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Made in gb
Is 'Eavy Metal Calling?





UK

Having recently seen some excellent Malifaux models in the P&M forum, and then headed down here to check out the excellent 'guide to Malifaux' thread, I find myself very intrigued by the game. Both the setting and the card-based mechanics look very interesting and unique, and the models are pretty damn awesome. I do have a few questions, though.

First off, I see a lot about Factions and Masters, and both seem to have an impact on playstyle. My question is, is it the Master or the Faction that influences playstyle more, and is it possible to run multiple types of lists with the same Master? I like changing up my lists a lot, but would rather not be constrained by what Master I choose. The same goes for Factions, really.

Secondly, what kind of model count and start-up cost am I looking at? Assuming I can get around a 20% off online, how much should I be willing to spend on models/rules, and are the various card decks essential? If so, which ones will I need?

Finally, how open is the list-building? Can I just take the models I like the look of and do well in game, or is it like 40k where some options are just plain better than others? I'm not looking to exploit balance issues at all, but there are some models I just love and would want to use without shooting myself in the foot?

Thanks in advance.

 
   
Made in us
Pyro Pilot of a Triach Stalker




New York

 Paradigm wrote:

First off, I see a lot about Factions and Masters, and both seem to have an impact on playstyle. My question is, is it the Master or the Faction that influences playstyle more, and is it possible to run multiple types of lists with the same Master? I like changing up my lists a lot, but would rather not be constrained by what Master I choose. The same goes for Factions, really.


I'm just starting out with Malifaux ( I picked the Lady Justice crew and then snapped up a a Perdita Ortega crew as well), but each Faction has a general playstyle which is further varied by each master.
- The Guild usually has well rounded choices with somewhat specialist masters. Lady Justice is best taking on a model in hand to hand. Perdita prefers to dominate at range. Sonnia spreads the Burning Condition then can burn everybody to a crisp with her spells. Hoffman relies on mechanical constructs to be optimal. Mcmourning turns things around him into Undead so that the anti-undead units in his Guild crew can wipe them out more easily.
- Ressurectionists generally revolved around summoning lots of models from corpse markers. Nicodem does this the most. Seamus is great with ranged and close combat, use his Rotten Belles to lure enemy models in and then pounce.
- The Neverborn are trickier and usually play through tricks and surprises (though some of them, such as The Dreamer, end up being kind of one trick ponies, sadly). Pandora is nasty and loves her crew to be nearby. Lillith specializes in combat and helps her Terror Tots kill things to evolve into Nephilim. Collodi uses puppets.
- Arcanists use more arcane power than most other factions. Ramos summons lots of Steampunk Arachnids and Howard Langston/Joss are close combat monsters for his crew. Rasputina uses her icy pals to bounce spells all over. Marcus uses beasts and loves hit and run tactics. Colette is a showgirl who can swap places with other crew members to keep her safe.
- The Ten Thunders have their hands dipped into all of the factions, so each of their masters works similary with what they dual faction with (meaning they can be taken as either a Ten Thunders or [Insert other faction name] master, such as Jakob Lynch, who runs a Neverborn night club for the Ten Thunders).
- Outcasts work as mercenaries (which can be hired in other lists) and there are some crews. The Viktorias are nasty in combat.
- Gremlins (I know the least about them) are fairly goofy, but tend to use high numbers, like the Ressurectionists.
Pull My Finger, the Malifaux wiki, is a great place to look for information and is updating most of the pages to the second edition of the game.

 Paradigm wrote:
Secondly, what kind of model count and start-up cost am I looking at? Assuming I can get around a 20% off online, how much should I be willing to spend on models/rules, and are the various card decks essential? If so, which ones will I need?


Through Ebay, I bought the Rules Manual (small rulebook, just rules, no fluff, $8), 2 Decks of the cards (a Poker deck will work because you can convert the suits, but I'd rather have one less step to keep track of, $6 Each), The Guild's Judgement (Lady Justice's starter crew, $30), The Latigo Posse (Perdita Ortega's starter crew, $30), and a Guild Arsenal Box (has the cards for all of the wave 1 models of the Guild Range (specific cards listed on the website, $8). The cards you will need for each crew are in their box minus a couple generic upgrades, which can all be found in the Arsenal Box as well (I bought it because I ended up purchasing the older metal Perdita set which didn't have the cards in it). That's $88 for more than enough models to get a two player game going.
The game is cheap enough to justify starting up and the models and gameplay are so good that it's difficult not to justify expanding.

 Paradigm wrote:
Finally, how open is the list-building? Can I just take the models I like the look of and do well in game, or is it like 40k where some options are just plain better than others? I'm not looking to exploit balance issues at all, but there are some models I just love and would want to use without shooting myself in the foot?


In Malifaux, you set up the gaming table, declare which Faction each player will be using, then you flip for Schemes (each player selects two schemes for themselves in secret, both players might not be chasing the same objectives so you have to be careful. You might be sending a model to claim an area when the other player has to just wipe that model out). Once you've both selected your schemes, you then build your list, usually starting with a master. The game encourages you to build fluffy lists and nothing is too horrible to use (most starter sets cover what you will need quite nicely. Perdita works well with her family, Ramos loves his spiders and his right hand man, Joss, and Lilith wants to run around with her children, Nephilim).

I hope that helps you out a bit!
   
Made in gb
Is 'Eavy Metal Calling?





UK

Thanks, that's very helpful, especially the faction/master breakdown.

Having looked some more, I think I'm going to build a Guild crew, and I would like to base it around shooting where possible. I want to include Death Marshals and/or Riflemen in the list as I love the models. From the looks of it, the lady J starter and a box of riflemen is a good way to start?

I get the impression the game is very narrative/character driven! Is this a problem for the same faction (but different masters/crews) facing off against each other? I'm thinking I'll be wanting a second crew for demoing the game, but also that I can expand my own at the same time. For example, maybe a Perdita/Sonnia box and a Justice box, a couple of extras to give me 2 crews, but interchangeability. Would this be an issue fluff-wise?

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2014/05/21 18:24:52


 
   
Made in us
Using Object Source Lighting





Portland

In general, unless you're set on one master, I'd always suggest getting crews over getting individual sets (justice vs. just death marshals), since you can't generally get the characters separately.

Regarding theme, no, the character issue doesn't matter much in most cases. There are definitely some cases that would cause problems when a master's core style is weak against another style, but that's the exception far more than the rule. For instance, Lady Justice isn't going to roll over a resser force by virtue of being designed as an undead hunter (though she does have access to more stuff than usual for hindering undead)

Fluff-wise, the game is fine that way. If you're really concerned, get a dual faction master (currently, Guild's options are mcmourning, mccabe, and Lucius), since they can work as guild and as other factions interchangeably.

The biggest balance issue to be aware of is that you should have suitably dense terrain: if you use a terrain-light board, ranged lists are often at a stupid advantage.


My painted armies (40k, WM/H, Malifaux, Infinity...) 
   
Made in gb
Is 'Eavy Metal Calling?





UK

Yeah, I've seen the comments on ranged units needing terrain to balance them out, so I'll be experimenting with terrain density for sure. Deadzone has taught me the importance of the right balance of terrain.

I was certainly considering getting crew boxes, I was just thinking about adding to them with the individual sets. I've also seen blisters with metal alternate sculpts of just the characters available in various places, is there an issue with these at all?

Currently, my shopping list (with a £70-ish budget and 20% discount) is:

The Guild's Judgement box (Lady J, 3 Marshals, The Judge, Scales of Justice)
Rifleman Guild set (3 riflemen)

Relic Hunters box (McCabe, a dog, 3 Wastrels, Sidir Alchibal)
OR Torch and Blade box (Sonnia, 3 Witchlings, Purifying Flame, Samuel Hopkins)
????

What is worth getting to supplement the second box to make it a larger crew and a decent opposing force for the Justice+Riflemen crew? Could anyone throw together a couple of quick lists with those suggestions, or any others (I'm open to suggestions on the second crew, but sold on the Judgement one)?

Thanks again.

This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 2014/05/21 19:39:23


 
   
Made in us
Pyro Pilot of a Triach Stalker




New York

 Paradigm wrote:


What is worth getting to supplement the second box to make it a larger crew and a decent opposing force for the Justice+Riflemen crew? Could anyone throw together a couple of quick lists with those suggestions, or any others (I'm open to suggestions on the second crew, but sold on the Judgement one)?


This will be a great help to you early on: http://www.malifaux.com/M2eCrew.php
You can plug in the game level you want to play at (probably 35 or 50 soulstones), then pick a Master, a totem if you want, then you add whatever crew members and upgrades that are available and you would like.

Additionally, check out the blog GmortsChaotica. He does a lot of Malifaux and his unboxings are great.

Perdita Ortega is a decent master for the other end of the Guild spectrum, being very ranged (arguably Lucius, for being passive, but you might want the plastics with the updated cards to start out). Sonnia could be good too (and Lady Justice likes Witchling stalkers too). Really, any of the masters will be a good second one if you are going guild.
   
Made in gb
Is 'Eavy Metal Calling?





UK

Actually, I've just spent the best part of an hour looking through Gmort's unboxings, they were very useful and have completely sold me on the game.

That link looks great, I'll have a play around with some lists. I think I'll start at 35 for introducing my group to the game and work up from there.

Sonnia looks more interesting than I thought, especially now I've seen pics of the Stalkers (I must admit I find the render box-art kind of annoying), and seems to work nicely with Justice. So Judgement, Torch and Sword, Riflemen and one other unit. Maybe some more melee-centric models to go with Lady Justice later on.

I've seen larger models listed as Avatars of X, what are these and do they have a purpose in game? Some of them look like they'd make amazing centrepieces.

 
   
Made in gb
Mighty Vampire Count






UK

I only have the old ediiton of the rules - does the new rulebook have all the rules for the Viktorias and friends?

I AM A MARINE PLAYER

"Unimaginably ancient xenos artefact somewhere on the planet, hive fleet poised above our heads, hidden 'stealer broods making an early start....and now a bloody Chaos cult crawling out of the woodwork just in case we were bored. Welcome to my world, Ciaphas."
Inquisitor Amberley Vail, Ordo Xenos

"I will admit that some Primachs like Russ or Horus could have a chance against an unarmed 12 year old novice but, a full Battle Sister??!! One to one? In close combat? Perhaps three Primarchs fighting together... but just one Primarch?" da001

www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/528517.page

A Bloody Road - my Warhammer Fantasy Fiction 
   
Made in us
Pyro Pilot of a Triach Stalker




New York

 Paradigm wrote:


I've seen larger models listed as Avatars of X, what are these and do they have a purpose in game? Some of them look like they'd make amazing centrepieces.


EDIT: See the next post, the info is better and I didn't get to see the Avatar playtest myself, just based my statement off of readings.

 Mr Morden wrote:
I only have the old ediiton of the rules - does the new rulebook have all the rules for the Viktorias and friends?


EDIT 2: 0 for 2. Look below... I need some sleep.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2014/05/21 22:14:06


 
   
Made in us
Using Object Source Lighting





Portland

Morden,

The new book has I believe everything from the original, plus Tara and the Brewmaster (new masters), Ophelia, Von Schill (minus trapper and librarian), some of the Ten Thunders, and a smattering of new singles. Oh, and Leveticus got bumped back to wave 2 because his rules weren't working.

So, yes, except for Vanessa (since she wasn't in book 1). The new core set is the Viks, Taelor, 3 Ronin, and the Student of Conflict (who's a girl now), and johan and bishop are both in the book though not part of the starter crew

edit: Dr. what is correct that wave 2 is available as PDF and will get hard copies this year (Vanessa is in it), but Viks are certainly wave 1

edit 2: Dr. What is off his rocker about avatars. His descriptions are confusing, and seem like a mix between the two editions.

Masters have 3 slots that you can fill with upgrades you buy that give them rules and/or new actions (some other models have 1 or 2 upgrade slots). Some are unique to the master, some are more general. Avatars are a set of unique upgrades, currently one per master (except one, who can play in 2 factions and gets one for each).

They function like regular upgrades on your models, until you manifest.

There are a handful of generic ways of manifesting (killing enough models; sacrificing a friendly; achieving objectives; getting hurt enough; automatic but you need to wait). You pick from these when the game starts. When you fulfill your requirements, you replace your model with an avatar, get some snazzy one-time bonus, then flip the upgrade over and use your new avatar, which gives them stronger abilities than you usually get from upgrades, and in some cases opens new play styles.

Considering these were in beta, the beta was closed, and won't be open for a while, I'd suggest ignoring these for now. just know they're a thing for the future. At most, buy ones you think look cool for display pieces.

This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 2014/05/21 21:05:40



My painted armies (40k, WM/H, Malifaux, Infinity...) 
   
Made in gb
Mighty Vampire Count






UK

Thanks but I can't find the Viktoria Cards in the Wave 2 cards on their site?

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2014/05/21 22:01:43


I AM A MARINE PLAYER

"Unimaginably ancient xenos artefact somewhere on the planet, hive fleet poised above our heads, hidden 'stealer broods making an early start....and now a bloody Chaos cult crawling out of the woodwork just in case we were bored. Welcome to my world, Ciaphas."
Inquisitor Amberley Vail, Ordo Xenos

"I will admit that some Primachs like Russ or Horus could have a chance against an unarmed 12 year old novice but, a full Battle Sister??!! One to one? In close combat? Perhaps three Primarchs fighting together... but just one Primarch?" da001

www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/528517.page

A Bloody Road - my Warhammer Fantasy Fiction 
   
Made in us
Using Object Source Lighting





Portland

Yeah. They're not there, like I said. They're part of wave 1, which is in print (in book and card form) and not available in PDF form. Presumably, the wave 2 cards will similarly get taken down around the time you'll be able to get them in print.


My painted armies (40k, WM/H, Malifaux, Infinity...) 
   
Made in gb
Mighty Vampire Count






UK

 spiralingcadaver wrote:
Yeah. They're not there, like I said. They're part of wave 1, which is in print (in book and card form) and not available in PDF form. Presumably, the wave 2 cards will similarly get taken down around the time you'll be able to get them in print.


Ok thanks - sorry I read the previous post and got confused - I'll see If I can ge thte book then - it had been out of print for a bit when I last looked.

I AM A MARINE PLAYER

"Unimaginably ancient xenos artefact somewhere on the planet, hive fleet poised above our heads, hidden 'stealer broods making an early start....and now a bloody Chaos cult crawling out of the woodwork just in case we were bored. Welcome to my world, Ciaphas."
Inquisitor Amberley Vail, Ordo Xenos

"I will admit that some Primachs like Russ or Horus could have a chance against an unarmed 12 year old novice but, a full Battle Sister??!! One to one? In close combat? Perhaps three Primarchs fighting together... but just one Primarch?" da001

www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/528517.page

A Bloody Road - my Warhammer Fantasy Fiction 
   
Made in us
Using Object Source Lighting





Portland

No problem, that's why I corrected it.

I believe the rulebooks aren't too hard to find any more, unless the next printing also ran out...


My painted armies (40k, WM/H, Malifaux, Infinity...) 
   
Made in us
Sword Knight




I'm also interested in starting up, and since this thread is here I don't want to start a new one.

I also like the look of the Guild and Death marshals in particular so I'm assuming the Lady J starter set is good for me. If I had a budget of about $50 would I be able to buy the rulebook (the one with no fluff), a deck, and the starter set?

What would be a good way to convince others to start the game or at least try it? I don't want to buy a bunch of stuff and then not be able to use any of it.

DT:90S+GM-B--I--Pwmhd14#++D+A+/areWD-R+T(T)DM+ 
   
Made in gb
Is 'Eavy Metal Calling?





UK

inferno445 wrote:


What would be a good way to convince others to start the game or at least try it? I don't want to buy a bunch of stuff and then not be able to use any of it.


From one newbie to another, my plan is to get enough models for a couple of crews, from the same faction. This means I have the models to demo the game, and as/when my opponents get their own minis, I've got plenty of interchangeability for one faction (useful as lists are chosen after setup). So it's a win-win: I get to introduce new players, get a good crew with a lot of options for myself, and a whole bunch of cool minis to paint.

If they don't go for the game, I'll keep the minis for painting, other demos and so there's always a spare crew for anyone who does want to play- people are far easier to convince when they don't have to spend a penny.

It might be worth getting in touch with your group/store and seeing if there's any interest first, though.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2014/05/22 16:13:20


 
   
Made in us
Using Object Source Lighting





Portland

Inferno, IIRC, $50 would get you all that, or come up a few dollars shy, depending on which set you went with.

Re: getting other people interested, having a crew, letting people know the entry price, and telling them how the game is different (active defense; cards; objective based are my major points) are the basics.


My painted armies (40k, WM/H, Malifaux, Infinity...) 
   
Made in be
Regular Dakkanaut





Leuven, Belgium

I have found that having a few painted models help a lot with getting people interested indeed, especially when they experience the mechanics. Seems like quite a few people welcome a change from the usual dice throwing, especially when the cost to do so is relatively low compared to the norm (GW around here). It's quite easy to convince and interest people when they find out they can get up and running for around the same price as the 40k brb.
   
Made in us
Sniping Hexa





Some small city in nowhere, Illinois,United States

Alright, since I might be having a demo game with my local Henchman and I did not want to make a new thread since this is still existent, I have a question so I know what I am getting myself into a bit: My main games are Warmachine/Hordes and Infinity, so what are similarities and differences of those two games in comparison to Malifaux (I only really know that the games uses a card mechanic instead of dice, so my knowledge is rudimentary at best)?

My personal blog. Aimed at the hobby and other things of interest to me

The obligatory non-40K/non-Warmahordes player in the forum.
Hobby Goals and Resolution of 2017: Paint at least 95% of my collection (even if getting new items). Buy small items only at 70% complete.
 
   
Made in gb
Longtime Dakkanaut



Scotland

This thread has me intrigued. Are there any particularly iconic and balanced starter set clashes? How well does Malifaux handle multiple players?
   
Made in au
[MOD]
Not as Good as a Minion






Brisbane

Zond wrote:
This thread has me intrigued. Are there any particularly iconic and balanced starter set clashes? How well does Malifaux handle multiple players?


I only started recently, so I'm not certain on the first question, but as to the second question my learn to play game was a 1v1v1, and every week there'll either be a 3 or 4 player game on, and everyone has a blast.

I wish I had time for all the game systems I own, let alone want to own... 
   
Made in de
Morphing Obliterator






 motyak wrote:
Zond wrote:
This thread has me intrigued. Are there any particularly iconic and balanced starter set clashes? How well does Malifaux handle multiple players?


I only started recently, so I'm not certain on the first question, but as to the second question my learn to play game was a 1v1v1, and every week there'll either be a 3 or 4 player game on, and everyone has a blast.


What was your experience with the player hands in the 3-player-game? I would think that you ran out of cards pretty fast or did you alter the size?

Playing mostly Necromunda and Battletech, Malifaux is awesome too! 
   
Made in au
[MOD]
Not as Good as a Minion






Brisbane

Same size hands, and I ran out fast but that's because I was brand new and kind of derping around since I didn't know what I was doing. The other two seemed to handle it fine.

I wish I had time for all the game systems I own, let alone want to own... 
   
Made in us
Dakka Veteran





Florida

Zond wrote:
This thread has me intrigued. Are there any particularly iconic and balanced starter set clashes?...


This is my exact boat as well. I love the models so much, but since no one plays Malifaux around here, I am afraid of getting a decent collection then only getting games in at Gen Con (which is what I do for wm/h).

Could someone experienced shed a bit of light here on starter crew balances? I will probably buy two crews and a rulebook.

\m/ 
   
Made in au
[MOD]
Not as Good as a Minion






Brisbane

Honestly I'd recommend against Perdita and her lot. I've played against her twice, and it just seems like a ranged heavy list when there is no chance to build your own (and you have to take what's in the box), you can get some really one sided match ups.

I wish I had time for all the game systems I own, let alone want to own... 
   
Made in gb
Is 'Eavy Metal Calling?





UK

 melkorthetonedeaf wrote:
Zond wrote:
This thread has me intrigued. Are there any particularly iconic and balanced starter set clashes?...


This is my exact boat as well. I love the models so much, but since no one plays Malifaux around here, I am afraid of getting a decent collection then only getting games in at Gen Con (which is what I do for wm/h).

Could someone experienced shed a bit of light here on starter crew balances? I will probably buy two crews and a rulebook.


Obviously I have no experience yet other than theorying, but I'm looking at getting the Sonnia and Lady Justice starters, as it means that I have two factions to introduce other people, but at the same time they are in the same faction so are nicely interchangeable or addable for larger lists.

 
   
Made in us
Dakka Veteran





Florida

I was thinking of something similar.

\m/ 
   
Made in au
Longtime Dakkanaut





Melbourne, Australia

This is really excellent thread, thanks for all the info.

Another quick newbie question which doesn't deserve its own thread: I've spotted the guilds and masters I think look awesome, but are there any scarecrow type models in Malifaux? That would really tip my hand on who I choose if there is.

The galaxy is littered with the single-planet graveyards of civilisations which made the economically sensible decision not to explore space. 
   
Made in us
Using Object Source Lighting





Portland

 .Mikes. wrote:
This is really excellent thread, thanks for all the info.

Another quick newbie question which doesn't deserve its own thread: I've spotted the guilds and masters I think look awesome, but are there any scarecrow type models in Malifaux? That would really tip my hand on who I choose if there is.


Scarecrow, as in, guy on a stick in a farm? Probably the closest are Collodi and his stuffed marionettes.

Scarecrow, as in, spooky dusty faceless westernish thing? Jack Daw is unreleased, but his crew's art just got previewed on Malifaux's site and might fit what you're thinking.

Scarecrow, as in the bat-man villain that attacks people with their fears? Pandora fits the bill very nicely, though doesn't look the part.

Scarecrow, as in spooky model? There's this guy (who's on a 50mm base), but unfortunately he was limited edition and only has rules for one special scenario. (couldn't find an official pic, the official one has his standard pumpkin head)



My painted armies (40k, WM/H, Malifaux, Infinity...) 
   
Made in au
Longtime Dakkanaut





Melbourne, Australia

Cool, cheers mate. It looks like Jack Daw ticks most of the boxes, and the models are just purdy. Although if Pull my Finger is correct it may not be the best crew choice for a beginner like me. I think I'll take it as a third crew for when I get to grips more with the rules.

One more question; I believe ther's something like a second edition rulebook coming out this year with all the additional fluff and stats and whatnot. Is that right? If so, is there an ETA on it?

The galaxy is littered with the single-planet graveyards of civilisations which made the economically sensible decision not to explore space. 
   
 
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