What? Carruthers on the back foot? Gad Suh!!

Nick and I had time for a third game, so for a change of pace we changed armies. Caruthers stepped up to battle Nick's Rhaetian Goblins.

Initial deployment

The dastardly Doctor joined Caruthers with his infernal machine

 A unit of British lancers supported by riflemen (shooters) moved out to protect the right flank against the goblin threat.

And threat there was as goblins, bats and riders stormed forward.

The Doctor shifted cross to support the flank. Meanwhile the centre was threatened by the Goblin's troll (a behemoth)

'Oo look, they have a cave troll' .. well a troll, anyway!!!

Caruthers pushed his own line forward, catching the troll with his steam robot (also a behemoth)

The lancers on the right were dispersed with little effort (a 6 vs a 1 .. rats!!)

Meanwhile a tussle was developing between the flesh and machine

The Doctor was holding up the flank

Destroying the bats with the magic powers of his machine

Machine loses out to troll flesh .. now that's awkward!!!

Young Lt Winstanley, such a dashing young hero, arrives on the right flank to support and defend the Doctor

And a mighty battle ensures on the right flank.

Backwards and forwards

Caruthers straightens his line and settles his centre

While the action on the right flank is hotly pursued

Crack British riflemen lay down such a withering fire that the troll falls with a mighty crash

And still Winstanley and the Doctor hold out on the flank

Still battling ..

Even still battling ..

Caruthers himself joins the action .. so vital is the right flank, he knows that it is here that the battle will be decided

Caruthers and his HQ take down a horde of Goblin riders

But, his energies exhausted, finally the gallant doctor falls to the Goblin hordes and the day is lost.

This must be one of THE most enigmatic HotT games I have ever played. The battle was hotly contested, the initiative shifting from one side to the other on numerous occasions. This is exactly why I 'game.. such excitement, such tension, and a damned fine game all round.

Thanks Nick, you've re-energised me as a 'gamer.