STALKER7

Wreck ID: Malachite Star
Bulk freighter. Found inverted in drift. No power, no gravity. Evidence of manual depressurization — all hatches open from inside. Crew tags recovered: 0.

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MHUs

Modular Habitation Units (MHU or “Mews”) – Mass-produced, standardized pressurized modules used throughout colonial space for habitation, storage, and core assembly of ships, stations, and shuttles. A basic life-support shell with integrated link-ports and power coupling, the internal layout can be varied to accommodate a variety of needs and functions.

Scrapjacks is played out in a series of 12″ x 12″ squares, (30cm x 30cm, if you prefer) each representing a section of the interior of a spaceship, orbital platform, or exo-planetary facility. Recognizing the dangers of deep space, each section can be sealed in the event of sudden depressurization or atmosphere loss. Each game, the players’ crew moves from one MHU section to the next, fighting enemies and salvaging valuable tech, material, and gear.

The players’ characters enter at one bulkhead, investigate Points of Interest in each quadrant, accomplish that section’s minor Objective, then press on, exiting the bulkhead on the far side. (or they can call to extract, if they’re too injured to continue or low on critical supplies)

At first, I was reluctant to set Scrapjacks in such a definite setting with specific terrain requirements. I prefer open-setting, open-miniatures rule sets. “Use what your have. Play what you want.”

However, elements like random deep space environmental hazards and critical resource management – power and oxygen – made a series of random, compartmentalized sections the obvious choice. Plus, they fit with the game’s ‘dungeon crawl’ roots. Move from area to area, battling enemies, scrounging for loot, always juggling whether to push on or fall back.

At the end of the day, it will be simple enough for players to draw out 2D floor plans to try out the game. Or, if they find they like it, build their own modular MHU tiles to their preferences and collection. Either way, Dave Graffam’s cardstock terrain could come in handy.

There are Scrapjacks minis on the painting table, so that’s all for now. Crew info next.

Until then, keep an eye on that scanner and watch for movement.