Scenario 32: Plains of Edoras

Following her capture, Héra was rescued by her enterouge and spirited away back to Edoras where the information about Wulf and his armies were provided to King Helm. Helm though didn't believe in the true size of Wulfs forces and with constant question and alternative suggestions made by his First Marshal, Fréleáf was dismissed along with his men. Helm then called his remaining Lords to make ready for war. Men arrived each day and the battle would take place outside the walls of Edoras. On the day Wulf and his forces arrive Helm finally realises Fréleáf spoke true, not only Hill Tribesmen but mercenaries riding great beasts had also joined. But to apply further concern some of his forces lead by Thorne were missing, with no time to correct this battle would occur none the less. With the horns sounding and a chant of death, the forces of the Rohirrim charged.

Forces of Good:

Helm Hammerhand, King of Rohan with Armoured Horse
Haleth, Prince of Rohan with Arnoured Horse
Hama, Prince of Rohan with horse
Captain of Rohan with horse
24x Riders of Rohan (8x Throwing Spear)
6 Royal Guard with Horse (2x Throwing Spear)
24x Warriors of Rohan (8x Shield, 8x Throwing Spear and Shield, 8x Bow)

Forces of Evil:

Wulf, High Lord of the Hill Tribes with Horse
General Targg with Horse
3x Hill Tribes Chieftains
72x Hill Tribesmen (6x Light Shield, 6x Flaming Brand, 6x Flaming Brand and Light Shield, 12x Spear, 12x Two-handed Weapon and 24x Bow)
3x War Mûmaks of Harad with Haradrim Commander each with 6 Warriors of Harad (3x Spear and 3x Bow)

Additionally, the following rules are in play:

•  The Evil force is split in two. One Hill Tribes Chieftain and 60 Hill Tribesmen deploy in the middle at the start, the rest will arrive later (we changed this to a single Chieftain rather than all three.)
• Wulf, General Targg, the two Hill Tribes Chieftains and the remaining Hill Tribesmen arrive on turn two from the Western board edge.
• The Mûmakil arrive on turn three from the Western board edge. (This is due to Good winning the previous scenario, otherwise would have been turn 2)
• Riders of Rohan gain +1 fight Value on a turn they charge within 12" of Helm.

The Scenario ends after 10 turns with the following victory conditions:

• If no Mûmakil make it off the Eastern board edge the forces of Good win!
• If two Mûmakil make it off the Eastern board edge the forces of Evil win!
• Any other result is a draw.

* Point of note from this scenario, we had terrain on the board to make it look cooler, however you may see this disappear or move around. We played the game as if terrain was not there so it didn't impact any way we acted.

Deployment

Both lines formed up, the Hill Tribes were a wild horde coming over the plains while Rohan was broken down into segments each lead by Helm or the princes waiting to sound the charge. The Rohan right flank had to be made up of foot troops due to the missing presence of Thorne and no one being able to say where he is. Wulf and Targg meanwhile watched from a hill on the side waiting for their Mûmakil mercenaries to arrive. The Rohirrim seeing reinforcements meant they had to quickly deal with these troops ahead of them to reform for any further.

The Initial Volley

Rohan being unable to currently reach the Hill Tribesmen moved up to utilise their better and more frequent shooting attacks to try and thin the numbers as much as possible, as well as knowing their cavalry charge soon should cause major damage. The Hill Tribesmen knowing they just needed to waste time for their reinforcements to arrive, to further overwhelm their foes, were happy to shift slightly forward to fire back their own volley of arrows.

The shots were fired on both sides but Rohan proved they were much superior, taking out six of the Tribesmen at the cost of one of their own. 10% of the current Tribesmen already gone in one instance.

Sound the Charge!

Both sides saw this as the turn they needed to move first, but the Rohan forces snuck it through first. A Heroic Move was called by both sides (Hama and the Chieftain) but again Rohan claimed it. Then came the absolute crash of riders and their horses into the long Tribesmen line. Not all the riders were able to fit in due to the length of the line but the majority were able to charge in with Helm and the Princes leading the way. The throwing spears also claimed another two Hill Tribesmen.

The Hill Tribesmen warriors then filled in and charged where ever they could as well as utilising their limited spear supports. Then Wulf, General Targg and the remaining troops and Chieftains arrives on the Tribesmen right flank. They were ready positioned to help run through that flank next turn. 

Combat began and Heroic Combats were called by Helm, Hama and the center Chieftain. The combats from Helm and Hama let them reposition and claim quite a few more kills whereas the Chieftain was able to claim his foe but lost to the subsequent rider he charged and remained prone. The hatred channelling through the Hill Tribesmen allowed them to claim seven kills but the Rohirrim took out another 19 in combat. The initial Hill Tribesmen horde was almost cut down to half their starting number but taking out many riders would start tipping the balance. But the center line of the Hill Tribesmen had been completely smashed with very few let alive there.

The Mûmak's arrive

Both sides again see the importance of going first and while Evil claim priority Heroic Moves are called on both sides. Both Helm and the Rohan Captain on their left flank call a Move and General Targg using his mastery is able to see the Captain calling this and call's one himself. 

The Rohan Captain however is able to push his men in first and the pin down a lot of the reinforcements that recently arrived though some alongside Wulf are in a safe place who later counter charge with Wulf being able to join Targg's combat ready for a later combat to clear more of the Rohirrim on this flank.

 

In the center Helm then pushes his men and his son's in and they charge the remainder of the Tribesmen in the center aiming to finish them off quickly ready to turn and face the on-coming beasts as well as several of his riders attempting to finish off the Chieftain stuck on the floor. 

The battlefield following every troop having moved ended up with almost everyone avliable engaged in combat or spear supporting with a minor few exceptions due to flaming brands preventing the rare rider from charging. The Rohan side claimed another five kills from throwing spears on the charge.

However, the main gambit of Wulf's plan had finally arrived. Three War Mûmaks of Harad alongside their riding mercenaries. The main aim of these were to get across the plain to break through the walls of Edoras. But if they could trample over any Rohirrim in the way better for them and Wulf's troops.

Two of these Mûmaks arrived behind the Hill Tribesmen line better situated to get across while the third came in behind the Rohirrim line ready to inflict as much damage as possible.

The combat this round was brutal, multiple Heroic Combats were called to raise the kill tally as well as better position for next turn to either stop or protect the on-coming Mûmaks. Helm, Haleth a Chieftain and Targg all called one. Helm and his bodyguard eliminate all the remaining troops in the center including the prone Chieftain from his previous bad combat. Haleth, seeing his chance to stop the northern most Mûmak, leads a few troops there to stop it as long as he can. Wulf, Targg and the Chieftains clean up a lot of the remaining Rohirrim and none now can reach the two oncoming Mûmaks.

On the other side of the line the Rohirrim and Tribesmen foot line continued to clash with some of the mounted Rohirrim joining alongside Helm and Hama now. But the Tribesmen still held, just tying the Rohan foot soldiers down and still scoring several of their own kills, each one meaning there is less to stop a Mûmak. The end of another turn finishing with 12 Rohirrim falling but they still took out more with 17 Tribesmen falling. The Tribesmen line was now very empty split down onto each side with none left in the center.

Stop the Mûmaks

With the Tribesmen center smashed, it was time to stop the new threats. Helm formed up his line with Hama and the remaining mounted warriors ready to stop both the southern Mûmaks. Haleth managed to move first and pin the northern Mûmak straight away with enough of his bodyguard joining the charge to stop the Mûmak trampling. Wulf and Targg were pinned down by the remaining Rohirrim left alive with Wulf also being wounded by a throwing spear.

On the other side the field the foot contingents again engaged bitterly, the Rohan side had the numbers but the Tribesmen still held strong, lasting much longer than anyone expected they would. With the numbers dwindling on both sides the kill tally started to drop but many kills were still scored. Haleth and his troops were pushed back by the remaining Tribesmen and the Mûmak but Haleth stood strong. Wulf and his smaller group scored a few more kills as well as taking out that pesky Rohan captain.

With both sides now committed the fear of a Mûmak trample onto many troops was a concern but Evil went first meaning the southern Mûmaks had nothing to hit. Haleth staring down the northern Mumak though had to Heroic Move to save himself and his bodyguard but the Haradrim called one as well. Luck again would fall upon Evil and Wulf allowing the Mumak to go first but then the tables turned with the Mûmak only wounding Haleth a single time as well as his horse being uninjured.

Wulf and his unengaged troops moved up with Wulf charging the remaining troops that couldn't get into the Mûmak with Helm.

On the other side of the line as usual the foot troops were still thick in the fighting but several gaps had opened up which allowed some of the Rohan line to push through eager ro catch up to their King and stop these on-coming beasts. The combat this turn would mean a lot, Haleth had done enough to stop the Mûmak reaching Edoras in time (for the purposes of this scenario) but the other two were still threatening escape, even more so if they were able to proceed next turn unhindered.

Wulf seeing this was his time to strike but fearful of Helm who looked unwounded called a Heroic Combat targeting the first of Princes he had gotten close to of Hama. Wulf was successful in slaying his first opponents and engaged the Prince and the rider guarding him. But now his combat ability failed him and though he bested Hama he was only able to put a single wound through onto the rider.

On the much more important Mûmak combats, the side of Helm and his remaining Royal Guard who had been shot of his horse were unable to hold back the beast and were pushed back with Helm taking his first wound. A potential trample of this beast could spell disaster as the hope was to wound it and force the stampede hopefully into the nearby one.

On the other side of the battlefield disaster struck for Haleth, though he was the most skilled combatant there the presence of the Mûmak must have put him off his game as again he was unable to win the combat and due to the Mûmak having trampled into him this turn he fell against it and the two Tribesmen assisting. The first named hero to fall during the battle but would he live to tell the tale afterwards. 

The final tally of slain this round was four Tribesmen to four Rohirrim, the first time the Evil side was not outscored and the removal of Haleth would play a big part in getting that other Mûmak involved. Though it could no longer make it to Edoras in time, it could still help deal with any remaining Rohirrim.

To the King

It was again a vastly important turn for who would move first, as Good took the initiative, Targg, and the Mûmak by Helm called Heroic Moves. Feeling pressured Helm was forced to match them. The 50/50 was key but it went to Helm who was able to pin the Mûmak in place with a fellow rider and Hama joining him. It also allowed nearby troops to pin down both Wulf and Targg though unlikely to win those troops were placed just to by time.

The remaining Tribesmen and Mûmak on the northern side now unengaged were able to start moving their way to the center to join the remaining combats though the distance was quite far and would take them several turns to do so. As for the remaining foot troops the Tribesmenn were down to less than a handful of warriors but that still meant some of the Rohan warriors had to stay to finish them off. But with the gaps now completely open several made there way south to try and stop the free Mûmak getting closer to their home.

Wulf was in a tight spot here, so close to Helm and Hama, the latter who he believed he could take out this turn, but his plan depended on the Mûmaks making it to Edoras to punch a hole. Against all odd's he judged him plan higher than his need for revenge and with a successful Heroic Combat, moved alongside the free Mumak to protect it from any on-coming Rohirrim as well as Helm or Hama if they turned to chase him or the beast.

Targg was able to clean up those warriors engaging him as well as his troops finished off most of the remaining Rohan troops that had charged them. Now it came down to Helm, he had to beat back this creature this time or Rohan were in a very desperate situation. And this time he did, between himself Hama and the rider four wounds were put through, three by Helm himself but the Mûmak was able to stand strong not rampaging yet.

The Tribesmen had also preformed better than Rohan this time, losing only a single warrior at  the cost of four Rohan warriors. As well as the smattering of troops on their left flank still had some going string but at this point they were down to two or three warriors there. Still enough to cause a nuisance for the nearby Rohan warriors who just could not put them down.

Due to the forces remaining the next few turns went by like a blur. The southern most Mûmak was able to get away meaning it was all but guaranteed to make it to Edoras before anyone could stop it. In the center Helm again was able to pin the Mûmak and Hama made a desperate chase after the escaping Mûmak, being the only person left who could reach it but Wulf was nearby. Targg and his forces finally were able to join the fray against Helm and his remaining bodyguard while the other Mûmak moved up to have a go at the remaining foot Rohan troops who still were unable to finish off the Tribesmen. Wulf carrying out his plan as he expected was engaged by the on-coming foot soldiers who wanted to get to the Mûmak.

Helm this time was able to beat the Mûmak causing three wounds to it and forcing it to stampede. Targg and his warriors looked very concerned in this instance as it was right next to them and there was a good chance it may go that way. Everywhere else the forces continues to inflict minor damage to each other with only two warriors falling on each side.

(Forgot to take pictures here sorry)

The rampaging Mûmak as expected went into the Tribesmen warriors taking out three but just missing Targg. Wulf also free from needing to protect the Mûmak as still only Hama could catch, chose now was the time to take on Helm. Targg worried that Wulf might fall here, turned and joined in on fighting Helm. The important combat came and Helm was a absolute monster, he easily pushed the duo back and with a swing of his hammer at the already wounded Wulf was able to finish him off as well as putting a wound through on Targg. Though Wulf had fell, Targg was still around to lead the few remaining Tribesmen and the Harad Chieftain had gotten the previously rampaging Mûmak under control which was still within range of Helm.

Survive

With another turn going to Evil the southern most Mûmak was able to escape. Now knowing the other two couldn't reach Edoras alongside it the aim now was survival for the remaining troops and heroes on both sides. 

But Evil still had two Mûmaks in play that now had no aim but the annihilation of all remaining Rohirrim on the battlefield. The center Mûmak, now under control, turned and went straight into Helm, inflicting another wound as well as crushing his horse. Targg, injured and grabbing the body of Wulf moved aside to be protected by his remaining warriors as well as fight the much less skilled warriors of Rohan. The northern Mumakil trampled over a few warriors of Rohan and the remaining few ran for their lives but the beast was quick enough to gain distance on them

Hama was also able to rally each warrior he could and moved back to join with his father, while once brave rider joined Helm against the charging Mûmak. Helm once again proved his skill at fighting beasts even of this size and bested it but due to being knocked off his horse was unable to have the time to try and wound it to try for another stampede. Elsewhere small skirmishes still occurred with two Rohan warriors falling this turn.

Then came the final trample of the game, Evil took priority and the Mûmak crashed into Helm and his assisting rider slaying both, Helm just falling. With the remaining movement it was able to hit Hama and his entourage taking those out as well. The line of Helm could well be extinguished apart from Héra.   

The other Mûmak was able to catch the Rohan warriors it was chasing while Targg kept himself safe this turn while holding onto Wulf. The final count this round was brutal, eight Rohan warriors fell alongside their remaining King and Prince at the cost of no Tribesmen. 

Survivors

Of the initial lines that clashed there were only three survivors. Two brave warriors of Rohan managed to survive the whole battle, but whether that is a blessing or a curse only they could say.

On the other side of the 60 Hill Tribesmen that started the battle on the battle on the board, this lone spearmen was the survivor. He was also engaging the foot Rohan contingent the entire time so brought so much value to the game for the Evil side.

But as only a singular Mûmak was able to make it off the board the game ended in a Draw. An outcome I don't think either of us expected. But next up we will be moving over to Héra and the attempt on her life made by Thorne and the full confirmation of his betryal.

Forces of Good recovery:

Helm Hammerhand, King of Rohan 1/3/1 1w (alive and recovered d3 - 1 might) - 6 Kills
Haleth, Prince of Rohan 2/2/1 2w (dead, would have recovered d3 - 2 might and 1 wound) - 3 Kills
Hama, Prince of Rohan 1/0/0 2w (alive and recovered d3 - 1 might and 1 wound) - 4 Kills

Forces of Evil recovery:

Wulf, High Lord of the Hill Tribes 1/3/1 1w (alive and recovered d3 - 1 might) - 6 Kills
General Targg 1/2/0 2w (alive and recovered d3 - 1 might and 1 wound) - 3 Kills.

Review

Well this is probably the bloodiest battle I have done, except maybe the Last Alliance. I went in thinking Good should probably have this with Helm quickly taking out a Mûmak but that was not what we saw happen. It did also show if Good hadn't won the previous scenario Evil would have had a clear win here with an extra turn on each Mûmak. 

I will add it took until me writing this up that we noticed that all three Hill Tribes Chieftains are meant to deploy in the center at the start and not two of them come on with Wulf and co. But we do feel like this would have meant Evil were favoured even more for more might to pin down the riders. That was also a big thing of how much the Tribesmen can actually kill despite being outfought and against cavalry just because of numbers and hatred. But other than a poor dice roll Helm and Haleth only really can be dealt with by the Mûmaks.

Think the scenario really captures what happens in the film as Rohan need to smash through the line to be able to get to and stop the Mûmaks but there does mean your forces may get split and one side overwhelmed.

Now however comes to the most important question I need to ask, I initially stated I would stick to characters can die in this campaign and this has now happened to Haleth. I am happy to stick by this, however this will make the one remaining scenario he appears in almost impossible for Good which is Streets of Edoras. So I want to see what people think, should I keep him in and instead of characters dying or surviving (I said if Boromir survives Amon Hen he can stick around etc) should I just score a point to which side has claimed a kill and everyone that appears in each scenario that should does, just with their injuries carried over? Should I stick with characters both Good and Evil can fall or do you have another suggestion I could use?

For Streets of Edoras specifically I am toying with the idea of if Haleth is permanently dead, then Hama gets the buffs that should go to Haleth, fearless, hatred Mûmak and Mûmakbane. Again let me know what you think or if this now should just be a scenario that Evil pretty much always win.

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