Game 96 - Goblins - 2018/09/23

Greetings!

In the next installment of our sport rivalry in the Kings of War arena, Jeff and I played another game on Universal Battle 2.  And while I stubbornly stick to the very same faction and even the very same army list, Jeff has a completely opposite approach. You can be certain that he almost never brings the same army list to the game twice in a row. And quite often, not even from the same faction.

It was exactly the case this time as well. The only limitation Jeff imposes is that he needs to have the models to field the force in traditional games. However, as he has a large collection of armies available it is not a huge limitation anyway.

This time I was about to face the army from the Goblin faction and as it is often the case, it was nothing I have played against so far. It is probably also the result of not playing against Goblins that much in general but then Jeff tends to bring armies that are often different to what one may expect. 

Goblins - Army List

6 Trolls, Horde, Large Infantry, Crushing Strength (2), Regeneration (5+), Chalice of Wrath

- Troll Bruiser, Hero, Large Infantry, Crushing Strength (3), Inspiring (Trolls Only), Nimble, Regeneration (5+), Blade of Slashing

6 Trolls, Horde, Large Infantry, Crushing Strength (2), Regeneration (5+), Staying Stone

- Troll Bruiser, Hero, Large Infantry, Crushing Strength (3), Inspiring (Trolls Only), Nimble, Regeneration (5+), Mace of Crushing

6 Trolls, Horde, Large Infantry, Crushing Strength (2), Regeneration (5+), Dwarven Ale

- Troll Bruiser, Hero, Large Infantry, Crushing Strength (3), Inspiring (Trolls Only), Nimble, Regeneration (5+), Banner of the Griffin

6 Trolls, Horde, Large Infantry , Brew of Courage

- King on Chariot, Large Cavalry, Defense 4+, Nimble, Bow, Inspiring, Thunderous Charge (2)

40 Rabble, Horde, Infantry

- King on Chariot, Large Cavalry, Defense 4+, Nimble, Bow, Inspiring, Thunderous Charge (2)

- War-Trombone,  Piercing (1)

40 Spitters, Horde, Infantry, Bows

- King on Chariot, Large Cavalry, Defense 4+, Nimble, Bow, Inspiring, Thunderous Charge (2)

- War-Trombone,  Piercing (1)

Game 95 - Brotherhood - 2018/09/15

Greetings!

After a few games using Trident Realms, Jeff decided it is time for a bigger change. He chose Brotherhood and on top of that he also decided to use one of the available formations for this faction - Last Stand.

I didn't know what exactly Jeff is going to bring but he gave me a little spoiler. There will be no cavalry unit in his army. 

That was very intriguing. I have already noticed that Jeff designs his armies in a unique way but this sounded like bringing the game to a completely different level! I also knew it is a trap! 

Brotherhood - Army List

40 Villein Martyrs, Horde, Regeneration (6+)

- Forsaken Beast, Monster, Breath Attack (10), Ensnare

- Exemplar, Hero, Mounted, Crushing Strength (1), Thunderous Charge (1), Headstrong, Individual, Valiant, Blade of Slashing

40 Villein Martyrs, Horde, Regeneration (6+)

- Forsaken Beast, Monster, Breath Attack (10), Ensnare

- Exemplar, Hero, Mounted, Crushing Strength (1), Thunderous Charge (1), Headstrong, Individual, Valiant

40 Villein Martyrs, Horde, Regeneration (6+)

- Forsaken Beast, Monster, Breath Attack (10), Ensnare

- Devoted, Hero, Infantry, Individual, Heal (4), Bane Chant (3), Inspiring Talisman

40 Villein Plowshares, Horde, Crushing Strength (1)

- Devoted, Hero, Infantry, Individual, Heal (7) due to Shroud of the Saint

20 Order of the Brotherhood on Foot, Headstrong, Valiant, Crushing Strength (1)

- Exemplar Adjutant, Hero, Infantry, Headstrong, Individual, Inspiring

20 Order of the Brotherhood on Foot, Headstrong, Valiant, Crushing Strength (1)

Mortem et Gloriam - Game 12 - 2018/09/13

Greetings!

My next game was against the most recent overall winner of WinterCon 2018 - Stephen! It was a fantastic opportunity for me because it is always  great to learn from the best. I even thought that I may play against Stephen after day 1 at WinterCon but it was not to be.

Stephen brought his favorite Arab Conquest, the army that he used so effectively at the tournament. Once again, I was about to face the faction I have never played before. I knew I was about to learn a lot for sure!

One of the interesting aspects of Stephen's army is that he does not have Skirmishers. At least not dedicated ones, as some of the units are Flexible. That creates a very interesting force that has quite a high break point. Another element that was very intriguing was the fact that he had two Talented generals. Here are the details of the army although I need to apologize as I do not remember all of the aspects. In particular, I cannot recall which if any of his cavalry units were Superior. For time being I am assuming they were not and I am going to correct it if it was not the case:

Arab Conquest - Army List

Commanders

 

Army Commander - Talented Professional

Subordinate General 1 - Talented Professional

Subordinate General 2 - Competent Professional

Subordinate General 3 - Mediocre Professional

Camp

Camp - Mobile, Average

TuG's

4 Jund Cavalry, Cavalry, Formed Loose, Average, Protected, Long Spear 

4 Jund Cavalry, Cavalry, Formed Loose, Average, Protected, Long Spear 

4 Jund Cavalry, Cavalry, Formed Loose, Average, Protected, Long Spear  

6 Bedouin Cavalry, Cavalry, Formed Flexible, Average, Unprotected, Long Spear

4 Bedouin Cavalry, Cavalry, Formed Flexible, Average, Unprotected, Long Spear

6 Jund Infantry, Infantry, Formed Close, Superior, Protected, Shieldwall 

6 Jund Infantry, Infantry, Formed Close, Superior, Protected, Shieldwall 

6 Jund Infantry, Infantry, Formed Close, Superior, Protected, Shieldwall  

6 Jund Infantry, Infantry, Formed Close, Superior, Protected, Shieldwall 

6 Jund Infantry, Infantry, Formed Close, Superior, Protected, Shieldwall  

4 Asawira, Cavalry, Formed Loose, Superior, Protected, Experienced, Bow

6 Dailami, Average, Drilled Flexible, Average, Protected, Devastating Chargers

Game 94 - Trident Realm - 2018/09/10

Greetings!

My training under the watchful eye of Jeff the Australian Master continues! I am really grateful for giving me constant opportunity to play against him. Fortunately, he does not mind me playing with the same army over and over again. He, on the other hand, has something slightly different every game, even if he is using the force from the same faction. 

In this game Jeff used Trident Realms one more time. We had quite close battles so far and I hoped I would be able to use the prior lessons to some effect now. The challenge was in the fact that small changes to the army list, combined with Jeff's skills, scenario and terrain always created a unique situation. No matter what I had to be ready to adapt to the circumstances quickly.

Here are the details of the army list Jeff had in this game (unfortunately, I cannot recall the items):

Trident Realms - Army List

6 Depth Horrors , Regiment, Crushing Strength (1), Fearless, Ensnare
- Depth Horror Eternal, Crushing Strength (2), Inspiring (Depth Horrors only), Nimble, Fearless, Ensnare

6 Depth Horrors , Regiment, Crushing Strength (1), Fearless, Ensnare
- Depth Horror Eternal, Crushing Strength (2), Inspiring (Depth Horrors only), Nimble, Fearless, Ensnare

6 Depth Horrors , Regiment, Crushing Strength (1), Fearless, Ensnare
-  Eckter - Warrior of the Waves, Crushing Strength (2), Ensnare, Individual, Inspiring, Krakenmaw (Windblast (8) and roll to damage as normal for each hit), Phalanx

6 Depth Horrors , Regiment, Crushing Strength (1), Fearless, Ensnare
 - Naiad Envoy, Individual, Inspiring, Pathfinder, Regeneration (4+)

20 Thuul, Regiment, Stealth, Ensnare, Speed 6

- Thuul Mythican, Hero, Individual, Crushing Strength (1), Stealth, Ensnare, Bane Chant (2), Inspiring (Thuul Only), Speed 6

20 Thuul, Regiment, Stealth, Ensnare, Speed 6

- Thuul Mythican, Hero, Individual, Crushing Strength(1), Stealth, Ensnare, Bane Chant (2), Inspiring (Thuul Only), Speed 6

 

20 Thuul, Regiment, Stealth, Ensnare, Speed 6

- Thuul Mythican, Hero, Individual, Crushing Strength(1), Stealth, Ensnare, Bane Chant (2), Inspiring (Thuul Only), Speed 6

20 Thuul, Regiment, Stealth, Ensnare, Speed 6

Mortem et Gloriam - Game 11 - 2018/09/08

Greetings!

In the last game of WinterCon 2018 I played against Mitchell and his Spanish - Sertorian army. I remembered him from the very first event I took part in but back then I had no opportunity to play against him. 

Spanish - Sertorian is another faction I have had no opportunity to play against before so I was very curious about it. I vaguely remembered that it may be an army that has a mix of Iberian and Roman troops, perhaps with a bit of cavalry and skirmishers too. It was also the very first time I was about to play against the army with Legendary Professional Army Commander - Sertorius himself!

Here are the details of the army list Mitchell had (at least as I remember it):

Spanish - Sertorian - Army List

Commanders

Army Commander - Sertorius - Legendary Professional

Subordinate General 1 - Competent Professional

Subordinate General 2 - Competent Professional
Subordinate General 3 - Mediocre Professional

 

Camp

Camp (C5) - Average, Protected

TuG's

4 Cavalry (C1) - Cavalry, Formed Loose, Average, Protected, Unskilled Javelin, Short Spear

8 Exiled Romans (ER) - Infantry, Drilled Flexible, Average, Protected, Impact Weapon, Shield Cover, Melee Expert
8 Nobles (N) - Infantry, Tribal Loose, Superior, Protected, Experienced, Javelin, Melee Expert
8 Caetrati (C2) - Infantry, Tribal Loose, Protected, Experienced, Javelin, Melee Expert
8 Caetrati (C3) - Infantry, Tribal Loose, Protected, Experienced, Javelin, Melee Expert
8 Caetrati (C4) - Infantry, Tribal Loose, Protected, Experienced, Javelin, Melee Expert 

SuG's

6 Light Horse (LH1) - Cavalry, Skirmisher, Average, Unprotected, Experienced, Javelin, Cantabrian
6 Light Horse (LH2) - Cavalry, Skirmisher, Average, Unprotected, Experienced, Javelin, Cantabrian
6 Best Light Horse (BLH) - Cavalry, Skirmisher, Average, Unprotected, Skilled, Javelin

9 Caetrati Skirmishers (CS1) - Infantry, Skirmisher, Average, Protected, Experienced, Javelin, Short Spear
9 Caetrati Skirmishers (CS2) - Infantry, Skirmisher, Average, Protected, Experienced, Javelin, Short Spear
9 Caetrati Skirmishers (CS3) - Infantry, Skirmisher, Average, Protected, Experienced, Javelin, Short Spear
9 Slingers (S) - Infantry, Skirmisher, Average, Unprotected, Experienced, Sling

Mortem et Gloriam - Game 10 - 2018/09/06

Greetings!

Day one of WinterCon 2018 tournament was over and we learned who are our opponents for the first game on day two. This time I was about to play against Rob who brought his 100 Years' War French army. We attempted to organize a game before the event but it didn't quite work out. It was great then that we could play against each other during the event!

It was a bit odd match up if you look at it from the historical point of view. But I decided to consider the Knights as special type of Cataphracts. Rob also ensured me that his Roman army is currently being painted so there was a chance for a historically accurate re-match too!

Apart from the Knights Rob brought quite a large number of units armed with Crossbows or Longbows too. Here are the details:

100 Years' War French - Army List

Commanders

Army Commander - Talented Instinctive

Subordinate General 1 - Competent Instinctive

Subordinate General 2 - Mediocre Instinctive

Subordinate General 3 - Mediocre Instinctive

Camp

Camp - Camp, Formed Loose, Poor, Protected

TuG's

4 French Knights - Cavalry, Formed Loose, Superior, Fully Armored, Charging Lancer, Devastating Charger, Melee Expert
4 French Knights - Cavalry, Formed Loose, Superior, Fully Armored, Charging Lancer, Devastating Charger, Melee Expert
4 French Knights - Cavalry, Formed Loose, Superior, Fully Armored, Charging Lancer, Devastating Charger, Melee Expert 
4 Valet de Guerre - Cavalry, Formed Loose, Average, Protected, Charging Lancer, Melee Expert
4 Valet de Guerre - Cavalry, Formed Loose, Average, Protected, Charging Lancer, Melee Expert

8 French Crossbowmen, Infantry, Formed Loose, Average, Unprotected, Crossbow, Experienced, Combat Shy
6 Mercenary Crossbowmen, Infantry, Drilled Loose, Average, Protected, Crossbow, Experienced, Combat Shy, Shield Cover
6 Mercenary Crossbowmen, Infantry, Drilled Loose, Average, Protected, Crossbow, Experienced, Combat Shy, Shield Cover
8 Ribaulds, Infantry, Tribal Loose, Poor, Unprotected, Combat Shy
8 Ribaulds, Infantry, Tribal Loose, Poor, Unprotected, Combat Shy
6 French Longbowmen, Infantry, Formed Loose, Average, Protected, Powerbow, Experienced, Combat Shy

SuG's

6 Skirmishing Crossbowmen, Infantry, Skirmisher, Average, Unprotected, Crossbow, Experienced, Combat Shy
6 Bidets, Infantry, Skirmisher, Average, Unprotected, Javelin, Experienced, Combat Shy
2 Guns, Artillery, Skirmisher, Average, Unprotected, Light Artillery, Experienced, Combat Shy, Barricades

Mortem et Gloriam - Game 9 - 2018/09/02

Greetings!

In my second game of Mortem et Gloriam event at WinterCon2018 I played against Craig who commanded an army of Pechenegs. This force was something I have never faced before. Unlike all the armies I have played so far, this one had more SuG's than TuG's and was all mounted. In other words, plenty of horse archers to lure my own force into a trap.

I also learned that Craig has been playing various historical games for years. It meant that I was about to have a game against unknown army led by a very experienced commander. I didn't quite want to repeat the mistakes of Crassus at Carrhae so I decided that I need to be very cautious and keep the army together no matter what. 

If you are interested in Craig's report on the very same battle (and all his games he played at WinterCon), here is the link to his post at MeG forum:

WinterCon 2018 Report - Pechenegs

Here are the details of the army Craig brought to the event:

Pechenegs - Army List

Commanders

Army Commander - Talented Instinctive

Subordinate General 1 - Competent Instinctive

Subordinate General 2 - Competent Instinctive

Subordinate General 3 - Competent Instinctive

TuG's

4 Battle Wagons, Battle Wagons, Tribal Loose, Average, Protected, Bow, Unskilled, Combat Shy

4 Battle Wagons, Battle Wagons, Tribal Loose, Average, Protected, Bow, Unskilled, Combat Shy

4 Battle Wagons, Battle Wagons, Tribal Loose, Average, Protected, Bow, Unskilled, Combat Shy

6 Nobles, Cavalry, Formed Loose, Superior, Protected, Charging Lancer, Bow, Unskilled

6 Nobles, Cavalry, Formed Loose, Superior, Protected, Charging Lancer, Bow, Unskilled

SuG's

6 Horse Archers, Cavalry, Skirmisher, Average, Unprotected, Bow, Experienced, Cantabrian, Combat Shy 

6 Horse Archers, Cavalry, Skirmisher, Average, Unprotected, Bow, Experienced, Cantabrian, Combat Shy 

6 Horse Archers, Cavalry, Skirmisher, Average, Unprotected, Bow, Experienced, Cantabrian, Combat Shy  

6 Horse Archers, Cavalry, Skirmisher, Average, Unprotected, Bow, Experienced, Cantabrian, Combat Shy 

6 Horse Archers, Cavalry, Skirmisher, Average, Unprotected, Bow, Experienced, Cantabrian, Combat Shy  

6 Horse Archers, Cavalry, Skirmisher, Average, Unprotected, Bow, Skilled, Combat Shy

6 Horse Archers, Cavalry, Skirmisher, Average, Unprotected, Bow, Skilled, Combat Shy  

6 Horse Archers, Cavalry, Skirmisher, Average, Unprotected, Bow, Skilled, Combat Shy