Rats of War

Club night on Thursday saw my Ratmen/ Skaven get their first outing in a game of Dragon Rampant. It was a 4 player game with random turns. I would be up against John with his Men of the West, Tom took the Rohirrim and George the dastardly orcs. Neil would umpire.

The game involved controlling a ruined tower in the centre of the table where armoured deceased mate had left a treasure hoard.

My force was made up of the following
1x heavy foot Inc Warlord Snicket with offensive trait.
1x light foot Inc Warlock Skritch
3x light foot
1x bellicose foot (Rats ogres) with venomous weapons.

Now I was worried as when troops were laid out I could see demons, giants and lots of horsemen eeek!

The game began with a quick advance to the centre while my warlock moved to protect the left flank from the Rohirrim. Good job too as the Rohirrim charged straight at us. Luckily despite a few casualties we were forced back before Wedlock Skritch unleashed his arsenal of spells and blasted the incoming horsemen.

In the Centre it seemed the deceased mate was not quite dead as we thought as he began to raise indeed warriors to protect the tower.

Over on the other side of the table the orcs and humans sat around observing a clash between the giant and demons. This lasted a few turns before the demon was eventually banished.

The Rohirrim though sought revenge and King Theoden brought forward his knights only for a few pesky skeletons to get in the way. This delay allowed the Rat ogres to hit home and cause carnage. Bringing down Theorem and most of his knights. The rest of my warriors began to occupy strategic positions ready to assault the tower.

Unfortunately time ran out. My rats claiming a victory purely on kill count. Enjoyable game.

Rohirrim

Managed to paint up some of the plastic GW warriors of Rohan. So far 28 done with another 12 to do. I've also got a number of personality foot figures that I may or may not do. I've continued using the black wash method which I find quite effective on browns and greys, not too sure on the couple of blue cloaks. May change these. (Feeling the urge to paint up some historical figures, probably some Greeks. That might change if something catches my eye at the York show this weekend.)




Next up a couple of shots of King Theoden. He wasn't at the first battle at the fords of Isen, but was on is way for the second battle before news reached him that the defenses were breached and he made for Helms Deep.

Arise Eorlingas!

As part of a forthcoming wargames weekend at Micks in March, one of the battles we will be fighting is the Fords of Isen. Just what is needed to get the painting juices going. Also started re reading 'The Lord of the Rings' yet again.

Arise, arise, Riders of Theoden!
Fell deeds awake: fire and slaughter!
spear shall be shaken, shield be splintered,
a sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises!
Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor!

One of the best speeches in the Return of the King, really gives you a sense of the Rohirrim about to charge. Even the film did it justice.
To the pictures, first up heroes and the Royal Guard. I've got Gamling, 2 Eomer's (1 converted to carry a spear, Theodred and Eowyn. Of the Royal Guard, one is a banner bearer, just need to sort out something suitable. Theoden himself is still on the painting table.



Next up a couple of shots of the mounted Riders. I've used a black wash method to get a nice worn and rugged look to the figures. Turned out not too bad and also makes the figures quick to paint. So far all told I've managed 28 figures in just over a week and only have 2 to do.