Game Summary: A see-saw contest tonight with first Darth Kent, then Horak the Hutt, then Deputy Rebel Leader LaBan taking the lead, although never a decisive one until the very last turn. A strong Hutt initial deployment kept the others at bay for several turns but the Empire and the Hutts repeatedly traded control of Elom and the Wild Space. Slow Hutt gains captured Tatooine and even dislodged a star base from Elom, which relocated to Gamorr. But the Rebels managed to push the force meter over to the extreme light side, which turned out to be a critical factor in the game.
An Imperial faction card straight brought a huge number of stormtroopers onto the board late in the game. The Empire's heavy footstep echoed throughout the galaxy, especially in the Wild Space, where the Hutts were beaten back.
This was immediately followed by a faction card straight worth 7 additional squadrons for the Rebels. The "One in a Million" card took out the Death Star on Gamorr. The onslaught of Imperial forces then swept away the garrison, revealing the Emperor. Game, Rebels.
Tactical Notes: The force meter at the extreme end of the light side gave the Rebels a large number of extra cards that in turn resulted in the early appearance of "One in a Million" and a timely straight with its influx of reinforcements. The appearance of the emperor was relatively early, but his placement on a hotly contested resource planet resulted in a forced relocation and eventual exposure. Admittedly, the use of the Hutts as a inhuman shield is generally a good idea. The threat of a Hutt-controlled sector (the Wild Space) distracted the Empire from maintaining constant pressure on the Rebels.
Strategic Notes: Have a very happy New Year!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
The Empire Triumphant
In a cruel turn of events, for the evening's first game, Darth Ric and Deputy Rebel Leader Kent signed a pact to relentlessly destroy Hutts on the first turn. Indeed they did, reducing the Hutt garrisons of 3 and 4 legions to so much rubble. Interestingly, the Empire came out strongly on top, which means the Rebels really need to turn their attention to the Dark Side on the first turn.
After the unholy allegiance was revealed, game one was terminated and a second one restarted. Hard fought on all sides, the Hutts were badly set back when DRL Kent destroyed a large fleet of capital ships in the Mid Rim. Then the Hutts were completely broken when the Death Star destroyed a large garrison on Sullust. Without the Hutt threat to distract the storm troopers, the Rebels were hard pressed to hold their ground. As the Empire spread into Hutt-controlled areas, their reinforcement levels overwhelmed the Rebel troops. Hutts and Rebels capitulated in an inglorious defeat.
After the unholy allegiance was revealed, game one was terminated and a second one restarted. Hard fought on all sides, the Hutts were badly set back when DRL Kent destroyed a large fleet of capital ships in the Mid Rim. Then the Hutts were completely broken when the Death Star destroyed a large garrison on Sullust. Without the Hutt threat to distract the storm troopers, the Rebels were hard pressed to hold their ground. As the Empire spread into Hutt-controlled areas, their reinforcement levels overwhelmed the Rebel troops. Hutts and Rebels capitulated in an inglorious defeat.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
A Doomed Rebellion
A most peculiar game this week -- the Empire started off with a terrible run of bad dice rolls and it began to look like the Rebels were going to grab the brass ring. But then the Hutts focused on the Rebels, the Empire started to roll some decent dice, and cards began pile up for both Hutts and Storm Troopers.
As the Hutts inched slowly up to eight resource planets, the e-vile Empire turned in a straight of faction cards and used the seven additional legions to sweep the Outer Rim. The Hutts responded by controlling all Core Worlds, an unheard of situation.
In the final turn, the Storm Troopers eliminated the Rebels in the Ison Corridor and Elrood Sector, leaving two lone holdouts on two systems in the Mid Rim. Armed with a vast army on Gamorr, it looked like curtains with only a single Hutt in the way of total domination by the Empire.
Alas, with a single faction card, the Hutts were able to thwart the avalanche of Storm Troopers. The Blackmail card prevented any further attacks because there weren't any other Rebel systems to capture.
The Hutts then were able to use their Uprising card to cause the huge garrison at Gamorr to flee to the Wild Space.
The sole remaining troop was quickly eliminated. Then an overwhelming attack on Kessel pushed the Hutts over the top.
As the Hutts inched slowly up to eight resource planets, the e-vile Empire turned in a straight of faction cards and used the seven additional legions to sweep the Outer Rim. The Hutts responded by controlling all Core Worlds, an unheard of situation.
In the final turn, the Storm Troopers eliminated the Rebels in the Ison Corridor and Elrood Sector, leaving two lone holdouts on two systems in the Mid Rim. Armed with a vast army on Gamorr, it looked like curtains with only a single Hutt in the way of total domination by the Empire.
Alas, with a single faction card, the Hutts were able to thwart the avalanche of Storm Troopers. The Blackmail card prevented any further attacks because there weren't any other Rebel systems to capture.
The sole remaining troop was quickly eliminated. Then an overwhelming attack on Kessel pushed the Hutts over the top.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Hutts... again
With Thanksgiving on Thursday (what a surprise), we delayed this week's battle for galactic domination until Friday afternoon. The result was yet another Hutt victory. In this case, it was Kent the Hutt defeating Darth Ric and Rebel Leader Horak.
After a rousing start, it looked like the Rebels had a good chance at sweeping the e-vile Empire off the map while keeping the dastardly Hutts in their place. For a time the Outer Rim was under Rebel control, but the Death Star took out a huge garrison on Wayland and the Rebels never recovered.
Taking advantage of the weakened Rebels, the Hutts swept into the Outer Rim and Core Worlds. The Rebels couldn't stop them and the Empire "forgot" to take out the weakly garrisoned resource planet at Elom in the Wild Space. Victory, Hutts.
After a rousing start, it looked like the Rebels had a good chance at sweeping the e-vile Empire off the map while keeping the dastardly Hutts in their place. For a time the Outer Rim was under Rebel control, but the Death Star took out a huge garrison on Wayland and the Rebels never recovered.
Taking advantage of the weakened Rebels, the Hutts swept into the Outer Rim and Core Worlds. The Rebels couldn't stop them and the Empire "forgot" to take out the weakly garrisoned resource planet at Elom in the Wild Space. Victory, Hutts.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Two More Hutt Victories
Play of the Day: In a show of Bravado after Sith Wood rolled 6-5, Flight Squadron Leader Horak placed his dice 6-6. Ric insisted on an actual roll. Of course, it came up 6-6, blasting the attacking Storm Troopers to oblivion. We laughed until our stomachs hurt.
The Rebels nearly pulled this one off -- one battle, one roll of the dice were all that stood between them and Galactic domination. Of course, at the time I didn't know that. Thinking that the exposed star base was just another garrison outpost, I had no desire to exhaust myself on a tactically unimportant target. I needed to save my troops to repel the inevitable Imperial counter-attacks. Little did I know the Emperor was hiding within.
Turns out, those counter-attacks never occurred. The wiley Peetza da Hutt swept into the Core Worlds and with the capture of Duro, took control of the galaxy and the game.
In the second game the e-vile Hutts once again squeaked out a victory just ahead of Sith Wood's forces. Kent had his standard hoard of reinforcements and faction cards for seven more legions--an almost certain victory for the Empire was assured. This time the decisive battle was at Balmorra.
Meanwhile, here are the summary statistics for 102 games that identified player roles in this blog to date. (Nine other games were unattributed. Four games were draws.)
Clearly the Hutts have the easier time of it, especially when Peetza da Hutt is at the helm. Interestingly, Deputy Rebel Leader Kent does well in command of the Rebels and Darth Horak has done well with the Dark Side.
My suggestion from this for a balanced and challenging game: make everyone play to a weaker side. That would mean Ric as the Rebels, Kent as Empire, and Karl as the Hutts. Alternatively, Karl would play Rebels, Ric as the Empire, and Kent as the Hutts.
The Rebels nearly pulled this one off -- one battle, one roll of the dice were all that stood between them and Galactic domination. Of course, at the time I didn't know that. Thinking that the exposed star base was just another garrison outpost, I had no desire to exhaust myself on a tactically unimportant target. I needed to save my troops to repel the inevitable Imperial counter-attacks. Little did I know the Emperor was hiding within.
Turns out, those counter-attacks never occurred. The wiley Peetza da Hutt swept into the Core Worlds and with the capture of Duro, took control of the galaxy and the game.
In the second game the e-vile Hutts once again squeaked out a victory just ahead of Sith Wood's forces. Kent had his standard hoard of reinforcements and faction cards for seven more legions--an almost certain victory for the Empire was assured. This time the decisive battle was at Balmorra.
Meanwhile, here are the summary statistics for 102 games that identified player roles in this blog to date. (Nine other games were unattributed. Four games were draws.)
| Horak | Wood | LaBan | ||
| Hutt | 13 | 10 | 31 | 54 |
| Rebel | 7 | 11 | 7 | 25 |
| Empire | 14 | 2 | 7 | 23 |
| 34 | 23 | 45 | 102 |
Clearly the Hutts have the easier time of it, especially when Peetza da Hutt is at the helm. Interestingly, Deputy Rebel Leader Kent does well in command of the Rebels and Darth Horak has done well with the Dark Side.
My suggestion from this for a balanced and challenging game: make everyone play to a weaker side. That would mean Ric as the Rebels, Kent as Empire, and Karl as the Hutts. Alternatively, Karl would play Rebels, Ric as the Empire, and Kent as the Hutts.
Friday, October 29, 2010
The Rebels Go Down... and Down Again
After our last battles for galactic domination two weeks ago, where the dastardly Rebels twice fought their way to dominance, this week things went altogether differently. Darth LaBan and Horak the Hutt both snatched victory away from Deputy Rebel Squadron Leader Kent.
Game #1. With uncharacteristic benevolence, both Empire and Rebellion allowed the Hutts to start with 5 resource planet. After a horrible start in turn 1, the Empire rebounded. By turn 3 things were looking grim for the Rebels and the Hutts never really got traction. Only in the very last few turns did the Hutts manage to get even a single extra faction card. The E-vile Emperor turned up only on the 6th turn and by then the Rebels were destituted. Victory Empire.
Game #2. Amazingly, the Hutts got some hot dice, some capital ships, and gradually built their way up to 7 resource planets. With a straight of faction cards (7 extra legions), they were able to take Rodia, Sullust, and at the very limit of their ability, Bespin. Victory Hutts.
Game #1. With uncharacteristic benevolence, both Empire and Rebellion allowed the Hutts to start with 5 resource planet. After a horrible start in turn 1, the Empire rebounded. By turn 3 things were looking grim for the Rebels and the Hutts never really got traction. Only in the very last few turns did the Hutts manage to get even a single extra faction card. The E-vile Emperor turned up only on the 6th turn and by then the Rebels were destituted. Victory Empire.
Game #2. Amazingly, the Hutts got some hot dice, some capital ships, and gradually built their way up to 7 resource planets. With a straight of faction cards (7 extra legions), they were able to take Rodia, Sullust, and at the very limit of their ability, Bespin. Victory Hutts.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Johnny Reb Takes Two
What more can I say? The wily Rebels were able to knock back the Empire by successfully attacking numerous small, single-legion garrisons. Meanwhile, the E-vile Empire kept the Hutts in check with well-placed star bases and dastardly use of the Death Star. In one game, two resource planets were reduced to asteroids, puttin' the hurt on the Hutts.
Chaulk two victories up for Deputy Rebel Leader Wood.
Chaulk two victories up for Deputy Rebel Leader Wood.
Friday, October 8, 2010
A 3-way Tie?!
Well... I never would have guessed. After hours of see-saw warfare... well, see-saw dice rolling... exhaustion set in and no victor was in sight. We called it a 3-way draw -- the first ever. When you consider my opponents (see photo below), you'll understand why it was shocking to have victory slip through my fingers
It started out just fine: Peetza da Hutt attacked the Rebels at Kessel and the Rebels rolled (6,6), then (5,6), and then another (6,6). Six dead Hutt legions and all for nought.
Actually, the night went on like that with (5,6) rolls coming up any time there was a critical battle. Rebel Leader Horak was able to hold onto the Outer Rim for two turns and that was a huge bonus. But the cards weren't helpful at all. A fleet was never assembled, large numbers of reinforcements never arrived, and Imperial star bases stood their ground.
Meanwhile, the Hutts, although tightly hemmed in to the Mid Rim, managed to break out into the Core Worlds and inflict terrible damage to Rebel and Empire alike. Also, the Hutts continued to destoy star bases, forcing the Empire to relocate them.
The Storm Troopers tried repeatedly to corner the wily Rebels, but their forces always managed to bounce back. With all the star bases (and the Emperor himself) deployed, perhaps it was only a matter of time.
At any rate, after ten rounds of play, we agreed to the first-ever three-way draw.
It started out just fine: Peetza da Hutt attacked the Rebels at Kessel and the Rebels rolled (6,6), then (5,6), and then another (6,6). Six dead Hutt legions and all for nought.
Actually, the night went on like that with (5,6) rolls coming up any time there was a critical battle. Rebel Leader Horak was able to hold onto the Outer Rim for two turns and that was a huge bonus. But the cards weren't helpful at all. A fleet was never assembled, large numbers of reinforcements never arrived, and Imperial star bases stood their ground.
Meanwhile, the Hutts, although tightly hemmed in to the Mid Rim, managed to break out into the Core Worlds and inflict terrible damage to Rebel and Empire alike. Also, the Hutts continued to destoy star bases, forcing the Empire to relocate them.
The Storm Troopers tried repeatedly to corner the wily Rebels, but their forces always managed to bounce back. With all the star bases (and the Emperor himself) deployed, perhaps it was only a matter of time.
At any rate, after ten rounds of play, we agreed to the first-ever three-way draw.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
The Evil Empire Goes Down in Flames.... Twice
Yup, Darth Wood and his minion, Sith Lord Kent, went down to defeat twice in this week's battles for galactic domination. Oaths and epithets were hurled. Glasses and dice were hurled. But to no avail. Hutts and Rebels conspired to keep victory at arms length from him.
Game #1. Despite an unlucky start in play order, Rebel Leader Karl let Peetza da Hutt start with five resource planets. The Rebels took off to an early lead and it looked as though they would take that all the way to the bank. But Hutts and Storm Troopers managed to turn the tide, with Imperial stock then rising.
Even so, P da H tenaciously hung on and as the Rebels and Storm Troopers bloodied one another, made his move. Three times he swept the Mid Rim and three times he fell one system short of victory. Finally, on the eighth turn he managed to take Duro and end the game. Victory Hutts.
Game #2. In an immediate grudge match replay, game #2 set up very differently. The Rebels managed to hold on to the El'Rood Sector while everyone else fought over the Wild Spaces. The Emperor used the Death Star to demolish an Ison Corridor system. The Hutts were kept in check by constant attacks by both opponents.
Gradually the Empire gained strength and the Rebellion shrank to fewer than 12 systems. Even after the Death Star was destroyed, a new one was raised in its place.
Even with very few reinforcements but armed with a fleet of bombers and capital ships, the Rebels were able to strike at hardened star bases reinforced with up to six legions. This in turn drove the Force Meter far to the light side, adding more bonuses to Rebel card draws and dice rolls. In an epic final battle, faction cards let the Rebels assemble another strike team. The Death Star was destroyed (again) and a large garrison of Storm Troopers were reduced by attrition, leading to the capture of the Emperor. Victory Rebels.
Game #1. Despite an unlucky start in play order, Rebel Leader Karl let Peetza da Hutt start with five resource planets. The Rebels took off to an early lead and it looked as though they would take that all the way to the bank. But Hutts and Storm Troopers managed to turn the tide, with Imperial stock then rising.
Even so, P da H tenaciously hung on and as the Rebels and Storm Troopers bloodied one another, made his move. Three times he swept the Mid Rim and three times he fell one system short of victory. Finally, on the eighth turn he managed to take Duro and end the game. Victory Hutts.
Game #2. In an immediate grudge match replay, game #2 set up very differently. The Rebels managed to hold on to the El'Rood Sector while everyone else fought over the Wild Spaces. The Emperor used the Death Star to demolish an Ison Corridor system. The Hutts were kept in check by constant attacks by both opponents.
Gradually the Empire gained strength and the Rebellion shrank to fewer than 12 systems. Even after the Death Star was destroyed, a new one was raised in its place.
Even with very few reinforcements but armed with a fleet of bombers and capital ships, the Rebels were able to strike at hardened star bases reinforced with up to six legions. This in turn drove the Force Meter far to the light side, adding more bonuses to Rebel card draws and dice rolls. In an epic final battle, faction cards let the Rebels assemble another strike team. The Death Star was destroyed (again) and a large garrison of Storm Troopers were reduced by attrition, leading to the capture of the Emperor. Victory Rebels.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
A Storm Trooper, a Freedom Fighter, and a Hutt Go into this Bar...
Like Aunty Entity said in "Beyond Thunderdome," three beings enter, one being leaves." In this case, Storm Trooper Wood, Rebel Leader Karl, and Peetza the Hutt entered and only the Hutts left... twice. Bummer :-(((
Game #1. A huge melee on turn 1 left the Empire sorely wounded, from which they never fully recovered. The Rebels controlled the El'Rood Sector early on, maintained control, but could never muster enough power to knock out Star Bases. In fact, the Emperor never arrived on board.
Meanwhile, the Hutts ground down both sides while the Empire made sure the Rebels didn't get too strong. In the end, victory was to the green team.
Game #2. Oddly enough, each faction gained control of a sector at one time or another. Once again, huge melees on turn 1 left both Rebels and Empire weakened. The Hutts repeatedly reached 9 resource planets and with the huge number of faction cards gained, ran through their entire deck.
The Rebels had finally begun to knock out Star Bases after the Death Star left the Ison Corridor to destroy Correlia. In one successful run, they turned left at Sulust and missed the Empire (and victory) by a single planet.
But in the end, the final set of faction cards for the Hutts was a straight for 7 additional legions of troops. Victory was theirs. Bummer :-(((
Game #1. A huge melee on turn 1 left the Empire sorely wounded, from which they never fully recovered. The Rebels controlled the El'Rood Sector early on, maintained control, but could never muster enough power to knock out Star Bases. In fact, the Emperor never arrived on board.
Meanwhile, the Hutts ground down both sides while the Empire made sure the Rebels didn't get too strong. In the end, victory was to the green team.
Game #2. Oddly enough, each faction gained control of a sector at one time or another. Once again, huge melees on turn 1 left both Rebels and Empire weakened. The Hutts repeatedly reached 9 resource planets and with the huge number of faction cards gained, ran through their entire deck.
The Rebels had finally begun to knock out Star Bases after the Death Star left the Ison Corridor to destroy Correlia. In one successful run, they turned left at Sulust and missed the Empire (and victory) by a single planet.
But in the end, the final set of faction cards for the Hutts was a straight for 7 additional legions of troops. Victory was theirs. Bummer :-(((
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Hutts vs the Galaxy
A surprising evening--two games, two struggles for galactic domination, two winners--none of them Hutts.
Game #1. In a surprising initial setup, Darth Horak was able to claim most of the El'Rood Sector and the Wild Space. In the first turn, the Empire took control of the El'Rood Sector. In the second turn, they captured the Wild Space. Star bases soon fortified all egress to these areas and the extra legions began to make a difference. Kent the Hutt and Generalissimo LaBan capitulated by turn 4.
Game #2. With a much more heterogeneous setup, there was little likelihood of a repeat of Game #1. In fact, the Rebels immediately assaulted and destroyed a large Imperial garrison in the Wild Space. A failure to take Tatooine early on left the Storm Troopers weak.
The Hutts soon garnered 7 resource planets and the Empire turned its deadly attentions to that threat. Control of systems in the Mid Rim swung back and forth, costing Kent the Hutt large numbers of faction cards.
At one point the Empire briefly controlled the entire Outer Rim but the Rebels quickly counter-attacked. As the Empire dwindled, they stuck out with the Death Star and reduced an enormous garrison of Hutts in the Mid Rim to asteroids and rubble.
With all the battling between Hutts and Storm Troopers, the Rebels gradually gained in strength until they were able to knock out a few star bases. Eventually they took on Kessel, captured the Emperor there, and ended the game for a Rebel victory.
Game #1. In a surprising initial setup, Darth Horak was able to claim most of the El'Rood Sector and the Wild Space. In the first turn, the Empire took control of the El'Rood Sector. In the second turn, they captured the Wild Space. Star bases soon fortified all egress to these areas and the extra legions began to make a difference. Kent the Hutt and Generalissimo LaBan capitulated by turn 4.
Game #2. With a much more heterogeneous setup, there was little likelihood of a repeat of Game #1. In fact, the Rebels immediately assaulted and destroyed a large Imperial garrison in the Wild Space. A failure to take Tatooine early on left the Storm Troopers weak.
The Hutts soon garnered 7 resource planets and the Empire turned its deadly attentions to that threat. Control of systems in the Mid Rim swung back and forth, costing Kent the Hutt large numbers of faction cards.
At one point the Empire briefly controlled the entire Outer Rim but the Rebels quickly counter-attacked. As the Empire dwindled, they stuck out with the Death Star and reduced an enormous garrison of Hutts in the Mid Rim to asteroids and rubble.
With all the battling between Hutts and Storm Troopers, the Rebels gradually gained in strength until they were able to knock out a few star bases. Eventually they took on Kessel, captured the Emperor there, and ended the game for a Rebel victory.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
The Night They Drove Ol' Dixie Down
Yep, Ol' Dixie finally caved in... the Hutts defeated the Evil Empire. But not without a fight....
Game 1. Gamora was heavily garrisoned with the Death Star and an oversight by the Rebels left them exposed in both the Wild Space and El Rood Sector. As a result of a timid initial attack on solitary Imperial outposts, the Wild Space fell to overwhelming forces in the first turn.
In the second turn the Wild Space held and that allowed the reinforcements from that sector to bolster the power of the El Rood Sector, which also fell. The Empire was gaining four legions per turn just on captured sectors alone.
In the third turn the Death Star blew away Sluis Van, thus locking the Hutts completely out of Wild Space resources. With star bases at both hyperspace links to the El Rood Sector, the Empire continued to increase the pressure on the Hutts.
The Rebels were unable to fight through the Hutts to engage the Imperial star bases and by now the Emperor was safely hidden behind the Death Star and several layers of star bases, each garrisoned by six legions. With such a daunting situation before them, Generalissimo LaBan and Kumquat the Hutt resigned. Victory = Empire.
Game 2. Not to be dominated for a fourth straight game, both Rebels and Hutts went all out to crush the Empire. The Hutts conveniently abandonned Gamorr and allowed the Rebels to invade the Wild Space through that corridor.
Then the Hutts began to gain traction with faction cards that allowed them to sweep up more resource planets. With the Imperium seriously wounded and the Rebels weakened by their assaults against the Storm Troopers, the Hutts soon garnered a monopoly of resource planets. Victory = Hutts.
Game 1. Gamora was heavily garrisoned with the Death Star and an oversight by the Rebels left them exposed in both the Wild Space and El Rood Sector. As a result of a timid initial attack on solitary Imperial outposts, the Wild Space fell to overwhelming forces in the first turn.
In the second turn the Wild Space held and that allowed the reinforcements from that sector to bolster the power of the El Rood Sector, which also fell. The Empire was gaining four legions per turn just on captured sectors alone.
In the third turn the Death Star blew away Sluis Van, thus locking the Hutts completely out of Wild Space resources. With star bases at both hyperspace links to the El Rood Sector, the Empire continued to increase the pressure on the Hutts.
The Rebels were unable to fight through the Hutts to engage the Imperial star bases and by now the Emperor was safely hidden behind the Death Star and several layers of star bases, each garrisoned by six legions. With such a daunting situation before them, Generalissimo LaBan and Kumquat the Hutt resigned. Victory = Empire.
Game 2. Not to be dominated for a fourth straight game, both Rebels and Hutts went all out to crush the Empire. The Hutts conveniently abandonned Gamorr and allowed the Rebels to invade the Wild Space through that corridor.
Then the Hutts began to gain traction with faction cards that allowed them to sweep up more resource planets. With the Imperium seriously wounded and the Rebels weakened by their assaults against the Storm Troopers, the Hutts soon garnered a monopoly of resource planets. Victory = Hutts.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
An Imperial Double Sweep
It was a rough evening for Hutts and Rebels alike. Not only were we short on beer and single malt, but the Evil Empire took two in a row.
Game #1. As is often the case, the Rebels began with an early and highly successful blitz into the Mid Rim. The Hutts also did tolerably well in their first turn at bat. But on the second round, the Empire pulled out a straight of faction cards. Armed with considerable firepower, Darth Horak was able to control the Wild Space and then lock it down with star bases at one entrance and the Death Star at the other.
As the tide shifted further towards the Empire, the Mid Rim was put at risk. First the lone Hutt outpost at Nar Shaddaa fell to the storm troopers. Then Rebel counter-attacks into the Mid Rim were driven out. With two sectors completely under control, the Hutts and Rebels conceded.
Game #2. In a completely different setup, the initial turns still had a similar feel: Rebels giving heavy casualties to the widely spread Empire; Hutts returning fire. But in the end, the Death Star was able to knock out one resource planet and protect another. Even so, the Hutts gained control of 16 systems. Unfortunately, only 4 of them were resource planets. Starved of faction cards and reinforcments, Jabba the Wocky couldn't gain traction against the Imperial forces.
Once again the Imperial storm troopers succeeded by creating large battle groups built around capital ships and bombers. Rebels in the Outer Rim were routed. Hutts were starved of resources. In the end, both Rebel and Hutt surrendered.
Somehow I don't think the next struggle for galactic domination will go the same way.
Game #1. As is often the case, the Rebels began with an early and highly successful blitz into the Mid Rim. The Hutts also did tolerably well in their first turn at bat. But on the second round, the Empire pulled out a straight of faction cards. Armed with considerable firepower, Darth Horak was able to control the Wild Space and then lock it down with star bases at one entrance and the Death Star at the other.
As the tide shifted further towards the Empire, the Mid Rim was put at risk. First the lone Hutt outpost at Nar Shaddaa fell to the storm troopers. Then Rebel counter-attacks into the Mid Rim were driven out. With two sectors completely under control, the Hutts and Rebels conceded.
Game #2. In a completely different setup, the initial turns still had a similar feel: Rebels giving heavy casualties to the widely spread Empire; Hutts returning fire. But in the end, the Death Star was able to knock out one resource planet and protect another. Even so, the Hutts gained control of 16 systems. Unfortunately, only 4 of them were resource planets. Starved of faction cards and reinforcments, Jabba the Wocky couldn't gain traction against the Imperial forces.
Once again the Imperial storm troopers succeeded by creating large battle groups built around capital ships and bombers. Rebels in the Outer Rim were routed. Hutts were starved of resources. In the end, both Rebel and Hutt surrendered.
Somehow I don't think the next struggle for galactic domination will go the same way.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Die Hutt, die!
Well, things started out very strong for the Rebel Alliance, but soon after, the Empire struck back. By turn six things were grim indeed. In fact, Los Dos were ready to concede, but Kent glumly soldiered on with his small hoard of green slime.
Ultimately, the Hutts nabbed one sector, the another,and then another. Meanwhile the empire repeatedly conquered, at various times, the Core Worlds, the Outer Rim, and the Mid Rim. Unfortunately, the Rebels kept threatening the Emperor's Star Base, so a coordinated attack on the pesky Hutts did not materialize.
Eventually, Hutt cards and sector bonuses overwhelmed both Rebels and Storm Troopers. In fact, the victory was rather a surprise with Kent the Hutt being told by Generalissimo LaBan that he had ten resource planets when he was all geared up to tackle one more Star Base.
Ultimately, the Hutts nabbed one sector, the another,and then another. Meanwhile the empire repeatedly conquered, at various times, the Core Worlds, the Outer Rim, and the Mid Rim. Unfortunately, the Rebels kept threatening the Emperor's Star Base, so a coordinated attack on the pesky Hutts did not materialize.
Eventually, Hutt cards and sector bonuses overwhelmed both Rebels and Storm Troopers. In fact, the victory was rather a surprise with Kent the Hutt being told by Generalissimo LaBan that he had ten resource planets when he was all geared up to tackle one more Star Base.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Hutts Revenge
To bring things a little more up to date, last night's battle royale pitted Darth Horak against a wily Deputy Rebel Leader LaBan and a cunning Kent the Hutt.
Game #1. Right off the bat, the Hutts were in trouble. The Death Star orbited an occupied Gamorr and LaBan took down two outposts with combined garrisons of six Hutt legions. Somehow the scrappy Hutts pulled it back together, aided by a see-saw battle as the Rebels and Empire traded Sluis Van and the Wild Spaces back and forth. The Hutts eventually knocked out a couple inconvenient star bases and started to gain a useful number of resource planets. When the Rebels exhausted themselves in a fruitless and ill-fated series of attacks on the gradually strengthening Empire, it began to look like it might be a Hutt win.
Unfortunately, several large tranches of reinforcements let the Storm Troopers sweep away both the Core Worlds and the Outer Rim, an unheard of event. The Emperor was safely hidden away on Gamorr, protected by dozens of legions and the Death Star as well. Faced with immanent destruction, Hutts and Rebels sued for peace.
Game #2. In what could have been a replay of the first game, the Rebels quickly punished the Hutts with another initial loss of six legions. Once again the strong Rebel play slowly fizzled, leaving a strong Imperial presence. Perhaps the movement of the Death Star off of Gamorr to destroy Mon Calamari was a strategic error. That let the Hutts into the Wild Space and, ultimately, the El Rood Sector with its two resource planets.
Kent the Hutt very nearly threw in the towel when a huge assault on Rebel-held Duro was beaten back. The Storm Troopers responded with a bloody counterattack, but a second set of seven reinforcements allowed the Hutts to prevail. Finally, a KPW victory.
Game #1. Right off the bat, the Hutts were in trouble. The Death Star orbited an occupied Gamorr and LaBan took down two outposts with combined garrisons of six Hutt legions. Somehow the scrappy Hutts pulled it back together, aided by a see-saw battle as the Rebels and Empire traded Sluis Van and the Wild Spaces back and forth. The Hutts eventually knocked out a couple inconvenient star bases and started to gain a useful number of resource planets. When the Rebels exhausted themselves in a fruitless and ill-fated series of attacks on the gradually strengthening Empire, it began to look like it might be a Hutt win.
Unfortunately, several large tranches of reinforcements let the Storm Troopers sweep away both the Core Worlds and the Outer Rim, an unheard of event. The Emperor was safely hidden away on Gamorr, protected by dozens of legions and the Death Star as well. Faced with immanent destruction, Hutts and Rebels sued for peace.
Game #2. In what could have been a replay of the first game, the Rebels quickly punished the Hutts with another initial loss of six legions. Once again the strong Rebel play slowly fizzled, leaving a strong Imperial presence. Perhaps the movement of the Death Star off of Gamorr to destroy Mon Calamari was a strategic error. That let the Hutts into the Wild Space and, ultimately, the El Rood Sector with its two resource planets.
Kent the Hutt very nearly threw in the towel when a huge assault on Rebel-held Duro was beaten back. The Storm Troopers responded with a bloody counterattack, but a second set of seven reinforcements allowed the Hutts to prevail. Finally, a KPW victory.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The Revenge of Duro
All I can do is shake my head in disbelief. Last week the Evil Empire led by Sith Wood walloped the Rebels and kept the Hutts crippled. After seven rounds, the Hutts were gaining some light traction, edging towards a monopoly of resource planets. But meanwhile the Storm Troopers hammered the Rebels down to their last stronghold, Duro.
Twice Generalissimo LaBan fended off overwhelming odds, but it looked like eventually his luck would run out. Instead, he cashed in three faction cards for 7 troops. This motley force struck out from Duro towards the Midrim in a desperate bid to take out star bases. Indeed he did, including at the very last, the star base protected by the Death Star. Taking a "One in a Million" shot, the Death Star was destroyed and shortly afterwards, its single garrison surrendered. To everyone's surprise the Emperor was revealed. Victory: Rebels.
Needless-to-say, Sith Wood was beside himself having come so close to winning control of the galaxy. He has disavowed playing the Empire for a long, long time. The era of Sith Wood, Horak the Hutt, and Generalissimo LaBan is at an end. This week it will be Kent the Hutt, Darth Horak, and Deputy Rebel Leader LaBan.
Twice Generalissimo LaBan fended off overwhelming odds, but it looked like eventually his luck would run out. Instead, he cashed in three faction cards for 7 troops. This motley force struck out from Duro towards the Midrim in a desperate bid to take out star bases. Indeed he did, including at the very last, the star base protected by the Death Star. Taking a "One in a Million" shot, the Death Star was destroyed and shortly afterwards, its single garrison surrendered. To everyone's surprise the Emperor was revealed. Victory: Rebels.
Needless-to-say, Sith Wood was beside himself having come so close to winning control of the galaxy. He has disavowed playing the Empire for a long, long time. The era of Sith Wood, Horak the Hutt, and Generalissimo LaBan is at an end. This week it will be Kent the Hutt, Darth Horak, and Deputy Rebel Leader LaBan.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Another One of Those Nights
In what seemed like a horrible repeat of last week's games, Sith Wood came up empty once again. Victory was twice snatched from his grasp by the narrowest of margins.
Game #1. The Hutts quickly succumbed to bad dice and the combined attention of Rebel and Imperial forces. They were never able to mount a serious offensive.
Rebel spies informed Generalissimo LaBan of the location of the Emperor at Sullust, so that star base was heavily fortified. The Rebels were able to use "One in a Million" and brought down the Death Star, but couldn't close the deal as the Imperial garrison held firm.
Much to the Rebel's dismay, the wily Emperor with his Sith overlord responded by rebuilding yet another fully operational Death Star. But to Sith Wood's consternation, the Rebels assaulted it once more and took it out a second time. The stormtrooper garrison was overrun and the Empire defeated.
Game #2. The Empire began with a very strong position and the Rebel's incredibly good luck failed them repeatedly. But as the Rebels faltered, the Hutts came in behind them and picked up lightly garrisoned resource planets. The Hutts repeatedly gained 8 or 9 resource planets and huge numbers of faction cards to boot.
Sith Wood overran the El Rood and Wild Space Sectors, which meant certain victory. Only a desperate drive by the Hutts captured Dagobah and prevented a rout. Even so, the Rebels were chopped into small, isolated pockets of weak forces. A faction card straight gave Sith Wood nearly overwhelming superiority in numbers and in the end reduced the Rebels to a lonely outpost on Mimban.
Before the Empire could seal the Rebels' fate, the Hutts amassed a huge force that was able to take two lightly garrisoned resource planets in the Mid and Outer Rims. All that remained were the resources at Sluis Van. A huge and costly melee at Derilyn went in the Hutt's favor. The weak garrison at Sluis Van succumbed to overwhelming forces and the Hutts secured their victory.
Game #1. The Hutts quickly succumbed to bad dice and the combined attention of Rebel and Imperial forces. They were never able to mount a serious offensive.
Rebel spies informed Generalissimo LaBan of the location of the Emperor at Sullust, so that star base was heavily fortified. The Rebels were able to use "One in a Million" and brought down the Death Star, but couldn't close the deal as the Imperial garrison held firm.
Much to the Rebel's dismay, the wily Emperor with his Sith overlord responded by rebuilding yet another fully operational Death Star. But to Sith Wood's consternation, the Rebels assaulted it once more and took it out a second time. The stormtrooper garrison was overrun and the Empire defeated.
Game #2. The Empire began with a very strong position and the Rebel's incredibly good luck failed them repeatedly. But as the Rebels faltered, the Hutts came in behind them and picked up lightly garrisoned resource planets. The Hutts repeatedly gained 8 or 9 resource planets and huge numbers of faction cards to boot.
Sith Wood overran the El Rood and Wild Space Sectors, which meant certain victory. Only a desperate drive by the Hutts captured Dagobah and prevented a rout. Even so, the Rebels were chopped into small, isolated pockets of weak forces. A faction card straight gave Sith Wood nearly overwhelming superiority in numbers and in the end reduced the Rebels to a lonely outpost on Mimban.
Before the Empire could seal the Rebels' fate, the Hutts amassed a huge force that was able to take two lightly garrisoned resource planets in the Mid and Outer Rims. All that remained were the resources at Sluis Van. A huge and costly melee at Derilyn went in the Hutt's favor. The weak garrison at Sluis Van succumbed to overwhelming forces and the Hutts secured their victory.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Happy Birthday, Sith Wood
It was another one of those nights: Costco za, plenty of Modelo Especial, a bit of Caol Ila, and lots of intergalactic mayhem. It was also one of those nights: Imperial victory slipped through Sith Wood's hands... on his birthday eve.
Sure there were insanely improbable dice rolls (3 sixes twice in a row; 6 ones in a row, that sort of thing). Odd how that stuff happens only during important battles. The Rebels were hard pressed throughout the game and the Empire seemed to have an edge. But then Hutts were able to completely stymie the Storm Troopers when they attempted to invade Kessel. With there troops bottled up on Mon Calamari, there was no way to stop the Hutt fleet from taking its last three resource planets.
In the second game (Sith Wood's dander was up), things looked bleak for both Hutt and Rebel. Still, repeated Hutt advances needed immediate responses and kept the Empire from finishing off the rebellion, especially a tiny outpost at Endor.
Repeated Revel attacks against the Death Star and starbase on Dagobah had failed, although the Death Star was taken out early on. Then in a stroke of desperation, Rebel Leader LaBan attacked through the asteroid field at Bespin and captured the starbase at Hoth. Amazingly, it was the garrison protecting the Emperor. Dagobah had been a near-perfect ruse. Victory went to the exhausted and nearly beaten Rebels.
Pictured above, Darth Sith and Horak the Hutt show their frustration at the dastardly surprise attack that bypassed the heavily protected starbase at Dagobah and captured the lightly garrisoned Emperor on Hoth.
Sure there were insanely improbable dice rolls (3 sixes twice in a row; 6 ones in a row, that sort of thing). Odd how that stuff happens only during important battles. The Rebels were hard pressed throughout the game and the Empire seemed to have an edge. But then Hutts were able to completely stymie the Storm Troopers when they attempted to invade Kessel. With there troops bottled up on Mon Calamari, there was no way to stop the Hutt fleet from taking its last three resource planets.
In the second game (Sith Wood's dander was up), things looked bleak for both Hutt and Rebel. Still, repeated Hutt advances needed immediate responses and kept the Empire from finishing off the rebellion, especially a tiny outpost at Endor.
Repeated Revel attacks against the Death Star and starbase on Dagobah had failed, although the Death Star was taken out early on. Then in a stroke of desperation, Rebel Leader LaBan attacked through the asteroid field at Bespin and captured the starbase at Hoth. Amazingly, it was the garrison protecting the Emperor. Dagobah had been a near-perfect ruse. Victory went to the exhausted and nearly beaten Rebels.
I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. I fear something terrible has happened.
Obi Wan Kenobi
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Better Late than Never
In the single struggle for galactic domination last week, Sith Wood was unable to gain traction against either the Hutts or the Rebelion. In fact the Hutts were gathering pace as they claimed significant numbers of resource planets and copious faction cards.
As luck would have it, Rebel Leader LaBan was able to carry his final assault to fruition and take out several starbases, including Elom, where the Emperor was hidden. Good timing, since the Hutts had 8 resource planets and openings to two more, plus 3 faction cards worth 7 additional troops. Had the Rebels not carried the day, the Hutts surely would have.
Tonight's grudge match features Sith Wood attempting to reclaim his honor the day before his birthday. Just remember, Siths always come in pairs.
As luck would have it, Rebel Leader LaBan was able to carry his final assault to fruition and take out several starbases, including Elom, where the Emperor was hidden. Good timing, since the Hutts had 8 resource planets and openings to two more, plus 3 faction cards worth 7 additional troops. Had the Rebels not carried the day, the Hutts surely would have.
Tonight's grudge match features Sith Wood attempting to reclaim his honor the day before his birthday. Just remember, Siths always come in pairs.
Above, Sith Wood contemplates a small, helpless Hutt.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
How are the Mighty Fallen
How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished! (II Samuel 1:27)
Well, not quite...
In the evening's first game, Sith Wood made a major tactical blunder and left the Outer Rim in Rebel control. Generalissimo LaBan seized the moment and, with certain intelligence about the Emperor's whereabouts and ten legions of fresh troops, he struck out from Mon Calamari to Bpfassh. He quickly cut through the light garrisons there and at Dagobah before slaughtering the last holdouts at Hoth. Game Rebels.
I think that's five in a row for LaBan, three of them as Rebel Leader.
A second battle for galactic domination ensued immediately afterward. This time the mighty did indeed fall.
Empire and Hutts assaulted mercilessly, driving the Imperial Forces down to a last few planets. A bungled "final victory" sweep gave the Hutts one last chance but Tatooine was a planet too far. The Storm Troopers, in the end, eliminated every last Rebel troop.
Because Rebel Leader LaBan only won half of tonight's games, we are publishing only half of an embarrassing photograph.
Well, not quite...
In the evening's first game, Sith Wood made a major tactical blunder and left the Outer Rim in Rebel control. Generalissimo LaBan seized the moment and, with certain intelligence about the Emperor's whereabouts and ten legions of fresh troops, he struck out from Mon Calamari to Bpfassh. He quickly cut through the light garrisons there and at Dagobah before slaughtering the last holdouts at Hoth. Game Rebels.
I think that's five in a row for LaBan, three of them as Rebel Leader.
A second battle for galactic domination ensued immediately afterward. This time the mighty did indeed fall.
Empire and Hutts assaulted mercilessly, driving the Imperial Forces down to a last few planets. A bungled "final victory" sweep gave the Hutts one last chance but Tatooine was a planet too far. The Storm Troopers, in the end, eliminated every last Rebel troop.
Because Rebel Leader LaBan only won half of tonight's games, we are publishing only half of an embarrassing photograph.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Einstein's Definition of Insanity
Sith Wood and I have been doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, exactly Einstein's definition of insanity. Of course, the Sith was out of sorts last Thursday, so it's not surprising that we got clobbered. Those pesky Rebels under Generalissimo LaBan have been blasting Death Stars (fully operational ones) and taking out star bases at an incredible rate. Most notably, the star bases always seem to be the ones concealing the Emperor. The Hutts really haven't had a chance to accumulate resource planets. :-((
At left, Generalissimo LaBan shows his prize-winning form.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Peetza da Hutt Wins Again... Wait, those Hutts are Rebels?!
The table got turned last Thursday--Darth Horak played the slimy green Hutts, Deputy Squadron Leader Wood went over to the dark side, and Peetza da Hutt took up the Rebel cause.
Even with good dice (four 6's in a row anyone), five starting resource planets, and reasonable cards, Karl the Hutt slowly fell behind. Once the Hutt menace was contained, Darth Wood chopped up the Rebels well and good.
After six turns the only Imperial bases that had been damaged were those displaced by Hutts. The Core Worlds changed color like a chameleon every turn and in the end it was one system short of being an Imperial province.
With the fate of the galaxy looking dismal, the Rebels made a valiant last stand at Bespin... and survived. Another Imperial onslaught in the Outer Rim also fell short. Even so, the Rebelion was holding on to less than eight systems. Darth Wood moved reinforcements to the Outer Rim to guarantee a crushing victory there the next turn.
Except there was no next turn. The Rebels played their "One in a Million" card (just picked up the previous round) and took out the Death Star at Duro. The single Imperial garrison was no match for the modest but desperate Rebel assault force. The Storm Troopers were wiped out and, to both Rebel and Hutt astonishment, the Emperor was captured. A Rebel victory was pulled out of the hat at the last minute and it was a third victory in a row for Ric.
At left Generalissimo LaBan dons protective gear before assaulting the Death Star.
Even with good dice (four 6's in a row anyone), five starting resource planets, and reasonable cards, Karl the Hutt slowly fell behind. Once the Hutt menace was contained, Darth Wood chopped up the Rebels well and good.
After six turns the only Imperial bases that had been damaged were those displaced by Hutts. The Core Worlds changed color like a chameleon every turn and in the end it was one system short of being an Imperial province.
With the fate of the galaxy looking dismal, the Rebels made a valiant last stand at Bespin... and survived. Another Imperial onslaught in the Outer Rim also fell short. Even so, the Rebelion was holding on to less than eight systems. Darth Wood moved reinforcements to the Outer Rim to guarantee a crushing victory there the next turn.
Except there was no next turn. The Rebels played their "One in a Million" card (just picked up the previous round) and took out the Death Star at Duro. The single Imperial garrison was no match for the modest but desperate Rebel assault force. The Storm Troopers were wiped out and, to both Rebel and Hutt astonishment, the Emperor was captured. A Rebel victory was pulled out of the hat at the last minute and it was a third victory in a row for Ric.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Hutt, Hutt
Peetz da Hutt, aka Ric LaBan, delivered a deadly one-two punch with back-to-back victories this evening. Game 1 was over almost before it began, with Rebel attacks crippling the Empire and Imperial counter-attacks taking a deadly toll. Rebel counter-counter attacks ran afoul of Imperial 6's, which cost them dearly. When the smoke cleared, the Hutts waltzed to victory on turn 3.
In Game 2, a much more even battle ensued. Imperial ambitions in the El Rood Sector held off the Rebels but succumbed to a slimy green onslaught. Even so, when the Rebel and Empire put aside their destructive impulses long enough to keep the Hutts at bay, things were balanced. But Rebel weakness at Tatooine led to the fall of Duro and a second loss on turn 4.
In Game 2, a much more even battle ensued. Imperial ambitions in the El Rood Sector held off the Rebels but succumbed to a slimy green onslaught. Even so, when the Rebel and Empire put aside their destructive impulses long enough to keep the Hutts at bay, things were balanced. But Rebel weakness at Tatooine led to the fall of Duro and a second loss on turn 4.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Back in the Saddle Again
Star Date 29 April
After a lengthy hiatus due to all the work on the renovation up in White Rock, Deputy Rebel Leader Wood, Peetza da Hutt, and Darth Horak resumed their epic struggle for galactic domination last week. Taking Brewster Rockit's comic of last week to heart, the Rebels and Hutts joined forces to become an "unstoppable union of destruction and tyranny."
On the first turn their combined efforts reduced the once powerful Empire to a mere 11 planets and only 3 reinforcements. The Empire was never a threat thereafter. The main event was the struggle between Rebels and Hutts, once proud allies and now mortal enemies. The Rebels ultimately triumphed but had they failed to capture the Evil Emperor, the Hutts surely would have been victorious on their next attack.
Star Date 6 May
This week a rematch found the dubious allies less coordinated, once again as per Brewster Rockit's bears and sharks.
As it was, the Empire had several astonishingly good runs with far more 6's than statistics would deem likely. Planets garrisoned with single squadrons of Rebels fell like kingpins. With the Ison Corridor firmly locked up after one good counter-offensive by the Rebels, the Empire held the Hutts to zero bonus faction cards for most of the game.
Only when the Empire concentrated on finishing off the crippled Rebels did the Hutts break out. Although the Hutts managed to hold onto 8 and even 9 resource planets, the Death Star's second and third turn destruction of Sullust and Balmorra put victory out of reach.
With the rebels down to a handful of planets and the Hutts locked out of victory, the "unstoppable union of destruction and tyranny" capitulated.
After a lengthy hiatus due to all the work on the renovation up in White Rock, Deputy Rebel Leader Wood, Peetza da Hutt, and Darth Horak resumed their epic struggle for galactic domination last week. Taking Brewster Rockit's comic of last week to heart, the Rebels and Hutts joined forces to become an "unstoppable union of destruction and tyranny."
On the first turn their combined efforts reduced the once powerful Empire to a mere 11 planets and only 3 reinforcements. The Empire was never a threat thereafter. The main event was the struggle between Rebels and Hutts, once proud allies and now mortal enemies. The Rebels ultimately triumphed but had they failed to capture the Evil Emperor, the Hutts surely would have been victorious on their next attack.
Star Date 6 May
This week a rematch found the dubious allies less coordinated, once again as per Brewster Rockit's bears and sharks.
As it was, the Empire had several astonishingly good runs with far more 6's than statistics would deem likely. Planets garrisoned with single squadrons of Rebels fell like kingpins. With the Ison Corridor firmly locked up after one good counter-offensive by the Rebels, the Empire held the Hutts to zero bonus faction cards for most of the game.
Only when the Empire concentrated on finishing off the crippled Rebels did the Hutts break out. Although the Hutts managed to hold onto 8 and even 9 resource planets, the Death Star's second and third turn destruction of Sullust and Balmorra put victory out of reach.
With the rebels down to a handful of planets and the Hutts locked out of victory, the "unstoppable union of destruction and tyranny" capitulated.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Galactic Domination with Greek and Olympics
Greek take-out, Olympics on the tube, and Star Wars Risk on the table tonight. Twas a long, hard struggle. The Rebels under Deputy Assistant Squadron Leader Kent got the early advantage, but both the Hutts and the Empire converged to set him back. Several star bases were destroyed but no Emperor was found.
Faction cards kept the force meter pegged on the dark side. Good card selection gave the Storm Troopers several large sets of reinforcements.
When the Rebels destroyed the Death Star on Gamorr, it opened the way for the Hutts to reclaim their home planet and attack into the Wild Space. An assault on Duro was successful to finish the game after 8 rounds.
Faction cards kept the force meter pegged on the dark side. Good card selection gave the Storm Troopers several large sets of reinforcements.
When the Rebels destroyed the Death Star on Gamorr, it opened the way for the Hutts to reclaim their home planet and attack into the Wild Space. An assault on Duro was successful to finish the game after 8 rounds.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Double Battles for Domination
Two battles for galactic domination tonight, along with significant quantities of pizza, beer, and Debbie's chess pie. The Evil Empire was trounced both times.
Game #1. After an oddly well-connected setup by all three factions, the game was off to solid start. But by turn 2, the combined efforts of Hutts and Storm Troopers were starting to place uncomfortable pressures on the Rebellion. With a piece of good luck, an extra move of the Force Meter gave the Deputy Rebel Leader Horak an extra card--and it was the dreaded One in a Million card.
Armed with that at the beginning of turn 3, the Rebels set forth with all their reinforcements from Bpfassh to Sluis Van on to Omwat and thence to the Star Base protected by the Death Star on Elom. One in a Million and the Death Star perished. The lightly garrisoned Star Base fell the next turn revealing the Emperor himself. Game ova almost as quickly as it started to everyone's surprise.
Game #2. A much different game. The Empire steadily ground down the Rebels with some improbably dice rolls. As the Hutts expanded their reach while the Storm Troopers were distracted, they soon became a threat. Not to worry--the Empire simply nuked Ord Mandell, then Sullust, and amazingly Balmorra.
With only ten resource planets left and needing ten to win, the Hutts were almost certain to loose as the Empire swept up the scattered remnants of the Rebels. Three times Peetza da Hutt gained nine planets only to be thwarted. The Rebels in their death throes attacked the Empire, which threw the balance to the Hutts who finally swept up ten systems. Game ova!
Game #1. After an oddly well-connected setup by all three factions, the game was off to solid start. But by turn 2, the combined efforts of Hutts and Storm Troopers were starting to place uncomfortable pressures on the Rebellion. With a piece of good luck, an extra move of the Force Meter gave the Deputy Rebel Leader Horak an extra card--and it was the dreaded One in a Million card.
Armed with that at the beginning of turn 3, the Rebels set forth with all their reinforcements from Bpfassh to Sluis Van on to Omwat and thence to the Star Base protected by the Death Star on Elom. One in a Million and the Death Star perished. The lightly garrisoned Star Base fell the next turn revealing the Emperor himself. Game ova almost as quickly as it started to everyone's surprise.
Game #2. A much different game. The Empire steadily ground down the Rebels with some improbably dice rolls. As the Hutts expanded their reach while the Storm Troopers were distracted, they soon became a threat. Not to worry--the Empire simply nuked Ord Mandell, then Sullust, and amazingly Balmorra.
With only ten resource planets left and needing ten to win, the Hutts were almost certain to loose as the Empire swept up the scattered remnants of the Rebels. Three times Peetza da Hutt gained nine planets only to be thwarted. The Rebels in their death throes attacked the Empire, which threw the balance to the Hutts who finally swept up ten systems. Game ova!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Yet Another Imperial Victory
Due in large part to Kent's Aunt's best ever Sloppy Joes, Ric and I decided to let Kent win tonight. What began as a collegial first round quickly degenerated into a "pile on the Rebels" second round. The Empire soon consolidated the Ison Corridor and then the Hutts tore into the Rebel strongholds in the Core Worlds.
Collapse followed quickly after the Death Star blasted two resource planets into asteroid bits. The Hutts made a valiant effort with a desperate bid for ten resource planets, but fell one system short. A huge number of Imperial Storm Troopers reinforced their existing garrisons on the final turn and the Rebels were eliminated.
The Galaxy has been overcome by the Dark Side.
Collapse followed quickly after the Death Star blasted two resource planets into asteroid bits. The Hutts made a valiant effort with a desperate bid for ten resource planets, but fell one system short. A huge number of Imperial Storm Troopers reinforced their existing garrisons on the final turn and the Rebels were eliminated.
The Galaxy has been overcome by the Dark Side.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Two Weeks in One
OK, so I'm late in posting last week's results in the seemingly never-ending battle for Galactic Domination.
Star Date Jan. 28, Game 1. The Hutts fairly quickly overwhelmed the combined defenses of Rebels and Storm Troopers. Kent the Hutt once again ruled the galaxy.
For a brief while...
Star Date Jan. 28, Game 2. The Evil Empire, led by the merciless Darth Nadir, marched to victory in a moderately long campaign. Eventually every vestige of the rebellion was eliminated. Deputy Rebel Leader Horak was captured along with all members of the Jedi Council.
Star Date Feb 4. In a remarkably even match, the pendulum of fate swung repeatedly, but never far enough to topple the other powers. Darth Horak began with a strong showing but the Rebels rebounded. Even they met their match when several enormous waves of freedom fighters perished in failed invasions of Ord Mantell.
Late into the game Kent the Hutt made a strong bid for galactic supremacy, but the Death Star's destruction of Ord Mantell denied him the victory he sought. Heavily fortified Imperial Star Bases denied the Hutts control of several Mid Rim resource planets and, critically, Balmorra. Rebel concentrations on Tattoine denied him Outer Rim control.
Eight rounds into this epic struggle found Deputy Rebel Leader LaBan well ensconced in the Outer Rim with strong garrisons in the Core Worlds. Kent the Hutt desperately thrashed out and reduced all factions to hollow shadows of their former glory. After hours of dice rolling and the emotional roller coaster of battles won and lost, a truce was called and the campaign declared a draw.
Star Date Jan. 28, Game 1. The Hutts fairly quickly overwhelmed the combined defenses of Rebels and Storm Troopers. Kent the Hutt once again ruled the galaxy.
For a brief while...
Star Date Jan. 28, Game 2. The Evil Empire, led by the merciless Darth Nadir, marched to victory in a moderately long campaign. Eventually every vestige of the rebellion was eliminated. Deputy Rebel Leader Horak was captured along with all members of the Jedi Council.
Star Date Feb 4. In a remarkably even match, the pendulum of fate swung repeatedly, but never far enough to topple the other powers. Darth Horak began with a strong showing but the Rebels rebounded. Even they met their match when several enormous waves of freedom fighters perished in failed invasions of Ord Mantell.
Late into the game Kent the Hutt made a strong bid for galactic supremacy, but the Death Star's destruction of Ord Mantell denied him the victory he sought. Heavily fortified Imperial Star Bases denied the Hutts control of several Mid Rim resource planets and, critically, Balmorra. Rebel concentrations on Tattoine denied him Outer Rim control.
Eight rounds into this epic struggle found Deputy Rebel Leader LaBan well ensconced in the Outer Rim with strong garrisons in the Core Worlds. Kent the Hutt desperately thrashed out and reduced all factions to hollow shadows of their former glory. After hours of dice rolling and the emotional roller coaster of battles won and lost, a truce was called and the campaign declared a draw.
Friday, January 22, 2010
A Good Day for the Green but not a Great Day
Game One: Horak the Hutt vs Darth LaBan vs Deputy Rebel Leader Wood. By carefully controlling key systems in the Core Worlds, Horak the Hutt was able to quickly garner ten resource planets and a resounding victory.
Game Two: Despite a Non-Agression Pact, the Rebels attacked the Empire and launched a bitter feud. Horak the Hutt once again took advantage of their combined animosity and swept the galaxy in the second turn.
Game Three: With a shuffling of roles, Deputy Rebel Leader Karl took on Kent the Hutt while Ric stayed fast with his Storm Troopers. A long drawn out battle resulted, first with the Rebels pounding the Hutts back into the Stone Age. By then the Empire, showing a rare bit of pity, was strong enough to grind down the Rebellion. The Death Star took a heavy toll, destroying systems in the El Rood Sector and the Mid Rim.
Late in the game the Hutts, once down to two resource planets, were able to mount a serious offense, reaching eight resource planets and having victory within reach. Alas, the Evil Empire was able to push them back and then turn their attention to the few remaining Rebels. After a frontal assault failed, the Death Star was summoned to blast them to oblivion.
Game Two: Despite a Non-Agression Pact, the Rebels attacked the Empire and launched a bitter feud. Horak the Hutt once again took advantage of their combined animosity and swept the galaxy in the second turn.
Game Three: With a shuffling of roles, Deputy Rebel Leader Karl took on Kent the Hutt while Ric stayed fast with his Storm Troopers. A long drawn out battle resulted, first with the Rebels pounding the Hutts back into the Stone Age. By then the Empire, showing a rare bit of pity, was strong enough to grind down the Rebellion. The Death Star took a heavy toll, destroying systems in the El Rood Sector and the Mid Rim.
Late in the game the Hutts, once down to two resource planets, were able to mount a serious offense, reaching eight resource planets and having victory within reach. Alas, the Evil Empire was able to push them back and then turn their attention to the few remaining Rebels. After a frontal assault failed, the Death Star was summoned to blast them to oblivion.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Darth Nadir and Kent the Hutt Return to the Fray
It was a wild and woolly evening of pizza, beer, and dice, as Ric and Kent resumed weekly SW Risk after a long layoff over the holidays. Obviously, nephews Peter and David taught me well, as I quickly crushed Darth Nadir while holding the slimy green Hutts to a miserable three resource planets.
The second game started off with a more concerted joint effort by my opponents to keep the Rebels in check. Even so, when the green hoard swarmed out of the Core Worlds, they were brought up short by a timely "Clumsy as he is stupid" faction card. As the Hutts regained there edge and trundled towards victory, once again a cleverly played faction card nearly undid him. But alas, a bad roll is a bad roll and all the bonuses in the world could not recover.
The second game started off with a more concerted joint effort by my opponents to keep the Rebels in check. Even so, when the green hoard swarmed out of the Core Worlds, they were brought up short by a timely "Clumsy as he is stupid" faction card. As the Hutts regained there edge and trundled towards victory, once again a cleverly played faction card nearly undid him. But alas, a bad roll is a bad roll and all the bonuses in the world could not recover.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Final Game with the Nephews
Ever a glutton for punishment, I let Peter and David pound on me one more time the evening before they left. This time it was Darth Horak trying to keep Deputy Rebel Leader Peter from a third straight victory. But by concentrating on the Rebels, the Hutts got out of hand, the usual problem.
Even though the Rebels beat back the Empire from most of the board, the Storm Troopers held onto the Wild Spaces protected by an asteroid field at Slus Van. Then the Death Star moved to Gamorr to fully protect the sector and its four star bases, including the Emperor.
Despite the loss of Gamorr, David the Hutt was able to strike out across the Core Worlds and collect ten resource planets. Thus ended Deputy Rebel Leader Peter's glorious plans for three victories in a row.
Even though the Rebels beat back the Empire from most of the board, the Storm Troopers held onto the Wild Spaces protected by an asteroid field at Slus Van. Then the Death Star moved to Gamorr to fully protect the sector and its four star bases, including the Emperor.
Despite the loss of Gamorr, David the Hutt was able to strike out across the Core Worlds and collect ten resource planets. Thus ended Deputy Rebel Leader Peter's glorious plans for three victories in a row.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
First Game of 2010
Nephews Peter and David once again finagled me into a game without the usual backup of Kent and Ric. The result, as expected, was Peter winning. This time Karl the Hutt and Darth David went up against Deputy Rebel Leader Peter.
After a disasterous start the Hutts clambered back into power, but three turns of using Hutt faction cards led only to disappointment. Each time the Hutts had 8 or 9 resource planets but couldn't put the game away. Insanely bad dice rolls by the Hutts protected the Rebels.
In the end, Deputy Rebel Leader discovered the Emperor in the Outer Rim and assembled a huge army there. In the end even the Death Star couldn't protect the final planet--with a +3 bonus, the Rebels destroyed it and took out the weak garrison that remained on-planet.
After a disasterous start the Hutts clambered back into power, but three turns of using Hutt faction cards led only to disappointment. Each time the Hutts had 8 or 9 resource planets but couldn't put the game away. Insanely bad dice rolls by the Hutts protected the Rebels.
In the end, Deputy Rebel Leader discovered the Emperor in the Outer Rim and assembled a huge army there. In the end even the Death Star couldn't protect the final planet--with a +3 bonus, the Rebels destroyed it and took out the weak garrison that remained on-planet.
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