Midgard: The Liberation of Pavis

James, Martin and I made our way to Joy of Six to play games of Midgard set in the world of Glorantha.

We had intended to travel by train as Sheffield is a direct route from Nottingham and a 6mm set up is reasonably portable. However Britain's wonderful privatised public transport system put a stop to that - no trains running on a Sunday morning until well after the show had started. Thanks, Thatcher.

Anyway, this is the background I wrote for the game.

1624 The Liberation of Pavis

Argrath Whitebull and his army of nomads and Sartartite rebels have defeated the Lunars at the Second Battle of Moonbroth. Argrath is keen to seize Pavis before the Lunars can react, but most of the nomad tribes need to spend time returning their fallen brethren to the womb of Ernalda and making peace with their Sable riding brothers.

Nevertheless the White Bull leads a small force of Bison and Rhino riders together with many of the Orlanthi infantry in pursuit of the fleeing Lunars. As they approach Pavis their numbers are swollen by the arrival of Harrek and his Wolf Pirates and Pavis exiles. 

Halcyon var Enkorth, the governor of Pavis, hearing of the approach of the small army, sees a chance to destroy the rebellion before the nomad tribes gather in force and the city is besieged. Gathering up the survivors from Moonbroth and summoning the remaining Lunar forces from the county he marches to confront Argrath’s troops on the plans before Pavis. In his desperation he opens up the city coffers and makes foul pacts that add mercenary Tusk riders and even the Chaos spawned Broo to his army. 

News of this last addition reaches the ears of the Trolls in the Big Rubble. The fierce, angry voices of the followers of Zorak Zoran hold sway and shortly before dawn Argrath and his force are joined by powerful, grey-skinned allies. 

Can the Lunars turn back the White Bull and end his story before the walls of Pavis or will Argrath triumph and liberate the city from the Red Moon’s yoke? 

We know this doesn’t quite match the “official” story of the liberation of Pavis, but as we also all know, “Your Glorantha Will Vary”

James had fettled the walls of Pavis and Big Rubble, I had painted up some Broo, Trolls and Matt had supplied the bulk of the rest.

The Sartarite rebels prepare to attack.

Trollkin approach the walls of the rubble.

Lunars stand ready to defend

The whole set up, enhanced by a John Hodgson background, looked brilliant.

It all fitted into a space roughly 3ft by 2ft.

But at this scale the armies looked mighty impressive.

View from the walls of New Pavis.

The twisted forms of Chaos joined the Lunar cause

The Prax nomads left their hill to launch the attack

James had crafted the bridge (as well as both sets of walls and the river)

Arty shots looking upriver and into the Big Rubble

Vinyards were Matt's work

As were most of the Badside buildings.

We used the big Elephant drawn tent as a coven of Lunar Sorcerers.

The first game began with young Josh taking charge of the White Bull's force while Matt took on the role of the Lunars.

Josh, being young and enthusiastic naturally ordered everything that could charge to do so.

Good lad.

Battle was soon joined with the White Bull army crashing home.

Though the Rhinos rather failed to live up to expectations.

The Lunar centre was pushed back but their left flank held firm.

Argrath finally remembered to summon the Spirits of the Bison Tribe.

The Lunars were in serious trouble.

However with the Lunar  Reputation exhausted a desperate slingshot caught Argrath and knocked him to the ground.

Despite an attempted re-roll the Raven dice would not be denied, the Bull was slain and with that all the rebel's Reputation and more too slipped away!

The Red Moon had triumphed against the odds!

And sp we reset and began again.

This time the Bull was more cautious and held back as the Lunars came on.

The Trolls on the flank were soon engaged.

As more cavalry arrived.

The Lunar centre too made steady progress.

Eventually the Whitebull heavy cavalry lumbered down from the rise.

Battle was joined across the field.

The Bison Spirits arrived earlier to the field.

And soon were in the thick of the fighting.

The Lunar centre was driven back as the flanks held steady.

Argrath was in the thick of the fighting.

On the flank the Chaos allies were being mauled.

As casualties mounted it was the Lunar goblets that first ran dry and the Bull could claim the victory!

And now some more pictures, this time from my phone:

View from the ridge

The death of The White Bull!

A great day's gaming. A big battle set in Glorantha has long been on my "bucket list" so huge thanks to James and Matt for realising that for me.

Inevitably I made some more purchases from Rapier at the show, so expect to see more 6mm Glorantha in the future.