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| Celevue's LotR campaign (SBG+WotR) (Pic Heavy)(update 17/2) http://ww.one-ring.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=25054 |
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| Author: | Armandhammer [ Thu Feb 06, 2014 8:47 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Celevue's LotR campaign (SBG+WotR) (Pic Heavy)(update 27 |
Another great report! I must admit, the lighting was a little sore on the eyes. Plus, it would have been nice to see a variety of different perspectives in the pictures instead of ones that are so focused on the characters. It would have been nice to appreciate your gorgeous board throughout the game as well!  Can't wait for the next installment. |
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| Author: | TDrik [ Sat Feb 08, 2014 1:27 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Celevue's LotR campaign (SBG+WotR) (Pic Heavy)(update 27 |
I just had a thought. At Amon Hen the Uruk's goal is to capture the hobbits rather than kill them and bring them to Saruman. All the Uruk's know is that they're short/halflings. For this battle would it best to mix the hobbits up so that the evil side doesn't know which one is the ring-bearer (but the good side does obviously) so if they do get away with any of the hobbits they won't know if it's the right one until the end! Might be a terrible idea, but it might work. |
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| Author: | Celevue [ Sun Feb 09, 2014 12:10 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Celevue's LotR campaign (SBG+WotR) (Pic Heavy)(update 27 |
Hi TDrik and welcome to the OR! Your idea is a good one - obviously, the evil player knows which is Frodo, but the evil models don't, so some kind of a meta rule is needed (i.e. Uruks try to capture any and all hobbits, with no special bias towards Frodo). However, Frodo has a surefire way to avoid capture, too - he can always wear the Ring until he reaches the boats and gets to freedom. That's the way we will play, so Frodo's escape is virtually guaranteed. The other three are potential capture targets, and hence my painting of "captured Sam" as well. Overall, we are happy to utilize such meta rules to ensure playing in the spirit of the story rather than playing in a more competitive way for victory... |
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| Author: | Phantom_Lord [ Thu Feb 13, 2014 8:53 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Celevue's LotR campaign (SBG+WotR) (Pic Heavy)(update 27 |
Very nice battle reports! I'm looking forward to seeing the alternative story line of the campaign unfold! |
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| Author: | Celevue [ Sun Mar 09, 2014 10:08 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Scenario 10 – The Watcher in the Water (SBG) - part 1 |
 The second season of our Lord of the Rings campaign continues with the Fellowship reaching the western gate of Moria… The Fellowship climbed the stone steps beside the trickling Moria Stair Falls, and upon reaching the top, they saw the reason for the drying up of the Gate-stream. Behind them the sinking Sun filled the cool western sky with glimmering gold. Before them stretched a dark still lake. The Sirannon had been dammed and had filled all the valley. “There are the Walls of Moria”, said Gandalf, pointing across the water. “And there the Gate stood once upon a time, the Elven Door at the end of the road from Hollin by which we have come.”  The day was drawing to its end when the Company, with all the speed they could, climbed up the slopes and reached the side of the lake. There was a soft sound: a swish, followed by a plop, as if a fish had disturbed the still surface of the water. Turning quickly they saw ripples, black-edged with shadow in the waning light: great rings were widening outwards from a point out in the lake. There was a bubbling noise, and then silence.  When they came to the northernmost corner of the lake they found a narrow creek that barred their way. It was green and stagnant, thrust out like a slimy arm towards the enclosing hills.  The dusk deepened, and the last gleams of the sunset were veiled in cloud. The Fellowship reached the strip of dry land between the lake and the cliffs: it was narrow, often hardly a dozen yards across, and encumbered with fallen rock and stones; but they found a way, hugging the cliff, and keeping as far from the dark water as they might. Close under the cliff there stood, still strong and living, two tall trees, larger than any trees of holly that Frodo had ever seen or imagined. Their great roots spread from the wall to the water. Gandalf was standing between the two trees; the Moon now shone upon the grey face of the rock, illuminating faint lines like slender veins of silver running in the stone and revealing an arched design with Elvish letters, an anvil and a hammer surmounted by a crown with seven stars, two trees bearing crescent moons, and in the middle of the door a single star with many rays. Gandalf read the writing: “The Doors of Durin, Lord of Moria. Speak, friend and enter”. Gandalf approached the wall, lifted up his arms and spoke in tones of command and rising wrath, attempting to find the right opening word. Finally, after many futile attempts, the Wizard was laughing! “I have it!” he cried. He stood before the rock and said in a clear voice: Mellon! Slowly the door divided in the middle and swung outwards.  The way into Moria was open, and the Fellowship moved in. Frodo was the last, but before he could get in, he felt something seize him by the ankle, and he fell with a cry. Out from the water a long tentacle had crawled, and its fingered end had hold of Frodo’s foot, and was dragging him into the water. Our tenth scenario begins with the members of the Fellowship packed inside the vestibule, with the hobbits closest to the door. Frodo has already been entangled by a tentacle, and he’s at the shoreline. The Watcher body and five other tentacles start at the deeper water beyond the dead boughs of holly sticking out of the water. This game is not fully based on any published scenarios; instead, there are some scenario-specific house rules as explained at the end of the report. The objective for good side is to have as many members of the Fellowship escape into Moria (one of them must be Frodo), while the evil side tries to kill as many as possible (particularly, of course, Frodo). Here’s an overview of the gaming board:  The board is 80x90 cm in overall size, with about 8” from the shoreline to the Hollin gate. Beyond the gate, there the western end of the vestibule, beyond which the stairs described in the book (and in some scenarios) start (the stairs are not modeled, however). The modeled room is about 6” by 13” in size.  Turn 1 – Good priority. Hearing the cries of Frodo, the other hobbits quickly rushed outside and gave way to Boromir and others. Boromir ran towards the shore as fast as he could, while Aragorn and Legolas positioned a bit closer to the gate and took out their bows. Looking at the vile creature of darkness, Gandalf guessed, quite correctly, that casting a blinding light would hinder the beast to some extent. Channeling his might, the Wizard had the top of his staff produce an intense, bright light. The tentacle holding Frodo moved mercifully slowly towards the approaching body of the Watcher. Five other tentacles moved much faster towards the shore, however.  Aragorn’s arrow managed to wound the tentacle entangling Frodo; the Watcher let the Ringbearer drop into the shallow water, while it drew the hurting tentacle close to the body. Legolas rapidly shot three arrows, but despite his keen elven eyes, only one hit the flailing tentacles, and even that arrow failed to wound. Three tentacles tried to ensnare Frodo again; only one had enough reach but it missed the hobbit narrowly. Turn 2 – Good priority. Frodo got quickly up and moved just out of the pool and onto the shore. Gandalf rushed closer and attempted to immobilize the Watcher, but the spell seemed to have no effect. Boromir, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli moved to better positions, while Sam, Pippin and Merry retreated into the relative safety of Moria beyond the Hollin gate. The tentacles closed in, flailing wildly. The shooting attacks by Aragorn and Legolas were rather abysmal, with Aragorn missing and Legolas hitting two tentacles, yet failing to wound. Just when he though he was getting into safety, Frodo felt the cold and slimy touch of a tentacle grabbing his ankle and pulling him back to the water. Despite his valiant attack, Frodo was quickly succumbed and entangled by the Watcher once more… 
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| Author: | Celevue [ Sun Mar 09, 2014 10:15 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Scenario 10 – The Watcher in the Water (SBG) - part 2 |
Turn 3 – Evil priority. The situation looked grim – the Watcher pulled the tentacle holding Frodo next to its gaping maw, while the other tentacles blocked the shoreline. Gandalf waded into the pool but not fast enough to reach Frodo. Stretching his will, the Wizard conjured a sorcerous blast, causing the tentacle holding the captive hobbit to fall back. With a splash, Frodo was laying again in the shallow black water. He scrambled up and took a cautious step towards the shore. On the shoreline, Boromir and Gimli charged a tentacle each, while Aragorn attempted to tackle two simultaneously.  The Watcher sent two other tentacles forward in an attempt to snare Frodo and Gandalf, but both appendages missed their intended victims. The beast’s anger was mixed with a sudden pain as an arrow pierced one of its tentacles. The pain reached a white-hot madness when the creature suddenly lost four of its tentacles to sharp metal weapons – Boromir had sliced one off with his sword, while the might of Gimli’s axes hacked another into bits. Closer to Frodo, Aragorn’s mighty swing of Andúril cut off two tentacles. But even with half of its tentacles lost, the beast was far from being done with… Turn 4 – Good priority. Sensing their chances for escape, Aragorn shouted “at the double!”, urging the Fellowship to retreat into Moria. However, Frodo’s feet slipped on the submerged, slimy rocks and he almost fell down. Summoning his might, he fixed his footing and waded towards safety along with others. Gandalf attempted to protect their flight by immobilizing the Watcher, but again, the spell had no effect. The remaining tentacles moved closer, and the beast shot two of them at Aragorn and Gandalf. Strider easily dodged, but the Wizard was caught off-guard – he was ensnared, and after a brief struggle, also entangled…  Turn 5 – Evil priority. The Watcher wasted no time as it dragged the entangled Gandalf next to its jaws. Aragorn rushed to help the Wizard, and as he sure-footedly charged the tentacle, Gandalf was released. On the shoreline, Frodo continued his retreat towards Moria, while Gimli covered his escape by positioning himself between the hobbit and the flailing tentacles. Boromir charged another tentacle, while Legolas positioned for shooting and let loose three arrows – all of them wildly missing their targets. Near the body of the Watcher, Aragorn’s blade cut loose a fifth tentacle, while Boromir mightily dispatched the sixth.  Turn 6 – Good priority. Gandalf clambered up but slipped on the uneven rock bottom and could not move any further. Aragorn continued to safeguard the Wizard by charging the tentacle nearby. Frodo and Gimli retreated into Moria, while Boromir and Legolas pulled back only a little, electing to stay within the perimeter of the light cast by Gandalf’s staff. The only other remaining tentacle flayed near them, but Legolas’ arrow forced it to pull back to the body of the Watcher. The beast was definitely being subdued now, with Aragorn adding to its agony by cutting off the penultimate tentacle. Turn 7 – Evil priority. Aragorn shouted “with me”, as he waded quickly out of the pool and towards Moria, followed by Gandalf. The Watcher roared in fury as its final tentacle moved forward – the searing light was still a dire hindrance, and the beast did not succeed in ensnaring anything. In addition, Legolas’ arrow forced it to retract the tentacle yet again. Turn 8 – Good priority. Urging those still outside to hurry up into safety, Aragorn drove them forward as he shouted “at the double”. The Strider rear-guarded the Company into the darkness beyond the stony gate while keeping a close eye on the wounded, horrifying beast now clambering out of the water.  Inside, Gandalf turned and paused. If he was considering what word would close the gate again from within, there was no need. A coiling tentacle and insect-like legs seized the doors on either side, and with a horrible strength, swung them around. With a shattering echo they slammed, and all light was lost. The others heard Gandalf go back and thrust his staff against the doors. There was a quiver in the stone, but the doors did not open – the beast had piled boulders and uprooted the holly trees across the gate.  “Well, well!” said the Wizard. “The passage is blocked behind us now, and there is only one way out – on the other side of the mountains.” Conclusion Thanks to rok100 for a great discussion & tips for the scenario. As mentioned earlier, the scenario, as played by us, is not 100% based on any published version. We had the journeybook version and the White Dwarf version at hand, and in the end, we used rules and inspiration from both, as well as ideas from rok100. We decided to use the following special rules: - The deployment was as suggested by rok100, i.e. everyone except Frodo already inside Moria (like in the movie), with the Watcher body and five tentacles in deep water, and Frodo entangled at the shoreline. - The hobbits started at the doorway, forcing them to back out into the danger zone in order to let the stronger heroes out. - The Watcher body could move up to 3” in water, while tentacles moved 6”. - The Watcher has eight tentacles available; once wounded (i.e. cut) in close combat, the tentacle is removed from play. A tentacle wounded by arrows or sorcerous blast is retracted and placed in base-to-base contact with the body, in a position chosen by the good player. - There are a maximum of six tentacles in play at any given time (practical reason: I had only six separate tentacle models available). The two first tentacles slain are respawn next to the Watcher body. After that, the number of separate tentacles begins to decline. - If the body comes closer to 3” of the shoreline, it is replaced by the full (finecast) Watcher model. - For the Watcher body, we used a stat line of the Finecast Watcher for fight, strength, defense, courage, might, will and fate. For separate tentacles, we used the White Dwarf statline as given. - As per rok100’s suggestion, the separate tentacles cannot move onto land. Instead, they can ensnare in the shoot phase to drag models towards them. In practice, this counts as shooting attack with a range of D6”+1”, roll to hit is to beat the target’s unmodified strength on a D6. There must be a clear line of sight & clear path for the target model’s base to pass directly to the tentacle. However, since this counted as a shooting attack, it was also affected by the blinding light spell. Hence, ensnaring succeeded only with a roll of six (provided that the model is close enough to Gandalf). If a model is successfully ensnared, it is pulled to base contact with the tentacle ready for the fight phase. - In fight phase, if the tentacle is victorious, instead of rolling to wound, it may entangle a single victim. In the subsequent turn, the tentacle may drag the victim D6”. The victim cannot move but is released if the tentacle is engaged in close combat or is wounded by a ranged attack. The dropped victim is placed prone (but takes no damage). Standing up takes half the movement. - Tentacles are immune to magic (exception: sorcerous blast) and terror, but not the body. Immobilise / command affects both the body and the tentacles. - Tentacles can always be shot at without other models being in the way; ranged attacks (including sorcerous blast) only harm the tentacle, not any entangled victims. - If the body of the Watcher is engaged in combat while in water, it will be hit automatically unless one or more tentacles are fighting with it. If the body is wounded, the Watcher must take a courage test. If the test fails, all tentacles drop any victims and move into base-to-base contact with the body. - If an entangled model is in base-to-base contact with the Watcher body at the end of the fight phase, it will take D6 automatic S8 hits as the Watcher tries to eat it. - The Watcher may use might on behalf of any of its tentacles. - If the Watcher is out of the water, then it fights as described in the Moria sourcebook, except that its attacks work as with the ensnare rule above, and the number of attacks is equal to the number of remaining tentacles. - Good models starting their movement in the water must make a test roll (1D6 in shallow water, 2D6 & choose the lower in deep water): 1 = model loses footing and may not move; 2-5 = unsteady footing, model moves at half speed; 6 = unhindered, may move at full rate. Legolas gets +1 modifier to this roll. As discussed with rok100, this scenario should be calibrated for the terrain used; for instance, the range of ensnare should be tailored so that there is no safe spot on the ground other than inside Moria. However, a large range for ensnare also means that the models are quickly drawn to deep water. In addition, the body moved surprisingly quickly close to the shoreline, so there was a clear danger of entangled models to be eaten. The blinding light limited ensnaring quite effectively, however, and having a rather limited number of tentacles available was also making it progressively easier for the Fellowship to make a controlled retreat into Moria from turn seven onwards. After all, the Fellowship did not want to fight the Watcher to the death, as this would have undoubtedly meant a loss of a hero or two. Even now, it was a close call for Gandalf at one point, and it wasn’t so easy for Frodo, either, to get out of the water and into safety. The adjusted scenario worked well for the campaign – it was fun to play, evoked the scene from the movie, had a couple of tight spots, and it eroded away might and will points, making it that much harder for the Fellowship to face the long dark of Moria. Stay tuned for the battle in Balin’s tomb coming up next… |
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| Author: | Coenus Scaldingus [ Sun Mar 09, 2014 10:45 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Celevue's LotR campaign (SBG+WotR) (Pic Heavy)(update 9/ |
Got excited upon seeing an update, (obviously) wasn't disappointed. Terrific, once again. |
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| Author: | Goldman25 [ Sun Mar 09, 2014 11:12 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Celevue's LotR campaign (SBG+WotR) (Pic Heavy)(update 9/ |
That looks incredible! |
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| Author: | Knife in the Dark [ Mon Mar 10, 2014 12:22 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Celevue's LotR campaign (SBG+WotR) (Pic Heavy)(update 9/ |
It's back! Great report as always and almost more importantly the Fellowship is through another hurtle! 
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| Author: | theavenger001 [ Mon Mar 10, 2014 2:11 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Celevue's LotR campaign (SBG+WotR) (Pic Heavy)(update 9/ |
Another well done report! I look forward to Balin's tomb. |
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| Author: | Oldman Willow [ Mon Mar 10, 2014 2:53 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Celevue's LotR campaign (SBG+WotR) (Pic Heavy)(update 9/ |
Wonderful! |
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| Author: | emre43 [ Mon Mar 10, 2014 8:24 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Celevue's LotR campaign (SBG+WotR) (Pic Heavy)(update 9/ |
Your campaign is fantastic Celevue. Can't wait for Balin's Tomb. I am also very excited to see what you have planned for the battles not covered by the films, such as the Battle of Erebor, shame I have to wait so long for that... |
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| Author: | rok100 [ Mon Mar 10, 2014 2:36 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Celevue's LotR campaign (SBG+WotR) (Pic Heavy)(update 9/ |
Lovely set-up, lighting and photography. The spray kicked up as Gandalf was ensnared looks brilliant! You're very good to give me so much credit for help with the scenario design, but honestly not necessary. It was just a pleasure to be of help. |
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| Author: | JamesR [ Mon Mar 10, 2014 2:44 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Celevue's LotR campaign (SBG+WotR) (Pic Heavy)(update 9/ |
Really enjoyable update as always. Go Fellowship! |
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| Author: | whafrog [ Mon Mar 10, 2014 3:09 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Celevue's LotR campaign (SBG+WotR) (Pic Heavy)(update 9/ |
Stunning as ever! |
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| Author: | Sticky Fingersss [ Tue Mar 11, 2014 8:05 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Celevue's LotR campaign (SBG+WotR) (Pic Heavy)(update 9/ |
What an amazing terrain board. I really like how you explained your own scenario at the end. |
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| Author: | Ukfreddybear [ Tue Mar 11, 2014 8:26 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Celevue's LotR campaign (SBG+WotR) (Pic Heavy)(update 9/ |
This to me is what the game is all about. Fun and themed scenarios. Love it! |
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| Author: | jscottbowman [ Wed Mar 12, 2014 12:24 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Celevue's LotR campaign (SBG+WotR) (Pic Heavy)(update 9/ |
Great stuff, you've set the bar high for us to aim towards, and have inspired me to make a better 'watcher board' than I had intended! Kudos! |
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| Author: | Celevue [ Wed Mar 12, 2014 12:22 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Celevue's LotR campaign (SBG+WotR) (Pic Heavy)(update 9/ |
Thanks for comments, all! @ukfreddybear, my thoughts exactly - this is for us, too, what this game is all about. @emre43, Erebor is not that far - mere three years or so from now I should be busily building the terrain for it, and painting all the dwarves... at least with the upcoming blu-ray set, I don't need to sculpt the guard statues! @Scott, looking forward to your Watcher terrain, and how the journeybook scenario plays out. Had Frodo bought it at Amon Sûl in our campaign, the plot forward would have been very different (and I wouldn't now have that fine Amon Hen board)... |
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| Author: | Éomund [ Wed Mar 12, 2014 7:14 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Celevue's LotR campaign (SBG+WotR) (Pic Heavy)(update 9/ |
wow really nice report again!! looking forward to the next one already 
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