Managed to get Mortal Gods onto the table with my youngest Tilly. It was her first game of Mortal Gods, so I kept it simple, didn't use the phalanx formation, and didn't choose gifts. Two Lochos were selected from the figures provided in the starter set, each composed as follows:
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| Lochagos |
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| Promachos |
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| Sphendonetai |
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| Peltastes |
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| Peltastai |
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Experienced Hoplites |
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| Veteran Hoplite |
The table was set, and Tilly was given the choice of side, a D6 was rolled, which I won, and we each placed an objective on the table. I placed mine on a Hill located on my left flank, and Tilly chose to place hers in the Temple (a wise choice as it happens, my attack on the Temple objective appeared to have offended the Gods and ill omens rained down on me as Tilly’s Lochos was clearly favoured with divine blessings). Unfortunately, we were unable to finish the game, but both were on course to seize an objective each. The game could have gone either way from then, but the dice and omens were starting to favour Tilly, maybe attacking a Temple isn't the wisest move!
The rules are straightforward and within a few turns we were pretty much into the flow of the game. On reflection I should have included the gifts and the phalanx formation. There are similarities with Test of Honour being from the same design stable. However, I found Mortal Gods to have a completely different feel, and there are enough differences in the game to make it a very different experience to Test of Honour. Additional flavour will be added by the phalanx rule and with the bestowing of gifts. I find that the Omens are a nice aspect and provide a little twist which we both enjoyed, despite Tilly being more favoured by the Gods than I! We are both looking forward to another game of Mortal Gods and having a bash at Mortal Gods Mythic once I get two forces painted. I also have Thracian and Persian forces to paint for Mortal Gods, which I think will add a nice change to the game, Tilly was especially interested in the Scythed Chariot of the Persians!
I didn't plan on a battle report, but rather took some photos during the game to send to Tilly, so I thought I'd include them here as a selection of moments from the game.
Moments from the Game
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Overhead view of game in progress
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Tilly's Lochagos leading the
attack on my Hoplites
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Defending the Hill Objective: my
Promachos and Sphendonetai
attempt to drive Tillys Hoplites back
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My Sphendonetai sneak around the
vineyard to prepare a flank attack
on Tilly's Hoplites
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My Veteran Hoplite leads the
attack on the Temple objective
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Another view of the attack on the Temple objective
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First blood: Tilly's Lochagos kills one Hoplite and drives them back
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Veteran Hoplite kills the brave Peltastes defending the Temple Objective |
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Battle for the Hill objective
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Hoplites drive off the Sphendonetai from the Hill objective, this felt like a temporary reprieve as Tilly had two units of Hoplites preparing to assault the Hill |
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Another view of the attack on the Temple objective, defending Sphendonetai and Peltastes feeling exposed, Veteran Hoplite and a unit of Hoplites rushing out of shot to support |
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My Hoplites defending the Hill objective take a casualty, things not looking good for the defenders |
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The relentless advance of Tilly's Lochagos
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Another view of Tilly's attack on the Hill objective |
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Slingers breaking away from the Temple attack to support the defence of the Hill objective |
