It's been a while so go easy on me
Battle Report 2000pts Empire vs. Dwarfs
Jedrik Hines and his army the Middenland Avengers had finally recovered from there losing battle with the Orc’s. He knew it was time to continue on the quest the Council of Middenheim to seek out and destroy any chaos found. His army had changed due to the loss of men. One of his men Thomas Tragar had been tainted with chaos during the march. Markus Gedron attempted to smite the Chaos from fully corrupting Thomas, and with Ulric’s aid Thomas was cured but not before he had grown to the size of a giant. However, unlike Giants Thomas still retained his mental capabilities. Jedrik commanded his army to march and continued forward. Jedrik’s scouts reported a small Beastmen herd was ahead of them. Jedrik order his army to follow and destroy the horde…
Hagrim the Barrelchested was attempting to calm Nagash Daemonbane and dwarf Dragonslayer who was complaining that he would never find a glorious death while sitting around and protecting the mine. Suddenly a small Horde of Beastmen passed by on the outskirts of their land and headed towards the sacred Mine of Bazak Marr. Hagrim, yelled to Nagash “Stop them before they reached the mine!� Knowing full well that only Dwarfs are allowed to enter the mine. As he approached the mine he saw that several empire units had pursued the Beastmen into the mine and slaughtered everyone except one, the Beastmen Shaman. Hagrim was outraged that the humans would enter his sacred mine and sought their leader Jedrik. Hagrim commanded, “You must pay retribution for their actions and the Shaman you captured must be turned over the him�. Jedrik looked at Hagrim and said “I refuse to pay any retribution, what we did was in the name of Ulric and we shall keep the Shaman and take him with us.� Hagrim looked around and realized it was just him and Nagash versus the whole empire army. He knew he could probably take on about 10 and maybe Nagash could take about 20, but the odds were too much against him, so he backed down and told Jedrik he could have the Shaman. With that Hagrim and Nagash returned to their throng. Hagrim stated, “A small human army has invaded our territory and captured a Beastmen Shaman that was in our Sacred mine. We much track them and get that Shaman for he has seen too much and must not be allowed to live…
Days later Hagrim throng caught up to Jedrik army and they would meet on the field of battle:
Empire:
Jedrik Hines – Grandmaster, Hammer of Judgement, Bronze Shield – 220 pts.
Henry Felkin – Commander, BSB, Armour of Meteroic Iron – 105 pts.
Markus Gedron – Warrior Priest, Additional Warhammer, Heavy Armour, Rod of Command – 153 pts.
Allistar Smite – Battle Wizard, Level 2, Wizards Staff, Armour of Tarnus – 145 pts.
5 White Wolf Inner Circle Knights – Full command, Steel Standard – 205 pts
(Lead by Jedrik).
5 Knightly Orders – Full Command – 155 pts
18 Halberders – Shields, Full command – 151 pts
(Joined by Markus)
8 Free Company Detachments- 40 pts.
6 Archer Detachments – 48 pts.
(Joined by Allistar)
20 Swordsmen, Full Command – 165 pts
19 Greatswords, Full Command, Griffon Standard – 308 pts
(Lead by Henry Felkin)
1 Giant – Thomas Tragar – 205 pts.
1 Great Cannon – 100 pts.
Total: 2000 pts.
Dwarfs:
Hagrim the Barrelchested – Lord –Gromril Armour, Great Weapon, Shield Bearers, Rune of Speed X2, Rune of Preservation, Rune of Stone, Rune of Fate – 241 pts.
Valtrek Stargazer – Rune Smith – Gromril Armour, Shield, Rune of Stone, Rune of Spell Breaking X2 – 127 pts.
Nagash Deamonbane – Dragon Slayer - 2 Hand Weapons, Great Weapon – 50 pts.
Gartran Neverfalter – Thane – BSB – Gromril Armour, Master Rune of Grungi, Rune of Battle – 165 pts.
25 Warriors Full Command – 250 pts.
10 Quarrellers – Musician – 145 pts
12 Longbeards, Full Command, Rune of Stoicism – 193 pts.
16 Hammers, Full Command – 238 pts.
20 Slayers, Upgrade 2 to Giant Slayers, Musician – 256 pts.
Organ Gun – 120 pts.
Gyrocopter – 140 pts.
Bolt Thrower – Engineer Upgrade – 75 pts.
2000 pts.
Battle Field and Deployment:
Jedrik scouts reported a small Dwarf Forces has approached us and taking up attack positions. Jedrik survey the battlefield and saw 2 small hills in the Dwarf part of the battlefield and only a small woods opposite one of the hills on his side of the battlefield. Jedrik recognized Hagrim as he commanded his Throng to prepare for battle. Jedrik saw the following a Bolt Thrower being assembled on the hill in the south western part of the battlefield. Then, next to the hill he saw a large unit of Slayers, on their flank a small unit of Longbeards with a Runesmith. Next, he saw Hagrim protected by a unit of Hammers. Then the Organ Gun, with a unit of Quarreller’s next to them. Nagash was behind the Quarrellers, and finally, another hill and Gyrocopter land next to it.
Jedrik yelled “Prepare for Battle!�
Hagrim Grunted as he watched Jedrik hastily assemble his battleline. “He now knows not to anger a Dwarf�. Hagrim saw Jedrik line up his White Wolves Knights across from the Slayers and then join the unit, next to them he saw the Greatswords with the Battle Standard Bearer. Then a large unit of Halberd’s lead by the Warrior Priest, with a Detachment of Archers screening in-front that included the Battle Wizard Allistar, while another small unit of Free Company protected their flank. Next to them he saw a large unit of Swordmen, and then a large Giant with 5 more Knights next to them. Finally, the large cannon setup behind the wood using it as cover, but still allowing it to see the enemy.
Now that both sides lined up, Hagrim yelled “Give us the Shaman and you may leave with your lives�. Jedrik replied “Ulric has given us this prize and we shall keep it�.
Jedrik motioned for his units to move forward. The entire empire line marched forward, even the Thomas the giant, but was carefully to not block the firing lanes of the great cannon. Allistar summed an irresistible fireball and directed it towards the Quarrellers, two of the Dwarfs fell to the flames, but they refused to budge.
With a deafing sound the cannon fired but too much powder was put into the first shot and the cannon misfired causing the ball to lodge in the barrel. The cannon crew got to work clearing the jam knowing it would take a while.
Hagrim laughed at the misfortune of the Cannon crew. This would never happen with a dwarf cannon. Hagrim motioned to Valtrek to change units with him placing himself in the Long Beards and across from Jedrik and the Knights of the White Wolves and Greatswords. At the same time the rest of the Dwarfs units surged forward as far as their stumpy legs could move them, but maintaining an equal battle line. The Gyrocopter whirled into the air and behind the tree’s opening fire on the crew attempting to fix the cannon, killing one of them.
The booming sound of the flame cannon multiple barrels sounded, Thomas Tragar, the giant, burst into flames from the barrage. Everyone looked on a Thomas walked out of the flames severely burned, but still coming forward. The bolt thrower opened fired on the Knights of the White Wolf, but even with the Dwarf engineer aiding it the bolt sailed wide. The Quarrellers opened fire on the Knightly Orders, but their armour protected them from harm.
Across the battlefield Jedrik had seen enough, his cannon had misfired and his gaint was nearly downed. He pointed his hammer at Hagrim and yelled charge both the Henry and and the Greatsword along with Jedrik and his Knights charged forward towards Hagrim and the Longbeards. Henry and the Greatswords failed to reach Hagrims unit, but Jedrik and his Knights charged in front of the slayers and right into Hagrim and the Longbeards. Jedrik called out a challenge and Hagrim accepted. Jedrik struck 4 times and Hagrim was hit each time. The Hammer of Judgement found Hagrim worthy and none of the blows wounded him, in return Hagrim was unable to get past Jedriks armour either. The Knights of the White Wolves skill was not equal to the Dwarfs they failed to land any blows (I missed with all Knights and Horses). In return, the Longbeards axes penetrate 2 of the White Wolves armour. Jedrik and the White Wolves were overwhelmed and fled with the Longbeards in hot pursuit.
Across the battlefield, Allistar and the Archer detachment left their unit and headed towards the Gyrocopter. While Thomas stomped across the battlefield and yelled at the Quarrellers and the Flame Cannon hoping to scare them away, but both of them held firm. Behind Thomas the Knightly orders moved up along with the Swordsmen. Markus and Halberds moved to protect the flank of the Greatswords and Henry.
Hagrim was feeling confident with his units victory and pressed his advantage. He charged his Longbeards forward, and into the Greatswords and Henry. At the same time the Iron Breakers charged the Halberds and were counter charged by the detachment of Free Company in their flank. Both battles were fierce, The Longbeards and Hagrim killed several Greatswords, while losing no dwarfs in return. But with the Stubborness of the Greatswords and Henry with the Battle Standard they held their place. In the battle, between Halberds and Iron Breakers, the mass attacks by the Free Company downed several Iron Breakers, and in return the Halberd’s lost 2. Now the Ironbreakers with Valtrek toughened their resolve and held their place.
Nagash saw Thomas the Giant and ignored his terrifying screams then moved from behind the Quarrellers and towards the Giant.
Suddenly a defeaning roar of the Flame Cannon sounded again. This time the targets were the Knightly Orders, 3 of the brave Knights fell and the 2 remaining turned and fled from the barrage. The Quarrellers then opened fire on the Giant and Thomas was too wounded to continue and fell to the group unable to continue.
Jedrik was able to rally the Knights of the White Wolves, and turn them around before fleeing the battlefield. As Jedrik surveyed the field he saw the Slayers approaching the combat between the Greatswords lead by Henry and the Longbeards and Hagrim, the Ironbreakers fighting the Halberds and Free Companies. Thomas had fallen, the Cannon crew down one member attempting to fix their Cannon and the Knightly Orders were fleeing. The Gyrocopter hovering behind his lines, being chased by Allistar and the Archers. Things were not looking good, but he knew if his units could hang on one more turn he would be able to help. He only hopped they could.
Hagrim pressed the attack, and he motioned the Slayers to join the attack and the Warriors to move up and help the Iron Breakers. The Slayers charged into the Greatswords, allowing a few of them to join the battle and brink their ranks to bear on the combat. Hagrim downed 4 of the Greatswords himself, but amazingly even with terrible casualties, with Henry’s Battle Standard they held their ground. Next to them however the Ironbreakers, slayed 4 Halberds and broke their spirit, but Markus held a lot the Rod of Command and the sheer sight strengthed the mens will to fight and they held their ground. Unfortuneltly, the Free Companies also took several casualties and fled from combat leaving the Halberd’s and Markus to fend for themselves.
Next to them 6 Swordmen went down to Flame Cannon as they marched towards the lone slayer Nagash.
Jedrik was filled with pride that his men had held the line, He and his Knights of the White Wolf charged into the flank of the Slayers. Jedrik slayed 4 slayers and his horse slayed one more, while the rest of the White Wolves killed 3 more and the First Knight killed the Giant Slayer. The Greatswords struck first and before the Dwarven great axes and killed 3 dwarfs, but Hagrim struck down 3 more Greatswords in return. This time the Dwarfs were starting to weaken, but Hagrim’s leadership keep them from fleeing.
At the same time the Dwarf warriors joined the battle between the Iron Breakers and the Halberders adding their ranks. 3 Halberds fells while only 2 dwarfs fell and the Markus was unable to keep his troops from fleeing. The Warriors and Iron Breakers gave chase but were out distanced by Markus and Halberds.
Behind the empire lines the Allistar and the archers charged the Gyrocopter it chose to flee with them in hot pursuit. The cannon crew had finally repaired the cannon and aimed it towards the Gyrocopter, the ball was dead on target, but stuck in the ground directly in front of the machine and stuck there.
Nagash was seeking a glorious death and charged into the unit of Swordmen. He challenged and the Swordmen champion retreated to the back of the unit seeking refuse. Nagash was able to kill 3 Swordmen, but with there sheer numbers they began to encircle him.
Finally, the Knightly Orders, and Free Company and Halberds rallied and turned to face the Dwarfs once again.
The Flame Cannon roared once more and all of the archers surrounding Allistar were wiped out. Only Allistar’s armour of Tarnus kept him alive, but it wouldn’t last for long as the Quarrellers opened fire and Allistar fell to the group pin cushioned by their bolts.
Across the battlefield Jedrik continued his assault on the Slayers and killed two more, while 2 more fell to the Knights of the White Wolf. Hagrim killed two more Greatswords, leaving Henry and only a few remaining. But even Henry’s will broke and he and Greatswords fled the combat they were pursued and scattered by Hagrim’s Longbeards capturing the standard held by Henry.
On the other side of the battlefield, the Gyrocopter rallied and turned to face the Swordmen. Once again the Flame Cannon sounded, but this time something went wrong and the first barrel exploded and caused the rest to jam, which left the Dwarf crew member scratching his head examining the weapon.
The battle between Nagash and Swordmen was joined by the Gyrocopter and Nasgash Nagash killed 2 more Swordmen, with the Gyrocopter killing 1 also. The Swordmen were able to wound Nasgash as they surrounded him and the Gyrocopter stayed with Nagash to continue the battle. All the while the Quarreller’s moved forward incase Nagash would fall so they could open fire on the Swordmen remaining.
On the other side of the battlefield, the Ironbreakers and Valtrek charged the Free Company detachment, who fled and caused the Dwarfs to fail their charge exposing their flank.
Now was the time for counter charges, The Knightly Orders combined with the Halberd’s and Markus charged into the Ironbreakers with the 2 Knights hitting the flank. Markus and struck down 2 Iron Breakers while the First Knight impaled 2 Ironbreakers on his lance and another fell to his horse. In return, 2 Halberdmen fell, but the stubborn Ironbreakers were being overwhelmed and fled (Authors Note: 2 failed 10 or less breaktests due to the BSB nearby) they were pursed and hacked down by the Knights and Markus’s war hammers.
Jedrik and his Knights hacked down another 4 Slayers losing 1 in return, but the slayers held firm.
Across the battlefield, the Swordmen finally struck the finishing blow on Nagash and the Gyrocopter fled the battle with the Swordmen in pursuit. The Quarreller’s saw the victorious Swordmen and the Gryocopter fleeing, so decided to run rather than face the same end as Nagash.
Epilogue:
Finally as the battles raged, a horn in the distance sounded. Hagrim recognized this sound as did Jedrik one of the Dwarfen holds was under attack. Hagrim signaled to his Throng to end the fighting and both sides as Jedrik did the same. Hagrim Dwarfs left the field and rushed back to defend the hold.
Jedrik and his men gathered as they watched the Dwarf’s leave, Jedrik ordered everyone to check on the wounded. Luckily, Allistar, Henry, Markus, Thomas and Jedrik had all survived their wounds. Jedrik thanked Ulric for saving their lives, but knew it would be sometime before they could continue the march.
Final result:
Empire: 1027
Dwarf: 1057
A Draw
Notes:
I can’t believe I squeaked out a Draw. I was losing the entire game. If he hadn’t failed his Breaktest twice on that stubborn unit I surely would have lost.
Let me know what you think,
eagletsi
, really enjoyed it. You're right about just getting a draw, it was quite a close draw too.
