Song Of Blades And Heroes Report: Gondor Ambushes Isengard - Part Two

FARAMIR LEADS HIS SWORDSMEN FORWARD INTO THE URUK-HAI HORDE

“The story so far… At the bidding of Sauron, the Lord of Isengard has sent forth Lurtz and some of his Uruk-Hai to clear out the human defences at Osgiliath. However, before the "great soldier-orcs" can launch a devastating attack upon the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Gondor, Faramir has sprung a trap and ambushed Saruman's formidable force as they are emerging from between the Fallen Angel and Blasted Terrace..."

THE TABLETOP - OSGILIATH: BEFORE THE TRAP WAS SPRUNG

Song Of Blades And Heroes Report: Gondor Ambushes Isengard

The handful of Uruk-Hai who had emerged from the western shadows raced towards the two Gondorian archers positioned to their north. The foul-smelling orcs were starting to get close to their attackers and there were clearly still large numbers of them nearby shrouded by the darkness.

THE FIRST FEW URUK-HAI ARE WHITTLED DOWN BY GONDOR'S ARCHERS

Faramir joined the 'threatened' pair of bowmen in the north, in order for them to utilise his Leadership Trait [increase the Quality rolls of any friendly model within Long distance (180mm) by one]. One of the archers loosened an arrow into Lurtz's emerging throng and staggering scored a Gruesome Kill; causing one of the large orcs to retreat back west and another to actually flee... Inspired by their comrade's skill, the two bowmen to the south of the Crumbling Remnants also fired into the dark morass and revealed another Uruk-Hai. Behind them, all of the emboldened Warriors of Minas Tirith pressed west towards the centre of the battlefield.

Something had clearly gone amiss with Saruman's raiding party within the western shadows, as for a fourth time, no perceptible activity took place between the Fallen Angel and Blasted Terrace. Perhaps the "large, smart orcs with slanted eyes, thick legs, and large hands" were yet to recover from their birthing strains within Orthanc's breeding pits..?

FARAMIR'S TRAP IS SPRUNG, AND THE URUK-HAI FALTER IN THEIR ATTACK

Regardless, the northern Gondorian archers continued to fire at those targets which they could see, and sent another orc scurrying backwards. To the south, the bowmen took advantage of their opponent's idleness and rushed beyond the westernmost edge of the Crumbling Remnants, before loosening their arrows. One Uruk-Hai retreated, whilst another fell to the ground, dead.

Lurtz was suddenly barking orders out from somewhere within the western shadows, as another "fighting Uruk-Hai" emerged and urged his brethren east towards the closest of the human bowmen. The Gondorians responded by killing one of the orcs, and were joined on the 'front line' by Faramir and a swordsmen; it seemed certain that within moments the two warbands were close together and hand-to-hand fighting would take place.

THE URUK-HAI CONTINUE TO POUR EAST TOWARDS FARAMIR'S FORCES

With a roar those creatures of Isengard visible to their foes suddenly swung south and headed straight towards the pair of startled archers stood just by the southwestern edge of the Crumbling Remnants. The orc 'surge' was momentarily 'pushed back' by a panicked hail of arrows, and sensing that perhaps the moment had come for a heroic deed, the warrior of Minas Tirith beside Boromir's brother, charged into the nearest Uruk-Hai... And was unceremoniously hacked to pieces...

The smell of man-flesh and human blood presumably finally incensed Saruman's lack-lustre force into action, and the entire morass of dark, vaguely-shaped shadows flooded forwards and reached one of the Gondorian archers. The bowman desperately tried to use his weapon to fend off the attacking Uruk-Hai, but was unsurprisingly knocked to the ground. However, before the man could be run through with one of the orcs' vile swords, his colleague fatally pierced his assailant with an arrow.

THE TWO FORCES FINALLY ENGAGE IN HAND-TO-HAND COMBAT

To the north, one of the archers' bows snapped asunder through over-use, and as a result, the two bowmen decided to retreat east away from their formidable-looking enemies. The Gondorian line was still holding Mount Fang's minions at bay, as well as dwindling away their numbers. But their 'trap' was starting to falter and their own strength beginning to ebb away...

Sensing that a sudden savage push could 'break' the weakling humans and hurl them back east in tatters, the Uruk-Hai pushed further east, with one orc fast-approaching the fallen Gondorian archer, and another even daring to challenge Denethor's youngest son. Amazingly however, before any sword could fall in anger, the prone human bowman was suddenly back upon his feet and firing an "Aimed Shot" at the oncoming creature of Isengard...

THE URUK-HAI'S BREAK-OUT FAILS JUST AS THE GONDORIAN LINE IS ABOUT TO BREAK

With a groan, the servant of Saruman the Wise fell dead to the ground, and the Uruk-Hai's fighting spirit was momentarily broken - Faramir's plan had worked, and Osgiliath would remain in Gondor's hands for a while longer at least.

Song Of Blades And Heroes Report: Gondor Ambushes Isengard

FARAMIR SETS OFF TO LAY A TRAP FOR THE UNSUSPECTING URUK-HAI OF SARUMAN

This game was played using the basic rules of “Song Of Blades And Heroes” by “Ganesha Games”, and is the second in a series of adventures involving the second son of Denethor as he attempts to dissuade the Forces of Mordor from invading Osgiliath. The conflict was based upon the Ambush scenario found within the pages of Andrea Sfiligoi's "fast play fantasy skirmish rules", and resultantly, comprised of a unit of ten Uruk-Hai being 'ambushed' by a slightly smaller sized group of Minas Tirith warriors, whilst the orcs were attempting to traverse across a 36" x 27" tabletop populated with some "Battlefield In A Box" Gothic terrain by “Gale Force Nine”.

The Ambush Scenario was also slightly modified from what can be found printed in “Song Of Blades And Heroes” in order to try and create the impression of an impenetrable hulking dark mass of Orcs rushing towards Faramir's men, and the Attackers therefore potentially simply shooting at shadows. As the Defenders, Lurtz's party would still place "markers (of the same size of the models' bases) instead of placing models" and place "two markers per model in his warband." But during play, the Defender would only "reveal whether the marker is real, substituting the marker with a figure, or if just a dummy, removing the marker from play" if "a marker is attacked, or whenever an opponent moves within one Long distance from the marker." A marker would not be revealed "whenever the Defender rolls to activate it" and instead were all assigned with the statistics of Savage Orc Heavy Infantry; Short Move: 75mm Quality 4+ Combat 4.  

THE TABLETOP - OSGILIATH

“The story so far… At the bidding of Sauron, the Lord of Isengard has sent forth Lurtz and some of his Uruk-Hai to clear out the human defences at Osgiliath. However, before the "great soldier-orcs" can launch a devastating attack upon the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Gondor, Faramir plans to spring a trap and ambush them as they pass between the Fallen Angel and Blasted Terrace..."

Situated in the west, and overshadowed by the ruins of the Fallen Angel and Blasted Terrace, Lurtz marshalled his force about him. 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.

LURTZ PREPARES TO LEAD ANOTHER URUK-HAI RAIDING PARTY INTO OSGILIATH

Due to the Uruk-Hai accompanying him all wearing armour and carrying 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 nine Uruk-Hai could only move a short distance (75mm) per action.

Faramir's part were initially positioned together as if emerging from the east. The four bowmen were treated as Archers, and therefore given the Shooter (Long - 180mm) skill, whilst the quartet of 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 thus 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.

FARAMIR HURRIES HIS MEN FORWARD IN ORDER TO SPRING HIS AMBUSH

The Forces of Saruman won the Initiative but surprisingly failed to show any indication that they were about to emerge from out of the western shadows. As a result the "Prince of Ithilien" seized the opportunity to steal an advantage over his savage opponents and used his Leadership ability to spur his Warriors of Minas Tirith forwards. This caused two archers to speed northwest past the Buried Monument, and the remaining two bowmen rush towards the Blasted Terrace. Behind them, Faramir and his swordsmen headed west a little more slowly and cautiously.
  

Incredibly, there was still no real sign of movement from within the western shadows. Such a lack of haste of the part of Lurtz's troops meant that "J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium" had even more time to get his human forces into position, and before long Gondor's two northern archers had the Uruk-Hai just within their weapons' range and let lose some searching arrows. On this occasion the bowmen were too far away to cause any damage, but their shots did reveal the presence of two actual Orcs amidst the shadows.

THE ARCHERS OF MINAS TIRITH RUSH INTO POSITION AS THE FIRST OF THE URUK-HAI APPEAR

Despite a few of their number becoming enemy targets, the "fighting Uruk-Hai" remained hidden within the shadows of the Fallen Angel and Hidden Terrace [i.e. they failed their turn's first activation for the third time on the trot despite only rolling two dice]. Luckily for Saruman however, all Faramir could muster was for his northern pair of archers to reveal a third Orc by peppering the western morass with more missiles. Cursing, the younger brother of Boromir turned to reprimand his stalled swordsmen and urge them onwards. The Men of Minas Tirith needed to be much closer to their bowmen if they were going to ward off "the Isengarders" from their bowmen once the ambush was properly sprung.

Finally "the servants of Saruman the Wise" started to move east, with a couple of Uruk-Hai breaking formation and fast approaching Faramir's archers in the north. It seemed clear to the man who would 'eventually succeed his father as the Steward of Gondor' that he needed to take matters into his own hand if his trap was to succeed. With a surge he moved west behind one of the walls of the Crumbling Remnants, and literally dragged one of his accompanying swordsmen with him. Emboldened by their leader's evident bravery Faramir's rearguard slowly followed a little way behind.

FARAMIR LEADS HIS SWORDSMEN WEST AS MORE URUK-HAI START TO EMERGE

To the north, the two Gondorian archers continued to 'sting' the western shadows with arrows, but revealed no more Uruk-Hai. Whilst the Prince of Ithilien's other two bowmen positioned themselves directly south of the Crumbling Remnants and began notching their weapons. The trap had finally been sprung, but after so many delays would it still work...

"I Suppose You've Come For Me?"

These models are the ‘classic version’ of “Crooked Dice” Game Design Studio's "Robo-Rodent Infestation", and are sculpted by Greg Storey. As I wanted them to represent the Cybermats seen in the September 1967 Doctor Who TV story "The Tomb Of The Cybermen”, I simply drybrushed them with Boltgun Metal before painting their eyes with a combination of Skull White and Baal Red.

These models are from “Crooked Dice” Game Design Studio's "Femdroid Harem", and are sculpted by Andrew Rae. As with the sculptor’s previous model, “Pandora King”, the builds of the 28mm miniatures are very slight and don’t readily lend themselves to the ‘black-lining’ painting technique I employ. In addition, the figures’ bases, which were sanded before I started painting the models, almost completely covered over the detail of the Femdroids’ slippers; somewhat ruining the silky and fluffy aspect of the scantily-clad nighty-wearing killer robots.

FUTURE PROJECTS: Waiting in the wings are a small number of "Revell" 1/72 plastic KSK Modern German Commandos to be painted up in order to try out both the "Battlefield Evolution - Modern Warfare" rule book by "Mongoose Publishing" and the "Flying Lead" PDF by "Ganesha Games"; A party of Hyena Men (Gnolls from the "Wizards Of The Coast" "Chainmail" 28mm metal fantasy skirmish range) for "Song of Blades and Heroes"; and a "Crooked Dice" "7TV" battle report featuring ("Heroclix" versions of) the Caped Crusader and Boy Wonder.

Rasputina And The Cult Of December

Having purchased them from “MCS Miniatures” (mcsminiatures.co.uk) in November 2009, I've only recently completed painting this “Wyrd Miniatures” boxed set of the “Cult Of December”. Originally bought as an introduction to the “Malifaux” rule set, my enthusiasm for this mini-project has remained relatively strong, despite my decision not to actually purchase the rulebook (or gaming card decks). Instead I plan to use these 28mm metal miniatures as a possible alternative as ‘ghosts’ for “Ganesha Games” “Song of Blades and Heroes” horror skirmish rule set “Fear and Faith”.

All three of the “Ice Gamin” were undercoated with Mordian Blue and then generously washed with Asurmen Blue. The single-piece metal models were then ‘dry-brushed’ Mordian Blue and Ultramarines Blue. Their claws, toenails and spines were ‘picked out’ first with Chaos Black, and then Skull White. These areas were then treated to a wash of Devlan Mud. Their eye sockets were first painted Chaos Black, before a tiny ‘dot’ of Skull White was used for their eyes.

“Rasputina” was undercoated Chaos Black and then ‘dry-brushed’ Mordian Blue for her skirt. Her stockings were painted Dheneb Stone and Devlan Mud, whilst her sash was painted Mechrite Red and Baal Red. To make her skin appear icy and cold, it was painted Skull White and Asurmen Blue. Areas such as her nose, cheeks, thighs and fingers were then ‘picked out’ with Skull White, and all of her flesh was again treated to a wash of Asurmen Blue. The Arcanist’s bearskin armour was painted with Fortress Grey and then washed with watered-down Asurmen Blue. However, to make the cuffs, collar and hat stand out they were painted using Codex Grey and Devlan Mud. These areas were then ‘dry-brushed’ Fortress Grey. Ice Blue and Asurmen Blue was used for her hair.

As with the “Ice Gamin”, the “Ice Golem” was undercoated Mordian Blue and then washed with Asurmen Blue. However the four-piece metal construct was then heavily ‘dry-brushed’ with Fortress Grey before being given a light ‘dry-brush’ of Skull White.

The “Hoarcat Pride” was bought separately from the “Rasputina” boxed set and proved fiddly beyond belief, as each model (despite its tiny size) came in two pieces. Each beast was undercoated Codex Grey and then washed with Devlan Mud. The pride were then ‘dry-brushed’ Fortress Grey before and Skull White. Their eyes were ‘picked out’ with Blood Red.

With the exception of the “Ice Golem” and the one of the three “Ice Gamin” models, the “Rasputina” “Cult Of December” set has proved somewhat disappointing. Two of the “Ice Gamin” figures appear to have been ‘squished flat’, whilst painting “Rasputina” herself proved a real test due to the uninspiring nature of the (rather frail and thin-looking) figure. At £4.50 the “Hoarcat Pride” does seem somewhat overpriced for what the blister actually contains but the “Malifaux” range is expensive.

An additional demoralising disappointment was the dour effect simply gluing “Games Workshop” “Citadel Snow” directly on top of “Modelling Sand” had for the miniature’s bases.

Highlanders to March to the “Song of Drums and Shakos”

I first encountered the fantasy skirmish rule set “Song of Blades and Heroes” by “Ganesha Games” last year, and immediately purchased the PDF version from the “Wargame Vault”. At the time I planned to use them to help encourage me to paint a rather hefty consignment of “Heresy Miniatures” I bought a couple of years before, but alas, the project never took off.

A few days ago however, I discovered that Sergio Laliscia has written an adaptation of the rules for the Napoleonic era. “Song of Drums and Shakos” seems the perfect solution to help me maintain my enthusiasm for my long-term “Black Powder” project. It should let me ‘field’ my painted 15mm "Essex Miniatures" models almost straight away, as opposed to having to wait several months before I’ve painted enough to play a (small) game of “Black Powder”. Admittedly instead of using single based models I’ll be using a (40mm x 20mm) base of troops, but it should make the skirmishes appear more ‘large scale’.

As a result I have already set aside eight bases of my (already painted) Napoleonic French into a 401-point force, and begun painting (in earnest) a 395-point British contingent. This later ‘army’ will consist of three bases of (Gordon) Highlanders including an Officer, three bases of Chosen Men (Rifles), a base of Light Company infantry and a Grenadier Company.

The ‘standard’ Highlanders are from the ‘blister’ PNB6 ‘Highlander at the ready’ from “Essex Miniatures”. Having undercoated them with Chaos Black their straps and plumes were painted Skull White, treated to a wash of Devlan Mud, before being ‘picked out’ with Skull White again. Their face, hands and knees were painted with Elf Flesh, and their pouches in Calthan Brown. Both were then also washed in Devlan Mud. I painted their water bottles with Ultramarines Blue and Asurmen Blue; their backpacks with Astronomican Grey and Badab Black; their collars and cuffs with Sunburst Yellow and (oop) Yellow Ink; their rifles Dark Flesh and “Coat d’arms” Brown Ink; and Mechrite Red and Baal Red were used for their red coats.

In order to speed up the painting process, and ‘cheat’, the predominantly red tartan of their ‘Highland dicing’ consists of a simple wash of Baal Red over Skull White. Orkhide Shade and Thraka Green were used as an alternative for the dark green tartan of their kilts.

The red jackets of both the officer and standard bearer were painted using Blood Red to make them stand out. Mechrite Red was used for their sashes, and both areas were then washed with Baal Red. Both figures’ sword guards were painted using Burnished Gold and “Coat d’arms” Brown Ink.