Wood Elf The Fieldwatchers

[Reanur]

The Fieldwatchers are the wood elf team I'm currently running in a friendly tabletop league. As I'm writing reports of most of my matches anyway, I might as well post them here.

Some background info:

We have a league of 8 teams:
Undead, Dwarfs, Orcs, Norse, Lizardmen, Goblins, Pro Elves, Wood Elves.
Each season consists of two matches against all other teams and takes about a year to complete.

The Fieldwatchers were mid-season champion of the first season after a spectacular win against the Lizardmen. However, a particular bad streak [got tabled by the Norse, for example] in the second season half meant they only ended in shared 4th place at the end.

Below the team as it stands at the start of the second season.
1) Hesto, the Captain - Thrower - 21 SPP - Accurate, Safe Throw
2) Arato, the Noble - Thrower - 5 SPP -
3) Atheaner, the Helpful - Line Elf - 25 SPP - Dodge, Block, -1 MV
4) Finwaner, the Dexterous - Line Elf - 9 SPP - Wrestle
7) Tirindo, the Guard - Line Elf - 14 SPP - Dodge, -1 AV
8) Almaron, the Fortunate - Line Elf - 0 SPP
9) Canyaquen, the Bold - Line Elf - 0 SPP
10) Varnon, the Protector - Line Elf - 31 SPP - Kick, Dodge, Block
12) Alcarinion, the Glorius - Wardancer - 0 SPP - [Replacement for a WD that dodged himself dead during the last match of season one.]
13) Nordo, the Oak - Treeman - 14 SPP - Grab
14) Elmendaner, the Wonder - 30 SPP - AG5, Tackle, -1MV
15) Ruivener, the Wildfire - 12 SPP - Wrestle
16) Thulwe, the Wind - 31 SPP - AG5, Block, Leap

 

[Reanur]

Match 1: Bloody Beer Bowlers Vs The Fieldwatchers
33.000 Italian blood bowl fans came to the Beer Bowl to watch the kick-off of the PIMP League season 2015 with the match between the Dwarves and the Wood Elves. The dwarves won the toss and decided to receive, driving a death roller onto the pitch for a bloody first half. The Fieldwatchers decided to kick shallow and after knocking a line elf out, the dwarves formed a cage with star Buggi ‘Blazebear’ and the ball in the center. After clearing the way for the deathroller by knocking over Nordo, the oak, the dwarves slowly advanced using the roller as an effective means to punch holes in the elven defense. The elves continuously dodged away, forming a screen between the dwarves and the endzone. Elmendaner, the wonder, twice entered the dwarven cage, but had to retreat each time without successfully doing anything to Buggi. After KOing another line elf and Alcarinion, the glorius, as well as smashing the ankle of the line elf Almaron, the dwarves scored in their last turn of the first half. 1-0 for the Bloody Beer Bowlers. However, after all KO’s returned the elves surprised the dwarves by a quick and snappy attack. A one-turn TD later, and the half-time score was 1-1.

The second half the elves received and immediately Arato missed his pick-up and dropped the ball into the crowd. The fans transported the ball all the way to the other side of the elven half. The elves quickly recovered the ball as the dwarves gathered around Nordo. The elves, deeming themselves safe send three players deep and rotated the ball between them. But Broki ‘Boombeat’ thought differently and KO’d the big tree, allowing the other dwarves to pressure and whittle down the elves (2xBH,1xKO). They even knocked down all deep players after Alcarinion dodged himself KO. In return Finwaner killed Bifi ‘Barbison’ the newly hired Blocker. With just 3 turns left Thlúwë made a run for it and Hesto threw him the ball. Thlúwë was only partially screened after a failed dodge. However, being distant from any nearby dwarf meant they could contain him near the edge of the field, but only blitz with a go for it. Billi ‘Barbint’ failed this and could not reroll as Brall ‘Blunderbuss’ had double skulled a block. This gave the Fieldwatchers a clear path to a turn 7 TD by Ruivener.

With two turns left the dwarves rolled out their deathroller again (through a bribe) and star player Barik Farblast. While part of the dwarves busied themselves with beating up some elves, Buggi and two companions rushed deep as Barik launched a ball to their position. Unfortunately the ball was send back to the midfield by the fans. Here, Bezof ‘Blitzbearer’ failed the pick-up, ending the first match of PIMP2015.

Bloody Beer Bowlers – The Fieldwatchers 1-2 [2-1 Cas]. Both teams received 50.000 gp and no levels were gained.

 

[Reanur]

Match 2: The Fieldwatchers Vs The Ottoconqua Tombrunners
Under the watchful eye of 11000 lizards and 12000 elves the Tombrunners won the toss and decided to kick. Among the Tombrunners were Sibli and a saurus hireling specialized in tackling people. The deep kick was retrieved by Arato, the Noble and passed around via Ruivener, the Wildfire, to Thlúwë, the Wind. Meanwhile the wood elves were searching an opening in the Lizardmen defenses and found this on the right flank. The elven screen withstood various Tombrunner attacks. Then a failed blitz left a saurus on the ground, Oyxl of the Grand Temple on the sideline and the elves free to move. Elmendaner, the Wonder, took the bait and pushed Oyxl out of the field. However, the Tombrunner fans quickly returned him to the dug-out. Meanwhile, Alcarinion, the Glorious, was given the ball and he scored the 1-0.

The Fieldwatchers decided on a defense focussed on the right flank. The Tombrunners used by running two skinks deep and also bringing sauri into the elven half to screen them. Oyxl retrieved the ball and quickly moved into a protected area. The Tombrunners moved forward as a cloud, diagonally across the field. The elves scrambled for a defense, but only got a proper one together in turn 7. An even this one had a weak spot due to a failed dodge. The Tombrunners exploited the weakness by blitzing Elmendaner away and running Oyxl through for the equalizer.

The Fieldwatchers had one turn left, but with Sibli and two side-step skinks on the line scoring was impossible. Arato retrieved the ball and threw another completion. The wardancers and tree meanwhile focused on attacking the exposed skinks. However, this resulted in nothing, just like the return offensive by the Lizardmen. As such both teams could start the second half without KOs or CAS.

The second half the Tombrunners deployed close to the line of scrimmage and as a result Varnon, the Protector, decided to kick deep. The Tombrunner fans meanwhile downed Finwaner, the Dexterous, with a well-placed rock. After shielding the ball behind two screens Mundi-Uax of Itza moved and picked up the ball. All was set for a saurus touch down. Most of the elves were defending the route on the left side of Nordo, the Oak, so the Lizardmen moved towards their right. Then things turned south for the Lizards. Nordo KO’d a saurus and Elmendaner send Hexli of Pahuax of the pitch badly hurt. Meanwhile the Tombrunner offensive ground to a halt just inside the elven half. Only positive note was that Nordo had rooted himself in a place of no importance. To break the stalemate Oyxl and later Tenqtep of the Yuatek River were send forward. However, both were attacked by Elemendaner and immediately send to the dug-out. With menpower running low, as also Sibli and Tenqmundi of the Golden Tomb we down, the Tombrunners turtled up in a cage. However, Finwaner was left in contant with a corner and he send the saurus down to the pitch, while bringing himself in contact with Mundi-Uax. As more elves surrounded the cage Alcarinion jumped into the cage. Despite equal strength, Alcarinion could only bring himself down. With the clock running down Mundi-Uax ran for it, flanked by Kai-Itza and Xlmazda of the Aymara Swamps. However, the rapid elves heavily blocked their way to the endzone and Elmendaner also removed the last skink from the field. Mundi-Uax was preparing himself for a heroic last-minute dodge through the elves, when he realized the extra fast Sibli was just in scoring range. He ran back, gave Sibli the ball and Sibli ran for it. However, Sibli tripped over the famous endzone tripwire. The Fieldwatchers quickly freed Alcarinion to have a complete chain of elves towards the endzone. Thlúwë ran for the ball, but he failed the pick-up, ending the match in a draw.

The Fieldwatchers – Ottoconqua Tombrunners 1-1 [2-0 Cas].
The Tombrunners only gained fans and 50.000 gold.
The Fieldwatchers lost fans, gained 30.000 gold after expenses, and gained no less than four levels.
Arato, the Noble gained Dodge.
After his failed block against the ball-carrying saurus, Alcarinion spend a lot of time in the gym, giving him +1 ST.
Elmendaner, having single handedly KOed/CASed 4 skinks, got the hang of killing stuff and gained Mighty Blow.
Ruivener joined Alcarinion and also gained +1 ST.

 

[Reanur]

Match 3: The Fieldwatchers Vs The Goblin Gohbblaz
12.000 goblin fans came in cheering to see their favorite star: Ripper Bolgrot. The 14.000 elf fans came in rather anxious. The previous two engagements had been tough, both in ensuring the win and in the damage sustained to the team. The Gohbblaz won the toss and decided to receive. After flooring the elven line of scrimmage the goblins recovered the ball and brought it to safety behind a screen. Bouncy Boi, the Fanatic, was released upon Nordo, the oak. But Bouncy Boi completely missed Nordo and ended up in the middle of the elves. To avoid a hit on Bouncy Boi a trampoline trap was sprung launching Nordo skywards. Nordo landed on top of the unfortunate fanatic, knocking him out for the rest of the match. After the elves had moved to defensive positions, Mr. Green was launched over the elven ranks with the ball in hand. The other goblins could just prevent Mr. Bash from not eating Mr. Green, but it didn’t stop Mr. Bash from snatching after his flying snack. Mr. Green caught on Mr. Bash’s long fingers and landed inside the elven defenses. With no way out, Mr. Green started moving back to the goblin lines. However, this also failed as Mr. Green tripped over Arato’s leg, dropping the ball for the elves to recover. The Fieldwatchers wasted no time and recovered the ball. Two changes of hands later Alcarinion ran in the 1-0 for the elves.

Before the second drive could begin, the goblin fans started a riot. The fans were outraged, not because of the TD, but because their favorite looney, Mr. Tree Flogger was not on the pitch. Was this what they had paid the ref 150.000 gold crowns for? However, it was not the ref keeping Tree Flogger in the dug-out. Just before Alcarinion ran the ball home, Elmendaner had knocked Tree Flogger out cold. In retaliation a (confused) wizard zapped Alcarinion, who had to spend the rest of this drive as a frog. As Alcarinion started hopping to the backfield, goblins were following him. The goblins were spreading all over the field, to get the elves to spread as well. This mainly resulted in elves continuously marking up the goblins. The ball was meanwhile recovered by Mr. Boom, the bombardier, who was preparing a Hail Mary pass for any goblin in “the right position”. However, as he was watching the other goblins intently he didn’t notice Ruivener running towards him. Ruivener downed Mr. Boom, recovered the ball and ran home the 2-0 just before half-time.

With a convenient lead, and only 10 players on the goblin team left, the Fieldwatchers were looking forward to a convenient second half. The only downside was the return of Mr. Tree Flogger. He proved his nastiness when he sawed Atheaner’s only good ankle in two. Fortunately, this had lured Mr. Tree Flogger into the open and Elmendaner dispatched of him permanently. Meanwhile Tirindo and Hesto were throwing show-off completions with the rather spiky ball that the goblins had kicked to them. They took their time as the elves were enjoying basing goblin heads. Especially, the rookie line elf Nirwano enjoying himself, sending no less than two goblins back to the dug-out badly hurt. For this he was granted the honor of running in the 3-0.

With only 2 turns and few goblins remaining the elves set up for a final defense. However, in doing so, Arato discovered a rather peculiar object, Mr. Tree Flogger’s Chainsaw! Soon he was running around the pitch trying to massacre goblins and troll alike. However, without much effect. The goblins attempt at a TD by the airborne division proved to be as ineffective due to the lack of Mr. Bash’s intelligence. Thus the match ended 3-0 in favor of the wood elves.

The Fieldwatchers – Goblin Gohbblaz 3-0 [3-1 Cas].
The Fielwatchers gained 40.000 gold after expenses and increased their fan-base after this victory.
All his killing and the TD made Nirwano the MVP and he gained Guard for his effort. Tirindo’s show off passing also gained him this training.

 

[Reanur]

Match 4: The Fieldwatchers Vs The Jokers
A massive 38.000 elves showed up to see the potential shoot-out contest between the two top-scoring teams of the league. Among the fans a wizard in Harlequin costume.

After winning the toss the Jokers decided to kick. The Fieldwatchers quickly recover the ball and start their usual routine of throwing completions. After some movement of the Jokers, the wood elves decide to move up field and cage on the middle of the pitch next to Nordo. This proved to be a bad choice as King of Hearts, star of the Pro Elves team, entered the cage and floored Hesto, who was holding the ball. This initiated a frantic scramble for the ball in which elf was bashing elf, the ball changed hands every turn and nobody could really seem to get the upper hand. Among the casualties are Pro Elf Blitzer, Diamond no Ace, whose ribs were broken by a blitz from Elmendaner, and Nirwano, who is carried of the pitch badly hurt after a hit from Ace o’Clubs. The stalemate was broken by the cataclysmic collision between Hesto and the Queen of Hearts, which left both of them badly hurt on the field. However, this left the wood elf defense incomplete, allowing the Jokers to run in the 0-1.

With two turns on the clock, the Fieldwatchers have to score, but the erupting blizzard is not making this any easier. Arato recovers the ball and quickly gives it to Alcarinion. Alcarinion blitzed through the Pro Elf defense and runs as deep as he can. Quickly Elmendaner, Ruivener, Thulwe, and a few others run after Alcarinion and shield him from the Joker onslaught. Then lightning strikes, leaving Alcarinion stunned on the field. With an action rivalling the skills of Oberwald, King of Hearts dodges, GFI’s and finally scoops up the ball in several wood elf tackle zones. With his Nerves of Steel he throws the ball to his colleagues that are standing ready to run deep, out of reach of the wood elves. However, Thulwe decides this is not what he wants. He snatches the ball out off mid-air. After Elmendaner has send star blitzer Ace o’Clubs down dazed and confused, Thulwe is free to run in the TD.

A one turn touch-down attempt fails due to the sturdy Fieldwatcher defense. 1-1 at half-time.

The second half the Jokers recover the deep ball and start sending other elves deep. The Fieldwatchers in turn start covering these and block all paths. This leaves the Jokers no other options than to send Ace o’Clubs deep with the ball and screen him with all they have. However, their cage is just within reach of the wood elves. After Finwaner has applied tackle zones on the cage corners, Elmendaner leaps in a downs Ace o’Clubs. Thuwle recovers the ball and throws it to safety. As the Fieldwatchers are moving forwards the Jokers are starting to get knocked of the field. Nordo sends two elves home badly hurt and Finwaner also joins the damage dealing. Elmendaner sends Ace o’Clubs and King of Heart out KO. All the while the ball safely in the hands of Alcarinion near the Joker end zone, and surrounded by numerous wood elves. Taking no chances (the Jokers are starting to get close and ambitious) he runs home the TD turn 7.

Severely depleted in number the Jokers stand no chance of scoring a one turner, but even picking up the ball proved too hard for the sure handed thrower Ace of Spades. The Fieldwatchers down some more pro-elves and Ruivener runs for the ball in the hope for a completion. However, the blizzard makes the pitch slippery and his fall ends the match.

The Fieldwatchers – The Jokers 2-1 [5-2 Cas].
The Fielwatchers gained 40.000 gold after expenses and increased their fan-base after this victory.
For his key role in the match (interception, TD, and many completions) Thulwe was awarded the MVP. This gained him the status of Star. Also Nordo, gained the status of Veteran and the guardian abilities that come with this.

 

[Reanur]

After these four matches the Fieldwatchers are currently in first place of the league.
For the rest of this season half I'm looking to be playing:
Undead [Caging with AG4 wight]
Norse [Hit first, ask questions later]
Orcs [It's all in our AG4/5 passing game]

In addition, we have a monster of a team (value)
1) Hesto, the Captain - Thrower - 28 SPP - Accurate, Safe Throw
2) Arato, the Noble - Thrower - 11 SPP - Dodge
3) Atheaner, the Helpful - Line Elf - 25 SPP - Dodge, Block, -2 MV
4) Finwaner, the Dexterous - Line Elf - 11 SPP - Wrestle
6) Nirwano, the Scarred - Line Elf - 12 SPP - Guard
7) Tirindo, the Guard - Line Elf - 16 SPP - Dodge, Guard, -1 AV
9) Canyaquen, the Bold - Line Elf - 0 SPP
10) Varnon, the Protector - Line Elf - 31 SPP - Kick, Dodge, Block
12) Alcarinion, the Glorius - Wardancer - 14 SPP - ST4
13) Nordo, the Oak - Treeman - 18 SPP - Grab, Guard
14) Elmendaner, the Wonder - 38 SPP - AG5, Tackle, Mighty Blow, -1MV
15) Ruivener, the Wildfire - 19 SPP - Wrestle, ST3
16) Thulwe, the Wind - 56 SPP - AG5, Block, Leap, [Normal Skill]
[3 Rerolls, FF8, 1 Apothecary, 180k in treasury]

For Thulwe, who is typically my ball recovery specialist I'm considering SideStep, Sure Hands (and to a lesser degree Pass Block) as a skill choice. Further suggestions are welcome.
Most likely Atheaner will get replaced and Tirindo will be seeking retirement through enemy hands for now.

 

[Nikolai II]

Nice reports, and fun to see some cards have been used. Good standing in the table as well.

 

[Reanur]

The next match in our local tabletop league was played.
Before the match Atheaner was replaced by a new line-elf. Thulwe decided to go for sidestep.

The Fieldwatchers vs Der Gräuliches Grabgraus

With 30.000 fans in the stands the match for the leading position is ready to begin. Although more undead have shown up, the zombie moaning is no match for the Team Anthem the elven fans are shouting from the stands. This doesn’t particularly impress the undead necromancer. He has to win this match to pay of his gambling debt. Therefore he has imbued Gruftkrieger with some extra temporary magic. This turns Gruftkrieger into a veritable Tackling Machine.

The elves decide to kick and like last match they quickly relocate their defenses before the Grabgraus have time to respond. Scheusal easily picks up the ball and the other undead start picking off elves as they scramble for a column defense. Within no time the KO-box is filled with elves. Especially Gruftkrieger sends of an elf per turn. The Fieldwatchers can’t seem to do anything else than push the undead around. This leaves a weak defense through which the undead easily punch a hole. With most of their force now behind the cage Elmendaner decides to leap into the undead cage and with some luck downs Scheusal. Unfortunately, Elmendaner did not count on Scheusal’s newly acquired side stepping ability. Instead of pushing Scheusal into an elven lock-down, Scheusal remained in the cage and the ball landed on a near impossible spot next to the two wights and a monsters. Thuwle decided his life was not worth the slim chance of getting the ball now and he repositioned for potential undead failure. Elmendaner meanwhile had escaped the cage only to face Gruftkrieger and be in the KO-box the rest of the match. The undead also managed to recover the ball and moved further to the end zone. With time needed to reposition, the elves cleared Bren from Nordo, the oak, and move the tree next to Gruftkrieger. The wight responded by taking the tree down with some help of the other undead. Bren ‘Bloody Beer Bowler’ finished the job by sending Nordo and himself of the field using double boxcars. The concentration of force around the position of the tree allowed Ruivener, the wildfire, a shot at Kellerrohling, the star wight with the ball. Unfortunately his two attempts were to no avail and the undead scored just before the half was about to end. 1-0 for the Grabgraus.

The Fieldwatchers set up for a one-turn touchdown. However, the riot in the stands confuses the ref and he turns back his clock. Nevertheless the Fieldwatchers decide to go for it. This plan is immediately stopped dead in its tracks by Hesto’s failure to pick up the ball. The undead move and smash what they can. Finwaner survives 9 block dice before going down. In addition, the blitz by Gruftkrieger on Alcarinion turns into a disaster. Without a possibility to score, the Fieldwatcher hit the undead they can without effect.

At the start of the second half the undead kick the ball near the elven endzone, while the elven fans cheer the Team Anthem. With the help of Tirindo, the guard, Alcarinion blitzes Gruftkrieger and positions himself in a receiving position next to Nirwano. The two throwers meanwhile move to secure the ball. As the undead start eliminating the three elves in the undead half, the elves have a rather poor success in retrieving the ball. When Hesto finally retrieves the ball Kellerrohling is starting to get Hesto in his sights. Luckily for the elves Kellerrohling smashes his knee while dodging. Kellerrohling regenerates, but it does leave the elves free from pressure for another round. However, Grufkrieger has meanwhile eliminated all elves from the undead half. Marsha ‘the Joker’, who brought a stiletto with her, joined him in this exercise. To regain a scoring position Finwaner moved into the undead half on the far left. This lured Gruftkrieger away, leaving the right flank open to attack. With no alternatives the elves take it and bring Thulwe in scoring position. The equalizer follows the next round. 1 all with 3 turns on the clock for the undead.

With only 7 elves to defend the Fieldwatchers know it’s going tough to hold the undead at bay for three rounds. This is even made worse by the pitch invasion. The elf fans show their worth is only in song as both teams suffer 3 stunned players despite the clear FAME advantage of the elves. The invasion leaves the pitch littered with sharp objects, which suits the undead even better. With crucial players out for the elves two remaining turns there only desperate attempts are made to stop Kellerrohling from scoring. Even baiting the undead into stumbling on their own blocks fails. All fails and the undead score the winning TD as the whistle blows.

The Fieldwatchers - Der Gräuliches Grabgraus 1-2 [0-5 Cas]
The Fieldwatchers break even on the match and suffer a loss in fans.
For his heroic cage leap (and escape) Elmendaner is awarded the MVP.
The undead MVP is rightfully rewarded to the Tackling Machine Gruftkrieger, who singlehandedly destroyed the elf team. His most damaged victim is Tirindo, the guard, who add a smashed collar bone to his fractured skull. This will most likely be the end of Tirindo’s career.

Learning points:
* When the time is there for a two-turn touchdown, ALWAYS move elves into a scoring position first before doing any risky moves.
* More aggression (aka fouling) is warranted against players that are single handedly removing your team
* I think I should have tried to go for the ball anyway after my cage leap. But with a leap (2+), pick-up (4+), pass (6+,4- = fumble), with no re-rolls and the risk of leaving my star catcher (and best shot at a OTTD) next to Gruftkrieger made me decide against it.

This loss means I lost my leading position to the undead. If I can win my matches against Norse and Orcs I still have a decent shot at the title though.

 

[Nikolai II]

Learning points:
* When the time is there for a two-turn touchdown, ALWAYS move elves into a scoring position first before doing any risky moves.

Indeed.

What card did you pick btw, or did I overlook it?

 

[Reanur]

I had the Team Anthem [Good Karma] card. My opponent had Stiletto, Suitable Pitch and Tackling Machine. The latter two due to a rather big difference in TV.

 

[Nikolai II]

So it's "pick whatever" on all cards, no matter how they are paid for?

 

[Reanur]

No. Before the game you together agree upon a budget each player has for "bonus" special play cards (max 100.000 gp). Based on the budget you select a desk and randomly draw X cards from the deck. So, if using a 100.000 budget you can either pick a random Good Karma or two random cards from the 4 50k gp decks.
In addition, if the budget is > 0 gp then you can also pick the cards as inducements. So my opponent got 1 Good Karma from the bonus budget. And used 300k inducements to get another random card from the Good Karma deck and a random card from the Random Events deck. I just got a single randomly picked card from the Good Karma deck using my bonus budget.

 

[Nikolai II]

Ok, I mixed you up with someone who allowed choice of cards. Random cards are more common (and in the local Squigball league we also offer a free and bonus card budget)