Being a Maelstrom deployment Scenario, both players roller for Priority, with Usurpers winning it and choosing Cirith Ungol to deploy first.
Cirith Ungol was able to deploy 3 of 4 warbands within the same corner of the board (Shagrat, Gorbag and Shelob) with the Taskmaster's warband rolling a 1 so attempting deployment turn 2.
Usurpers were split in their deployment, Freca and Hilltribes Cheiftain deployed together on the Western board edge, with the opponent opting to deploy Wulf and warband on the Eastern edge.
Turn one: Cirith Ungol had priority and opted to drum. The army moved towards the central objective, taking care not to seperate the Orcs and Uruks. The Taskmaster deployed with the rest of the army. Usurpers called a march from the Hilltribe Cheiftain which allowed many troops to start their advance on the centre objective. Some archers were positioned to defend the rear flank with a beneficial shooting alley. Crebain were moved to the central objective (a raised building) creating the perfect 'crows-nest' (sorry I had too!), with line of sight over the full enemy force. Wulf's warband carefully positioned with some terrain to limit the movement options of Shelob next turn. Shooting was limited, with no effect and no combats this turn.
Turn two: Cirith Ungol kept Priority. Shelob was moved to a wide flank position, planning to spring a trap next turn. No drum or march to allow the Orcs and Uruks to form a battle line to maximise the animosity, with Gorbag and Shagrat sat on the front lines. This line was formed extending out from the centre objective towards the Eastern edge. A small contingent of Orcs moved towards the Usurpers' rear flank. Usurpers charged the Cirith Ungol line with warriors and Wulf engaged with Gorbag in a 1v1 dual. Freca and the Hilltribe Cheiftain marched a second time, to support the battleline with a Fight Value buff from Freca. Archers held their position to fire arrows at the small Orc contingent. Crebain moved to threaten Shelob's movement next turn. Shooting saw a couple of Orc casualties. Combat saw a Heroic Strike-off between Gorbag and Wulf. Gorbag was able to strike to FV7, Wulf to FV9. With cavalry changes bonuses, Wulf killed Gorbag. There was little damage across other combats.
Turn three: Cirith Ungol won Priority and the ensuing Heroic Move-off between Wulf and the Taskmaster (not free). Shagrat charged Wulf with many warriors to support. The battle lines clashed again, Shelob was blocked from charging favourably so was repositioned to the Cirith Ungol back line. Usurpers charged additional troops into the battle line and attempted many courage checks with Crebain to charge Shelob, with only one successful. Archers shot the advancing Orc contingent taking a few more casualties. Combats saw Wulf spend his last point of Might to Heroic Strike against Shagrat (spending his first) to Strike also. Shagrat FV9, Wulf FV8. Shagrat wins the combat and along with supporting warriors, makes strikes at Wulf. Two wounds made, one saved by fate leaving Wulf vulnerable next turn. Shelop loses her combat to the Crebain, but suffers no wounds. FV4 Hilltribes are efficiently killing Orcs in the battle line.
Turn four: Usurpers win priority, a Heroic move off sees Cirith Ungol win and Shagrat is sent back into Wulf with supporting warriors and battle lines clash again. Shelob cannot be effected by the Hepric Move so remains stationary. Usurpers take their normal move phase and successfully charge 4 crebain and a 2-handed Hilltribe into Shelob, whilst remaining warriors begin to circle the Cirith Ungol force. Archers begin moving towards the central objective ready for future charges. No shooting this turn. Combats see Shelob loose her combat and suffer 4 wounds and using 4 Will to pass courage tests to rpevent fleeing. Shagrat killed Wulf with a Heroic Strike to guarantee a higher FV. Battle lines clashed with casualties on both sides.
"Time is called for last turn".
Turn five: Usurpers win Priority with Cirith Ungol calling a Heroic Move with Shagrat's last Might points (not free) and reengage combats. Sending Orcs and Uruks to aide Shelob by charging the crebain. Remaining warriors move towards the central objective, with Shagrat stuck in a congested battle line. Remaining crebain charge troops within the central objective and a lone 2-hander Hilltribe charges Shelob. All remaining Usurpers troops stay within range of the objective engaging where possible. No shooting. Combats saw casualties on both sides, though move Orcs than Hilltribes die, though a few crebain suffer wounds. A trapped Shelob loses her combat to a 2-handing Hilltribe, needing 4's to wound... Shelob is killed (rolled two 4's). The final combat between a crebain and the Cirith Ungol banner saw the crebain win the fight, but not able to wound.
End Game: Claculating the points, Cirith Ungol had 2 VPs for Banner and Usurpers had 12 VPs for triple numbers within the central objective.
A great game start to finish with lots of debrief chat from both players supporting with alternative tactics. A thoroughly enjoyable game!