Armies of Middle-Earth SBG: The Dark Powers of Dol-Guldur in the Middle-Earth Strategy Battle Game

Photo Credit: The New York Times

So, funny story: I started writing this post almost two years ago. Actually, it was (briefly) published two years ago (as basically a list of bullet points--very embarrassing). So this probably has the record for longest-post-never-to-be-posted (although my "Ode to Kardush the Firecaller" is getting close). Anyway, good things come to those who wait. Or in this case, very spooky things...

So yeah. Dol Guldur. Spooky stuff. Lots of Strength 4. Historical Allies with Azog, Bolg, and da boys. Spoiler alert: they're good, and surprisingly versatile.

Also, be sure you check out the Green Dragon Podcast's recent episode on Dol Guldur at some point--it's phenomenal (except for the discussion of my favorite profile in the list). Definitely worth your time, especially if you have pressing painting projects.

Onward!

The Bare Necessities, Part III: Numbers (or not-being-Broken)

In our previous two posts in this series, we’ve discussed the benefits of including fast models (cavalry in particular) and banners (not just units that count as banners) in your army because of the points they can score you in certain games. The five points that make up the series are reprinted here as a roadmap for today’s discussion:

• Fast troops who can claim objectives or exit the opposing board edge;
• At least one banner;
• Ways of delaying/avoiding being broken (often in the form of large numbers);
• Means of killing/inhibiting enemy heroes; and
• Means of keeping your own heroes alive/augmenting their damage.

Today’s post covers what most new players tend to value in an army: raw numbers. While having raw numbers doesn’t score you points in and of itself, it does make your army (in general) harder to break, which in most scenarios will give your opponent some points. Having greater numbers also makes it easier for you (in general) to trap your opponents – and traps win games.

So, today we’re going to discuss some of the subtleties of numbers in a points match game and different ways you can avoid being broken in a game (and other ways you can take advantage of numbers).