nomadicXnightmare

October update! What: Weekly "Malifaux Mondays" Demos and general open play. Where: Tier 1 Cards and Games, located at 1921 W. Dimond Blvd., #B3, Anchorage, AK 99515 When: Every Monday (unless noted). For October: 10/3 - 6:30pm to 10:30pm. 10/10 - 3:00pm to 10:30pm. 10/17 - 6:30pm to 10:30pm. 10/24 - 3:00pm to 10:30pm. 10/31 - Unavailable. Why: To teach new players about this awesome game known as Malifaux and generally support/promote/grow the local community!

I'd also like to see an arcanist/outcast master. Frankly Raspy and Marcus both already have that 'on their own' vibe and don't fit as well within the M&SU running theme. When ME2 launched and I saw all the dual faction crews I was rather disappointed arcanists didn't get one (Mei Feng doesn't count as everyone got a TT dual crew). I could very well see one of them turned duel in the future or have another self-contained arcanist come to the fore, benefiting from the protections the arcanists can bring against the Guild while pursuing their own agenda. Or even something as simple as merc spellcasters! That'd be fun!

I can't agree with Vorschlag's assessment enough - I think the "What is a crutch?" question should be based on the individual player and what they are comfortable with, rather than specific models the vocal minority (or majority in some cases) believe them to be. There are some podcasts I listen to where someone will say "You HAVE to take X model, because they are soooo amazing, blah blah blah." and my first reaction is usually "No I don't." But I'm also one of those weird players that attempts to build crews based on overall aesthetics/theme, very much limiting my options in competitive play. Funny thing is, at least on the local level, I get by just fine. Back on topic though, I do have my personal "crutches" I am ashamed (or not) to admit. First one that comes to mind is Johan whenever I run a M&SU crew. It's not even a question - he just goes in the list. Regardless of the scheme pool he will always find something to do, and he's such a bargain for what e does even with the merc tax. Specifically with Marcus, it comes at no surprise that Myranda is an auto take. Wherein there are other beasts to can subbed in for various roles like scheme running or heavy hitting, there is literally nothing available that comes close to the utility and synergy Myranda brings to a beast list.

Logging in a win against the Guild for the Self-Righteous Man! Marcus was very adamant about securing his future initiate from Hoffman's clutches.

When: Saturday, September 17th. Registration begins at 6:15pm. First round kicks off at 6:30pm. Where: Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center, located at 600 W 7th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501 What: "Bare Knuckles" Enforcer Brawl at Battle Zone Ursa Gaming Convention! Battle Zone Ursa's premier Malifaux event: "Bare Knuckles" Enforcer Brawl! Come test your mettle in an arena deathmatch style throwdown! Excitement and glory to be had for both Malifaux newcomers and veterans alike! Full rules and tickets available at http://battlezoneursa.com/ or check out the event page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/272606023124154/

September update! What: Weekly "Malifaux Mondays" Demos and general open play. Where: Tier 1 Cards and Games, located at 1921 W. Dimond Blvd., #B3, Anchorage, AK 99515 When: Every Monday (unless noted). For September: 9/5 - 2:30pm to 10:30pm. 9/12 - 6:30pm to 10:30pm. 9/19 - Unavailable. 9/26 - 6:30pm to 10:30pm. Why: To teach new players about this awesome game known as Malifaux and generally support/promote/grow the local community!

When: Sunday, August 21st. Registration begins at 12:00pm. First round kicks off at 12:30pm. Where: Tier 1 Cards and Games, located at 1921 W. Dimond Blvd., #B3, Anchorage, AK 99515 What: Gaining Grounds 2016 Tournament. Specifics: 50SS crews each game and a single faction declared at registration. Up to 2 Masters may be utilized during the event w/ up to a 100ss hiring pool (including summoned models; excluding upgrades). 4 rounds will be played - 1st round utilizes Henchmen Hardcore rules. 1 hour, 15 minutes allocated for round 1, 2 hours, 15 minutes are allocated for each subsequent round. Entry fee: $15 If you're in the area, come join us for our second official Gaining Grounds tournament! If you have any questions, please comment below or send me a message. Thanks!

August update! What: Weekly "Malifaux Mondays" Demos and general open play. Where: Tier 1 Cards and Games, located at 1921 W. Dimond Blvd., #B3, Anchorage, AK 99515 When: Every Monday (unless noted). For August: 8/1 - 2:30pm to 10:30pm. 8/8 - 6:30pm to 10:30pm. 8/15 - 2:30pm to 10:30pm. 8/22 - Unavailable. 8/29 - 2:30pm to 10:30pm. Why: To teach new players about this awesome game known as Malifaux and generally support/promote/grow the local community!

July update! What: Weekly "Malifaux Mondays" Demos and general open play. Where: Tier 1 Cards and Games, located at 1921 W. Dimond Blvd., #B3, Anchorage, AK 99515 When: Every Monday (unless noted). For July: 7/4 - Holiday - Not available. 7/11 - 6:30pm to 10:30pm. 7/18 - 2:30pm to 10:30pm. 7/25 - 6:30pm to 10:30pm. Why: To teach new players about this awesome game known as Malifaux and generally support/promote/grow the local community!

June update! What: Weekly "Malifaux Mondays" Demos and general open play. Where: Tier 1 Cards and Games, located at 1921 W. Dimond Blvd., #B3, Anchorage, AK 99515 When: Every Monday (unless noted). For June: 6/6 - 2:30pm to 10:30pm (Last day of the "Bushwhackers" League!). 6/13 - 6:30pm to 10:30pm. 6/20 - 2:30pm to 10:30pm. 6/27 - 6:30pm to 10:30pm. We also have our first Gaining Grounds tournament scheduled for Sunday, the 26th! Why: To teach new players about this awesome game known as Malifaux and generally support/promote/grow the local community!

When: Sunday, June 26th. Registration begins at 12:00pm. First round kicks off at 12:30pm.Where: Tier 1 Cards and Games, located at 1921 W. Dimond Blvd., #B3, Anchorage, AK 99515What: Gaining Grounds 2016 Tournament.Specifics: 50SS crews each game and a single faction declared at registration. Up to 2 Masters may be utilized during the event w/ up to a 100ss hiring pool (including summoned models; excluding upgrades). 3 rounds will be played. 2 hours, 15 minutes are allocated for each round.Entry fee: $15 If you're in the area, come join us for our first official Gaining Grounds tournament! If you have any questions, please comment below or send me a message. Thanks!

Late May update (sorry!) What: Weekly "Malifaux Mondays" Demos and general open play. Where: Tier 1 Cards and Games, located at 1921 W. Dimond Blvd., #B3, Anchorage, AK 99515 When: Every Monday (unless noted). For May: 5/2 - 6:30pm to 10:30pm. 5/9 - 2:00pm to 10:30pm. 5/16 - 6:30pm to 10:30pm. 5/23 - 1:30pm to 10:30pm. 5/30 - 6:30pm to 10:30pm. Due to the commencement of the "Bushwhackers" Rapid Growth League my time may be limited for demos, so please let me know in advance if you are interested on participating in a demo and I'll see what I can do. Why: To teach new players about this awesome game know as Malifaux and generally support/promote/grow the local community!

I am pleased to announce Alaska's first ever Rapid Growth League! Lovingly dubbed the "Bushwhacker's League", this event will commence May 9th and run through June 6th. Players will begin with a modest Master-led crew of 26SS which will progressively increase each week, wrapping up week 4 with a full 50SS crew. The league will be fixed faction, which players must declare at registration. This will be an achievement based league, where overall winners will be determined by achievement points earned throughout the 4 full weeks. Plenty of prizes to be given away for those who make it to the end! All games must be played at Tier 1 Cards and Games, located at 1921 W. Dimond Blvd., #B3, Anchorage, AK 99515. League game reporting must be submitted to myself - the league organizer - or to a Tier 1 staff member. There is a $15 entry fee due at registration. Registration must be completed in person at Tier 1 prior to May 9th. League packets with additional/expanded rules are available at Tier 1 and will also include your Achievement Tracker. Please comment below or send me a message should you have any questions.

What: Weekly "Malifaux Mondays" Demos and general open play. Where: Tier 1 Cards and Games, located at 1921 W. Dimond Blvd., #B3, Anchorage, AK 99515 When: Every Monday (unless noted). For April: 4/4 - 6:30pm to 10:30pm. 4/11 - 2:00pm to 10:30pm. 4/18 - 6:30pm to 10:30pm. 4/25 - 1:30pm to 10:30pm. I am also generally available if you wish to request special arrangements/times for demos. Please submit requests via PM. Why: To teach new players about this awesome game know as Malifaux and generally support/promote/grow the local community!

As the title says, I'm on the hunt for the old 1st edition Blessed of December, preferably unpainted. Willing to buy outright or perhaps work out a trade. PM if you have one that you are willing to part with. Thanks!

What: Weekly "Malifaux Mondays" Demos and general open play. Where: Tier 1 Cards and Games, located at 1921 W. Dimond Blvd., #B3, Anchorage, AK 99515 When: Every Monday (unless noted). For March (plus the last day of February): 2/29 - 1:30pm to 10:30pm. 3/7 - 6:30pm to 10:30pm. 3/14 - 1:30pm to 10:30pm. 3/21 - 6:30pm to 10:30pm. 3/28 - 1:30pm to 10:30pm. I am also generally available if you wish to request special arrangements/times. Please submit requests via PM. Why: To teach new players about this awesome game know as Malifaux and generally support/promote/grow the local community!

Malifaux Demos at Tier 1 Cards and Games! To kick off my Henchman status and regular Monday Malifaux demos, I will be at Tier 1 Feb. 29th for extended hours starting at 1:30pm and running till 10:00pm. Tier 1 Cards & Games 1921 W. Dimond Blvd. #B3 Anchorage, AK 99515 If you're in the area, come by and sit-in on/participate in a Malifaux demo! If you would like to schedule a specific time for a demo, send me a PM or reply below. See you there!

True story that - never enough Teddies. The bunny will end up being a "counts as Teddy" I assure you lol What I was getting at is I'd love to take Luther as a alternative nightmare henchman selection instead of Widow Weaver. Not that I don't like WW, but variety, especially the crazy and demented rabbit kind, is always good. Although, using him in as a BoD in a Marcus crew would be absolutely hilarious!

No unfortunately... the cards specifically state they can only be hired or summoned in scenarios that list them my name. Also, as a side note, Dreamer can't summon henchmen =P

My heart aches a little bit that these guys, as displayed on those cards, are strictly story encounter models. Having the giant bunny as a henchman for Dreamer in regular games would be EPIC! Oh well. I'll be picking them up regardless

I am having a seriously difficult time taking down the infamous puppet master Collodi and I'm requesting some assistance/guidance/advice. I run either Marcus or Kaeris and my successes against him have been... less than spectacular to put it nicely. Obviously a lot depends on the specific strategy/schemes, but in general I feel like he's able to out perform me in most scenarios. To give some perspective on my opponent, he's a really strong player within my local community and gravitates to synergy-centric, masters - he also runs Lucius and McMourning on a regular basis. When he plays Collodi at 50ss I can always expect a full allotment of Marionettes, a Beckoner, a Coryphee, Widow Weaver (sometimes subbing in Vasilisa), and some variation of additional Wicked Dolls and/or Effigys (Brutal and Lucky being his favorites). He finishes up with Collodi's upgrades Fated, Strum the Threads, and Threads of Fate. I've had about a 50/50 win ratio with Marcus against Collodi, wherein the beasts either perform exceptionally well or they are obliterated entirely. My usual lineup includes Miranda, the Jackalope, Sabertooth Cerberus, at least 1 Malifaux Raptor (if not 2), and slotting in some combination of Slurids, Waldgeists, and/or a Dawn Serpent to taste plus whatever upgrades I feel are necessary. If I can alpha strike a key model early (Widow Weaver, Beckoner, etc.) I usually do ok... otherwise things fall apart fast as my beasts succumb to WP duel fails (even with the Hunger Cry's Howl in place) or the puppets overwhelm me with fast activations and hard-to-kill tarpits. I am more saddened by Kaeris' performance since she represents my more 'power'-centic list. During my last game I ran the Firestarter (w/ Warding Runes), the Captain (w/ Warding Runes), a Gunsmith, 3 Oxfordian Mages (w/ all additional runes represented), and Kaeris packing Grab and Drop, Born in Fire, and Arcane Reservoir. The strategy was Turf War... and I ended up conceding by the end of Turn 2. I was blown away by how quickly the puppets were able to race across the field and engage my mages, essentially shutting them down. Utilizing the Brutal Effigy's "damage enemy - heal & kill enemy - draw card" buff, Collodi was able to tag virtually his entire force with it and any damage I managed to inflict was quickly negated. Although a few Marionettes did fall, I felt as though I could not stack enough burning around to really prove effective before Kaeris' crew was dying all around her. Admittedly I also suffered from some seriously bad card flips this game, but luck can only account for so much. So, any suggestions on how to tweak my crew selections? Any tips or tricks worth sharing on how to take the wooden man down? As a note, I do try to keep my crews somewhat fluffy, so please no suggestions like "take December Acolytes with Kaeris" or whatnot. Other than that, any help would be greatly appreciated!

If anyone has a Malifaux Child card they want to part with, I can either trade from the Arcanists 1 or 2 decks or I am willing to pay a reasonable fee. Shoot me a PM if interested. Thanks

I've also been very interested in trying out the Vassal module, but was unsure if it was updated to M2E. My local group is... unreliable at best and, especially with the global campaign up and running, it'd be nice to have another option to get games in. Is Twitter the best way to arrange a game? Thanks!

I also want to take a moment to thank everyone who has contributed to this guide. I've run Marcus since ME1 and, after taking a hiatus from the game, this guide has helped me immensely to ease back into the fold. My local meta, as far as Archanists are concerned, gravitates to Rasputina in spades, so it feels good to run ME2 Marcus and give them a real challenge, if not a solid boot to ass on the tabletop. They have come to fear the Cerberus and nobody ever expects the Slurids running objectives or mauling the random lone minion! I just recently starting trying out a Dawn Serpent and I'm not sure I'm convinced yet. It's nice actually having some range support, but he seems like such a ss sink to fill a niche that, frankly seems counter-synergetic to the rest of the crew. Any thoughts on if he's really worth it?