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So, I've been a fan of Malifaux since I first discovered it about two years ago. Unfortunately I haven't been able to play much over these past couple of years; my friend who owned the rulebook moved away after we only played about three games, and I ended up losing interest for a bit to pursue the more competitive aspect of 40k (a mistake on my part, admittedly). I've wanted to get the LGS into it more and more over the past couple months, especially given the state of 40k and my thoughts on the game in general, so I've just ordered a second crew and the rules manual. I also bought the starter set a while back but it just seemed...meh, with the friends who did give it a try not really liking how it worked. So I figured the manual and a couple of actual crews would be better for intro games, what with actual scheme and strategy generation and what not.

My problems though, are my crew selections. I liked the Viktorias the most when I first found the game, and so they were the first crew I bought and it was the plastic set, so the most recent. They're fairly straightforward so I don't see a problem there. Now, the second box I ordered was Lucius because I like the way he plays and his character's background, but I feel like I've sort of backed myself into a corner with him. Is there a way I can run fair, fun demo games with these two crews or did I make a mistake? I know the game is relatively balanced, but I feel like Lucius in the hands of a newer player (which also means me) will lead to disaster against the more 'punch you in the face' Viks. I know schemes and strategies come first and killing isn't exactly necessary in some games, but I'm still a little leery on whether the crews will be balanced against each other, so I'd like some advice there if possible.

Also if anyone has any tips for running a demo of the game or just generally introducing the concept of it to new players, most of whom have only experienced 40k as a miniatures game, that'd be great. Thanks.

First set Leviticus aside. He's a great master but needs his thematic crew, out of faction constructs, or with the new errata a solid understanding of the game. Once you get more for him he'll work better.
Second set aside the Victorias but not the rest of their crew, Ash and Blood are tricky to use right but the Student, Taelor, and Ronin are all solid models.
Now, start playing games with the full rules using the starter set forces or Taelor and 3 Ronin. Small games are covered by the rules and you have a free henchman instead of a master.

If you want to go to 50ss games look at VonSchill as a second master. He and his crew can work by themselves but also benefit from working together and are easy to play "right". Unfortunately the way the Outcast faction was created they have the second biggest buy-in and the least sharing between several tricky masters.

Thanks for the input on the Viks, I think starting with a Henchmen and some minions/enforcers is probably my best bet.

You misread my post though. I've ordered Lucius' crew (neverborn/guild master), not Leviticus. Same idea, though? Or is he a little more forgiving for when I move beyond smaller ss games?

Gah, sorry about that. Unfortunately I don't know Guild or Neverborn so I can't help much with him, all I've heard is he needs lots of the right cards and minions to work.

I second Chaotic Mind, build a couple of 25ss crews with no master involved. I did essentially this with my gaming group and now everyone's playing! I have both boxes and I think the Lucius box feels a bit weak for a quick game, but I think it could still work. Should allow you to focus on more straight-forward ideas like using cards, etc, rather than comboing things. I'd also recommend cherry-picking your schemes and strats - some of the more complicated ones caused my group some real headaches when we started.

Hope that helps, and I wish you luck in recruiting more Malifaux players!