Orcs in the Webbe

Hamish is riding a Scottish Highland Cow with a cart attached, the 'getaway vehicle'. Note that the cow cannot charge if the cart is attached. It takes one turn to un-attach or re-attach the cart. The fourth member of the gang Jock is an Ogre Deserter. There are two standard grenades in the back of the cart.

Four Runners under the leadership of John Townhall, arrive on the scene as the Plunkorc and MacMean gang are exiting the bank; George Ruthohno, Edward Blackrock and Henery Gobbs.

Map & Setup

For the initial set up please see the map below.

Scenario Forces

The Albion Street Runners

John Townhall [Veteran Orc]
Pistol, Sword

George Ruthohno [Experinced Orc]
Orc Bessie Musket, Pistol

Edward Blackrock [Average Orc]
High Elf Pistol, Sword

Henry Gobbs [Raw Orc]
Orc Bessie, Sword

Plunkorc and McMean's Gang

Plunkorc [Orc Veteran]
Standard blunderbuss, Sword

McMean [Experienced Rat]
Short Musket, Pistol

Hamish [Raw Orc]
Orc Bessie, Whip
Scottish Highland Cow

Jock [Average Ogre]
Two Pistols

Two Standard Grenades

Victory Conditions

The Plunkorc and McMean gang win if they get the loot and at least two members of the gang off the far edge of the table. The Runners win if they prevent the gang escaping with the loot and apprehend or kill at least three of the gang.

Special rules

When Jock is throwing a grenade, shift one column to the left. At the beginning of the game, Jock is carrying all of the loot, so cannot fire until the loot is placed on the ground or in the cart. Jock can walk and put the loot on the ground or in the cart in the same turn. (Note, Jock is the only character in the game that can carry both bags of loot, although the cow can pull the cart with both bags of loot.) Other characters can carry one bag of loot and fire a pistol or fight with a sword, with no penalty. Hamish has positioned the cart 15cm away from the entrance to the bank. (He didn't want to pick up a fine for parking on a double yellow line.) The cow can only trot or walk irrespective of whether there is one or two bags or loot in the cart. No character can travel on the cart. Place several barrels and boxes in mutually agreed locations.

Author's Notes

George Ruthohno's name is from the Archers & Dead Ringers.

Having recently carried out research into the Bow Street Runners, the forerunners of today's police force, it occurred to me that it would be possible to use the Runners in Flintloque.

The Bow Street Runners - an historical background The Bow Street Runners were formed in 1749 by Henry Fielding, a Bow Street Magistrate. His blind half brother Sir John Fielding, 'The Blind Beak' took over the running of the Runners after Henry Fielding died in 1754. Initially, there were eight plain-clothes runners.

As time went by foot and mounted uniform runners were created. The Runners eventually had authority to travel anywhere in the United Kingdom in the pursuit of criminals. It wasn't unknown for them to travel abroad. The foot and mounted patrols were known as 'Robin Redbreasts', on account of their red waistcoats. By the late 1810's, early 1820's the Runners were at the height of their fame.

The Runners successfully arrested the Cato Street conspirators in London on February 1820 after a fierce hand-to-hand fight. The conspirators known as the Spenceans planned to kill the British cabinet. Runners other duties included guarding Royalty, stopping duels and investigating thefts and other crimes. Robert Peel became Home Secretary in 1822. He opposed the Runners and fought to have them replaced by a new police force, the Metropolitan Police. Peel finally achieved his aim in 1829. Although the plain clothed Runners remained separate from the Police they remained in existence until 1839. The Runners badge of authority was a crown tipped baton.

Several of the Runners were famous in their day. These include John Townsend who guarded Royalty and was an expert on highwayman. Townsend started his career under Sir John fielding and was still working as a runner in the 1820's. George Ruthven led the runners into the building where the Cato Street conspirators were hiding. Henry Goddard joined the runners in the 1820's and remained a Runner until they were disbanded. Goddard left behind a diary of his cases. Other runners included William Ballard, John Sayer and Vickery.

Webmaster's Notes

The above was first published in Alternative Armies Loque & Load magazine in the Spring of 2002.

The scenario was accompanied by two other scenarios and a background article, also by Adrian Banfield: Barn Room Brawl, The Red Riding Hood Affair and The Albion Street Runners.

The Valonian equivalent of the Bow Street Runners have also appeared recently under the moniker of The Bone Street Rumblers in Alternative Armies magazine, The Notables Newspaper.