each group would be split off for Day 2 for a simple Knock out format, while everyone else played out on normal format. It may sound complicated, but it wasn't...
GAME 1
Wes "th3k1ng" Herman
Targaryen
Kansas City, USA
SCENARIO: HERE WE STAND
Drogo's Bloodriders with Khal Drogo (C)
Dothraki Screamers & Outrider Ko
Dothraki Screamers
Drogon
NCU's
Daenerys Targaryen, Xaro Xhoan Daxos & Mirri Maz Duur
With so many International visitors, I was pleased to be playing one rather
than a UK regular. And being in Group 1, we were up on Table 2...
WES
Having beaten Andy's "Lord Robbo" Drogo Targaryens with Tormund in the run up to the event, I decided to go with my Tormund list below
Spearwives with Tormund Giantsbane C)
Spearwives with Jarl & Raid Leader
Cave Dweller Savages with The Great Walrus
Free Folk Raiders with Borroq - Boar Skinchanger
Varamyr Sixskins - Master Skinchanger
Shadowcat
Borroq's Boar
NCU's
Lady Val, Craster & Mance Rayder
TERRAIN & DEPLOYMENT
TERRAIN: 2 x Corpse Pile, 2 x Weirwood
TARGARYENS: Screamers, Drogo's Bloodriders, Drogon, Screamers
FREE FOLK: Jarl's Spearwives, Varamyr, Tormund's Spearwives, Borroq's Raiders, Boar behind, Walrus's Cave Dwellers
ROUND 1
I elected to go first, taking the letters for a full tactics hand
We filled out the tactics board first
Wes advanced more cautiously than I, but I didn't go full steam either... First round of the event nerves???
ROUND 2
With Wes going first, I brought on Shadowcat in my lines
Wes took the Horses, moving back. I used Mance to remove a token by taking bags.
Mance influenced Drogo's unit
But the Targaryens simply moved back
While I understood Wes wanted me to spread out, having one shotted Drogon before, I marched Tormund up ready for my first turn in next round...
END OF ROUND 2
FREEFOLK 2 VP's (2 quarters)
TARGARYENS 2 VP's (2 quarters)
ROUND 3
I had Mance take the sword so Tormund's Spearwives threw their spears, causing one wound. I followed with a charging volley, using Rush of aggression to gain Critical blow.
Sadly, with being weakened, I scored zero critical blows and zero hits.
I even failed to wound when I activated, the few hits saved by Wes
My back up of Cave Dwellers used Rush of Aggression too
Charging into the Screamers on the right
Despite being weakened, they managed four wounds on the Screamers before Drogon retaliated and cut down half of Tormund's Spearwives
But I was able to regroup and reform and heal four back.
Shadowcat failed a 5+ charge that would have been nice
But Varamyr did manage a 4+ charge into the Screamers who had swung out left
Wes played Addrivati for Critical Blow as Drogo and his Bloodriders charged into Tormund's flank
From seven hits, I managed to save three on sixes.
I played a second Regroup and Reform to heal up again
But the Screamers cut down half of the Cave Dwellers, who thankfully passed their morale with the Weirwood in short range
BOARD END OF ROUND 3
END OF ROUND 3
TARGARYENS 4 VP's (4 quarters)
FREE FOLK 4 VP's (4 quarters)
ROUND 4
Wes took the swords first activation and used the Screamers to wipe out the Cave Dwellers. So I activated Shadowcat to charge and pin them in place
My next activation saw my Jarl's Spearwives hit Drogo's rear using Overwhelming assault for Critical blow. This scored nine hits...
And nine wounds!!!
But Drogo passed the panic.
Shadow cat died from an Assault order attack and the surge forth brought the Screamers into the rear of Tormunds, and in charge range of Borroq, so I charged to pin them again. And sent the Boar into Drogo's flank, scoring two wounds but not killing him...
The demise of the Cave Dwellers did give me an Endless Horde raider unit back
Drogo killed more Spearwives...
And Drogon still had to go...
The Screamers on the left retreated out of melee to avoid the advancing Raiders, and Tormund barely held on, healing up with Craster after Drogon attacked
BOARD END OF ROUND 4
END OF ROUND 4
TARGARYENS 7 VP's (2 units, 5 Quarters)
FREEFOLK 4 VP's (4 Quarters)
ROUND 5
I took the Swords with Mance and had the Jarl's Spearwives finish of Drogo
I surged forth into spear range of Drogon. The Spear toss did nothing except drop three on Tormunds unit. I used Co-ordination tactics to gain Tormunds Sundering.
I did five wounds, but couldn't kill the beast.
The Raiders managed a long charge on the Screamers, leaving one alive
The right side Screamers rear ended Tormund, easily killing him before Over running into the Jarl's flank, cutting them down to one rank
Before Drogon finished them off, as the left side Screamers retreated away from Varamyr
END OF ROUND 5 (& GAME)
TARGARYENS 11 VP's (4 units, 7 quarters)
FREEFOLK 5 VP's (1 unit, 4 quarters)
BOARD END OF GAME
A comprehensive win for Wes, who played the more maneuverable Targaryens pretty perfectly in not coming straight at me. We danced for a few turns before I over committed Tormund and the Cave dwellers, but I felt I had to, and in fairness, regroup and reform kept me in the game longer than i should have been given my poor first attacks. But it was an enjoyable first game, a little cagey from both but no issues, fun and friendly and certainly no pressure going into game 2.
With the next scenario A Game of Thrones, I elected to run my Mance list for more units...
Spearwives with Mance Rayder (C)
Spearwives with Jarl & Raid Leader
Cave Dweller Savages with The Great Walrus
Free Folk Raiders with Borroq
Borroq's Boar
Varamyr Sixskins - Master Skinchanger
Shadowcat
Free Folk Raiders with Raid Leader
NCU's
Craster & Lady Val
GAME 2
SCENARIO: A GAME OF THRONES
Thomas "Nachtalb" Pitzer
Frankfurt, Germany
Nights Watch
Thomas was running a Beyond the Wall list, so a good themed match up for Free Folk but nasty to face given his maneuverability. Hopefully, I could get at the Stone thrower early on and get to grips with his smaller forces.
Ranger Vanguards with Benjen Stark (C)
Ranger Trackers
Ranger Trackers
Builder Stone Thrower
NCU's
Donal Noye, Othell Yarwyck with Petyr Baelish
TERRAIN & DEPLOYMENT
TERRAIN: Weirwood, Stakes, Corpse Pile, Weirwood
NIGHTS WATCH: Stone Thrower, Vanguards, Trackers, Trackers
FREEFOLK: Raiders, Varamyr, Mance's Spearwives, Cave Dwellers, Borroq's Raiders, Boar
ROUND 1
I elected to go first, taking the swords and swapping for a card. Thomas had deployed so as I could not get access to the Stone Thrower, so denying a shot was best option.
Not the best opening hand, as I would be getting shot a lot, not attacked in melee...
Thomas took the letters, and I swapped out bags to get a unit moving up early on
Trackers pathfinder ability allows them to move onto dangerous terrain. Nice to know!!!
We played out the tactics board, with Mance's spearwives taking the brunt of shots from the wall and the Stonethrower too...
Leaving me on a single rank by turns end...
I used Crasters once per game early to bolster Mance, as I advanced up on all fronts, while Thomas moved into on corner.
BOARD END OF ROUND 1
ROUND 2
I brought the Jarls Spearwives on far right, with option of either closing in on the Watch from the far end, or stealing the objective
I did bring the Shadowcat on, as it would certainly draw an activation
Thomas used a Baelish token, after taking bags but used swords to drop a rock and kill four of Mances Spearwives.
I took the Swords with Val and moved up the outflanking Spearwives
Mance died with Othell on the wall shooting him down
The Shadowcat charged the Trackers in the flank to keep them pinned, but sadly passed both saves. Nice rolling...
The Stone Thrower dropped nine of my left Raiders unit with a badly failed panic check but I did have Endless horde on them
Thomas let Wildling Diplomacy play for two wounds on the Stone Thrower
The Boar and Borroq's unit took the right objectives
END OF ROUND 2
NIGHTS WATCH 2 VP's (1 unit, 1 Objective)
FREE FOLK 4 VP's (4 Objectives)
BOARD END OF ROUND 2
ROUND 3
I took the Swords with Craster, swapping out to heal two of my left Raiders and gain a card. Thomas took the bags and healed the Stone Throwers. soi took the Horses and moved up my Spearwives. Benjen and his Vanguard charged in, wiping out my Raiders and taking the left objective.
I brought on the Endless horde raiders and they charged, but were hit by a Stone thrower and lost half, meaning I couldn't contest. Varamyr was shot down on the centre objective, with some real poor saving throws, as were my advancing Spearwives. My Cave Dwellers werent line dup correctly to replace Varamyr while Borroq and the Boar sat on the right
END OF ROUND 3
FREEFOLK 6 VP's (6 objectives)
NIGHST WATCH 6 VP's (3 units, 3 objectives)
ROUND 4
I started by playing Endless Horde on the depleted Jarls' Spearwives
I took the Crown and tried to kill the Stone Thrower, as I had caused three wounds on it with Wildling Diplomacy (again). Sadly, it passed the panic so Thomas healed it up again with the bags.
We danced around a bit as the Stone thrower gave me a break and missed
END OF ROUND 4
NIGHTS WATCH 8 VP's (3 units, 5 objectives)
FREE FOLk 8 VP's (8 objectives)
ROUND 5
I had Craster take the Swords and swap it out, healing up my Spearwives who were hanging on
Othell on the wall finished off my Spearwives, before my Cave Dwellers charged into the Trackers. I cut them down to a single model with a failed panic check
The Trackers retreated out of combat, and failed a panic check after I took the crown. Sadly, they didn't die from it and there was not time to start another round
END OF ROUND 5 (and Game)
NIGHTS WATCH 11 VP's (5 units, 6 objectives)
FREE FOLK 11 VP's (11 objectives)
NIGHTS WATCH WIN ON UNITS LEFT
That was a cracking game, with Thomas protecting the Stone Thrower well, and me dying and scrambling to avoid being shot to death. A few dice rolls either way could have gave either of us a narrow win, and neither of us played for a draw, it was just a very close game. Again, played in a friendly and less than competitive spirit. Technically a defeat, but a draw in my mind...
OTHER GAME 2's
Three Wardens on the bottom 3 tables...
Colin, Callum & Greg...
(Admittedly, that's because Group 4 were on the bottom quarter tables)
We broke up for lunch from a cracking little place down stairs that supplied the venue. I didn't know what it was called until Sunday when Greg happened to say the Three Idiots was really good yesterday. I genuinely (and mistakenly) thought he was referring to the Saturday night out with Callum, Cameron and Oliver, which I thought was a bit harsh so I said so. After he had finished laughing at my inherent stupidity, Greg informed me that the burgers were from the Three Idiotz on Hallam St... Recommended!!!
GAME 3
Claudio "Presidente" Bartolucci
Rome, Italy
Lannisters
SCENARIO: DARK WINGS, DARK WORDS
I decided to run Mance, given the mission
Stormcrow Dervishes with Kevan Lannister (C)
Gregor Clegane - The Mountain That Rides
Knights of Casterly Rock
Lannister Crossbowmen with Bronn
NCU's
Tywin Lannister, Lord Varys with Cersei Lannister
Claudio took a snap of me, just to show how much fun I was having losing...
TERRAIN & DEPLOYMENT
TERRAIN: Corpse pile, Weirwood, Weirwood, Corpse Pile
LANNISTERS: Knights, Crossbows, Dervishes, Mountain
FREE FOLK: Raiders, Cave Dwellers, Varamyr, Mance's Spearwives, Boar, Borroq's Raider (Jarls Spearwives and Shadowcat off board)
ROUND 1
I played Endless Horde on left side Raiders
and having opted to go first, took the Letters, weakening the Crossbows. Claudio took the bags to remove the token.
With Endless Horde already out, a decent opening hand
We filled out the tactics board as usual, Val swapping the swords for a move
I advanced up on the right heavily
I also moved up on the left
But with the centre objective being worth 2 VP's, Claudio's Dervishes marched up onto it.
Board End of Round 1
I used the Long Plan to take Wildling Diplomacy ready for next round
ROUND 2
I brought both the Spearwives and Shadowcat up on my left flank
Claudio used Tywins ability to really hit my forces, killing shadowcat with hits after making it vulnerable, and then took the Crowns
He swapped this out to allow the Kevans Dervishes to charge, who cut down the Spearwives to five
And then they retreated out of melee. I used Regroup and Reform
And also healed up off of the bags
But the Lannisters were untouched and I'd taken a bloody nose
As Borroq's unit activated to take the objective on the right, Subjugation of power was played but they passed
But the Dervishes then activated and charged into them
On the left, I'd taken the objective but the Knights managed to flank the Spearwives
Nine hits saw nine wounds and a three on the panic. Not good!!!
END OF ROUND 2
FREE FOLK 5 VP's (5 objectives)
LANNISTERS 3 VP's (1 unit, 2 objectives)
BOARD END OF ROUND 2
ROUND 3
Activating first, I charged the Crossbowmen with the Cave Dwellers, playing Coordination Tactics to gain vulnerable and the Walrus's vicious and highest attacks. Claudio argued that co-ordination tactics only work on the unit (which in fairness, is exactly what the card says) but that is not generally how we play it, in that you can take unit attachments abilities too. Anyway, I didn't argue the point, as it was pointless. I also played Overwhelming Assault
I cut six down
Off the crown, the Dervishes charged and wiped out Borroq. I played Diversion tactics, allowing Mance's Spearwives to move up, toss spears and charge home
This wiped them out, and allowed me to surge forth into the Lannister deployment zone
END OF ROUND 3
LANNSITERS 8 VP's (3 units, 5 objectives)
FREE FOLK 8 VP's (1 unit, 7 objectives)
ROUND 4
The missions included giving point for first claim of tactics board
I played Endless Horde on the Spearwives who had been charged by the Mountain last round. Having finished off my Cave Dwellers previous round, Claudio activated them first
Wiping them out. I flanked the knights with my Raiders to keep them honest, before the Mountain failed a 3+ charge on Varamyr.
I gave a point away to prevent Claudio taking it and getting the Dervishes closer.
Good call, as he did go for a long Dervish charge but failed
I was losing, so had to go for it. I charged the Mountain with Varamyr, and managed to score two wounds thanks to sundering. And then he failed the panic check for three wounds, so I killed the big man!!! And secured the centre objective...
BOARD END OF ROUND (& GAME)
LANNSITERS 11 VP's (5 units, 6 objectives)
FREE FOLK 11 VP's (2 units, 9 objectives)
Lannister win on units left
So another draw (in my mind). I really enjoyed that game, and learned a lot of Italian swear words from Claudio, as he did roll some poor dice. So close again, but those Knights really hurt me, cavalry truly are the bane of Free Folk. Pretty sure Co-ordination Tactics takes attachment abilities in hindsight but with our language issues, it wasn't a point to push and really didn't make that much of a difference in game. A draw was well deserved I felt...
Elsewhere in Group 1, Aden was suffering at the hands of the beer guzzling Dornish!!!
HITS & CRITS CHAT
So I was asked in for a chat on Hits and Crits about the event and the new update. I had not really checked it but was aware of a few Free Folk things 🦣🦣🦣 . Alas, though I thought my inane whittering, mumbling and general Scottish incoherence didn't pass the quality control, it turns out that given the volume of content the Hits & Crits guys are pumping out what with new patch, work on ASOIF-Stats, etc, that chat it will be along in due course...
The more articulate chats can be found here
CHRIS "ANDONE" from Hits & Crits
GAME 4
Dimitrios "Tsiou" Fountoukis
Greece
Starks
Scenario: A Clash of Kings
Dimitrious was running a pretty familiar list to me, as its similar to that favoured by PsychoSte over the years. With neither of us with a win, we were just tired and looking for a good end to a long day and this turned out to be a corker. We literally took the mick all way through. Anyway, the Eddard list is below...
Eddard's Honor Guard with Eddard Stark(C)
Stark Bowmen with Crannogman Warden
House Tully Cavaliers with Winterfell Guardian
House Mormont She-Bears with Rickon Stark & Osha
Shaggydog
NCU's
Catelyn Stark & Arya Stark
Aden was following me to the bottom, playing Tim Whitney on the table next to me
TERRAIN & DEPLOYMENT
TERRAIN: Weirwood, Wall, Weirwood and Bog
STARKS: She-Bears, Bowmen, Tully Cavaliers, honour Guard, Shaggydog
FREE FOLK: Cave-Dwellers, Mance's Spearwives, Raiders, Varamyr, Borroq's Raiders and Boar (Jarl's Spearwives and Shadowcat off-board)
ROUND 1
I chose first turn, taking the Letters and weakening the bowmen. Dimitrios took the Horses and moved Shaggydog back. I moved up my Cave Dwellers with Val on the Swords swapping out, before Dimitrios crown zapped Mance...
I passed the test easily enough...
At the end of the round, I played the Long Plan to take Wildling Diplomacy
BOARD END OF ROUND 1
I'd swung heavily right as the Tullys' swung away to my left. I kept my distance from the bowmen
ROUND 2
I brought on Shadowcat and the Jarl's Spearwives start of round. And then played Predictable Maneuvers to stop the Tullys and Arya from activating
This stopped the Tullys from activating. So Dimitrios elected to activate Catelyn...
But I played Wildling Diplomacy. Dimitrios decided to proceed with the activation, so I weakened the Bowmen and then rolled a D3 +1 wounds on Shaggydog. And rolled 3
One dead doggy, and finally my dice were doing well...
Dimitrios played Assault orders after taking the Swords, and used devastating impact to smash into the Cave Dwellers. I made two saves from seven hits.
I activated the flanking Spearwives, who threw spears and charged in against the Tullys, managing to lose a model to a passed panic check as the Tully's healed the wound I did
The She Bears activated and dropped the Walrus's Cave Dwellers down to three models
The Tully Cavaliers attacked back and dropped four spearwives
And Shadowcat braved the Crannogman overwatch...
Woo hoo, a gamble that paid off!!!
She killed two Bowmen...
Meanwhile, I put Borroq in harms way by taking the objective and his Boar out of arc...
Arya activated and swapped zone to assault orders, finishing off the Cave Dwellers
After Eddard's Honour Guard crumped Borroq for six wounds, I used Craster once per game and Regroup and Reform to fully heal up and plopped the raid leader in to for good measure.
Dimitrios used his second Arya token to retreat the Bowmen out of melee and they shifted and shot the Jarl's Spearwives down...
So my left flank had totally gone, but Eddard was exposed on the right and I was activating first. I'd marched Mance up and off centre to give me a rear attack Round 3
END OF ROUND 2
STARKS 3 VP's (2 units, 1 objective)
FREEFOLK 2 VP's (1 wolf, 1 objective)
ROUND 3
I played Surrounded and Exposed to give Eddard all the tokens
I took the Swords, using it to make a spear throw but I sadly failed to hit with all my dice
Still, with the Raid Leader engaged too, seven attacks on 3+ caused seven wounds. And a rear attack and -3 from "Theres too Many" meant a -4 test due to Weirwood. And Dimitrios rolled the ten... gutted!!!
Go Down fighting caused a dead spearwife but also used Mance's counter-strategy to stop Fury of the Fallen (thanks Ste, I remembered this time)
Dimitrios took the bags to heal up, but I then activated Borroq to attack, playing overwhelming assault for re-rolls and Sundering.
I caused enough wounds to allow Borroq's Boar to flank and charge in, killing Eddard and his unit.
With our forces so far apart, we maneuvered the rest of the round with the exception of Mance, who managed a long range (4+) charge into the Tullys flank after moving over with Val swapping a zone. I also claimed the centre
BOARD END OF ROUND 3
END OF ROUND 3
STARKS 4 VP's (2 units, 2 objectives
FREEFOLK 6 VP's (2 units, +1 Eddard, 3 objectives)
ROUND 4
I played the Endless Horde on Mance's Spearwives as they were shot up.
They were activated but didn't do much to the Tully's. I then charged in with Varamyr, to keep them engaged to be fair, as I felt Mance might fall but used overwhelming assault to help. Mance was shot up but that only made him more fierce
And the Tully's did drop a rank. Dimitrios moved the Mormonts off the left and then marched to put the Raiders under pressure. Borroq left the right objective, and let the boar take the objective.
BOARD END OF ROUND 4
END OF ROUND 4
STARKS 4 VP's (2 units, 2 objectives)
FREEFOLK 8 VP's (2 units, +1 Eddard, 5 objectives)
ROUND 5
I swapped out the Swords with Val and deny Dimitrios an attack, so the Stark Bowmen shot down Mance, triggering an endless Horde, who came on and made made a massive 5+ charge into the Mormonts to keep them pinned. The Tullys activated and killed Varamyr. I sat with Borroq and the Boar, so a crown panic killed a few of my Raiders. I healed with Craster.
I then declined a charge with the Raiders sitting on the centre to keep both objectives secure
With no way of shifting them, the Mormonts turned their fury on my stalling Raiders
And in a flurry of Critical Blows and a successful War cry, the Raiders died
BOARD AT END OF ROUND 5
END OF ROUND 5 (& GAME)
FREEFOLK 10 VP's (2 units, +1 Eddard, 7 objectives)
STARKS 9 VP's (5 units, +1 Mance, 3 objectives)
Wow, what a way to end Day 1. They don't come much closer (other than a draw I suppose). Dimitrios was a brilliant laugh, plenty of cheek and piss taking banter, aided and abetted by the accents... and really, it was a tough loss for him. Wildling Diplomacy did what it should, killing Dire Wolves. Losing the left so soon was a shame, but it left Eddard isolated and I took the risk to march Mance into his rear for a big hit start of Round 3. But the 5+ charge won the game, otherwise, the Mormonts would have been able to shift me off of the centre I'm sure.
So four really great opponents; an American Targaryen, a German Nights Watch, an Italian Lannister and a Greek Stark. Simply brilliant...
END OF DAY 1
After a few of us went down to the hotel to check in, we met up with the other Wardens staying over and a few other players for an Indian near the venue. If ever gaming there, its a good place to dine
With 103 players, there were pizzas and burgers etc going on, the Dead Meta guys were playing Zombicide, and there a quiz at 2100.
Team France were noisy behind us in the Indian too...
TABLE 1
Chris, Ste, Greg, Dan G, Ray, Cameron, Sam
Worth mentioning that Sam had upset the seedings and ranking with four wins beating three of the seeded players in the process. Hence why he was sitting with the "good" players (and Chris) at Table 1
This lot skipped starters and buggered off back for the quiz before we had even had our mains
TABLE 2
Oliver, Callum, Me, Matt, Andy, Tim and Steve
Steve likes his starters, so we all missed the quiz but royally took the mickey out of Callum for not winning a game and then headed over to lovely little pub.
Great wee pub, free pool & darts, good beer, plenty of room and high quality music on juke box (Pogues, Big Country). Steve and I put the world to rights for half an hour while the youngsters played pool and threw darts in the noisy bit...
Is Nicholas Cage a time traveller as he does look like the Duke of York? Or is he a fan?
Either way, pissed up Cameron borrowed him from the toilet to declare him
"King of the North" when were joined after the quiz by Table 1, some Southern lads, and team Sweden. We all had a blast...
Jacob, Matt, Pascal, Andy & Greg
Welsh Dan G, Ray, Callum and Ste
Oliver, Cameron and Welsh Dan G
Mickey and Mr Ray
(both being Geordies, they were rather chuffed about the Newcastle cup win)
So Ste, Dan McD, Andy, Greg and I were last to bed as we hit the hotel bar until 0215 (clocks went forward too) so I had four hours kip ahead of day too...
DAY 2
PAINTING
While I took a few snaps over lunch, they are not as good as these that Doug did. A professional job and you can check out close ups, light boxes and far more on the link below, I have selected just the top armies, and also the winning single character, Tywin Lannister in freehand...
.jpg)
GAME 5
SCENARIO: A DANCE WITH DRAGONS
Oliver "Gorfield" Boardman
Nights Watch
Haydock, England
I watched Oliver lose all five games at the Ribble Rumble with a smile on his face, coming dead last and winning the Samwell Tarly award for being not much use in a fight. And we also spent time chatting about the match up at the Indian restaurant so knew what I would be facing and that this would be a difficult game against a fun opponent.
A fun opponent but a damn nasty list for an infantry horde!!!
Shadow Tower Spearmen with Othell Yarwyck & Satin
Builder Stone Thrower
Builder Stone Thrower
Builder Scorpion Crew with Modifications - Othell Yarwyck
Builder Scorpion Crew with Modifications - Othell Yarwyck
NCU's
Donal Noye
NB: I elected to run Mance for the rest of my games,
as I feel warm and comfortable with him
TERRAIN & DEPLOYMENT
TERRAIN: Weirwood, Wood, Corpse Pile, Weirwood
NIGHTS WATCH: Scorpion, Shadow Tower Spears with Stone Thrower behind,
Scorpion with Stone thrower behind
FREEFOLK: Raiders, Varamyr, Boar, Borroq Raiders, Cave Dwellers,
Mance Spearwives (Jarl Spears and Shadowcat off board)
ROUND 1
Ok, card draw was helpful. Oliver got to go first but as I'd decided to try and win via objectives (as Oliver was simply going to to try and blow me away from range) so I elected to keep Jarl and Shadowcat off board until turn 3 so I would have some support and could hopefully draw out the Spearmen a bit
No surprises Oliver took the Swords and tossed a big boulder...
Targeting Borroq's Raiders, they found a really big rock
Despite the +2 morale from Borroq, they failed the panic check
and lost eight men total...
I took the Horses with Craster and moved up Mance before Oliver activated the Scorpion, playing Honed Enhancement to target Varamyr on a 5+ with 3 dice.
And got two hits, killing Varamyr...
Another Stone thrower hit Borroq, killing two but I passed the panic I had to use a Regroup and Reform
I used it swap Borroq into the Cave Dwellers too for a 2+ morale unit
which attracted more big rocks.
But at least the panic was being passed
And I used another Regroup and Reform to re-heal from Raiders...
"From me", "To you..."
Both Regroup & Reforms spent early...
I had used Val on Crowns swapped to move Mance up a second 6" before I marched up last activation of the round
BOARD END OF ROUND 1
I'd taken a pounding an no mistake. But first activation next turn should be good
END OF ROUND 1
NIGHTS WATCH 1 VP (1 unit)
FREE FOLK 0 VP
ROUND 2
I played Coordination tactics start of Turn to gain all the Cave Dwellers goodness the I took the Swords
I scored three hits (and wounds) with the Spear toss
Then charged in... and fluffed it!!!
I lost 3 to the defensive stake modification but my dice were shocking and Oli made a few saves...
Left alive on one wound, I played Predictable Maneuvers to stop Spearmen charging me the Scorpion crew attacked back, killing a spearwife with the help of The Sword in the darkness.
I activated Mance and attacked
Getting four hits...
which proved to be enough, although I lost four ladies to a close range Stone drop
I used Val (or Horses) to move up the Cave Dwellers. I also used Craster once per game heal
But Charging the Spears was silly, so I went for a 6+ on the Scorpion instead.
I failed, badly...
As did my back up plan of the boar, who only needed a 5+...
Olli took the Crowns to try and panic kill my lone raider on the centre objective
despite my Wildling Diplomacy and his Scorpion took two wounds
Sadly, the Lone Raider is still running...
The Shadow Tower Spearmen finally activated and took two wounds from Hidden traps
Before smashing into the Cave Dwellers
Seven hits saw the Cave Dwellers and Borroq die, the Spearmen turning to front up Mance. The Boar hung about until the start of next round...
Board End of Round 2
END OF ROUND 2
NIGHTS WATCH 3 VP's (3 units)
FREE FOLK 2 VP (1 unit, 1 objective)
ROUND 3
I brought on Shadowcat and the Spearwives alongside Mance. Oliver took the Swords
and killed 3 spearwives, leaving Mance alone.
I then had Val take bags and move the spearwives up into the Shadow Towers flank. They then got hit by a Stone thrower. So I had Craster on the horses move them up, and they got hit by another Stone thrower
The tactics board was a bit light in this game, with hindsight...
The Jarl finally activated, with an Endless horde card played and hit with all four spears on the wounded Scorpion. Wow, suppose if you take the chance. Sadly, they saved two, so were left on two wounds!!!
Oh yeah!!! Just the tonic, failing the panic...
Mance died when the Shadow Tower Spearmen charged the Spearwives
Mance's Spearwives death did allow the Endless horde to come on
BOARD END OF ROUND 3
The Shadowcat had maneuvered around the Spears and my troops were still fighting for our survival
END OF ROUND 3
FREEFOLK 3 VP's (2 units, 1 objective)
NIGHTS WATCH 4 VP's (4 units)
ROUND 4
I activated the Shadowcat, charging in to engage the awkward to get at Stone Thrower. I failed to hit it though, as had rolled a one on the way in...
But Predictable Maneuvers stopped the Stone thrower and Donal from activating, so the Stone thrower attacked and caused a wound on the Shadowcat.
which allowed the Jarl to move up with Diversion tactics before he attacked off the swords
Sadly, I couldn't repeat my earlier success and missed all my throws.
The charge in resulted in three wounds, as all four attacks hit.
This attack allowed the Spears to pivot and shift due to Watcher on the Wall
Oliver took the Crown, and panicked my Jarl. I failed the test but their demise did bring on an Endless Horde raider unit
I took Craster on the Horses and retreated the Shadowcat out of melee, as he was about to get set upon by the Shadow Tower Spears but I didn't roll high enough to get out of the charge arc
The Shadow Tower activated and charged the cat
Five hits proved just enough, as the woods gave me a +1 Defence so I was saving on 3+
The Shadow Tower spears surged forth towards the right Raiders
BOARD END OF ROUND 4
END OF ROUND 4
FREEFOLK 5 VP's (2 units, 3 objectives)
NIGHTS WATCH 5 VP's (5 units)
ROUND 5
Donal Noye took the Swords, launching a rock at my left Raiders but they missed. I had Val take the Crown and tried to panic kill the wounded Stone thrower.
Sadly, it didn't work...
Using serrated enhancements, the NW Spears charged my right unit...
The Vicious meant I failed the panic roll
I just managed to survive a Stone thrower on my left raiders and I held the centre with an Endless Horde unit but the Shadow Tower took control of the right
Board End of Round 5
END OF ROUND 5
FREEFOLK 7 VP's (2 units, 5 objectives)
NIGHTS WATCH 6 VP's (5 units, 1 objective)
ROUND 6
I had Craster take the horses, and retreated my right Raiders out of melee, with a decent roll too. To stay engage would have simply resulted in a gift of another dead unit
Donal took the Swords and dropped a rock on the far left Raiders, killing them
With his Stone thrower sitting on 3 wounds, I went for another crown panic attack on it
They passed again, just...
Thankfully, one of the Stone throwers missed against my retreated Raiders, so I survived the one that did hit, barely...
Board End of Round 6 (and Game)
FREEFOLK 8 VP's (2 units, 6 objectives)
NIGHTS WATCH 8 VP's (6 units, 2 objectives)
Nights Watch win with points on board...
Another draw!!! That was so brilliant, so incredibly close, so many swings and could have went either way, with a missed Stone thrower attack or two, a passed panic check here and there. Oliver was apologetic about his list, but I see no reason for him to be, as it was a challenge and I really enjoyed the game. Not a list I'd ever faced before either. There was no issues, and in fairness, it was really, really close. The Jarl Spearwives by-passing the Spears and being left alone and dropping the Scorpion with throwing spear was my highlight, but that's what A Song of Ice and Fire throws up.
GAME 6
Scenario: Winds of Winter
Adam "The Harbinator" Harbinson
The cold and barren North-East wasteland!!!
FREEFOLK
I've played Adam a few times now, he's a damn good player and being one
of the Dead Meta Gaming lads, he's a good laugh as well. Never any rules
quibbles or seriousness in playing with DMG, as evidenced as we both made a few
after trigger errors that we let our opponent do (it was a late night after all)
Varamyr Sixskins
Shadowcat
Wolf Pack
Free Folk Raiders with Borroq & Harma's Bannerman
Free Folk Raiders with Harma
Mag the Mighty
Borroq's Boar
NCU's
Lady Val, Craster & Mance Rayder
Imagine: a 10 activation Free Folk list with only two proper units...
TERRAIN & DEPLOYMENT
TERRAIN: Stakes, Corpse Pile, Wall, Stakes
ADAM's FREE FOLK: Wolfpack, Varamyr, Mag, Raiders with Borroq, Boar,
Harma's Raiders (Shadowcat off board0
MY FREE FOLK: Cave Dwellers, Raiders, Varamyr, Borroq's Raiders, Boar, Mance Spearwives (Jarl's and Shadowcat off board)
ROUND 1
I opted for first player, taking the Letters and a panicked on Harma's unit. Abel too the crown and lost two central Raiders to the panic check before moving Mance up from horses. Adam's Val took bags and moved up Varamyr
I marched up on my right with Borroq and his board, with Mance still to activate.
Adam sent the Wolpack up to threaten my left...
Adam made the first move and got Varamyr in on the Cave Dwellers early after I'd marched them up. My Cave Dwellers had Endless Horde on them.
and I even failed the panic for five dead in total...
After Adam's centre moved up, Harma turned and ran back to the centre as Mance marched up the right
Adam played Summon companions to bring on Shadowcat. Interesting, never ran Varamyr commander before but his cards are nice for a skinchanger I suppose.
The cat flanked my Cave Dwellers killing two...
Adam looked to activate his last NCU for an attack off the Swords but Wildling diplomacy made him pass instead.
ROUND 2
Adam going first played 2VP's for controlling the centre. I played score if opponent takes a tactics zone before you. I brought Spearwives and Shadowcat onto my left
I played Predictable Maneuvers targeting Varamyr and Abel NCU
So Adam had Shadowcat activate and attack, killing one
I activated the Cave Dwellers and attacked Varamyr, scoring hits with all eight.
But Adam made seven out of eight 4+ saves. I called him every name under the sun for that...
Until he rolled and failed his panic...
My next turn saw me bolster the Cave Dwellers from the Raiders with Regroup and Reform, including the raid leader
I then moved them up to try and force Mag to take me out...
Adam took the letters and Horses before me, giving me two VP's having already passed with Mance the Bard. I took the crown with Val and moved Mance Spearwives into throw range of Bad Borroq's flank
Adam had moved his Borroq up, and his boar made a 5+ charge to finish off my raiders, freeing Mag to take the centre. Varamyr killed the Boar. My Shadowcat killed Adam's, my endless Horde raiders came on bottom left, and the wolf had charged my spearwives, whom attacked back for one wound on it, before it retreated off the horses... a lot going on. Varamyr was about to die ignominiously when Harma charged him, and I failed all my saves...
Harma surged forth back to face Mance, so off the Swords, Mance and his Spearwives shifted and threw Spears, then charged in.
It was truly glorious!!!
And when Adam announced a Sentinel Charge, Mance used his counterstrategy to cancel it
I surged forth backwards, but the Endless Horde from Adam's Borroq was still able to charge me, doing two wounds
BOARD END OF ROUND 2
END OF ROUND 2
ADAM'S FREE FOLK 4 VP's (2 units, 2 objectives)
MY FREE FOLK 4 VP's (2 units, 2 objectives)
ROUND 3
I played Score for each objective, Adam played take Swords or Horses
I activate Mance and attacked the Raiders. I killed five, but he passed the morale
with flying colours...
I took some licks back, and with Harma nearby, I used regroup and Reform to reinforce and brough Borroq in to bolster morale
I had planned to retreat off but Abel did for me as couldn't be affected by by tactics zones
Mag sat on the centre, and on the left the wolfpack left my spearwives alone and ran towards Harma
END OF ROUND 3
ADAM'S FREE FOLK 5 VP's (2 units, 3 objectives)
MY FREE FOLK 7 VP's (2 units, 5 objectives)
ROUND 4
I played score if have an unengaged unit in enemy deployment and
it was a given Adam was going to steal first player and score a point,
which he did
I retreated out of melee, as 2 v 1 wasn't a fair fight. Mag was closing in too.
I passed a crown panic check with my raiders
I charged into Mag with Shadowcat to keep him pinned
Mag easily killed the cat, my raiders died after being charged by Adam's who dropped back and I lost 3 spearwives when Harma charged in
And though my spearwives moved into Adam's deployment, the sneaky git Summoned Companions and brought on his Shadowcat, who didn't charge into my Endless Horde Raiders
BOARD END OF ROUND 4
END OF ROUND 4
ADAM'S FREE FOLK 9 VP's (3 units, 6 objectives)
MY FREE FOLK 9 VP's (2 units, 7 objectives)
ROUND 5
Adam played score for unengaged unit in enemy deployment zone, so I played score off Horses or Swords. Adam activated Shadowcat and moved it away form my units. took the Letters, swapping to heal two on Mance and draw a card.
I played Predictable maneuvers to prevent Mag or Abel doing something...
This allowed me to use Val to retreat Mance out of trouble (a bit)
I played Surrounded and Exposed to Weaken Mag just before he charged into Mance. It worked a treat as I lost two and passed the panic
I even got another Surrounded and Exposed to weaken him again, but Harma charged my flank
I lost one wife as the weakened on Harma from a while back helped. But lost a second with a failed panic check. Unbelievable!!!
BOARD END OF ROUND 5
END OF ROUND 5
ADAM'S FREE FOLK 11 VP's (3 units, 8 objectives)
MY FREE FOLK 11 VP's (2 units, 9 objectives)
ROUND 6
I played Score off Letters or Swords, Adam from each objective
Adam activated Harma but her attacks left Mance and Borroq still alive.
I used Val to retreat them out of melee, and pivoted to avoid a charge from them if they were able. Mag charged the Raiders
Rolling a 1, which would hopefully help with the weakened
Yeah, it did...
Adam had Shadowcat make a long range charge into Mance and Borroq, successfully killing them both. Adam took the Swords, despite me playing Wilding Diplomacy. This gave me a VP and Mag 3 wounds but mauled my Raiders.
I took a risk and attacked Mag back, but didnt do much and allowed Harma to Snetinel charge me and wipe me out. Mag was half an inch out of getting the right objective as Adam took the centre, and I had both on the left
BOARD END OF ROUND 6 (& GAME)
END OF ROUND 6 (& GAME)
ADAM'S FREE FOLK 14 VP's (5 units, 9 objectives)
MY FREE FOLK 14 VP's (2 units, 12 objectives)
Adam wins on points on board
Another amazing game culminating in yet another losing draw. I mean you couldn't make this up, so close and swingy all the way through. Like I said, a cracking laugh all the way through, really fun game and no issues. We both made little errors but in the end , Mance ran out of room to run away...
GAME 7
SCENARIO: HONED & READY
Kurt "Belisarius" Pucci
Kansas City, USA
Baratheons
So started with Wes from Kansas City, finished with Kurt from Kansas City.
Belisarius is a name I recognised from the forums and he was running a lovely
Stannis list. I don't like facing Baratheons, toom much armour but at least
no counterstriking Wardens
King's Men with Stannis Baratheon (C)
R'hllor Lightbringers with Davos Seaworth
Crownland Scouts
Baratheon Halberdiers
NCU's
Selyse and Shireen, Lord Varys & Cressen
You can also catch up with Kurt's sagely thoughts on Season 6 update below
TERRAIN & DEPLOYMENT
TERRAIN: Wood, Weir Wood, Wood, Weir Wood
BARATHEONS: Halberdiers, Lightbringers, Crownland Scouts behind,
Stannis's Kingsmen
FREE FOLK: Cave Dwellers, Mance's Spearwives, Boar, Borroq's Raiders,
Varamyr, Raiders. (Jarl's wives and Shadowcat off board)
ROUND 1
I elected to go first and took the Letters, weakening the Lightbringers
First round saw the Baratheons close in on the left and Centre. I didn't want to engage the Kingsmen, so would try and out objective Kurt, splitting my forces to potentially encircle the Baratheons
BOARD END OF ROUND 1
TACTICS BOARD END OF ROUND 1
ROUND 2
I brought on the cat and Spearwives behind the Halberdiers, before targeting the Scouts and Selyse/Shireen with Predictable Maneuvers. So Kurt took the Swords with Varys and shot into Mance but being weakened it wasn't that accurate
I then had the Spearwives activate, throw and charge into the Halberdiers rear, dropping them to one rank. However, they passed their panic from melee, and Kurt used Baratheon conviction to heal two. I also failed a panic check
Kurt used Supply Aid to heal four back...
then took the bags with Selyse/Shereen to heal three more.
I activated Shadowcat to pin the Scouts in place
The Halberdiers cut down my Spearwives to a rank, but allowed me to use Diversion tactics to moved Mance up.
It was too good a gift for Kurt not to take it, flanking Mance with his Kingsmen. Nine flanking hits could really have done for me but I rolled kind of well
I healed the Spearwives up with Regroup and Reform
And used Val to swap Crowns to get the Cave Dwellers into Stannis's flank, charging home and cutting down five of them
The Crownland Scouts caused one wound on the Shadowcat due to its disrupt.
I then activated Mance and retreated out onto the objective, and tempted though I was, I resisted the urge to have Varamyr hits Stannis in the rear and took the centre.Borroq's Raider took one right objective, while the Boar took the other
END OF ROUND 2
FREEFOLK 4 VP's (4 objectives)
BARATHEONS 1 VP (1 objective)
ROUND 3
Kurt used Cressen start of round to seize the swords
After a bit of humming and haaing, he had the Lightbringers shoot the Cave Dwellers
I lost four men but played There's Too Many for Stannis's check
Class, but sadly they took one wound due to Iron resolve
I then activated Mance and had my Spearwives charge, using
the Overwhelming assault card for critical blow and sundering, scoring six hits
The Kingsmen lost three but Kurt used Supply aid to heal four back
I had Varamyr move off the centre and flank the pesky Lightbringers
Not enough to kill them thought but I did drop them to two
The Halberdiers finished off my Jarls' Spearwives
The Lightbringers retreated out, as the Halberdiers helpfully pivoted to allow it. The Kingsmen killed the cave dwellers after I had retreated back onto the objective with Mance via Craster on Horses.
The Kingsmen then turned to face Borroq, and the Scouts killed the Shadowcat. And for the last activation, Varys shot up Mance from the walls.
END OF ROUND 3
FREE FOLK 7 VP's (7 objectives)
BARATHEONS 4 VP's (2 units, 2 objectives
ROUND 4
After scoring, Mance was wiped out by the wall shots...
Stannis activated and charged Varamyr, killing him. I moved Borroq away...
Davos sat it out at the back, as I'd retreated Borroq out of range. I moved Borroq further away
The Crownland Scouts healed and marched right up to my Raiders,
who got Endless Horde on them and were shot up badly from the wall.
Cressen also died...
END OF ROUND 4
FREE FOLK 9 VP's (9 objectives)
BARATHEONS 8 VP's (4 units, 4 objectives
Board End of Round 4
ROUND 5
Impressively, the 3 raiders had survived the shooting off the wall, losing two...
I didn't waste time healing or owt, I used Craster on the crown to panic check Davos
Sadly, he passed. Kurt then finished off my last raider with shots from the wall but that brought out an Endless Horde unit on the far left. They activated and took the near left objective
The Crownland Scouts charged Borroq's Raiders but I held before retreating
out and even survived the end of round shooting.
BOARD END OF ROUND 5 (and Game)
With time called (people had flights to catch etc), we tallied it up and I'm sure you know the story by now...
FREE FOLK 11 VP's (11 objectives)
BARATHEONS 11 VP's (5 units, 6 objectives)
Baratheons win with units on the board.
A brilliant game to end the event with, Kurt and I had a real blast. Shockingly, another draw. I was ahead all the way through, but was badly hurt off the walls and I felt I couldn't win a melee despite my best efforts (Bear v bowmen excepted). Kurt using Cressen was probably the point that lost me the game, it was perfectly timed when the game was in the balance.
So with seven games, with a LDDWDDD record in my mind, I placed 97th of 103. I had seven excellent games, against sporting and definitely non-overly competitive players which was just awesome.
A big thanks to Karl & Chris for the effort and organisation. It was smooth and a magnificent celebration of the game and community
"The Man with the plan"
Carlo Connor-Hill
PRIZE SUPPORT
Doug has captured all the awards too at link below
I even tied for Most Sporting Opponent, with Dan, Aden and Gordie, who placed highest and thus took the top prize. I was thrilled to come away with some nice prizes
Apparently I wasn't the only one taking pictures. Thanks Aden, not sure after what game it was (although I probably managed to draw it) when this image was taken...
OTHER EVENTS
------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
30 Oxford St, Harrogate HG1 1PP
Matthew Thicket-Ward is running a small ASOIF event on Sunday 27th April.
------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 27th April
BATTEL CITY GAMES, PORTSMOUTH
TICKET LINK BELOW
-----------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY 27th APRIL
SOLD OUT
(RESERVES LIST UP)
The Battle of the Chained Stag II - Vengeance of the South
Daventry NN11 4PH, UK
(I'll be there with other Wardens of the North-West, defending my title with my trusty squire)
-------------------------------------------------------
MAY 11th, Leodis Games
_____________________________________________________
The next tournament for the Wardens of the South is here
1 Day - 3 Games - 24 Players
What are you waiting for?! Sign up now and come and compete.
------------------------------------------------------
Aftermath Gaming Club
Saturday MAY 24th
Lazar House, Sprowston Road, Norwich, UK
----------------------------------------------------------------
DEAD META GAMING
NORTHERN GRAND TOURNAMENT III
24th & 25th MAY
Pro-Tech Games, Stockton-On-Tees, TS18 2PN
Tickets/Stats Sign Up
----------------------------------------------
Ironborn Uprising - Outpost Sheffield
Kingfisher Works, Neepsend Lane, Neepsend, Sheffield S3 8AU, UK
FIRST OUTING FOR ASOIF AT THE OUTPOST
ASOIF STATS LINK (and ticket info)
SATURDAY 14th JUNE
------------------------------------------------------------------
70 Player, two day event
28th/29th June
Best Western The Thurrock Hotel, (on site accommodation)
Ship Lane, Aveley, Purfleet, UK
Sign Up ASOIAF Stats
I'll be there to represent the Wardens of the North-West
----------------------------------
Board in Brum Summer Bash
Board In Brum West Midlands Gaming Centre, Walsall, Willenhall, UK
Sat Jul 19
-----------
Always Winter 2025
Common Ground Games, Stirling, UK
AUGUST 23rd/24th
Got my ticket!!! Definitely one of the best events around...
___________________________________
Autumn War!
Board In Brum West Midlands Gaming Centre, Walsall, Willenhall, UK
Sat Oct 18
------------------------------------
RIBBLE RUMBLE
"Never Forget What You Are"
NOVEMBER 29th/30th
ELEMENT GAMES, STOCKPORT
(TICKETS NOT ON SALE AS YET)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
No comments:
Post a Comment