My first game of Across the Dead Earth as a player got off to a slow start as the Longbridge Workers' Militia were delayed by real life work commitments, and the other two of us had neglected to bring chatecter profile sheets.
Not deterred by a bit of scribbling, the State and the Hunt were soon facing each other across a marsh, some ruined farm buildings, a bombed out church and assorted hedges, fences, walls and hills as befits the beautiful countryside around the Lickey Hills - the site of our first clash.
The damned state quickly placed a sniper upon a ruin, dominating two loot markers. Another loot marker was within easy reach of the bastards. My Hunt had to work much harder for their loot. A key moment came early when my scout dashed bravely into the bog to collect loot, only to be gunned down by that sniper. The medic heroicly went in after her, and the sniper's gun jammed - allowing scout and doc to retreat with the loot.
The next bit of loot came even harder, after the state leader, wielding an almost unstoppable combo of rapier and riot shield dashed into a crowd of Hunters. Chaos and not a little panic ensued as wild firing bounced off this monster of a man. Eventually sheer weight of fire convinced the State leader to redeploy.
Unfortunately his 18" movements soon brought him into contact with my brave scout, who having surprised a loot-bearing fascist behind a barn, was happily looking at securing her second bag of goodies.
Escaping his initial attentions, Lady Magdelene was relieved to see brave Lord Napier step in to confront the monster. Less relieved as Napier was cut down moments later (+8 assualt mod? Really?), and with home far away, facing a much quicker stalker and with her friends pinned down around the bombed out church on the other side of the skirmish, young Magdelene could be forgiven for giving up. Napier meanwhile was secretly grasping a grenade in his hands, just hoping the the monster State leader would try to finish him off..,
Unfortunately we had to call time. Whilst both sides had claimed two lots of loot (the second state loot getaway featuring an incredibly useful 'move medic 12" toward casualty' card - which was used to get the beggar right out of near certain death). The State loot added up to 35 points, while I came up short with 20 points, dammit.
All in all a fair result for a close game - the State used WAW to great effect and deserved the win.
Next time - with the Worker's Militia in the mix, the Hunt will get their vengeance.