Sorscha and her Man-o-War irregulars are back. This is the second try at getting this list to work. Baldur and his Blackclads are stirring in the woods. There is a lot of sticks and stones on the table. Sorscha is going to approach it in the Empress improved manner. Send the mercenaries into the fray to die (and save some money) whilst the Man-o-Wars move forward to clean up. The battle is bloody. However, Sorscha comes out victorious. 

Circle is a common foe across the table. I have traditionally struggled with the druids, and in particular the chief druid pulling Baldur’s strings. Sorscha is still learning to pilot her new Jaws of the Wolf list (see here for a description of the list). It is going to be interesting to see how this list deals with Circle, and in particular this player that I have a long history of loosing to. The two lists facing off are: 

Khador [Theme] Jaws of the Wolf [Sorscha 3] Kommandant Sorscha Kratikoff [+28] – Devastator [14] – Devastator [14] – Greylord Adjunct [3] Man-O-War Kovnik [3] Man-O-War Demolition Corps (max) [12] – Sergeant Dragos Dragadovich [4] Man-O-War (max) [15] – Man-O-War Shocktrooper Officer [3] Kayazy Assassins (max) [13] – Kayazy Assassin Underboss [4] Kayazy Eliminators [0(4)] Kayazy Eliminators [0(4)] Kossite Woodsmen (min) [7] Manhunter [2] Manhunter [2] Yuri the Axe [4] Bulkhead [0(5)] Battle Mechaniks (min) [2] – Battle Mechanik Officer [1]

Circle [Theme] Bones of Orboros [Baldur 2] Baldur the Stonecleaver [+31] – Megalith [17] – Wold Guardian [16] – Woldwarden [13] – Woldwarden [13] – Woldwyrd [8] – Woldwyrd [8] Blackclad Stoneshaper [0(2)] Blackclad Stoneshaper [0(2)] Blackclad Wayfarer [3] Blackclad Wayfarer [3] Chuck Dogwood [0(4)] Shifting Stones [0(3)] – Stone Keeper [1] Shifting Stones [0(3)] Stoneward & Woldstalkers [8] Celestial Fulcrum [16]

The theme, Bones of Orboros is for sticks and stones, and men in black. It allows a ‘caster to run the ‘beasts hot as one fury can be removed from each ‘beast in the Control Phase. This is pretty good. It also allows for units and models to start with upkeep spells, which are three from Baldur (more on this later). 

Baldur the Stonecleaver is leading this list. He is an oldie but goldie most famously know for his jump forest and assassinate trick (a trick that Sorscha has been on the receiving end of before). In short, the assassination involves him placing an AOE 4″ forest anywhere within 12″ (through his spell Rapid Growth), and assuming he is already in a forest, he can Forest Walk a kill the opposing ‘caster. I’m so not going to fall for that again. 

He does pack two additional powerful spells: Solid Ground, which we are familiar with through Irusk2 (no knockdown and immune to blast within 12″); and Stone Skin, which gives a unit +2 ARM and STR, and -1 SPD and DEF. Finally, he has Earth Spike, which does damage in a 3″ AOE and knockdown. His feat is primarily there to get his troops to the enemy, whilst hindering the enemy. It gives Cover and Pathfinder to to his models, whilst enemy model can never have Pathfinder. All of this within 12″.

As a final bonus, he offers the build in Elemental Mastery, which allows ‘beasts within 12″ to charge and make power attacks without being forced. He can also heal friendly constructs within 12″.

Baldur’s batttlegroup consists of six warbeasts (despite being constructs): two Woldwardens, two Woldwyrds, a Wold Guardian, and his pet Woldwarden Megalith. Megalith is a Woldwarden on steroids (except the surprising fact that it has one less STR). It has two fist at P+S 17 at MAT 7 and with Weight of Stone, which lowers the SPD and DEF by 3 of a model damaged. Megalith’s Animus is Undergrowth, which makes rough terrain for enemy models within 5″ and reduces their DEF by 2. It can also cast Earth Spikes from Baldur once per activation (at Magical Ability 7). 

The two Woldwardens are basic, two open fist brutes. They are a bit pillow fisted at P+S 16. However, the Stoneshapers help here by casting Earth’s Power on them for an additional two points of STR. In addition to the two fists, they can also do a Chain Attack: Smite, which allows them to do an extra attack that slams the opponent d6″, if both initial attack hits. They have the same Animus as the bigger brother, Megalith (except for 1″ area) and Geomancy. 

Megalith and the Woldwardens are probably going to be used for slamming stuff and just generally beat things up. Perhaps the occasional Earth Spikes. 

Speaking about beating things up, enter the Wold Guarding. It is basically a Khador ‘jack disguised as sticks and stones. ARM 20 and 35 boxes, and two Battering Rams at P+S 18 (20 if the Stoneshapers have done their thing). If a model is hit by a Ram it becomes knocked down and pushed 1″, which the Wold Guardian then can follow up on. Finally, it is a Shield Guard, is Steady and can get Bulldoze by using its Animus. This is a bit dangerous. On the average it will one-round a Khador heavy. Luckily, Sorscha brought Devastators that at least have a chance of surviving; and then hope for a Mechanik to be nearby.

Finally, the two Woldwyrds are light shooting ‘beasts. Their claim for fame is Purgation that gives them an additional die on attack and damage rolls against models with an upkeep on them. So, anybody with Iron Flesh on them will be targeted. The additional to hit die is not that important for the Shocktroopes, whereas the additional damage die actually is slightly more damage than the extra 2 armour from Iron Flesh. It is quite the opposite for the Assassins, where extra damage it irrelevant but the extra to hit die matters. So, all in all annoying. 

Baldur brings a Celestial Fulcrum, which is kind of cool. As passive abilities it helps Baldur running his ‘beasts hot. It can leach fury and function as a fury bank for him. In addition, it is Veteran Leader [Blackclads] (giving them +1 to attack rolls). Besides the support features it can also shoot a lot.

The Fulcrum has three shots all at RAT 7 (base 6 + 1 from Veteran Leader): an AOE 4″ continuous fire at range 11″ and POW 15; an electric leaping (one leap within 4″ at POW 10) shot at range 13″ and POW 14; and a range 10″ spray with critical freeze. A quite versatile shooting platform. It is not that dangerous against the heavy armoured part of Sorscha’s army. The assassins is a completely different story. They have to hope for Stealth (except against the spray).

Among the solos are two Stoneshapers. They are primarily there to increase the strength of the Wolds; secondly to repair them and manipulate fury. In a twist, they have a 8″ POW 12 spray. There are also two Wayfarers, who are there to put Hunters Mark (+2″ movement when charging and charging for free) on what ever a Wold would like to charge. The combination of these two solos makes the Wolds rather dangerous. All in all, Baldur’s heavies can now reach out and touch something 11″ away and hurting it at between P+S 18 and 20; and ready to spend all fury on attacking. This brings the heavies into one rounding Khador heavies territory. Finally, Chuck gives all constructs +1 to hit; which is not too important, given the impressive Khador DEF. 

As units, Baldur is brining two units of Shifting Stones and one unit of Stoneward & shrimps (not to be confused with the Woldwyrd prawns). The former can do what they do. They can heal, leach and teleport Warbeasts. The shrimps are quite mobile due to Zephyr and can shoot 10″.

In general, I think Sorscha should be OK. Baldur is going to struggle with the heavy armour part of her list; as long as she can control the heavy Wolds. Her Kossites should ambush and try to get rid of the support solos. Something that will really diminish the threats from the heavies.  

We are playing the Steamroller 2021 scenario Recon II. Sorscha picked the Cargo Nets objective (one model becomes Steady and stands up if knocked down). Baldur chose the Observatory objective (one model gets True Sight). Sorscha won the roll-off and decides to go first. 

Sorscha deploys almost in accordance with the Empress’ standard deployment 11 (see here for details and tactical discussion). The BYOF (Bring Your Own Forest from Sorscha’s theme) is placed on the left flank next to the zone, for Yuri to hide in. The two Manhunters deploy behind the forest on the right. The Kossites stay at the camp fire for now. 

Baldur deploys the Fulcrum, a Woldwarden, a Woldwyrd and Chuck on the left. Everything else goes in a big pile on the right. The stones Advance Deploys in front. The picture above depicts the situation after deployment. 

First round. As always this is just going to be the boring move forward fast round. Two, rather slow armies just need to get closer. 

The Eliminators move forward at almost full speed. The leftmost unit position behind the linear obstacle for an extra good defence, if something unexpected should happen. The rightmost unit just runs around the forest to be ready to put pressure on that flank. The Assassins do their thing runs.

All the Man-o-Wars move forward: the Shocktroopers in Shield Wall (under Desperate Pace from the Kovnik) and the Demolishers running. Sorscha moves forward, drops Iron Flesh on the Assassins and Stoke the Fires on each of the ‘jacks. The two Devastators then run forward. Everybody else follows suit. The Mechanik Officer practice his Girded ability by being base to base with Sorscha. Finally, Yuri and the Manhunters move into their forests. 

The picture above shows the result of Sorscha’s first turn.

Baldur’s army starts with the upkeeps in place. Solid Ground on himself, Rapid Growth in the middle between the impassable terrain and the field. Finally, Stone Skin on the Wold Guardian. 

Not a lot of interesting things happens. Everybody basically moves forward. Megalith hides behind the  impassable terrain. In accordance with Sorscha’s plan, Baldur’s army clump up in the middle. However, the Fulcrum faces the left edge and a Wayfarer moves a bit out on the right flank; both ready to receive the Kossites.

The picture above depicts the end of the first round. 

The round where stuff can actually happen. Sorscha has the initiative. I think it might be the feat turn. 

Since Baldur has a feat the seriously will slow down Sorscha’s advance it is important to go forward and apply scenario pressure. So, first step is to jam with the Assassins. They run forward and try to tie up as much as possible. However, the big impassable terrain in the middle is difficult to navigate around.

Following up behind the Assassins, the Man-o-Wars lumber along. Again, the Shocktroopers under Shield Wall and the Demolishers running. Sorscha moves up and feats. She rolls six clouds and produces a cloud wall in the middle. She also drops Stoke the Fires on the Devastators. 

The Assassins have arrived on the left flank (in hindsight, this might have been to early). They take out one of the Wayfarers and attempts to hurt a Shifting Stone. But stones are hard. 

The Eliminators run up both flanks to apply more flanking pressure. Finally, the Adjunct moves to the flag to be ready to score and casts a cloud on the rightmost Devastator; just because he can. 

The picture above shows the result of Sorscha’s feat turn. 

On the left flank, the Fulcrum takes advantage of a potential too early arrival of the Kossites and a reckless move by the Eliminators. It shoots with everything. When the smoke and lightning dissipates the Eliminators are gone and only two Kossites remain.

Then the shrimps and prawns take over. They shoot a lot at the poor Assassins everybody on the left side. Iron Flesh was definitively not beneficial. Perhaps it should have been cycled to the Shocktroopers? 

The Shifting Stones move around. Most importantly, one teleports to the middle of the board, blocking potentially charges against the Wold Guardian. Chuck also moves forward to score the Circle flag. On the right flank, the Wayfarer moves out and attempts to spray the Eliminators. Luckily to no avail. Finally, Baldur moves in and hides behind the objective.

This round ends with a scenario score of 1-1. The picture above depicts the end of the second round. 

I guess this is the crunch round. The two armies are now getting sufficiently close to start beating each other. Unfortunately, for Sorscha, Baldur has feated. 

For all practical reasons, Sorscha’s army stationary. Under Baldur’s feat, the Pathfinder from Jaws of the Wolf doesn’t even help. So, speed is around 2″. Hurrah! 

First of all, the Assassins do their Shadow Dance and mini-feats. It takes out the Shifting Stone in the middle and brings two Assassins into Baldur’s vicinity. The Shocktroopers do what they can. Under Desperate Pace and Shield Wall they storm forward the best they can under Bladur’s feat. This brings them almost to the enemy. Two of them engage the Wold Guardian.

Sorscha moves up and casts Stoke the Fire on the first Devastator, she then Wind Rush to the Objective and casts Stoke the Fire on the second Devastator. 

The Eliminators are outside Baldur’s feat, so they are free to charge and kill the last Wayfarer. One of the Manhunters runs forward to keep the pressure on the right flank. The right Devastator shuffles a bit backwards. There was probably some sort of reason. 

On the right flank, the Devastator moves up as far as possible. A lot of measuring did take place to stay out of the Woldwarden’s charge range; and then all that was ignored. For some reason Yuri decides to run in behind the Shocktroopers (and magically turns into a proxy base. That big cape of his really messes with his balance). The Mechaniks then moves up as well. 

The Shocktroopers manage to get within 4″ of Baldur’s flag. So, the scenario score is now 2-1 in Sorscha’s favour. The picture above shows the end of the slow turn. 

This is Baldur’s murder round. The right flank is easy – nothing happens. It is another story on the left flank. Here the Fulcrum, and shrimps and prawns move about a do a lot of shooting. Again, perhaps Iron Flesh was not such a bright idea. They hurt the Shocktropers quite a lot. The Wold Guardian moves up and cleans up. Four Shocktroopers, an Assassin and a Mechanik is killed. 

Now the result of ignoring all the measuring in the previous turn really comes back to hurt Sorscha. The leftmost Woldwarden can now charge the Devastator. It manages to hit twice and trigger the Chain Attack. The poor Devastator is slammed far sway. Luckily, it is Steady; but now out of the fray.  

Somebody kills the two Assassins near Baldur. That is fine, as they have served their purpose. Finally, the Shifting Stones do their teleportations, and once again they try to block charge lanes.

Scenario score is now 3-2 in Sorscha’s favour. The picture above shows the situation at the end of round 3.

OK, things are heating up. I guess it is time for Sorscha and her troops to get back and the sticks and stones (and shrimps and prawns). 

On the right flank, the Devastator moves sideways to get into a slightly better position for later. The front Manhunter charges Megalith and does a not insignificant amount of damage. The two ladies run across the table to threaten models from the back. The last Manhunter moves up behind the big rock. The Adjunct is happy where he is. Scoring flags is nice.

On the left flank, the damaged Devastator moves out of the BYOF to get near a Mechanik. Sorscha moves a bit forward so she can see one of the Wolds and drops Winter’s Wrath on it. She manages to make the Wold Guardian, the Woldwarden and one of the prawns stationary. 

The Demolition Corps charge the Wold Guardian and almost take it out. It is surprisingly robust. Bulkhead finally leaves bodyguard duty and charges the Woldearden, slams it into the objective and sprays twice. The Woldwarden, the objective and Baldur is caught in the sprays. A bit of damage is dealt. But nothing too impressive.

The Mechaniks move forward. One repairs the damaged Devastor. The offices flamboyantly moves infront of Sorscha to protect her. 

That is it. An OK turn, but not too impressive. This time a Demolition Corps grunt manage to contest Baldur’s flag. So, the scenario score is now 4-2 in Sorscha’s favour. The picture above depicts the end of Sorscha’s turn.

Baldur strikes back. As I didn’t manage to actually kill the two heavies they are quickly brought back to full power. This is the true power of Hordes. 

The Fulcrum moves forward and does it shooting, which deals a lot of damage to the front line. The Wold Guardian and Woldwarden them mow up the sorry remains of the front line Man-o-wars. Even Yuri is killed in the mayhem. A prawn the moves forward on the left and shoots something. 

In the back, the shrimps kill the two nice Kayazy ladies. Luckily, Baldur is running out of time and has to end the turn quickly. He flips the clock with 3 secondes left. The scenario score is now 5-3 in Sorscha’s favour.

The picture above shows the end of round four; and for all practical purposes the end of the game. Sorscha activates one more time. She has two minutes on the clock, So she simply runs the last Kossite to contest Baldur’s flag, flips the clock and wins the game. The final scenario score is then 6-3 in her favour. 

Glory to the Motherland!

I haven’t completely mastered this list yet. On the good side Sorscha remembered to feat, and even on the right round. I also managed to bring in the Kossites (last time I completely forgot them). However, I suspect that I should have waited a round. 

On the bad side, I should be more precise with my measurements. I almost lost a Devastator due to poor play. I also over extended the Eliminators. I think the Assassins did their job. The Man-o-Wars were subpar. Iron Flesh is probably a trap against things with Purgation or similar. ‘

At then end of the day I won the grind. However, I’m still not completely convinced that the list is as it should be; or I just need more training. 

Until next time.

For the Motherland!

The Great Devourer is stirring. Baldur is bringing his Tharn out of the woods and into Khador territory. I have seen a lot of Tharn, but recently only Baldur a few times. Iona has been quite popular for some time. I have faced Tharn once before under Iona’s command. That time Irusk brought his Winter Guards. That was a really bad idea (for battle report see here). This time Sorscha is called upon to bring her fellow Man-O-Wars. A description of Sorscha’s list can be found here. These are the two opposing forces (pre-Oblivion): 

Devourer’s Host with a huge bunch of Tharns is the new black for Circle. Recently, Iona has been the choice of warlock. But Baldur the Stonecleaver (Baldur1) is also popular on and off. The theme gives all models that can gain Corpses one Corpse to begin with. It also give a unit of Bloodweavers Ambush. But that is not relevant here.

Baldur1 is one of the old stable warlocks in Circle. On paper he is a Construct’s best friend. However, this time he only brought living beasts. He is perhaps best know for his forest walking assassination. It combines his ability to place a forest anywhere within 12″ through the spell Rapid Growth, and his build in ability to Forest Walk between two forests. He does pack to additional powerful spells: Solid Ground, which we are familiar with through Irusk2 (no knockdown and immune to blast within 12″); and Stone Skin, which gives a unit +2 ARM and STR, and -1 SPD and DEF. That will probably go on one of the Ravagers. Finally, he has Earth Spike, which does damage in a 3″ AOE and knockdown. His feat is primarily there to get his troops to the enemy, whilst hindering the enemy. It gives Cover and Pathfinder to to his models, whilst enemy model can never have Pathfinder. All of this within 12″.

The battlegroup consists of Ghetorix and Loki, and Baldur also has a Tharn Blood Shaman attached. The latter is there primarily for Harmonious Exaltation (allows the warlock to cast one spell at a COST reduction of 1), and Spell Slave, which allows the Shaman to cast Earth Spikes.

Ghetorix is hardest hitting warbeast available. As all Warpwolves, he can warp in each round. He can choose between Murderous (same a Beast ’09), Snacking to heal when he kills stuff, and Strength for +2 to STR. His Animus is Spiny Growth that give +2 ARM. Finally, he has Rapid Healing giving him d3 boxes back whenever damage. All in all he could be ARM 19 (effectively 21 due to rapid healing), 30 boxes, one P+S 19 and one P+S 16 , MAT 7 and can touch things 11″ away. All of this without any help from the outside.

The second warbeast is Loki. He is a slightly better, at least different Warpwolf than the Feral. He can warp for +2 STR, ignore Cover and Concealment when shooting, and can’t be targeted by CRA, CMA and no back strike bonus. What he has going for him is being a Shield Guard and being able to shoot and drag things from 8″ away.

Baldur is obviously bringing two units of Tharn Ravagers, including UA. They are really a steal for just 15 point for six of them (20 including the CA). Add all the bells and whistles, and they become quite fearsome. They naturally have Pathfinder and Treewalker (ignore forest for LOS and DEF 15 against melee), they are Circle after all. They also have Heart Eater allowing them to collect Corpse Tokens, which then can be used to buy or boost. They can gain and use in the same activation (I generally think gaining and using in the same activation is too good). The Theme gives them one token each to begin with. The main game breaker is the combination of Tough and Rapid Healing, combined with the Solid Ground spell from Baldur for no knockdown. They are then very close to impossible to get rid of. The Tharns heal after every single attack! Finally, they also have Vengeance and the mini-feat giving them overtake. They can basically surf through almost anything, in particular under feat. I just hope they can’t do Man-O-War surfing.

One can’t go to a party and only bring beefy men. So Baldur is also bringing a unit of Tharn Bloodtrackers, including Nuala. The Bloodtrackers are fast and stealthy. They have Advance Deployment to get them near the enemy, Reposition to get away again, and  they can clear out their enemies due to Weapon Master on their Spears and Prey. When they throw their spears at their prey there is basically no chance of missing (in a list of DEF 10 stuff). The will hit at an average damage of 22 points. This makes them rather dangerous against e,g. the Bombardiers and Demolition Corps (only ARM 16). Two can kill one Man-O-War. There are 11 of them. So, they can clear an entire unit in one round!

The final unit is ubiquitous Boil Master and Cauldron. The crocodile and his pot generally does two things: makes corpses and gives them away (within 5″). On rare occasions it might do a Puppet Master just to allow a reroll.

Baldur brings three solos: Lord of the Feast, a White Mane, and a single Wolf Rider Champion. The former still shouldn’t be free. He basically just kills a lot. The combination of the Lord threatening at least 16″ in weird direction (please note that this match is before he had his reach reduced to a much more sensible 1″, and the raven’s range went down to 8″) and being able to take out most things with Corpes Tokens, which he can be filled up with by the Cauldron. He needs to die, quickly – but of course has Stealth. The White Mane is a much more pleasant solo (but again, compared to LotF everything is more pleasant). He gives Ravagers +1 to their attack rolls (which doesn’t really matter here). Besides that he is medium hard hitting solo, which does have Countercharge. Finally, a single Wolf Rider Champion has arrived. These are really fast jumping cavalry. They can reach something 13″ away through charging. They will probably always end up in the back arc, as they can make a 5″ jump before attacking. Being in the back arc really hurts. Despite having only a P+S 9 weapon, they can manage to roll five dice. 3 for a charge, 1 for Weapon Master, and one for Backstab. It translates into 27 points of damage on the average. Just for fun they can also do three attacks (72 points of damage on a charge run). With a bit of clever jumping one Champion should be able to kill two Man-O-Wars. After all the killing it can Reposition for 5″.

All in all, I have never really be able to handle Tharn in Devourer’s Host. My best guess is still Sorscha3 and Armored Corps. Nevertheless, this is not going to be easy.

We are playing pre-Oblivion Steamroller 2018 Standoff. Sorscha won the roll-off and opted to go first. We both chose the Stockpile objective (remove d3 point of damage within 4″).

Sorscha deployed the Demolitions Corps on the left flank (first error, it should have been the Bombardiers, as they can do Pathfinder), along with one of the Suppression Tankers. On the right flank the Bombardiers and a Suppression Tanker deploys in a similar pattern. The Shocktroopers goes in the middle in Shield Wall screening Sorscha who is right behind them. All the rest goes in the back.

Circle deploys in a very traditional way. A unit of Ravagers goes on each flank. All the rest in the middle. The Bloodtrackers goes on the left flank, putting pray on the Demolition Corps. Finally, Lord of the Feast goes in the middle. The two latter use the Advance Deployment. The picture above depicts the end of deployment, including the Advance Move by the Man-O-Wars. 

Sorscha needs to get her troops forward to have a chance of actually charging some of the Ravagers. She starts by moving forward behind the Shocktroopers. She then casts Iron Flesh on the Shocktroopers and Stoke the Fires on the Kodiak. The Kodiak moves up and the Demolition Corps falls in behind it. The leftmost Tanker runs into the woods. Sorscha now assumes that the Kodiak and Tanker will offer some protection to the Demolition Corps against the Bloodtrackers.

The Konvik moves up and gives Desperate pace to the Shocktroopers, who then moves forward in Shield Wall. The rightmost Tanker moves in between to Shocktroopers and the house, closely followed by Beast. On the right flank the Bombardiers move forward. Hoping that Lord of the Feast won’t kill them all. Mechaniks tag along the front line.

Baldur begins by casting Solid Ground. He then moves forward, put a forest in continuation of the existing forest, casts Stone Skin on the Bloodtrackers and feats. The pot does it corpse thing and fills Lord of the Feast up. On the left flank the Bloodtrackers just move forward and spread us, with a unit of Ravagers close behind. The other unit of Ravagers move up on the other flank. Everybody else just move forward. Lord of the Feast does his feasting and through a combination of charging, raven, teleporting, thresher and corpses removes all the Bombardiers save one. I don’t like whining, but Lord of the Feast in his current incarnation is simply a negative game experience. The picture above depicts the end of round 1.

So far Sorscha is already in trouble. Lord of the Feast once again does his think and takes out a whole unit of Man-O-Wars. Besides that, it is actually not as bad as I had feared. Let’s see if the mighty Man-O-Wars can do anything in round 2.

Luckily, most of Sorscha’s army is outside Baldur’s feat area. Sorscha upkeeps Iron Flesh and allocates nothing. In the middle, the Shocktroopers continue their slow and steady advance in Shield Wall. Sorscha moves up behind the objective, casts Stoke the Fire on the Kodiak and feats. 6 clouds appear, which she puts in front of her army to keep the evil Tharn at bay.

On the left flank, the Kodiak moves forward slightly in front of the Shocktroopers, primarily to threaten anything getting too close with a counter charge. Atanas moves up and puts Unstoppable Fury on the Demolition Corps, who then divides and moves up behind the Kodiak and the Shocktroopers. The tanker moves to the front of the forest. For some obscure reason it does not put down Covering Fire. 

On the right flank, the remaining Bombardier and the Tanker gangs up on Lord of the Feast and removes him. All the rest basically just moves forward. The Bombardier gets a little TLC from one of the Mechaniks. The picture above depicts the end of Sorscha’s turn.

Baldur upkeeps Solid Ground. On the left flank, the Bloodtrackers advances and throw spears at the Tanker until it goes down. The Ravagers just advance. Baldur then activates and cycles Stone Skin onto Ghetorix. Who then proceeds to walk up and wrecks the Kodiak. The Wolf Champion somehow ends up in the middle of the Man-O-Wars, where it damages one of the Demolition Corps, triggering Vengeance.

On the right flank the Ravagers move up, partly into the zone and partly in front of the Shocktroopers whom they ding a little. I’m so happy that Sorscha’s clouds denied them a charge. All the rest just moves forward. Baldur manages to score one point for his zone, whilst the Wolf Champion is contesting Sorscha’s. This leaves scenario score at 1-0 in Baldur’s favour. The picture above depicts the end of the second round.

Round 3 and Sorscha is actually managing far better than I had hoped for. The feat did pretty well, and for some reason Baldur is playing somewhat defensive. 

The objective starts by repairing one of the Shocktroopers. Then the Vengeance move for the Demolition Corps allows them to take out the Wolf Rider, put a dent in Ghetorix, and kill one of the Bloodtrackers who were in the way. Sorscha upkeeps Iron Flesh and allocates one to Beast. She then activates, puts Stoke the Fire on Beast, casts Winter’s Wrath on two Ravagers and remains behind the objective.

On the left flank, the Mechaniks move up and do a bit of repairing of the Demolition Corps. Felling fresh and well oiled they issue a Press Forward. Most of them goes into Ghetorix, whilst one of them hits the Ravagers. They proceed to kill Ghetorix but none of the Ravagers. Dragos Bond of Brotherhood.

On the right flank, the Shocktroopers remove two Ravagers, and the Bombardiere Tanker combo also take out one. Beast moves into position. Atanas puts Unstoppable Fury on the Demolition Corps. All others just move forward.

One of the Demolition guys manage to toe Baldu’s zone to contest. This means that Sorscha scores one point and Baldur none. Scenario score is now 1-1. The picture above shows the end of Sorscha’s turn.

Baldur is now in revenge mood. He upkeeps Solid Ground. He then activates and cycle Stone Skin onto Loki. On the left side, the Bloodtrackers move in a half circle behind the Demolition Corps and shoots some of them to death. Loki moves forward and cleans up the rest. On the right flank, the Ravagers charge everything and take out half the Shocktroopers, the last Bombardier, and the Tanker. Beast would have liked to couter charge, but Baldur is clever and engages him with the first Ravager charge. That was a serious clean up. Baldur scores two points and Sorscha scores one. This leaves the scenario score at 3-2 in Baldur’s favour. The picture above shows the end of round 3.

I think Sorscha is in trouble. Not as much as I feared, but still. The left flank is completely lost. However, there might be hope for the right flank.

The objective heals one of the Shocktroopers. Sorscha upkeeps Iron Flesh. It is axe to face time. Beast charges into the rightmost Ravangers and manages to kill two of them. The Shocktroopers also charge and remove one more Ravager. Rapid Healing, Tough and no knockdown is a bitch. Atanas and his Standard needs to get into the fray as well. Atanas charges the Ravagers, and the Standard charges Loki to keep him occupied. He also puts Heroic Call on Sorscha. There are still Ravagers. The Kovnik charges in. Still the same. Sorscha needs to assist and also charges in. Finally, there are no more Ravagers on the right flank. The left most Mechaniks just stay put. The rightmost moves into the right zone. This turn Baldur scores two points and Sorscha only one. Scenario is now 5-3 in Baldur’s favour. The picture above shows the end of Sorscha’s turn.

Sorscha might have made a small error. She stepped into a forest. Before Baldur notices this, the Bloodtrackers remove a few Mechaniks. Then he notices. Baldur does his forest walking assassination. He casts Rapid Growth where he is. He then Forest Walks to the forest Sorscha is in. He then smashes her in the head with Tritus and knocks her down. From there it is an easy run. Sorscha is history. With her dying breath she actually manages to score two more scenario point, and Baldur none. The game ends at a scenario score of 5-5. That is a kind of consolation. The picture above depicts the end of the game.

All in all, the game actually went better than I had expected. I think I only made two and a half major errors. I should have put the Bombardiers on the left flank to take advantages of the forest there, and I should not have put Sorscha in a wood. If I hadn’t there might theoretically been a chance of using the right flank to get to Baldur. The half error was to sacrifice the Bombardiers to Lord of the Feast. However, in his current incarnation I can’t seen how to get around that.

Until next time.

For the Motherland!