Skirmish in Middle Earth

Here are some shots and a light narrative from a skirmish I fought today.

Setting: Gondor's south-east territory.
Set-up: Routine patrol led by Ranger set to investigate ruins. There has been some activity in the area, and patrol in force is ordered. Little does the Gondorian patrol know there are orcs about, scouting the way for an eventual raid into Gondor.



Gondor takes the field, led by Arleth the ranger.



Arleth stops, scanning the ground for sign. Something is amiss. Captain Miron holds his warriors ready.



From the brush breaks a formation of orcs, a captain at the front. More orcs are skulking through the woods in front of the formation. The men of Gondor quickly form up into two units as their archers trade shots against the foul orcs.





Captain Miron forms his men together, while orc archers burst from cover to fire evil darts at their foe.





Arleth's aim is true, as he fells one of the foul orcs.



Three of the orc-brutes, wielding axes and pikes, charge the Gondorian flank.



The main body of orcs are forced onward by their cruel captain.



The battle lines crash together, as one of the orcs peels off to attack Arleth.



Arleth's aim is true as his arrow transifxes the orc!



The view of the battle from Gondor's lines as the Orc Captain attacks his foe.



Gondor's flank is holding nicely as orc casualties start to mount.



Suddenly brave Arleth is laid low by the vicious darts of the remaining orc archer.



The men of Gondor renew their attack, angered by the loss of Arleth.



In the end, the orc captain strikes true against Captain Miron, but is killed in return as the few remaining orcs run back into the dark woods and swamps.



The stunned patrol readies itself, prepared to bring word of the fight, and knowledge of evil tidings, back to their encampment.



After-report: Well, this is the first time we've played in forever! We had to re-read and review the rules several times, fumbled through forgetting many other rules (fate point to save Miron!) but thoroughly enjoyed the fight. This was really a warm-up battle for things to come. My friend has more warriors to paint, and I definitely need to add to my horde! Next time we'll set to playing a real scenario. Until that time, Gondor must prepare for further patrols to the border...

Ciao!