Scouring of the Shire using SoBH

[marko.oja]

Managed to get the first game in with my wife, we both had a blast. SoBH works like a dream for games like these, and she picked up how the rules worked within minutes, so this'll be our number one choice for game system from now on.

We're playing through (at least some) of the scenarions in Scouring of the Shire, starting with Maggot's Farm. We should be playing the next one during easter if I manage to paint up a few more orcs (using orcs instead of ruffians just 'cause I have them). I ran the orcs, Noora the hobbit and dogs.

Board setup, five orcs (ruffians) on the left, trying to get three through the table.


The orcs find out that they are not alone, Maggot has sent three of his dogs to guard his fields.


The inevitable meeting in the centre of the table.


Two losses to each side, the orcs push through with one of the dogs trailing behind, only to run across Mr Maggot coming from the fields to find out why the dogs are barking. Final showdown ensues.


Although the orcs have the numbers, Maggot manages to mow down one of the orcs, making it impossible for the orcs to succeed. I need to step my game up next time if I wish to retain my lord Sharkeys favour. Load more orcs are needed it seems. I did hear some rumours about traps though... Don't think I'll need to worry, the hobbits are too goody-goody for anything like that, right?

'til next episode.

[cheetor]

You have a nice autumnal palette in that terrain.  It makes a nice change from the usual "18th hole" gaming table.

The corn fields look great too: very much like how I imagine hobbit agriculture would look.

[marko.oja]

Thanks,

I got the inspiration for the trees last autumn looking out the window. The Ikea doormat cornfields may look a bit too regular, but a) should be ok for hobbits and b) those took me an hour to make - including dryingtime!

[Thantsants]

The corn fields look great - as I walk along one in the summer I can vouch they do look pretty regular! Lurverly trees to.

I definitely need to put the brushes down and have a game of this... 

[phreedh]

Fun scenario! =)

How did you stat things up? Wouldn't the orcs be sort of overwhelming for regular run of the mill doggies and a crusty old farmer. How big were the forces in points?

[Hammers]

Cool. I don't know what  I'd have to do to get my wife to play. Something Brontë inspired, perhaps.

[marko.oja]

Fun, and very good for an intro. Orcs were Q4, C2, Evil (15pts each), hounds Q4, C2, Dashing (15pts), Maggot Q3, C2, Forester/Short move/Steadfast/Shooter:Short (30pts).

It was great fun to get to play for a change, we decided that we need to do this more often - I spend every home night painting while she knits or watches telly. There are loads of good LotR scenarios that can be played more easily using SoBH than the original rules. You can even put Nazgul on the table without your opponents laughing themselves silly  

@Hammers: LotR is the only thing so far that she's been interested in...

[marko.oja]

For anyone interested, the scenario we played is available online: http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/content/article.jsp?catId=cat210006&categoryId=800009&section=&aId=5800006

[ushistoryprof]

Very nice, reminds me of the video game scenes.

[Gluteus Maximus]

So the LOTR scenario worked well with SOBH?

That's good to know - it's always nice to be able to adapt scenarios from different rules sets easily.

I still can't take to those GW mastiffs though. Far too small for my liking, so I use Gripping Beast's far superior versions instead.

They would scare a Nazgul  

[marko.oja]

I still can't take to those GW mastiffs though. Far too small for my liking, so I use Gripping Beast's far superior versions instead.

Yes, those are a bit small, aren't they? SoBH worked really well here, so I strongly suggest you give it a go some day. Cheap enough, the basic rules are only $5 if I remember correctly.