Today I set up my board tiles. I followed no existing map. Instead I set up a small Empire outpost in a desert with a T-16 parked outside. The Luke Skywalker token was placed behind a door, which was a cell inside the outpost, with the intention to replace him with the actual miniature once rescued.

I set up six crates. One red, one blue and the rest other colours. Obviously I placed them with the colour facing down after a thorough shuffling. Two were placed in the desert area, each with a Nexu to guard, while the others were inside the Empire base. The only entrance to the base was guarded by two e-webs. Six stormtroopers were inside a large room, while three more stormtroopers were with an officer near Luke's cell. There was a probe droid patrolling the desert.

The four heroes were set up in the desert area. Can't remember their names. I'll say Commander, Soldier, Smuggler and Bothan. I had a red, blue and purple "1" tokens ready to place on a hero card. The idea being that they need to combine the red and blue to make a purple key to free Skywalker. The objective was to get him safely to the T-16.

Though really a skirmish, I used the hero cards. Why not ? But there were plenty of enemies.

Bothan moved first. Crossing the desert unseen towards the first Nexu guarded crate. The probe droid was on the prowl, but soldier and smuggler destroyed it. Together with the Commander, they headed towards the second Nexu guarded crate. Bothan had fought and killed the other Nexu and was resting before checking the crate. It was empty.

Smuggler rolled badly and the Nexu drew blood, but she killed it and took time to recover. Even as she was battling, Commander and Soldier went to the e-web guarded entrance to the Empire outpost. Smuggler went to the crate and found it empty, then she and Bothan headed for their friends who.....

.....Commander and Soldier were getting blasted by the e-webs. Both inflicted damage in return, but failed to kill. Commander and Soldier died. Bothan and Smuggler took some damage but finished off the e webbers. Three of the stormtroopers moved from their room towards them.

Bothan and Smuggler were able to rest a little before battling the three stormtroopers, but bad dice rolls caused them to be wounded. The other three stormtroopers moved, as one of the first wave was killed. Smuggler died and Bothan was subjected to a five trooper firing squad.

I made mistakes.

But it was fun.

Rebel Scum destroyed, the Emperor will be pleased.

I love that people are making custom scenarios. We should have a site where we can post them (after thorough home play-testing of course) and other players can vote and comment on them after trying them.

I love that people are making custom scenarios. We should have a site where we can post them (after thorough home play-testing of course) and other players can vote and comment on them after trying them.

Being creative and storytelling are my favourite aspects of the miniature gaming hobby. For me it's not enough for Empire and Rebels meet up for a fight. There has to be a reason why, and consequences for success or failure.

Once I've played a few one-off games, I'll be creating my own campaign full of my own custom scenarios.

Had a second game yesterday. Went better since I remembered that only heroes can shoot twice, and remembered the range rules. First time round I forgot about the numbers on the dice.

I didn't enjoy Mak unable to shoot the e web which was only two squares away. But then the dreaded e web completely missed too. Stopped being funny after a few turns of unrelenting pew pew with no ouchy.

Game had to end. Time ran out.

I know I keep posting here but it's hardly worth starting a new topic. Anyway, I had my "Third Blood" on Friday:

This time was a repeat of my first game but with a different map setup. Also different was my choice of heroes. Well, one hero.

Mak, Fenn and Jyn were still there. But the old man was replaced with Gaarkhan.

Holy mackerel in tomato cream sauce that Wookie kicks bottom!

Three EWebs.

Nexu.

Two elite Royal Guards.

I didn't count how many Stormtroopers. But I'm sure at least five were chopped.

All the other heroes performed well.

Fenn's havoc fire was awesome against groups of stormtroopers. He took a horrific amount of punishment before finally dying.

Mak wasn't inspiring. But was far from useless. Together with Fenn he helped to keep stormtrooper reinforcements away from the other heroes. It was a sacrifice that allowed Luke to be rescued.

Jyn was doing well. Covering everyone's back until Mak and Fenn took over. But it was two rounds with a Royal Guard that wounded her. She met her end from a stormtrooper firing line.

But Gaarkhan!

Wow!!!

Not even wounded!

Yeah he took some hits. But managed to rest between fights. My favourite moment was when I had to choose between Fenn shooting or Gaarkhan fighting the Royal Guard (who was picking on Jyn). I chose Fenn, because he was near death in front of five stormtroopers. Since wounding Jyn made her less threatening, the Royal Guard attacked the full health Gaarkhan. Three damage, Wookie got enraged and the Royal Guard met a grizzly end.

Jyn freed Luke as Gaarkhan fought the second Royal Guard.

Anyway, in the end Gaarkhan led Luke to the T-16 Skyhopper. Stormtroopers were ripped apart before the Wookie who ended the game with three damage having kept Luke unscathed. Luke added some expert shots, but was spared return fire thanks to the horror the Wookie inspired in the foe.

I'm now convinced I want Chewbacca and some Wookie Warriors.

I'm also convinced that stormtrooper swarms are a good tactic. So long as they spread out if Fenn is nearby.

It took more than three hours to play. But they were three hours well spent I feel.

Still prefer Age of Rebellion combat rules. Yet, I can honestly say that having gotten used to the accuracy and some of the tactical decisions, it is a very fun game.