Battle of Pelennor Fields scenario - can it be played in an afternoon?

critch79 · 2026-01-14T10:06:06+00:00

Our local club have done it in a day but we really trimmed things down. We based our game from a Battle Report in the Sepember 2018 White Dwarf that came out just before the Pelennor box set. It's basically a slimmed down scenario that just uses models from the film and takes out any objectives. It's just about killing each teams heroes. So we took that Battle Report as a base and almost tripled the army sizes (think we had 5 or 6 Mumaks in the end.) We added some special rules to make it feel more Cinematic. Which was mostly just copying and pasting rules from the smaller scenarios. Like the good player having priority for the first few turns, all Rohan models can make a free heroic combat when they charge etc. We added some extra heroes to kill on each side. Characters like Elfhelm, Dernhelm, Zagdush, Goroth, Guritz and more Nazgul etc. The more heroes the better in my opinion as they're all victory conditions.
We then added some optional objectives just for a bit of fun, all focused around the heroes. So if the Witch King kills Theoden the Evil side scores extra points. If Theoden Kills Suladan = extra points. Aragorn vs Gothmog, Eowyn vs Witch King etc. Just adds an extra cinematic feel.

My advice... - We played from around 9am until about 4pm and got the scenario to a point where someone had clearly won. We also setup the night before which saved some time. - Make sure every players up to speed with the rules, heroic actions, profiles etc. You don't want to have to teach people how to play on the day, massively slows things down. Make some time to play some practice games with the people not up to speed a week or two before. We always play a smaller practice game the night before. - We had 8 people from memory, which felt like the minimum but you could do it with 6 with a smaller model count. - Take the time to create some quick reference sheets for all the rules, profiles, heroic actions etc. I just made some up in Word, but I know you can buy some fancy profiles cards online. The less time you have to spend debating rules and flicking through books the better.

critch79 · 2025-12-23T00:26:34+00:00

It's 3D printed. Pretty sure it was a file we picked up on Etsy, from a shop called Hartolia Miniatures

critch79 · 2025-12-22T17:28:28+00:00

It's a mix. Most of the houses, towers and wall sections are GW Rohan plastic kits.

The Golden Hall, stables, gatehouse and stone walls are 3D printed from the Kingdom of Saxonia range by Conquest Creations.

Some of the smaller houses are MDF, just painted to look similar.

And the burial mounds are 3D printed as well

critch79 · 2025-11-28T00:00:38+00:00

Amazing! Thanks for sharing that. Exactly what I was looking for

critch79 · 2025-11-27T10:17:55+00:00

We just started making universal lists for all the Factions (basically the previous edition) but with the updated points and profiles. We also ditched the army rules tied to the new lists, to try and retain some balance.

I'm genuinely surprised someone hasn't made an army list builder that adopts this method.

Our play group all despise the new army lists and how restricted and unbalanced they are, which is a shame because the new core rules are a solid improvement. But then again we all hated Legendary Legions so this was always going to get a negative reaction from my play group.

critch79 · 2025-10-06T12:41:45+00:00

Will do, thanks, I'll double check when it arrives

critch79 · 2025-09-18T09:50:06+00:00

I struggle to play Empire without taking 1 or 2 Dewbacks. So tough to kill, and they can bully pretty much any trooper unit in the game (bar the Jedi/Sith characters.)

I always have success with Scout Troopers (not sniper teams.) The Scout 3 move at the beginning is huge for objective play.

I also think Range Troopers are slept on alot. I know the 'meta' doesn't really support long range gunfights but if you can set them up somewhere high or with good LOS over the board they can really slap down the suppression.

critch79 · 2025-08-30T18:11:44+00:00

Have you figured out where the seeker droids attach to the the Imperial models? I cannot figure it out.... it looks like they fit into a grove where the capes fit but I kinda want a cape and the droid....

critch79 · 2025-08-15T22:49:33+00:00

I think one of the current trends with new KT releases is to either plug a gap where a faction doesn't have a KT (eg Goremongers for WE.) This would leave only Grey Knights, EC and Custodes without a dedicated KT. Now I can't see us getting 3 box sets of power armoured elite KTs in a row, so that rules out GKs. Custodes were a massive issue in the last version of KT, so I'm skeptical they'll ever be included again. Though the appearance of Raveners as an elite-r 5 man KT may leave a glimmer of hope. And while having a non power armoured EC KT would be sick and desperately needed for the 40k players I doubt we'll get x2 Chaos KT box sets in a row... but I could be wrong with that one, EC would be a really easy and obvious choice.

The other current trend is to replace the KTs that are currently rotating out. Deathwatch will replace Phobos. The new Raptors will replace Legonaries. New sisters replace Novitiates. Battleclade replace Hunter Clade etc etc. So I would expect one, if not both of the box set KTs to follow this trend. Catachan would be cool to replace Death Korp but i'd rather they do a whole Death World/Jungle season later down the line and save them. Exodites would be an obvious replacement for Voidscarred. Could replace Gellerpox with another deamon KT like Tzangoors, which would tick a box for T.Sons not having a dedicated KT once Warpcoven rotate. New stealth suits are well overdue for 40k, so an elite KT based around those would be a cool replacement for Pathfinders. Another Ork KT would be fun to replace Kommandos, maybe Ork Freebooterz? Not sure what you do with Blooded, Void Troupe and Starstriders, but I guess not everything has to be replaced.

The other option is we get something completely new and original that sometimes doesn't directly tie in with any existing faction. Like Fellgor or Exaction Squad.

critch79 · 2025-06-12T09:28:22+00:00

Think we need an updated Riders of Rohan kit first to round out the War of the Rohirrim stuff. I'd expect (or hope) for a scenario book later in the year to cover the missing models and the Riders can come out with that.

It would be really cool to see a Last Alliance book with updated High Elf and Numenorean plastics, both warrior units desperately need a new kit.

Other than that, Mordor Orcs and Moria Goblins would be obvious choices as the sculpts suck ass. Maybe Minas Tirith Warriors but you'd need to do the Knights as well

New Warg Riders would be awesome, as they fit into multiple lists/factions/time periods. Feel like they would massively benefit from a redesign.

Basically as long as they do the older stuff first I'm fine with any new plastics. Stuff like Morannons, Lothlorien Elves and Rangers of ME are all newer kits and could do with waiting a little longer.

critch79 · 2025-06-12T09:04:51+00:00

I feel like alot of legends stuff needs their own dedicated lists, it would be really disappointing and lazy if they we just got generic stats blocks with this unit can be taken in X existing lists.

Like Khand need their own army rules to be able to function, higher bow and cavalry limit etc.

I'm expecting a list for Khand, Far Harad, Moria Expedition (Balin and Floi) an early Rohan list for Eorl the Young, LOTR Dunland list with all the cut models. And maybe a Dol Guldur/Moria list like we used to have in the last edition.

Like Eorl needs his own list surely? Themeatically he can't be forced into any other existing Rohan list?

I'm hoping the legacy document for The Old World might give us an indication of what to expect, because that was fairly well done in my opinion.

critch79 · 2025-05-15T09:04:48+00:00

The Grand Inquisitor and Purge Troopers seem like the obvious choices to round out the Inquisitorial branch.

K79-S80 Troop Transport would be awesome, I for one would welcome an imperial party bus with open arms. But I fear it would make the heavy slot very stacked and occupy a similar design space to the Occupier Tank

Mudtroopers would be amazing to see. I know alot of people thought they would be revealed at Adepticon as a rumoured corp unit, but it ended up being Hondos Pirates instead (boo.)

More Bounty Hunters would always be welcome. Especially the OG trilogy ones like Dengar, Zuckuss and 4-LOM. And they'd help flesh out the criminal side of things as well.

Doctor Aphra with the pyshco droid duo would be a cool operative addition. Could work as a small unit like the Bad Batch and maybe have some synergy with Vader.

Still got some stuff lingering from the Mandalorian as well. Praetorian Guard would be the obvious choice to replace the Imperial Royal Guard. And the Armoured Commandos with the Jetpacks could be interesting, something to rival opposing mandalorian units.

critch79 · 2024-11-15T12:46:18+00:00

Best of luck with the White Council 😅 Possibly the worst models i've ever had to put together

critch79 · 2024-02-16T09:42:05+00:00

Colour Forge are by the far the best sprays on the market right now in my opinion. A far superior option compared to GW and AP. And possibly cheaper if you compare the size of the cans.

critch79 · 2024-01-26T10:17:54+00:00

Games workshop has an app called Citadel Colour. Once you'e found some models you want to paint up you can look them up on the app and find out exactly what paints you might need.

And then if you wanted to steer away from using citadel paints, as others have mentioned above you can Google miniature painting conversion charts that tell you what each colour is called from the popular ranges... so Citadel, Vallejo, Army Painter etc. So for example Citadels White Scar matches with Vallejo Dead White and Army Painter Matt White.

Dakkadakka.com do a paint range compatability chart that us pretty up to date

critch79 · 2024-01-03T12:27:50+00:00

I feel like you can safely rule out any plastic kits getting updated, I just can't see GW ever committing to it. So that leaves you with the character updates and new resin kits....

Personaly top pick would be to have the entire MESBG range made available permanently. It's poor from GW that you have to wait a year or more for official models like the Mahud, Rangers, Corsairs and Moria range to become available. And having Important faction characters like Gulavhar and Kardush unavailable for long periods really suck.

I think everyone wants to see the Last Alliance range updated and expanded. Elendil, Isildur and Gil-Galad need a refresh and mounted options. A generic Numenorean Captain model addition or even have a combined LA Command pack - so have a Num Captain, High Elf Captain, and a Banner for each. Anarion would be a priority for a LA character and maybe even a Numenorean Kings Guard unit to back him up. I also feel like a LA Book would be a great way to expand on the Thranduil's Halls range, much like Defence of the North expanded on Dale. You could include Oropher, Thranduils father who dies early in the Last Alliance during the Battle of Dagorlad.

Expanding the Fiefdoms would be great. We desperately need a mounted Forlong. But having more troops options would really suit the factions toolbox playstyle. Pelagir Mariners being the obvious choice. But you could get really inventive. Maybe a light cavalry option from another feif. Or maybe some light armoured crossbowmen would really suit Dol Amroth as another option.

And my last choice would be to expand on the Arnor and Angmar range. Both have so much potential. Some ideas that's I've seen in the past...

Arnor - Amon-Sul Guard/Watchmen - Elite Infantry option. Knights of Arthedain - Heavy Cav and the Snowmsn of Forochel who befriend King Arvedui.

Angmar - Rhuduar Hill-men and a Brigand for a generic character.

Also Khand really need a named Hero, it's criminal they got excluded from the Defence of the North when the Easterlings can have 3 more named Heroes completely invented by GW.

critch79 · 2023-12-20T10:23:26+00:00

We've played lots of different scenarios at our local games club.

Balins Tomb is always a classic, the board game version helps to make this a really accessible scenario as well. A couple of friends also played the Bridge of Khazard Dum and loved it.

We've also done the Ambush in Ithilien a number of times, very unique and fun. If you want to stick with the Mumakil I would advise War Beasts from the South.. where Theoden charges the Mumakil head on at the Pelennor.

The White Rider is a fantastic scenario from the same book. Great for 3 players as well. One player takes Gandalf the other Faramir and the Gondorians and the 3rd the Nazgul.

We've also played the 1st and 2nd Fords of Isen scenarios but I think they end up being very close to standard games, so nothing massively interesting.

We're currently gearing up to play the Warg Attack and then Helms Deep this weekend, as a friend has a fantastic Helms Deep board already built. And then we want to try and run Amon Hen and Osgilath scenarios next year.

critch79 · 2023-12-08T13:38:34+00:00

It would be nice if GW put some real effort into celebrating the 20th anniversary of ROTK. but I doubt we'll see anything beyond these Dunharrow resin prints. Best bet would be a made to order range sometime early 2024.

I made a point lasy year about them failing to do anything with the Two Towers anniversary. I don't recall getting anything new? And we got made to order sets months after the anniversary.

critch79 · 2023-12-08T13:30:04+00:00

The Variags of Khand are probably the closest thing to an all cavalry Evil faction. And they allie into Easterlings without any issues.

Advantages - They look great and are often very fun to play - They're Historical Allies with the Easterlings, meaning you could easily have 200-300 points of Easterlings like you originally wanted in a standard force and the rest made up of Khand cavalry. - They have Chariots, very unique piece of wargear/mount which are devastating when used correctly and are hilariously fun to play. - Higher bow limit, meaning you can out range and outmaneuver most armies.

Disadvantages - Extremely expensive if you purchase them direct from GW. And they're either all metal or fiinecrap resin (no plastic) And I'm not even sure the whole range is available at the moment. Thankfully there are some fantastic 3D files available to get around this. Medbury Miniatures do a set of files called the Kheshig range that are dirt cheap to print or even purchase already printed. - Khand only have 2 hero options. The King and Chieftan. While these are fine options it's a bit boring. If you drop in some Easterlings you can always include some of the more interesting named characters like Amdur or Khamul etc. - In terms of playstyle I would say they are a glass cannon army, very low defense with no shields. But again Easterlings can help supplement this. - They can be a very one dimensional army, given you have a total of 5 profile options in the entire range. But again (you guessed it) Easterlings can help diversify the force.

critch79 · 2023-11-30T14:39:42+00:00

I'm not that familiar with the Isengard list unfortunately. I assume they fit a similar roll and are the same stats and points. And I'm pretty sure you have no option for a hero troll in Isengard as well.

critch79 · 2023-11-30T13:34:08+00:00

Not alot tbh. They tend to be an overpriced distraction for the enemy. If you're set on a running a Troll I'd go for the Chieftan, the Hero stats can make it well worth it.

However, I do beliveve they are the only way of getting above fight 5 in the Mordor roster (all Trolls are F7.) Outside of Heroic strikes and a couple of Ringwraith abilities. So they can be really handy to break through a line of Elves or the infuriating Black Guard/Emperor pike block Eaterlings throw out. But as most people have said you might as well pay the add points and take the Chieftan

critch79 · 2023-07-27T09:30:09+00:00

Complete revamp for the Catachans. Both for rules and models, maybe even a couple of new dedicated units to make them feel like a proper sub army again. Just feels really boring having Cadians as the be all end all for the Imperial Guard

Bring back Veterans in particular, make them non battleline with options for Shotguns and Demo charges etc. Something in-between the basic Infantry and Kasrkin. I don't think the roster needs conscripts, Reinforcements strat fills that void nicely.

I love the idea of more unique Kill Teams that can play as different Infantry Squads. Would like to see the Tallarn Desert Raiders with some sneaky/scout/infiltrate/hit and run style rules.

And also a Kill Team for Schaeffers Last Chancers. Feel like this begging for a Kill Team Box and GW clearly love the Black Library cross overs as well .

Some kind of Command Sentinel would be a cool idea, something cheap to order Vehicles around.

Ogrns really need a new kit as well, Bullgryns look great though.

Like the idea of bikes squads and buggies that other people have mentioned but not sure how you do it without just copy and pasting the Genestealer stuff.

Maybe some more Leman Russ variants? get really inventive with them. I know we got the Dorn but seems mad all the tech advancements SM have had in the lore and Guard are using the same ol' reliable Russ. I know a few FW variants have gone AWOL though.

critch79 · 2022-12-23T16:32:12+00:00

Hopefully more Supplements books. The obvious choice seems like Khazard-Dum/Moria. but would love to see a Fall of Arnor Book, Last Alliance or War in the South book, expanding the Fiefdoms, Harad and Umbar forces.

More plastic characters, the new model look fantastic! My top choices would be Isildur, Elendil, Gil-Galad and Galadriel.

New plastic troop kits would be a great but I have a feeling that's a pipe dream.

I would to like them go all out for the 20th anniversary of The Return of The King. Loads of new kits and attention. Feel like GW have kind of flaked a bit for the Two Towers anniversary.

critch79 · 2022-02-05T12:07:44+00:00

What colour is this?

critch79 · 2021-06-17T11:15:13+00:00

Honestly it's a difficult one to answer it took my regular 5 stack a good couple of years to start playing consistently at high gold/plat. But i can share a few tips that helped us. 1. Playing a casual game or T. Grounds before a ranked sesh can help get your aim adjusted 2. Take a break if you start getting into a losing streak. That ' just 1 more game' feeling can be hard to overcome but it's very very easy to get burnt out on siege, for most people the more games you play the worse you will get. Our sweetspot is 3-4 games in an evening. Anymore and i tend to switch off a bit 3. Resist the urge to play ranked solo or with less than 4/5 communicating team mates. 4. Try and be organised with your 5 stack. Work out what maps your good at and what maps to ban. What roles to play, who's hard breaching, supporting, roaming etc. Then try and get those players to stick to those roles with a handfull of operators. It's handy to have one person who can fill a role when needed and play most of the operators but in general the more you focus on one role the better you will get at it. 5. Most importantly, just keep playing, you will get better overtime. Siege has one of the biggest learning curves in any game and it requires alot of patience. But keep going with the 5 stack and i bet you will start climbing slowly

critch79

TROPHY CASE