You’ve found part 3 of an experiment in immersive storytelling where we’re letting the mechanics of a popular tabletop steampunk wargame drive the narrative within a given framework. Part 1 and part 2 are available; but you can catch up by just reading on as well.

If you prefer the pdf, just click here. Black Ruins Massacre part 3

But so far in the Black Ruins…

Last time when Cryx’s cackling and maniac Satyxis Raiders stormed like ghosts through the central wall in a diagonal blitz, surprising the Stormguard, it seemed enough to seize momentum and clear the western courtyard and pave the way for a rear attack against Cygnar’s Major Maddox. However…

Actually, the Raiders had split their forces last time, sending several of their number directly through the central wall to help the lone Slayer in the eastern courtyard. They couldn’t reach him in time though…

The Raiders in the eastern courtyard finally reached mighty Ironclad…

Meanwhile, Agathia makes a bold and sinister move drawing first blood against Major Maddox in a genius stroke of sorcery…

But it isn’t enough…

Despite Agathia’s bold strike, the momentum of the slaughter has turned to Cygnar…

And poor Reaper, who had gleefully perched on the central wall so eager to hook and snag a hapless victim found himself a prominent and helpless target with Gun Mages racing towards him…

And that’s where we are. I’ve allowed the battle to play out, just following the game mechanics and trying to stay as objective as possible each turn, playing out the most ruthless tactics and strategies available at the time. When I’m playing a side, there is no mercy or hedging. It’s ruthless, till I step the other side of the table and have to switch sides again.

Soon, I’ll have to return to the mystery of the black ruins and that weird central wall, the mysterious statues that appeared from the fog. (I actually needed the time to make the terrain piece that will drive that part of the story). It’s not interesting to me to have something relating to the story arc affect the battle though, so we’ll have to see how that fits back in as things progress.

I appreciate the feedback and interest from so many of you, thanks for that! Glad you’re enjoying it.

See you next time!