The 4 Corners campaign - Batrep 5 - The Haunted Houses
- johnjsalango1
- Jan 1
- 20 min read
Terrain for this battle changed from the usual urban ruinscape as I imagined this area to be on the edge of Emporia or perhaps just outside one of the gates in a marshy less livable area, hence the huts instead of houses. In game terms the marshy areas count as difficult going providing a cover mod for anyone within but not blocking Line of Sight. The patches of woods were the same except the bases of the trees blocked LoS and the template cannot be seen through. The huts had the treasure tokens in the centre and they could be seen into from anyone with a los in through the doorway.
Set up and Deployment
The Occidental Warband set up in the NE corner as a group. As killing is not their strong point they wanted a swamp between themselves and the Southlands and a covered approach between themselves and the Orientals!
Wary of the Northlands Elemental Ball capacity the Orientals spread out and were already in two task groups, the western side was to speed towards the western huts and possibly roll up the Northlands while the Eastern group was to compete with the Occidentals but not get too involved. Obviously both Mages would be attempting to summon extra muscle Demons Turn One.
Northlands deployment was split by a large swamp so the two groups had different objectives. The northern group with the apprentice were to snipe at the Orientals with a grab at the centre west hut. The Southern group were going for the sw and central hut. Turi anticipated using Teleport to get in the thick of it as he now has a move of 4" rather than 6" due to his leg injury.
The Southlands Necromancers plan was easy 'kill them all and let God sort it out!' As such they were looking to rip up towards the Occidentals mopping up all the SE and central huts. Bone Darts would be go from the strat to the end! With the missing Treasure Hunter and Tracker they had an extra Thief and Thug who were no loss dead anyway!
Turn 1
Wizard phase
Southlands had decided to go hard this game and try and win by killing as much as possible so the Wizard immediately summoned up an extra killing hand in the form of a minor demon. It wasnt a major demon as the initial casting roll is still too high even with empowerment but it was a decent start.
The Northern Wizard Turi attempted and failed a Teleport but Lamballe the Occidental Wizard did successfully Teleport into position. Lastly Miko who is now carrying injuries as a result of the last game showed how the Summoning game is played by as usual calling in a Major Demon and investing 9hp in it via empowerment.
Apprentice phase
A washout - every single effort failed half of them by rolling 1s. I dont remember this happening before but lets just pass over this ineptitude.
Soldier phase
For the Southlands the mission was move/move and everyone except the archer double moved. The archer shot and missed!
The Northlands archers similarly shot whilst everyone else moved up into position One of them hit the Major Demon for a couple of damage. The rest of the warband double moved.
The Oriental warband also all doubled moved threatening the Northern archery duo in the west.
The Occidentals all moved up towards Lamballe to protect from the Demon
End Turn 1 / Start Turn 2
Turn 2
Wizard phase
The Northlands wizard got the turn off to a whimper by again rolling a '1' which was sad as he had been keen to use Teleport but clearly had not mastered it.
In line with their Necromantic game plan of killing everything the Southlands Wizard Bone Darted the Occidental Tracker for a quick 10 points of damage which spoiled his day pretty quickly'
Miko popped down a fog screen to cover the Orientals racing down the board and allow their troops to contact the Northlands archers without being shot at.
Lastly Lamballe having teleported into position turn 1 now transposed herself with a minion to do the actual hut entering risky business
Apprentice
A second non event phase really with only the Oriental Apprentice managing to summon an Imp and the Occidental laying fog to cover themselves from the Southlands Bone Dart artillery!
Soldier phase
The Northlands strategy was to enter the huts and interact as soon as possible risking the arrival of creatures to be into the huts first. As such two Thugs and a thief entered huts and interacted revealing a ghoul, nothing and a wraith, with the casual thief finding only treasure in the central hut! The Man at arms moved up to block the central hut door should anyone try to trap the casual thief within. Note that only one thug was able to enter and interact with the treasure, that in the hut with the Ghoul.
Elsewhere the archers shot to little effect at the visible Oriental Tracker but the Ranger did push through a big 8 damage on the Major demon which put it on 10 damage before it had activated.
The Southlands thug managed to enter and interact in the SE hut but was now faced with a Ghoul. The newly recruited thief ran towards the Central East hut but came within Force combat range of the Blue hat Occidental Thug and suffered 8 damage and was pushed backwards which was disappointing. Everyone else except the Archer carried on their headlong charge north towards the Occidentals behind the Fog.
The Orientals hurtled towards the Northlands Archers in the west and between the Tracker and the Samurai killed Archer A.
The Imp and a Thug move/moved into contact with Archer B who had little choice to attack each as they arrived but drew both combats with the Archer taking 9 damage in total with 3 and 6 on the Imp and Thug respectively.
More critically both Thugs in this area moved up into force combat range of the Northern Apprentice stopping any magical shenanigans and making a rescuing Elemental ball hazardous to say the least.
In a different tactic to the Northlands the Orientals entered huts and attacked the occupants before thinking about the treasure. The NW hut's occupying Ghoul taking 6 damage before it woke up. It was then finished off by the Oriental Infantryman with his choppy chopper. In the other accessible hut the Ghoul turned the tables killing the thief that entered.
The Major Demon moved into a fight with an Occidental thief and despatched him with a swipe.
Occidental moves this turn were complex as after the sword and shield Thug entered the central east hut and found a wraith he used his second move to move back out to draw the wraith out and away in the creature phase so somebody else could nip in. To ensure this another thug went at the Southlands thief and drove him back further beyond the the entrance.
With the Major Demon inbound a Thug did manage to drive it back but without damage before the critically Bone Darted Tracker managed another 4 points of damage. Close but no banana! In a last gasp effort another Thug launched himself at the Demon and rolled a 20 immediately killing the Demon with plenty of kill left over!
Less dramatically anyone else who had not yet activated took up blocking positions against the Southlands/Oriental pincer move which seemed likely to crush them.
Creature phase
In a busy creature phase the Northlands thug in the central west hut was beaten up for 7 by the Ghoul within. In the Sw hut the Northlands Thug managed to beat the Wraith causing no damage obviously but escaping the hut!
In the SE hut the Ghoul again won causing 4 damage to the Southlands soldier. The Wraith in the Central east hut chased out after the Occidental Thug but did no damage surprisingly. Lastly the NE hut where the Ghoul had already killed an Oriental soldier saw the Ghoul exit and attack the Occidental Thug but do no damage.
Commentary
Things were already looking bad for the Northlands as they appeared to be on the point of losing an Apprentice a Thug and both Archers to the rampant Orientals (and a Ghoul)! Similarly the Occidental position looked grim with no treasure and pinned between the rest of the Orientals and a homicidal Southlands attack. The Ghouls were giving much better than they took in damage and the Wraiths were now in play and a terrible threat.
End of Turn 2 /Start Turn 3
Turn 3
Wizard phase
With Southlands going first their Wizard moved and Bone Darted the Northlands Man at arms guarding the door to the central hut one shotting him dead with little empowerment.
Lamballe attempted to use the scroll of invisisbility but fluffed it so instead cast Wizards eye which would turn out to be a great move.
Miko summoned another Demon but down on health after the Major Demon could only pull an Imp out of the ether.
Lastly in a risky attempt to save the Apprentice Turi moved and cast an Elemental Ball at one of the Thugs menacing the Northlands Apprentice. Mixed effects - one was killed and one was completely missed but the Apprentice also sucked up 5 damage.
Apprentice phase
A better phase for 75% of the Apprentices and a terrible phase for 35%. The Bone darting continued as the Southlands Apprentice Mzimu hit an Occidental Thief for 9. Fotunately Auclair then restored 5 to the same Thief. Yuri the Oriental Apprentice decided to give the Elementalists a taste of their own medicine with the recently acquired Elemental Bolt on the Northlands Apprentice and made a big roll killing him. Again!
Soldier phase
In the SW hut various activations lead to two Southlands soldiers fighting the Ghoul and getting the treasure out of the doorwhere it was picked up by a third! The Ghoul remained alive but only just. Elsewhere the onslaught into the Occidentals did not go well inflicting and taking scratches and pushes but no clearcut winners. The damaged new Thief took up guard duty on the Wizard Kifo. With one treasure sort of secured things were looking better.
The Occidentals in reply similarly did little to no damage in the melee with the Southlands and only succeeded against the Ghoul which had left the NE Hut and attacked an Occidental Thug. It's luck was up though as a 20 reduced it to very dead.
The Oriental rampage up the western side of the board continued as the Knight and the Imp killed Northlands Archer B.
In the Nw hut the thief picked up the reasure and exited but had rolled up a couple of giant Rats on the Eastern board edge behind the Southlands/Occidental melee. With the Ghoul out of the NE hut (and dead) the summoned Imp ran in and took the treasure. The Samurai and Infantryman moved up to stop any Occidental attempts to stop it exiting next turn. Lastly the remaining Thug closed in on Turi but did not contact him. Things were going great!
Going last had not helped the Northlands who were now struggling. In good news the Thief in the central hut interacted and exited with the treasure causing a Giant Toad to enter on the Northern edge behind Miko. In less good news a Thug had to be sacrificed to draw off the Wraith threatening the Thief with the treasure. In the Central west hut the Thug failed to defeat the Ghoul and was now doomed to die by Ghoul or Oriental. The Ranger missed his shot and club Thief could only move up to support Yuri. Things were going not great....
Creature phase.
The trapped Northern Thug died in the hut but in the SE hut the outnumbered Ghoul fights to a draw. The Wraith from the central east hut lost against the Occidental Thug whle the unfortunate sacrificial Northlands Thug escaped with just 2 damage!
Meanwhile the rats moved towards the eastern melee and the Giant Toad hippety hopped towards Miko the oriental summoner...
Fogs phase - fog remained in play. Will only mention again if disappears
End Turn 3 / Start Turn 4
Turn 4
Wizard phase
Southlands again won initiative and surprise surprise it was Bone Dart time with the casual thief holding the central treasure being struck dead with yet another high roll.
Miko moved away from the incoming Toad and launched an Elemental Ball at Lamballe in some Wizard on Wizard action but Lamballe rolled a 20 for defence and laughed it off. In response she then teleported across the board through the open doorway of the Wraiths hut in which there was an unclaimed treasure.
Lastly Turi decided to heal himself in anticipation of attack and moved away.
Apprentice phase
A brief phase as only the Southlands Apprentice got his spell off to finish off the Occidental Tracker so there was only some movement
Soldier phase
Southlands. The Ghoul in the SE hut finally succumbed and the thief with the treasure fineagled from the hut begin to run for home.
The Archer continued firing bendy arrows while a second thief closed on the hut with Lamballe inside hoping to trap her within. In the ongoing melee with the Occidentals the Southlands again came out worse with the Thug attacking the Axe thug taking 6 damage for his trouble.
The summoned Oriental Imp who had entered the NE hut last turn emerged with the treasure whilst the thief from the NW hut headed west away from the Toad threat. The central East hut was approached by the colourful Imp supported by the Knight with their Apprentice in close support. The Thug furthest ahead on the western board edge charged the Ranger but was hit for 7 and bumped back.
Against the Occidentals the Samurai guy took serious damage against an Occidental Thug while the Infantryman had to fight the same Thug who forced combat on him and inflicted 9 damage. The Infantryman with his choppy chop weapon has been doing well this game. However his time was approaching as the Occidental green clad Thief charged him. Choppy killed him outright again but because it was a high score draw he took 10 damage and was now on his last legs.
This effectiveness was confirmed as the Occidental sword and shield Thug attacked him and was killed outright!
In the Thug v Thug contest with the Southlands the Occidental Thug with the Axe rolled a 20 and slew the Southlands Thug and moved into contact with the Imp to pin it. The Occidental soldier with the Blue hat entered the Wraith's hut and collected the treasure.
The Northlands now have few options and none really good. The Ranger shot and missed at the Thug threatening Turi and then moved to a force combat position which the Thug accepteddoing 3 damage on the Rangar. In a perfect world he should have then pushed the ranger directly away but Turi blocked the push so he chose to stay in contact hoping for reinforcements. The Thug by the Bone Darted Thief picked up the treasure and essentially hoped for the best...Also hoping for the best the thief with the club attacked the Oriental Thug who was now outnumbered. The best did not happen as he was killed on a straight 20! Things have gone from bad to worse to just dire for the Northlands as now they have only a Ranger and aThug left with Turi.
Creature phase
The Wraith in the South had two targets who were within fractions of an inch distance wise but the Southlands Thief blocking Lamballes hut was just closer and was attacked and killed. From Lamballes point of view this was not good. In the east the other Wraith could see only the Southlands Infantryman and was beaten off with the Masai escaping.
Miko's situation took a bad turn as both the Northern Rats, who had arrived at some point I forgot to note down, headed directly towards he rand the Giant Toad now made it into contact with her! The Wester Rats both hit the exposed Southlands Imp who killed one but took a nasty bite from the second.
End of Turn 4 / Start of Turn 5
Turn 5
Wizard phase
Lamballe interacted with the treasure and lost her mind completely! I blame the Wraith blocking the exit but instead of using her Wizards eye which would have allowed her to Teleport straight to safety she looked out of the window at the back of the hut and Teleported to the SW corner!
As it happens she could have stayed in the hut as Turi released an Elemental Ball which killed the Wraith and which would allow the Northern treasure carrying Thug to escape.
Kifo finally failed on his killing spree and just moved further NW while Miko unable to cast due to combat did manage to push the Toad back in combat.
Apprentice phase
Again a rapid phase as only The Oriental Apprentice got a spell off blasting the last hut Ghoul with an Elemental ball to clear the way for the pink Imp to enter and claim the treasure.
Soldier phase
Occidental Blue hat soldier left the hut and headed for home and things seemed to be improving for the Occidentals as Axe Thug moved and finished off the Oriental Infantryman and Box thief did the same to the Southlands Thug in front of him. The remaining guys did not fight not wanting to risk losing a combat and opening up a space.
Northlands Thug who frankly could not believe his luck double moved to get away from the murderous Southlands Bone Darters while the Ranger fought a no result duel with the Oriental Thug.
Southlands were reconsidering their charge at the Occidentals but had little choice to fight on. The Archer finally saw and hit a target - the Occidental Apprentice doing 7 damage. The Masai Infantryman attacked the Box Thief inflicting 3 and the Imp finally killed the second rat and advanced on the wounded apprentice. The SE hut Thug was unfortunately blocked inside the hut by Mzimu who had forgotten he was in there!
Things were now looking less good for the Orientals who continued to be aggressive with the Thug attacking the Northlands Ranger but doing no damage just holding him in combat. The Samurai raced over to attack the Giant Toad but in a massive game changing moment fluffed his attack and was killed by the Toads jaws.
This would free the Toad to go for Miko again! The Tracker also fluffed his shot at the running Northern treasure hunter. The Knight double moved towards the Northern Ranger which was the wrong move in retrospect. The Imp entered the hut and picked up another treasure making 3 in transit as both the first treasure Thief and second Imp were still onboard heading for the exits.
Creature phase
Both the Samurai killing Toad and the rats headed into contact with Miko which was not good. The Rats were just out of contact but the Toad was in.
The remaining Wraith could see the new Southlands Thief and attacked but only did 2 damage which was meagre. Lastly a Skeleton which had arrived on the Southern edge after the pink Imp picked up the teasure, double moved into contact with the Northern Wizard who accepted the fight and killed it immediately!
Turn 6
Wizard phase
Turi seeing the advancing bone darters decided it was time to favour discretion so laid a Fogscreen and retreated.
Miko was unwilling to fight the toad again so did nothing. The Southlands Wizard Kifo ran forward and Bone Darted the Oriental Apprentice just doing enough to kill him and continuing his Rampage!
Finally still forgetting her Wizards eye Lamballe once again Teleported to relative safety.
Apprentice phase
With Northlands and Oriental Apprentices dead and the Occidental held in combat waiting for help only the Southlands Apprentice Mzumi cast a spell and once again it was Bone Dart on a 20 wiping out the Oriental Tracker. At this point the battlefield is literally covered with corpses full of Bone Darts.
Soldier phase
The Ranger freed himself from the Thug as great cost as the fight was a draw but the Thug died so the Ranger ran to block for the Wizard whilst the soldier with the treasure continued towards the edge and that was it. Soldier phase is quick with no soldiers!
The Oriental treasure Thief finally exited guaranteeing one treasure but decisions now needed to be made. The monkey type Imp decided to abandon his exit and returned to attack the Toad to free Miko but failed and found himself now pinned. The pink Imp left the hut with the treasure and the Knight double moved towards Miko now regretting his move away last turn to help the now dead Thug.
The Occidental Blue Hat with the treasure headed off covered by the remaining crew who did nothing but drive off the Imp from the Apprentice
Lastly the Southland treasure Thief made her exit. In the melee the Imp reentered and was killed by the Box Thief who was then killed by the Masai Infantryman. The Archer ran and snapped off a moving shot at the Northern treasure carrier but missed and finally the Thug inside the hut who had been body blocked by his own wizard double moved out ahead of the Bone Dart mages.
Creature phase
Unsurprisingly the remaining Wraith killed the Southlands Thief and moved towards the only thing he could see close by - the Masai.
Miko once again drove away the Toad but the Imp could not kill the Rats! Even just driving them away would have been critical but instead the Imp took a damage.
Commentary
Things still looked bleak for the Northlands but now the Orientals who had looked like steamrolling everyone were now also struggling and it would be a surprise if Miko lasted another turn. They still had the capacity to get 3 treasures away though. The Southlands too were looking a little less confident although both Kifo and Mzumi were still on their murderous rampage. Surprisingly it looked as if the Occidentals would definitely get two treasures off which was two more than seemed likely a few turns ago!
End of Turn 6 / Start of Turn 7
Turn 7
Wizard phase
Turi decided to try his newish Control Demon spell on the Imp who had exited the hut carrying treasure and was sucessful! This was important as potentially it was another treasure if it got off but even if it didnt it weakened the Orientals who now had to deal with it.
Kifo again moved aggressively to Bone Dart Miko but missed the roll and was punished when Miko Elemental Balled him for 9 which should have modified his attitude
Lastly Lamballe suddely rembered Wizards Eye and Teleported across the table to the security of her own base edge!
Apprentice phase
Mzumi as usual aimed a Bone dart at Miko but on the random roll it hit the monkey Imp instead and killed it leaving the treasure on the ground! Seeing this Auclair moved and successfully Telekinesed the treasure towards himself which was cheeky but resourceful.
Soldier phase
Finally the Northlands Thug made it off with the treasure which hopefully would be good as the crew were all dead except the Ranger and Turi! The Ranger shot at the Oriental Knight hoping to free up the Imp but missed so the Imp did nothing not wanting to force a combat from the Knight.
The Southlands Thug moved in to pin Miko but Miko forced combat, rolled a 20 to kill him and moved to within an inch of the Southlands Apprentice. Bold! Was the great escape on?
The Archer now tried to hit Blue hat Soldier with the treasure but missed. Lastly the Masai beat back the Wraith and ran through the fog to escape.
The Oriental Knight had to attack the Imp as had he tried to move away to help Miko the Imp could have forced combat. In any event the Imp was killed but the Knight was now out of position - though with treasure at his feet. Miko was on her own.
The Occidental Blue hat soldier reached the board edge and realising the Apprentice was now the Wraiths target the Axe Thug moved up to block in the hope the Apprentice could nab that 3rd treasure.
Creature phase
The Axe man continuing his great form was attacked by the Wraith but drove it off with some swishy swashy axe work. The Toad of Doom went for Miko again but once again she survived though with 2 damage. Now she just had to drive off or kill the rats. Sadly the Rats rolled a 20 and Miko fell. Downed by Rats!! Igniominious.
Turn 8
Wizard phase
Lamballe now retored to her senses cast a cheeky Transpose on the Wraith and the Rats putting the Apprentice and Axe man in less danger and making life cosiderably harder for the Southlands Mages! Kifo Bone Darted the Oriental Knight as Bone Dart is not a Magical attack usable against the Wraith. Lots got through but the Knight was still standing. Turi failed and without Miko that was that.
Apprentice phase
Once again Auclair brought the treasure nearer with Telekinesis though had to empower some. Mzumi tried to finish off the Knight but missed!! This would be costly.
Soldier phase
With few soldiers left and little interaction the highlights were that the Oriental Knight ignored the treasure and moved to attack Mzumi and killed him now pinning Kifo though not in contact.
The Southlands Archer and Masai Infantryman raced over to try and help next turn. Blue hat exited with the treasure for the Occidentals and Axeman moved to guard the Apprentice against the Wraith who could now see nobody else
Creature phase
Lamballes transpose had only provided temporary respite and the Wraith moved and attacked Axeman but he did the swishy swashy again and retreated unscathed. The Rats attacked the Southlands Masai but were similarly driven off. The unstoppable Toad advanced into the upcoming melee between the Knight and Kofi with all three now within an inch of eachother!
Turn 9
Wizard phase
Essentially one spell ended the game as Turi elemental balled the little huddle of The Oriental Knight, Kifo and the Toad. A devastating combo of super high attack rolls and useless defence rolls left all three dead and a treasure sitting in the open. No Orientals were left on board!
In less dramatic news Lamballe again Transposed the Rats and Wraith confident Axeman will kill them.
In the Apprentice phase Auclair again Telekinesised the tresure nearer the edge by himself with a big 19. He could just pick it up now but was practising Telekinesis for XP!
The Soldier phase was as quick with the Northlands Ranger missing the Southlands Masai who headed for the open treasure. The Southlands Archer decided to put distance between himself and the transposed Wraith and the Occidental Axeman moved to draw the Rats away from the Apprentice.
Creature phase
Rats double moved into contact with the Axeman and the Wraith chased the Archer!!
Turn 10
Wizard phase and game end. Turi unleashed another Elemental ball this time at the Southlands Masai and destroyed him. With that the game was effectively done as the Northlnds Ranger could wander over unhindered to collect the final unclaimed treasure at leisure and the Occidental Wizard and Apprentice could amble off with theirs. With nothing left to fight for the game ended.
Aftermath
Commentary - There was a 100% turnaround in that game as the Northlands who looked beaten after 3 turns eventually left with two treasures, the Occidentals who looked like they would be wiped out in a Southlands/Oriental pincer attack wound up with three while the Orientals who looked invincible with three treasures in hand ended up wiped out with only one treasure. Southlands mages had killed everything in front of them before becoming overstretched and wiped out themselves.
Occidental
A good outcome again as by managing to stay alive while everyone else died they were able to collect three treasures and lost nobody of value as the Tracker came back unscathed. The treasures were a mixed bag but resulted in a gain after sales of a Grimoire of Power word which was immediately learned and a Grimoire of Shield which went to the Vault. Sales of stuff gained brought in 325gc which was welcome. Lastly a scroll of Summon Demon was successfully written and is with the Apprentice.
Apart from learning Power Word Lamballe was able to improve both Transpose and her health due to gaining 3 more XP levels. The Occidentals gained 355 XP in the game which with their existing XP was well over the 3 levels of gain possible. Lessons have also been learned about the usefulness of the Wizards Eye/Teleport combo which will be used in future.
Northlands
A wholly unexpected outcome and with two treasures and 235 XP gained, a happy outcome. Both the Apprentice and the rest of the important crew survived although Archer B - the Norse looking guy - will miss next turn. For a change the treasure became some decent cash raising the treasury to 300 gc. A couple of scrolls, Raise Zombie and Scatter Shot seemed worth keeping as well.
Turi also read what Elemental Hammer does and decided to improve it as well as learningAwareness from the previously acquired Grimoire. Having +4 on initiative rolls has got to be good in a 4 player game.
Oriental
Post game did not go well for the Oriental crew with Miko taking an arm injury affecting combat and less seriously Yuki taking an eye injury making him susceptible to shooting attacks such as Bone Dart. Additionally the choppy Infantryman did not return and the Samurai is out of action next game. The strong start however did gain them a total of 218 XP which added to the 83 in the bag already was just enough to scrape three levels of XP.
With the treasure roll being a Grimoire of Grenade and just 20 GC the warband would not be eating well on a total of 50 gc but at least she couldlearn Grenade, improve Elemental Ball and improve her will against magical attacks.
Southlands
Despite dying almost to a man postgame went reasonably well with everyone coming back unscathed who mattered. Additionally the Bone Dart killing spree had racked up loads of XP so they ended up with 221 XP. They did not have enough to bump up to a third level but now have 69 left in the bag so might make a three level jump next time. In terms of treasure they only received Gc but got lucky and made 190gc which when added to there existing stash put them on 427gc
Kifo used his two levels to improve Summon Demon and his Will again as defence against Elemental Ball attacks remains a priority
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