Here follows a brief account of a 2-player, 2,500 point battle between a mighty Orc and Goblin horde and a High Elf host. The High Elf player was keen to field all of his painted models in a single game, while the Orc player wanted to try using Trolls (along with a Crown of Command). The game was played as a pitched battle, for a duration of 6 possible turns.
The battlefield was a simple one, on one flank a farm and hill with a lonely watch tower, on the opposite flank, forest and another hill. The valley between had open ground well suited for manoeuvre.
The large Orc Horde consists of both large groups of infantry (Orcs, Black Orcs and Goblins) alongside more mobile forces comprising a large number of Boar Boyz, supported by Goblin Wolf Riders and Chariots. Two units of Trolls have been added for additional punch. The Orcs also field a large number of characters, including a hero riding a Wyvern as well as 3 Shaman to get the green magic flowing. The Orc General wears a Crown of Command.
The Elf Host is highly mobile, with units of Reaver Knights, Chariots and Silver Helm Knights. They also field a large number of infantry, through massed archers and spearmen and a pair of Repeater Bolt Throwers. Two units of eagles also accompany the host. The characters include two Wizards and Elf Heroes flying aloft on the back of a giant eagle and a fearsome dragon.
The Elves deploy their massed ranks of Chariots and Reaver Knights on the flank, with the eagles and bolt throwers positioned to seize the hill. In the centre of the battlefield a long line of archers wait patiently, supported by 3 units of silver helm knights. The Elf Spearmen keep a watchful eye on the forest.
Anticipating the Elf war machines on the hill, the Orcs concentrate their force in the centre. Orc Warriors lead the way, with Trolls and Black Orcs marching behind them. Boar Boys and Wold Riders prowl the rear impatiently.
The battle begins uneventfully as both sides slowly advance. The Orcs manage to march some brigades forward before chaos breaks out, and the High Elves succeed in sending their chariots down the flank, but trouble with their magical messaging devices means several other orders are lost.
The orc advance continues, and the steadying presence of the Orc General and his Crown of Command keeps the Orc Warriors marching forward toward the distant rank of elf archers. Unfortunately a brawl breaks out and the Black Orcs and Boar Riders fail to follow up, meaning the general is reluctant to push further forward.
The Orc and Goblin Shaman manage to drive the Bolt Throwers off the hill before they can unleash their deadly cargo on the advancing horde. Meanwhile further magical disruption prevents Elf orders from getting through. Finally the elf archers advance and unleash their arrows into the advancing horde - a devastating volley that routs Orc warriors.
The Orcs use their magic to send one of the Elf Archers units fleeing, but yet more disciplined fire from the archers, enhanced by the elf wizards destroys another unit and causes such chaos that the Orcs cannot marshal their forces to charge.
Sensing the Orc weakness, the elves launch an attack. The Reaver Knights strike, charging wolf riders and chariots, while the Silver Helms draw up for a charge, but they fail their final order to charge...
Now the Orcs unleash their major assault. The Trolls devour the elf archers, tearing them to pieces. The Boar Riders and Wyvern charge the Silver Helms and the remaining Reaver Knights slaying many of the noble elves.
The Elf losses are high, and the Elf general realises that if the Orcs press their attack in the final turn they will likely break his army. He also realises that, given the large numbers of Orcs remaining, he is unlikely to break the Orc army in his final turn, so he draws on his reserves, the massed chariots, and throws them into a final attack. Elf Wizards cause the ground to erupt inflicting losses on all surrounding orc units.
Concentrating the attack on the Boar riders, the charging chariots force the Orc characters to flee and join nearby units. The Chariots, aided by the mighty dragon, then smash through the remaining boar riders, and then advance onto the Orc Warriors that the general has joined. The Dragon tears the Orc General apart before his stunned army. The High Elves win the day!
