The Ruffians Arrive

Bill Is Sent Packing

I played through the scenario on Saturday and then realised I did not use the At Em Lads special rule which gives the ruffians a plus one Fight value when fighting hobbits. Which I felt was crucial to the game at a couple of key points. So, I replayed the game again on Sunday with the special rule in play, but the hobbits had an even greater victory when I replayed the scenario. So, the replayed scenario stays and is presented below.

The ruffians swarmed forward with Bill at the front of the those attacking the bridge. With the archers advancing enough to launch a volley. The hobbits did not move but picked up stones ready to throw them at the attacking ruffians. Strong Armed Pete was the first casualty when he was hit by a stone to the kneecap. And none of the arrows found a target. 

Things didn’t go any better for the ruffians in the second turn as three managed to fall in the river and the remaining few which made the jump were swamped by hobbits and taken down. As a house rule, any ruffian falling in the river has chance of being washed down river. On the bridge things went better for ruffians as they managed to capture Holfoot and push the hobbits back. But didn't cause any wounds.

Fortunately for the ruffians One-Eyed Ned turned up on turn three and he immediately sent his lackeys to help those around the bridge while he went to support Bill with his spear.

And then another ruffian fell in the river! On the bridge the ruffians were continuing push back the hobbits and take down an odd hobbit. But around the bridge the hobbits had the upper hand and were making short work of the ruffians.

By turn seven, the ruffians reaching breaking point and with Farmer Maggot and Pip Proudfoot arriving the ruffians knew the game was up. And Bill realised he couldn’t win and turned tail to flee the battlefield with his few surviving lackeys. And then the hobbits rescued Holfoot.

After the Battle

Pip rolled on the experience table to improve his Fight value. None of the other hobbits had enough experience and they escaped injury but had to use two influence points to replace lost Fate points.

The only high point for the ruffians is that they gained a new Bully – Brutus Smith but he did not have enough experience to roll on the experience table. Strong Armed Pete did gain enough experience despite being the first mini to be removed from play and added a Wound point but sustained a leg injury courtesy of a hobbit slinger.

The other ruffians escaped injury but also had to use two influence points to replace lost Fate points.

Sid and Sharky will undoubtedly having some sharp words with Bill about his failure to teach a few hobbits a lesson!

Brutus was given a bit of a touch up, but he looks a bit crude by today’s standards. The left-hand side of his face was a bit miscast, so I made it look like a burn.

Rob