15mm Wargaming for Fun and Sanity: Dragon Rampant Lord Of The Rings

I have noted, dearest reader, others playing the modern LOTR game. My impression is that it is based on the films, but not the book.

Timeline.

Isengard Uruks hunt and split the Fellowship and capture the 2 Hobbits Gandalf had brought as “spares”.

They head for Isengard. Encountering 2 larger bands of Mordor orcs, they are forced by “orders” to unite.

Hunted by Rohan cavalry they find a low hill to wait out the night and for reinforcements.

A mixed party tries to get to the forest, but are forced back.

The Uruk force from the forest arrives and meets up with the main force. It is probably during this confusion the captives and their guards attempt to escape.

As daylight approaches, the Mordor orcs attempt to flee back towards the river and the Isengarders for home.

4 units		Uglúk	Formidable. Leaders unit may reroll up to 2 attack/defend dice.

6p Isengard Uruks 6 elite infantry	2	Move 5+ 6”	Attack 5+ AttackV 3+ DefenceV 4+
Courage 3 Armour 4		Shoot 6+ 18” 5+	Ranger. Missiles These attacked and split the Fellowship, capturing the 2 spare Hobbits.

6p Forest Party 12	1	Move 5+ 6”	Attack 6+ AttackV 4+ DefenceV 4+
Courage 3 Armour 4		No shoot	Offensive HI. Uruk work party that joined from the forest

6 “Returned” Orcs 12	1	Move 6+ 8”	Attack 5+ AttackV 3+ DefenceV 6+
Courage 4 Armour 3		No shoot	Ranger. Wild Charge Counter chg inf. Shiny armour(!)
			A mixed unit. Bel foot. These fled to the woods but were beaten back and given control of the hostages. Why?

4 units		Grishnákh	Brutal. Any within 12” pass failed rally test by removing 1 fig.

6 Mordor Orcs 12		Move 6+ 8”	Attack 5+ AttackV 3+ DefenceV 6+
Courage 4 Armour 3		No shoot	Bel foot.Ranger. Wild Charge Counter chg inf. Shiny armour(!) 2 units joined the Uruks, 1 before crossing the river and 1 after. Both had been hunting the Fellowship.

2 elite, 1 Rider 1 Light x2		Éomer	Commanding 1p.t. Reloll failed Move, Attack or Shoot with 12”

8 Household 6 Elite Cavalry		Move 5+ 10”	Attack 5+ AttackV 3+ DefenceV 5+
Courage 3 Armour 4		No shoot	Counter Charge Level Headed

4 Heavy Riders 6		Move 5+ 10”	Attack 5+ AttackV 4+ DefenceV 5+
Courage 4 Armour 3		No shoot	Counter Charge

4 Light Riders 6		Move 5+ 12”	Attack 7+ AttackV 5+ DefenceV 6+
Courage 5 Armour 3		Shoot 6+ 5+ 12”	Skirmish/Evade7+.

Rohan. I got some painting done! Old skool felt cloth over a buckler.

Orks's. The 2 smaller units are the Uruks.

Mostly Battle Valor.

I used these last time as Dunlendings, now they're lighter riders. Museum Miniatures.

Orcs's. Uruks are Battle Valor and others mix of RPE and Splintered Light.

The hill is encircled.

One unit attempts a break out, but is beaten back. See the green base, that's the hobbit'ss that 'tis. We diced for them as per general--.

Back in place but broken.

They fail to recover and run.

That leaves a nice hole, don't you know?

Problem with undisciplined troops, you can tempt them into a wild charge then pound them.

Pushed back - lucky!

The captive bearers run for the river.

So the end enbiggens. With the formation broken the riders ride. Note I had these Amazon shields left over and used them as the better quality household riders, reserving the standard shields for the ordinary heavy cavalry.

Using elite infantry shooters worked at keeping the riders back.

General vs General.

Hard Mordor!

At last my axe wielding support makes a move. Trouble was, I kept getting the initiative. Not so good when you've got wild charging troops. Plus bringing them out with cavalry on their flank not such a good plan.