Empire of the Dead - Ripper scenario (PIC HEAVY)

[Thunderchicken]

I've been asked by my local wargaming shop to help run an Empire of the Dead demo game on behalf of Westwind at WMMS in March. We had a read through of the rules in the week and only needed to clarify a few points with the gang at Westwind before putting them to the test yesterday. The free fast-play rules released on Westwind's site are geared towards the Jack the Ripper scenario released with them.

It's clear the rules are going to have a lot more guts to them when released but the fast-play rules are easy to get to grips with and some fun games which last on average about an hour can be had. We found the most important element to the game is the initiative so we tweaked that part of the ruleset to make the gameplay more challenging.

In the scenario Jack has ten moves in which to 'harvest' the organs of four hapless victims. With Holmes, Watson and the local constabulary closing in on him he's got his work cut out (pun intended). The final tally of victories was pretty even with all games reaching climactic finales before move ten.

The only drawback we saw with this scenario is that it relies on line of sight in built up areas. Although the market for Victorian buildings is gradually increasing some may struggle to get a good amount of buildings and sundries on the table to be able to play the scenario in the spirit it was written.

Anyhow, Here's some eye candy for you. We played numerus games during the day so this is a collage of pictures taken during the day in no particular order. Sorry they aren't over exciting, I put my hands up to being a bit slack with the camera.  

The table:





As dawn breaks over the East End crowds on the street indicate another Ripper victim has been discovered:







Fear leaves the usually bustling streets empty. Only the brave or foolish venture out:




Trapped in the open The Ripper is confronted by Constable Mostache while a man carrying Victorian headphones calls for help:



Sherlock and Watson supported by the local constabulary respond to cries for help:



Watson spots Jack attacking an unfortunate victim:



Sherlock finally confronts The Ripper over the body of his latest victim:



Another confrontation between Sherlock and Jack:



With The Ripper defeated hopefully the traditional appearance of a constable on every street corner will see calm return to the streets of the East End:




  

  

[Ray Rivers]

Although the market for Victorian buildings is gradually increasing some may struggle to get a good amount of buildings and sundries on the table to be able to play the scenario in the spirit it was written.

Bit of an understatement, TC.

Your Victorian city rules! 

[Funghy-Fipps]

I've said it before and I'll say it again: your city board rocks, TC.  Looks like a great game and I have to say I do prefer the scenario-driven approach to Horror gaming.

Unfortunately, as you point out, the cost and storage of such fabulous terrain is beyond the capacity of most of us gaming plebs.  Although companies like Warbases and Sarissa and the upcoming line from jimbibbly (terraces on the way, apparently) are starting to make things more feasible financially, storage will always be an issue.  There are, however, 'cheaty' ways around this problem.  One idea that I fully intend to steal is Anatoli's tall, free-standing fence sections (see here), which allow you to fill up empty areas cheaply and effectively.  My own intention is to create a run-down industrial area of small workshops/warehouses with plenty of fences and debris about the place to create more of a 'built-up' environment.  How long that will take is another matter altogether!

[Anatoli]

Fantastic table, thanks for sharing 

[jet]

Damn! What a table!

However, as has been pointed out, if scenarios depend on this level of layout the game will exclude a lot of people. Regardless, I will still be buying it when it comes out.

[Malamute]

Excellent stuff Cheeks.
Your buildings look wonderful, can't wait to see this in the flesh again soon

[Svennn]

Some very nice atmospheric shots of your wonderful town. Did the Ripper fail/get caught every try then?

[OSHIROmodels]

Splendid dear boy 

You're package will be on it's way tomorrow 

cheers

James

[aggro84]

I always love seeing your Victorian layout. 
Really fantastic. I'm jealous.

I'm still waiting to see more of the Stepney Job. 

I'll probably pick up a copy of these rules as well.

[Melnibonean]

Looks great. The buildings look very nice and I like the detailing on them.

[Sterling Moose]

That city certainly drew the short straw, first those damn Martians in their tripods and now The Ripper.  What ever next by jove?

[Marine0846]

Love everything you have done.
Outstanding.

[magokiron]

Wonderful scenery, nicely painted miniatures and a fun game.

What else can a gamer ask for?

Thanks for sharing.

[Thunderchicken]

Thanks for the kind comments chaps. There's some more buildings on the production line including some goodies from Jimbibbly's new range so watch this space.

I should point out that this set up is only needed for this specific scenario but as Funghy points out there's ways around it. I'm sure with the main ruleset there'll be plenty of other scenarios or ideas for others.

Funghy, you're right about those fence sections by Anatoli, he inspired me to build a few myself.

Jimbibbly, you're a gent. It'll be like Christmas  .

Svennn, the results were pretty much even. We found the calculated but cautious players won the day for the Ripper whereas the gung-ho psychopaths were caught out and cornered before they could 'harvest' their four victims. The Ripper can go about his dreadful business until he is either caught red handed by the police or spotted by Sherlock or Watson, then he has to do some fast thinking and be on his toes. The scenario is set at night so line of sight is restricted to 18", not that easy for Sherlock and Watson to spot him. Also the three police figures are at the mercy of random moves until one of them either witnesses the Ripper attacking a victim or stumbles across a body, even then they have to be within 6" of either. Once alerted however the police will come under the control of the Sherlock and Watson player(s).       

Sterling, dont forget Quatermass 

 

[Pappa Midnight]

Excellent Stuff Old Boy!!!

Must admit I've been waiting for the new miniatures releases rather than the rules but I may give them a look when they are released. I've looked at the free .pdf and it looks pretty good so far.

Regards
PM