Deputy Rebel Commander Wood has done it again--twice in as many weeks he has dominated the galaxy. This time he was fortified with Italian salami and cheeses sent straight from New Jersey's finest deli.
What looked like a rout, turned in time to a victory for the Rebels. Darth LaBan had hidden the Emperor well, on Dagobah behind the asteroid field that was once Hoth. Even better, there were acres of Storm Troops and Hutt mercenaries between Dagobah and the nearest Rebels.
The Hutts had held their own, but never gotten into the bonus points. With the Wild Space under their control, a well-provisioned fleet, and the occasional faction card straight, they were positioned to make their move against the weakened Imperial forces and the widespread Rebels.
But that was not to be. DRC Wood led a surprisingly effective attack through the dangerous asteroid field, taking the Emperor unawares. :-/
Monday, December 26, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
At last, the E-vile Empire Dominates the Galaxy
In a battle of epic proportions, once again this week the dynamic trio struggled for domination of the Star Wars Risk Galaxy. Horak the Hutt, Sith Wood, and Deputy Rebel Assistant Squadron Commander LaBan led their forces into battle, fueled by CostCo pizza.
In the first few turns of the game, the Rebels took the Storm Troopers to task and made significant advances across the board. But the wily Hutts took advantage of the Empire's distraction with the uprising and gained control of the Ison Corridor.
Still that wasn't enough for a Hutt breakout. The Empire was able to unleash the Death Star and destroy Kessel, a resource planet with a significant Rebel garrison. The Rebel counter-attacks were rebuffed and the Empire began to gain the upper hand.
Still, the Hutts continued to gain ground aided by reinforcements from the Ison Corridor. With their first faction card straight (7 legions), they were able to push all the way to 8 resource planets. The Empire reacted appropriately and set the Hutts back, but in doing so they were unable to finish off the very weakened Rebels.
The Rebels somehow managed to hold on turn after turn, playing clever faction cards at just the right moments. But the eventually their far flung garrisons fell along with most of the systems in the Core Worlds. In the end the Rebels were holding on with only a small force at Mimban.
While the Empire turned its bloodshot eyes on the Rebels, the Hutts swept in with yet another large set of reinforcements and attempted to sweep their way to victory. Insane luck and stubborn resistance at Gamorr, more insane luck at Tatooine kept the Hutts at bay. With a last gasp the troops in the Mid Rim broke out through Coruscant but ran afoul of the stout resistance at Correlia.
With the Hutt's last effort at ten resource planets blocked, the Empire quickly snuffed out the remaining Rebels at Duro for their first victory in over four weeks.
In the first few turns of the game, the Rebels took the Storm Troopers to task and made significant advances across the board. But the wily Hutts took advantage of the Empire's distraction with the uprising and gained control of the Ison Corridor.
Still that wasn't enough for a Hutt breakout. The Empire was able to unleash the Death Star and destroy Kessel, a resource planet with a significant Rebel garrison. The Rebel counter-attacks were rebuffed and the Empire began to gain the upper hand.
Still, the Hutts continued to gain ground aided by reinforcements from the Ison Corridor. With their first faction card straight (7 legions), they were able to push all the way to 8 resource planets. The Empire reacted appropriately and set the Hutts back, but in doing so they were unable to finish off the very weakened Rebels.
The Rebels somehow managed to hold on turn after turn, playing clever faction cards at just the right moments. But the eventually their far flung garrisons fell along with most of the systems in the Core Worlds. In the end the Rebels were holding on with only a small force at Mimban.
While the Empire turned its bloodshot eyes on the Rebels, the Hutts swept in with yet another large set of reinforcements and attempted to sweep their way to victory. Insane luck and stubborn resistance at Gamorr, more insane luck at Tatooine kept the Hutts at bay. With a last gasp the troops in the Mid Rim broke out through Coruscant but ran afoul of the stout resistance at Correlia.
With the Hutt's last effort at ten resource planets blocked, the Empire quickly snuffed out the remaining Rebels at Duro for their first victory in over four weeks.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Yet Another Hutt Victory
In a lengthy seesaw battle, galactic rulership hung in the balance of all three great powers last night. The Rebels under Generalissimo Horak came out with all guns blazing and with characteristically good luck, took out many solitary Imperial outposts with hardly any casualties.
The Hutts responded with very minor assaults sufficient only to gain their two faction cards. The Empire counter-attacked and took out several isolate Hutts, but at some cost.
By the second turn, the Rebels had taken the Ison Corridor, which they held on to for quite some time until Imperial faction cards created an unstoppable force. Somewhere in there, a large concentration of Rebels on Byss were destroyed by the Death Star, guided by the E-vile Sith Wood.
The Empire scrabbled back from its low point, eventually reducing Rodia to asteroids as well. With a rare chance to destroy three systems with the Death Star, the Empire continued to lambast the unfortunate Rebels. Meanwhile the Hutts slowly gathered faction cards, a fleet, and strength.
When Pizza da Hutt broke out, he quickly ran up eight resource planets. Both Rebel and Storm Trooper attempted to put the green genii back in the bottle, but it was too late. With a faction card straight, the Hutts took command of the galaxy.
Maybe next week....
The Hutts responded with very minor assaults sufficient only to gain their two faction cards. The Empire counter-attacked and took out several isolate Hutts, but at some cost.
By the second turn, the Rebels had taken the Ison Corridor, which they held on to for quite some time until Imperial faction cards created an unstoppable force. Somewhere in there, a large concentration of Rebels on Byss were destroyed by the Death Star, guided by the E-vile Sith Wood.
The Empire scrabbled back from its low point, eventually reducing Rodia to asteroids as well. With a rare chance to destroy three systems with the Death Star, the Empire continued to lambast the unfortunate Rebels. Meanwhile the Hutts slowly gathered faction cards, a fleet, and strength.
When Pizza da Hutt broke out, he quickly ran up eight resource planets. Both Rebel and Storm Trooper attempted to put the green genii back in the bottle, but it was too late. With a faction card straight, the Hutts took command of the galaxy.
Maybe next week....
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Rebel Dawgs Put Fear in Emperor's Eyes
With the chance of a third straight Rebel victory looming over last week's game, Ric the Hutt and Sith Kent went immediately on the attack. Only one slight problem, the Rebels go first in each turn. So it was that the good guys were able to capture the Ison Corridor and knock off a Hutt or two, gaining two faction cards.
The Hutts came back with a limited attack just to gain cards, but the Storm Troopers attacked into the Corridor and moved the Death Star up to completely block egress.
Unfortunately, those first two faction cards were exactly the two cards that allowed the Rebels, dawgs that they were, to destroy the Death Star. From there it was all downhill for the Empire.
Eventually, the Hutts managed a couple faction card straights and blew away the weak Imperial garrisons on the resource planets in the Mid and Outer Rim. Victory Hutts.
A second game was begun with Ric and Karl switching roles. It went fairly evenly for six turns, but with the lateness of the hour and the Force Meter pegged fully in the Rebel's favor, a truce was declared. Drawn game.
The Hutts came back with a limited attack just to gain cards, but the Storm Troopers attacked into the Corridor and moved the Death Star up to completely block egress.
Unfortunately, those first two faction cards were exactly the two cards that allowed the Rebels, dawgs that they were, to destroy the Death Star. From there it was all downhill for the Empire.
Eventually, the Hutts managed a couple faction card straights and blew away the weak Imperial garrisons on the resource planets in the Mid and Outer Rim. Victory Hutts.
A second game was begun with Ric and Karl switching roles. It went fairly evenly for six turns, but with the lateness of the hour and the Force Meter pegged fully in the Rebel's favor, a truce was declared. Drawn game.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Rebel Dawgs Strike Again
After a week's rest, our intrepid warriors once again clashed for galactic domination. In a variation of the battle two week's ago, Ric played Hutts and Kent took the Empire. And like the last game, setup was "unconventional." There were no Rebels in the Mid Rim, the Rebels gave a 5th resource planet to the Hutts in exchange for 3 out of 4 systems in the Ison Corridor, the Empire held 5 of 6 systems in the Elrood Sector, and there were no Hutts to the "left" of Elom or Alderaan. The Death Star blocked Gamorr, isolating the Hutts and Rebels in the Wild Space.
The Rebels got off to an average start, knocking off lots of lonely Imperial outposts with overwhelming force. The Hutts slowly gathered their skirts and began to chew away on a resource planet here or there. The Empire came charging into the fray with their first star base at Sluis Van and capturing the entire Elrood Sector.
The Rebels responded by attacking out of Bespin across the Ison Corridor and into the Elrood Sector. The Hutts continued their gradual offensive. The Empire counter-attacked, blasting all the way past Bespin. The Rebels responded with a large assault from Mon Calamari into Bfffasch in the Elrood Sector. The Hutts took advantage of a weakened Mid Rim and advanced to Ord Mantell. The Empire experienced problems with its Death Star and was only able to destroy Rodia instead of Elom.
The Rebels next attacked the weak garrisons of the Elrood Sector, leaving the heavily garrisoned star base at Sluis Van for later. The Hutts fought their way to Tattoine, captured Duro, and gained 7 resource planets. The storm troopers responded by reinforcing Sluis Van and bringing the Death Star over.
Unfortunately, the Rebels' faction cards caused almost the entire garrison of Sluis Van to desert. The "One in a Million" card allowed them to then destroy the Death Star. When the decimated garrison was defeated, the Emperor was discovered... game ova.
The Rebels got off to an average start, knocking off lots of lonely Imperial outposts with overwhelming force. The Hutts slowly gathered their skirts and began to chew away on a resource planet here or there. The Empire came charging into the fray with their first star base at Sluis Van and capturing the entire Elrood Sector.
The Rebels responded by attacking out of Bespin across the Ison Corridor and into the Elrood Sector. The Hutts continued their gradual offensive. The Empire counter-attacked, blasting all the way past Bespin. The Rebels responded with a large assault from Mon Calamari into Bfffasch in the Elrood Sector. The Hutts took advantage of a weakened Mid Rim and advanced to Ord Mantell. The Empire experienced problems with its Death Star and was only able to destroy Rodia instead of Elom.
The Rebels next attacked the weak garrisons of the Elrood Sector, leaving the heavily garrisoned star base at Sluis Van for later. The Hutts fought their way to Tattoine, captured Duro, and gained 7 resource planets. The storm troopers responded by reinforcing Sluis Van and bringing the Death Star over.
Unfortunately, the Rebels' faction cards caused almost the entire garrison of Sluis Van to desert. The "One in a Million" card allowed them to then destroy the Death Star. When the decimated garrison was defeated, the Emperor was discovered... game ova.
Friday, October 28, 2011
After a Month's Hiatus...
We resumed Star Wars Risk last night. Frankly, we were all a little surprised that we remembered how to play after 5 weeks off. Between my travel, Dad's death, more travel, and Ric's travel, we've had an unprecedented gap in Thursday night activity.
Kent chose the Hutts, Ric the Empire, and I was left with the tattered Rebel forces. Right away we should have known things would be different--the Hutts had a strong set up on 4 resource systems, there were no Storm Troopers in the Mid Rim, no Rebels in the Outer Rim. My forces were almost completely linked. The Hutts were well placed to expand into the critical Mid Rim resource planets, although the Death Star at Ord Mantell posed a significant problem. The Empire had all but one system in the Outer Rim but were otherwise spread a bit thin.
Even in the first turn, things broke just right for the Rebels. By putting all in-coming reinforcements into the Wild Space, they were able to eliminate the single Imperial legion and the 3 Hutts stationed in the region.
Even so, the Hutts responded with an initial assault that captured Balmorra. Unfortunately for Kent the Hutt, a second attack directed at Tatooine fell one system short and resulted in a second set of casualties. Despite these setbacks, the Hutts did manage to climb up to 8 resource planets in later turns before the Rebels knocked them back down.
The e-vile Empire managed to take the Outer Rim in its initial turn and things looked reasonable for them. Unfortunately, a Rebel counterattack out of the Elrood Sector succeeded in taking Mon Calamari and denying them their sector bonus.
After that, things were all in the cards... the Rebel cards. From Mon Calamari they were able to use "One in a Million" and destroy the Death Star. One card let them add +2 to attack dice and resulted in the destruction of a starbase. Then a faction card straight gave them a huge boost in troops for a major assault on the scattered, individual Imperial garrisons.
Left with only two systems, the Empire was forced to double up on starbases on Yavin 4 during the fourth turn. A second faction card straight let the Rebels attack this concentration and when it fell, the Emperor was revealed.
Kent chose the Hutts, Ric the Empire, and I was left with the tattered Rebel forces. Right away we should have known things would be different--the Hutts had a strong set up on 4 resource systems, there were no Storm Troopers in the Mid Rim, no Rebels in the Outer Rim. My forces were almost completely linked. The Hutts were well placed to expand into the critical Mid Rim resource planets, although the Death Star at Ord Mantell posed a significant problem. The Empire had all but one system in the Outer Rim but were otherwise spread a bit thin.
Even in the first turn, things broke just right for the Rebels. By putting all in-coming reinforcements into the Wild Space, they were able to eliminate the single Imperial legion and the 3 Hutts stationed in the region.
Even so, the Hutts responded with an initial assault that captured Balmorra. Unfortunately for Kent the Hutt, a second attack directed at Tatooine fell one system short and resulted in a second set of casualties. Despite these setbacks, the Hutts did manage to climb up to 8 resource planets in later turns before the Rebels knocked them back down.
The e-vile Empire managed to take the Outer Rim in its initial turn and things looked reasonable for them. Unfortunately, a Rebel counterattack out of the Elrood Sector succeeded in taking Mon Calamari and denying them their sector bonus.
After that, things were all in the cards... the Rebel cards. From Mon Calamari they were able to use "One in a Million" and destroy the Death Star. One card let them add +2 to attack dice and resulted in the destruction of a starbase. Then a faction card straight gave them a huge boost in troops for a major assault on the scattered, individual Imperial garrisons.
Left with only two systems, the Empire was forced to double up on starbases on Yavin 4 during the fourth turn. A second faction card straight let the Rebels attack this concentration and when it fell, the Emperor was revealed.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Lost in Space
Peetza da Hutt, aka Ric LaBan, is doing something worthwhile like celebrating an anniversary or driving to California, so Kent and I are left to our own devices. And so, we regressed to High School age and knocked out a couple Afrika Korps battles.
It's been about 20 year since we played an Avalon Hill wargame and it took some resetting of the mental pongids. But after we straightened out all the details of setup, logistics, movement, and combat, we were ready to go.
Because we were playing a modified version of the full-blown game, the victory conditions were very different from the standard game. But everything else seemed familiar--stay in the escarpments and fortifications, block supply with zones of control, use soak-offs to maintain favorable local odds.
Game #1. Herr General Holtz (as always) was armed with a plethora of strong armor but in the historical starting position. He faced Lt. Gen. Smythe-Horak with lots of weak infantry, enough armor to be a problem, and a pitiful garrison in Tobruk.
Holtz decided to go first for Tobruk and made a direct assault at 3:1 with all his heavy armor. He did indeed capture the fortress, but in the process the Commonwealth forces were able to dig in deeply in front of Bardia and Alam Halfa. Rommel's men could never chop through the heavy defenses in the escarpments west of Knightsbridge. A desperate last minute assault at 2:1 odds left the Allies with a marginal victory.
Game #2. Using more flexible rules on intial setup, this time Holtz attacked Alam Halfa first and just invested Tobruk. The Brits were forced back from the pass but spread out to the south and west. In the end, an Allied counter-attack on the forces around Tobruk was successful and broke through to the beleaguered garrison for a tie game.
It's been about 20 year since we played an Avalon Hill wargame and it took some resetting of the mental pongids. But after we straightened out all the details of setup, logistics, movement, and combat, we were ready to go.
Because we were playing a modified version of the full-blown game, the victory conditions were very different from the standard game. But everything else seemed familiar--stay in the escarpments and fortifications, block supply with zones of control, use soak-offs to maintain favorable local odds.
Game #1. Herr General Holtz (as always) was armed with a plethora of strong armor but in the historical starting position. He faced Lt. Gen. Smythe-Horak with lots of weak infantry, enough armor to be a problem, and a pitiful garrison in Tobruk.
Holtz decided to go first for Tobruk and made a direct assault at 3:1 with all his heavy armor. He did indeed capture the fortress, but in the process the Commonwealth forces were able to dig in deeply in front of Bardia and Alam Halfa. Rommel's men could never chop through the heavy defenses in the escarpments west of Knightsbridge. A desperate last minute assault at 2:1 odds left the Allies with a marginal victory.
Game #2. Using more flexible rules on intial setup, this time Holtz attacked Alam Halfa first and just invested Tobruk. The Brits were forced back from the pass but spread out to the south and west. In the end, an Allied counter-attack on the forces around Tobruk was successful and broke through to the beleaguered garrison for a tie game.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
SWR for the Masses
With the nephews in town, we had two 5-person games. Whew!
Game #1. The e-vile Empire (Kent and Ric) got off to a strong start, nabbing the Wild Space and holding it throughout the game. Despite the Hutts giving opportunities for counter-attacks into that sector, the Rebels (Peter and David) were never able to remove the threat. Eventually four star bases completely occupied the Wild Space.
The Hutts (Karl) were never much of a danger to the Empire, but they slowly crawled up to five resource planets. When the Empire started to make significant gains on the Rebels, they took their eye off the ball for just a single turn. The Hutts cashed in a faction card straight and took their 10 legions plus a powerful fleet in a desperate gamble. In the end they swept up five resource planets, ending with a run to Bespin and a surprise win. Hoo-hah!
Game #2. The Grey Empire whomped on the Yellow Rebels relentlessly and they Yellow Hoards never recovered. Gradually the White Empire overtook the Ison Corridor, then the Core Worlds, and finally the Wild Space.
Eventually Sith Wood's grey troops were reduced to a single system. His sacrifices also left Yellow Rebel Leader Horak (Karl) with only a single system. The Hutts made valiant but ultimately useless assaults, reaching nine resource planets. Darth Ric ignored the Hutts and took his white storm troopers on a brazen attack that put Orange Rebel Leader Horak (Peter) out of the game -- after some exciting dice rolls in the Mid Rim. Sith Wood was then able to finish off last yellow rebel. Game Empire.
Game #1. The e-vile Empire (Kent and Ric) got off to a strong start, nabbing the Wild Space and holding it throughout the game. Despite the Hutts giving opportunities for counter-attacks into that sector, the Rebels (Peter and David) were never able to remove the threat. Eventually four star bases completely occupied the Wild Space.
The Hutts (Karl) were never much of a danger to the Empire, but they slowly crawled up to five resource planets. When the Empire started to make significant gains on the Rebels, they took their eye off the ball for just a single turn. The Hutts cashed in a faction card straight and took their 10 legions plus a powerful fleet in a desperate gamble. In the end they swept up five resource planets, ending with a run to Bespin and a surprise win. Hoo-hah!
Game #2. The Grey Empire whomped on the Yellow Rebels relentlessly and they Yellow Hoards never recovered. Gradually the White Empire overtook the Ison Corridor, then the Core Worlds, and finally the Wild Space.
Eventually Sith Wood's grey troops were reduced to a single system. His sacrifices also left Yellow Rebel Leader Horak (Karl) with only a single system. The Hutts made valiant but ultimately useless assaults, reaching nine resource planets. Darth Ric ignored the Hutts and took his white storm troopers on a brazen attack that put Orange Rebel Leader Horak (Peter) out of the game -- after some exciting dice rolls in the Mid Rim. Sith Wood was then able to finish off last yellow rebel. Game Empire.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Expect the Unexpected
In a casual 3-player game with nephews David and Peter, it was definitely a case of expect the unexpected. The game spanned two evenings before its eventual conclusion in turn 7, an unusually long game.
At the start, superior dice rolling and strategic targeting put the E-vile Emperor in the lead. The Rebels, led by Deputy Rebel Leader David, looked to be out of the game within a few turns as they were herded into a few concentrations within the Mid Rim and a couple of isolated, weak pockets.
Peter the Hutt managed to hold onto his forces, keeping about even with his starting troop levels. That said, he was still down in the basement with only three resource planets. When the Empire blew up Bespin, things looked desperate.
Somehow, the Rebels managed to knock out a couple star bases and move the force meter over far to the Light side. But things looked grim for the Rebels and an Imperial victory seemed likely.
But on the second evening, things took a disturbingly different turn -- the Rebels used a faction card to destroy two Imperial cards. They managed to take away the "blow up the Wild Space" card and the "add 1-6 troops to an invaded planet" cards. Then the Hutts managed to dynamite the garrison at Balmorra. These events set the Empire back significantly, just when they were advancing on Elom to destroy the Hutt resource planet and the Wild Space sector bonus that they were gaining.
With the Peter the Hutt intent upon kicking the Empire to the curb, the almost-destroyed Rebels put on their big girl panties and began to attack out of the worthless and ignored Ison Corridor. When they destroyed a fifth star base and still hadn't located the Emperor, the gig was up.
But the game wasn't over yet -- the fat Hutt hadn't sung. The Imperial garrison held off the Rebel invasion at Sullust. The Hutts responded with a run of resource planets, getting up to nine but not the winning tenth system.
The Rebels, not terribly strong, but strong enough, took another run at Sullust and this time managed to take the system and win the game. Both Peter and Karl "tasted bitter."
At the start, superior dice rolling and strategic targeting put the E-vile Emperor in the lead. The Rebels, led by Deputy Rebel Leader David, looked to be out of the game within a few turns as they were herded into a few concentrations within the Mid Rim and a couple of isolated, weak pockets.
Peter the Hutt managed to hold onto his forces, keeping about even with his starting troop levels. That said, he was still down in the basement with only three resource planets. When the Empire blew up Bespin, things looked desperate.
Somehow, the Rebels managed to knock out a couple star bases and move the force meter over far to the Light side. But things looked grim for the Rebels and an Imperial victory seemed likely.
But on the second evening, things took a disturbingly different turn -- the Rebels used a faction card to destroy two Imperial cards. They managed to take away the "blow up the Wild Space" card and the "add 1-6 troops to an invaded planet" cards. Then the Hutts managed to dynamite the garrison at Balmorra. These events set the Empire back significantly, just when they were advancing on Elom to destroy the Hutt resource planet and the Wild Space sector bonus that they were gaining.
With the Peter the Hutt intent upon kicking the Empire to the curb, the almost-destroyed Rebels put on their big girl panties and began to attack out of the worthless and ignored Ison Corridor. When they destroyed a fifth star base and still hadn't located the Emperor, the gig was up.
But the game wasn't over yet -- the fat Hutt hadn't sung. The Imperial garrison held off the Rebel invasion at Sullust. The Hutts responded with a run of resource planets, getting up to nine but not the winning tenth system.
The Rebels, not terribly strong, but strong enough, took another run at Sullust and this time managed to take the system and win the game. Both Peter and Karl "tasted bitter."
Saturday, September 3, 2011
The Dice Are Trying to Kill Me
Special guest Sith tonight was Peter, standing in for David by playing both white and grey imperial forces. Kent and Ric took up the mantle of the Rebel cause while Karl commanded the Hutts.
Let's face it, 5-person SWR is a different animal -- 62 legions of storm troopers, 56 rebel units, and 25 Hutts. All that makes for a very crowded starting position. The Hutts left a few sacrificial single units out as bait, to draw opposing forces away from the three heavily fortified resource planets.
Kent immediately went after them and came up against his match at Alderaan. Before the Battle for Alderaan was over several assaults later, something like 9 legions of rebels and storm troopers were taken out, all for a single Hutt.
The White Empire began its assaults with attacks in the Mid Rim. Hutt counter-attacks could not hold their lightly garrisoned positions. With a couple command swaps, the White forces managed to capture the entire sector.
Meanwhile, the Death Star was hard at work -- destroying Hoth. Along with the planet's destruction, 10 Yellow Rebel legions and their entire fleet were lost.
It was downhill from there. Even a faction card straight worth seven Hutt legions wasn't enough to stop the onslaught. The Rebels capitulated and without their harrassment of the storm troopers, the Hutts had no chance.
Game Empire.
Let's face it, 5-person SWR is a different animal -- 62 legions of storm troopers, 56 rebel units, and 25 Hutts. All that makes for a very crowded starting position. The Hutts left a few sacrificial single units out as bait, to draw opposing forces away from the three heavily fortified resource planets.
Kent immediately went after them and came up against his match at Alderaan. Before the Battle for Alderaan was over several assaults later, something like 9 legions of rebels and storm troopers were taken out, all for a single Hutt.
The White Empire began its assaults with attacks in the Mid Rim. Hutt counter-attacks could not hold their lightly garrisoned positions. With a couple command swaps, the White forces managed to capture the entire sector.
Meanwhile, the Death Star was hard at work -- destroying Hoth. Along with the planet's destruction, 10 Yellow Rebel legions and their entire fleet were lost.
It was downhill from there. Even a faction card straight worth seven Hutt legions wasn't enough to stop the onslaught. The Rebels capitulated and without their harrassment of the storm troopers, the Hutts had no chance.
Game Empire.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
A Double Hutt Hitter
For once Kent went home happy -- he beat the bejezus out of us two games straight.
Game #1. Things were off to a balanced start, but in turn 2, Rebel Leader LaBan played the "look under any Imperial base" faction card. Lo! The first (and only) token on the board concealed the Emperor. Thereafter, the Imperial forces were forced to clear the Mid Rim of rebels and fortify approaches through the Outer Rim, now that the Emperor had been located.
While successful, this let the Hutts grow dangerously strong. They were able to dislodge the Emperor and gain too many resource planets for their own good. Meanwhile, the Empire had to spend its troops defending the vulnerable Emperor instead of beating back Hutt incursions.
Several turns later, the "move any two Imperial bases" faction card allowed the Storm Troopers to once again confuse the Rebels as to the Imperial location. But a Hutt faction card straight gave Kent the edge and he fought his way to a dramatic finish on Tatooine.
Game #2. With the taste of defeat fresh in their mouths, Empire and Rebelion worked to contain the Hutts in the second of the evening's battles. By then the Caol Ila was flowing and I can't recall six days later how he managed to slip another victory over on us. Perhaps it was just a counting error and Kent the Hutt only held eight resource planets. We may never know.
Game #1. Things were off to a balanced start, but in turn 2, Rebel Leader LaBan played the "look under any Imperial base" faction card. Lo! The first (and only) token on the board concealed the Emperor. Thereafter, the Imperial forces were forced to clear the Mid Rim of rebels and fortify approaches through the Outer Rim, now that the Emperor had been located.
While successful, this let the Hutts grow dangerously strong. They were able to dislodge the Emperor and gain too many resource planets for their own good. Meanwhile, the Empire had to spend its troops defending the vulnerable Emperor instead of beating back Hutt incursions.
Several turns later, the "move any two Imperial bases" faction card allowed the Storm Troopers to once again confuse the Rebels as to the Imperial location. But a Hutt faction card straight gave Kent the edge and he fought his way to a dramatic finish on Tatooine.
Game #2. With the taste of defeat fresh in their mouths, Empire and Rebelion worked to contain the Hutts in the second of the evening's battles. By then the Caol Ila was flowing and I can't recall six days later how he managed to slip another victory over on us. Perhaps it was just a counting error and Kent the Hutt only held eight resource planets. We may never know.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Double Trouble for the Imperial Rubble
Sith Wood had one of those nights --- one of those nights where everything goes right and yet, somehow, someone else wins.
Game #1. On turn two the Rebel Leader Horak sought to use a faction card to take out the Death Star, but a bad initial roll caused him to save the card. But the next turn, a fortuitous roll allowed him to play the "+2 to all your dice" card, taking out the dreaded orb. A couple rolls later, the garrison capitulated and, lo, the Emperor was captured. Game ova'.
Game #2. Ric the Hutt beat the hell out of us. It was a hard fought finish, but the animosity between Rebel and Storm Trooper gave him the edge he needed.
Game #1. On turn two the Rebel Leader Horak sought to use a faction card to take out the Death Star, but a bad initial roll caused him to save the card. But the next turn, a fortuitous roll allowed him to play the "+2 to all your dice" card, taking out the dreaded orb. A couple rolls later, the garrison capitulated and, lo, the Emperor was captured. Game ova'.
Game #2. Ric the Hutt beat the hell out of us. It was a hard fought finish, but the animosity between Rebel and Storm Trooper gave him the edge he needed.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Double Trouble for the Rebel Rubble
Lately game nights have ended after one battle that runs into the late evening hours. But this week, the combat was so furious and the outcomes so unexpected that we easily dominated the galaxy twice in a single evening. Rebel Leader LaBan, Sith Wood, and Horak the Hutt took up their dice and when the dust settled two and a half hours later, there were two different victors with two different victories.
Game #1. The Rebels game out of their corner swinging, first at the Hutts. I'm not sure if it was a matter of cold Rebel dice or hot Hutt dice, but the result was a horrible mangling of the Rebel forces. The Hutts launched a successful couple attacks and then the Empire took the field. They continued whomping on the Rebels but bounced off the Hutt concentrations. The Rebels had few forces to attack with in the second round and about as much luck. The Hutts swept the few opposing legions out of the Ison Corridor and would hold it for the remainder of the game (despite some strenuous attacks down both hyperspace links).
This pattern held until the Hutts climbed up to 8 resource planets -- and the large number of faction cards that came with it. The next turn the Hutts were up to 9 resource planets and had 7 faction cards ready to blast the galaxy wide open.
But the wiley Emperor had a faction card straight of his own. Faced with four separate Rebel regions, he assaulted them with portions of his huge force. In the end the loss of any one system would have meant an easy Hutt victory, but the Sith's luck held and he was just able to capture the last system.
Victory --> Empire
Game #2. Since Game #1 was over in near-record time, the gang tooled up for an instant rematch. This time the first round was much more balanced. Even so, the Ison Corridor once again fell to the Hutts. This was countered somewhat by the Rebels quickly taking the Wild Space. The Hutts neutralized this two turns later with the an invasion from Gamorr to Elom.
The Hutts went on an aggressive ship-building campaign, ultimately building up to 2 capitol ships and a bomber. On the fourth turn a faction card straight plus bonuses allowed the Hutts (at seven resource planets) to undertake a series of bold assaults on three systems. With overwhelming numbers they were able to take first one system and then with their fleet, conquer a second.
But the third system, critical for victory was Rodia, which was attacked by two legions from Gamorr. In the first clash at two against one, the Rebels held firm, but in the next, one on one, the Hutts came out on top rolling a 4 to best a Rebel 3.
Victory --> Hutts
Game #1. The Rebels game out of their corner swinging, first at the Hutts. I'm not sure if it was a matter of cold Rebel dice or hot Hutt dice, but the result was a horrible mangling of the Rebel forces. The Hutts launched a successful couple attacks and then the Empire took the field. They continued whomping on the Rebels but bounced off the Hutt concentrations. The Rebels had few forces to attack with in the second round and about as much luck. The Hutts swept the few opposing legions out of the Ison Corridor and would hold it for the remainder of the game (despite some strenuous attacks down both hyperspace links).
This pattern held until the Hutts climbed up to 8 resource planets -- and the large number of faction cards that came with it. The next turn the Hutts were up to 9 resource planets and had 7 faction cards ready to blast the galaxy wide open.
But the wiley Emperor had a faction card straight of his own. Faced with four separate Rebel regions, he assaulted them with portions of his huge force. In the end the loss of any one system would have meant an easy Hutt victory, but the Sith's luck held and he was just able to capture the last system.
Victory --> Empire
Game #2. Since Game #1 was over in near-record time, the gang tooled up for an instant rematch. This time the first round was much more balanced. Even so, the Ison Corridor once again fell to the Hutts. This was countered somewhat by the Rebels quickly taking the Wild Space. The Hutts neutralized this two turns later with the an invasion from Gamorr to Elom.
The Hutts went on an aggressive ship-building campaign, ultimately building up to 2 capitol ships and a bomber. On the fourth turn a faction card straight plus bonuses allowed the Hutts (at seven resource planets) to undertake a series of bold assaults on three systems. With overwhelming numbers they were able to take first one system and then with their fleet, conquer a second.
But the third system, critical for victory was Rodia, which was attacked by two legions from Gamorr. In the first clash at two against one, the Rebels held firm, but in the next, one on one, the Hutts came out on top rolling a 4 to best a Rebel 3.
Victory --> Hutts
Friday, July 29, 2011
Emperor Ric Triumphs Again
Like a supreme concert violinist, Emperor Ric played Wood the Hutt against Rebel Leader Horak and came away with a winning symphony. Kent and I are left to simmer in our own bile after a disappointing showing.
Things started out well enough with a balanced placement even if the Hutts had five initial resource planets. True, both Empire and Rebelion took advantage of some lightly garrisoned Hutt systems, but after two turns, it looked like the Storm Troopers were going to have a hard time of it. The Rebels had gained 11 legions from timely faction cards.
But as the Hutt influence grew, it was necessary for a surgical strike to knock them back away from the 7-resource-planet danger zone. Kent reacted with a counter-attack against the Rebels that failed to equally reduce Imperial forces. This left the way open for the Empire to further compromise the Rebels.
Without a strong Rebel threat to distract the Empire, the Hutts were doomed, not by direct assault, but by an overpowering Imperial presence. Within two turns the Rebels were completely eliminated, leaving the Hutts to run their spice trade under the heavy thumb of the Emperor's tax collectors.
Things started out well enough with a balanced placement even if the Hutts had five initial resource planets. True, both Empire and Rebelion took advantage of some lightly garrisoned Hutt systems, but after two turns, it looked like the Storm Troopers were going to have a hard time of it. The Rebels had gained 11 legions from timely faction cards.
But as the Hutt influence grew, it was necessary for a surgical strike to knock them back away from the 7-resource-planet danger zone. Kent reacted with a counter-attack against the Rebels that failed to equally reduce Imperial forces. This left the way open for the Empire to further compromise the Rebels.
Without a strong Rebel threat to distract the Empire, the Hutts were doomed, not by direct assault, but by an overpowering Imperial presence. Within two turns the Rebels were completely eliminated, leaving the Hutts to run their spice trade under the heavy thumb of the Emperor's tax collectors.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Never Count a Hutt Down
OK, so I'm a week and a half late, at least I got the July 7th game uploaded before I left for INMM. Now I'm back in Mountain Daylight Time and vaguely recall that I won the last game. Had to be reminded that Darth LaBan and Deputy Rebel Leader were my opponents.
As Horak the Hutt, I didn't exactly come dashing out of the gates. But Storm Troopers and Rebels alike considered the Hutt's out of the game early on and unwisely turn against one another too soon. With a capital ship and 7 extra legions from faction cards, the Hutts were able to slug their way to 8 resource planets and four more cards. Even after counter-attacks, a second faction card straight let the Hutts power through the Rebel and Imperial defenses to pick up the ten resource planets for the win.
As Horak the Hutt, I didn't exactly come dashing out of the gates. But Storm Troopers and Rebels alike considered the Hutt's out of the game early on and unwisely turn against one another too soon. With a capital ship and 7 extra legions from faction cards, the Hutts were able to slug their way to 8 resource planets and four more cards. Even after counter-attacks, a second faction card straight let the Hutts power through the Rebel and Imperial defenses to pick up the ten resource planets for the win.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Better Late than Never
OK, so I'm a week past due on this. Good thing Ric and Kent remembered how the game went down. I was so despondent after getting pasted by Darth Kent and Sith Wood that I didn't even remember I was playing the Hutts.
Apparently the Rebels blasted the Hutts on their initial turn. Then when the Hutts turned on the Empire, the Storm Troopers held a staunch defence that cost the Hutts dearly. The slimy green guys were never really in the game after that.
Despite the Empire's strong showing after the Rebels went after the Hutts, eventually the tables turned. Darth Kent led a successful offensive that swept the Rebels into the El Rood Sector. In short order Sith Wood destroyed every last Rebel outpost.
Game Empire.
Apparently the Rebels blasted the Hutts on their initial turn. Then when the Hutts turned on the Empire, the Storm Troopers held a staunch defence that cost the Hutts dearly. The slimy green guys were never really in the game after that.
Despite the Empire's strong showing after the Rebels went after the Hutts, eventually the tables turned. Darth Kent led a successful offensive that swept the Rebels into the El Rood Sector. In short order Sith Wood destroyed every last Rebel outpost.
Game Empire.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Kent the Hutt Pulls One out of the Fire
It was a hard fought game for galactic domination -- first the Empire dodged a major assault on the first turn, then Duro was turned into planetary dust by the Death Star. The Rebels kept chipping away at things but the Hutts always managed to hang on to enough planets. With an ingenious attack the Empire took the entire Outer Rim.
Faction cards flew thick and fast, but two Rebel straights (worth a total of 14 legions) looked like it would put them over the top. What looked to be the final assault was on Ord Mandel with 12 troops against 5 on a Star Base. The thin white line held, although it was whittled down to 2 survivors.
This gave the wily Hutts the break they needed and they cased in cards for 7 legions, blasted through the Wild Space, and then struck out for Ord Mandel. With its garrison still weakened from the Rebel attack, they quickly succumbed and the tenth resource planet was theirs.
Faction cards flew thick and fast, but two Rebel straights (worth a total of 14 legions) looked like it would put them over the top. What looked to be the final assault was on Ord Mandel with 12 troops against 5 on a Star Base. The thin white line held, although it was whittled down to 2 survivors.
This gave the wily Hutts the break they needed and they cased in cards for 7 legions, blasted through the Wild Space, and then struck out for Ord Mandel. With its garrison still weakened from the Rebel attack, they quickly succumbed and the tenth resource planet was theirs.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Addendum
Stardate: 16 Hune* 2011 (*Hutt Universal Calendar)
Reporting: Clagg Mondrehegan (aka KPW) from Queequeg's on Mon Calimari while eating
the Galaxy Famous Rosencranz Squid washed down by Land Shark Lager.
In an astonishing two parlay sweep, the Hutts under direction of His
Supreme Huttness Trilby, sallied forth (or shall I say slid forth) to points
across the sectors to overwhelm Rebel and Imperial Forces in a hostile take over
of six planets.
"The mercenary led sweep of 6 Resource Planets in one turn is
unprecented.", pouted Commander Vane. "Several of my most trusted commanders were forced
to commit hara-kiri mit der Blitzen sabres because of our infuriated
Emperor." "The Rebel Forces under Ric of Casa Querque, were a pestilence in
themselves. Annoying like so many gadflies, we were about to crush them like so
many roaches under our imperial heels when the green tsunami swept over the
systems." It is rumored that more than one commander was immediately
disheartened, dismayed and crying over his beer and immediately sent to frozen
siberian tundra gulags of Hoth.
Claims are made that the Emperor was in the Beyond negotiating alliances
with the Borg, rumors perhaps, but disturbing none the less.
His Supreme Huttness Trilby was non-plussed about the Hutts recent
advancements into here-to-fore uncharted territory, apparently because he does not
want to divulge his strategy. But sources close to the spice mining concerns
on Kessel claim a rare spice alters the genetic code of Hutts in several
ways allowing for the un-precented numbers and aggressiveness of the more
often domicile Hutts. The first is a fast and tremendous growth rate followed
spontaneous mitotic bilateral fission splitting the Hutt into multiple
daughter clone Hutts. (Imagine the tonnage of green slime that must be hauled
away.) The spice addiction has two known verifiable side effects; the first
being overt aggression, which was apparent with the overwhelming of our star
systems by the Green Hordes. The second is related to Numb Tongue and
Elephantile Digitalis. Both cause swelling of the tongue and digits. I imagine
it makes it difficult to unzip your trousers, if Hutts have trousers.
"Believe you me," when I say, "Those are not the pants I am looking for."
Meanwhile unconfirmed sources state that Princess Leia is about to be
released. She has been held captive for months by the notorious Sith Surly
(who was present in his ever supreme petulance during the recent Hutt
campaign). Compound sources speculate that she became a Mata Hari, feeding intel to
Trilby himself when she was informed that the Rebel forces were about to be
overwhelmed and assimilated. Furious at her betrayal and unable the wreak
revenge upon so important a hostage Surly is in predicament especially when
Trilby toyed with holographic likeness of the princess, making rude gestures
with it.
Sith Surly is now assuming command of the famed 3rd Imperial Legion, being
rewarded for his bad behavior displayed during the recent campaign. "That
is how it is in the Imperial Star Navy", confided a Captain who wished to
remain anonymous. "We are sore losers and reward bad behavior because that is
the nature of the Empire." "And beware, there will be another galaxy,
another time, and another conquering." A twisted Peter Principle if I may say so
myself.
And in their haughty arrogance, the High Council of Hutts, are now
demanding the Imperial Senate to replace the Imperial Calendar with their own which
includes Hanuary instead of January commemorating the carbonizing of Han
Solo.
Now back to my Rosenkranz Squid before it goes cold. Clagg Mondrehegan
reporting for Stars
Reporting: Clagg Mondrehegan (aka KPW) from Queequeg's on Mon Calimari while eating
the Galaxy Famous Rosencranz Squid washed down by Land Shark Lager.
In an astonishing two parlay sweep, the Hutts under direction of His
Supreme Huttness Trilby, sallied forth (or shall I say slid forth) to points
across the sectors to overwhelm Rebel and Imperial Forces in a hostile take over
of six planets.
"The mercenary led sweep of 6 Resource Planets in one turn is
unprecented.", pouted Commander Vane. "Several of my most trusted commanders were forced
to commit hara-kiri mit der Blitzen sabres because of our infuriated
Emperor." "The Rebel Forces under Ric of Casa Querque, were a pestilence in
themselves. Annoying like so many gadflies, we were about to crush them like so
many roaches under our imperial heels when the green tsunami swept over the
systems." It is rumored that more than one commander was immediately
disheartened, dismayed and crying over his beer and immediately sent to frozen
siberian tundra gulags of Hoth.
Claims are made that the Emperor was in the Beyond negotiating alliances
with the Borg, rumors perhaps, but disturbing none the less.
His Supreme Huttness Trilby was non-plussed about the Hutts recent
advancements into here-to-fore uncharted territory, apparently because he does not
want to divulge his strategy. But sources close to the spice mining concerns
on Kessel claim a rare spice alters the genetic code of Hutts in several
ways allowing for the un-precented numbers and aggressiveness of the more
often domicile Hutts. The first is a fast and tremendous growth rate followed
spontaneous mitotic bilateral fission splitting the Hutt into multiple
daughter clone Hutts. (Imagine the tonnage of green slime that must be hauled
away.) The spice addiction has two known verifiable side effects; the first
being overt aggression, which was apparent with the overwhelming of our star
systems by the Green Hordes. The second is related to Numb Tongue and
Elephantile Digitalis. Both cause swelling of the tongue and digits. I imagine
it makes it difficult to unzip your trousers, if Hutts have trousers.
"Believe you me," when I say, "Those are not the pants I am looking for."
Meanwhile unconfirmed sources state that Princess Leia is about to be
released. She has been held captive for months by the notorious Sith Surly
(who was present in his ever supreme petulance during the recent Hutt
campaign). Compound sources speculate that she became a Mata Hari, feeding intel to
Trilby himself when she was informed that the Rebel forces were about to be
overwhelmed and assimilated. Furious at her betrayal and unable the wreak
revenge upon so important a hostage Surly is in predicament especially when
Trilby toyed with holographic likeness of the princess, making rude gestures
with it.
Sith Surly is now assuming command of the famed 3rd Imperial Legion, being
rewarded for his bad behavior displayed during the recent campaign. "That
is how it is in the Imperial Star Navy", confided a Captain who wished to
remain anonymous. "We are sore losers and reward bad behavior because that is
the nature of the Empire." "And beware, there will be another galaxy,
another time, and another conquering." A twisted Peter Principle if I may say so
myself.
And in their haughty arrogance, the High Council of Hutts, are now
demanding the Imperial Senate to replace the Imperial Calendar with their own which
includes Hanuary instead of January commemorating the carbonizing of Han
Solo.
Now back to my Rosenkranz Squid before it goes cold. Clagg Mondrehegan
reporting for Stars
Two More Hutt Victories
It was a good evening to be a Hutt with back-to-back long-shot victories.
Game #1. Deputy Rebel Leader Laban came out with guns blazing and quickly sank two heavily garrisoned Hutt outposts. Six legions of Gamorra's finest whiffed in a few short moments. With the Hutts largely out of action, the Rebels and Storm Troopers lit into one another fiercely.
In the meantime, a pitiful Hutt force managed to scrape together enough troops to clear the tiny garrisons of the El Rood Sector and collect a couple capital ships. Again, the Rebellion and the Empire ignored the upstart---only four resource planets and pathetic placement of troops. The Empire beat the Rebels mercilessly until there were only five legions left on five systems. Victory was a single turn away.
But with the sector bonus, a fleet of capital ships, and a faction card bonus, the Hutts swept into Duro, captured the Wild Space, cleaned up Mid Rim resource planets, and captured Ord Mandel. All that was left was an assortment of singleton Imperial garrisons reinforced by star bases and a solitary Rebel outpost on Tatooine. After a series of invasions, the Hutt force was whittled down to two legions. The Rebels at Tatooine gamely stood off one assault, but the final battle, one on one, went to the Hutts. Game ova.
Game #2. Same sides, different set up. This time the Hutts came out looking better after the first turn. However, the dice were against Sith Wood, even though his troops in the Wild Space were heavily entrenched. The Rebels were on their way to a victory, though, with repeated attacks into the Ison Corridor that denied the Empire any rest.
Once again the Hutts took advantage of the struggle that left Bespin lightly garrisoned and with faction card bonuses sent a large force out of the Mid Rim, across the Core Worlds, and into the El Rood Sector for a second victory.
Game #1. Deputy Rebel Leader Laban came out with guns blazing and quickly sank two heavily garrisoned Hutt outposts. Six legions of Gamorra's finest whiffed in a few short moments. With the Hutts largely out of action, the Rebels and Storm Troopers lit into one another fiercely.
In the meantime, a pitiful Hutt force managed to scrape together enough troops to clear the tiny garrisons of the El Rood Sector and collect a couple capital ships. Again, the Rebellion and the Empire ignored the upstart---only four resource planets and pathetic placement of troops. The Empire beat the Rebels mercilessly until there were only five legions left on five systems. Victory was a single turn away.
But with the sector bonus, a fleet of capital ships, and a faction card bonus, the Hutts swept into Duro, captured the Wild Space, cleaned up Mid Rim resource planets, and captured Ord Mandel. All that was left was an assortment of singleton Imperial garrisons reinforced by star bases and a solitary Rebel outpost on Tatooine. After a series of invasions, the Hutt force was whittled down to two legions. The Rebels at Tatooine gamely stood off one assault, but the final battle, one on one, went to the Hutts. Game ova.
Game #2. Same sides, different set up. This time the Hutts came out looking better after the first turn. However, the dice were against Sith Wood, even though his troops in the Wild Space were heavily entrenched. The Rebels were on their way to a victory, though, with repeated attacks into the Ison Corridor that denied the Empire any rest.
Once again the Hutts took advantage of the struggle that left Bespin lightly garrisoned and with faction card bonuses sent a large force out of the Mid Rim, across the Core Worlds, and into the El Rood Sector for a second victory.
Splitting a Double Hitter
It's terrible when I don't remember all the details of last week's games. They were fun. We laughed a lot at ridiculously unlikely dice rolls and improbable events. We ate good Chinese from Ko Palace. Beer, wine, and whiskey flowed. Somewhere in between all that, Rebel Leader Horak captured the e-vile Emperor and took the first game. It was over almost by accident, after all, Rebels just automatically go after Star Bases, the same way dogs chase bunnies. It didn't even seem like a particularly hard-fought battle; just an accident of war. The Emperor was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
A second game was quickly set up and started. This time Ric pounded everyone into submission---I believe he was in his Peetza da Hutt role. A quick ten resource planets and the second game was over. Hope Ric reads this and sends me his notes in an e-mail so I can update it with his derring-do.
A second game was quickly set up and started. This time Ric pounded everyone into submission---I believe he was in his Peetza da Hutt role. A quick ten resource planets and the second game was over. Hope Ric reads this and sends me his notes in an e-mail so I can update it with his derring-do.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
May, the Lost Month
Good heavens----I haven't posted since April.
Ah, well, let's see... if memory serves me correctly, Ric playing Hutts blew Kent and I away. Then Kent took the first game of a double-header followed by Ric winning. Someone won a game after that and it wasn't me... probably Ric, he was on a roll.
Then we were off every which way. One evening was canceled. I was in Budapest. Ric was in Utah.
Well, we finally pulled it together for another evening of Galactic Domination this week. The menu was take-out Italian from Olive Garden washed down with KJ Meritage or Sam Adams. Later we finished off the Glenlivet and moved on to a new 14-year old Clynelish.
Very smooth and a fine accompaniment to an Imperial victory as Darth Horak overran two sectors in short order, nuked three systems in three turns, and left Peetza da Hutt and Deputy Rebel Leader Wood destitute.
Next week I fear vengeance will be theirs.
Ah, well, let's see... if memory serves me correctly, Ric playing Hutts blew Kent and I away. Then Kent took the first game of a double-header followed by Ric winning. Someone won a game after that and it wasn't me... probably Ric, he was on a roll.
Then we were off every which way. One evening was canceled. I was in Budapest. Ric was in Utah.
Well, we finally pulled it together for another evening of Galactic Domination this week. The menu was take-out Italian from Olive Garden washed down with KJ Meritage or Sam Adams. Later we finished off the Glenlivet and moved on to a new 14-year old Clynelish.
Very smooth and a fine accompaniment to an Imperial victory as Darth Horak overran two sectors in short order, nuked three systems in three turns, and left Peetza da Hutt and Deputy Rebel Leader Wood destitute.
Next week I fear vengeance will be theirs.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Why are the Losers Laughing?
Before I dive into last week's synopsis, I should mention that the previous match did not involve black holes, but rather a solid victory by Generalissimo LaBan as head of the Rebelion. Darth Horak moved the Death Star into the Ison Corridor to create some tasty asteroids but neglected to move it back to Gamorr, where it had been shielding the Emperor. LaBan took advantage of the unprotected star base and destroyed it, capturing the E-vile Emperor and winning the game in the process.
It was a different matter altogether last week. The large battles started right off the bat with a Rebel assault out of the Wild Space and taking the heavily garrisoned Gamorr from the Hutts. That set the tone for the evening with back-and-forth battles raging throughout the Mid Rim. First the Rebels would sweep through, clearing out Hutts and Storm Troopers. Then the Hutts would cash in faction cards and sweep back. And then the Empire would come crashing out from their bases and clean out everyone else. This repeated itself at least three times.
Meanwhile, the Death Star wreaked havoc and the Rebel forces were slowly whittled down across the board. Each time the Empire and Sith Lord LaBan thought they could finish them off, the wily Kent the Hutt pushed his forces up to 8 or 9 resource planets. Frustrated, the Sith could only beat the Hutts back yet again.
Finally, with yet another faction card straight and 10 or so troops, the Hutts launched an ultimate attack on the remaining resource planets. Overwrought with the emotion of having been so close to victory so many times, the great Hutt was heard to say that he was going to leave the galaxy if he could not gain final victory.
As is so often the case, the last battle was fought down to the last troop on each side. And as is so often the case, the Sith's 8-sided die came up short. In disbelief and emotionally exhausted, Kent the Hutt sank into his throne, while Sith Lord LaBan and Rebel Leader Horak jubilantly celebrated an amazing, see-saw series of battles. Definitely one for the record books.
It was a different matter altogether last week. The large battles started right off the bat with a Rebel assault out of the Wild Space and taking the heavily garrisoned Gamorr from the Hutts. That set the tone for the evening with back-and-forth battles raging throughout the Mid Rim. First the Rebels would sweep through, clearing out Hutts and Storm Troopers. Then the Hutts would cash in faction cards and sweep back. And then the Empire would come crashing out from their bases and clean out everyone else. This repeated itself at least three times.
Meanwhile, the Death Star wreaked havoc and the Rebel forces were slowly whittled down across the board. Each time the Empire and Sith Lord LaBan thought they could finish them off, the wily Kent the Hutt pushed his forces up to 8 or 9 resource planets. Frustrated, the Sith could only beat the Hutts back yet again.
Finally, with yet another faction card straight and 10 or so troops, the Hutts launched an ultimate attack on the remaining resource planets. Overwrought with the emotion of having been so close to victory so many times, the great Hutt was heard to say that he was going to leave the galaxy if he could not gain final victory.
As is so often the case, the last battle was fought down to the last troop on each side. And as is so often the case, the Sith's 8-sided die came up short. In disbelief and emotionally exhausted, Kent the Hutt sank into his throne, while Sith Lord LaBan and Rebel Leader Horak jubilantly celebrated an amazing, see-saw series of battles. Definitely one for the record books.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Black Hole Engulfs Risk Game
In a bizarre twist of intergalactic karma, when the Death Star fired its destruct-o-matic ray at Balmorra last night, it ignited some kind of hyper-spatial cascade of high energy particles. These seem to have focused on the game board itself and the result was a peculiar ignition of a dark energy source. From our vantage only a few feet away, it would be described as a "black hole."
Apparently, it was small enough that Hawking radiation caused it to sublimate within a few seconds. Kent was able to capture the aftermath with his Canon, which shows a totally destroyed Star Wars Risk game set and a severely ruined dining room table.
Fortunately for us, there was little smoke (apparently sucked into the mini-black hole itself) and no damage to we humans or the cats.
Apparently, it was small enough that Hawking radiation caused it to sublimate within a few seconds. Kent was able to capture the aftermath with his Canon, which shows a totally destroyed Star Wars Risk game set and a severely ruined dining room table.
Fortunately for us, there was little smoke (apparently sucked into the mini-black hole itself) and no damage to we humans or the cats.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Two More Hutt Victories
Today I get to recycle one of my titles--once again the Hutts have taken a double-header. With the wily Sith Wood commanding the Imperial forces and Deputy Rebel Leader LaBan leading, well, the Rebels, Horak the Hutt was able to take two back-to-back victories.
Game #1. Rebel vs. stormtrooper then stormtrooper vs. rebel, the battle swung back and forth until the Hutts built up a respectable fleet and went on the offensive. Even with a sector under control, it seemed like the Rebels were just barely holding up to the Imperial onslaught. The loss of a Rebel base at Pavia also set back the Hutts because it was a potential resource planet to be gained. But with both Rebels and Imperial forces eventually weakening to small garrisons, the Hutts were able to seize the initiative and win the day.
Game #2. One of those games where the right cards came up at the right time. An early gap in the Rebel forces holding resource planets in the Mid Rim let the Hutts climb up to seven systems. A faction card straight plus the usual suspects created a force capable of snapping up two more and then winning through to the final planet, a fortified starbase at Kessel. Even then it was not a sure thing, with the garrison there dealing out death to the very end.
Game #1. Rebel vs. stormtrooper then stormtrooper vs. rebel, the battle swung back and forth until the Hutts built up a respectable fleet and went on the offensive. Even with a sector under control, it seemed like the Rebels were just barely holding up to the Imperial onslaught. The loss of a Rebel base at Pavia also set back the Hutts because it was a potential resource planet to be gained. But with both Rebels and Imperial forces eventually weakening to small garrisons, the Hutts were able to seize the initiative and win the day.
Game #2. One of those games where the right cards came up at the right time. An early gap in the Rebel forces holding resource planets in the Mid Rim let the Hutts climb up to seven systems. A faction card straight plus the usual suspects created a force capable of snapping up two more and then winning through to the final planet, a fortified starbase at Kessel. Even then it was not a sure thing, with the garrison there dealing out death to the very end.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Splitting a Double Hitter
Game #1. Darth Wood, Peetza da Hutt, and Squadron Leader Horak took to the inky black void of space to battle for galactic domination. As it turned out, first star base out was the Emperor. Then, with a faction card from the first turn, the Rebels got to look under any star base. Voila! The Emperor had no clothes.
This quickly devolved into a slug-fest between Empire and Rebels. The stormtroopers had the upper hand but delayed getting the Death Star over to garrison the E-vile Emperor. None-the-less, they managed to fend off a forelorn hope attack and a second blitz with +6 bonuses.
All that was going on while the Hutts quietly built strength, spread their net, and... what a surprise... grabbed their ten resource planets.
Victory Hutts.
Game #2. The Empire came out strong and despite Hutt and Rebel assaults, by turn 3 they were looking to win. The Hutts were crippled and the Rebels were being backed into small, isolated pockets.
Then, in a twinkle, things turned around. That blasted faction card turned up and the Emperor was revealed. Then a straight was turned in and a mountain of Rebels appeared only two systems away. With a huge, albeit temporary surge in numbers, the Rebels swarmed over the Emperor's star base and won the day.
Victory Rebels.
This quickly devolved into a slug-fest between Empire and Rebels. The stormtroopers had the upper hand but delayed getting the Death Star over to garrison the E-vile Emperor. None-the-less, they managed to fend off a forelorn hope attack and a second blitz with +6 bonuses.
All that was going on while the Hutts quietly built strength, spread their net, and... what a surprise... grabbed their ten resource planets.
Victory Hutts.
Game #2. The Empire came out strong and despite Hutt and Rebel assaults, by turn 3 they were looking to win. The Hutts were crippled and the Rebels were being backed into small, isolated pockets.
Then, in a twinkle, things turned around. That blasted faction card turned up and the Emperor was revealed. Then a straight was turned in and a mountain of Rebels appeared only two systems away. With a huge, albeit temporary surge in numbers, the Rebels swarmed over the Emperor's star base and won the day.
Victory Rebels.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Seven Games Out of Date
Hoo-boy, it's been a crazy February-March. And in amongst all the hubbub, I lost the bubble on routine SWR updates to this blog. Now it's catch-up time.
Game #1. The evening started with Kent and Ric discussing the fact that we very rarely have draws in SWR. Then what happens... a stalemate. Kent thought he had us on the run, and in fact my Hutts were pretty well out of the game, with the last star base (obviously the Emperor) holed up in the Wild Space. He set up a huge Rebel force to attack into the Wild Space via Gamorr only to be completely blocked by a "Money is Power" card -- the orders never come. Totally stalled while the Empire just kept pouring reinforcements into the Wild Space, Kent elected to call it a draw.
Game #2. A long time ago in a game far, far away, Kent was victorious as the Empire.
Game #3. Ric rebounded and used his Peetza da Hutt alter-ego to blast Rebels and Stormtroopers alike.
Game #4. Darth Horak frustrates the Hutts and takes out the Rebellion.
Game #5. Ric once again is victorious as the Hutts.
Game #6. Darth Wood takes advantage of Deputy Rebel Leader LaBan's abysmal dice rolls and chews up the free galaxy. Karba the Hutt, nibbled to death by both Imperial and Rebel attacks, cannot slow the Empire.
Game #7. DRL Ric attempts a comeback, but his dice are still a bit cold. However, the Empire can't just run away with the game. This time the Hutts claw their way up to the bonus zone and start pulling in faction cards. Turning in three capital ships for six troops allowed the Hutts to make a final breakout and capture ten resource planets.
Game #1. The evening started with Kent and Ric discussing the fact that we very rarely have draws in SWR. Then what happens... a stalemate. Kent thought he had us on the run, and in fact my Hutts were pretty well out of the game, with the last star base (obviously the Emperor) holed up in the Wild Space. He set up a huge Rebel force to attack into the Wild Space via Gamorr only to be completely blocked by a "Money is Power" card -- the orders never come. Totally stalled while the Empire just kept pouring reinforcements into the Wild Space, Kent elected to call it a draw.
Game #2. A long time ago in a game far, far away, Kent was victorious as the Empire.
Game #3. Ric rebounded and used his Peetza da Hutt alter-ego to blast Rebels and Stormtroopers alike.
Game #4. Darth Horak frustrates the Hutts and takes out the Rebellion.
Game #5. Ric once again is victorious as the Hutts.
Game #6. Darth Wood takes advantage of Deputy Rebel Leader LaBan's abysmal dice rolls and chews up the free galaxy. Karba the Hutt, nibbled to death by both Imperial and Rebel attacks, cannot slow the Empire.
Game #7. DRL Ric attempts a comeback, but his dice are still a bit cold. However, the Empire can't just run away with the game. This time the Hutts claw their way up to the bonus zone and start pulling in faction cards. Turning in three capital ships for six troops allowed the Hutts to make a final breakout and capture ten resource planets.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Yet Another Battle for Galactic Domination
Despite record cold weather that has left much of the state without natural gas, the gang met for their weekly thrash. The opening dice roll was delayed due to Donnie Glidewell's wake at Kelly's Pub, but that didn't stop our intrepid gamers.
Darth Horak, Kent the Hutt, and Deputy Rebel Leader LaBan ran out a near-record length game (8 turns). The Emperor's starbase came up last, making it easy for the storm troopers to set up a strong defense.
Even so, the Rebels kept nibbling away at the E-vile Empire. Faction cards pushed the force meter to the extreme light side, giving the Rebels a considerable bonus. Even with the Hutts pushing hard for upwards of nine resource planets, the extra cards translated into extra troops and eventually, a Rebel win.
Darth Horak, Kent the Hutt, and Deputy Rebel Leader LaBan ran out a near-record length game (8 turns). The Emperor's starbase came up last, making it easy for the storm troopers to set up a strong defense.
Even so, the Rebels kept nibbling away at the E-vile Empire. Faction cards pushed the force meter to the extreme light side, giving the Rebels a considerable bonus. Even with the Hutts pushing hard for upwards of nine resource planets, the extra cards translated into extra troops and eventually, a Rebel win.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
The Rebels and Hutts Split a Double-Header
This week's pizza and Risk event featured one quick blowout and had time left over for a second match.
Game #1. Kent took up the reins of the e-vile Empire, Ric nabbed the role of Hutts, leaving the Rebel faction for yours truly. With some good rolls of the dice, some great faction cards, and a well connected troop disposition, the Rebels were able to make good progress early on. A 3-card straight boosted reinforcements for an assault on star bases in the Mid Rim. Surprisingly, the Emperor was found under the first star base that had been deployed, which happened to be the first one captured. Game ova in near record time.
Game #2. After a quick reset, a second game commenced. The Rebels were quickly knocked back and were really not much of a threat. However, positions between the Hutts and storm troopers swept back and forth. It looked like the Hutts were going to take it all, but a staunch defense by a single Rebel garrison with a bomber group at Sullust took out 10 of the slimy green guys. Even so, at one point the Hutts had nine resource planets.
The Empire did indeed strike back and reduced the Rebels to two systems and pushed the Hutts back to six resource planets. Unfortunately, the Rebels played the diabolical "A Critical Error" faction card, which took two powerful cards from the Imperial hand and crippled them. In the end, the Hutts came back and captured the necessary resource base of ten systems, ending the Empire's bid for galactic domination.
Game #1. Kent took up the reins of the e-vile Empire, Ric nabbed the role of Hutts, leaving the Rebel faction for yours truly. With some good rolls of the dice, some great faction cards, and a well connected troop disposition, the Rebels were able to make good progress early on. A 3-card straight boosted reinforcements for an assault on star bases in the Mid Rim. Surprisingly, the Emperor was found under the first star base that had been deployed, which happened to be the first one captured. Game ova in near record time.
Game #2. After a quick reset, a second game commenced. The Rebels were quickly knocked back and were really not much of a threat. However, positions between the Hutts and storm troopers swept back and forth. It looked like the Hutts were going to take it all, but a staunch defense by a single Rebel garrison with a bomber group at Sullust took out 10 of the slimy green guys. Even so, at one point the Hutts had nine resource planets.
The Empire did indeed strike back and reduced the Rebels to two systems and pushed the Hutts back to six resource planets. Unfortunately, the Rebels played the diabolical "A Critical Error" faction card, which took two powerful cards from the Imperial hand and crippled them. In the end, the Hutts came back and captured the necessary resource base of ten systems, ending the Empire's bid for galactic domination.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Yet Another Star Wars Risk Stop-Motion Video
Can't get enough of a good thing. We set up Kent's interval timer and off we go for another ridiculous evening of Star Wars Risk. Here's the entire game compressed to a few seconds.
Mercifully, it was a short game, with the E-vile Empire taking the upper hand early on. First, they captured the Wild Space and held it behind a wall of Hutts, starbases, and the Death Star on Sluis Van. When the Death Star destroyed a huge Hutt garrison on Sullust, it looked to be all over for the rebellion.
A desperate effort to break into the region via the Ison Corridor was foiled by Hutt loyalists on Bespin. With the Death Star on the march towards the Mid Rim, the Rebels unleashed a forelorn hope assault on the Wild Space from Mon Calamari. Bpfassh fell easily, but the four legions at the starbase on Sluis Van could easily have stopped the assault in its tracks.
Instead, the Rebels broke through with 3 rolls of the dice and marched on to Omwat merely to stop the hemorrhaging of the Wild Space reinforcements (2 per turn for the storm troopers). The starbase at Omwat, with its single legion, was easily overrun. To our surprise, the Emperor was lurking there. Game: Rebels, by accident.
Mercifully, it was a short game, with the E-vile Empire taking the upper hand early on. First, they captured the Wild Space and held it behind a wall of Hutts, starbases, and the Death Star on Sluis Van. When the Death Star destroyed a huge Hutt garrison on Sullust, it looked to be all over for the rebellion.
A desperate effort to break into the region via the Ison Corridor was foiled by Hutt loyalists on Bespin. With the Death Star on the march towards the Mid Rim, the Rebels unleashed a forelorn hope assault on the Wild Space from Mon Calamari. Bpfassh fell easily, but the four legions at the starbase on Sluis Van could easily have stopped the assault in its tracks.
Instead, the Rebels broke through with 3 rolls of the dice and marched on to Omwat merely to stop the hemorrhaging of the Wild Space reinforcements (2 per turn for the storm troopers). The starbase at Omwat, with its single legion, was easily overrun. To our surprise, the Emperor was lurking there. Game: Rebels, by accident.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Star Wars Risk and an Interval Timer
It's a whole new game -- Deputy Rebel Leader Kent picked up an interval timer for his Canon to photograph the total lunar eclipse last month. Cloudy weather nixed that idea, but we've put it to good use: time-lapse Star Wars Risk.
Game-wise, Sith LaBan used the Death Star to nuke Sullust, which grievously injured the Rebels and helped protect the Hutt-occupied Wild Space. Then the Death Star took out another large Rebel garrison--he never recovered. It became a race to the finish line between storm troopers and the slimy green guys.
The above video shows an entire game (which Horak the Hutt won) with all the usual antics plus some stop-motion and claymation tricks that came up spontaneously.
Share and enjoy!
Game-wise, Sith LaBan used the Death Star to nuke Sullust, which grievously injured the Rebels and helped protect the Hutt-occupied Wild Space. Then the Death Star took out another large Rebel garrison--he never recovered. It became a race to the finish line between storm troopers and the slimy green guys.
The above video shows an entire game (which Horak the Hutt won) with all the usual antics plus some stop-motion and claymation tricks that came up spontaneously.
Share and enjoy!
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