Skirmish in Bangor - Army Lists

 

Once again the IHL will go to battle this weekend with a one day 500 point event on Sunday.

As has been the case in the last few events, the balance of Good vs Evil is fairly even, this time slightly favoring Good. And the majority of lists favored pure armies, with only one containing an allied contingent.

Patrick McCormick
Pure Rivendell

Elrond with Heavy Armour and Horse
11x Rivendell Knights with Shield
1x Rivendell Knight
1x Rivendell Knight with Shield and Banner

Up first is a Rivendell Knight list that provides a huge amount of mobility, hitting power and archery for such a low model count army.

Michael Bradford
Minas Tirith and White Council

Warband 1:
(Leader) Elessar Mounted
11 x Guard of the Fountain Court with Shield
1 Ranger with Spear

Warband 2:
Galadriel LoL

Next we have a Minas Tirith army with the dual heavy hitters of Elessar and Lady of Light. These are supported by a D7 wall of Fountain Court Guards who will be difficult to break through.

Peter McFetridge
Army of Thror

Warband 1
Thror
14 Guardians of the King
3 Warriors of Erebor with spear and shield

Warband 2
Captain with shield
3 Warriors of Erebor with shield
9 Warriors of Erebor with spear and shield

This Army of Thror list is led by the King Under the Mountain himself who brings a host of buffs to the rest of the army. Not least amongst them is the ability to upgrade the Grimhammers to Guardians of the King and really up to hitting power of the list.

Simon Hamilton
Riders of Theoden

Warband 1
Theoden King, heavy armour, armoured horse, shield
6 riders of rohan
4 royal guard, horses 1 banner

Warband 2
Eomer, armoured horse shield throwing spears
7 riders of rohan.

Riders of Theoden proved to be a very popular choice in the IHL pre-covid, reaching the podium numerous times and winning several events. However, this will be the first time in the 2021 season that they have been used, so we'll see if they live up to past achievements.

Kevin Rothwell
Angmar

Warband 1
Witch-King (3/20/3) with Crown & Fell Beast
6x Angmar Orcs with Shield
6x Angmar Orcs with Spear
4x Angmar Orcs with Two-handed weapons
2x Wild Wargs

Warband 2
Barrow-wight
2x Angmar Orcs with Shield
2x Angmar Orcs with Spear
2x Angmar Orcs with Two-handed weapons

Warband 3
Barrow-wight
1x Angmar Orc (No Upgrade)
1x Angmar Orc with Shield
2x Angmar Orcs with Spear
1x Angmar Orc with Two-handed weapon

Next is an Angmar army with a fully statted Witch King on Fell Beast leading. Backed up by the magic of 2 Barrow Wights and a host of Orcs he should be a very effective leader.

Martin Metcalfe
Dol Guldur.

Warband 1
Witch King.(general)

Warband 2
Slayer of Men.

Warband 3
Slayer of Men.

Warband 4
The Forsaken,
2 Fell Wargs.

Warband 5
Castellan with Morgul blade.

Warband 6
Castellan with Morgul blade.

Warband 7
Castellan with Morgul blade.

Warband 8
Castellan with Morgul blade.

The penultimate list is a low model count Dol Guldur list with 4 of the Nazgul making it difficult to break the army and 4 Castellans with Morgul Blades that will worry many heroes.

Matt Hamill Bye buster list
Ringwraiths of Tesco

Warband 1
Tesco finest Ringwraith (general)
2M 14W 2F
5 Black Guard
5 Black numenoreans

Warband 2
Tesco Ringwraith
1M 10W 1F
5 moranon orcs with shields
5 moranon orcs shield and spears

Warband 3
Everyday Tesco ringwraith
0M 7W 0F
5 mordor orcs shields
5 mordor orcs spears

And finally, the bye buster list features 3 generic Ring wraiths all at varying power levels. The magic potential will be fairly good, although the lack of a big hitter may cause issues

So there's the lists, good luck to everyone participating.

Nirnaeth Arnoediad - Army Lists

 

The Irish Hobbit League continues this weekend with the Nirnaeth Arnoediad tournament. As well as contributing league points this event is also the Northern Ireland System Open and therefore a place in the Ardacon Masters event is up for grabs. This event has a reverse escalation format, starting with 2 games at 1000 points, followed by 3 games at 750 points and finishing up with 2 games at 500 points with the additional restriction that your leader has to change for those last 2 games.

Firstly a quick look at the breakdown of Good vs Evil shows that Evil has a slight edge at 7-6 and that single faction armies are the most popular.

Dan Ahern - Rivendell & White Council Alliance

1,000 point list:

Warband 1
Elrond w/Horse and Heavy Armour (Leader)
6 High Elf Warriors with Swords and Shields
Knights of Rivendell w/Shields
1 Knight of Rivendell w/Banner and shield

Warband 2
Erestor
6 High Elf Warriors with Swords and Shields
6 High Elf Warriors with Bows and Spears

Warband 3
High Elf Captain w/Horse, Lance, Shield
2 High Elf Warriors with Swords and Shields
1 High Elf Warrior with Bow and Spear
1 High Elf Warrior

Warband 4
Galadriel, Lady of Light (Second in Command)

750 point list

Warband 1
Elrond w/Horse and Heavy Armour (Leader)
6 High Elf Warriors with Swords and Shields
8 Knights of Rivendell w/Shields
1 Knight of Rivendell w/Banner and shield

Warband 2
High Elf Captain w/Horse, Lance, Shield
4 High Elf Warriors with Swords and Shields
1 High Elf Warrior with Bow and Spear

Warband 3
Galadriel, Lady of Light (Second in Command)

500 point list

Warband 1
Elrond w/Horse and Heavy Armour
12 High Elf Warriors with Swords and Shields
5 High Elf Warriors with Bows and Spears

Warband 2
Galadriel, Lady of Light (Second in Command now Leader)

First up is a primarily Rivendell list led by Elrond with a large group of Rivendell Knights, which offer great mobility and hitting potential. These are backed up by Galadriel Lady of Light, who is a great choice for 2nd in Command, and a chunk of Elven infantry who are very capable warriors in their own right.

Michael Bunting - Mordor

1000 Mordor

Warband 1
Undying on Fell Beast (Leader)
5 Black Numenoreans (One With War Horn)
5 Morannon Orcs Shield and Spear

Warband 2
Khamul on Fell Beast (Second in Command)
4  Black Numenoreans 
4 Morannon Orcs Shield and Spear (One with Banner)

Warband 3
Task Master
5 Black Numenoereans
5 Morannon Orcs Shield and Spear

Warband 4
Great Beast of Gorgoroth

Warband 5
Great Beast of Gorgoroth

750 Mordor

Warband 1
Undying on Fell Beast (Leader)
7 Black Numenoreans
7 Morannon Orcs Shield and Spear

Warband 2
Khamul on Fell Beast (Second in Command)
6 Black Numenoreans
6 Morannon Orcs Shield and Spear (One Banner)

Warband 3
Great Beast of Gorgoroth

500 Mordor

Warband 1
Khamul on Fell Beast (Second in Command now Leader)
3 Black Numenoreans

Warband 2
Great Beast of Gorgoroth

Warband 3
Great Beast of Gorgoroth

A Mordor army up next and it forms it's battle line from Black Numenoreans supported by Morranon Orcs. However, this army also contains multiple Great Beasts and will be hoping to trample their foes into the dirt.

Colleen Bunting - Grand Army of The South

1000
Grand Army of the south
Warband 1
Mumak War Leader (Leader)
Royal War Mumak
12 Warriors of Harad with Bow (One Warhorn)
6 Mahud Raiders with spear and Blow Pipe

Warband 2
Suladan on Armoured Horse (Second In Command)
3 Warriors of Harad with Bow

Warband 3
Mahud King on Camel with Shield and Warspear
8 Mahud Raiders with spear (2 with Blowpipe)

750
Grand Army of the south
Warband 1
Mumak War Leader (Leader)
Royal War Mumak
10 Warriors of Harad with Bow (One Warhorn)
2 Warriors of Harad with Spear
6 Mahud Raiders with spear with Blow Pipe

Warband 2
Suladan on Armoured Horse (Second In Command)
1 Warrior of Harad with spear

500
Warband 1
Suladan Armoured horse and Bow
2 warriors of harad (one bow and one war horn)

Warband 2
Mahud king on camel with warspear and shield
13 Mahud Raiders with spear and blow pipe

Speaking of trampling foes into the dirt, next we have the Grand Army of the South led by the Mumak War Leader. Between the Mumak and the Mahud Camels this army will inflict an eye watering amount of impact hits.

Ivan Sheehan
Corsairs and Harad Alliance

1000 pts

Warband 1
Dalamyr. (second in command)
6 corsairs, shield.
6 corsairs, shield, spear.
6 arbalesters.

Warband 2
Delgamar,
5 corsairs, shield.
5 corsairs, shield, spear.
5 arbalesters.

Warband 3
Bosun, spear.
6 reavers, swap for axe.
3 corsairs, shield, spear.
3 arbalesters.

Warband 4
Suladan, armoured horse, bow. (leader)
9 haradrim raiders, warspear, bow.

Warband 5
Raza.
9 haradrim warriors, spear.

750
Warband 1
Dalamyr.
4 corsairs, shield.
6 corsairs, shield, spear.
5 arbalesters.

Warband 2
Delgamar.
5 corsairs, shield.
5 corsairs, shield, spear.
5 arbalesters.

Warband 3
Bosun, spear.
6 reavers, swap for axe.

Warband 4
Suladan, armoured horse. (leader)
5 haradrim raiders, warspear, bow.
4 haradrim warriors, spear.

500
Warband 1
Dalamyr.  (Second in Command now Leader)
5 corsairs, shield.
8 corsairs, shield, spear.
2 arbalester.

Warband 2

Delgamar. 

5 corsairs, shield. 

5 corsairs, shield, spear.

3 arbalester.

Warband 3

Raza. 

1 haradrim raider, warspear, bow. 

Staying in the South a little while we have this Corsairs and Haradrim alliance led by Suladan and Dalamyr. The Corsairs bring a lot of ranged threat thanks to the large amount of throwing weapons they carry which really boost their killing power.

David Coleman (the Child)

Isengard

1000pts 

Warband 1:

Lurtz, Bow, Shield (Leader) 

2 Berzerkers 

3 Uruk Hai Warriors, Shields 

4 Uruk Hai Warriors, Pikes 

1 Uruk Hai Warrior, Pike, Banner 

4 Uruk Hai Warriors, Crossbows 

Uruk Hai Drummer 

Warband 2:

Thrydan Wolfsbane, Horse (Second in Command)

2 Crebain

2 Dunlending Horsemen 

Warband 3:

Gorulf Ironskin 

2 Berzerkers 

2 Uruk Hai Warriors, Shields 

3 Uruk Hai Warriors, Pikes 

1 Uruk Hai Warrior, Pike, Banner 

4 Uruk Hai Warriors, Crossbows 

Warband 4:

Frida Tallspear

4 Uruk Hai Warriors, Shields 

4 Uruk Hai Warriors, Pikes 

4 Uruk Hai Warriors, Crossbows 

Warband 5:

Vrasku

1 Uruk Hai Warrior, Shield 

4 Uruk Hai Warriors, Crossbows 

750pts 

Warband 1:

Lurtz, Bow, Shield (Leader) 

2 Berzerkers 

3 Uruk Hai Warriors, Shields 

4 Uruk Hai Warriors, Pikes 

1 Uruk Hai Warrior, Pike, Banner 

4 Uruk Hai Warriors, Crossbows 

Uruk Hai Drummer 

Warband 2:

Thrydan Wolfsbane, Horse (Second in Command) 

2 Crebain 

2 Dunlending Horsemen 

Warband 3:

Gorulf Ironskin 

1 Berzerker 

2 Uruk Hai Warriors, Shields 

4 Uruk Hai Warriors, Pikes 

4 Uruk Hai Warriors, Crossbows 

Warband 4:

Vrasku 

3 Uruk Hai Warriors, Crossbows 

500pts Isengard 

Warband 1:

Lurtz, Bow, Shield 

2 Berserkers

3 Uruk Hai Warriors, Shields 

4 Uruk Hai Warriors, Pikes 

1 Uruk Hai Warrior, Pike, Banner

5 Uruk Hai Warriors, Crossbows 

Warband 2:

Thrydan Wolfsbane, Horse (Second in Command now Leader) 

2 Dunlending Horsemen 

5 Uruk Hai Warriors, Shields 

5 Uruk Hai Warriors, Pikes

This Isengard force brings a lot of Uruk Hai. With each of them being F4 and S4 and with the opportunity of double supporting with pikes this makes for a fearsome battle line.

Mike Wilson - Assault on Helms Deep LL

1000pts

Warband 1

Uruk-hai Commander with Shield; (leader)

1 Uruk-hai Warrior with Banner; Pike;

11 Uruk-hai Warrior with Pike;

5 Uruk-hai Berserker

Warband 2

Uruk-hai Captain with Shield (Second in Command);

12 Uruk-hai Warrior with Pike;

5 Uruk-hai Berserker

Warband 3

Uruk-hai Captain with Two-handed weapon;

12 Uruk-hai Warrior with Pike;

5 Uruk-hai Berserker

Warband 4

Uruk-hai Siege Veteran

Isengard Assault   Ballista

Warband 5 

Uruk-hai Siege Veteran

Isengard Assault   Ballista

Warband 6

Uruk-hai Siege Veteran

Isengard Assault   Ballista

750pts 

Warband 1

Uruk-hai Commander with Shield; (leader)

1 Uruk-hai Warrior with Banner; Pike;

9 Uruk-hai Warrior with Pike;

4 Uruk-hai Berserker

Warband 2 

Uruk-hai Captain with Shield (Second in Command);

6 Uruk-hai Warrior with Pike;

2 Uruk-hai Berserker

Warband 3

Uruk-hai Captain

6 Uruk-hai Warrior with Pike;

2 Uruk-hai Berserker

Warband 4

Uruk-hai Siege Veteran

Isengard Assault   Ballista

Warband 5

Uruk-hai Siege Veteran

Isengard Assault   Ballista

Warband 6

Uruk-hai Siege Veteran

Isengard Assault   Ballista

500pts 

Warband 1 

Uruk-hai Captain with Shield (Second in Command now Leader);

1 Uruk-hai Warrior with Banner; Pike;

7 Uruk-hai Warrior with Pike;

3 Uruk-hai Berserker

Warband 2 

Uruk-hai Commander with Shield;

6 Uruk-hai Warrior with Pike;

2 Uruk-hai Berserker

Warband 4 

Uruk-hai Siege Veteran

Isengard Assault   Ballista

Warband 5 

Uruk-hai Siege Veteran

Isengard Assault   Ballista

Sticking with Uruk Hai is this Assault on Helm's Deep Legion. As well as a plentiful supply of Uruk Hai this army has huge long range firepower in the form of multiple Assault Ballistas which can cause some serious damage if the dice go their way.

Gerard Bunting - Moria & Goblin Town & Dark Denizens of Mirkwood Alliance

1000 Points: 

Warband 1

Balrog (Second in Command)

18 Goblins (9 shields 9 spear)

Warband 2

Goblin King (Leader) 

Warband 3

Ashrak 

12 Goblins (6 shields, 6 spear)

Warband 4

Druzhag 

3 Goblins (2 shields, 1 spear)

Warband 5

Spider Queen 

Warband 6

Moria Goblin Captain

12 Goblins (6 shields, 6 spear)

750 Points: 

Warband 1

Balrog (Second in Command)

18 Goblins (9 shields, 9 spear)

Warband 2

Ashrak 

6 Goblins (3 shields, 3 spear)

Warband 3

Goblin King (Leader)

Warband 4

Moria Goblin Captain 

12 Goblins (6 shields, 6 spear)

500 Points: 

Warband 1

Balrog (Second in Command now Leader)

18 Goblins (9 shield, 9 spear)

Warband 2

Goblins Captain 

5 Goblins (3 shield, 2 spear)

Next is a Goblin Alliance with a Spider Queen coming along too. The Balrog is a huge centre piece of this army that is able to dish out the damage with ease. The use of the Goblin King is interesting in that it allows the Balrog to be the leader in the last two games, which include Contest of Champions where very little will be able to match it.

Robert Conroy Maeighoc - Thorin's Company and Army of Laketown Alliance

1000 points

Warband 1

Thorin Oakenshield (Leader)

Balin 

Dwalin (Second in Command)

Fili 

Kili 

Bifur 

Bofur 

Bombur 

Ori 

Nori 

Dori 

Gloin 

Oin 

Bilbo with Sting and the Ring 

Warband 2 

The Master of Lake Town 

2 Lake Town Guard with Spear 

1 Lake Town Guard with Bow

1 Lake Town Guard 

Warband 3 

Alfrid 

1 Lake Town Guard with Spear 

1 Lake Town Guard with Bow 

1 Lake Town Guard 

Warband 4

Braga 

1 Lake Town Guard with Spear

2 Lake Town Guard with Bow 

1 Lake Town Guard

750 points

Warband 1 

Thorin Oakenshield (Leader)

Balin

Dwalin (Second in Command)

Bifur

Bombur

Ori

Nori

Gloin

Bilbo with Sting and the Ring

Warband 2 

The Master of Lake Town

2 Lake Town Guard with Spear

1 Lake Town Guard with Bow

1 Lake Town Guard

Warband 3 

Alfrid

1 Lake Town Guard with Spear

1 Lake Town Guard with Bow

1 Lake Town Guard

Warband 4 

Braga

1 Lake Town Guard with Spear

2 Lake Town Guard with Bow

500 points

Warband 1 

Dwalin (Second in Command now Leader)

Fili

Kili

Bifur

Bombur

Ori

Nori

Dori

Bilbo with Sting and the Ring

Next is my Thorin's Company and Lake-Town alliance. I've been dying to get this army to a tabletop for an age now so hopefully it doesn't disappoint.

David Murphy - Minas Tirith

1,000 Points.

Warband One (Leader): 

Denethor.

3 Guards of the Fountain Court with shields.

Warband Two (Second in Command): 

Boromir, Captain of the White Tower on horse with shield and Banner of Minas Tirith.

10 Guards of the Fountain Court with shields.

5 Rangers of Gondor with spears.

Warband Three: 

Madril.

7 Guards of the Fountain Court with shields.

5 Rangers of Gondor with spears.

Warband Four: 

Hurin on horse.

3 Knights of Minas Tirith with shield.

1 Knight of Minas Tirith.

Warband Five:

Gandalf the White on Shadowfax.

750 Points.

Warband One (Leader): 

Denethor.

3 Guards of the Fountain Court with shields.

Warband Two (Second in Command): 

Boromir, Captain of the White Tower on horse with shield and Banner of Minas Tirith.

10 Guards of the Fountain Court with shields.

5 Rangers of Gondor with spears.

Warband Three: 

Madril.

7 Guards of the Fountain Court with shields.

5 Rangers of Gondor with spears.

Warband Four: 

Hurin on horse.

3 Knights of Minas Tirith with shield.

500 Points.

Warband One (Second in Command now Leader): 

Boromir, Captain of the White Tower on horse with shield and Banner of Minas Tirith.

9 Guards of the Fountain Court with shields.

4 Rangers of Gondor with spears.

Warband Two: 

Madril.

6 Guards of the Fountain Court with shields.

3 Rangers of Gondor with spears.

The father and son combo of Denethor and Boromir. A very strong battle line of Fountain Court Guards will be able to defend Denethor ably while Boromir has free reign to charge into the fray.

Simon Hamilton 

Minas Tirith

1000 Point List

Warband 1 - Leader

Boromir, Captain Of The White Tower Horse, Shield, The Banner of Minas Tirith 

3 Knights of Minas Tirith Shields 

6 Warriors of Minas Tirith Shields 

6 Warriors of Minas Tirith Spears, Shields 

Warband 2 – Second In Command

Faramir, Captain of Gondor Bow 

8 Rangers of Gondor 

Warband 3

Hurin the Tall, Warden of the Keys Horse 

2 Guards of the Fountain Court Shields 

2 Knights of Minas Tirith Shields 

1 Knight of Minas Tirith Shield Banner 

Warband 4

Ingold, Warden of the Rammas Echor 

6 Warriors of Minas Tirith Shields 

5 Warriors of Minas Tirith Spears, Shields 

1 Warrior of Minas Tirith Shield, Banner 

Warband 5

Madril, Captain of Ithilien 

8 Rangers of Gondor 

750 Point List

Warband 1 - Leader

Boromir, Captain Of The White Tower Horse, Shield, The Banner of Minas Tirith 

3 Knights of Minas Tirith Shields 

6 Warriors of Minas Tirith Shields 

6 Warriors of Minas Tirith Spears, Shields 

Warband 2 – Second In Command

Faramir, Captain of Gondor Bow 

9 Rangers of Gondor 

1 Warrior of Minas Tirith War horn, Shield 

Warband 3

Ingold, Warden of the Rammas Echor 

6 Warriors of Minas Tirith Shields 

5 Warriors of Minas Tirith Spears, Shields 

1 Warrior of Minas Tirith Shield, Banner 

500 Point List

Warband 1 – Second In Command now Leader

Faramir, Captain of Gondor Bow 

6 Rangers of Gondor Spears 

7 Warriors of Minas Tirith Shields 

Warband 2

Hurin the Tall, Warden of the Keys Horse 

5 Knights of Minas Tirith Shields 

Warband 3

Madril, Captain of Ithilien 

4 Rangers of Gondor Spears 

6Warriors of Minas Tirith Shields 

Another Minas Tirith army and another family affair, this time with the brothers Boromir and Faramir. Again this army features a strong battle line, although this time built upon the Shieldwall of the Warriors of Minas Tirith.

Niall Woods - Erebor Reclaimed & Iron Hills Alliance

1000 points

Warband 1 Leader: 

Thorin with Orcrist 

Fili with dwarf bow 

Kili  with dwarf bow

Dwalin (Second in Command)

Balin 

Warband 2 

Iron hills Captain with Mattock 

7 iron hills warriors with spears 

Warband 3 

Iron hills ballista 

Warband 4 

Iron hills chariot with Captain

750 points

Warband 1 Leader: 

Thorin with Orcrist 

Fili 

Kili 

Warband 2

Dwalin (Second in Command)

8 iron hills warriors with spears 

2 iron hills warriors

Warband 3 

Iron hills chariot with Captain

Next is an Erebor Reclaimed and Iron Hills army that brings a strong group of the Champions of Erebor to provide a hard hitting core of heroes to back up an Iron Hills Chariot.

Jim Latimer 

Moria

1000 points

Warband 1

The Balrog

1 Moria Goblin Warriors

2 Moria Goblin WarriorsOrc Bow

2 Moria Goblin WarriorsShield

2 Moria Goblin WarriorsSpear

Warband 2

Durburz,

4 Moria Goblin Warriors

1 Warg Marauder

Warband 3

Druzhag

Bat Swarm

3 Warg Marauder

3 Moria Goblin Warriors Orc Bow

2 Moria Goblin Warriors Shield

2 Moria Goblin Warriors Spear

Warband 4

Moria Blackshield Captain

Cave Troll Spear

6 Moria Blackshield

1 Moria Blackshield Drummers

1 Moria Goblin Prowler

750 points

Warband 1

The Balrog

1 Moria Goblin Warriors

2 Moria Goblin WarriorsOrc Bow

2 Moria Goblin WarriorsShield

2 Moria Goblin WarriorsSpear

Warband 2

Durburz,

4 Moria Goblin Warriors

1 Warg Marauder

Warband 3

Druzhag

Bat Swarm

3 Warg Marauder

3 Moria Goblin Warriors Orc Bow

2 Moria Goblin Warriors Shield

2 Moria Goblin Warriors Spear

500 points

Warband 1

The Balrog

1 Moria Goblin Warriors

2 Moria Goblin WarriorsOrc Bow

2 Moria Goblin WarriorsShield

2 Moria Goblin WarriorsSpear

Warband 2

Durburz,

4 Moria Goblin Warriors

1 Warg Marauder

The penultimate list is a Moria list led by the Balrog. The leader makes a great centre piece and is crucial to making this list function.

Michael Bradford - Khazad Dum

1000 points

Warband 1: Durin (Leader) 

18 Hearth Guard 

Warband 2: King's Champion (Second In Command) 

10 Iron Guard 

Warband 3:

Mardin 

4 Vault Warden Teams 

Warband 4:

Dwarf Shield Bearer 

1 Dwarf Warrior with Banner and Shield and Bow 

3 Iron Guard 

750 Points

Warband 1: Durin (Leader) 

18 Hearthguard 

Warband 2: King's Champion (Second in Command)

4 Vault Warden Teams 

1 Iron Guard 

1 Dwarf Warrior with shield and bow 

Warband 3

Shield Bearer

2 Iron Guard

500 Points

Warband 1: Durin 

4 Vault Warden Teams 

7 Hearthguard 

1 Dwarf Warrior with Shield 

Warband 2: King's Champion (Second in Command now Leader) 

And finally we have the bye buster list of Khazad Dum. Led by the hard hitting and incredibly durable Durin this list will be tough to crack due to the high Defense across the board.

So there's all the lists. We'll be back in a few days time to see how everyone got on and who came out on top. And finally, good luck to all competitors.

Beginners Event - Podium Review

 

Last week a host of beginners took to the tabletop. After revealing all the army lists last weekend now it's time to see who came out victorious.

3rd Place
Ben Hanna
Minas Tirith

Warband One: Faramir on horse with heavy armour, lance + shield, 2 Citadel Guards with longbows, 6 Knights of Minas Tirith with shields, 2 Warriors of Minas Tirith with shields, and 1 Warrior of Minas Tirith with shield + spear.

Warband Two: Beregond, 2 Guards of the Fountain Court with shields, 1 Rangers of Gondor with spear, 2 Warriors of Minas Tirith with shields, and 1 Warrior of Minas Tirith with shield + spear.

Warband Three: Damrod, and 6 Rangers of Gondor with spears.

Warband Four: Avenger Bolt Thrower.

In third place was this Faramir led Minas Tirith army. One big aspect of this army is the level of board control that it is able to exert thanks to the Bolt Thrower and relatively large amount of archers. These elements of the army force the enemy to react to you or section off areas of the battlefield from the enemy who is fearful of receiving a salvo of bolts and arrows turning them into a pincushion. Faramir and the Knights will then be able to exploit any openings created by this strong shooting presence with a hard hitting lance tipped charge.

2nd Place
Collie Doherty
Rivendell

Warband One: Gil-Galad with shield on armoured horse, 6 King's Guard with shields, 5 High Elf Warriors with spear and shield, 2 High Elf Warriors with spear and bow, 1 King's Guard with spear and banner, 4 Rivendell Knights.

The Elves took 2nd spot with this Rivendell army led by the High King Gil-Galad. At this low points level there will be very few models who will be able to stand up to Gil-Galad with his F9, +1 to wound and Lord of the West. The High King has the power to take on enemy armies by himself. However, he doesn't have to, he also has the backing of an elite group of Elves in the King's Guard. At F6 these warriors beat most of the enemy heroes that they faced, which would force them to spend their resources on tackling the warriors and further taking the pressure off Gil-Galad to deal with heroes.

1st place
Mike Wilson
Dark Denizens of Mirkwood

Warband One: Spider Queen, 1 Bat Swarm, and 5 Mirkwood Spiders.

Warband Two: 2 Mirkwood Spiders.

Warband Three: 2 Mirkwood Spiders.

Warband Four: 2 Mirkwood Spiders.

Warband Five: 2 Mirkwood Spiders.

Warband Six: 2 Mirkwood Spiders.

And the winner was Mike Wilson with the Spiders of Mirkwood. This is a highly mobile army, able to run at 10 inches across all terrain, which gives them the advantage of being able to pick and choose when and where combat will happen more easily and being able to grab objectives quickly. This pace allows maximize the use of their webs to threaten enemy heroes with paralysis, so that they can neutralize threats before being exposed to them. Then, once those targets have been paralyzed the Spider Queen can quickly dispatch them with multiple high strength and re-rollable attacks.

So there's the results of the IHL beginners event held last week. I hope that everyone enjoyed the day and that we will see you all back at an IHL event again soon.

Beginners Event - Army Lists

 

These tournaments are acting like buses, you wait for ages then 2 come along at once. Saturday sees a 2nd tournament in as many weeks (making up for lost time).

This event has been tailored towards allowing new or less experienced players the chance to enjoy the tournament experience, with a couple of veterans around to help with rules queries and general running of the event. In total there are 5 players who are totally new to the IHL at this event, so welcome to you all.

This is a 450 point event with a balance of Good vs Evil slightly favoring Good again.

Micheál Bradford - The Trolls

Warband One: Bill the Troll, Bert the Troll, Tom the Troll, and the Campfire.

We start with three monsterous trolls. This is a great thematic list that will hit like a freight train, although lack of numbers might put it at a disadvantage depending on scenario.

Connor Whitla - Thorin's Company.

Warband One - Thorin with Orcrist and Oakenshield, Balin, Dwalin, Bilbo with the Ring and Sting, Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur.

It's widely known within the Irish commuy that Thorin's Company is my favourite faction in the game. Thorin and Dwalin are 2 really good heroes for this points level, especially if combined with Bilbo with the Ring and I hope these guys do well.

Damian Pajestka - Moria

Warband One: Durburz, 1 Bat Swarm, 1 Warg Marauder, 3 Prowlers, 6 Moria Goblin Warriors with shields, and 4 Moria Goblin Warriors with Orc bows + spears.

Warband Two: Groblog, 1 Warg Marauder, 4 Prowlers, 3 Moria Goblin Warriors with shields, and 4 Moria Goblin Warriors with Orc bows + spears.

Warband Three: Moria Goblin Shaman, 3 Moria Blackshields, and 3 Prowlers.

A horde of Moria Goblins. This list packs in plenty of models while also having some room for some fun stuff like the Warg Marauders and Bat Swarm.

Alex Neaves - Riders of Theoden

Warband One: Theoden on armoured horse with heavy armour + shield. and 4 Riders of Rohan with throwing spears.

Warband Two: Dernhelm, and 3 Riders of Rohan with throwing spears.

Warband Three: Gamling on horse with Rohan Royal Standard, and and 3 Riders of Rohan with throwing spears.

Riders of Theoden proved to be a very popular choice on the top tables during the 2020 IHL season. Fast moving, hard hitting and with free might being generated by the Royal Standard, this army is still a top choice.

Ben Hanna - Minas Tirith

Warband One: Faramir on horse with heavy armour, lance + shield, 2 Citadel Guards with longbows, 6 Knights of Minas Tirith with shields, 2 Warriors of Minas Tirith with shields, and 1 Warrior of Minas Tirith with shield + spear.

Warband Two: Beregond, 2 Guards of the Fountain Court with shields, 1 Rangers of Gondor with spear, 2 Warriors of Minas Tirith with shields, and 1 Warrior of Minas Tirith with shield + spear.

Warband Three: Damrod, and 6 Rangers of Gondor with spears.

Warband Four: Avenger Bolt Thrower.

This Minas Tirith army makes use of the cheaper Minor heroes in order to be able to bump up their numbers. With a decent amount of Rangers and a Bolt Thrower this army should win the shooting battle in most matchups.

Mike Wilson - Dark Denizens of Mirkwood

Warband One: Spider Queen, 1 Bat Swarm, and 5 Mirkwood Spiders.

Warband Two: 2 Mirkwood Spiders.

Warband Three: 2 Mirkwood Spiders.

Warband Four: 2 Mirkwood Spiders.

Warband Five: 2 Mirkwood Spiders.

Warband Six: 2 Mirkwood Spiders.

I hope nobody is arachnophobic. A whole host of Spiders that will be hoping to snare their foes in their web. Top marks for theme on this one.

Michael Bunting - Dol Guldur

Warband One: The Witch-King, 5 Gundabad Orcs with shields, and 5 Gundabad Orcs with spears + shields.

Warband Two: The Forsaken, 5 Gundabad Orcs with shields, and 5 Gundabad Orcs with spears + shields.

Warband Three: Castellan of Dol Guldur and 1 Mirkwood Spider.

Warband Four: Castellan of Dol Guldur and 1 Mirkwood Spider.

The Nazgul of Dol Guldur can prove to be tricky to take out thanks to their resurrection ability. Backed up by a group of heavily armoured Orcs, some Castellans and a couple of Spiders for some shenanigans this could be tough to take out.

Jim Latimer - Harondor (The Fiefdoms)

Warband One: El Aurance (Prince Imrahil), 3 Unicorn Knights (Swan Knights/Dol Amroth Knights) on armoured horse with lance.

Warband Two: Fergal Fearnaught (Angbor the Fearless), 3 Clansmen of Velsinir (Clansmen of Lamedon), and 4 Axemen of Harmindon (Axemen of Lossarnach).

Warband Three: Oophir, Desert Wolf (aka Duinhir) and 5 Harnen River Rangers (Blackroot Vale Archers).

El Aurance (Prince Imrahil) will be one of the most expensive heroes attending this event and brings plenty of hitting power and offers buffs to nearby troops thanks to a huge banner range and Fight Value buff for the Knights. On top of that there's a Fearless buff from Fergal Fearnaught (Angbor the Fearless) and some decent shooting from the Harnen River Rangers.

Jack & Ana - Lothlorien

Warband One: Galadriel, 1 Galadhrim Warrior with banner, 7 Galadhrim Warriors with Elf bows, 5 Galadhrim Warriors with spears + shields.

Warband Two: Haldir with heavy armour, 3 Galadhrim Warriors with shields, 4 Galadhrim Warriors with spears + shields.

Galadriel leads this Lothlorien army and provides the best magical support of all the armies here. That support will be important to aid Haldir and the Galadrim warriors who will be doing all the fighting.

Collie Doherty - Rivendell

Warband One: Gil-Galad with shield on armoured horse, 6 King's Guard with shields, 5 High Elf Warriors with spear and shield, 2 High Elf Warriors with spear and bow, 1 King's Guard with spear and banner, 4 Rivendell Knights.

In this Rivendell the King's Guard will have a better Fight Value than most of the heroes they'll be facing which puts them at a distinct advantage in combat. Added to this is the F9 High King of the Elves himself Gil-Galad, who can make short work of any of his foes.

So there's all the lists. Best of luck to all the players and may you always roll 6s (unless you're Evil and it's a roll-off).