Bloodshed at Savonne
Finishing his prayers, Marc stood from his crouched stance and cast a grim look around. The Grail Chapel which he stood in was in a state of utter chaos, the seats were covered with the dead and injured and the foul stentch of death hung in the air like the Grim Reaper himself. Marc, fighting back his rage at what had been done to his fellow men, turned and stormed out of the Chapel, and into the open night air to clear his head.
The town of Savonne in which the Chapel stood was not in much better state than the Chapel itself, buildings had collapsed and corpses lay sprawled upon the dirt. Those of his comrades who still lived looked only slightly better than those who were dead. Covered with dirt, ash and blood and armed with pitch-fork, club and bow. They were an ill-equipt bunch, and their number was too few for hope of victory against their opposition.
Dethmaw, an Orc Warlord had come like a tidal wave from the Border Princes, three towns had been wiped out utterly before Dethmaw's hate-filled eyes fell upon the town of Savonne. For two days the Warlord had toyed with the citizens of the town, attacking with small forces that pulled away once they had caused enough casualties. A Rock Lobba constantly pummeled the town with boulders, destroying buildings and crushing those unlucky enough to be hit by the thrown missiles.
Although Dethmaw had shown cruelty above even that usual of his brethern, he was no more intelligent. Marc, the defacto leader of the town since the Alderman had perished, had sent runners back to the nearest cities and castles, pleading for aid against the vicious Orc Warlord's forces. Marc was confident that help would arrive by dawn, if only they could fight back the Orcish forces throughout the night.
Dethmaw, however, was done toying with the townsfolk. In the middle of the moonless night, he ordered his warband to make a final attack, and wipe away the troublesome, but in his mind, ultimately doomed, citizens of Savonne.
"They come! They come!" Came the call from the lookout. He was gesturing wildly in the direction of the Orcish horde, although they could not be seen entirely due to the pitch black darkness of the night. The sounds of grunting boars and roaring Greenskins made their intent all too clear however, and as Marc shouted orders for his fellows to prepare for the coming attack. He whispered another silent prayer to the Lady, and hoped they would survive through the night long enough for the cavalry to arrive...
This time, we played a Rear Guard game, with me as the defender.
My opponent played as the Orcs and Goblins, whilst I used the WD Annual Bretonnian Preview Army List, with my Peasants, Lowborn Champions and other units allowed to be used.
The Peasant Defenders (503 Points):
- Marc (Lowborn Champion, General) with Light Armour, Great Weapon and Bow. (50 points)
- Gaston (Lowborn Champion) with Light Armour, Sword of Might and Shield. (70 points)
- Lady Serena (Damsel of the Lady) with Hand Weapon. (60 points)
- 20 Peasants with two Hand Weapons and Champion. (80 points)
- 21 Peasants with Hand Weapons and Shields, Musician and Champion. (78 points)
- 21 Peasants with Hand Weapons, Musician and Champion. (55 points)
- 20 Peasants with Hand Weapons and Bows. (100 points)
Dethmaw's Attackers (1000 Points):
- Dethmaw (Black Orc Big Boss, General) with Light Armour, Basha's Big Axe of Bashin' and Shield. Rides on a Boar. (150 points)
- 'Eadbutt (Orc Shaman) with Choppa. Level 2 Upgrade, Ditto's Double Doin' Doo-Dahs. (125 points)
- 16 Orc Big 'Uns with additional Choppas, Light Armour and full command. (172 points)
- 16 Orc Boyz with Choppas, Light Armour, Shields and full command. (124 points)
- 16 Orc Arrer Boyz with Bows, Choppas, Light Armour and full command. (156 points)
- 9 Orc Boar Boyz with Hand Weapons, Spears, Light Armour, Shields and full command. (200 points)
- Goblin Rock Lobber. (70 points)
Lady Serena chose Heavens magic and received Second Sign of Amul. 'Eadbutt rolled The Hand of Gork and 'Ere We Go! as his spells.
THE BOARD:
My side of the board (the south-western edge) was set up like the entrance to a small village. A small barricade and some houses offered some cover for my troops to hide behind. The east edge of the board was covered with trees and overgrown plants. Besides that, the only interesting feature was three hills. One sat on the south-eastern edge of the board, one rested in the centre of the west-side of the board (just in front of my village) whilst the last hill sat on the north-eastern table edge.
We did not roll of who chose board edges or anything, as it was already agreed that I start in the town.
DEPLOYMENT:
I set up my Peasants with Bows behind the barricade, there was not much room for them, and they had to be deployed three ranks deep, but I thought that they could give a spirited defense against any unit that tried to cross the barricade. My Peasants with just Hand Weapons were positioned to move around the barricades and try to stop any Orcs trying to come around the barricade. My Peasants with Hand Weapons and Shields (Gaston was with them, too) were placed behind the Bow-Peasants and the Single Hand Weapon-Peasants so they could aid anyone who needed help. The Two Hand Weapon-Peasants (with Marc) were placed behind the Single Hand Weapon-Peasants, to aid them in stopping any Orcs who attempted to get past them.
The Orcs set up with the Big 'Uns in the north-western edge of the board, the Orc Boar Boyz (with Dethmaw) set up in the centre of the board, and the Choppa and Shield Orc Boyz on the north-eastern side of the board. The Lobber was placed on a hill behind their battle-line, and the Arrer Boyz were placed behind the other three Orc units. 'Eadbutt deployed with the Choppa and Shield boyz.
It must be noted that we both took up more than the one table quarter normally allowed for deployment in this game. This was due to the board being a bit too small to effectively deploy in a table quarter.
There was no point in taking the Blessing, but the rules said that the attacker goes first anyway, so the Orcs go first...
ORC TURN 1:
Amazingly, all of the Orcs in the game NEVER failed any Animosity tests!!!
With a thrust of his enchanted Choppa, Dethmaw roared the order to advance and, as one, his line advanced upon the town of Savonne. The Big 'Uns, armed with two Choppas, marched directly towards the Bow-armed Peasants taking cover behind the barricade. The normal Boyz and the Boar Boyz moved towards the way around the barricade, hoping to smash aside the Single Hand Weapon-armed Peasants guarding it.
'Eadbutt, whirling his arms about and mumbling deep-throated words in an attempt to cast Hand of Gork, became angry when Gork did not respond to his plea.
With a bad guess, the Rock Lobber shot a boulder 18' towards the Single Hand Weapon-armed Peasants, but missed, the boulder smashing to peices in front of the advancing Orcs.
BRETONNIA TURN 1:
Taking their final position, the Peasants with only one Hand Weapon stood directly in the way of the Boar Boyz and Orc Boyz trying to made their way around the barricades. The two Hand Weapon armed Peasants (with Marc) moved a few inches to the east, whilst the Hand Weapon and Shield Peasants (with Gaston) moving so that they were in position to charge anybody who overran the single Hand Weapon-armed Peasants in the side.
Lady Serena's magical skills were overcome by the skills of 'Eadbutt the Shaman, her attempt to cast Second Sign of Amul was dispelled.
Letting loose a volley of shots at the Big 'Uns coming at them, the Bow-armed Peasants failed to kill any of the over-sized Orcs.
Shouting to his fellows to hold firm, Marc braced for the start of the bloody conflicts that were certain to come.
ORC TURN 2:
The heavy sound of the Big 'Un's hobnailed boots could easily be heard by the Bow-armed Peasants as the massive greenskins marched towards them. When they finished their move, they stood within 4 inches of the commoners!
Moving aside, the Orc Boyz slowly continued towards the path around the barricades, but allowed the Boar Boyz room to march past. Doing so, the Boar Boyz moved to within 10 inches of the single Hand Weapon Peasants, who were now beginning to re-think their current position.
Grumbling once again, 'Eadbutt overcomes the Lady Serena's magical defenses and casts Hand of Gork on the Big 'Uns. The brutes magically charge the Bow-armed Peasants who are on the other side of the barricades.
The Arrer Boyz march behind the Big 'Uns and all of the other Orcs, but still remain behind the main battle-line. The Goblins crewing the Lobber let off another shot, this time aimed at the Peasants armed with 1 Hand Weapon. Their aim was poor and the shot would have missed, but it pure chance (the scatter dice) saw the boulder hit on target! 2 Peasants died in the shower of razor-sharp stones, but the rest held their ground.
The heated combat over the barricade raged, and one Big 'Un and one Peasant lay butchered at the end of the round. The Peasants, fearful of their opponent's sheer might, turned and fled from their wrath. Fleeing, it turned out, was a bad idea. The Big 'Uns, easily crossing the unprotected barricade, ran down the fleeing Peasants and killed them to a man. The chase brought the mighty Orcs to within 2 inches of the Hand Weapon and Shield (and Gaston) Peasants.
BRETONNIA TURN 2:
Filled with rage and sadness at what had happened to their Bow-armed fellows, the Hand Weapon and Shield-armed Peasants charged the Big 'Un Orcs with a mighty roar. The single Hand Weapon-armed Peasants took a few steps backwards, not wanting to turn their backs on the Boar Boyz, but attempting to get out of charge range, by the end of their move it was clear that they were still within the mounted greenskin's charge range.
Bypassing the enemy Shaman's guard, the Damsel of the Lady evoked her magics and cast Second Sign of Amul, gaining 2 re-rolls for the Bretonnians!
Using the 2 re-rolls from the Second Sign of Amul spell, Gaston wielded his Sword of Might with expert skill. The Big 'Un Boss and two other Big 'Uns were felled by his magical blade. His fellow Peasants were unable to increase the total of Greenskin losses, and the Big 'Uns cut down 3 Peasants in return. The combat ended a draw, but would continue next turn.
ORC TURN 3:
Dethmaw the Black Orc Big Boss gave out an almighty roar as he led his fellow Boar Boyz in a charge on the single Hand Weapon-armed Peasants blocking their way. Terror gripped the commoners as they saw the huge boars and their massive Orcish riders coming direction for them. The Peasants turned and fled an impressive 11 inches from their foes, escaping from their Choppas, Spears and tusks.
The Arrer Boyz continued towards the barricades, intent on following their Big 'Un brethern on the other side. The other normal-sized Orcs, these ones armed with Choppas and Shields, headed towards the Peasants armed with 2 Hand Weapons.
'Eadbutt the Orcish Shaman mouthed arcane words and spoke in gutteral voices as he summoned up a Hand of Gork on his unit, hoping to magically charge the Choppa and Shield armed Orcs he travelled with into combat with the 2 Hand Weapon armed Peasants. Rolling a good 12 to cast the spell, 'Eadbutt was dismayed when he realised that the Damsel had dispelled his spell (rolling a 12 on two dice!!!).
As the Goblins grumbled angrily at each other, they found that they had no targets to shoot at and decided to pull faces at the Peasants on the other side of the battlefield.
Acting faster than their larger, green-skinned adversaries, the Hand Weapon and Shield armed Peasants brought down one of the hulking Big 'Uns with sheer volume of attacks. The kill count was added to when two further Big 'Uns were hacked down by Gaston and his Sword of Might. Despite losing three of their number, thr Big 'Uns cut down one Peasant in return and held their ground.
BRETONNIA TURN 3:
Seeing that they had escaped their attackers, and feeling ashamed at running whilst their fellows gave their lives in defense of their hometown, the single Hand Weapon-armed Peasants rallied. Turning around, they were able to see the 2 Hand Weapon armed Peasants, led by Marc, give a heroic charge at the Choppa and Shield armed Orc Boyz before them.
The Lady Serena's magical spells are dispelled by 'Eadbutt, much to the Lady's annoyance.
Two more of the Big 'Uns number were slain in the brutal fighting against the weaker, but more numerous Peasants armed with Hand Weapons and Shields who fought against them. Roaring with fury, the Big 'Uns unleashed furious blows upon the Peasants and cleaved four of them apart, killing them instantly. Now only half their former number, and facing many more Peasants, the Big 'Uns turned to flee. Being strong and endurant, the greenskins easily out paced the Peasants, who stopped to cheer as the Big 'Uns clambered back over the barricades that they had crossed only a few turns before.
In the other combat, the two Hand Weapon armed Peasants (led by Marc) charge gave them the initiative. Cleaving two Orcs down, and seeing his fellow Peasants add one more to the death toll, Marc roared in triumph as the Orcs who stood before him turned to flee. The ragged, ill-trained commoners of Bretonnia vented their hatred on the greenskins who fled before them, slaying them all (and killing 'Eadbutt in the process). Only when the slaughter had finished did the Peasants realise that one of their own number had been slain in the fighting.
ORC TURN 4:
Not looking back, the Big 'Uns fail to rally, and flee a further 6 inches from their foes.
With a roar of "'Ere we come!" Dethmaw and his Boar Boyz charged at the 1 Hand Weapon armed Peasants who had fled before them only a turn before. Holding their ground, the Peasants decided to give their lives rather than let this hated foe go any further into Savonne.
Grunting at their larger brethern's cowardice, the Arrer Boyz let loose a volley of arrows at the Peasants who had justed chased the Big 'Uns away. With unnerving (and unusual) accuracy, three Peasants perished from the arrows of the Arrer Boyz.
Finally guessing correctly, the Goblins working the Lobber throw a tantrum as the shot scatters wide and does no harm.
No match for the charge of the Boar Boyz, led by the mighty Black Orc Big Boss Dethmaw, 17 of the single Hand Weapon armed Peasants were cut down in seconds, either being trampled by the hooves of the Boars, impaled on the Spears and tusks of their attackers or hacked down by the enchanted Choppa of Dethmaw. The last 4 single Hand Weapon-armed Peasants lost their nerve and fled off the board, reduced to gibbering wrecks by what had happened to their comrades. Their gutteral laughter filling the air, the Big Boss and his Boar Boyz did not pursue.
BRETONNIA TURN 4:
The chase (and slaying) of the Choppa-and-Shield Orc Boyz had taken the 2 Hand Weapon-armed Peasants (led by Marc) to within 4 inches of the sides of the Arrer Boyz unit. Turning to face their new found opponents, the unit cheered loudly in expectation of another charge.
As the Lady Serena ran to hide in a nearby house, the Hand Weapon and Shield armed Peasants (with Gaston) turned to face the Boar Boyz who now stood behind them. The cunning Gaston new that time was all that was needed for the Knights to arrive, and Gaston had a plan to slow down the boar-riding greenskins.
In the safety of a house and no longer hampered by 'Eadbutts defenses, the Lady Serena cast Second Sign of Amul and earned 1 re-roll.
The only attack of the turn was Marc, who drew his Bow and let an arrow fly at the Arrer Boyz ahead of him. With expert accuracy, he felled an Orc.
With no combats, Turn 5 began.
ORC TURN 5:
Having been beaten earlier, the Big 'Uns were not going to stop running this turn. They fled another 5 inches.
Ordering his Boar Boyz to follow his lead, Dethmaw turned around and locked his gaze on the Peasants armed with Hand Weapons and Shields before him. Elsewhere on the battlefield, the Arrer Boyz used a Reform move to rank up into ranks of 5, and turn to face the 2 Hand Weapon armed Peasants.
Three high-pitched cheers arose from the Rock Lobber's Goblin Crew as they launched a well-aimed boulder at the2 Hand Weapon armed Peasants who threaterned the Arrer Boyz. Hitting the back rank, the boulder killed 3 Peasants instantly and sent gore and shrapnel flying in all directions.
BRETONNIA TURN 5:
Ordering his comrades to hold their ground, Gaston charges out of the unit he was in and directly into the Boar Boyz unit led by Dethmaw.
With a battle-cry to the Lady, Marc led his two Hand Weapon-armed brothers-in-arms in a charge into the Arrer Boyz, who held their ground.
Still hiding in the house, the Damsel weaved yet more magic. Casting Second Sign of Amul once more, the Damsel earned 3 re-rolls.
Gaston, now in the midst of larger, mounted foes, aimed all of his attacks at the one he knew to be Dethmaw. Aided by Lady Serena's spells (he used all 3 re-rolls), Gaston hit with all three of his attacks and caused two unsaved wounds!!! Sliding, dead, from his mount, the terrible Dethmaw was finished! The Boar Boyz were angered by this, and let loose a hail of tusk and Spear stabs at him, and causing a wound. Holding his ground, Gaston was surrounded by his enemy (they lapped around), and knew his days were numbered.
Marc, leading the charge against the Arrer Boyz, must have been blessed by the Lady, for his Greatsword reaped a terrible toll. In the end, with the help of his comrades, 4 Arrer Boyz lay dead to no return casualties. Turning to flee, the Arrer Boyz outpaced their pursuers and were not run down.
On a roll of 5, the game continued for another turn...
ORC TURN 6:
A sudden rush of courage came to both the Arrer Boyz and the Big 'Uns, as they both rallied and turned to face their foes.
Two Peasants armed with Two Hand Weapons are reduced to a bloody pulp by another shot from the Rock Lobber. This event is followed by a session of squeling laughter from the Goblin crew.
In the valient (but doomed) battle of Gaston against the Boar Boyz, Gaston hued down two more of his mounted opponents, and managed to avoid harm himself. Holding his ground, Gaston realised that he was now completely surrounded and it was unlikely that he would live much longer.
BRETONNIA TURN 6:
Not allowing the Arrer Boyz to fully recover from their flight, Marc led his two Hand Weapon armed Peasants in another charge against the Bow-armed Orcs. The Hand Weapon and Shield armed Peasants stood still, waiting to hold up the Boar Boyz longer once Gaston has fallen in battle.
The Damsel, still hiding in the house she had retreated into, cast Second Sign of Amul once more, gaining 1 re-roll.
Taking the head from yet another Boar Boy with a sweeping blow, Gaston was finally defeated. His broken body was thrown, bloodied, to the mud. The Boar Boyz reformed, only six in number now, but still ready to charge headlong at the Peasants with Hand Weapons and Shields before them.
The Arrer Boyz are once more unable to withstand the charge of the Peasants led by Marc, and three of them are hacked down where they stand. Fleeing as fast as they could, the Arrer Boyz were again lucky, and escaped their Peasant pursuers.
Rolling a 3, the game continues on to have a 7th Turn.
ORC TURN 7:
Having completely lost their nerve, the Arrer Boyz run off the board and don't look back.
Celebrating their victory over the Arrer Boyz, the Peasants armed with two Hand Weapons were surprised by an unexpected charge in the side by the remaining Big 'Uns.
The Orc Boar Boyz Boss, taking the role of defacto leader, ordered his comrades to charge the Peasants with Hand Weapons and Shields.
The charge of the Boar Boyz was great indeed, striking down three Peasants and knocking them to the earth. The Peasants fought couragously, however, and slew one Boar Boy in return, before breaking before the might of the Boar Boyz and being either killed or knocked out in the chase.
The Big 'Uns, taking advantage of their ability to strike first in the charge, butcher 7 two Hand Weapon armed Peasants to no casulaties in return. This time, it is the Peasant's turn to flee from pursuers. Luckily for them, they do manage to escape from their attackers, if only just.
BRETONNIA TURN 7:
The last unit of Peasants (those armed with two Hand Weapons) fails to rally, and along with Marc, the Lowborn Champion, continue fleeing.
The Damsel, with no reason to cast any spells, does nothing.
Rolling another 3, the game must now continue for at least one more turn...
ORC TURN 8:
The Big 'Uns, seeking to kill as many humans as possible before the end of the game, charge after the fleeing Peasants. The Peasants ran fast enough to escape, and the Big 'Uns were denied their quarry.
The Boar Boyz turn and head towards the board edge they are supposed to move off before the end of the game.
Their evil minds bent on murder, the Goblins launched another boulder at the fleeing Peasants. The running Peasants dodged and weaved too quickly however, and despite being caught under the edge of the impact, no Peasants were killed.
BRETONNIA TURN 8:
Tired of running and being chased and shot at, the Peasants, with the aid of Marc's leadership, rally. Turning to face the Big 'Uns, they prepare for their last stand.
The Damsel, too afraid to cast any spells or do anything, hides in the building she is in.
On a roll of 5, the cavalry has finally arrived and the game ends!
THE END OF THE BATTLE:
Bretonnian Kills: 48
Bretonnian Survivors: 9
Orc Kills: 76
Orc Survivors: 14
Despite the huge death toll on both sides, the Orcs had failed to get any units off the table, and therefore the game ended as a victory for Bretonnia!
Raising himself from the earth on his elbows, Gaston looked up at the terrible scene before him. Bodies of his fellow men lay sprawled everywhere, their lifebloods colouring the dirt a deep red. Gaston himself knew he would not survive the hour, for he could not feel his legs, and was bloodied with numerous mortal wounds that covered his form. Greenskins also lay in scattered heaps in the town entrance which most of the fighting had occured in.
His magical blade lay lost somewhere among the corpses of the village, but he had extracted vengence upon Dethmaw, whose lifeless body rested upon the mud mere metres from the dying Gaston. More Orcs still lived, however, and the distant sounds of battle could be heard coming from the outskirts of the town.
The group of Boar riding Orcs whom had caused Gaston his mortal injuries now turned to face him once more, but their gaze was locked on the town beyond, their evil minds joyous at the thoughts of slaughtering those too old or young to fight who remained inside the village. Despair filled Gaston as he realised that despite the couragous fighting he and his fellows had done, the battle was lost, the Knights of Bretonnia would come too late and find only the burned buildings and corpses of a ruined village in the Greenskin's wake.
At that moment, he heard a faint noise over the din of the battling that still echoed through the town. Horses! A blast of trumpets signalling a Knightly charge confirmed that the Knights had indeed arrived in time! The earth thundered as the column of Knights charged from the centre of town and past the dying form of Gaston, before slamming into the remaining Boar Boyz and spitting them upon their lances and hueing limb from limb with their swords. The leader of the Knights of the Realm barked orders at his comrades, sending some after the Rock Lobber, many after the remaining Big 'Uns and those who remained to hunt down the Orcs who had fled the battle.
The despair that Gaston had felt was washed away by a sudden rush of joy. It may have cost himself and his brothers-at-arms dearly, but the Orcs had been stopped and the village saved! Green blood would soon be spilt in payment, and none of those who had caused such carnage to his friends and family would survive the vengence of the Knights of Bretonnia.
Unable to supported himself now, too close to death, Gaston fell back into the mud and lay prone on the earth. His last thoughts before death were of all of the lives he had saved.
As the dawn's brilliant light began to creep over the horizon, Gaston's last breath was spent...
I found, in this battle, that Lowborn Champions and Peasants fight much better when together than expected. With the Lowborn Champion's strong attacks added to the Peasant unit's numbers makes a unit that is very powerful in the charge. Lack of armour, however, makes it hard for Peasants, even with Lowborn Champion, to survive being charged themselves.
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