It has been some time since my last game of anything Warhammer related, the last battle having been the Attack on Three Oaks, played 2015-07-18. Michael never played Warhammer before, so for my first game after a long time, and his first game ever, I built two small 1,000 points batallions, consisting mostly of troops, no champions, no magïck items, etc. to keep it simple. And I wanted to use what I had been building during Orctober 2023 so far for the Orc side.
Back in his time, Gurbat was a great commander, wreaking havoc among his enemies, being a savvy stretegist (as far as that applies to Orcs…) and knowing the rules of war by heart. But many years passed, he got hung up in his village life, had to take care of an Orc pub and just did not make it to any battles no more.
That would change today. He had gathered a small batallion, including Zriglom, a Goblin shaman, and set off to do battle just for the sake of doing battle.
Unfortunate Trirdac Grumblefoot, a young, totally inexperienced dwarf commander, found himself being chosen as Gurbat's opponent - well, it was coincidence that he happened to be in the path of Gurbat's batallion with his Dwarven force.
The two batallions were lined up, and the bloodletting was about to commence.
That would change today. He had gathered a small batallion, including Zriglom, a Goblin shaman, and set off to do battle just for the sake of doing battle.
Unfortunate Trirdac Grumblefoot, a young, totally inexperienced dwarf commander, found himself being chosen as Gurbat's opponent - well, it was coincidence that he happened to be in the path of Gurbat's batallion with his Dwarven force.
The two batallions were lined up, and the bloodletting was about to commence.
Batallions
Dwarf Batallion [999 points]
Commander [134 pts]
| Name | QTY | MOV | WSK | BSK | STR | TOU | WND | INI | ATT | LEA | INT | COO | WIL | Save |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trirdac Grumblefoot | 1 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 10+2 | 7 | 10+1 | 10+1 | 3+ |
| Character Model, Level 15 hero 'warforger', Hand Weapon, double-handed weapon, shield, heavy armour | ||||||||||||||
Hammerers [160 pts]
| Name | QTY | MOV | WSK | BSK | STR | TOU | WND | INI | ATT | LEA | INT | COO | WIL | Save |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hammerers | 8 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 4+ |
| Rank & File, +4-shock-elite, hand weapon, double-handed weapon, shield, heavy armour, standard bearer, musician | ||||||||||||||
Blue Company [198 pts]
| Name | QTY | MOV | WSK | BSK | STR | TOU | WND | INI | ATT | LEA | INT | COO | WIL | Save |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warriors | 16 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 5+ |
| Rank & File, Dwarf, hand weapon, light armour, shield, standard bearer, musician | ||||||||||||||
Red Company [198 pts]
| Name | QTY | MOV | WSK | BSK | STR | TOU | WND | INI | ATT | LEA | INT | COO | WIL | Save |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warriors | 16 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 5+ |
| Rank & File, Dwarf, hand weapon, light armour, shield, standard bearer, musician | ||||||||||||||
Orange Detachment [117 pts]
| Name | QTY | MOV | WSK | BSK | STR | TOU | WND | INI | ATT | LEA | INT | COO | WIL | Save |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crossbowmen | 9 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 6+ |
| Rank & File, Dwarf, hand weapon, crossbow, light armour | ||||||||||||||
Grey Detachment [117 pts]
| Name | QTY | MOV | WSK | BSK | STR | TOU | WND | INI | ATT | LEA | INT | COO | WIL | Save |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crossbowmen | 9 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 6+ |
| Rank & File, Dwarf, hand weapon, crossbow, light armour | ||||||||||||||
Light Cannon [75 pts]
| Name | QTY | MOV | WSK | BSK | STR | TOU | WND | INI | ATT | LEA | INT | COO | WIL | Save |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 6+ |
| Rank & File, Dwarf, hand weapon, light armour | ||||||||||||||
Orc & Goblin Batallion [1,001.5 points]
Commander [92 pts]
| Name | QTY | MOV | WSK | BSK | STR | TOU | WND | INI | ATT | LEA | INT | COO | WIL | Save |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gurbat | 1 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 9+2 | 5 | 8+1 | 8+1 | 6+ |
| Character Model, Level 15 hero 'hacker', hand weapon, double-handed weapon, light armour | ||||||||||||||
Shaman [58 pts]
| Name | QTY | MOV | WSK | BSK | STR | TOU | WND | INI | ATT | LEA | INT | COO | WIL | Save |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zriglom | 1 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 6+1 | 7+2 | 6+1 | 7+2 | - |
| Character Model, Level 10 Wïzard 'dung-talker', hand weapon, magïck level 1, magïck power level 6D6, 6 level 1 spells, Winds of Magïck 1D6+1 & 1D6+1, B1.6 — Fireball, B1.3 — Cure light injury, B1.7 — Flight, B1.11 — Leg breaking, B1.4 — Dispirit, E1.2 — Blinding Flash | ||||||||||||||
Slasherz [153 pts]
| Name | QTY | MOV | WSK | BSK | STR | TOU | WND | INI | ATT | LEA | INT | COO | WIL | Save |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boyz | 16 | 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5+ |
| Rank & File, Orc, hand weapon, shield, light armour, standard bearer, musician | ||||||||||||||
Skull Piercas [96 pts]
| Name | QTY | MOV | WSK | BSK | STR | TOU | WND | INI | ATT | LEA | INT | COO | WIL | Save |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arrer Boyz | 10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 6+ |
| Rank & File, Orc, hand weapon, bow, shield, standard bearer, musician | ||||||||||||||
Heart Stickas [96 pts]
| Name | QTY | MOV | WSK | BSK | STR | TOU | WND | INI | ATT | LEA | INT | COO | WIL | Save |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arrer Boyz | 10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 6+ |
| Rank & File, Orc, hand weapon, bow, shield, standard bearer, musician | ||||||||||||||
Burnin' Moonerz [167 pts]
| Name | QTY | MOV | WSK | BSK | STR | TOU | WND | INI | ATT | LEA | INT | COO | WIL | Save |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goblins | 20 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 6+ |
| Rank & File, Goblins, hand weapon, short bow, shield, standard bearer, musician, 3 × fanatic | ||||||||||||||
Eeevil Eyez [167 pts]
| Name | QTY | MOV | WSK | BSK | STR | TOU | WND | INI | ATT | LEA | INT | COO | WIL | Save |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stickas | 20 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | - |
| Rank & File, Goblins, hand weapon, short bow, standard bearer, musician, 3 × fanatic | ||||||||||||||
Dumbsterz [130 pts]
| Name | QTY | MOV | WSK | BSK | STR | TOU | WND | INI | ATT | LEA | INT | COO | WIL | Save |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trolls | 2 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 | - |
| Rank & File, Trolls, | ||||||||||||||
Boulda Lobba [42.5 pts]
| Name | QTY | MOV | WSK | BSK | STR | TOU | WND | INI | ATT | LEA | INT | COO | WIL | Save |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 6+ |
| Rank & File, Orc, hand weapon, light armour | ||||||||||||||
Deployment
I set up the game, as Michael did not have any clue, how should he know how to set up his forces?
Bout 1
Turn 1.1 - Dwarf
Movement Phase
The Red Company advanced straight forwards, while the Hammerers wheeled to their right. The Orange crossbows advanced down the hill.
Ranged Combat Phase
The cannon took aim at the greenskin horde, but misfired. It seemed like the cannon crew was as inexperienced as their commander. They probably let the powder get wet and needed to clean out the barrel (malfunction, no shot this and next turn).
Reserve Phase
All the units that advanced during the movement phase continued to advance during the reserve phase as well.
Turn End Phase
Turn 1.2 - Orc & Goblin
Turn Start Phase
The game started magnificently for the greenskins, as the trolls passed their stupidity test.
The game continued catastrophically for the greenskins, as the Orc Boyz failed their animosity test and had to charge the Skull Piercas to their left!
Movement Phase
The Orc Boyz charged the Arrer Boyz as compelled to by the animosity result. As the Boyz needed to wheel within the last 4" of their target (well, they started well below 4"), they lost all their charge bonuses. All other units advanced, except the stone thrower.
Ranged Combat Phase
The Arrer Boyz shot at the Red Company, but missed. The stone thrower hit 8" short of the Red Company, but that spot they hit very precisely, with no deviation happening.
Hand-to-hand Combat Phase
The Boyz hit the Arrerz once, but caused no wound, the Arrerz where too busy shouting and insulting the Boyz (probably the reason why they got charged in the first place…?) to cause any hits. As a result, the Arrerz were pushed back (behind the fence, great position to advance from…). The leader of the Boyz restored some order and prevented his unit to follow up and thus ended the hand-to-hand combat.
Reserve Phase
The reserve phase saw all the units surge on.
Magïck Phase
Zriglom passed his 'eadbangers test. He then cast Dispirit on the Red Company on 3 power dice (15), the Dwarves resisted with 5 dispel dice (17) and the spell did not take effect.
Turn End Phase
Bout 2
Turn 2.1 - Dwarf
Movement Phase
All the Dwarf units except the cannon (who were still busy clearing their barrel) and the Grey Crossbowmen advanced.
Ranged Combat Phase
The Grey Crossbowmen targeted the Burnin' Moonerz, but the one quarrel that hit did not wound.
Reserve Phase
The Dwarves continued their advanced. When the Red Company got close enough to the Burnin' Moonerz, they pushed forward their mushroom crazed lunatics!
Two whirled far enough and smashed into the hapless Dwarves, causing 8 hits and 7 wounds! The stout Dwarves passed their LDS test, though, and stood unfaced.
Turn End Phase
Turn 2.2 - Orc & Goblin
Turn Start Phase
To everyone's surprise, the trolls again passed their stupidity test - after all they needed to roll 6 or less all the time.
The only unit that needed to test for animosity this turn where the Skull Piercas, but they passed.
The fanatics whirled around the area, but only one made contact, smashing into the Hammerers, killing 4. Being led by Grumblefoot himself, even though inexperienced as he was, they passed their LDS test.
Movement Phase
The trolls charged the Blue Company.
The Slasherz turned 90° and advanced. The Skull Piercaz turned 90°, advanced 2", and took a LDS test for a second 90° turn, which they passed.
The Burnin' Moonerz charged the Red Company, hurling their Javelins as they approached, but not a single hit. As the Eeevil Eyez advanced, they also pushed out their fanatics once they came within 8" of the Orange Detachment, but none whirled far enough to make contact. Not wanting to get too close to the lunatics, the Gobbos forfeited their remaining movement.
Ranged Combat Phase
The Heart Stickas let loose on the Hammerers, managed 1 hit but did not wound. The Eeevil Eyez sent their arrows at the Orange Detachment in front of them, caused three hits of which one wounded. The Dwarven light armour was pierced and one Dwarf fell dead to the ground.
The stone thrower missed.
Hand-to-Hand Combat Phase
The Blue Company hit the trolls four times, but were not able to penetrate their thick hides. The trolls in return killed four Dwarfs. The Blue Company was pushed back, but passed their rout test.
The Goblins hit the Dwarves of the Red Company twice, but failed to wound. The Dwarves also hit twice, but also did not manage to wound. They were pushed back but stood firm.
Magïck Phase
Zriglom failed his 'eadbanger test, rolling a Fzzzzzzzzap! result, which robbed him of both 5 power points and 5 Winds of Magïck dice.
He then again tried to cast Dispirit on the Red Company, using two power dice (10). The Dwarves used 3 dispel dice (10) again preventing the spell to take effect.
Next, Zriglom conjured a Fireball to hurl on the Orange Detachment. He only had one power dice left (4), the Dwarves were still able to dispel with 2 (9).
Turn End Phase
Bout 3
Turn 3.1 - Dwarf
Movement Phase
The Hammerers, led by Grumblefoot, announced a charge at the troll's flank, their charge roll allowed them to just make contact. Again, the trolls passed a test against 6, this time their WPW test for panic from the flank charge.
Ranged Combat Phase
Finally, the cannon was ready to fire again. This time everything went well, but the shot flew too far, coming down just beyond its intended target.
The Blue Crossbow Detachment aimed again at the Heart Stickas in the center. They scored three hits, and killed two Orcs.
The Orange Crossbow detachment fared much better, causing six hits on the Eeevil Eyez, killing six and causing them to rout!
Hand-to-hand Combat Phase
Grumblefoot caused two hits and two wounds, the same as his unit of Hammerers managed to inflict on the Orcs. The Blue Company joined the carnage with two hits that caused one additional wound. As one lay on the floor, seemingly dead, only one troll was able to counterattack, but he easily fell three Dwarves. He got pushed back but passed his rout test.
In the center, the Gobbos managed to hit, wound and kill one Dwarf. The Dwarves in return hit three times, caused three wound, but one Gobbo shield did its duty. The combat result was a draw.
Reserve Phase
The Orange Detachment cautiously moved backwards 1.5", being a bit afraid of the mass of fanatics in front of them.
Turn End Phase
Both trolls regenerated wounds, suddenly there were again two trolls in the hand-to-hand combat.
Turn 3.2 - Orc & Goblin
Turn Start Phase
The trolls passed their stupidity test - again.
No animosity tests had to be taken.
The fanatics were quite deadly this turn - but mostly to themselves. One got tangled up in the wood and smashed himself to pulp.
Only one actually managed to kill three Dwarves, but unfortunately also two Goblins.
Two more fanatics each hit one of their brethren.
Movement Phase
The Slasherz charged into the Hammerers flank, joining the big hand-to-hand combat.
The Eeevil Eyez had to continue their rout.
Ranged Combat Phase
The Heart Stickas sent some arrows the Grey Detachment's way, but scored no hits. The stone thrower again proved very inaccurate, too.
Hand-to-hand Combat Phase
The fight between the Burnin' Moonerz and the Red Company continued. They traded blows simultaneously; with two Gobbos being hit, one wounded who saved; and two Dwarves being hit, one wounded who also got killed. The Red Company was pushed back 2" but did not rout.
In the big hand-to-hand combat, Grumblefoot caused one wounding hit on a troll. The hammerers attacked both the trolls (two hits causing two wounds and toppling a troll), and two killing hits on the Orc Boyz.
The Blue Company again was unable to cause any harm to the troll, while the troll this time only caused one hit which failed to wound.
The greenskins lost the hand-to-hand-combat. The trolls failed their first test this game, and routed. The resulting free hacks killed the remaining troll. The Slasherz were pushed back, but stood firm.
The rout of the trolls caused a panic test with the Heart Stickas, who lost their nerves and routed as well.
Reserve Phase
The Skull Piercas advanced. Gurbat associated with the Slasherz to support them.
Magïck Phase
No magïck happened, as Zriglom was busy routing.
Rally Phase
The Eeevil Eyez rallied.
Turn End Phase
Both troll regenerated and stood back in contact with the Blue Company, who were a bit surprised, to say the least.
Bout 4
Turn 4.1 - Dwarf
Movement Phase
The Orange Detachment advanced.
Ranged Combat Phase
The cannon took another shot at the Skull Piercas, this time hitting and killing two of the Arrerz.
The Grey Detachment also choose the Arrerz as their target, hit them five times and killed another three. The remaining three Orcs passed their rout test.
Hand-to-hand Combat Phase
The Blue Company continued their struggle against the trolls, again not managing to wound one of the beasts. The trolls killed another Dwarf. Still, they lost the combat, failed their rout test and fled again! This time the free hacks did not cause any wounds.
The Boyz, lead by their boss, passed their panic test, they couldn't care less for the trolls running away, being engaged with the stunties!
Grumblefoot caused two hits and killed one Orc. Gurbat missed completely, probably indeed being distracted by the fleeing trolls after all. The Hammerers caused another four hits and three kills on the Orcs. The Orcs lost, were pushed back but passed their rout rest.
The Burnin' Moonerz caused two hits but no wounds on the Red Company, which in return killed two of the Goblins. They failed their rout test and fled, receiving two more dead from the free hacks. The goblins rolled for a routing distance of 7", which the Dwarves met with their pursuit roll, catching up and causing another two dead from the resulting free hacks.
Reserve Phase
The Orange Detachment advanced up the hill.
Turn End Phase
Turn 4.2 - Orc & Goblin
Turn Start Phase
The last fanatic whirled towards the Dwarven rear.
Movement Phase
The trolls fled the field.
The Burnin' Moonerz outpaced the short legged Dwarves, ending the pursuit, but loosing three more of their numbers from this last free hack. The Red Company became unformed.
The freshly rallied Eeevil Eyez advanced towards the hill.
Ranged Combat Phase
The rock thrower finally managed to hit something, killing one Dwarf.
The Eeevil Eyez managed three hits from their 15 attacks on the Orange Detachment, caused one wound which was not saved by the Dwarven armour.
Hand-to-hand Combat Phase
Grumblefoot again caused two hits and killed one Orc. Gurbat did likewise, killing one of the Hammerers, which in return killed another Orc. The round ended in a draw.
Magïck Phase
No magïck happened, as Zriglom was not able to absorb enough Waaagh! energy from the sourrounding greenskin units.
Rally Phase
Both the Heart Piercas as well as the Burnin' Moonerz did not pass their rally tests.
Turn End Phase
Bout 5
Turn 5.1 - Dwarf
Movement Phase
The Blue Company wheeled towards the hand-to-hand combat to their left.
Ranged Combat Phase
The cannon tried to smash the fanatic with their ball, but due to the accumulated heat points caused a misfire and exploded!
The Grey Detachment did the job with their crossbows, though, hitting the fanatic three times and causing the one wound needed.
The Orange Detachment tried to kill some Goblins, caused two hits but failed to wound.
Hand-to-hand Combat Phase
Grumblefoot managed two hits and two kills on the Boyz. Gurbat returned the favor, by scoring two killing hits on the Hammerers. The one remaning Hammerer caused two hits and two kills as well.
The Orcs lost by one, passed their rout test, but were pushed back.
Turn End Phase
The Red Company reformed.
Turn 5.2 - Orc & Goblin
Movement Phase
The Eeevil Eyez charged the Orange Crossbow Detachment.
The Heart Stickas fled the field.
The Burnin' Moonerz stopped short of the table edge.
Ranged Combat Phase
The Skull Piercas attacked the Grey Detachment once more, but again only hit the ground in front of the unit.
The stone thrower this time overshot the enemy unit again.
Hand-to-hand Combat Phase
Grumblefoot again scored two hits, but caused only one wound. The Orc lost and were pushed back but still refused to rout.
The Eeevil Eyez caused no hits on the Dwarves, but lost two of their number. Still, the Dwarves lost the combat round and were pushed back.
Magïck Phase
No magïck happened, as Zriglom was not able to absorb enough Waaagh! energy from the only sourrounding greenskin unit - his own.
Rally Phase
The Burnin' Moonerz did not rally.
Turn End Phase
Bout 6
Turn 6.1 - Dwarf
Movement Phase
The Blue Company charged into the hand-to-hand combat.
Ranged Combat Phase
The Grey Detachment killed two more Arrerz, reducing the Orc unit to its leader. But that leader had nerves of steel and did not waver!
Hand-to-hand Combat Phase
The last Hammerer got killed, but due to the supporting flank charge, the combat was a draw.
The Orange Detachment wounded Zriglom, while all the Goblins missed. The Dwarves lost and got pushed back.
Magïck Phase
No magïck happened, as Zriglom was not able to absorb enough Waaagh! energy from the sourrounding greenskin units.
Turn End Phase
Turn 6.2 - Orc & Goblin
Movement Phase
The Burnin' Moonerz finally fled the field of battle.
Ranged Combat Phase
The stone thrower hit for the second time in the battle, and caused two dead on the Grey Detachment.
Hand-to-hand Phase
The combat dragged on, resulting in another push back for the Orcs.
The Orange Detachment suffered another casualty.
Turn End Phase
Bout 7
Turn 7.1 - Dwarf
Movement Phase
The Red Company threateningly advanced on the stone thrower.
Ranged Combat Phase
The Orange Company tried to wipe out the lone surviving Orc of the Skull Piercas - but causing one non-wounding hit did not suffice.
Hand-to-hand Combat Phase
Grumblefoot caused again two hits, and killed one Orc Boy. Gurbat caused two hits on the Blue Company, but failed to wound. The Orcs were again pushed back.
The combat on the other flank resulted again in a draw.
Turn End Phase
Turn 7.2 - Orc & Goblin
Ranged Combat Phase
The lone Orc Arrer tried to take revenge on the Dwarves that decimated his unit; he hit and wounded an opponent, but the light armour did its job.
The stone thrower again missed.
Hand-to-hand Combat Phase
The Eeevil Eyez killed a Dwarf, won the combat and again pushed the stunties back.
On the other flank, the Dwarves won the fight and pushed back the Orcs again.
Turn End Phase
The Orc commander surrendered.
Conclusion
In hindsight, we (well I, as Michael didn't have any clue about the rules) did several things wrong, I even cheated points wise (deploying all 20 Orc Boyz I painted during Orctober instead of the 16 according to the list); but still we had fun, it was a good introduction for Michael, and the start of refreshing the rules for me.
We plan to have more games.