Saturday, November 18, 2017

BGiME #8: Raid on Lothlorien

As mentioned in this issue’s overview, the battle scenario for BGiME #8 sees Frodo and Legolas facing off against two bands of Moria goblins, trapped in between fleeing raiders from Lothlorien and hunters looking for revenge. The encounter occurs in the eaves of Lothlorien: half of the board is covered in trees, with the last 6” of it being dense forest and therefore difficult terrain.

Frodo must escape deep into Lothlorien to evade the goblins and win a victory for Good. The Moria goblins, however, need only slay the Ringbearer to achieve victory. Although the forces of Evil greatly outnumber those of Good (nine goblins including a Goblin captain vs. only Frodo and Legolas), the Elf Prince’s three attacks during the Shoot phase and Frodo’s mithril coat might buy them enough time to escape. Or at least, that’s the theory.

In practice, things turned out pretty bleak for Good. We played the session a good four or five time with three people present, swapping sides after each bout so that everyone got a chance to try out their tactics for either side. In the end, Good only managed to achieve victory once. I employed the gambit of keeping as much cover between Frodo and the goblin archers—including using Legolas as a meat shield—while the elf’s arrows thinned the fence of goblins standing between the Ringbearer and the escape edge of the board.

After playing through eight of the BGiME scenarios, Evil seems to have an advantage most time. I believe this might change once we start using some of the more advanced rules. But as it stands, Evil often wins on either numbers or Defense scores in many of the bouts. This one was no exception.

Goblins advance of the Ringbearer and the Woodland Prince.

The Moria Goblin Captain draws a bead on Legolas.

Legolas tries to winnow down the goblins' numbers as they close on Frodo.

Good is locked in combat and cannot escape!

We'll try again. Maybe if we go this way...

"Not so fast, Blondie! Eat arrows!"

Once again, Good is overwhelmed numbers and unable to flee.

Frodo takes a goblin sword in the back!

"Ok, boys. Let's get 'em one more time!"

Legolas eyes the goblin archers off camera as Moria sword goblins approach.

All alone in the eaves of Lothlorien. Can Good ever triumph?

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