MKI comes to a close... is it the end of Broken imbalances?

I have been playing Hordes now for around 2-3 years, sticking mainly with Trollbloods the vast majority of the time.

With the finalization of the MKII rules eminent and the fact that MKI will most likely never ever be played in our LGS again it is time to retire my MKI numbers and start up some MKII stats. The MKII stats will be more inclusive, there will be a column just for me but I will be collecting stats from around ten other Troll players as well. It is sad to step away from this being a personal thing, but in the future the blog will be better for all the Troll players not just me. It appears the broken imbalances will be erased in MKII, but for now we will have to wait and see.

So here they are in all their glory... the numbers!

The first set of numbers is my overall win/loss percentages with each Troll Caster since the first day I picked up the Troll battlebox. In the first months of playing, my poor Trolls almost never ever won, unless you count 8 tough rolls in a row against rKaya on my third or fourth game when my Impaler then moved in and one shot her. Since that time the numbers have been better putting most my averages at almost 70% win. Here is the list.

Army	W	L	D	PCT
Cygnar	19	8	0	70.370
Cryx	10	19	0	34.483
Khador	14	3	0	82.353
Protectorate of Menoth	13	3	0	81.250
Mercenaries	3	0	0	100.000
Skorne	15	9	1	60.000
Trollbloods	6	1	0	85.714
Circle of Orboros	9	5	0	64.286
Legion of Everblight	14	4	0	77.778
Warmachine	60	33	0	64.516
Hordes	44	19	1	68.750
Totals	101	51	1	66.013
	STRK		W7

As you can see I struggled against Cryx ALOT, but there at the end my winning streak of 7 was the second longest streak of my MKI career, then best streak I had was with Grissel, Horthol and Longriders with 11 in a row.

The next set of numbers I started collecting was killing blows. This stat was to keep track of which one of my models ended up with the caster kill. I started collecting them about the time of the release of the Hero and you don't caster kill every win so the numbers are smaller. Here are my results.
Warcaster/Warlock Killing Blows (top 10)

* Trollkin Hero - 10
* Earthborn Dire Troll - 9
* Borka Kegslayer - 7
* Grim Angus - 6
* Troll Impaler - 5
* Trollkin Champions - 4
* Madrak Ironhide - 4
* Grissel Bloodsong - 3
* Dire Troll Mauler - 3
* Mulg The Ancient - 2

As you can see, the Hero took some names. His MKI incarnation was downright brutal the turn after I sacrificed a few Champs to get the Hero into position. My Earthborn also seemed to always get a caster dead or get him close enough for a few Champs or Grim to pick it off afterword. MKII has killed the Heroes assassination capabilities making him more of an infantry killer but the Earthborn and nowadays probably Mulg will gladly fill those shoes.

My last stat was the caster win stats, mainly because I wanted to see how my goto casters did AND because I can't help myself.

Caster	W	L	D	PCT
Borka Kegslayer	9	2	0	81.81
Calandra Truthsayer	6	5	0	54.55
Grim Angus	29	12	0	70.73
Grissel Bloodsong	19	7	0	73.08
Hoarluk Doomshaper	1	4	0	20.00
Hoarluk Doomshaper, Rage of Dhunia	3	5	1	33.33
Madrak Ironhide	26	10	0	72.22
Madrak Ironhide, World Ender	5	2	0	71.43

While Borka owns the best percentage, by and large my favorite two casters to play were rMadrak and Grim. These two presented each end of the spectrum for Troll playstyle in MKI and were usually the best options to keep my opponents on their toes. If they planned for a Brick they had to hope they didn't see Grim. Grissel needs mention as I won a lot with her and she and Borka are my only two first place tourney finishes.

The new numbers should be bigger, better and more inclusive. Some won't be on the blog for a bit, but they will get there. We will have what was there before, but this time we will include not only each caster's win percentage, but their percentages against each faction.

On a side note I am looking for a way to setup on online form where those giving me numbers can input them on their own instead of sending them to me, then I can just open the inputs and update the blog. If anyone has that expertise they are willing to lend it would be fantastic.

Also I would like to welcome a few new authors to the Scrum. The ever popular and insightful Sevwall is a very experienced Troll player and is quite active on the PP forums. Kaptain Von is a newer Troll player than spends much of his time on the dark side of the game over in Cryx land and will provide an excellent point of view about Trolls. I have always thought Cryx to be the army that is most like Trolls, though many will say it is Menoth or Khador. And finally Josh Gardner a.k.a General Nemo from the PP forums, he has typically been what I would refer to as 'The Voice of Reason' on the forums. I am still looking for a couple more to contribute here if anyone wants a place to post Troll musings AND announce upcoming events in their local LGS.

Grim's Gunners

Grim could feel something different in the world around him but couldn't quite pinpoint it.  He of course had bigger issues at hand, with two separate Cygnar armies approaching.  He looked through is scope at one of them lead by a very old, very capable looking man. He knew Nemo instantly though he had never met the man.  His army was co-ordinated and very precise though they looked more relaxed, "Nemo would surround himself with veterans," Grim mumbled under his breath.  He swiveled his scope the other direction to take a look at the other group of Cygnar's warriors.  A mounted man he had met and barely defeated in battle only once before.  He had with him a handful of jacks including one that made Grim shiver just a little.  Though he couldn't place the casters name, he knew a Hunter when he saw one.  As he watched the two separate armies array themselves against him he caught a glimpse of something in the mounted caster's eye... yes he saw it in Nemo's almost saddened expression.  One of the two Cygnar caster's was a fake.  Some dropout journeyman with some potential, but unable to pass the final tests to become the leader Cygnar wanted.  Grim nodded to himself and decided which one of the two he thought was a phony and set his army in motion. "Cannonball," Grim said to his battle-hardened Earthborn, "I found some jacks for you to smash, you wanna go get em?"  Cannonball grinned and started off in anticipation of one of his favorite games... Beating up on Warjacks.

In what will probably be our last MKI match ever, only three people showed up for game night so we decided to play 500pt armies against each other.  I rolled highest with Grim and opted to go first, Nemo went second and Kraye went third.  Our armies to the best of my knowledge.

Faction: Trollblood TR
Points: 495
Model Count: 9
Victory Points: 18

Grim Angus Points: 76
Troll Axer Points: 72
Troll Impaler Points: 75
Earthborn Dire Troll Points: 125
Alten Ashley, Monster Hunter Points: 32
Rorsh Points: 100
Brine Points: 0
Swamp Gobber Bellows Crew [2] Points: 15

Faction: Cygnar CG
Points: 499
Model Count: 9
Victory Points: 17

Captain Jeremiah Kraye Points: 87
Hunter Points: 88
Lancer Points: 76
Ironclad Points: 103
Gun Mage Captain Adept Points: 32
Journeyman Warcaster Points: 25
Major Katherine Laddermore Points: 59
Eiryss, Mage Hunter of Ios Points: 29

Faction: Cygnar CY
Points: 498
Model Count: 26
Victory Points: 19

Commander Adept Sebastian Nemo Points: 75
Squire Points: 18
Thorn Points: 93
Gun Mage Captain Adept Points: 32
Journeyman Warcaster Points: 25
Black 13th Gun Mage Strike Team [3] Points: 77
Sword Knights [6] (0 added) Points: 56
Sword Knight Officer & Standard Bearer [2] Points: 27
Alexia Ciannor Points: 52
Thrall Warrior Points: 0
The Risen [6] Points: 0
Lady Aiyana & Master Holt [2] Points: 43

Okay let me stat of by saying that I made these pics a few days after the game, so exact distances and movement may not be totally on.  At least you can get an idea of the flow of the game from them.  I will put some blurbs in but will for the most part only put in deaths and some pivotal attacks in the turn listings.

Deployment - Trolls went fist and I deployed in the middle of my side with Nemo to my right and Kraye to my left.

Turn 1 - DeathsAlten Tr KILL pEiryss Cg

Alten turned an winked a Grim, he knew of course that he couldn't normally shoot that far and that Grim had likely helped him.  They respected each others ability of course, and both of them could handle themselves, but that didn't stop them from competing one with another.  Not to be outdone by that wiley Troll ablino he set his sights again on the next target sensing Grim's help again he still knew hitting his target was all up to him.

Turn 2 - Deaths

Alten KILL Tr Journeyman Cg
Holt Cy KILL Laddermore Cg

KRAYE FEAT
Lancer, Ironclad CG KILL Brine Tr
Gun Mage CG KILL Thrall Cy

Eager to help as much as Alten did, Rorsh sent Brine running in.  No matter how hurt his big friend got he always seemed to survive when the battle was over, "Let us make Cannonball wish he got there first eh Briney, go take a hit and then take him down."

Turn 3 - Deaths
Brine Tr 2-Shots Ironclad Cg
EBDT Tr 2-Shots Lancer Cg
Kraye Cg HITS Alexia KILL 3 undead Cy
GunMage Cr KILL Thrall Cy

Cannonball did think too much, but he did think that stupid pig deserved to be out of the fight while he finished off the other jacks... They were his to smash, but he would let the pig have one at least.



Turn 4 - Deaths
Grim Tr - Alexia Cy
GRIM FEAT
Impaler Tr KD Officer and SK Cy
B13 Cy KILL Gobber
Gun Mage Cy KILL Gun Mage Cg
Kraye KILL Holt Cy

Nemo thought to outflank Grim while he dealt with what must be a Kraye imposter,  Nemo would let them beat each other up a bit before he fully comitted his forces to the fight. The Gun Mage next to him said in alarm just as Nemo himself noticed what was happening, "That Troll has literally crushed him and our forces are unable to engage him, we may be too late sir." Nemo just scowled at him, he had lost some initiative but his sword knights were more than capable of taking down those beasts of Grim's.  His respect for that Troll has just increased however, his reputation for being a true hunter of men was becoming quite apparent. "We will hold because we must, but when the Trolls spell fades we will cut him off from his support"  Just as he spoke those words though, Rian of his Black 13th was cut down from Grim's friend in the Tree's... wasn't he supposed to be a beast hunter?

Turn 5 - Deaths
Alten Tr KILL B13 Rian
Axer Tr KILL Sword Knight x2 Cy
Rorsh Tr KILL Sword Knight x1 Cy
Impaler Tr KD Officer KILL SK Cy
B13 Cy KILL Gobber Tr
B13 Cy KILL Rorsh
Hunter Cg BEANS Grim Tr xFer


Turn 6 - Deaths
EBDT Tr KILL Kraye, Hunter deactivates.
Cg OUT
Impaler KILL Sword Knight
Axer KILL Sword Knight Standard Unit Flees
B13 Cy KILL Axer

Laying on the dirt wondered what had gone wrong, the imposter Kraye finally realized he was not whom he thought he was.  He had the vague impression of being in a Cryxian ritual in which they made him who he was... but if he was not Kraye, then who was he indeed.  As he choked on his last breath he almost thought he could remember training as a junior to Kraye fresh out of the academy.

Nemo's Gun Mage was bolstered by his own success against the imposter and Nemo's ability to command.  He turned his guns up towards Grim thinking to help put this Troll to an end. As he squinted down his sights he saw Grim's rifle pointed his way...

Having done all he could to help Grim, it quickly became apparent that his last kill would be the end of him. He hunkered down in the trees pretending to be hit by the last shot from a shooter whom he thought might be better than he was.  As he lay hidden in the uderbrush, he realized that his left arm had gone numb and could feel a pool of blood forming around his shoulder, maybe he was out of the fight.  As he drifted into unconsciousness his already high respect for Cygnar grew a little more.

Turn 7 - Deaths
Grim Tr KILL Gun Mage Cy
Impaler Tr KILL Journeyman
EBDT takes out most of Thorn no kill
Nemo Hits Grim for no damage
B13 KILL Alten
B13 Hits Grim xfer to EBDT
Sword Knight Rally
Nemo Flares

Grim still couldn't shake the feeling that something was changing in the very fabric of the world around him.  He shook his head, he was not used to being so easily distracted.  Cannonball roared from the side as he tore into yet another warjack and Grim refocused, this time on Nemo himself.  It would be unfortunate to kill a general of Nemo's ability but he would do what he must.  He leveled Headhunter and fired, watching Nemo stagger but not go down.  As he leveled to fire again lightning blasted into his side.

Nemo was hurt, more than he had been in a long time.  Sending lightning powered by his own invention into Grim he watched the damage melt off him and into his giant Warbeast.  The fight not yet being over, he blasted another bolt towards Grim but missed high.

Turn 8 - Deaths
EBDT CRIPPLES Thorn
Impaler misses Nemo
Grim REDUCES Nemo to 2 Damage
B13 misses Grim
Nemo hits Grim for no damage
Sword Knights x2 KILL Impaler


Losing another one of Madrak's Impalers was not going to make him happy.  It was time to end this, he leveled Headhunter at Nemo again and found himself looking Nemo in the eye.  Nemo nodded and signaled his withdraw.  Grim nodded, put down his rifle and used the bond to let Cannonball know the time for fighting was over.  He could hear Cannonballs' roar of protest but knew today's carnage would be enough.  The fight had been costly but he had somehow came up on top.  He saw that Rorsh and Brine though badly hurt were already gone and set off to find Alten.

Turn 9 - Deaths
Grim KILL Nemo
NEMO OUT

Alten awoke with his head pounding, his foggy eyes began to clear and he focused in on his rescuer.  It was Grim, smiling knowingly, "Good showing Alten, you did quite well today," Grim cuckled, "Have some whelp ale and we will discuss who had the better shots."  Alten grimaced and swallowed down some ale, he knew Grim would poke fun at him for having to rescue him, "sounds like all your doing is hiding in some trees when you should be shooting Cygnarrians.  Don't worry though, I got all the hard targets for you," Alten chuckled and grimaced again at a new wave of pain in his shoulder.  Grim, usually quiet, actually bellowed and then pointed at Cannonball who was wearing the top of a hunter's head for a cap while grinning widely.  They both chuckled at the hulking beast and the three of them set off for Madrak's camp, Grim would have to see if Madrak had felt the strangeness to the world.

Grim Takes MKI out with a bang.

In what will most likely be the last Mark I game played with my Trolls we played a three way match pitting a 500 point Grim list vs a 500 point Kraye and a 500 point Nemo, last night.

Needless to say it was a glorious battle full of all the things we love in Warmachine... battle report coming soon.

Borka vs Seige Battle Report

Not the first time Borka wished his Keg Carrier would stop bathing in their Kegs of Whelp Ale. He had to admit though that it seemed to be bringing him luck. Luck for Borka often meant warriors around him died, but those that fought along his side knew he would always go where the battle was thickest. He crushed another mug of ale and began tapping his mace on his knees... he needed action, this forest was getting boring.

"We have found some enemies," Seige's Gun Mage Captain reported, "a small group of Trolls have wandered too far into our territory sir." Seige didn't dislike the Trolls, in fact he had fought beside them on more than one occaision and found them to be more honorable than most humans. That and the punishment they could both take and dish out in hand to hand combat was downright legendary. His orders were clear however, all invaders to this part of Cygnarian territory were to be eliminated. There was too much secrecy in Cygnar right now. Trolls were nasty in hand to hand combat, which is why he planned to shoot them do death. He signaled his officers, whitout a word they sprang into action. Respect for the Trolls was one thing, but his duty to Cygnar came first.

My Army
Borka Kegslayer
Pyg Keg Carrier
Dire Troll Mauler
Krielstone Bearer and Stone Scribes
Trollkin Champions
Fell Caller
Fell Caller
Trollkin Hero
Trollkin Hero
Stone Scribe Elder

His Army (I think)
Major Markus 'Siege' Brisbane
Squire
Black 13th Gun Mage Strike Team
Journeyman Warcaster
Stormguard 10/10?
Gun Mage Captain Adept
Defender
Reinholdt, Gobber Speculator

MAP
Our Map was full of terrain with a couple low diagonal walls in the middle with a blocking silo off the middle left. A couple of big forests close on each left side, with a small treeline running up the right side.

Cygnar won the roll and opted to go first.

Deployment
Cygnar - His Stormguard were right up the middle with his jack, caster and solos right behind them. The B13 lined up along my left flank.
Trolls - Everything in the middle of course. Though two Fel Callers and one Hero did line up accross from the B13.

Turn 1
Cygnar - The B13 headed straight into the forest running to get there. The Stormguard also run right up the middle. Seige shields the SG and moves up and to my right behind them.
Trolls - Champs run to the first low wall in the middle. Both Fel Callers and a Hero run towards the B13 falling a few inches short of melee. Mauler and the other Hero hang back putting the silo in between Cygnar and themselves. Borka casts mosh pit but forgets to hit the Hero in front of the B13 with Bum Rush.

"Hang back you Bone Headed, Sons of Brag." Borka gave his men a free hand, but if they didn't listen to him the few times he had orders for them then he would let them die of their own choices. Seeing the Fel Callers run out into the open to be shot by the Cygnarian Troops was foolish for Battle hardened warriors. Live or die, those three would not be sharing his Ale with him anytime in the near future.

Turn 2
Cygnar - Sure enough my mistake costs me the lives of a Hero and a Fel Caller to the B13. The SG move up just out of range for Champs to charge and stop. Not wanting to kill Kenny Ground Pounder hits the Champs doing little damage. The Gun Mage moves over to shoot at the other Hero behind the Silo and hits him for four damage. Seige leaves the SG shielded and his jack takes a shot at the Mauler but is out of range.
Trolls - Fel Caller stabs Rian to death and is pretty much done, alone with the remaining two B13 means he will probably die on his next turn. Champs run to engage the SG, Borka upkept Mosh pit and moves up hoping to bounce of bomb off the jack and into reinholdt but it misses and drifts intot he SG doing no damage. Borka casts Bum Rush on the Hero and then Kenny LQ's Borka and moves up and in front of him. Stone casts +2 Armor and stands right next to Kenny.

"That Troll looks to be almost the same size as the legendary Slaughterborn," the Journeyman commented to no one in particular. To wich Seige replyed, "I know him, stay back and shoot him if you want to live. His name is Borka, and his ability to smash up his enemies is almost as great as his ability to drink." Seige could see the battle unfolding and knew it to be a rout. Borka's front line was nearly collaspsed, his flanking warriors were destroyed and his beast looked pretty hurt. Accompanied by little losses on his side and it was a bad day for Borka... It looked as though Borka didn't care and was even drinking, and was that little Troll actually bathing in the keg?

Turn 3
Cygnar - The B13 Finish off the last Fel Caller. Gun Mage shoots at the Stone killing the sacrificial scribe behind him. Seige activates and feats but is reluctant to use Ground Pounder near Borka for fear of killing Kenny the Keg Carrier. The jack shoots the Mauler cutting its life in half and the SG kill three Champs one of them making tough, Mosh pit doesnt work as his SG are lined up in two rows.

Borka relized he would be taking matters into his own hands, his Mauler Dave had already suggested it crudely. The Mauler was acutally learning to speak a crude version of the common Troll tongue. "Kenny get out of that Keg and bring me the whole keg," Slaying the Keg he nodded to Dave and once again Borka got a flying lesson.

Trolls - Having lost too many warriors and not killed enough of his stuff I decide its time to go for it. The remaining three Champs kill a few stormguard on the end trying to open a lane for Borka. The Stone moves up as far as is and and Pops the +2 STR aura. Kenny activates and puts LQ on Borka. The Mauler goes next putting Rage on Borka and steps up behind him to throw, Borka nearly Str checks out of the throw but the drift of 2" directly toward the gobber puts him in pefect position. Borka then activates and proceeds to beat Seige's face in, @ POW20 it is dice -1 on damage. Borka boosts to hit on the first attack and does 15 damage on four dice, buys a second attack boosts to hit and damage dealing an additional 14 damage ending it for Seige.

The last thing seige remembered was seeing Borka flying directly towards him through the air, thrown by his Dire Troll. Borka hit the ground running and promptly bashed Siege in the head. Seige was dazed seeing spots before his eyes, he tried focusing on his warcaster ability to aid him but his mind was too fuzzy. As he looked up at Borka he saw the mace coming at him again unable to scramble out of the way everything went black. He awoke in a clearing with waht was left of his army, some Storm Guard and two Black 13 members. "The Gun Mage has left to get help," Lynch said, "They destroyed any who resisted along with our jacks and left us with a small keg of their brew." Seige chuckled and wondered why Borka had left him alive.

Synopsis - Running up the Fel Callers was supposed to be a distraction for the B13 so they could get killed allowing the hero to Bum Rush them. A good tactic IF you remember to cast bum rush. Mosh Pit was useless against a ranged army. I will miss the Borka Bomb in MKII.

Grissel vs Seige Summer Rampage kickoff battle

Grissel sat looking at the small Pyre Troll with her, suprisingly it was a female and had been with her since her mate had been taken from her. Smoke and ash rising off her skin the Pyre Troll was in a small island of clear air while the rest of Grissel's army lay shrouded in the cold mist. "We must take the ridge," Grissel grimaced at how well even her most muted commands seemed to carry through the air. Without question her handpicked Champions and their hero's jogged quitely towards thier objective.

For Once Trolls had priority so we played in IOS as per our battleplans. We rolled the Ridgeline scenario and the global effect gave everyone stealth for two rounds. Our map had a small forest and some ruins on his side of the board and a house and hill on my side. He rolled highest and elected to go first.

My List
Grissel Bloodsong, Fell Caller Points: 70
Pyre Troll Points: 68
Trollkin Hero Points: 38
Trollkin Hero Points: 38
Krielstone Bearer & Stone Scribes [4] (0 added) Points: 34
[*]Stone Scribe Elder [1] Points: 18
Trollkin Champions [5] Points: 106
Trollkin Champions [5] Points: 106
Swamp Gobber Bellows Crew [2] Points: 15


His list
Major Markus 'Siege' Brisbane
Squire
Journeyman Warcaster
Defender
Sword Knights
Sword Knight Officer and Standard Bearer
Black 13th Gun Mage Strike Team
Gun Mage Captain Adept
Lady Aiyana and Master Holt
Reinholdt, Gobber Speculator

Deployment and Turn 1
Cygnar - He ran his gun mage into the ruins his sword knights up the middle to the ridge with his caster, squire, jack and journeyman up the side of the ruins. The B13 took the other side with A&H.
Trolls - My Champs all ran up the middle with a Hero on each flank. Grissel hoofs the stone and move up behind the Champs with the Pyre on her heels. Gobbers drop smoke on the Champs and stone pops armor.

In a puff of cold smoke the Gun Mage reported to Siege, "The mists obscure their adance, we cannot see them well enough to target them." Un-Impressed Seige stepped up and made the Ground all around the center of the Troll army erupt killing a few and suprising the Troll witch leading them.

Turn 2
Cygnar - Seige moves his battlegroup up a bit and pounds Grissel doing seven damage and killing a couple scribes. Gun mage shoots a scribe who toughs. B13 tries to flare a misses and so cant hit my stealthed stuff. A&H move around the house. Knights charge the Champs but have some really bad dice. and don't do much damage.
Trolls - Grissel feats one unit of Champs kills many many knights. The other units runs and then hoofs it to surround two of the B13 while a Hero charges the third killing him the hoofs towards Holt but is out of range to engage him. The other hero charges up to the defender and kills Reinholdt but misses the gunmage on his backswing. Scribes move up and Gobbers attempt to block A&H with smoke.

Seige made eye contact with Grissel and held up his hands to indicate she had missed him. Watching Holt go around the house and shoot her in the back he had a feeling the Troll witch would soon be dead. As he moved up on them he watched the normally competent Rian blow up her unit along with a few Trolls. He flung a spell at Grissel and watched in unbelief as it sailed wide, and scoffed as the Gun Mage fumbled so badly out of the ruined house he couldn't even get a shot off at Grissel.

Turn 3
Cygnar - Rian toasts three Champs and the rest of her units. Holt goes around the house and gets a bead on Grissel hurting her a little leaving her with seven wounds. Seige halfs everyones armor and tries to kill Grissel but misses rolling three ones. the Defender kills the hero and the Gun mage tries to finish off Grissel but comes up short on range. the last few knights kill a champ and he is done.
Trolls - Pyre Troll frenzies into a couple of sword knights and the champs finish them off securing the objective so I end my turn for the win.

Having taken the ridge Grissel made eye contact with Seige and held her hands up to indicate he had missed. True to form she allowed the remaining Cygnar army to withdraw. It was time for a drink afterall.

Even though Seige could no longer see the Trolls or even the ridge he could still hear the faint song from the Troll witch and had to admit that it entranced even him.

Calandra suffers from a Nightmare

Calandra woke up in a cold sweat, not a good sign the morning before a battle. She shook it off and went through her morning routine, consulting her cards after freshening up. She had many different ways of predicting the future, in her mind they all aided her in the same way. She would know what was coming so she could manipulate the odds in her favor.

We rolled random at the start of our game to determine game size and we rolled 750 which ended up pitting Calandra vs Mortenebra.

My List
Calandra Truthsayer, Oracle of the Glimmerwood
Dire Troll Mauler
Fell Caller
Trollkin Hero
Trollkin Hero
Wrong Eye
> Snapjaw
Kriel Warriors [9] (3 added)
> Kriel Warrior Standard & Piper [2]
Krielstone Bearer & Stone Scribes [6] (2 added)
> Stone Scribe Elder [1]
Swamp Gobber Bellows Crew [2]
Trollkin Champions [5]
Trollkin Scattergunners [6] (0 added)

His List looked something like this
Master Necrotech Mortenebra
> Deryliss
> Cankerworm
> Defiler
> Defiler
> Deathjack
> Nightmare
Scrap Thrall
Necrotech
Necrotech
Necrotech
Orin Midwinter, Rogue Inquisitor
Bane Thralls [6] (0 added)
Withershadow Combine [3]

Our map had two small raised areas in front of our deployment zones on my left side of the board, a small pond in the middle and a forest up right side middle. He rolled highest and opted to go first.

After seeing the Cryxian army advance, Calandra got goose bumps while looking at the big Cryxian jacks. One of them moved unerringly towards her, the other big jack went for her Champions. Sensing the imminent danger she used her abilities to make her army tougher than normal. "That should do the trick," she mumbled, "If those jacks get too dangerous we will survive and destroy them."

Deployment
Cryx - He spread out with his caster on my left with the Cankerworm and Deathjack, putting his Combine, Biles and Nightmare up the middle.
Trolls - I spread my Kriels out to the right with my Champs and Heros left leaving Wrongeye, the Mauler, KSB and Calandra in the middle.

Turn 1
Cryx - He advances his whole army forward with the Deathjack on my left and the Nightmare in the middle.
Trolls - My Kriels run forward and cover the middle of the board. The Champs run toward the Deathjack, one Hero back on each side of their flank. The rest of my army moves up the middle, Caladra behind Wrongeye and Snapjaw she feats casts star crossed and puts the rest of the fury on the stone that puts up the no continuous effects aura, the Nightmare moves up.

Turn 2
Cryx - The Deathjack moves into the Champions killing the first one in one hit, he rolls a one on his tough check and dies, the Nightmare moves up. The Deathjack hits a second Champ who also dies horribly rolling a one on his tough check. The Cankerworm moves up on the Hero hitting it for three damage, he counterstrikes hitting it for twelve damage. The Nightmare moves up and barely gets Calandra in range, he hits her for eighteen damage in one hit, she rolls tough, he hits her again for three damage, she rolls a one on tough and dies horribly.

Laying in a pool of her own blood Calandra wondered why she hadn't forseen her own death. She had always been able to see glimses of the future of everyone around her but never her own. As she coughed up blood she watched the Nightmarish jack move on to another of her Kith and Kriel, she closed her eyes and began to fade from the world of the living... Calandra woke up in a cold sweat, not a good sign the morning before a battle...

Synopsis - such is the nature of tough that I fail three out four tough checks when anything but a one or two will save me.

Big SLC Tourney

She looks like a Troll right?...

So a few of us from Logan went to SLC for a big tournament. I took my Trolls, McCryx came with Cryx of course, and as expected Cygnar Brian brought Cygnar. We played a Steamroller4 format and had four rounds.

It started off great for Trolls, I managed to roll over my first opponent who brought the new Skorne caster. It was a great game and the new Skorne caster is awesome, I managed to overwhelm his flank with my Longriders and Grissels feat ate up Molik Karn with Champs giving them a lane through his Shaman and then into his Krea and caster. VP of the Round, Champs for sure killing three times their points to bring.

Second round went badly but Grissel managed to squeeze one out by getting some extra fury from a dieing beast. Making Terminus fail his assasination run and dieing with a Mauler in his back. VP Grissel for being tough as nails.

Third round was epic, it was against Saeryn with Typhon and all that Legion crap. I brought Caladanra and a mess of troops and it was spectacualar. Giving and taking dice from Legion kept alot of my stuff alive much longer than it should have been. My minimum unit of Scattergunners did an awesome job of clearing out his swordsmen. I rerolled a hit against Typhon with my Impaler hoping for a crit slam that would have devastated him and probably won me the game. Instead he was able to clear a lane with a lucky throw distance roll of six from Typhon, which he needed a six to hit Calandra and knock her down. Close game and I don't think he expected Trolls to give him so much trouble. VP Scattergunners.

Fourth Round was against eGoreshade, the air was let out of my sails when Grissels first longrider died to a countercharge on my first turn. He outplayed me in everyway, and my list ditch effort to toss a hero into his caster failed from another countercharge taking out the Maulers Spirit and the Pyre missing a throw. VP Slag Troll for actually killing something.

Win/Loss
2-2
Wins - Terminus and Mordikarr
Loss - Saeryn and eGoreshade

Fun tourney and it was nice to play some other people, I learned a few tweeks for my lists and also learned that I missed rMadrak horribly in Steamroller4.

Escalation Round 3

Watching the Cryxian army burn the supply cache made Grissel feel tired. Her voice rang out clear in the night, "We ride for home with haste, it is time to leave this area and avoid any unnecessary loss." Grissel knew they moved too slowly, even as they passed the same hill she fought on earlier they Cryxian army was already poised to engage her. Her forces looked tired and beaten so she lifted up her voice in song to warm their hearts and renew their minds. As she did so a familiar face appeared to her from the dark of night, it was the Hero that had fought along her side, sharing tankards of ale and the glory of battle. "I could not stay away from you lady," the Hero boasted, "I have convinced a unit of my brethen along with another Hero to join with me in bringing you whatever assistance we may." Grissel's weariness faded upon seeing him and almost she reached out to grasp him, but then thoughts of her fallen partner washed it all away. Still, this Hero was persistant, and handsome...

His Army (I think)
Army Points: 748

Wraith Witch Deneghra 87
Cankerworm 75
Nightmare 121
Deathripper 38
Deathripper 38
Pistol Wraith 33
Bane Lord Tartarus 40
Bane Thralls (13 pts.) 82
Bane Knights (12 pts.) 75
Withershadow Combine 70
Revenant Cannon Crew 32
Bile Thralls (6 pts.) 41
Skarlock 16

My Army
Army Points: 751

Grissel Bloodsong 70
Pyre Troll 68
Slag Troll 70
Dire Troll Mauler 111
Horthol 66
Trollkin Long Riders (26 pts.) 113
Trollkin Champions 106
Trollkin Hero 38
Trollkin Hero 38
Fell Caller 35
Stone Scribe Chronicler 19
Swamp Gobber Bellows Crew 15

Map
We rolled the same stinking map that I had in round one. He rolled highest and opted to deploy first.

Deployment
Denny - He put his Bane Knights on my far left with Tartarus and an Arcnode. Nightmare, Denny, Combine and Thralls in the middle. Biles on my right. Cankerworm on the backside of the hill.
Trolls - I deployed my whole army on my right side putting, Grissel and the two light beasts behind the forest with the Champs and Heros in front of them, Horthol on my right edge, the LR from the forest towards the middle with the Mauler. Fel Caller and Chronicler with Grissel.

Turn 1
Denny - He began with a cautious advance moving forward with just about everything, his middle group with caster came towards me around the hill and the BK moved to flank going around the other side of the hill. Cankerworm postures around the hill a little getting a better position.
Trolls - I ran my LR about 12" forward and around the hill, Horthol followed suit going right up the sideline. The Mauler did a full run, Fel Caller moved around to the sideline and hit the Champs with Pathfinder who ran forward 10 with a Hero going around either side of the forest Chronicler in tow. Grissel and the Lights went right into the forest.

"We will crush them and raise their bones to fill our ranks," Deneghra smiled. The Nightmare next to her seemed to itch for action, "you may have the Troll Witch, when you are done with her we will crush her bones to dust," Deneghra's gift to the Nightmare sent it so focused on Grissel that she could almost see the reflection of the Troll in its eyes.

Turn 2
Denny - He advances again taking a fruitless pot shot with his cannon. Bane Knights run around the hill some more with the Pistol Wraith in tow. Biles move to get into position to purge while Bane Thralls move to intercept up the middle. One arcnode moves up and he tries a spell that ends up being short of the LR by about 1/2 an inch. The Nightmare also takes a point spot to countercharge and the combine takes up positions in front of Denny and the Skarloc a little more towards my right side of the board. Cankerworm postures around the hill a little getting a better position... again.
Trolls - Grissel moves out of the forest and Hoofs the LR. The LR the go their 21" getting all the Biles engaged as well as both his arcnodes. The Mauler moves up to counter charge and the Champs run again 10" nearly getting into melee. Chronicler hit them with Chapter 1 after going up the sideline. Horthol runs left a little in hopes of getting in the Nightmares way. Light Beasts block lanes to Grissel along with the Fel Caller.

Turn 3
Denny - He proceeds to toast all the LR he can killing the two by his nodes with the Cankerworm and the Nightmare, his Bane Thralls go after the LR to no avail the skarlock activates and we measure to see if he in rage of a LR, he is and takes a free strike death for trying to move. Two of the combine move in on a LR doing some damage but not killing it. The BaneKnights decide to run over the hill finding themselves out of position with the Pistol wraith in tow. Denny does some stuff but rolls horribly and misses on the offensive, the last combine member covers her flank.
Trolls - Grissel moves up and feats then shoots at an arcnode for no damage. Champs run up into his front line attacking an arcnode killing it and a few Biles. Slag Troll moves up and shoots at the Arcnode missing it, forces for his ability casts his animus on a LR and hoofs into the Nightmare. One Hero charges left to the other arcnode taking out the node while the other charges some Biles on the right killing three. The LR move in on the Thralls killing all but two of them. Pyre Troll lobs a shot at the Combine hitting them for a few damage. Horthol charges the arcnode with the Hero by it and finishes is then Hoofs it to flank Denny on my left.

"Her best becomes my best," Deneghra began to cackle as sparks of darkness began to flow from her to the Champions. Their eyes glazed over and as one they turned their axes towards Grissel.

Turn 4
Denny - Denny moves up and feats getting my whole army, then takes over my Champs. the Nightmare hurts the Slag for about half his life taking about a dozen damage for the trouble. Tartarus finishes off a LR who tough rolls hurting Tartarus for five, he hits him again killing himself because the LR tough rolled again. Bane Thralls move in and finish off the remaining LR but one remains due to tough. Knights take out the Hero on the Left but cannot get much else done because the cannot recieve the run order Pistol Wraith takes a few shots at Grissel doing a little damage and missing an attack. Combine snake eyes a magic attack on Horthol and position in front of Denny. Cankerworm moves in on the Fel Caller kills it and moves away. All in all two good feat turns. Though his seems better since he left me with very little and had a fresh unit of Champs.
Trolls - Mauler hits the Slag with rage and stands there due to Denny's feat. The last two LR kill the last Thrall. The best part about this turn was the Slag who two Hand throws the Nightmare at Denny boosting to hitting hurting her and killing two of the three Combine along with boosted damage on the Nightmare to finish it as well. Too bad the last combine member was still alive because he keeps my Champs for free because of him. Grissel Cachophony's again keeping the Knights away for one more turn.

Turn 5
Denny - He moves my Champs in on the Mauler getting two of them in range of Grissel. She then has to push damage twice onto the Pyre Troll. Pistol Wraith finishes off the Pyre Troll. Banes move in on the Mauler but are unable to get close enough. The last combine member moves back out of the way so he can upkeep the spell for free to keep my Champs. Denny kills the last two longriders two more times but they keep tough rolling and one of them lives to talk about it. Cankerworm moves up and finishes off the Slag Troll easily taking a few damage for it.

Seeing the Valor of the Slag Troll, the Hero looked over the battle field. It was not looking good at all. He glared at the Cryxian Witch and saw Horthol bravely taking a sword to his side as he charge passed a Cryxian and into the caster. Grissel called a song to him filling him with renewed strength and bravery as he charged the witch himself. He would show Grissel why she needed him, even if she did not think she needed another mate.

Trolls - It appears I am done, with my Champs about to kill Grissel and his Cankerworm able to help if needed I decide to go for it. Grissel Heroic Ballads the Hero who Charges Denny through a gap but the Hero misses two of three attacks. The Mauler takes two Free Strikes from Champs to get close enough to Horthol to use Rage on him. Horthol then Charges Denny taking a free strike from the last combine member taking seven damage, eight damage would have unhorsed him giving him only one attack on Denny. Horthols Mount Crits to knock Denny down and hurts her good, he follows up and mashes her in the head ending the game.

After the Cryxian witch was crushed between Horthol and himself, the Hero clasped hands with the Lonrider Champion, "it is an honor to taste the blood of our enemies with you," Horthol bowed in his saddle as he praised the Hero. Ashamed at Horthols words he turned to see Grissel approach, "It seems I owe you yet another drink," Grissel nodded to Horthol and even winked at the Hero. No matter if she returned his affection the Hero knew he was Grissel's man to the end.

Synopsis
A lucky streak was with me this tournament for sure, I think I got outplayed in every game. Also, I hate CRYX!!!

Escalation Rounds 1 & 2

Riding up to Grissel, Horthol scowled as he gave his message to her from Madrak, "He asks to you take your force as quickly as you can to the other side of the plains. If we can get there quickly we can secure a cache of supplies and weapons deposited there by some Circle of Orbos folk as they moved on. It is rumored there are some relics of great power among them..." Grissel frowned, "You know that means we will likely encounter many groups of Warcasters and Warlocks looking for them as well right?" Horthol knew the truth as well as she did, this would be a dangerous mission.

I went into the shop an hour before the tournament started and showed the shop owner my three escalation lists, rMadrak to eMadrak, Grissel and Grim. I just could not decide which to bring and so the shop owner rolled a D3 and came up with Grissel.

ROUND 1
Put me up against Khador

My list
Points: 319
Grissel Bloodsong, Fell Caller Points: 70
Pyre Troll Points: 68
Slag Troll Points: 70
Dire Troll Mauler Points: 111

His list
Points: 197
Kommander Sorscha Kratikoff Points: 71
> Beast-09 Points: 126

He gambled on his list and it nearly paid off.

Our Terrain was a small forest on the left side of each of our deployment areas and a huge fargin rough terrain hill that got up to 3" high in the middle. I rolled highest and opted to deploy and go first.

Deployment
Trolls - I decided on the left side of the hill and deployed there.
Khador - He deployed almost right in the middle of his side.

As Horthol rode off to gather up some reinforcements Grissel, a Slag Troll, her favorite Pyre Troll, and the Mauler that was indeed smart for a Dire went off to claim this 'cache' for Madrak. It didn't take long for them to encounter a dimiutive Warcaster from Khador with a Particularly battle work jack by her side.

Turn 1
Trolls - Everything moved up 10"
Khador - He advanced forward with Beast and left Sorscha moving forward a hair but staying behind Beast in his Deployment zone.

Turn 2
Trolls - I feated and ran everything and made a huge mistake. I got the Mauler and the Pyre into Melee range of Beast. My Slag went straight towards the forest on the edge closest to Beast. and Grissel went for the forest left behind the slag barely putting my other two beasts in her control.
Khador - He moves Sorscha up to the hill base in between the Pyre and Slag and feats, also casting the spell that makes her def a ton against ranged. Beast moves back on the Mauler and Pyre to get out of thier melee and threshers hurting them both.

Sorscha was indeed suprised at the speed in which the Troll woman and he beasts set upon her, she had no doubt at all that Beast-09 could handle the two that were on him. She sneered at Grissel, "you will feel the bite of cold steel, or run for you life when I am through with you."

Turn 3
Trolls - Since Grissel can still use her calls while stationary I use cacophony taking away all of Sorschas spells. I try to zing a spell at Sorscha (he says I can still cast them while stationary) but cannot hit her high def.
Khador - Beast takes the Mauler and Pyre apart then Sorscha goes after the Slag for the win. She manages to make him stationary with a crit but cannot finish him off.

Still angry and even a little despondant from going on this mission in the first place, Grissel had little patience left for the cocky human in front of her. The woman looked suprised first that she couldn't focus enough to freeze her again, then more suprised again that the Slag Troll was able to brush off her attack. Grissel rushed into the Khadorian weilding her hammer and with a battle cry bashed in her head.

Turn 4
Trolls - Grissel charges Sorscha hitting the charge and the last attack ending her.

ROUND 2
I found myself facing Menite Jon from Lost Hemisphere and his Harby list.
My Grissel list I decided to add only five more model to bring me to 500 keeping her feat and my mobility in mind.

My List
Points: 498
Grissel Bloodsong, Fell Caller Points: 70
Pyre Troll Points: 68
Slag Troll Points: 70
Dire Troll Mauler Points: 111
Horthol, Long Rider Champion Points: 66
Trollkin Long Riders [4] (1 added) Points: 113

His List
Points: 489
Harbinger of Menoth Points: 107
> Hierophant Points: 19
> Fire of Salvation Points: 113
> Reckoner Points: 126
High Paladin Dartan Vilmon Points: 38
Paladin of the Order of the Wall Points: 19
Wrack Points: 5
Doc Killingsworth Points: 19
Lady Aiyana & Master Holt [2] Points: 43

The Harbringer was a little afraid to face this Troll woman that had caused so much trouble for the PKA. She was confident in her ability to destry her though, and set out to pin her army between the lone farmhouse and one of the walls near it.

Our Terrain was a 4x6" farm right in the middle with a low wall on the right side and a few inches up from each of our deployment zones. I rolled highest and once again opted to go first.

Deployment
Trolls - I Spread the Longriders out from the middle to the right with Horthol going up the table edge. The Mauler took the gap between the farm and the Wall with my two lights and Grissel right behind the wall.
Menoth - H&A deploy across from Horthol. The Paladins directly across form my wall and a wrack on the empty side of the farm house to prevent me from circling around it with my LR and flanking him. His jacks deployed across from the Mauler with Harby behind them with Doc and the Heirophant behind her.

Turn 1
Trolls - Each LR went forward 7", the Mauler ran straight up 10" and the lights and Grissel hit the left edge of the wall in front of me and I was done.
Khador - His wholy army pretty much did the same moving up about 4".

Horthol rejoined the fight with Grissel along with a few Longriders, "More is on its way but I fear they will not be here to help us in this fight." Horthol reported. Grissel shook off her weariness and sang to her Trolls wathching them all sprint accross the field catching the young floating woman and her army before they could prepare a charge of their own.

Turn 2
Trolls - Grissel Advanced 6" forward and feated. Mauler runs and hoofs it to engage the Reckoner. The LR run up and hoof it two of them get around and behind to engage harby, one gets behind the Paladins and engages them and the Leader puts himself behind A&H, Horthol runs with them and puts himself behind the Paladins and the Reckoner. The two light beasts take up positions in front of Grissel by about 1".

Her suprise at the speed in which the nomally slow Trolls caught up to her was short lived. She reacted by blowing apart the ones nearest to her with a cataclysm of holy fire. She then used her connection to her jacks to have them mop up what she had not finished already.

Khador - So I didn't know about Harby's Spell cataclysm, it friggin rocks. He takes out the two closest Longriders with it. A paladin turns to hit Horthol and dies to a Free Strike from a LR now behind him, but the other pally hits him for a litte. The FoS finishes off Horthol, the Reckoner takes down another LR and Holt pins the leader down.

Turn 3
Trolls - Aiyana dies a horrible death and that LR is done. Grissel Rages the Mauler and the Slag Troll then takes away the spells via Cacophony from Harby. The Mauler then throws the Reckoner into Harby knocking the Reckoner down and getting a PS15 off on the Harbster, the Mauler proceeds to beat up the Reckoner leaving it with a coule points in movent and cortex. Slaggy beats the FoS pretty good too leaving it armless as well. The Pyre Troll then burns the Paladin to Ash.

Power flowing through her she reacted instantly to each new threat and dealt with it, but for some reason the Troll witch's song made it to hard for her to concentrate on spell casting. Unable to rely on spellcasting she moved in on the big troll to deal with it herself, which she did easily, slicing it to piecies with a grace and power that defied her size and age.

Khador - Holt tried again to pin down the LR who could have a lane to Harby but acutally misses one attack. Harby moves around to take out the Mauler which she easily does, with no spells though she is finished with her activation. He bashes the Slag for some damage and is done.

Though the small female's performance against her Mauler was impressive Grissel's fuse had grown shorter still. Leaning over to the Pyre Troll she held out her mace. The Troll grinned and spit on it covering it with burning pitch. Grissel once again let out a warcry that split the ears of those remaining on the battle field as she sent yet another human woman home with a headache they would remember each time they fought against her Kith and Kriel.

Turn 4
Trolls - Grissel once again takes matters into her own hands, the Pyre Troll gives her his animus and she charges Harby, hitting on the charge then missing a couple. One last attack to see if I can get her and Grissel rolls just enought to hit and then again just enough damage to box her.

Synopsis - Against Sorscha I really screwed up running both my beasts to base Beast09 when the Pyre Troll could have done the job himself hopefully giving the Mauler one more round of survivability.

Against Harby was a fun game, I almost lost it because I didn't know her very well, but once again getting up into their face with my feat finds my opponent in melee and makes it to hard for them to get the position they want allowing me to caster kill.

Round 3 and the last tourney finds me fighting to first place against Cryx and eDenny I think. That should be interesting for sure. I will take the camera for this game and have at least one pic per Troll turn for you.

Grissel vs The Coven

Grissel found herself to be grouchy and angry at... she supposed it was the Hero that had showed off for her soo long. Why was he with Marak anyway? More importantly why did she care, though she longed for companionship, she knew in her heart she could not replace what she had lost. As she glowered looking for someone to take out her anger on one of Horthol's riders moved towards her, "We have found a gathering of Cryxian Witches worshipping, do we go around them?" Grissel almost smiled as she snapped at the rider, "Today we crush anyone who gets in our way."

Grissel vs The CoveN at 500 points, yet another prep game while our wives were off doing what they do. I rolled the highest and opted to go first. Our map looked something like this one.

My List
Points: 498
Model Count: 9
Grissel Bloodsong, Fell Caller Points: 70
Pyre Troll Points: 68
Slag Troll Points: 70
Dire Troll Mauler Points: 111
Horthol, Long Rider Champion Points: 66
Trollkin Long Riders [4] (1 added) Points: 113

His List (I think, all his nodes look the same to me)
Army Points: 494
Model Count: 24
Witch Coven of Garlghast 85
Cankerworm 75
Bile Thralls (6 pts.) 65
Withershadow Combine 70
Defiler 45
Deathripper 38
Deathripper 38
Deathripper 38
Skarlock 16
Orin Midwinter, Rogue Inquisitor 24

Deployment
Trolls - I spread my Longriders between the forest and hill with my beasts and Grissel behind the forest and Horthol on my far right.
Coven - He evenly spaced his nodes across the middle with Bile Thralls and the combine mixed in evenly behind them. He put his Coven on my left, with Orin and the Skarloc on my right. He Advance Deployed the Cankerworm up in the forest on his side.

Turn 1
Trolls - I moved up and to the left putting the four Longriders spread out diagonally in front of the forest using Hoof it to get where I wanted them. Grissel and the two lights went behind forest to my right while the Mauler did the same to my left. Horthol moved his normal movement straight up the right side.
Coven - He positioned his whole army similar to mine diagonally by his forest leaving them all about how he deployed them putting his prison right in front of my LR. He moved Orin out to flank on my right side. We pretty much positioned across from each other diagonally not doing much on Turn 1.

Their minds linked they acted as one, and had the same thought nearly at the same time, "She is ugly isn't she!" Cackling they began to prepare to sacrifice the ugly Troll woman and any of her companions they did not kill on accident.

Turn 2
Trolls - Grissel moves up to the right of the forest and feats hoofing it onto the hill. The Slag and Pyre move up in front of her. The Longriders run, then Hoof It engaging all of his nodes but the one on my far left. Horthol runs up to engage Orin. Mauler runs up the right wedging himself between two Longriders.
Coven - His puts Ghostwalk on the Biles and moves a them all out of melee and purges about half of them, putting corrosion on everything except the Mauler Horthol and my Far right LR. Then Sprays a few into the my left two LR. He moves the Cankerworm up to finish the one on the far left then scuttles back towards the forest. He then uses his node to blast the one next to it with a Sygian Abyss. He kinda messed up here moving all three witches but forgetting to finish spell casting. The Skarloc and Combine hurt the Mauler a little along with nearly killing the far right Longrider. Orin Zaps Grissel and my two light beasts for a few damage each.

Feeling the burn of the small human's lightning bolt only stung a little as Grissel took her rage out in the mind of the Pyre Troll. The beast really did seem to want to please Grissel in any way it could. Not even caring that Horthol was right next to him it moved up and belched fire right onto the human burning him to ash immediately. Horthol unhurt glared at the beast and then over to Grissel, who glared right back at him so hard that Horthol decided he would rather face the deadly Cryxian's than be caught in her gaze again.

Turn 3
Trolls - Pyre Troll moves up and shoots Orin. Grissel Heroic ballads the last two LR casts rage on the Mauler and +2 from the Pyre on the LR leader next to the Mauler. Slag Troll moves up and beans a bonejack taking out its node. The LR leader does the same thing to the bonejack in front of him while the other LR moves around his flank to try and hit a Wich, whom he misses. Horthol Charges in killing a combine member with a slam and uses followup to get in range of the Skarloc killing it as well. The Mauler Tramples a few Bile Thralls and ends up basing one of the Witches who he promptly eats.
Coven - He decides it time to go all or none for my caster who is sitting on two fury and has three beasts with roughly 50% or better health. He hits her with the last two combine members, then again with a few ranged attacks but cannot get the Cankerworm in close enough. He tosses a few Stygian Abysses at her with his last arcnode but misses one, that miss probably kept her alive as she had five wounds left and has just transferred to the Pyre leaving her with one fury. He then feats killing my los. After looking the board over instead of ending his turn he conceeds seeing that Grissel will take away the spells and that Horthol the Slag and the Mauler all have lanes to his two remaining witches.

Having to take solace in seeing the boils and burns all over the Troll wench would have to suffice as the remaining Witches retreated. Losing one of their sisters always seemed to give them headaches... of course there was always another willing to take their place when they fell. Training new Witches was nevertheless time consuming and frankly boring, they wondered how many would die before they found a suitable replacement. Killing that Troll wench would happen eventually, she might even make an excellent Thrall. Dispassionately they left with the Cankerworm leaving the rest of their army to perish, it mattered not, they would begin restoring what they had lost in short order.

Madrak Ironhide, World Ender vs Grand Exemplar Kreoss

Madrak had a bad feeling about coming this close to the PKA's territory but he felt there was no choice. If they succeeded in securing the land they were scouting it could mean a new place for his Kith to settle in. The unrest of his army lately would lead to foolish mistakes if he could not find and outlet for them soon...

Tournament practice for our Escalation tourney coming this Wednesday. We played saturday to make some last minute adjustments. Which is to say, which caster am I going to bring, Madrak or Grissel.

My Army
Points: 748
Madrak Ironhide, World Ender Points: 74
Dire Troll Mauler Points: 111
Mulg The Ancient Points: 138
Fell Caller Points: 35
Stone Scribe Chronicler Points: 19
Trollkin Hero Points: 38
Trollkin Hero Points: 38
Krielstone Bearer & Stone Scribes [6] (2 added) Points: 50
Stone Scribe Elder [1] Points: 18
Trollkin Champions [5] Points: 106
Trollkin Champions [5] Points: 106
Swamp Gobber Bellows Crew [2] Points: 15

His Army
Army Points: 745
Grand Exemplar Kreoss 73
Hierophant 19
Redeemer 81
Redeemer 81
Fire of Salvation 113
Knight Exemplar Seneschal 34
Choir of Menoth (Full) 22
Knights Exemplar 69
Knights Exemplar 69
Exemplars Errant (9)118
Exemplar Bastions (3)66

We used this Steamroller Map

He rolled highest and opted to go first.

"Grand Exemplar," the Scenshal reported, "We have indeed found a large contingent of Trolls moving thorugh the lower marshes... Madrak himself is with them, I suggest we move to attack immediately while our presence in unkown to him."

Deployment
PKA - He put one KE on each flank with the EE towards his left flank and Bastions towards his right flank with the rest of his army right in the middle.
TROLLS - Mulg Left, Mauler Right, and umm... you guys know the brick right? Eveything bunched up right in the middle with Champs up front.

TURN 1
PKA - His EE spread out towards my left and the KE run wide up each flank. Bastions move up towards my middle right and the Rocket jacks toss a few errant shots the rest of the main group heads up the middle. He puts upkeeps on everything, damage back to me on the fires and activation loss for killing crossbow dudes.
TROLLS - Champs run just to my right of the closest wall some even covering with it. Mulg takes the left Mauler take the right, Chronicler uses the first chapter of the left unit of Champs closest to the crossbow dudes. Everything else bunches up behind the wall of Champs. Maddy casts his upkeep and I finish by using the you can't move me and I am immune to bast damage aura then gobber smoke between crossbow dudes.

TURN 2
PKA - He shoots with is rocket jacks doing piddily, but his crossbow dudes manage to kill one Champ. His KE move to flank even more taking advantage of my grouping up and heading up the middle. His Bastions and Fires of Salavation end just outside of charge range and he is done. Rocket jacks shoot to no avail as the blast damage is useless against me. Admittedly some armies would just get destroyed by that barrage with rof3 each.

Madrak underestimated how much unrest his forces were, they were edgy and seemed to be reacting just a hair too slow. This was uncommon as he had the best of his Kriel with him today. With the grimness of death around him he began to issue orders, "Blood group go get those rockets, Death group core out the middle, we will leave the big Warjack to Mulg..."

TROLLS - My front line charges he Bastions and his Fires jack with one unit of Champs killing a bastion, the other unit running around the Fires to engage the shooty jacks. Madrak heads over and uses ricochet to plink a KE and the unit leader on the right side and uses a token to move 1" back into the brick. Mauler uses one kill to move 3" so he can now charge the rest of them. Hero moves up to absorb the counter attack from that side. Mulg also used the 3" movement to get a clear lane to the Fires and moves in hitting the first two attacks, whiffing the third and rolling under 4 on the last three leaving the Fires with his cortex and mace. Hero on the left Charges the Senschal and KE flanking to tie them up and gets the Scenschal good. KSB you can't move me aura and gobber smoke on the Bastions.

"They have taken the bait and are almost completely surrounded my lord though our left flank is collapsing," reported the runner from the Exemplar Errants. "Excute the manuever and destroy them," Kross smiled, he knew how tough Trolls were, but he had no doubt he could clease even their best from the world of the living today.

TURN 3
PKA - He feats, and the proceeds to kick the poop outta me. Seven Champions die the last one to Kreoss himself. There was even eight tough rolls in there but it didnt keep them alive at all. Mulg dies, the Mauler gets reduced to four wounds. Thats pretty much it, I have Stone Scribes two Heros way out of position, some gobbers and my Mauler left. He is still largely unhurt.
TROLLS - It's time to go for it, since it is clear I am done on the next turn, so I do. KSB pops the +2 Str aura, Mauler rages Madrak then Tramples his whole choir eating them all, healing up all but two wounds. Chronicler charges the Fires and finishes it off (yeah how about that, he actually did something). Madrak moves up as far as he can and throws at Kreoss with a PS20, boosting to hit and nailing him for nine or so damage, he then ricochets into the Heirophant killing him and getting a blood token. Madrak then feats, and proceeds to throw at Kreoss again killing him. (As I type this I am unsure of if his feat affects himself or not, I didn't think about it untill just now).

Seeing his units execute their ambush perfectly made Kreoss nod approvingly as he moved in to finish a Troll himself. These Trolls had gained a large repuation against his countrymen recently and he was happy to put them down for once.

As he looked up to survey the battlefield, he hoped to find Madrak and end his menace for good. Seeing Madrak struggle to salvage what was left of his army he saw the bastions and his Fires of Salvation fall. Kreoss began issuing orders to finish Madrak when he saw him stand up on the wreckage of his Fires of Salvation and throw his big axe right at him. Trying to dodge out of the way the axe glanced off his shoulder sending pain down his arm. He watched the axe bend around him and embed itself into his Heirophants chest. A courageous move, but it would cost Madrak his life. As he regained his bearing and began once again to issue a kill order on Madrak, that same axe appeared in his chest. Not quite understanding how that had happened he vaguely remebered his own Redeemers carrying him swiftly from the battlefield pausing slowing to fire rockets at any possible following Trolls. Then his conciousness faded to blackness...

Synopsis - He kicked my tail, and I got lucky pure and simple. This game reminded me why Madrak likes to bring an Impaler. Mulg is out, and Axer and Impaler are in.

Stryker Suggests Wargames To Madrak In Preparation For The PKA.

Link to BACK STORY

Madrak was still very unsure about this recent alliance with Cygnar. In light of what was happening to Grissel he could not understand why one part of Cygnar would fight them while the other part would help him. Either Leto did not have control over all its army or he gave each group more latitude then they should. Of course who was he to talk, his kith were sometimes just as likely to attack each other as they would an enemy.

"Our Warlocks practice against each other in Mock Combat," Madrak suggested to Stryker, "It keeps us sharp and helps us to learn our strengths and weakness." Stryker would have to remind himself that though some of the Trolls were not very smart, some of them were indeed quite intelligent... "We do much the same with our Cygnar armies, what say you to a match then to sharpen our wits," Stryker almost goaded Madrak, "Rowdy grows restless, and I fear without an outlet our armies may decide that the PKA is an enemy to far away." Stryker was hoping to get a better look at the way these Trolls fought on the field. He could easily see that with their technology his ranged attacks would tear apart these Trolls, as they seemed to have very little in the way of ranged weapons and the ones they did have were either old Cygnar guns or crude sticks. "It is time for war then," Madrak grinned to Stryker as he Grabbed Rathrok with both hands and flung it at a nearby Tree, splintering it. As the Axe reappeard in his hands, he gripped the Axe haft with both hands flexing. Stryker knew intimidation tactics when he saw them. "Let us work out the rules of our mock fight then," Stryker said as he turned to walk towards his tent. On his way the earth shook under Madrak's feet making him stumble and almost fall...
We played a 500pt Duel in preparation for our upcoming Escalation Tournament. Our terrain looked something like this. Only rough terrain are the rocks in the middle.

My List.
Points: 499
Model Count: 11
Victory Points: 17

Madrak Ironhide Points: 64
Slag Troll Points: 70
Troll Impaler Points: 75
Dire Troll Mauler Points: 111
Fell Caller Points: 35
Trollkin Hero Points: 38
Trollkin Champions [5] Points: 106

His List (I think)
Points: 496
Model Count: 17
Victory Points: 18

Commander Coleman Stryker Points: 64
> Squire Points: 18
> Thorn Points: 93
> Ol' Rowdy Points: 121
Journeyman Warcaster Points: 25
Black 13th Gun Mage Strike Team [3] Points: 77
Stormguard [9] (3 added) Points: 98

We rolled off and he won and so decided to go first.

Deployment

Cygnar - He deployed on the top of the map with his B13 behind the Trees, Stormguard, Rowdy, Stryker, Squire in the middle and journeyman on the far left.
Trolls - Its Madrak so I bricked up middle right, Hero on the left flank, Fel Caller on the right, Slag and Imp in back, Mauler left of the Hero and Madrak in the middle.

Turn 1
Cygnar - He Snipes the B13, they move up into the trees and hit my middle Champ for 4 damage. Yeap shooting 25" or some such nonsense. Stormguard advance up the middle with Rowdy behind them and Stryker behind him with the Squire. Journeyman and Thorn go left.
Trolls - So without gobbers and the KSB I am feeling a little exposed and screwed. I run to my right a little towards the B13 but only about 8", Champs go V-formation Maddy surefooted in the middle with the two lights bringin up the rear. The Mauler stays left runs his full 10" twowards the rocks.

"Let them taste our range boys," Stryker said over his comm to the Black 13th, "they are tougher than most humans, but even they cannot withstand our barrage for long". Without hesitation they moved up and unloaded on Madrak's front lines.

Turn 2

Cygnar - He kills my point Champ, and nails Madrak with the B13, I take 10 damage with one hit and opt to scroll the 14 damage from the next hit instead of pushing it off. His SG run over in front of the trees and Rowdy moves up to countercharge position. Thorn runs up Mauler gets Eartquaked down and he gets hurt decent.
Trolls - Champs run to engage the SG, Mauler does the same to Rowdy after the Fel Caller stands him up. Madrak Surefoots while the Hero blocks the lane to him on the left. Farstrike the Slag and end up with no fury. Slag moves up and hurts Rowdy boosting damage, good hit but Rowdy chooses where it goes. Impaler goes for a slam and misses but the two have Maddy's left flank covered.


Turn 3

Cygnar - Mauler dies a Horrible death to Rowdy and Slag gets near killed as well. He does some CMA on Champs do little. My Slag gets hurt a little. Not much else since he put most his effort into killing the Mauler. He feats giving all his crap +5 armor add in arcane shield to Rowdy and he is ARM 18. The SG are ARM 23.
Trolls - My Fel Caller Tries to charge the far right SG and misses on both hits. The Champs hit alot but only get through the armor on a couple of them. Hero decides to sacrifice himself and charges up to Rowdy's base going after Stryker but misses and can't damage on the backswing. Slag does no damage to Thorn and the Impaler hits for no damage as well. I'd say his feat worked great. Madrak actually tries stonefall in an attempt for a critical, yeah its a pretty good critical against WM... He doesn't get it.

Madrak was impressed by Strykers command of his army, they did not leave him many openings and forced him to react to their movements. Seings his beasts nearly out of the fight he knew he was about about to lose and decided to go for broke. "Champions ready your blades and slice through their lines," Madrak bellowed as he turned to the Hero, "Grissel sends you to me with high praise, show me why she thinks so highly of you and she will hear of your glory directly from me!" The Hero gritted his teeth and set to work on yet another human Warlock.

Turn 4
Cygnar - He CMA's the Champs again nearly killing the one blocking los to Madrak. Rowdy the Journeyman and Thorn kill the Slag and leave the Imp with 1 wound left. The B13 have to move and end up missing a few on Madrak leaving him with 5 health. Stryker tries to kill the Hero along with one of the B13 but the only do 5 damage. What good is retalitory strike when the dude hitting you can use ranged attacks in melee?
Trolls - Knowing I am dead I decide to go for it, Madrak moves up to the Champs uses Guided Hand on the Champs and the Hero then feats, the Champs Crusher all remaining stormguard, the last Champ gets the B13 dude engaging the Hero and takes a couple swings at Stryker doing a little damage. The Fel Caller WarCrys the Hero then Hero then takes a shot at Stryker hitting him for 10 damage, his backswing also hits delivering the killing blow. Gooo Hero.

As much as it pained Stryker to see his army lose even when his opponent seemed to be ready to fall apart he had to give Madrak praise. It appeared that this Troll was indeed worthy of Leto's friendship, pity it had gone they way it did for a full fledge alliance with the Trolls could strike fear into the hearts of their enemies and bring peace to the Trollbloods and Cygnar. It was wishful thinking of course but hopefully the good they did here would count for something against Cygnar's current relationship with the Trolls. His voice crackled accross the comm to his army, "well fought, luck is on thier side today, with them the PKA stands no chance... now reset we go again at 1800 hours," Stryker smiled to himself as he planned to take on Madrak again.


Synopsis - He had me on the ropes right from the start and did a great job of taking out my crap without me being able to do much about it. Surefoot and Champs in Melee will always be amazing unless MKII kills it. One more turn would have had me dead no matter what so I went for the kill and got lucky. I almost always forget how good Crusher is until I use it, and no I don't use it every game, the oppotunity doesn't always present itself.