Another Test of Honour game this Friday saw us fighting again over the rugged hills of Japan. This time Steve and I decided to try some of the “different” factions with their variety of different weapons and rules.

Small temple and surrounding quarters (1)

Small temple and surrounding quarters (2)

Small temple and surrounding quarters (3)

Small temple and surrounding quarters (4)

Scenario:

Bandits had heard that the temple was full of “treasure” and decide to “liberate” them. The temple monks had been warned that bandits were moving towards their temple and were returning from their field at the time of the bandits arrival. Each player placed two objective counters (with objective points on their underneath) within six inches of the table centre and no closer than six inches from each other. Suitable model treasure chest were then placed on the objective marker to aid with aesthetics.

The game:

The monks move to protect the closest treasure chests.

Much to my chagrin I tested to secure the chest with a test of wits only to find that whilst the monks could shoot and fight really well they were as dim-witted as the proverbial dogs s@#t and continually failed. In the end I had to send in the Abbot to secure the chests.

The bandits secure one lot of chests and move on to the others.

On the right a lone monk tries to secure a chest and again fails. Seems they are truly not interested in worldly goods! In the centre a monk sergeant moves forward to engage some bandits.

Meanwhile on the other flank a group of monks died valiantly at the hands of the bandit leader in a vain attempt to protect the treasure. I have purchased some Eureka Miniatures wounded samurai to replace these Dark Age casualties but am yet to paint them.

They will look great but am afraid it will be some time before they decorate the table.

The Sohei Superior Saburo and his sergeant move to engage the bandits in front of the temple.

Despite carrying some treasure chests (no impediment) the bandit leader deals with two of the monk archers is quick time.

The bandit leader is quickly becoming MVP

The other monk archers finally secure the treasure chests and turn to shoot at the bandit leader.

The monk archers are as good as a samurai at shooting but were an abysmal failure for most of the game!

The sergeant quickly deals with a bandit “bruiser” and “liberates” the treasure he was carrying.

Normally Samurai are more than a match for a group of warriors but not today! The Sohei Superior Saburo goes down fighting but still goes down!

The Sohei monk sergeant reeks revenge taking down the bandits that cut down the Sohei Superior Saburo. This caused a test on all bandits with six inches. They all failed and scattered one move away from their fallen comrades.

A bandit musketman is finally on target and cuts down a monk with naginata.

The Sohei monk Sergeant surrounded by treasure takes on the bandit leader.

Attacked in the rear by a group of bandits the sergeant is finally cut down defending the temple treasure to his last gasp.

The result was very close with the bandits winning with 37 VP’s to the monks 11!

A really great game full of character with the faction specific rules contributing to the fun. The game highlights were the bandit leaders efforts and the warrior monks armed with a yumis (bow) complete lack of ability to hit anything!

Had us in stitches of laughter. The more Steve and I play this system the more we enjoy it.