Finally got to play my first game of PA last night. Gary from Forlorn Hope Games came over and we set to with willing hearts…! Now I know the meaning of the word “mayhem” – 17 Characters started. At the end, there was one man standing.
Yep – it was bloodbath, influenced no doubt by a Scenario Events roll that made all Perils Extreme Perils. The number of followers that met their demise by climbing over walls was truly devastating
Since it was our first game, we decided to play Smash and Grab with the slight difference that to win, a player had to control the major plot point plus at least two of the others. I provided a back-story to give it some context within my 1930s “world” and we added details to the plot points from the random generator in the rules. To enable us to get started quickly, I had made two leagues in advance – we rolled for who had which. We also left out Resources, Backup (I missed out here because my league’s perk was “Call to Arms”), Contacts and Gear. We did include Scenario Events which played a major part in the game, of which more later.
Background
Sir Gilbert Hill,
https://velodoug.wordpress.com/, taking time out from his vital efforts in the Civil War, was visiting his cousin, Sir Rufus Pitt-Bulstrode, Squire of Much Rampling in Borsetshire. However, before he had time for a much needed snifter, he was made aware that all was not well in the Much Rampling area.
Apparently Sir Rufus, as chairman of the local Watch Committee, had got wind of a planned attempt by some political roughnecks to disrupt the annual fete in the neighbouring village of Little Bedding. Sir Rufus had to make an effort to prevent this happening; the local bobby at Little Bedding, Constable Gravy, had no chance of taking on the hooligans on his own. However, Sir Rufus could not call on any of his employees or tenants because they were all, so he said, vitally employed elsewhere.
Realising what was coming, Sir Gilbert, displaying his characteristic brio, offered to come to the rescue. “Don’t worry, old boy, I’ll send some of my people – they’ll put these scoundrels to the rightabout”. He gave instructions to his man, Stirrup to gather together a suitable group from amongst his followers and sent him off to do battle against whomsoever should disturb the Little Bedding peace.
ALL IS CALM AS THE LITTLE BEDDING FETE GETS UNDER WAY
SMALL DISTURBANCE AT LITTLE BEDDING
Stirrup’s League:
Stirrup (Leader) - Intimidating, Rugged, Danger Sense
Fragrance Sweetmeat, Sir Gilbert’s secretary (Sidekick) – Shrewd, Quick Shot
Roger Gently (Ally) – Burst Fire
Constable Smallbottom (Follower) – Fierce
Marlborough, Sir Gilbert’s Dog (Follower) – Animal
NOTE This league had an Associate - Wrench, Sir Gilbert’s butler, but we didn’t use his abilities in this game
Roughneck Agitators
Their Perk was Mastermind so the true Leader did not appear – who could he or she be?
Cecll Pimms “Leader” (Sidekick) – Muscles of Steel, Quick Strike
Bert (Ally) – Sailing Master
Sam (Ally) – Burst Fire
Bill (Ally) – Sharp
PLUS 8 unnamed Followers: 2 with Marksman; 2 with Savvy; 2 with Fierce; 2 with Speedy
We rolled a die for Leagues - I got Stirrup. I also got initiative which I was able to keep for the whole game apart from one brief interruption. Stirrup himself, however, was delayed for one turn (Scenario Event).
As the morris men warm up in the park.....
....and customers enjoy a drink outside the pub.....
....trouble is brewing
Continued tomorrowDoug
17 February 2011, 10:49:32 PM