This is the second battle I played in a day as playtest for Isildur’s Bane.  The forces are the same as Part 1, but the scenario is different and Random Events were used. The pictures are pretty bad and that’s why it took me so long to finally sit down and make this report.

The game was a Meeting Engagement. During deployment, Aragorn lead a big groups of riders, Éomer a smaller one with 5 more figures, and a small detachment of 3 riders was deployed on the far left. The elves also deployed in three groups. First one on the left was swordsmen and spearmen. Close to them was a big group of elves with hand weapons and several bows, lead by Legolas. On the far right another big group led by Elrond.

Deployment on an almost empty field.

In the first turn all characters get low cards (J, Q, K) and if it weren’t for the big difference between red and black cards, they would be reacting very slow to things.

Éomer’s host advances and kills a few elves with bowfire in the first couple of turns. Elrond’s elves kill a rider from the small detachment, he then uses Nature’s Wrath and dismounts the remaining troops, one dying from the fall.

First moves. The elves are determined to hold their positions.

Halfway through the game I deal not one, but two Jokers in the same turn. Red has priority, the other is only used as an activation card. So Éomer’s group gets Warcry, so they now inspire Terror and have +1 courage.

His group, however, was well received by the elves, who took many casualties nevertheless. Legolas gets to dismount Aragorn, and his groups starts falling apart even though some of them get to make the charge.

Jokers on the table, meaning Random Events. Only one has priority though (red) while the other acts just as an activation card.

On the other side of the field, a lonely Rohirrim on foot keeps a ton of elves at bay, with incredible luck. Aragorn dies. Éomer does get to kill all the elves on his area, but it’s now time for a break test for the Rohirrim. First test is passed thanks to his Stand Fast.

Brave (insane) Rohirrim, keeping the elves at bay. Check the lousy elven rolls (white dice).

The Rohirrim charge once again, but Elrond’s groups has already joined the center of the battlefield. Éomer dies in this mess and his troops decide it’s no longer worth fighting.

Last desperate charge means ruin for the men of Rohan.

The elves have held their ground, and revenge was taken.

This was the first time I played with Random Events. It was a moderately long battle, and I only got one. So if you’re worried about the randomness of the events in Isildur’s Bane, you should know they don’t come up that often. When they do, however, make a great effect on the battle.

Casualties for both sides. A few more elves, and they would have to check for break too.