Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game: The Two Towers Campaign
Let’s get into The Two Towers. This campaign will carry over from the Fellowship campaign, keeping the same game state as the end of the previous campaign.
To begin with, we start at The Fords of Isen (Pack 65), where Theodred fights at the fords against orcs. If Theodred survives, he can continue on in the campaign.
In Escape from Edoras (Pack 64), Eomer escapes from Grima. If Theodred survived the previous scenario, Grima has poisoned Theoden’s mind against his son as well, and Theodred and Eomer will both flee together.
The following scenario, A Thief in the Night (Pack 17) has orcs and Uruk-Hai battle over the hobbits. Here, the hobbits will try to escape to the forest. If they fail, the Hobbits will be in the next scenario. If they were removed from combat, they will be carried by the orcs in that scenario, having been knocked unconcious.
The Wrath of Rohan (Pack 18) has Eomer (and maybe Theodred) and the Riders of Rohan attack the Orcs. If the hobbits are carried by orcs, there is a chance they can be hit by Rohirrim, and if the hobbits are standing near anyone getting shot at by a ranged weapon there’s a chance they can be struck then too. If Rohan wins and the hobbits survive, the hobbits will end up with the Rohirrim and will not go into the forest. They can still attempt to flee into the forest during this scenario.
Attack at the Ford (Pack 14) has Riders of Rohan attack Uruk-Hai in the Riddermark, seeing the first signs of invasion. These are not Theodred and Eomer’s forces.
In Message to Edoras (Pack 50), Riders head to Edoras to warn of Saruman’s invasion. Again, not Theodred and Eomer’s forces.
Restore the King (Pack 51) has the Fellowship members who did not follow the Ringbearer across the Anduin attempt to save King Theoden from Wormtongue.
EDORAS (Safe Haven)
In Ambush in Ithilien (Pack 26), Faramir and his rangers attack a pack of Orcs on their way to the Black Gate. If Faramir is a member of the party and Boromir never was, it can be Boromir, or it could be one of the other named rangers.
Hold the Fort (Pack 27) shows Eomer, Theodred, and his Riders hold a fort against Uruk-Hai forces.
Escape into Fangorn Forest (Pack 51) happens if the Hobbits chose to flee into the forest and made it there safely.
Elven Attack (Pack 04) is a side story where elves attack Uruk-Hai on their way to Helm’s Deep. If they fail, the Elves will not be at Helm’s Deep.
Retreat from Edoras (Pack 40) has Riders of Rohan with the caravan battling Warg Riders.
HELM’S DEEP (Safe Haven)
The following three scenarios will make up the Battle of Helm’s Deep.
Helm’s Deep (Two Towers Pack), The Deeping Wall (Pack 29), Retreat to the Hall (Pack 30).
There’s a chance you may lose a few companions here in this battle. If anyone is lost, you may add Rohirrim to replace members of the Fellowship, including Eomer, Eowyn, or any other named character other than Theoden. If the elves made it to Helm’s Deep, perhaps Haldir could join.
Breach the Dam! (Pack 32) begins the large attack on Isengard, though these scenarios will be ignored if the Hobbits never escaped to the forest. If the Ents do not play this scenario, and the Uruk-Hai win at Helm’s Deep, there will be an army of Uruk-Hai marching on Minas Tirith in Return of the King.
Cut to:
ITHILIEN (Safe Haven)
The Forbidden Pool (Pack 63) has the rangers attempting to snatch Gollum, who is pursuing the Ringbearer.
In the following scenarios, The Ringbearer and his companion will join the Gondorians as they begin the Battle of Osgiliath, beginning with River Assault (Pack 41), where orcs cross the river, attacking Osgiliath.
In Defend the Bridge! (Pack 34), Gondor defends a bridge in Osgiliath, followed by Battle in the Ruins (Pack 42), Rescue the Prisoners! (Pack 58), Escape from Osgiliath (Pack 25) and Retreat from Osgiliath (Pack 43). Each of these are very dangerous, and can lead to the deaths of multiple heroes, including the rangers, ringbearer, and his companion.
That’s The Two Towers! Next week we’ll look at Return of the King.