1 vs 2 (that Bloody Roland)
Everybody else was playing Zombies or Heroclix so there was only three of us for Wings of War on Friday.
I played Barker's Camel against a Roland CLII and Schaeffer's DVII (lovely miniature that one).
And just to re-iterate, we use the following combat system: Close shot= two cards and two points, far shot = 1 card and 1 point, rear gunner close = 2 cards 0 points, far shot =1 card. We shoot the real thing and hits must be into the fuselage. There are a few other wrinkles (no explosion card) but that is the gist of it.
My Barker Camel is an Ace (13 victories) but since I was playing against less experienced opponents I decided not to use any ace abilities. We allow damaged aircraft to make a run for home (escape off the edge) thus allowing one to preserve your ace. You must be on your side of the trench line before exiting the map.
1st Combat: That bloody Roland started to circle while I tried to cut the DVII out of formation. Pulled a couple of rotary rights and managed a close in shot for two points and two cards. The Roland player surprised me by sticking close to the DVII and nailing me for close in shot. 2 cards and I pulled a 4 and a 3 for 7 points damage. Bugger!
And that was pretty much the course of the first combat. Every time I took a shot at the DVII the Roland would plink me for a hit. There was 6 pts damage showing on the DVII (but as it turned out only 1 pt from the cards) and I am now in trouble from with 12 points of damage, all from the Roland.
So I decided to cut and run.
This completely surprised my opponents and I was easily over the trench lines and out of play before they could react.
There was much hooting at my fate and I know I heard clucking from the Zombies.
2nd Combat: Flying my ace WITH special abilities (1 for each five kills) Acrobatic pilot and daredevil, I felt ready to face my opponents. This time I went for the Roland and managed a nice shot in the face for 2 pts and 2 cards. But as I passed through the Roland, he got a close in shot on me for 2 cards. I Immelmanned and stalled for another 2 pt and 2 card hit but once again took the retaliatory shot for another 2 cards! Where are all the bloody zeroes? I already have 8pts damage on me when the DVII nails me for 2 and 2 because I am overly fixated on the Roland. 12 points of damage so I decide to run for it. However this time they are wise to me and have maneuvered to cut me off. I decided to trust to luck and try to pass through the DVII. I get a nice close shot for 2 and 2. The DVII panics and instead of turning into me turns away, lining himself up right in front of me. Another 2 and 2 and he is down in flames. Victory 14.
Meanwhile, the Roland has closed the gap and nailed me for another point of damage, but has left himself open for a rotary right and a shot in the face. Do I fight or run?
Mama didn't raise me to be a dead hero, I run.
The bugger plinks me again for a zero (phew) but I manage to escape.
Combat 3: You would think I would have learned my lesson by now, but I am determined to wipe the smug little grin off the Roland player. This time he dies, even if I go with him.
As we merge, the DVII has played a backwards hand and is off in lala land. I am immediately onto the Roland. Rotary right and a shot in the face for two and two. He gets me for 2 cards as I pass through for the Immelman (both zeroes - finally). Far shot this time for 1 and 1 and he hits me for 1 card (a 2). I decided to stay on his tail and close in for another 2 and 2 and take 2 cards (1 and 3). The Roland makes a clever turn to my left and manages a shot before I can line him up again. 2 cards against me, I now have 8 points damage. However, I am sure the end is in sight for the Roland. He has 5 points damage showing and 5 cards. One more shot should do it.
Ha!
I power in for a close shot and sail right past him! 2 cards on me! 10 pts damage! But he has left himself open for a face shot, so once again I rotary right and this time he is down. 15 kills and that's enough for me. I high tail it for my side of the lines.
I was lucky in that the DVII had played himself out of the fight so early and never really managed to be a factor in the game. I was way too focused on the Roland and was basically lucky. But it was worth it just to watch that knowing little smile disappear from his smug young face.
We played one more game. I decided not to fly my ace and they both flew DVII's against my Snipe. No contest, I shot them both down in 12 moves.
I was feeling pretty wrung out by this time. Running for your life really adds a lot of tension to the game. I needed beers.
So I had some.
Gord
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Originally Posted by Bruce
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