Sandwich

That's the thing, I still love the game. I'm sorry if I'm using harsh words but I am incredibly frustrated at the ongoing situation. And the fact that every single person I've attempted to get into this game take about a day or two before they or call out the game for its imbalance. I just want a thriving Malifaux community in my area. And it won't happen until a new design philosophy for the ressers comes into play.

Because I thought at first it was just simple ignorance in design. and then I read that OUR Rider, the DEAD RIDER is dropping 1 Corpse counter and 2 Scrap? And that Chompy can take Night Terrors at listed cost? It shows that there is NO intent to fix this faction. And that their interests lie elsewhere. And you're correct that I have a general dissatisfaction, Mike, about the way the Ressers are ignored. It's only compounded by how many people I've gotten interested in this game, who see the ressers, compare them to the Neverborn and then realize that this game will never be as successful as 40k or wm. And so they choose to just not play it. And it $$$$$$$$es me off severely. Because to hell with 40k and WM. But what can I do other than complain to the forums?

Not going to bother quoting because it's all the same basic comment. There is not one significant and powerful model under the resser's plethora that is not usable by another faction that uses it better. Even the Dead Rider's new deal of dropping ONE corpse counter and TWO scrap counters. And Night Terrors, our designated objective grabber, is really meant for LCB. Who has an entire bury mechanic designed for models like them. We have no model designer with any kind of real interest towards our faction, and it absolutely shows. But there's plenty that love the Neverborn. It's been irritating since I first took interest in this game but with every single step Wyrd takes with this property it becomes more and more apparent that there's no real design philosophy at all. Look at Crooligans, the Drowned, or any non-spirit model from the second book and most of our roster from the first. And then compare that to Neverborn or Guild equivalents. It's beyond pointless to state this opinion because most of the people that play this game favor other factions and thus cannot see the imbalance present and will then argue petty semantics or whatever statement they choose to make to disprove the point that I've just made. I'm sick and tired of doing everything I possibly can to talk up the Ressurectionist faction as anything more than a bunch of worthless models and then Kirai's crew because I really do want Wyrd to succeed. You guys need to hire someone that seriously loves the Ressurectionists as much as your lead designers love the Neverborn because we need some serious love. EDIT: And no, I'm not saying that because I want to work for you. I'm saying that because for people to take this game seriously, you need a very high amount of harmonic balance that outshines your competetion.

Specifically speaking about the Ressers. :/ Now I can see why this game is losing popularity. I'm out, for a while.

Hey, thanks for the feedback guys. It's much appreciated. I'm glad to see that there are people who're actually interested enough to read homebrews and review them, it makes me very giggly. ;D I was thinking it was quite... Wyrd... I like games that have a large pool of "Standard" mechanics where most everything follows that pattern, and then you have a few stragglers that introduce a little flavor to the mix without compromising the overall stew of things. Hence the no CC on spells but a CC on the Trigger. Seemed pretty rad to me. The spells could become fairly hard to resist, but for that to happen the player would need to bring at LEAST three Wayward to make each model's Ca stat above average (With 2 additional The Wayward within 6" of your target, the Casting Wayward has a Ca of 7) and the spells reprecussions are fairly minor, though powerful for a 2 SS model, (But no worse than a The Stolen with Hamelin.) The idea behind the overall model was a very strong weak model that could bring utility to all Ressurectionist masters (Because we desperately need a game designer who seriously loves this faction) to bring our overall faction strength up (We're far behind Outcasts, Guild, and Neverborn) but decently on par with Arcanists currently. I'd design more neat-o models for Arcanists if I really knew that faction as in depth as I do the Resurrectionists, but alas. And yes, I do playtest all of my model ideas before I ever post anything up for suggestion. - - - - - Just quoting the latter half of your post because it's all I really need to reply to; 1. Absolutely. You're losing a model and need to flip high to get it off, if you manage to reach the requirement for the Trigger, you deserve to paralyze a model. 2. Why precisely? I feel it brings something for each Resurrectionist master at a manageable cost and with a unique flair that'll help envigorate the faction beyond Kirai and McM in a broader sense. - - - - - - It makes me happy when people say things like that, thank you. Storywise, I'm thinking more of a little girl who goes into the Slums to have an adventure with her friends, only to find that something terrible is going on and she's in big trouble. 1. I equally agree with that statement and I think it's best if the spell functions with a similar mechanic to Worthlessness. 2. Well they're 2 Pt models and Paralyze is a VERY powerful effect, it should be difficult and not something specifically aimed for, but more of a "Holy crap, my opponent CAN Paralyze me if I put my model there, I'd best stay away from those otherwise pansy 2 point models." 3. I have, and they fit very well versus the two biggest banes of Resurrectionists, High Speed and high Synergy crews that will just run circles around your crew while they shut you down every which way (Pandora, Colette, Collodi, C.Hoffman). 4. I honestly forgot all about these kids, so I'll whip up a story real soon like, I'll keep you posted. And again, thanks so much for the interest you're showing!

As it isn't very changing to the model, I went ahead and switched to Ht 4 unique. ;D

Hey thanks for the response, sorry it takes me so long to get back to these, although I did read your comment a while ago and fix up Vile Whispers. Coalesce is intended to only last a single turn, yes. You gain very powerful stats to ANY model (Be it master, or the RN) and in turn lose a 5 Pt model. I think 5 Soul Stones is a very fair price for a model capable of giving all nearby enemy models to Wp by just being there, as well as popping off 2x 12" lures at fairly high cast and then becoming completely invulnerable until the next turn.

I suppose, although Ht 4 seems like Avatar / Chompy bits territory. Well yeah, but it's to add a balance to the ability because it increases model output and allowing it to do that freely would be crazy broken. Unique would also work, I just hadn't really thought about it. I know there'd need to be a limitation somewhere, though.

Cough ;D

The vulture cawed, harkening the fat gravedigger’s attention to the tick of his pocket watch, bringing back the conscious thought his master expected of his only living servant this day. Mortimer choked out a large orange spat of bile as he trudged past the mud-ridden pit of corpses. “I hate this place already, boy.” He snorted out to the droving corpses that heaved endlessly away at a massive pile of debris, “I don’t see what why I gotta be here for this.” Mortimer’s complaints were met with heaps of rusted metal and caked dirt sputtering out of the pit as the dead laborers under his whim clawed about the ancient machination, searching for answers to a question that only Nicodem knew. “If he was here, I’d ‘av at least 50 of you out here, we’d be done in an hour!” The Necrotic magics that the Ressurectionists wielded was slowly unraveling itself to the lowly Gravedigger as he spent more time at the side of his master, Nicodem. His power was swelling very, very slowly, as only recently had he learned to reanimate the fresh corpses of his victims, and only if they were very fit of mind and body. Mortimer knew his talent was paled by that of his boss, or even Seamus, but he still took joy from his ability to bring about life in the dead. A smirk worked its way across his fat cheeks as an empty pride swelled within him, leading to a sway in his power, allowing the tireless dead beneath him to idle quietly. It took a few moments for the capacity of intelligence to crawl back into his mind long enough to regain dominion over his necrotic slaves, forcing their hands to once again toil the trodden dirt. “’Ay don’t you be dozing off, now!” He barked to his enthralled, chortling a laugh from the humor only he found in his statement. Thoughts began to consume his mind as they always did. A self inflicted daze from the stupidity of his brain or simply an affliction of the mundane work he was set upon, truly there was no way to tell the difference. The glamour of the great Mortimer, the all mighty Ressurectionist master who unfurled the thread of all life and now sits upon his fleshy throne of beautiful women and piles of gold was all that the world would think of, he thought. As he lull in his stupor, his power over the dead again waned, but this time they did not idle. They clawed, up and out of the pit, shambling their way towards him, eyes flickering with an unknown hunger. His dreams of a dauntless army of loving fans would be cut short by a dauntless army of the dead if he could not muster the mind to repel the corpses that soon would be upon him. He hummed quietly, eying the distance as a cloud of dust fluttered up from nowhere, battering his eyes with thousands of painful specks, giving way to the path of consciousness, bringing about the realization that imminent danger was upon him. Beyond the droves of corpses, many that rose without his will, stood a gargantuan figure, watching the corpses rise to overtake him. “No! You’re not gonna do me like that! Sod off!” He barked to the figure, working his power to differ the corpses from destroying him. Desperation drew out a heavy sigh from Mortimer as he forced the many dead before him to stop in their tracks, surprising himself with the power he could wield when such dire circumstances arose. The legion of the dead crumbled to the ground as they felt the dismissive force of the Grave willing them to fall to the floor. “How’d ya do that?!” Mortimer spat out in his stride to the giant, dragging his shovel along the ground in intimidation “I worked right hard to bring these fellas back!” Each step echoed as his feet trudged across the mud, caking dirt upon his boots and blood upon his shovel as it tilled through shattered corpses. He fixed his eyes onto those of his invader, its lucent green pressing haunting dreams into his heart. “I oughta thump you one, fer tryin‘ that!” he spoke softer now, marching fearlessly towards the titan that could no doubt shred him in twain effortlessly. A greater man might realize that he was being drawn in by the being, but not Mortimer. He marched confidently into the gaping arms of the giant. :rams:rams:rams The Exorcist watched the exchanged from the distant hills, a small golden pipe rest upon his eye and a smug look upon his face. He sighed deeply at the two monsters as he drew the telescope from his face, folding it into itself and placing it in a pouch at his side. He turned to eye the large machines given to him by the Guild, each pumping steam into the air as the passively stood waiting for the slaughter. His eyelids drew shut slowly as he motioned for the construct army to move upon his targets. “That won’t work, idiot!” barked the disembodied head, “That thing‘ll turn ‘em all to meat!” :crows:crows:crows Grave Titan Undead, Construct, Graverobber, Unique 50 MM Base Soul Stone Cost: 7 Wk/Cg:4 / - Ht: 4 Wp: 7 Ca: 5:crows Df: 4:crows Wd: 10 Decayed Claws Rg: 2 Cb: 5:crows Dg: 2 / 2 / 3 TALENTS Weapons Decayed Claws: Paired. Abilities Grave Servant: This model may not be hired out of faction. This model’s controller may not be changed. Unknown Origin: This model drops 2 Corpse Counters and 1 Scrap Counter when it is killed. Nothing Before the Giant: Ht 1 and Insignificant models must win a Wp->10 duel when targeting this model or the action immediately fails. Immune to Influence Terrifying -> 12 Hard to Wound 2 Regeneration 1 Wicked Actions (0)Call of the Grave: 12. Push all friendly Undead models 4” directly towards this model. Triggers Ca(:crows:crows) Vilify [shawl of the Gargantuan]: After target model fails to resist the Spell, it must win a Wp->12 duel or it may only target this model. Ca(:crows:masks) Of the Same Cloth [bleak Realization]:After defender fails the duel, you may target another model with (0)Bleak Realization at a cumulative -1 Ca. Spells (1)Shawl of the Gargantuan (CC: 13:crows/ Rst: Df / Rg: 8) Push target model into base contact with this model. (2)Morbid Seed (CC:15:crows:crows/ Rst: - / Rg: 8) All non-Spirit models in range drop +1 Corpse Counter when killed if they do not already drop a Corpse Counter when killed. (0)Bleak Realization (CC:10:crows/ Rst: Wp / Rg: 6) Target model receives Insignificant.

You can't Obey masters, and Hex explicitly states "Non-Master" in its Spell description. The Stitched / Doppelganger idea is pretty good and will probably kill the Avatar of Dread in a single swoop of Stitched, Stitched, Doppelganger. Although if the Seamus player gets wind of that there are counters to it. Your best bet is going to be taking Von Schill over Collodi if you need to kill Seamus because that +4 Wp from Hardass affects ALL friendly models and is a HARD counter to A.Seamus' gimmick, which is Morale Duels. Also a Rg 12, Cb 6 Dg 3/4/5 gun with Critical Strike is nothing if not the bane of Seamus.

Riposte: After attacker misses wit a melee attack, this model deals damage using the combat Duel total as if it had hit the attacker with a Greatsword Strike. Absolutely can. It doesn't say you're Attacking the target, only that you're dealing damage using a preexisting duel.

Your dreamer base is amazing, wow.

Today is my 21sttttttt birrrrrthdaaayyyyy Think Will O the Wisp. :crows:tomes:rams "Oh, Adrian," She cried, sprawling her her body onto the corpse, "Why!?" So peaceful did his corpse rest, a vacant smile giving no slight to the origin of demise, only to be betrayed by the pool of blood consuming him. Nearby lay the body of another victim, Snowball, the beautiful mare, lie drained of blood and empty. A horror murked upon the air as Brenda looked about the vile scene of death within her barn. She had heard of the grisly murders beyond the Breach, but had never in all her life seen the repugnance that devoured her quiet countryside life this day. Slowly and unknowingly she rose to her feet and wiped away the tears, replacing them with an emptiness that only the most desolate know. Her hands slumped off to each side as a respectful posture maintained by humanity evaded her, leaving the slouching husk of a woman behind. Each step echoed upon the grainy Earth as she left the barn, thoughtless and uncaring, emotionless and barely alive. What was once Brenda, was no more. What was once peace, would be war. :crows:crows:crows "You will wait..." The Ferryman called, "And they will come." The small man did not spare a second thought to his command as the hulking apparition dissipated into nothingness. Standing quietly and unmoving he did watch upon the waves of sickly green water. Others were among him, like him, but did not care for him, and he did not care for them. It was a purpose that drove these many lost souls to the edge of the Wasteland, waiting for their victims. A sigh escaped the spirit of Adrian as the hours drew on, and nothing approached. Those that were condemned to die would come soon, but soon could not come quickly enough. All others with him were unmoving, uncaring. It was a thought in his mind that there were no thoughts within theirs, only souls serving their master. :rams:rams:rams They marched, slowly into the wastes, blackness surrounding the contingent as hostile territory surrounded them deeper and deeper. A single sparkle in this distance gave each man reason to bury his pride and shiver in fear. The evil of this land was numerous, and the pay for being here was low. Of the many men, Captain Veireich kept them together, at least to the standard that any man who fled would be shot in the back. Every soldier stepped in motion with the man beside him, twelve rows, four men in each. Veireich headed the charge on his Stallion, barking out foot motion for the soldiers, and for any prying eyes or ears to see the fearlessness of a Captain of the Guild. Each inch they took stripped every man further of his composure, looming tales of macabre beasts tearing Peacekeepers apart with one smooth motion, of beasts with a thousand eyes driving men to slit their own throats and then drink their own blood. Even Veireich showed a shuffling tone in his voice as they came to the cross of a strange river that flowed in a barren desert. When the sound of a crashing current hit the ears of the men, so did the sickly glow of small specks of light, lining the waters and pulsing quietly. “Hold boys!” Veireich called to the his troop, “Ain’t no 'ressers activity ever been reported out here!” The sound of the Captain’s voice always soothed his men’s heart, but this night, nothing changed. Fear still gripped their hearts. “We’re going to tread real careful out here…” Veireich sighed, turning his gaze slowly to the large pistol at his side, “Ready your weapons but try not to stir nothin’ up!” :crows:crows:crows “Drag them… Under…” whispered the voice of the Master, beckoning the many Ghasts along the River Styx to glow as the Contingent marched closer. They held slowly, their glowing light digging into the curious minds of the young men and women until their feet unknowingly tread into the chilly waters of the ends of their lives. “Styx hungers…” Barked the disembodied voice of Charon, tearing into the hearts of these forsaken men, “Welcome home.” The Ghasts rose from their stupor, flicking across the violent river and plunging towards the Guild Guard, some of whom drew arms and fired, others who ducked for cover in the emptiness of Barrens, finding only dirt to hold their corpses as The Drowned rose from Styx and spat a thick amalgamation of lung fluid and viscous death at the many unfortunate souls. Adrian burst through the ranks of trained soldiers with an agility he had never felt before. Charon had given him this strength, and he would repay him with the spirits of any he came across. A strange joy overwhelmed him as he dragged the fated men into a watery grave. Nothing could stop the slaughter that was underway and Veireich knew it, he ordered his horse to turn tail and fled as quickly into the night as he could. Though he knew that death awaited him as soon as he set foot in the Governor’s office, he had to warn the Guild of this threat. Charon hovered quietly in the clouds of dust that the massacre had spawned, watching the coward leave his men behind to die, he would sow lies to preserve his neck, but would do so in futility. “Styx is coming…” The Ferryman whispered into his mind, “And the Well of Souls will soon be abated.” - - - -- Ghast Spirit, 30 MM base, 5 Soul Stone Cost Wk/Cg: 7 / - Ht: 2 Wp: 6:crows Ca: 5 :crows Df: 3 Wd: 4 TALENTS Abilities Will 'O the Wisp: Enemy models announcing a Wk action within 6" of this model receive Wk/Cg -1/-2. Models announcing a Wk action within 2" of this model receive Wk/Cg -2/-4. The Sullen Glow: 2. Models without the Spirit or Undead characteristic receive to their Wp stat. Chill of the Unknown: Models that pass through this model or models that this model passes through receive -1 Wp and -1 Df until the start of their next activation, this Ability is cumulative with other Ghasts, to a maximum of -3 Wp and -3 Df. The Sea of Damnation: This model gains +2:masks to their Ca and Wp when within 4" of Water terrain, the Hanging Tree special terrain or a friendly Spirit. Harmless Actions (0)Vile Whispers: This model deals 1 Dg to enemy models it passes through, to a maximum of 2 Dg per turn. Triggers Wp(:crows:masks) Dark Visions: After this model wins the Duel, the Attacker suffers 2 Dg. SPELLS (All)Coalesce (CC: 17:crows:tomes / Rst: - / Rg: 6) Target friendly model gains +3 Cb, Df, Ca, and Easy to Wound 1 . Sacrifice this model. (0)Evanesce (CC: 15:crows / Rst: - / Rg: C) This model suffers 2 Wd. This model may not be targeted by any other models and loses all of its Spells, Actions and Abilities. This model gains Wk/Cg +5/+0 and Flight and Insignificant. This model regains Harmless during the End Closing Phase. (1)Convalesce (CC: 13:crows:crows / Rst: - / Rg: 8) Target model gains Regeneration 2. (1)Inviting Glow (CC: 12:crows:masks / Rst: Wp / Rg: 12.) This Spell does not remove this model's Harmless ability if this model activated within 6" of a friendly Ghast. Enemy models failing to resist push their Wk towards this model, this push may go through this model. Models ending this push in melee range make a melee Strike against this model.

-

Hey guys, Sandwich again. I'm pretty actively pursuing a career in creative writing, hopefully for some rad company whose game I really enjoy. So on the advice of those who have travelled my road before, I'm working on some Fan Fiction to perhaps entice those that need to be enticed into letting me put my foot in the door. As I sit here writing, eating a sandwich and drinking Vanilla Coke, I had an idea for another Spamable Model, specifically a "Combat-Support" spam model. We currently have Night Terrors and Canine Remains as our other two Spammable models. Night Terrors fill the Mobility / Objective niche and Canine Remains are used for A.) Killing for Corpse Counters B.) Summoning Killjoy / Bete Noir C.) Missiles Which lead me to think about a model that was spammable but brought utility to the table, and of course had a fairly unique mechanism that made them not a copypaste from other models. (Story eventually) - - - The Wayward Undead, Insignificant Soul Stone Cost: 2 Wk/Cg: 4/- Ht: 1 Wp: 4 Ca: 3:crows Df: 1 Wd: 3 Wayward Stare Rg: 8 Cb: 5:crows Dg: 1/1/1 TALENTS Weapons Wayward Stare: This weapon's Attack Duels are made using Cb->Wp . Models Wounded by this weapon receive when attacking a The Wayward model. Abilities Lost Souls: When this model is hired by Kirai, it gains the Spirit characteristic until the end of the Encounter. Without Purpose: This model's spells have no Casting Cost. Triggers Ca(20:crows:crows) Pitiful Horizon [Worthlessness]: Sacrifice this model. Target model receives Paralyzed. Spells (1)Worthlessness (CC: *:crows / Rst: Wp / Rg: 8) Target model receives Slow. Increase the Casting Total of this spell by 2 for every The Wayward within 6" of target model. (1)Horrible Child (CC: * :tomes / Rst: Df / Rg: 4) Dg: 1/1/2. Increase Dg by 0/+1/+1 for each Wd this model is missing. If this Spell deals Severe Damage, target a friendly model within 6", that model heals 1 Wd. (1)Without Love (CC: *:masks / Rst: Wp / Rg: 12) Target model does not count as friendly to its crew. Increase the Casting Total of this spell by 2 for every The Wayward within 6" of target model.

Thank you kindly. It was spaced when I hit submit, I guess the space between paragraphs disappeared for some reason. Mayhaps the breach?

So here's my case, hear me out. My name is CJ Dean, I'm 21 and currently unemployed. I've had a passion for literature since I was very, very young, made particularly fascinating by the fact that I'm actually dyslexic and have a very hilarious way of reading things. The speed at which I comprehend words in a written work is actually higher than average but that is besides the point. Malifaux, as a universe, interests me deeply. Moreso than any other work of Fiction out there, except maybe Firefly or the Metal Gear Solid video game series. It's been quite a pleasure reading through each and every one of the three books released, and, knowing that eventually a fourth book will be produced, I'd really like to be a part of the people who helps to further the plot. I make this plea NOT because I want compensation OR because I want my own personal ideas to shape the existing story of Malifaux, but because I desperately want to be a professional Script / Speech writer and I currently have NO official credentials, which makes getting my foot in any door quite impossible. Honestly, I don't give a damn about any kind of monetary compensation, contracts stating that you absolutely must allow me to work on future books, or anything that would in any way cause a problem for you guys at Wyrd. All I want to do is write or edit a story that's put in the fourth book with a little itty bitty segment at the end of the book saying I wrote that story. (Or, you know, edited one or two.) It doesn't matter if you give a specific plot web that tells me exactly who does what, what is named what, and I just have to fill in the blanks with my word-mojo or just give me a story or two to Spell Check / Grammar Check. I just really want to get out into the professional writing community and it'd be outright fantastic to start with a company that produces a game I personally enjoy. What I want to stress is that I have absolutely NO professional writing credentials, and NO professional recommendations. For my references, I'm just going to use what I've already posted on this website and I can e-mail a couple Short Stories that have no basis with Malifaux if that's asked of me. I will gladly sign any No-release Contracts that state you can sue my pants off if I give out any tidbits early, (which, for the record I wouldn't do even if I didn't sign a contract, because I'm currently enjoy a clean and fantastic name for myself). I expect 0 compensation for any contributions I make and I have NO interest in dictating the direction of the story I write unless I am explicitly told by whomever my superior may be to make up my own story. I don't need any special recognition for any work I do other than a little spot in the Credits for the story(ies) I've written / edited. If my writing style is not up to snuff, you can feel free to tell me. It won't upset me and I won't pursue this particular outlet of getting my name out there any further. Thank you for your time. -Sandwich ON SITE REFERENCES 1.) A short story introducing a custom character, attempting to remain close to the writing style of Wyrd Elemental(?). http://www.wyrd-games.net/showthread.php?20895-Ruthless-Mercenary&highlight=ruthless+mercenary 2.) Another short story introducing another custom character, switching the style to a more "Period" writing style. http://www.wyrd-games.net/showthread.php?27794-Inyuktuk-Tribesman&highlight=inyuktuk 3.) This time using an archaic horror inspired short piece. http://www.wyrd-games.net/showthread.php?18997-Plague-Doctor&highlight=Plague+Doctor 4.) A fairly outdated Tactica, but I suppose it shows my compassion for Malifaux. -While absolutely unimportant, I'd like to point out that my Tactica is what provided the Template for ALL future Tacticas produced by other people. I'm also only bringing this up because I really want to write a story for you guys. http://www.wyrd-games.net/showthread.php?15341-Tactica-Seamus&highlight=tactica%3A+Seamus 5. A Hamelin Tactica following the same vein as the Seamus Tactica. http://www.wyrd-games.net/showthread.php?18577-Tactica-Hamelin-the-Plagued&highlight=Tactica+Hamelin Final Notes - I'll meet ANY deadlines you set. - I'll write and/or edit as many stories as you'd like. - I will adapt to whatever writing style you prefer most. - I'll continue to play Malifaux regardless of what comes from this post. - I posted this on the Forum specifically so people could follow those links and give me honest (read: harsh) feedback on what I've written. - I have non-Malifaux related stories that I can e-mail to any Wyrd employee interested. - I am currently working on a pretty savvy novel. - Wyrd if you ARE interested in helping me out, please respond in a private message and I'll supply an E-mail address that we can communicate through. - Thank you again for your time.

They're kinda niche, but not really. So I don't have to write any more,

Yeah, non Avatar he has to do it one at a time. With Avatar he does it all at once. ;D I kid I kid I kid

Just going to quote this because the rest of your post is spot on, and I'm not trying to dissect what you say or disprove your opinion, I'd just rather get some insight on what you're saying. That said, wouldn't you want to outright avoid using Seamus' Avatar versus a Von Schill crew? I can see it being effective if you take a lot of Onryo or something to reduce the WP bonuses to his crew, but wouldn't you agree that versus a mobile shooty crew, your best bet would be to rely more heavily on other models doing most of the work and have Seamus just act as a sponge / mack daddy? Again, more looking for insight into why you feel the Avatar of Dread would be auto-include versus Vicky / Von Schill, not trying to say you're wrong.

Don't worry about killing anything as Seamus, just play to your strength and counter what you can. Like the serial killer you're playing, you've just got to capitalize on any mistakes people make. Whereas Seamus kills unwitting women, however, you're facing a competant opponent with guns. So you need to really broaden your horizon in model selection to get you that edge you require. While usually you won't have any idea who you're up against, there are a few lists that work well against a plethora of enemy crews. Against Von Schill, I would lose the Hanged and pick up 4 SS cache and a Crooligan. The Mist is gonna help out big versus anything shooty your opponent brings. Trying to Terrify a Von Schill crew is pointless unless you bring out the Avatar of Dread because you just won't be doing enough to matter, as all of his models become something like Wp 9 with (0)Hard Ass. Unless you build up your crew right. The Punk Zombies are another questionable choice, because you're taking heavy melee, low mobility versus moderate ranged, high mobility. If you can catch one of his models in your blender, yeah, they're gonna die. But again, you could be doing a lot more effectively with different models. My criticism aside, try using as many Onryo as possible. They're like our hard counter to Von Schill. They're Spirits, have decent movement, nice damage, can drastically wreck a single model once they die, deal damage versus Ranged Strikes, Ignore armor, can deal ranged damage and have (1)Mark of Jigoku which is their Ca of 5 versus Von Schill's cast of 3, his Freikorpsman's cast of 3, his Librarians cast of 6, his Specialist's cast of 3 and his sniper's cast of 3. (1)Mark of Jigoku removes any immunity to WP duels and negates any bonuses that model receives, meaning no Stubborn and no (0)Hard Ass making a Terror Engine MUCH more effective. If you take 1-2 Belles, Molly, 1-2 Onryo, a Crooligan and MAYBE a Convict Gunslinger, you should give yourself a significant combat advantage, at which point your main focus will be maintaining an even field of movement versus Von Schill (As the rest of his crew is fairly slow) which, with Molly and Seamus' +2 Wk to Belles, you shouldn't be off to a bad start. In list form Seamus: Brings a decent ranged Strike, he's more there to buff his Belles and tank as much damage as possible. Another main strength will be summoning in Dead Doxies or additional Rotten Belles to maintain speed. Molly: Try to focus on buffing movement, but she can also bring in additional Crooligans if necessary. She can also Spell Steal anything from the Librarian, as most of the Librarian's Spells will be far more powerful when used against the Freikorps than for them. If an Onryo manages to hit Von Schill with (1)Mark of Jigoku, make NO hesitation to jump on him with Molly's (1)Terrible Secret, it'll remove his damage from the game and make even Rotten Belles an effective beatstick against him. Onryo: Spirit, decent movement, powerful damage. All around a HARD counter to Von Schill's crew. Crooligan: The Mist + Movement will make them invaluable if Von Schill has to capture points or take anything from you. The Crooligan's (1)The Mist will also function as an effective shield for your Onryo as your opponent will most likely focus them. Rotten Belle: At first, focus on just moving them to objectives, after Onryo's get to work, use them to Lure the Freikorps apart and tear them up one by one.

Sorry, yes I use Night Terrors. I mentioned them specifically in the post, and just used the "Any other Spirit" as a general term. Absolutely need Night Terrors in some cases.

Seamus isn't really underwhelming, and he has gotten a bad rap. The problem with the perception of Seamus is that it hasn't changed since book 1. In the first book, Seamus was the tank, meaning that versus other masters in the first book, his strengths were high survivability, amazing utility, low damage and moderate mobility. That was his niche, that was his place. If you brought Seamus into a game you were doing so knowing that your motto was "Outlast, atrophy, victory." The design philosophy for the first book was along the lines of "Multiple, powerful stand alone minions that received small augments when working with a specific master." So if you took a Punk Zombie with Nicodem, you knew you could make it a Cb 9 Df 7 killing machine, but you could still take that same Zombie with Seamus and get a ton of use out of it, too. With the advent of Book 2, the paradigm of Master / Minion interaction shifted, to where Masters and their intended minions had MASSIVE amounts of synergy compared to any of their book 1 counterparts. (Compare Sonnia and her Witchlings to Dreamer and his Nightmares, Seamus and his Belles to Kirai and her ghosts.) Where in the first book, the interactions between crew members was fairly limited, the second book had minions that absolutely were made to compliment their master. (Cassandra with Colette, Nix with Hamelin.) and these minions brought little when taken with masters they weren't made for, some even having absolute restriction to their intended master. This creates a problem because you now have two seperate grades of crews, those made with eachother in mind, and those specifically designed to work together. All of the most skilled players quickly understood that simply by introducing new masters and models into the game with a drastically different design philosophy would change every model in the game, because you can't just keep using one master for what he was in the first book for what he becomes in the second book. So you get a lot of players who are introduced to Malifaux on a dated belief system and attempt to follow that system throughout the lifespan of the game. Seamus is no longer a tank, is what I'm saying. He's no longer the big bad of the meatshields. He's evolved into more of a manipulator. Low damage, moderate survivability, high utility, fantastic mobility. Think of Seamus more like Colette than McMourning, because that's really what he's become. Seamus will never survive a prolonged fist fight with any book 2 beatstick. His advantages are outdated and will always fail, and sometimes will even work strongly against him. To find any kind of competitive success, you just have to understand that your whole ideal of Seamus has to be "Fast moving manipulator." Because his Belles can strongly displace enemies via Lure. Because Onyro can strip Immune to Influence and deal some pretty decent damage as well as apply a significant debuff upon death, Molly can bolster movement and reduce enemy defenses (Or steal spells and just go crazy) Doxies can drastically reduce the combat prowess of enemies, Crooligans can camp an objective until the second coming of Leveticus. Night Terrors can go explode across the map and capture pretty much anything. And all of those models together work really, really well. Models I personally don't use and suggest against, are The Drowned, The Hanged and any spirit[EDIT: Any Spirit that isn't an Onryo or Night Terror.] that isn't an Onryo. Because The Drowned: Bring little to Seamus. They've got slows and low damage output but aren't repaceable and give you nothing when they die. The Hanged: Eight points for a model that adds nothing new. If you're versus a living crew, yeah, go ahead and take them. But the uncertainty of who you'll face and the lack of living models usually make these guys a no go nowadays.