The Case of the Black Circus - Empire of the Dead AAR

Last year, Gary ran a massive game of Empire of the Dead for Halloween, and plans to do the same this year. Along with some of the other homebrewed factions in use last year (like Death and the Pumpkin scarecrows), Gary came up with an idea for a travelling circus - the Cirque du Noire. 

This travelling troupe of vampire hunting gypsies is led by Tattoo, a vampire herself. He second in command is White Rabbit, a stage magician and actual wizard. The crew's muscle are the Ape Man and the Reptile Man. Two trios of Pulcinellas clowns and Imp tumblers make up the rest of the gang. 

Gary's always impressive terrain made up a fantastic looking table.

Gary decided to lead Holmes, Watson, and Lestrade with an accompanying squad of bobbies.

I had the Cirque split into two groups.

The police force filtered into the streets, unnerved by the sounds of squeaking shoes and beastly grunts.

The troupe rushed forward.

White Rabbit led the Reptile Man in a flanking maneuver...

While Tattoo and the Ape Man confronted Baskerville and the mechanical dog handler.

The bobbies opened fire, but only managed to wound an Imp Tumbler.

The Imps were finished off by the mechanical dog.

One poor flatfoot got his head crushed by a Pulcinella's club. Lestrade and the other policemen readied their weapons as the Cirque performers rushed out of the alleyway.

Tattoo and two Pulcinella engaged Baskerville and his men.

Meanwhile, the Ape Man headed off to confront Holmes and Watson.

By now, both sides were thoroughly engaged. The Gatling-gun wielding Sergeant managed to down the Reptile Man, who then bled out. But an Imp Tumbler made their way over the cop's cover to engage.

Holmes and Watson were forced to pull back as the Ape Man approached, bashing the Gatling gunner into the ground.

Lestrade was unable to do anything as his command crumbled. Tattoo charged and downed Baskerville, Watson was tied up with a Pulcinella, and the Ape Man ran in, swinging at Holmes - who actually managed to give the Ape Man a run for his money, causing a wound against the massive monster.

The game's closing moments saw Holmes, Watson, and Lestrade desperately fighting for their lives.

But with Holmes' fall at the hands of Tattoo and the Ape Man, the Baker Street taskforce called a retreat.