How do you play Bad Jack? Grateful for good house rules ideas...

[Widows Son]

Greetings all.  I am just coming to the end of my project to get some Companies up and running and have had a first solo game to start to familiarise myself with the rules (a great set by the way!).  

Noting the recommendation to use scenarios, I am keen to use the Bad Jack one (it gets my West Wind Frankenstein model on the table...), but I see from the rules and from posts here that players use their own house rules for activating Jack, prioritising who he moves towards/attacks etc.  I like the freedom to adapt the rules to ones own tastes, but I would be really grateful for ideas on house rules that you have found work well for this particular scenario.  I am usually fine with tweaking rule sets, and can think of some activation type house rules for this scenario, but as I am new to this system, I would appreciate a lift up on this particular aspect, in terms of what has been tried, tested, and has been found to work well.

Thanks so much in advance for any advice you may offer.   . WS

[Widows Son]

...and here are pictures of my Bad Jack (...err...Frank) ready for trouble.

[Craig]

Bad Jack eh?

The way I have run him is as follows:
1. He moves last in the movement phase.
2. He is not stupid, he will remain in cover until he get's into a fight.
3. His effective threat range is 12". Beyond this range he does not consider a figure to be a threat unless they shoot at him.
4. Once figures are within 12" he will move towards and try and kill the closest.
5. If he succeeds he will then begin moving and fighting the next closest and so on until you are all dead.
6. If he loses sight of all figures he will move back to the centre (his lair).

All players should agree how he moves and if there is disagreement refer to section 1.5 of IHMN.

[Widows Son]

Thanks Craig - I would not have thought of half of those points, so I am most grateful.  And congratulations to both of you on a great set of rules!

[GeKi]

We have used the szenario for a Jack the ripper hunt.
We used Most points Craig already explained plus 4 victim tokens.
The victims were placed I think 10" apart. They dont move.
Jack always moves towards the closest victim and automatically slays it.
If a mini from a Company is closer he will First attack it. The task is to prevent him from slaying all 4.
It still needs some tweaks.

Cheers

[Craig]

We have used the szenario for a Jack the ripper hunt.
We used Most points Craig already explained plus 4 victim tokens.
The victims were placed I think 10" apart. They dont move.
Jack always moves towards the closest victim and automatically slays it.
If a mini from a Company is closer he will First attack it. The task is to prevent him from slaying all 4.
It still needs some tweaks.
Cheers

That is an excellent idea - well done that chap!

[GeKi]

That is an excellent idea - well done that chap!

Thanks, the problem is you have to be quick and don´t spent to much time on your opponent

[Widows Son]

Thanks GeKi, that is a novel twist on the scenario.  I can see me having to invest in some of the Cringing Captives from the Pulp Figures range!  (Slightly out of period, but a bit of dressing with green stuff should soon sort that).  Thanks again.

[GeKi]

Glad to see that I can bring some ideas to you

Played it once in the big tavern from 4Ground. The two gangs fought and stop each other
while try to get to the upper floor. So the Ripper had all time he needet to slay the victims down.
Was really un to play but we have to adjust the rules to the terrain.

cheers

[Genghis]

I can see me having to invest in some of the Cringing Captives from the Pulp Figures range!  (Slightly out of period, but a bit of dressing with green stuff should soon sort that).

Alternatively, it might be worth looking at West Wind's Harlots and Victims as they're already in period: http://www.westwindproductions.co.uk/index.php?route=product/category&path=70_108

[Widows Son]

Many thanks Genghis, although I have some West Wind stuff these hadn't registered with me.  Very much appreciated!