How to Play Kent Like a Violin

This week's game was a game of games, my chance at a trifecta.  Having won the previous two weeks as Rebels and Hutts, I was on for the e-vile Empire.  Peetza da Hutt had brought pepperoni za, so we were well set for an epic struggle.  It was indeed one for the record books.

The Empire was able to amass a huge force on Gamorr, protected by the Death Star and hence safe from early depredations.  After Rebel Leader Kent and Peetza had whacked away at each other and knocked off plenty of easy stormtroopers, it was time to unleash the dogs of intergalactic war. 

The force on Gamorr swept into the Wild Space.  Kent saved his troops on Excarga by using a faction card and retreated to Dagoba, where he was poised to counterattack via Sluis Van.  The Hutts stood firm but quickly fell, a serious loss of troops so early in the game.  The victors on Elom reinforced Gamorr, but the Death Star moved to Sluis Van, effectively blocking any Rebel effort to retake the Wild Space. 

As the game wore on, the Empire was able to take advantage of its secure sector to capture the El'Rood Sector and the Ison Corridor.  This forced the Rebels to make continuous attacks against those sectors and weakening the Mid and Outer Rims.  Those gradually allowed him to move the Force Meter to the Light Side, but that was little consolation as his power and that of the Hutts dwindled.

A turn 5 faction card straight gave the Emperor enough troops to destroy all but three Rebel systems.  Kent was beside himself with despair--his luck had deserted him.  God clearly was punishing him. 

But at the beginning of turn 6, the Rebels cashed in a faction card straight, took their meager reinforcements, a capital ship plus a bomber and made a final suicidal assault on the Wild Space, betting it all that the Emperor was in Elom.  Even the Death Star was not able to repel his advance (7-6-6 plus 3 from the Force Meter bonus).  A weak first roll against the now vulnerable stormtroopers resulted in massive casualties thanks to a "destroy two more" card.  But with their fleet and, finally some good luck, the Rebels were able to capture the elusive Emperor. 

Kent was giddy with joy--his luck had returned.  God clearly was rewarding him.  All Ric and I could do was laugh and laugh and laugh.

[Next week Ric will be in Utah, so no game until April 4.]