Occupied Llael - Final game (round 5)

Today would be my last game of the year. It would also be my last game with Menoth for a while. Tonight would also be the last time that the Old Witch would get the better of me (hopefully). Tonight...

On with the game, and I bring out Vindy as I have a feeling about him tonight.

Vice Scrutator Vindictus (*6pts)
* Devout (5pts)
* Crusader (6pts)
* Crusader (6pts)
* Vanquisher (8pts)
Choir of Menoth (Leader and 3 Grunts) (2pts)
Exemplar Bastions (Leader and 4 Grunts) (8pts)
Holy Zealots (Leader and 5 Grunts) (4pts)
Vassal of Menoth (2pts)
Vassal of Menoth (2pts)

Marcus opted for the first turn and shuffled forward while putting up his nasty upkeeps (Iron Flesh on his Demo Corps, Avatar of Slaughter on the Old Witch and Weald Secrets on his Juggy).

For me, I pushed my jacks forward trying to channel the Demo Corps into my Crusaders. To do this I cast Sacrificial Lamb for the extra focus point for each jack while casting Defenders Ward on one of the Crusaders.

Next turn, Marcus moved Fenris down his extreme flank, followed this by moving his Winter Guard into some cover and the Demo Corps closer to my font line.

As my Vanq had not been too effective with its shooting in the previous turn (it was so bad I didn’t even mention it), It was time to charge the Demo Corps. Two fell under a Thresher attack (which should easily be a reach weapon). Vindy moved with his bodyguard of Zealots and Bastions slowly picking off another Zealot for more Focus.

Marcus made his move and boldly set everything forward. Fenris took a big chunk out of one of my Crusaders while the Great Bears and Juggy went for the second one. Thankfully, it only took one hit due to Enliven cast by the Vassal and just walked out of combat. The remaining Demo Corps went to work on the Vanquisher hurting it a little.

The Vanq retaliated and took down two more of the Demo Corps with the aid of the Vassal and Choir boy behind it. The now unengaged and fully loaded Crusader charged the Great Bears and finished them off leaving itself open to a looming Juggy. The other Crusader lashed out with its mace (it lost its open fist) and put some damage on Fenris forcing him to dismount. I followed this up with my Bastions who finished the job.

The Grey Lords at the back of the field helped out the lone Demo Corps member and got rid of the Vanqs support. Meanwhile Juggy went to avenge Fenris and occupied a Crusader. The other was frozen to the spot unable to lash out at the incoming Scrapjack. Scrappy moved up to the Bastions providing cover for Vindy and allowing the Old Witch to cast Unseen Path. This placed her right in Vindy’s face. So much for cover! Sitting on five focus, she began to attack second highest authority in the church. Here, is where I really felt for Marcus. He had missed his initial attacks thanks to Vindy’s high DEF and bought more attacks. After causing only minimal damage, Marcus ran out of focus.

It was really up to Vindy now, needing eight to hit I boosted the rolls and hit with both weapons. I also boosted both damage rolls. Sadly I just came up short. So with two focus left, I bought a third attack and boosted the to hit roll. With this I managed to finish her off.

Finally, I had gotten rid of the Old Witch. After putting a dent in Marcus’ force, I thought that I would be able to push Vindy’s brick towards my nemesis and try to kill her on my terms. I felt that Vindy was secure enough with his bodyguard (after my experiences at Tanelorn recently, I really didn’t like the idea of anything just appearing in my face), so I tried to cancel out as much space as possible. If nothing could physically appear next to my caster, then he wouldn’t get smooshed! The Zealots would have only been temporary as they would have vanished to give my jacks some more focus each turn, while the Bastions would have took some grinding down before a gap opened up next to Vindy. As a matter of fact, you’ll notices from the pics that I removed the wrong Zealot giving just enough space for the Old Witch to appear in. At that point, I thought it was over. Vindy didn’t have enough time to cast Defenders Ward on himself (make him DEF 17 and ARM 18 – meaning the Old Witch needed 11’s to hit) but did have a few focus on himself which helped. Fortunately for me, the dice conspired against Marcus. It happens to us all occasionally, but I certainly didn’t enjoy watching all of those failed rolls (well, maybe a little). Thankfully, Vindy is somewhat handy in melee so he can look after himself. And if he didn’t finish the enemy off, I had some Bastions and a Devout nearby.

I was pleased with the list. The Zealots were restrained and helped Vindy give out 12 focus during the game which I think is a decent return for four points. The Crusaders stood up well with the usual support and the Vanquisher held up play on my left flank. The Bastions provided protection while threatening anything that came nearby While the Devout didn’t do a thing except for taking a the hit from a spell one time (I think this happened, I’m not entirely sure). The Vassals were awesome (especially when saving a Crusader from a potential mauling with Enliven) and the Choir went about thier business in the usual manner.

I could (should) have lost the game to careless positioning of my Zealots, but I have the feeling that might not have mattered with Scrappy nearby. But still, Vindy won the battle and even turned the Old Witch into a Zealot with Death Toll. Praise Menoth!