The road to Erebor continues this month in the Middle-earth™ Strategy Battle Game, with a fresh batch of Narrative Scenarios that follow Thorin Oakenshield’s company into the dark and dangerous heart of Mirkwood—and beyond. If you’ve ever wanted to crawl through sticky webs, battle it out with monstrous spiders, or take part in the defense of Lake-town, this is your moment.
Why Narrative Scenarios Matter
Narrative Scenarios are one of the most immersive and rewarding ways to play the Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game. Instead of abstract matchups, you get to recreate scenes directly from the films and books. The rules guide you through battlefield layouts, objectives, and special interactions that make the game feel cinematic and story-driven.
You’re not just rolling dice—you’re walking in the footsteps of Bilbo, Thorin, and Legolas. Whether you want to see how closely you can mirror the movies or rewrite the tale entirely, these scenarios are the ultimate way to play for fans of Tolkien’s world.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug™ PDF
This week’s release focuses on three key scenes from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, and each one brings a different kind of challenge to your tabletop.
1. Bilbo in Mirkwood
In this scenario, Bilbo sneaks through the dark, disorienting forest to save his companions from massive spider cocoons. It’s a stealth-driven mission, with rules that reflect Bilbo’s newfound courage—and the unsettling presence of the Ring.
2. Elves and Dwarves vs. the Spiders
This is an all-out skirmish beneath the forest canopy, as Thranduil’s woodland warriors and Thorin’s band put aside their tension (temporarily) to fight off the terrifying spiders of Mirkwood. Expect close-quarters fighting, spider ambushes, and shifting alliances as the danger intensifies.
3. The Attack on Lake-town
Bolg and his Hunter Orcs descend on Lake-town, and it’s up to the defenders—plus a certain Elven prince—to stop them. This scenario features urban combat, hero duels, and the growing threat of Azog’s forces. Special rules let you play out Legolas vs. Bolg, capturing the intensity of their movie showdown.
Each scenario includes detailed guidelines on board setup, unit selection, and thematic objectives, making them easy to run and exciting to replay. Want to see if Bilbo can save more dwarves this time? Or if Bolg’s assault on Lake-town ends in a different outcome? Now’s your chance.
Looking Ahead: The Battle of the Five Armies
These scenarios are just part of a larger release arc. In the coming weeks, the team will wrap up the trilogy with Narrative Scenarios from The Battle of the Five Armies™. That means massive battles, legendary duels, and the climactic conclusion to Thorin’s journey.
Whether you’re building up to that final confrontation or just enjoying the ride through Mirkwood, this series of PDFs is an excellent way to engage with your miniatures and bring Middle-earth to life on your table.
Final Thoughts – Play the Story
If you’ve ever found yourself watching The Hobbit films and thinking, “I want to play that scene,” this is the time to do it. These Narrative Scenarios are more than just missions—they’re a love letter to Tolkien’s world, crafted to be played out by those who’ve collected the characters and want to do them justice.
Download the Desolation of Smaug PDF, get your models ready, and decide: Will you help Thorin reclaim Erebor, or let shadow fall across Middle-earth once more?
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