Swords in the Dark

Goblin marauders continue to plague the wilds for years. Mostly, they attack at night to avoid the cruel light of the sun, which all Goblin-kind hates. In this battle, a force of Goblin bandits comes across the night revels of the Elfking and springs an ambush upon the feasting Elves.

In this game, both sides have the same points value – we’d suggest 1,000 points a side but it’s not critical. The tabletop represents part of the forest of Mirkwood and has patches of woodland interspersed with hills, rocky areas and perhaps the odd stream. In the centre of the table is a clear area roughly 40cm × 40cm – this is where the Elves are feasting. The entire Elf force is deployed into this area at the start of the game. The Goblin force is deployed once the Elves are in position. Evil units can be placed anywhere on the table but no units can be placed within 30cm of any Elf units.

The Good side can only choose Elves (you might allow a limited number of Men or Dwarves as guests!). The Evil side can choose any units from the Evil army list apart from Smaug. The Evil force must include at least as many Goblin infantry units as it has other units combined (i.e., at least half must be Goblin infantry).

The game takes place at night, so all movement distances are reduced to infantry pace (20cm), even flyers if the Evil force includes Bats. Visibility is restricted to a maximum of 20cm. This will effect bow ranges, for example.

At the start of the game, the Elves are feasting and unprepared to fight. Until an Elf unit has been given a successful order, it is therefore rated as ‘unprepared’. Unprepared units cannot be included in brigade orders (they have to be given orders individually), cannot shoot and will not pursue if they win a combat. As some units will be ready to fight whist others remain prepared, it’s a good idea to devise a marker to indicate ‘unprepared’ status – a coin or piece of coloured card will do.

Fight the game until one side withdraws as normal and then work out Victory points. As the Goblins have the advantage of ambushing the Elves, the Good side starts off with a 100 pts VP bonus. This means the Goblins will have to destroy at least two units of Elves whilst they are unprepared to even up the score.