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I've just started playing Warmachine, playing a few games with proxies against a friend who likes the mechanics but doesn't feel like forking out the cash on another game. I myself have bought a bunch of minis to paint up at the very least and play with preferably. In order to interest more people in the game, I'm thinking of running a few demos with 3 boxes of minis at my university. However, I'm not sure on what box to buy.

I've already got the Khador and Cryx boxes, along with a Manhuntress and a squad of Widowmakers. What box do I choose as a third? I am interested in painting any of them, so that is of lesser importance. The only box I don't think will do is the Rhulic merc box.

So, what to buy? Menoth (which my friend proxies), Cygnar (where I'll probably modify the head of the Lancer), Magnus, or one of the Hordes factions (they might make a nice change). Which would provide a nice playing style for starters and plays differently from Cryx and Khador?

Cygnar lets you play with Stryker, who is a nice support caster.

Protectorate gives you access to feat level knockdown (Stryker has EQ, of course).

Both play differently from the other two boxes.

The Horde boxes have slight differences.

Circle is all about positioning for Spirit Door shenanigans.

Skorne is Fury management via Cyclops boosting mechanism
and threat ranges with ABuse.

Trolls shoot, boost, try to slam.

Legion...not sure. Feat turn, wtfpwn with a Carnivean?

Speaking from my own meager experience, (I just started playing in June), I suggest Cygnar.

Stick with the Warmachine factions first. Once you are sure of the basic rules, then branch out to Hordes.

My own impression is that Cygnar is midway between Cryx and Khador in style.

Khador is a hammer and plays like one, where Cryx is an assassin's blade. Continuing the analogy, Cygnar is a longsword.

I have not played with or against the Protectorate, so I can't give a comparison.

If you can find the Magnus Merc box, that may not be bad either.

I also suggest going to the Privateer Press forums and asking there. A lot more players with a lot more advice.

Not saying Dakka is a bad place to go, PP just has a bigger pool.

edit to add link http://www.privateerpressforums.com/