"I Smell a Rat" -- finally got another post-apoc game in!

[mikedemana]

F Troop checks out a rusted out van, scavenging for supplies

I can't believe that it had been since July when I ran my first post-apocalyptic game using Wiley Games' Fistful of Lead. Everyone enjoyed it and wanted to play more. One thing then another thing got in the way and it wasn't until a week or so ago that we played a follow up scenario. We had five players this time, and I joined in on the fun.


The Green Dragons -- my gang -- survey the abandoned trailer before exploring it

Three of the players were returning with the same gang of survivors, and two were new ones. If all eight of my players show up, I'll likely run two 4'x3' boards, side by side, with four players each. As a group, we have the basic mechanics down, but still occasionally forget or have to look up things (such as adding to the "To Wound" roll if a character has been hit previously).


The Barbarozas aren't put off by the appearance of the swarm of giant rats and charge into contact with them!

This scenario featured the five gangs checking out the abandoned headquarters of a rival gang that got ambushed and eliminated by the machines. I pattern my world after the Terminator movies, but with gangs all vying for control of resources to survive and fight back. We used a 6'x4' board with a trailer and two rusted out vehicles across the center line. They each contained weapons cache (3 Renown Points), while various other spots had food or medical supplies (2 Renown Points).


The rats accounted for at least two of the losses suffered by the players

Unknown to the players, giant rats and ROUS's have infested the area, drawn by the smell of the eliminated gang's rotting food. The first time each character moves within 6" of one of the RP spots, they roll a d10. On a 1-2, a ROUS appears (for those who don't know, Rodents of Unusual Size of The Princess Bride fame). On a 3-5, a swarm of giant rats appears. On 6+, the spot is clear. When rodents do appear, they were given to a rival player who was also given a new movement card to control it. They could use one of their own cards to move the rodent, and vice versa. I really like the way the mechanic worked, as it ensured the players had the rats attack quickly to take out the rival players.


Drawn by the sound of gunfire, the machines show up eventually prompting the players to scramble for the table edge

For the full battle report, check out my Lead Legionaries post. There are lots more photos and account of the action. http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/02/finally-second-post-apoc-game-i-smell.html

Comments and questions are welcome!

Mike Demana

[Kourtchatovium104]

Good report!Sounds very fun to play. Ah, rats... 

[Bullshott]

Nice game and report. I'm looking forward to o more, hopefully in the not too distant future.

[Scarper]

That was a fun report! I like the bits of character you gave to each different team. Scenery looked awesome too!

[CapnJim]

Rats.  Why did it have to be rats....

[mikedemana]

Thanks, everyone! It was a blast to run. The next scenario will be in the ruined section of a city, so I'm adding more building ruins to my collection. I'm thinking it will have more roving "monsters," as well as a central objective or two. I think I'll cut back on the number of secondary ones, though.



Here's a few pics of the terrain I've been working on...



Love this six-story one!

Mike Demana

[clanmac]

Great buildings. I particularly love the 6 floor one.

[CapnJim]

Those are great, Mike.  Well done!

[miros]

Good AAR, interested to see where it leads.

[Dan55]

Good AAR. Nice figures too.

[mikedemana]

Once again, thanks everyone! I appreciate the kind words. Not sure why I decide that "before I run the next scenario, I must paint (fill in the blank)"... 

I guess that as long as it keeps me motivated to get more stuff done, it's a good thing!

Mike Demana

[Stryder]

Love the terrain and minis. Where did you get your wrecked vehicles? I may start constructing my own post-apocalyptic 6 story ruins inspired by your terrain! Thanks for sharing.

[mikedemana]

Love the terrain and minis. Where did you get your wrecked vehicles? I may start constructing my own post-apocalyptic 6 story ruins inspired by your terrain! Thanks for sharing.

So sorry to take weeks to reply! Been busy getting ready for and away on spring break. My two vehicles are from Diabolical Terrain: https://diabolicalterrain.com/

You will have to contact him directly for those - he told me they were not on his website last time I spoke with him. Thanks for the kind words!

Mike Demana