Hello,
Finally I have my PC back in something like working order. I have had 3 PC's over the last few weeks when I had problems accessing the hard drive. Yes, all my passwords were saved on that PC as well as all the pictures, documents etc. It's no fun when the PC goes down.
Here is the set-up for the Ronin game I am about to play:-
After some years of plying their trade on the road leading to Osaka, the Crane Gang have seen their ill gotten gains dwindling due to people claiming to have been robbed up the road. Not liking this at all they set off with the intention of finding out what is going on. After some days they see another group of Ronin robbing 'their' marks. Observing them for a few days to gauge whether they can take on these newcomers they decide to lay an ambush outside their cabin in the forest
The cabin, in a cleared glade in the forest, belongs to the father of the Shin'ichi of the Dark Shadows Gang.
The Dark Shadow Gang thought it easier to rob travellers than be honest Samurai. They lurked in the dark parts of the forest and waylaid the richer travellers, letting the poorer ones pass.
The Crane Gang arrive and set up their ambush.
For both gangs, the leaders are morale 4 and the ranks morale is 3. No attributes are given in this first game.
The Crane Gang win initiative and opt to go second. I roll a dice to see if the DS (The Dark Shadows) will roll to spot the CG (Crane Gang) before or after moving. They will roll after moving. 1 they spot them, 2-6 they don't notice anything unusual.
Having moved, they roll, a 1! They spot the ambush, and it's Katsu in the bushes they see. Mikio gets off a shot and causes a light wound.
The Crane Gang, now their cover is blown, attack. The move falls short and it's the DS who move into contact.
The CG retain initiative and Madoka causes a grievous wound to Shin'ichi! Who, fighting for his life, causes the same in reply!
Katsu gets the initiative in the combat against two attackers. He takes a more defensive role but still receives a grievous wound and dies.
The CG retain initiative but their morale drops to wavering after the death of Katsu.
Moving first, Hideo and Karasu (Hideo rolls 2 and Karasu rolls 3) each fail their morale test ,and decide to withdraw towards the forest! Madoka realises what is happening and breaks off to retreat also.
With Shin'ichi wounded the DS do not follow up. They are not rash!
Both Shin'ichi and Madoka survive their wounds, but are not yet ready to fight. Hideo will need to find a replacement, even if it's a couple of peasants. He will plot his revenge and take more care next time.
Summary
What did I think?
The game was pretty fast. Using the die to determine some aspects of what the figures did worked very well. I wasn't sure what they would actually do. That made for an exciting game.
The combats were quite brutal. Well, it was with swords! One dead and two seriously wounded tells the tale. Now to plan the next encounter. Die at the ready to choose the gangs.
Finally I have my PC back in something like working order. I have had 3 PC's over the last few weeks when I had problems accessing the hard drive. Yes, all my passwords were saved on that PC as well as all the pictures, documents etc. It's no fun when the PC goes down.
Here is the set-up for the Ronin game I am about to play:-
After some years of plying their trade on the road leading to Osaka, the Crane Gang have seen their ill gotten gains dwindling due to people claiming to have been robbed up the road. Not liking this at all they set off with the intention of finding out what is going on. After some days they see another group of Ronin robbing 'their' marks. Observing them for a few days to gauge whether they can take on these newcomers they decide to lay an ambush outside their cabin in the forest
 |
| The Crane Gang Hideo, the leader (in armour with naginata) Katsu with Katana and wakizashi (mustard) Madoka with Katana (in yellow) Aoi who goes by the nickname Karasu because of his raven cloak with Katana The gang have the basket type hats (except Hideo) |
The cabin, in a cleared glade in the forest, belongs to the father of the Shin'ichi of the Dark Shadows Gang.
 |
| Kenta and daughter Hanan tending the herb garden by their cabin |
 |
| Dark Shadows Gang Shin'ichi, the leader with the naginata Mikio with Yumi Kunio with Katana (in green) Jiro with Katana (yellow/orange) |
 |
| The path, with the Crane Gang in waiting |
The Crane Gang win initiative and opt to go second. I roll a dice to see if the DS (The Dark Shadows) will roll to spot the CG (Crane Gang) before or after moving. They will roll after moving. 1 they spot them, 2-6 they don't notice anything unusual.
Having moved, they roll, a 1! They spot the ambush, and it's Katsu in the bushes they see. Mikio gets off a shot and causes a light wound.
The Crane Gang, now their cover is blown, attack. The move falls short and it's the DS who move into contact.
 |
| Kenta and Hanan slink off to safety in the forest as the likelihood of fighting becomes apparent |
The CG retain initiative and Madoka causes a grievous wound to Shin'ichi! Who, fighting for his life, causes the same in reply!
Katsu gets the initiative in the combat against two attackers. He takes a more defensive role but still receives a grievous wound and dies.
The CG retain initiative but their morale drops to wavering after the death of Katsu.
Moving first, Hideo and Karasu (Hideo rolls 2 and Karasu rolls 3) each fail their morale test ,and decide to withdraw towards the forest! Madoka realises what is happening and breaks off to retreat also.
With Shin'ichi wounded the DS do not follow up. They are not rash!
Both Shin'ichi and Madoka survive their wounds, but are not yet ready to fight. Hideo will need to find a replacement, even if it's a couple of peasants. He will plot his revenge and take more care next time.
Summary
What did I think?
The game was pretty fast. Using the die to determine some aspects of what the figures did worked very well. I wasn't sure what they would actually do. That made for an exciting game.
The combats were quite brutal. Well, it was with swords! One dead and two seriously wounded tells the tale. Now to plan the next encounter. Die at the ready to choose the gangs.
