Omenbringer

Over all I really like these changes.

I figure Lenny is the biggest but I never really used him for that any way so it doesn't affect me as much as others I guess. Very glad to see the Rooster Rider adjustment, they really shouldn't have gotten published as they were.

I do wish the Elevation rules would have received some attention though. Perhaps next year...

As for which book to get next...well that depends on where you want to go. If you want to stay in the city then Under Quarantine is probably the best for that. If you want to leave the city then Either Into the Steam or Into the Bayou would be better. Which to get between these two depends upon what your players want to explore. I am partial to Into the Bayou but that is because I love Gremlins, your players may differ.

When you say "too large" do you mean in length or height? Mine fit on their supplied 40mm bases with very little overhang. I would agree they are a bit taller than the average gremlin model but still about the same height as the War Pigs.

Finding a suitable proxy replacement model is going to be difficult and unlikely to fit the look of the other Wyrd models.

These might be a good start though.

14 hours ago, Rhadge said:

While the schemes and strats haven't brought it to the table, I think 2 swine cursed + lucky emissary in A OOH GLOWY Wong list might have play.  giving + to minions w/ in 4 makes your hand all about the other 25 SS you took and getting those pig rams. Also trixie can push/pull the lot and quantity of cards flipped with the swine 0 is likely to get the emissary up the field and waste 0 AP on moving.

Haven't had the chance to play it, but i am always happy for + flips in gremlins and saving my hand.   also regenning,  min 4 dmg emissary with Ml 6 and 3 in range is nice. 

Still not sold on the Emissary. Making him a buffing agent, ties him down reducing his mobility (making him a less durable Gracie IMO). Also the Swine-cursed trigger can cause them to attack the Emissary which is a non-pig model or easily move out of its smallish buffing bubble. As for Trixie well she can only really ever push the Emissary (non-pig and non-gremlin) and when the Swine-Cursed are Gremlin characteristic they can only ever come to her (when they are pigs they will always push away). Positioning and activation order is going to be very tricky even with her long range Gremlin Lure.

I think Old Major with the Saddle Upgrade would be a better buffing option since he can either carry a Swine-Cursed or Trixie for free movement (can augment this further with his 0 action for Gremlin characteristic models or his 1 AP action to both push pig models and provide a suit for their actions) while also handing out on both attack and damage on the charges when the Swine-Cursed are Pig characteristic (this is for the duration of the models activation as well so it doesn't matter if they move out of the bubble through charge actions).

I would also argue Gracie is the better melee option. She can get to min damage 5 with her trigger and Ooh Glowy! can gain reactivate on her own, and I would argue is more durable giving she has Hard to Kill, Armor +2, and Eat Your Fill. With Wong's Ooh Glowy she would also have Regeneration. Add the Saddle Upgrade and she can cart around Aa Swine-Cursed )or other Gremlin model). Even the Sow challenges the Emissary's role a bit and at a cheaper cost.

I like the Emissary's model but the rules are where it falls apart, it just doesn't really fit in with the synergy that is such a strength of our faction. Making it work takes a lot of effort in comparison to many of our other options. I look forward to reading how your combo works out for you though.

It would have gone a long way toward making it worth its points despite the counter employment methods. IMO, Right now the only thing that really makes it somewhat worthwhile is that long melee range. That alone isn't worth the points for me, I'd rather have Gracie honestly.

Really Wish the Emissary would have had the Pig and/or Gremlin characteristics. He is really difficult to justify over our other choices which have them and are a bit more focused in terms of usage (read as not at odds with their options).

9 hours ago, Nathan Caroland said:

There are a few things we can look into that might integrate with the forum or, more likely, be an outside piece that can be utilized by the community. I'll see if we can't devote some attention to it in Jan/Feb (when we have another person on staff, and a touch more  knowledgeable about this sort of thing). 

Dustin, nudge me then as a reminder.

Will do on the reminder Nathan.

While I agree that there needs to be an easier method for players to access event information I don't think the forums are a good way to achieve that. I would probably try working with google maps and a calendar application. That way players can just look on a map to determine where "close" events are (a very relative term dependent upon ones willingness to travel) and when. The only tricky part would be in having the calendar application "clean" old events from the map so they don't clutter the space. Would also probably be good to include a date searchable feature to further restrict the number of event "hits" that are viewed.

As a benefit Wyrd would also gain an easily identifiable "hot spot" map for future marketing or convention support.

One month away. Hopefully we will see some new players.

This is the first TtB supplement that actually felt like a faction book. Not that the others were bad, they definitely were not, but this one is the first were I felt character creation really tied the player to their Malifaux faction. Hoping for more like this.

Also @Mason can we get the downloadable character sheets on the main page updated to contain both the Under Quarantine and Into the Bayou versions please. I know you probably have a million other things going on but those would be a help.

I was thinking of hosting a tournament in late February early March as a last chance Adepticon primer. Not sure of a location yet but perhaps we can co-ordinate something Slapdrone.

Announcing an Organized Play Event for the Cleveland Area.

Warzone Matrix is hosting a 5 Week league from January 14, 2017 at 1:00pm thru February 11, 2017 at 5:00pm for the purposes of expanding the local Malifaux community and having a great time.

The Store is located at 4704 Rocky River Dr, Cleveland, OH 44135

Additional:

Event Cost: $5.00 per participant, 100% of costs will be utilized for league support.

This league will utilize my own Marshal Law League rule set built around defending and acquiring territories about the world of Malifaux. As players accumulate or squander territories they will gain or lose access to in game resources. All Participants will need to be present for the first day of the event in order to generate their starting territories and receive their league packs. The League will close at 5:00pm on January 14, 2017. Official League Days are scheduled for Saturdays from 1:00pm to 5:00pm and players are strongly encouraged to play during the allotted time. The intent of this is to facilitate a diverse play experience however, in order to accommodate differing schedules players may arrange games outside of normally scheduled day once the league has closed at 5:00pm on Saturday January 14, 2017. All games must be played at Warzone Matrix. Upon completion of the event, league sheets will be turned into the Henchman for tabulation. Players will be restricted to a single Master throughout the league, however, may alter their crew composition (non-master models and upgrades) between games. Masters are not unique for the purposes of this event, i.e. Lady Justice may be played by more than one player.

Proxies will be allowed as long as they clearly represent their base model.

This is  a casual event that is intended to build the Malifaux community. Sportsmanship is a large component of this, in short, games should be engaging and fun, not "soul crushing". All player levels are welcome, even those playing their very first full games. Think of these games as more of creating an engaging narrative than honing your tournament lists. Painted crews, dense terrain, and utilization of the asymmetric Story Encounters Strategy/ Scheme rules vice the Standard Encounters are highly encouraged but not mandatory.

This event will utilize the Official Wyrd Event Prize Pack and may have a few additional offerings based upon participation. At the Least each player will receive a Guilder (Poker Chip of various denomination) for participating in the event. Prizes will be awarded upon completion of the last game on Saturday, February 11, 2017.

Those interested in attending or with questions regarding this event may contact me via either PM or email at NOLA_henchman@yahoo.com

We look forward to seeing you at Warzone Matrix.

16 hours ago, WalkingInBlack said:

Personally I would like to see some Gremlin Pirates, not sky pirates but like ships that is on the water pirates, the Tong Family would fit that role I think... maybe.

Would be a great way to bring back Wyrd's Dwead Piwate Rupprecht from the old Twisted Line.

3 hours ago, baggined said:

Would you mind elaborating on what features that a lot of gamers don't like?   I haven't really heard many from my local group, so i'm interested in a different perspective.

Well the common ones are the static value resolution system of the non-fated versus the random value generation system for the fated. The issue is most noticeable at the lower and higher ends of the non-fated ranking. Another is the designed to end aspect which usually occurs just about the time the fated are becoming real players in Malifaux. The last (which has gotten a hell of a lot better as more supplements have been published, well deserved credit to the new developers) is the magic system.

In regards to the first, there have been many good suggestions on how to address this with minimal change to the core system. Some don't view it as a huge issue, others see it as a major design flaw. I lean toward the latter, particularly if your group contains a "munchkin" or two who like to game the system (this can also be accomplished inadvertently) or you would like to include Henchman or higher ranked non-fated in your games. The sweet spot for encounters is really at the enforcer level where the non-fated's static value is close to the average value generated by the fated's random resolution system. The second is probably the easiest to alter requiring little more than allowing the party of fated to continue beyond the resolution of the last destiny step or advanced pursuit step for the group. A lot of the initial issues with this was likely attributable to players rushing destiny steps, however some of it probably originates from misconceptions from Malifaux. Fated, even kitted out and at the end of their destiny steps, never really feel on par with Henchman or Master ranked non-fated. The static resolution system, in my opinion,  is the biggest contributor to this sentiment. And finally the Magic system. if you only own the first two books it is more than a bit lacking in detail. As more supplements have been published this has become much less of an issue (though increased costs is almost always a turn off for those interested in trying a new game).

While I like TtB, if for no other reason than it greatly expands the details of Malifaux (which was once left to vague innuendo and the communities assumptions) I do feel it is better suited as a story telling game as opposed to combat oriented one (White Wolf's World of Darkness series of RPG's is similar in this regard). Players coming from Malifaux tend to be the hardest on the system as there is a bit of an expectation that the game have a more combat oriented focus. If a player strongly favors combat in TtB it tends to place the fatemaster into a much more adversarial role where higher ranked non-fated are utilized to provide a suitable challenge (this is a bit of a double edged sword as it can also showcase the issues with the static resolution values of the non-fated versus the random values of the fated). By no means am I saying the system can't function, I am saying it leaves a bit to be desired in that venue. TtB tends to be more of a connoisseurs game than say pathfinder, D&D, or similarly combat focused systems.

Like with most games, setting the players expectations early can be a major key in the success of the game.

23 hours ago, WolfDayDream said:

I did I think twice now... I think Ohio is totally nonexistent on the TTB side of Wyrd...

TtB has been difficult to get started up in NE Ohio as well (Pathfinder seems to be king), however I think that may change. The Into the Bayou book is the first in the series that really felt like a "Faction" book to me. The others really didn't provide that feeling, though did provide plenty of source material for the game world. Hopefully that trend (of producing books that are more representative of a Malifaux Faction) continues with future books.

Unfortunately TtB has some features that sour a lot of gamers, many of which are correctable by the fate masters through modification (many have also been recommended in this subsection).

My wishes are simple:

A master for Sparks, The Mechanized Porkchop, and the Survivors. (Gremlin Arcanist, that can utilize Scrap Markers).

A henchman that turns dying Bayou Gremlins into low cost summoned spirits or undead.

An upgrade that allows Giant Skeeters to Cast Sooey!, returning their previous edition use as Air Traffic Controllers.

2 hours ago, Razhem said:

I've done both and I assure you I have not seen this crazy op that dwarfs all. But hey, what does my personal experience account for when compared to yours, right?

I am not saying that my experiences trump any ones, generally I try to view things from multiple perspectives. Those few that have posted battle reports where they were successful against her (and also not reliant upon either an "Ah Ha moment" or a RJ damage spike) have been very helpful to the discussion.

Again Reva is beatable, that doesn't mean she isn't outside the power curve and in possible need of re-evaluation. In an ultra competitive environment Reva may be seen as fine, in a more casual environment she (and a few other ultra-optimized lists) can be an extremely NPE. To each their own.

May I just ask that all of you who are either posting from memory or posting without having actually played against Reva please abstain. The former just leads to confusion and a high noise to signal ratio that really diminishes the discussion As for the latter I assure you actually playing against Reva, particularly in the hands of a half way competent player, is a lot different than simply interpreting her cards.

20 hours ago, Terwox said:

Ten Thunders has Toshiro, who summons off of corpses.  That's pretty good against Reva -- you turn her corpse candles into your Ashigaru.

Just for clarification I assume you mean after Toshiro (or something else) has killed the Corpse Candle that he can then attempt to summon an Ashigaru from the resulting Corpse Marker if you have the Command the Graves upgrade attached to him?

Corpse Candles and Mindless Zombies are only considered Corpse Markers to friendly models, not opponents models.

4 hours ago, ringsnake said:

Anyone have any tips or hard earned lessons to share about water effects? I was planning to do Woodland Scenics, but OMFG that stuff is expensive! Guess ya gotta pay to get good results. Time to eBay off all that Warmachine Cryx stuff I'm not using...

 

Keep in mind the Woodland Scenics Water Effect is not a "whole surface" product. It is intended to produce mainly "rough" or "falling" water effects. In short it accents other products.

The other two woodland scenics products are better for covering large expanses of water. The Realistic Water is a "wet" product that is pretty good over a painted subsurface that creates the illusion of depth, though not good for projects where you want actual depth. E-Z Water is a "hot" product and while it dries very quickly it can peel paint from the edges as it cools. It is better for creating "deep" water pieces, particularly swamp effects as it does have a slight yellow tint to it. Be sure to get a dedicated pan to melt it in cause it is exceedingly difficult to remove without damaging.

Probably the best product for creating somewhat deep water effects is Envirotex Lite. It is a two part mixture that creates a durable surface and water with some depth. You do need to be careful with the measurements as too much of one will causes issues drying. It does also take a while to dry, and unfortunately it is also a bit of an expensive product. If you want depth though there isn't much that really beats it (you can pour several layers to really provide depth if you want).

The cheapest option that also produces decent results (if you are just looking to make the water areas look wet, i.e. no actual depth) is to use Liquitex Gloss Medium (or equivalent) over a painted subsurface (gradated from light at the edges to darker in the middle). It will also dry a lot faster than the other stuff, except for Woodland Scenics E-Z Water.

1 hour ago, TheTrans said:

If you had a look at a lot of the recent posta. People are talking options and strats now, not just yelling at each other from both sides of the Reva is OP fence.

Also, again I don't think she is OP. Essentially...its like if you run Levi or Viks against a new player, it is horrid, as they don't know what is happening. It is the same as using Reva currently against an experienced player that has no idea about Reva, they are taken by suprise and spanked. Give it a few months and all will be well, trust me. 

 

Also be interesting to see where the bleating is prinarily coming from US/UK etc.

 

Also as to actually looking at the game as a whole instead of a master-killy vacume. I loathe that Vik of Blood can be a frame for murder target. I feel that will forever be more punishing than Reva in an actual scoring sense.

 

Also Dreamer summoning to me is a bit gross, it requires no resources outside of a few stones and cards. OP i say, especially the Lilu-Letu regen-full health summon by end of turn bullocks. OP I say..

So your thinking is that experienced players (some of whom have played the game from the start and assisted in closed play testing for Malifaux) can not anticipate Reva's shtick and prepare appropriate counters? Reva is not that gimmicky, she is exceedingly good at what she does and is very straightforward in design. Seeing it coming doesn't mean that you will be able to counter it. Speaking historically these same defenses were made with 1st edition Hamelin when only a month after release the community noticed he was significantly above the power curve (it is worth mentioning that virtually every one of the recommended "fixes" was adopted when he was finally errated years later). The wait and see approach didn't work then and it is unlikely to work now.

The "bleating" as you call it is coming primarily from the US/ UK communities because those are the largest organized communities and also happen to have fairly experienced and competitive scenes. It might also have to do with the fact that both those communities are normal purchasers of pre-release products. Additionally many of the "bleeters" have actually played against Reva in games rather than simply looked at her stats on line or in the book.

As I have stated many times, while comparisons to Rasputina or the Viks (or any other Master) might seem relevant they really aren't, Reva doesn't require support models or Upgrades to do what she does. When you add those support models and upgrades however she is really ramped up. Reva also doesn't suffer from many of the disadvantages that the other comparison models do, particularly Rasputina.

As for the Dreamer, his summoning is hardly "no resources," he requires an expensive upgrade in order to summon anything other than Daydreams. He requires a suit, it has a high TN, the summoned model comes in with only 1 Wd, and also gives the Dreamer a Waking +1 condition which can take him out of the rotation if it gets high enough.  Additionally, as you point out it also usually requires a few stones and cards to do consistently, those are resources and in the case of Soul Stones one which does not replenish (normally). Lelu-and Lilitu is also a 14 SS investment unless you summon them, which of course requires an 11+ with suit requirement (so either SS or sacrifice of a Daydream), 2 AP to summon the pair, gives the Dreamer the Waking +2 condition, and they both are vulnerable until they can heal on their activation.

You can disagree that Reva is outside the games power curve but that is in no way any more valid than others opinions that she is. I tend to favor the group stating she is, as they are providing a bit more clarity on why they think so than the other argument that essentially boils it down to "learn how to play."

Wyrd has done a much better job with the new plastic releases than the older ones. Assembly is much more intuitive and clear. Cuts and joins are better positioned. And finally, event the small pieces are thought out. The Mechanized Porkchop I put together last night was a breeze despite having the ears as separate small pieces.

If you haven't started your cobbles yet I have two suggestions that will make it a bit easier.

The first, is to get a couple lengths of brass tube from a model railroad or RC hobby store. I would recommend a few different widths. Cut these lengths into pieces about 5" long, this should allow double what you purchased. Grab all the cut lengths and hold them together. Then wrap the bunch with tape or rubber bands. Throw some taoe on one end as well for padding. Now you will have a neat little "punch" for making your cobbles.

The second method is one that I use as it is so easy and time saving. Go to the grocery store and by a few bags of lintel beans. Buy a big jug of wood glue. Paint the wood glue on the surface you want cobbled and then pour the lintels on top. Once it dries go back and apply another layer of wood glue, though this time water it down a bit. Quick and easy, plus it looks great. I can link you to some photos of the end result. The biggest problem with using this method is it can curl your base material if it isn't strong enough but you shouldn't have to worry about that at all.

Looks like you have a really good start there for both Som'er and Ulix. I might recommend another box of Bayou Gremlins though, there are times you will have more than 4 on the table. Also agree that your purchases will provide both Masters with great options.

The Stuffed Piglets are nice but I am not a fan of them with the Pigapult, they come with an awful lot of downsides compared to just the regular piglet ammo.

You do some wonderful work. Hard to identify a favorite.