WOTR-Saruman.pdf (161 KB) (Log in or Register to download.)
Here are counters for the "Saruman-on-Steroids" in the 3-player game (a 3-(4)-5 Saruman counter with the reverse reflecting his 2-5 resurrected strength).
I have also added two 10-6 Warg units (along with sufficent breakdown counters) to give the Saruman player at least some cavalry(ish) forces in the 3-player game and, bring his force mix more in line with what he had in the story.
Thanx and very good question. The best answer is: directly no but indirectly yes.
Given a best case scenario (for Saruman) where he completes his Mob before Rohan Mobs and is able to throw his entire army (he leaves just one 3-5 Uruk-Hai back in Isengard) at Helms Deep which is still just occupied by the 7-5 Hornburg Garrison and Theodred (2-7). Then the odds would be:
153 to 21 (w/+2 to +4 leader bonus depending on Sarumans sorcery role) or 7-1 odds without the Wargs 173 to 21 (w/+2 to +4 leader bonus depending on Sarumans sorcery role) or 8-1 odds with the Wargs
Since odds can only go up to 5-1, either way his chances of taking Helms Deep outright range from 16.6% to 50% (depending on his sorcery role)
Given the extra ten points of reinforcements on M+1 and M+2 the Saruman player will reach the all important "4-1 odds" (the odds at which he has any possibility of taking Helms Deep in one assault) on M+2 (without the Wargs he cannot reach it until M+3). Not a great advantage but an advantage none the less.
However,their greatest advantage to the Saruman player is giving him an enhanced ability to "screen" his attack. With the Wargs (movement allowance of six) he now has the ability to reach hexes W2823 and W2824 using them to fight a delaying action against the inevitable relief forces coming from the East Emnet. This can give him one extra turn to "throw them bones" at more favorable odds.
His chances of pulling off his victory conditions are still slim (but not as slim) and it also gives him some tactics options which before he didn't have.
It's been awhile since I have played, but I recall Rohan being able to deploy a minimal picket force (enough to avoid a rout) to delay Saruman besieging Helm's Deep by one turn. This allowed Rohan to reinforce the citadel with a portion of the Emnet forces. As you said, if the wargs can engage the Rohan reinforcements, thus allowing Saruman's main force to besiege HD before their coming, I imagine it could have quite a profound effect.
Will break out this great game and report back in the future.
Hello Tom, excuse me for my "maccheroni english", but I've a question:
You wrote
I don't understand if you take this "real good idea" from the variant of Steve Burt (see: grognard.com - WotR Variant - "...3 player game
Saruman gets extra forces as follows: 10-6 Warg rider on M+1 Allies may move freely among each other except through Isengard/Mordor Sauron may attack Saruman at any time Saruman can't move eye-orcs. Saruman may 'convert' captured leaders who have been taken to Isengard, one per turn. They they become his units...")
If I understand ... you give to Saruman 20 Wargs points (10 in M+1 AND 10 in M+2) ?, and not ONLY 10 like Steve Burt ?
I Thank you in advance for your soon reply. I don't know how much you are a "fanatic" like me in WotR SPI, but I made a "little" expansion for this game ... if you are interested in ... Best Regards, Alex
I think you are asking me if I am using Steve Burts variant and adding extra Warg units.
I guess the answer is no, I have never played with Mr. Burts variant rules.
I use the standard 3-Player Game rules out of the rulebook. I just add the extra Warg units to Sarumans force pool.
That being said, I'm not pushing for any particular rules change or "variant". If you want to reduce Saruman's Orc reinforcements by 20 to accomodate the Wargs...then have at it.
It just always bothered me that Saruman had Wargs in the novel but none in the game.
As for being a LotR/WotR fanatic.....yes, I love the story. Although I hate to admit it, I always find myself strangely drawn and rooting for Saruman. All of the other characters in the books are just a little to-to (to good,to bad). Saruman is by far the most "human".
Real people placed in desperate situations make desperate decisions usually based solely on "is this going to save my butt".
We are all "bad men pretending to be good".Of all of the plots in the story, I admre the guile of Saruman's plan and the energy he put into almost pulling it off.
Posted Thu Jul 7, 2011 11:55 pm
for this game ... if you are interested in ... 