Song Of Blades And Heroes Report: Gondor Verses Isengard

LURTZ AND HIS URUK-HAI RAIDING PARTY

This game was played using the basic rules of “Song Of Blades And Heroes” by “Ganesha Games”, and is the first in a series of adventures involving the second son of Denethor as he attempts to thwart an invasion of Osgiliath by the Forces of Mordor. The scenario was used as a basic introduction to Andrea Sfiligoi's "fast play fantasy skirmish rules", and resultantly comprised of a small band of five Uruk-Hai confronting a similar sized group of Minas Tirith warriors over a 36" x 27" tabletop populated with some "Battlefield In A Box" Gothic terrain by “Gale Force Nine”.

“The story so far… At the bidding of Sauron, the Lord of Isengard has sent forth Lurtz and some of his Uruk-Hai to scout out the human defences at Osgiliath. The "large black orcs of great strength" have penetrated deep into the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Gondor undetected and reached the Crumbling Remnants (of Anárion's Hall). However, ever mindful of Saruman's machinations, Faramir is unknowingly leading his patrol straight towards their location, almost as if he can smell the foul creatures on the air..."

THE TABLETOP - OSGILIATH

Positioned in the northwest, Lurtz beckoned his small raiding force to him and pointed out past the Fallen Angel in the direction of the Crumbling Remnants. That was where the White Wizard wanted them to scout up to and so far they hadn't seen any sign of the puny humans. The large orcs' "first leader" knew his mission well... kill anything living which they encountered.

Saruman's "second-in-command" was treated as an Orc Champion, equipped with a hand-weapon and shield. He was awarded the Savage and Hero traits, which meant he could inflict a gruesome kill just by doubling his opponent's score [as opposed to needing to treble it], and would always roll one automatic success, regardless of his Quality. Because his accompanying Uruk-Hai were all wearing armour and carried a sword/shield, they were classed as Orc Heavy Infantry, and were therefore also given the Savage skill. In addition, because of their heavy armour, the four Uruk-Hai could only move a short distance (75mm) per action.

FARAMIR AND HIS PROTECTORS OF OSGILIATH

Faramir's command were grouped together as if emerging from the southeast. The two bowmen were treated as Archers, and thus given a Shooter (Long - 180mm) skill, whilst the two swordsmen were used as Heavy Infantry, and subsequently reduced to moving just a short distance (75mm) per action. Denethor's second son was made a Leader, and therefore increased the Quality rolls of any friendly model within Long distance (180mm) by one. In addition, Faramir would force all friendly models to make a Morale roll if he died. 

The Warriors Of Minas Tirith won the Initiative and immediately started to move northeast. One archer and a swordsman moved west along the southern edge of the Blasted Terrace, whilst the younger brother of Boromir led his remaining two men north.

Smelling man-flesh, two of the Uruk-Hai rushed south past the Fallen Angel, heading towards the Buried Monument. The other pair of "Orc-folk" ran east, and with a roar urged on their white-faced leader, who had clambered atop the huge statue's remains with a huge bound.

LURTZ LEADS HIS URUK-HAI OVER THE FALLEN ANGEL

The Gondorian archer and swordsman at the south end of the dilapidated fortress continued to move west past the Blasted Terrace in order to obtain a good view of the Crumbling Remnants. Faramir meanwhile approached the centrally-based ruins, leaving his accompanying forces straggling behind him to the east.

With a bellow, Lurtz pitched his mighty frame across the Fallen Angel and raced south-east towards the Crumbling Remnants (of Anárion's Hall). He could now see at least one of his hated foes coming towards him and was eager to sink his teeth into the human's flesh. Rounding the western end of the broken statue behind him, and equally as enraged with bloodlust, came two of his Uruk-Hai. Whilst  another tried to emulate his leader's feat of agility by climbing up and onto the "dense terrain".

THE TWO FORCES RACE TOWARDS THE CRUMBLING REMNANTS

Faramir ran into the circle of the Crumbling Remnants and realising his party was about to be attacked by the oncoming savage orcs, ordered his archers to prepare their bows. Looking behind him however, the Lord of Emyn Arnen was astonished to see his men already faltering at the sight of the ferociously crazed enemy.

Turning his attention back to his own solitary predicament, Boromir's younger brother whitened visibly as Lurtz barrelled into him, and viciously chopped at the Gondorian's bearded head. With a clash of steel the warriors engaged in a closely fought contest which incredibly resulted in the huge Uruk-Hai being momentarily knocked to the ground at Faramir's feet. An outcome which literally stopped the rest of Saruman's forces dead in their tracks.

FARAMIR SPOTS HIS PREY, AND THE CLASH OF HEROES BEGINS

Sensing a glorious victory was at hand; one which would surely ingratiate him with his "sombre, cold, and detached" father, the Prince of Ithilien moved in for the finish. Lurtz was truly at the mercy of his enemy, and due to being "a fallen model" was not only "attacked at +2", but would be killed if he lost the combat "even by one point".

Amazingly though, the Uruk-Hai summoned up all his great strength to parry Faramir's murderous blow, and rising to his feet, spent two actions performing "a powerful attack" upon his foe. Denethor's second son could do little about such a tremendous assault and died quite horribly as a result.

LURTZ DEFEATS FARAMIR AND THE WARRIORS OF MINAS TIRITH RETREAT

Such a horrific sight was too much for many of Faramir's followers to witness, and the subsequent Morale Test saw only a single swordsman remain within the confines of Osgiliath. The Uruk-Hai had been successful in their scouting mission for the Lord of Isengard, and dealt Gondor a heart-wrenching blow with just a couple of sword strokes...