A Bit of Lull but Lots of Activity

This is not my usual posting of a report or models - this is just a note to say this blog hasn't been abandoned. Work and other real life things have got in the way of writing up anything but normal service should resume soon.

In the meantime a quick preview of what should be getting posted in the next few weeks:

• Corvus - some pictures from an ancient naval battle
• Chain of Command - where I manage to screw up a soviet command
• X-Wing - the dog fights between Imperial and Rebels forces with some jammy luck

 And on the modelling side - more from the Resurrectionists and some Neverborn reinforcements.

The Abandoned Tomb

This is a recap of a Malifaux encounter between crews of the Neverborn and Resurrectionist factions. The encounter takes place south of Hollow Point at an abandoned graveyard. The game was played at the Falkirk District Wargames Club on Monday 30th March 2015 between Alistair Grant and Dave Elsey (previously an opponent for Dystopian Wars). This was Dave's first foray into Malifaux and he took control of the Neverborn led by Lilith while Alistair took a Nicodem led Resurrectionist crew.

This was an opportunity to use the recently painted scenery for graveyards. Unfortunately due to painting grave stones, the Resurrectionists are only at the beginning of the painting process.

Dusk Falls

The Old Abandoned Yard

Strategy

Turf War was the determined strategy for the encounter.

Note: The tomb building served as a holder for the central marker.

Available Schemes

The schemes available for the encounter were:

• Breakthrough
• Plant Explosives
• Assassinate
• Entourage
• Line in the Sand

Deployment

The deployment for the encounter was Corner deployment.

Neverborn

• Lilith with Beckon Malifaux, Wicked Mistress and Living Blade, 5 Soulstones
• Barbaros with Nephilim Gladiatus
• Cherub
• Sorrow
• 2 Beckoners
• 3 Terror Tots

Resurrectionists

• Nicodem with Love Thy Master and Undertaker, 6 Soulstones
• Mortimer with My Favourite Shovel
• 3 Punk Zombies
• 2 Rotten Belles

Stemming the Tide

People die in Malifaux, just as they die anywhere only here they don't stay dead. Nicodem doesn't let them; they are just his servants or they have something he wants, either way he brings them back and doesn't let anything get in his way. He heard rumours of an old tomb which held unread texts on the subject of the undead and always wanting to maintain his position he set out to obtain these texts. Unfortunately the tomb was a Neverborn nexus of power, the texts a mere window dressing in a working understood only by the Nephilim and their mistress Lilith. She could not let the foul zombie master disrupt her undertakings, she would not let this intrusion go unanswered.

Readying to take the Tomb

Lilith and her Brood

The Rolling Tide

Tentative Opening Number

In the north, the Cherub and Western Beckoner follow the excited Terror Tots in an effort to keep them from straying too far from the support of their mistress. The Tots end up arrayed behind a wall, hissing excitedly as the magic in the air draws the violence in their blood out. In response, a Rotten Belle and Punk Zombie are directed to intercept the tiny terrors before they can begin to become a nuisance to Nicodem. 

In the southern half, a Rotten Belle and her two Punk Zombie bodyguards begin to move out to the eastern edge while Mortimer grumbles about the poor state of the graveyard, muttering about lack of professional pride as he finds some remains for his master with little effort.

Following the Beckoner

Barbaros and Lilith move to take the Tomb. Lilith realising that this is Nicodem's goal, she intends to fight the battle on her terms and to this end she begins to put down hampering terrain to force the undead to change their movements.

The Vulture moves to perch on a gravestone near the Tomb ready to do the bidding of the Master, who is raising a Crooked Man and using magic to repair some of the damage to the new minion. He directs the Crooked Man to move towards the Tomb, an early attempt to gain a foothold.

In the quiet eastern edge, a Beckoner is dutifully followed by a stalker towards a strong point Lilith wishes to take.

All part of the Dance

The Second Act

The Tiny Terrors

In the north, the Beckoner moves out from behind cover to reach into the dead mind of the Rotten Belle, pulling it forward to it leaving it exposed. The Cherub and Terror Tots moves round towards 

the trees, waiting till the Belle is close enough to pounce upon, their hissing increasingly in volume as the undead approach.

The now exposed Rotten Belle is directed by Nicodem to use its abilities on the now visible Lilith. In a concerted effort the dead woman manages to entice the Neverborn towards it, the idea that this was yet another death coming to it not crossing its dimmed mind. Eager to deal with the undead threat Lilith swiftly cleaves the arm of the Belle before moving away from the waiting horde to her brood but straying from the Tomb. The Punk Zombie accompanying this Belle moves up to try to protect it from the approaching Terror Tots, the concept of combat the only thing clear in its undeath.

I See You

To the south east, a range of tactics were employed by the adversaries, with the Sorrow and a Punk Zombie attempting to begin flank manoeuvres on the enemy as the Sorrow floating through wall lined up on the shambling Punk Zombie. A duel of the temptresses took place with the Beckoner failing to entice any of the undead towards it, their decayed senses unresponsive to the stimulation of Neverborn while the Beckoner getting caught unawares was drawn in by a Rotten Belle stranding her from her nearest support.

The Tomb became a focus of activity as Barbaros started to edge round the Tomb to spy his prey while the Crooked Man and a Punk Zombie moved in to try to secure the Tomb for Nicodem. 

Mortimer slowly picked his way through the graveyard, disgusted at the lack of quality in the graves, their capstones decayed, the graves haphazardly dug as he pulled another set of remains to the surface for Nicodem.

The waiting Vulture surrended itself to Nicodem, who channelled his power through the Vulture to partially repair the damage inflicted on the Belle by Lilith as he crept towards his prize.

The Second Act Ends

Dust and Feathers

Wading In

Spying the Vulture and aware of how Nicodem could use it to channel his dark will, Lilith stalked forward to end the threat, her strike turning the scavenger into a burst of blood and feathers. Moving back to the Tomb, she had not realised the danger she placed herself in as Nicodem began to impose his will on proceedings, summoning a Rotten Belle and a Flesh Construct to protect his interests. The newly risen Belle managed to draw Lilith out forcing her to place herself in further danger and Mortimer poisoned her for afar. The Flesh Construct flailed at the Neverborn Queen but he only managed a glancing blow to stagger her.

On the eastern edge, the Sorrow moved to threaten the nearby Punk Zombie which had moved to mark a strongpoint in the field for Nicodem while the Beckoner attempts to influence the master of the dead, but couldn't break his concentration on his undead summonings. This effort caused the Beckoner to be vulnerable to a close Rotten Belle who lured her ever closer. 

On the western edge, a Terror Tot moved to claim another strongpoint for Lilith before moving to support its Cherub companion. The Cherub popped out from behind the tree to let an arrow fly at the opposing Punk Zombie, skewering the hapless creature through the eye, shattering the rear portion of its skull before the Zombie was blown towards the Terror Tots. One of which was pulled forward to the ruined Zombie by the accompanying Belle in hopes the Punk could inflict some damage before it lost cohesion. Before the Zombie could act, another Tot burst out from cover to crush the remnants of its head in tiny claws. The last Tot saw its mistress in trouble and tried to get close enough to help by couldn't cover the whole distance.

On the southern edge of the Tomb, the Crooked Man marked the ground with the sigil of Nicodem starting to claim the Tomb. Weary of the threat posed by Barbaros, Nicodem dispatched a Punk Zombie to try to hold him up. The Punk Zombie charged the deadly Nephilim, with both swords rending flesh from bone as the surprised Barbaros fell to the shock and strength of the attack.

The Undead take their Toll

Northern Success at a Price

The Terror Success

Trying to bolster the power Lilith could draw from the area, the southern Beckoner carved her mark into the ground while hiding in the illusions of Lilith. The act helped as Lilith eludes the ponderous attacks of the Flesh Construct. A Terror Tot charged the Construct, ripping away one of its hands, as the Tot defended Lilith. Lilith struck back at the Construct tumbling the monstrosity with efficient blade before slicing large gashes in the nearby Rotten Belle which threatened her. The Belle barely surviving claws at Lilith but she vanishes from its sight causing the Belle to stumble. The Crooked Man struck out at the closest Terror Tot but the nimble creature was too fast to be struck.

Quietly Mortimer found some more remains for Nicodem which sheltering near the Tomb who in turn resurrected another Flesh Construct and pushed the Punk Zombie to the limits of its capabilities. The Construct managed to place a glancing blow on Lilith but it did little to drive off the violent nightmare. The Punk Zombie under the influence of Nicodem moved with purpose and hacked away at the Mother of Monsters but could not land a killing blow but staggered her nonetheless.

On the eastern edge, the Punk Zombie hacked and slashed at the Sorrow dissipating the energies of the rotten spirit while its charge, the Rotten Belle, laid down another sigil of Nicodem.

In the north-west corner, the Neverborn eliminated the last of the undead in that area, a success in the current battle where the tide seemed never-ending. The Beckoner luring the lone Rotten Belle towards the waiting Cherub and Tots. The Cherub pierced the shoulder of the Belle before it was pounced upon by the lead Tot as it fell into it. The Belle doggedly tried to defend itself, a long forgotten instinct flickering somewhere in the shadows of its mind as the Tot ripped it apart in a temper tantrum as the last Tot raced forwards.

Last Battle at the Tomb

The Dead get Home

Both sides realised that the Tomb was almost in the grasp of Nicodem, only Lilith could stop the horde but the Punk Zombie furiously hacked away at the Nephilim Queen, its blades a blur as it apparently cut her down. Though Nicodem knows that she will be back eventually, Lilith is hard to kill permanently much as one may try. 

Howling in defiance, the Terror Tot tries to avenge its mistress but fails to do much before the Flesh Construct squashes the Tot like a bug. 

A Safe Extraction?

The Crooked Man carves a final sigil into the ground as in the east, the Beckoner is cut down by the charging Punk Zombie.

While the battle begins to settle down, Mortimer slouches against the Tomb lighting up a cigar and Nicodem quietly observes the remaining Neverborn advancing quickly to the West. He mused that their mistress must have told them where to go to await her and out of fear or loyalty they dared not disobey.

A Tomb Taken

Who won?

Nicodem seized the Tomb while Lilith was banished for the moment. However the victory was tainted as the marks of Lilith and Neverborn laid down in the vicinity of the Tomb reinforced their hold over it. While the Neverborn took heavy losses, Nicodem will have to consume considerable resources and time to gain access to what he desires while under the threat of discovery by both the Neverborn and the Guild.

Final Score: Resurrectionists 6, Neverborn 4

Score breakdown:

• Resurrectionists
• Strategy 4 VP
• Scheme Line in the Sand 2 VP
• Scheme Breakthrough 0 VP
• Neverborn
• Strategy 2 VP
• Scheme Line in the Sand 2 VP
• Scheme Breakthrough 0 VP

Review

The game started well for both sides with some good exchanges - the Cherub crippling a Punk Zombie with a shot in the head before the Tots ripped it apart meant that Dave could hold part of the field with little interference. The rising dead eventually overwhelmed the centre where Lilith couldn't cut them down fast enough and the shock death of Barbaros hampered any plans Dave could form. I think the Resurrectionists got a little lucky with Crows and Reanimator allowing lots of summoning of dead things. It was yet another game where my opponent gained initiative in almost every turn.

Malifaux is a little bit different to various other games, for example our previous game was Dystopian Wars, and hopefully Dave had enough fun to consider a rematch in the future. We could see if it was just luck for the Resurrectionists.

Graves, Tombs and Reinforcements

An update on the progress of my graveyard scenery and resurrectionist crew. The graveyard is composed of five gravestones and a tomb building. These have been previously built up  and undercoated in white then grey.

The graveyard has been painted up, all five gravestones and tomb - probably the first project in a while that has been completed in a short period of time for any game for me.

Five Gravestones of Various Designs.

The gravestones were the simpler pieces to paint, some highlighting and dark bits. I think they turned out okay and will look reasonable on the tabletop.

Front of the Tomb

Side View

The Tomb building took a bit longer to do, more colours to deal with and just larger.  I decided the red tile roof was a little bit of colour to stand out in what would otherwise be a little bit of a dull paint job.

The Whole Set

The whole set looks not too bad, the stones are a little lighter than the building but I think this works okay, will find out when it gets used in a game.

While I haven't made much progress in painting my Nicodem crew, I have added to the models to be painted. The other week, I added to the growing undead swarm with some Crooked Men and a Flesh Construct. It took an evening to put the four models together which have been subsequently undercoated white and grey (which makes it look a little like the bare plastic).

Finished Building

The Pale Dead

Back in Grey

Hopefully now, I will focus on getting things painted a bit more - maybe get the Neverborn Sorrows finished as well.

Up next in painting: Sorrows - will they get finished off?

A Place of Power

This is a recap of a Malifaux encounter between crews of the Neverborn and Guild factions. The encounter takes place on the edge of the Knotwoods close to Malifaux town. The game was played at the Falkirk District Wargames Club on Monday 23rd March 2015 between Alistair Grant and David Muir. This was one of the first Malifaux games for David who had brought along his Sonnia crew while Alistair took a Lilith crew.

The Mists Clear

The mists clear

Strategy

Squatters Rights was the determined strategy for the encounter.

Available Schemes

The schemes available for the encounter were:

• Bodyguard
• Protect Territory
• Vendetta
• Power Ritual
• Line in the Sand

Guild

• Sonnia Criid with Cherufe's Imprint, The Mask and Reincarnation, 6 Soulstones
• Samael Hopkins with Disrupt Magic and Witch Hunt
• Purifying Flame
• 2 Guild Guards
• Guild Rifleman
• 3 Witchling Stalkers

Neverborn

• Lilith with Beckon Malifaux, Wicked Mistress and Living Blade, 5 Soulstones
• Barbaros with Nephilim Gladiatus
• Cherub
• Sorrow
• 2 Beckoners
• 3 Terror Tots

Facing Off

In the borders between civilised Malifaux and the wild Knotwoods lie abandoned and ruined buildings and villages, the strange deprivations of this land advancing their decay. The Guild received reports of a witch ritual taking place in one such place and dispatched Sonnia Criid and her witch hunters. Upon finding the location, Sonnia intended to take it back for the Guild and put the witches to the flame as an example to all but the reports were untrue, it was not witches but Lilith and her Neverborn undertaking a ritual of unknown design. 

Facing Off

Probing the Enemy

Sonnia starts to direct her people with her Guards moving up the west flank, covered by their Rifleman companion with their movements being mirrored by the Terror Tots and Cherub.  After engaging in a cat and mouse on the west flank, the action moved to the east where the Stalkers and Samael started to edge forward towards the points marked out by Sonnia as important. 

Unfortunately, one Stalker moved forward just a little too far and came under the influence of one of Lilith's Beckoners who drew them further forward out of position. While the Sorrow moved up to hide just out of sight waiting to pounce upon any stray combatants.

Sonnia and the Flame move to hold the centre of the encounter area intent on getting a good vantage point to support the guards. 

Advancing and Scouting

On observing the movements in the area, Lilith deigned to move forward and exert her influence on matters, binding and dragging the hapless lead Stalker into danger. Whereupon Barbaros rushed forward to end the life of the confused Stalker.

Lilith takes a stroll 

The Fight in Earnest

The Guild begin to take the strong points outlined in their plans to prevent the previous ritual from taking place in the hope that this would disrupt the machinations of the Neverborn. A Stalker took point and held one of these points on the east path while their Guard comrades came under attack from the Neverborn in the west. A Beckoner stepped out from behind a tree tempting a Guard forwards for the Cherub to buffet into the waiting Terror Tots who hacked away at the bewildered Guard but the Guard managed to stay standing under the assault for a time. Ultimately the Guard fell to the frenzied attacks of the Tots but while their colleague was being assailed the other Guard and Rifleman moved to claim another of the strong points.

The eastern Beckoner tried to lure the witch hunter Samael forward but the witch hunter drew upon his discipline to resist and fired back to heavily wound the foul temptress. Lilith drew upon her powers to almost kill the witch hunter as she viewed the damage being inflicted upon her property.

Getting Stuck In

Sonnia caught a glimpse of Barbaros and hammered the henchman severely but his armour shielded him. The resulting fires spread out, catching Lilith unaware. Enraged, Barbaros charged Sonnia but failed to land a hit in his rush to battle. The Flame charged to the aid of its mistress but Barbaros disdainfully parried the blows away.

Back on the east flank, a Terror Tot snuck up and slashed at the legs of Samael driving him to his knees while the Sorrow appeared next to Samael to further compound the hunters problems.

Don't Lose Sight of the Objectives

The remaining Guild Guard moves to take a secondary support point lining up in support of Sonnia and the Rifleman as he puts two holes in one of the Terror Tots which manages to remain standing. Though expecting support from their leader, they were unaware that she was being engaged by Barbaros who slashed through her defences to wound her not only on the attack but on the counterattack as well as she failed to strike back. The Flame tries to help Sonnia but fails to land a blow upon the nimble Nephilim warrior.

The Rifleman was enticed forward by the western Beckoner only to be shot by the Cherub and flung into the Terror Tots who climb upon to eventually overwhelm the deadly shooter as they get a lucky hit on the man's jugular with their short but wicked blades.

The Stalker in support of Samael sets the Sorrow alight before dispersing the vile being with a cleaving blow of its blade and a Stalker was resurrected. However the witch hunter was struck down by the whirling dervish of a Terror Tot that was attacking him relentlessly. In an effort to disrupt the ritual, a Stalker moved to another support point but the tide was beginning to change.

Lilith walks casually forward and smacks a Stalker out of existence, mainly out of spite for daring to interfere with her workings as she realises that her ritual will be weakened by these interlopers.

Remember the Strategy and Schemes

When the Dust Settles

Barbaros continues to harass Sonnia, but neither combatant can land a killing blow even with the aid of the Flame, Barbaros continues to tie them up at the behest of Lilith as she prepares her ritual.

On the west edge, the Beckoner tries to tempt the remaining Guard but fails to interest them but the Cherub manages to hit and push the Guard towards Barbaros. The Guard in shock attempts to strike at the angry devil but he pushes them away.

On the east edge, the lone Terror Tot places his totem for Lilith in the appointed spot and awaits his mistress. The resurrected Stalker charges the Tot who stands its ground as it is wounded and set ablaze, more fearful of its mistress than the Stalker.

The eastern Beckoner moves to ritual power spot to place her mistress' icon for the ritual as Lilith relieves a Stalker of its head plunging her bloodied blade into the ritual spot to begin her working as the remaining Guild try to make sense of what was happening.

The Dust settles

Who won?

Lilith managed to start her ritual but the Sonnia disrupted it enough that all the power Lilith wanted was not present. The Guild took heavy losses but the Neverborn ritual was setback stalling their enigmatic plans for a while.

Final Score: Guild 2, Neverborn 3

Score breakdown:

• Guild
• Strategy 2 VP
• Scheme Line in the Sand 0 VP
• Scheme Bodyguard 0 VP
• Neverborn
• Strategy 1 VP
• Scheme Bodyguard 1 VP
• Scheme Power Ritual 1 VP

Review

I think the game was a good one, which was always one flip away from disaster on both sides towards the end. The game was a bit in two halves, the first half the Guild did pretty well, the second half the Neverborn. The game ended closely and it was a good point to end on rather than trying to drag it out.

I hope David enjoyed one of his first forays into the world of Malifaux and we hopefully get a rematch in the future.

Turning Grey

A minor update to the status of my Nicodem crew and their graveyard. After getting them all built as shown in the previous post, I have since undercoated them ready for painting.

The models spray undercoated in white, then a second undercoat of medium grey was sprayed on top.

The Gang is all here

The Illuminated Door

Up Next: Painted Gravestones

Rising From The Grave

In an effort to make sure I get my miniature armies ready to use and not just bare bones, I'm going to attempt to write things up as I go along. I don't claim to be a good painter, especially if you look at anything closer than 5 feet, but I do find it calming to do it as opposed to trying to put the models together.

My newest project is a Resurrectionists crew for Malifaux led by Nicodem. I have already small Arcanist and Neverborn but the Resurrectionists looked very interesting. As part of this I picked up a Graveyard scenery set by PlastCraftGames, which do a range of scenery types by have done some with Malifaux in mind.

I've put some pictures of the assembled models below - the quality of picture is not brilliant but I think it give the idea.

The Graveyard - Built

Nicodem and his lot

For Sizes - A Punk Zombie and Rotten Belles

Nicodem in his element.

Up next (or sometime soon) - the undercoated models.

North East of Maejuk-ri

A recounting of a Dystopian Wars(DW)  battle between the Chinese Federation and the Empire of the Blazing Sun which takes place north east of Maejuk-ri just south of modern day South Korea. The game was played at the Falkirk District Wargames Club on Monday 16th March 2015 between Alistair Grant and Dave Elsey. This was the first game of DW for Dave who took command of the Empire of the Blazing Sun fleet, while Alistair took command of the Chinese Federation instead of his usual Empire.

Note: All Ship names came via Google Translate.

The Setup

The Chinese Federation patrol Biànhù was carrying out routine patrols of contested East China Sea region when an aggressive Blazing Sun strike force intercepted it. Recognising from scouts that battle was inevitable, the fleets made use of the scattered islands in the local area to set out their formations. 

The Broad View of the Battle Lines (Chinese Federation on the Left, Empire on the Right)

The Empire of the Blazing Sun - Strike Force Yon-Ju Go

Strike Force Yon-Ju Go

EWS Hanma - Kaiju Heavy Battleship

EWS Nageru - Kiyohime Assault Carrier with Fighter Flight Ni-Ju Ichi

ERWS Fuka-sa - Ika Mechanical Squid

Tanuki Squadron Sutoraiku (3)

Uwatsu Squadron Ju Go (3)

Fujin Squadron San-Ju (3)

Zarigani Squadron Yon (4)

Empire Fighter Flight San-ju Yon

Empire Torpedo Bomber Flight Hachi

Biànhù Line-up

The Chinese Federation Patrol Biànhù

WCF Juéxīn - Jian Mk 1 Battleship

WCF Yīngbàng - Guan Dao Battle Cruiser

WCF Kuài  and WCF Mǐnjié - Chui Support Carrier Squadron with Bomber Flight Jiǔ and Shí

Wo-Dao Squadron Huǒ (2)

Yue Destroyer Squadron Sān (3)

Nu Frigate Squadron Èrshí (4)

Dun Bastion Squadron 

Federation Fighter Flights  JiǔShí and SānShí

The Opening Barrage

As the fleets drew near, the manoeuvring began in earnest with the Chinese Federation surging to take a central defensive position and the Empire beginning a pincer move to surround them with their superior agility.

The Opening Moves

The Tanuki squadron attempted a long range strike on the support carriers but their rockets went wide of the mark as did the responding fire from the Dun Bastions.

The only shooting of note can from Èrshí squadron who managed a long range hit on the trailing Tanuki.

Knives Unsheathed

Wo-Dao Squadron Huǒ surge forward to try and hold a centre point between the three middle islands, striking at the now visible Uwatsu squadron - but only managing to inflict some minor damage on the sturdy Empire frigates.

Squadron Ju Go feeling the barrels of the Chinese beginning to track down on them advanced bravely into the fire to take on the larger gunships and inflicting heavy damage on one, knocking out its engines.

Èrshí squadron emboldened by their long range success advance on the visible Uwatsu squadron and open fire. As the smoke clears and the sea settles, two Uwatsu frigates have sunk but their remaining ship stands firm.

 Tanuki Squadron Sutoraiku barrels around the island in a tight turn bringing their considerable armament to bear on the Chinese fleet - their rockets lash out at the Chui carriers but overshoot their mark then they lock onto the Wo-Dao ahead of them - their turrets roar and inflict severe damaged on the lead ship causing the onboard reactors to crack and leak. The resulting damage and evasive actions by the target cause the following torpedo salvo to miss wide.

The Dun bastions rotate and advance slowly - wiping out the last brave Uwatsu before hitting a Tanuki cruiser for some minor damage.

Aircraft flights engage each other in the air, with fighters reigning supreme as the Empire bomber wing is wiped out while two fighter wings inflict heavy damaged on each other with a Chinese flight eliminated and only a single Empire fighter left.

Things are heating up

EWS Hanma hits from long range on a Dun inflicting fire and damages on the bastion but its remains operational.

Yue Destroyer Squadron Sān sneaks forwards under the fire at the Wo-Dao to get a lucky shot off at a Tanuki setting it on fire.

Nageru attempts to hits the damaged Dun but misses and takes damage in response as the flagship Juéxīn bellows back.

The fleets attempt running repairs, the blazing Dun loses some troops to the fire on board and the lead Wo-Dao is listing dangerously while the Tanukis put out their flaming decks.

Taking a Prize

The underfire Wo-Dao advance and rain shots into the Tanuki squadron causing minor damage but not enough to deter the oncoming cruisers.

Tanuki Squadron Sutoraiku move to fire for decisive action and board the damaged Wo-Dao. Their torpedoes home in on WCF Kuài blowing a hole in its side but the carrier remains afloat. Their turrets miss the lead Yue destroyer but the rockets do blast a layer of armour of a Dun and set it on fire.

The Sutoraiku assault troops attempt to board the Wo-Dao, they are repelled from the reactor damaged vessel but manage to board and take the second less damaged ship. The remaining Wo-Dao stands defiant but its days are numbering with loss of troops and a dangerous reactor leak in progress.

The Chui carriers managed to refuel a fighter flight and take refuge behind an island from the advancing threats of the Tanuki squadron and lurking Ika.

Squadron Sān attempts a courageous counter-attack on the Sutoraiku ships causing fires and attempting to board but their assault troops are wiped out in the attempt for little loss to the enemy.

Dive bombers swoop in on the Sutoraiku but AckAck wipes out half the flight reducing their effectiveness as they only cause minor hull damage to a Tanuki.

Fujin Squadron San-Ju continue to sneak round an island to pounce on the first ship to emerge.

The Nu frigates pile damage into the Tanuki squadron but still they stand firm, a thorn in the Chinese side, while the Hanma smashes a Dun into pieces causing its sister bastion to falter and break. The Dun attempts to salvage its honour and do something to the Tanuki squadron but fails in the attempt.

Empire fighters wipe out the Chinese torpedo bombers and the Nageru sinks a Nu and damages another.

The Centre Falters

A flight of Chinese fighters get wiped out by the remaining Empire fighter pilots, proving it to be a dark day for the Chinese air force.

The Juéxīn emerges to see the hidden Fujin squadron and attempts to open fire with its mighty broadside which misses everything in sight and the targeting woes continue as the Yīngbàng fails to range in on the Nageru.

Pouncing Corvettes

The lead Wo-Dao ship succumbs to its reactor leak and is lost with all hands as it finds its end.

Through valiant repair and damage prevention efforts two Tanuki ships survive their fires and damage but the third fell as the fire and corrosion overwhelmed it.

For Glory

Sutoraiku squadron attacks to avenge its fallen comrade - at range the last Dun is battered, losing engine control and being set alight and then the guns destroy a Yue while the assault troops board and sink the remaining destroyers.

The Chui carriers manage to knock out a Empire fighter from its flight but fail to do much else.

The Dun manages to limp forward enough to get a last gasp shot in on the Tanuki squadron and against all odds sinks one of the remaining ships.

Fujin Squadron San-Ju pounce on the exposed Juéxīn and manage to inflict minor damage on the large imposing battleship.

The Nu squadron manage to knock down the remaining elements of a figher flight which was retreating to its carrier as the turn round an island.

Zarigani Squadron Yon inflict heavy fires on the leading Chui carrier but the Yīngbàng answers with its bellowing turrets, sinking two of the little squids and damaging the other two.

The Hanma opens up on the Juéxīn but fails to make an impression and takes minor damaged in return from the battleship.

The Nageru targets the Juéxīn but fails to land a shot.

Fizzling away

The opposing admirals surveying their losses and changing weather decided withdrawal from the field of battle was the best course of action to preserve as much strength for their nations as possible. Another day will see a decisive victory but for now, the battle ends in an agreed draw.

Final Status

The Empire of the Blazing Sun - Strike Force Yon-Ju Go

EWS Hanma - Kaiju Heavy Battleship - Light Damage

EWS Nageru - Kiyohime Assault Carrier with Fighter Flight Ni-Ju Ichi - Light Damage, Fighters gone

ERWS Fuka-sa - Ika Mechanical Squid - Undamaged but out of position

Tanuki Squadron Sutoraiku (3) - One remaining, heavy damage

Uwatsu Squadron Ju Go (3) - Destroyed

Fujin Squadron San-Ju (3) - Undamaged

Zarigani Squadron Yon (4) - 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

Empire Fighter Flight San-ju Yon - Destroyed

Empire Torpedo Bomber Flight Hachi - Destroyed

The Chinese Federation Patrol Biànhù

WCF Juéxīn - Jian Mk 1 Battleship - Light Damage

WCF Yīngbàng - Guan Dao Battle Cruiser - Undamaged

WCF Kuài  and WCF Mǐnjié - Chui Support Carrier Squadron with Bomber Flight Jiǔ and Shí - Medium Damage, Flight Jiǔ gone, Shí operational

Wo-Dao Squadron Huǒ (2) - One destroyed, Other abandoned by opponent

Yue Destroyer Squadron Sān (3) - Destroyed

Nu Frigate Squadron Èrshí (4) - One sunk, One damaged, Two undamaged

Dun Bastion Squadron  - One destroyed, One Heavy Damage

Federation Fighter Flights  JiǔShí - Destroyed and SānShí - One SAS operational

Review

This was an enjoyable game - had it continued it could have swung either way - I tend to think the Empire would have prevailed but my opponent thought the Chinese had a good chance of victory due to having (limited) air superiority and the Ika being in out of position.

I hope Dave enjoyed his first game (of many to come hopefully), I enjoyed playing the Chinese Federation which have a very different feel to my usual Empire of the Blazing Sun.