dancater

Yeah Malifaux is tricky here. There is no easier faction but there are some easier crew builds. Faction choice is really about character and mutual support, honestly I think many players have masters they like in multiple (if not all 7) factions and those that just don't grab them. The reason folks go faction is economics (mostly) and time (a bit) because if you love 1-2 masters in a faction and like a couple of others you can purchase there boxes and some support play a few times with each while intermixing various models and this saves money (each purchase increases your total single faction pool) and time (you learn models strengths/weaknesses within the faction). With infinite money and time I'd play this master from this faction with this model pool and that master from that faction with that pool. But alas I (and near everyone else in the world) have neither. So: Be wary of summoner masters to start out, they can be expensive (you need to buy the crew and the summons) and also in lower soul stone teaching style games imbalanced (summoning models as a % of total crew value obviously changes between say a 30SS game and a 50SS game). Aim for simple masters, this IMO means less synergy dependent (this is always trickier) and more focused on damage output and/or survivability. A number of masters are great tricky nuanced scheme-y types but they are harder to grasp. The advantage of the damage/tank based masters is its easier to grasp what they need/want to do and at least initially I'd play with no or lite schemes/strats as this lets you understand the basic mechanics before throwing in the next layer. That is exactly what you get from the Starter box models. They are pretty self contained and generally blunt instrument damage dealers, the Starter missions also progress you through rules to mission complexity and through the simple abilities then on up towards the more complex and some synergy interactions. Additionally the Starter box models are all mercenaries so you can use them potentially in every other crew into the future (actually you can even run all the Starter box models together in a single crew if you want). After (or instead of) that.... This reasoning above also lends itself to why I think the 'classic' starter masters include Guild The Ortegas, Arcanist Rasputina, Ressers Seamus, Neverborn Lilth, Gremlins The Kin, Outcasts the Viktoria's and Ten Thunders Misaki. They are all at least initially simple (but can get much more nuanced later), they all have useful crew boxes and generally make a solid starting place. Alternatively pick the crew whose 'theme/look' you like most but this is not without risk. I'd advice pick a simpler master from the faction with your most favorite crew's (even if you're kinda so so on that particular master) and then move forwards from that, this will give you a good introduction and you can later move forward to your ideal masters with some in faction models already known and available.

Keep an eye out they have restocked before during events.

Not sure about this. I have done multiple orders a couple of times on the same event and same shipping type out to NSW. The orders have been spread out and the shipping notifications have occurred on different days and the orders have dutifully arrived on separate days as well. Could change I suppose, but in my experience Wyrd has sent the early order out first and so forth, except for a memorable multi order where for some reason the middle order of three decided it would hide in the shipping in box for a week. As for pre-realese, I have never thus far received any model from Wyrd's pre-release sales later then its official release, usually the thing which slows me down is actually assembly, but that is a different story.

I noted the Malifaux Raptors and the Generalist Update Deck 2 are both not available that I can see. Everything else that I wanted was, so now I'm poor.

Store is up

Yes, this is the normal process Webstore down pre-GenCon and the usual suspect collection of Malifanatic's waiting to make purchases sometime during the coming weekend. Question is when does it all start.

Got to say I really like both the Iconic and Twisted Fate Decks. I actually prefer the Twisted deck in the parchment hue card background because it (IMO) makes the cards easier to quickly recognize as weak-moderate-severe damage brackets, I think the gems in the corners stand out a little better. I honestly like both the darker and lighter about the same but think the lighter has more utility value because its more easily legible. They look damn awesome Stark either way, nice work to all involved. Also superb work kudoes to is it Zool(?) the artist on the Iconic. You're both going to cost me money.

A full version in what context? The Wyrd official preview is here with a link to the wallpaper http://www.wyrd-games.net/news/2016/7/31/the-ten-thunders-lineup The master and box are limited spoiler-review here http://www.wyrd-games.net/asami-tanaka And the inane commentary and speculation is in this thread and I'm guessing spread throughout the forums. As far as I'm aware there is no more 'fuller' versions available, at least for the next 24-48 hours and the GenCon availability of Ripples of Fate. Not sure what you are requesting but hope that helps.

Neverborn Ripples of Fate Preview Incidentally not sure if this link has been posted officially yet (its the same as the Dakka Dakka spoiler, but still) http://www.wyrd-games.net/news/2016/8/2/the-neverborn-lineup

Wyrd as long as you at least make an effort to have reasonable shipping and the pricing is reflective of currency fluctuations and import/export costs I'm behind you as much as I can afford. Given that I've seen lazy single most expensive shipping estimation costs and very heavy regional price adjustment on behalf of other games companies I currently embrace and support Wyrd's efforts. In my experience over several years I've got my little plastic horror toys in a reasonable time frame, with equitable post currency conversion prices and at a shipping cost I can justify. The potential costs incurred by going crazy during the Wyrd tri-sale events as opposed to waiting out and hunting bargains online or locally is my choice to enjoy the bonus items without paying secondary market premium.

As an Australian got to say that exchange rates hurt but not nearly as much as shipping rates (and here at least Wyrd has consistently offered different cost/time options unlike so many other online retailers). I pretty much exclusively wait to make my Wyrd orders for the tri-annual (Easter, GenCon & Black Friday-Wyrd Birthday) sales, I like the specials more often than not and with a good bulk buy of stuff I really want I eat the shipping costs which usually aren't prohibitive on a single larger order (as a percentage of total). Still it gets a little worse each year and I remain grateful that Wyrd puts in a little effort to provide at least some semblance of a cheaper shipping option. Ultimately this is the curse of the global internet, an Australian supplier would unlikely maintain the shear quantity of orders demanded to enable it to remain price competitive with much higher turn over US based operations and Wyrd cannot really be expected to subsidize overseas markets at a significant loss (think employees, rental, dead stock, utilities, and every other cost entailed). In particular given that a regional supplier in one area would be met with equally valid requests from others, so UK I feel your pain but equally understand our down Aus-NZ way and then we have to consider parts of Asia, Sth America, Africa, regions of mainland Europe, potentially even China, Russia, India, Japan everyone of these areas feels the burn of shipping times and costs and currency conversions (often with jolly surcharges included). It sucks but then I play fantasy games expressly because sometimes reality sucks and I need the escape

Oh the countdown. If only it was done by timezone, I have to pay for shipping to my far and distant Australia it would be damn nice if I could log into the store 12 odd hours early as compensation. As hundreds of Wyrd players begin to routinely refresh there store webpages we have to ask...... When did life arrive at this moment, a middle aged adult repeat checking a webstore to buy plastic toys online, either something went very wrong in my life plan or something went very right - depends on your perspective. I'm going with right it says something both gratifying and disturbing about my society that the likely most important purchase I make this week will be a plastic representation of a dynamite throwing woman on a bicycle which is out of date by one hundred years.

OK, On the ice cream, I will admit that if the actual card has some sort of action based on the ice cream cone that will just be awesome, the proverbial chocolate sauce. Not sure what, a lure (never accept ice cream off zombies you don't know), a heal/condition removal (the restorative ice cream binge), an attack (ice cream to the face and slow due to dread cold shock). I mean come on, you can't put it on the mini and not have it on the card, please.

So the Titiana box, already love the mini's. Really want to see the rules. The Bandersnatch is, interesting, guess it will come down to rules and role. The blob (Fae? I assume) are twisted and disturbing, the rules will be the kicker here, the mini's are 50/50 for me, I don't love 'em but can live with them. The undead (I agree) looking hounds, seem like maybe some sort of giant (pack leader?) corrupted hounds? I'm alright with them but they could be resser as easy as NB, but I suppose that is true of the corrupted hounds as well. They will likely be beasts so have crossover to my Marcus builds maybe. Interested to see the rules. Also we've got Guild Hounds, Canine Remains, Corrupted Hounds. Will the other factions get a similar style minion, I hope so. TT get maybe Foo Dogs, Gremlins get maybe Hunting Dogs, Outcasts get Fighting Dogs and Arcanists get Wild Dogs??? Hope springs eternal.

My turn to double post. Ressers preview looks OK, nothing new which overwhelmed me but solid. already commented in other places on the TT preview. Now Neverborn for the finale and only my expensive Wyrd induced GenCon order to go.

My turn to double post. Ressers preview looks OK, nothing new which overwhelmed me but solid. already commented in other places on the TT preview. Now Neverborn for the finale and only my expensive Wyrd induced GenCon order to go.

Terracotta warriors look cool, curious to see who they have (if anyone) powerful utility for, ancestors? Yan Lo? The old man clearly looks like some sort of priest, Buddhist type (prayer beads and all), as a Sandeep prospective player (read I am a Union man) kinda hoping he is an Academic as well. I'd expect he'll be good in Shenlong list but pure speculation. The really interesting mini however is the flying lizard/dragon/pegasus beast (pretty certain it's a Kirin or Qilin) and rider... I am certain really fast, I suspect an Enforcer. It's I think meant to be an omen of good fortune and royalty.... I guess it could be Oni but I don't think it actually should be, although the rider could be. Curious. Solid preview.

Ten Thunders Preview http://www.wyrd-games.net/news/2016/7/31/the-ten-thunders-lineup No dedicated thread (that I could find) but there is the Ten Thunders preview. Terracota warriors look cool, curious to see who they have (if anyone) powerful utility for, ancestors? Yan Lo? The old man clearly looks like some sort of priest, buddhist type (prayer beads and all), as a Sandeep prospective player (read I am a Union man) kinda hoping he is an Academic as well. I'd expect he'll be good in Shenlong list but pure speculation. The really interesting mini however is the flying lizard/dragon/pegasus beast (pretty certain it's a Kirin or Qilin) and rider... I am certain really fast, I suspect an Enforcer. It's I think meant to be an omen of good fortune and royalty.... I guess it could be Oni but I don't think it actually should be, although the rider could be. Curious. Solid preview.

I agree with what's been said. Basically Raspy runs well with her box and other Frozen Heart models, the December Acolytes and Silent Ones have pretty solid application with many other Arcanist masters and the Blessed of December also runs strong with Marcus. Otherwise its probably sub-optimal to run Snow Storm, Ice Gamin and Ice Golem with other crews, they can but there is better options. Raspy is very self contained but equally does not spread terribly well, particularly her actual box. Ironsides is an interesting, odd and challenging master who runs with anything MS&U. Sadly really no cross over with Raspy, they are two good masters and crews but not much ideal cross over either way. Ramos has great cross over with Colette (Joss, Howard and Spiders [with Mech Rider]) and Mei Feng (everything). Also a summoner so not a cheaper master. Raspy solid individually and her December Acolytes and Silent Ones are good anywhere, Ice Dancers are great scheme runners and Showgirls. Otherwise poor cross over. Marcus is the Beast Master, self contained and truly huge multi-faction crew selection (any Beast), to play he is self contained, many options and can be flexible if expensive if you get lots of Beasts. Not much cross over. Mei Feng is the Arcanist - Ten Thunders dual master (and the Arc's only current dual). Foundry and construct's are her thing, so some cross over with Ramos and also Kaeris. Kang her boxes henchman is TT so only usable in Arcanist's with Mei herself (as Foundry). Colette is a tricky master and runs well with Showgirls and really any of the Arcanist heavy hitters (Joss, Howard, Mech Rider and Dec Acolyte are all amazing prompt targets. Her cross over is not bad as the Performers are pretty solid in other lists (and mercs) and Cassandra may be the best Arcanist Hench(wo)man. Kaeris is the flying burning babe, kinda the Arcanist 'makes you Icarus'. Anything with burning is good for her and thus has some cross over with Mei, the Fire Gamin are also constructs and run alright with certain Ramos builds. Ironsides is the MS&U enforcer and runs with any MS&U crew well so good with Ramos and OK with Kaeris. She comes with three Oxfordian Mages who as Academics may?? have some real cross over with Sandeep. Sandeep is the unknown his box has Kudra (henchman, maybe Showgirl? is likely an Academic) and three Poison Gamin (?could? be constructs [many but not all Gamin are] or even possibly Beasts [Poison and Marcus would seem possible]). That is the master run down basically as I see it. Also consider: Scorpius as a Beast/Construct cross over with Ramos and Marcus. The unreleased wave 4 Sikh swordsmen (may be Academics, possibly ??MS&U). Arcane Emissary works with every master as a solid hitter and the Arcane Effigy brings a little cheap flexibility. Mech Rider is a great horse(wo)man and brings great scheme running and some summons late game. Gunsmiths are an MS&U ranged model with burning benefits so solid with most Arcanist masters but in particular have potential with Mei Feng, Kaeris and Ironsides. Malifaux Raptors are fast, cheap and with high Df can be hard to kill, very irritating piece and particularly good with melee masters to spam your gunline builds and of course they are Beasts for Marcus. Insignificant so can't scheme run but will really aggravate opponents scheme runners who are often not able to simply one shot kill them. There are other Arcanist models (Union Miners, Large Steam Arachnids, Soulstone Miners come to mind) which all have use. For mine Raspy can simply run by herself fine and some of her ancillary pieces work well anywhere. Ironsides currently has the most box cross over with Ramos but may have some cross over with Sandeep in wave 4, we can't be certain yet. Hope that helps.

Malifaux is to my knowledge a game with a solid and devoted player base. Admittedly smaller than the GW and PP juggernauts (in war games terms) but it is well loved and growing. It is a complicated game to master because the importance of the schemes and strats add a great deal of nuance, the Starter Box is good for this reason because it really does 'ease' you in. But it is not essential and most of the factions have fairly simple and nicely complete crews 'out'o'the'box'. For Arcanists I think Rasputina would be a solid starter pick, for Guild Perdita, for Neverborn Lilth, for Gremlins The Kin, Outcasts the Viks are good. I'm not as sure with Ressers maybe Seamus (many ressers are summoners which complicates the straight starter) or the new master Reva maybe and for Ten Thunders Misaki is probably good but I'm not really familiar with TT crews. Terrain is truly an experiment is two things budget (you can go really cheap or over the top nuts expensive) and creativeness. Going cheap I'd grab a green (fields, grey or brown for other looks) cloth, sheet of piece of felt, cut this into 3' by 3' square - there is your play area. Then use the excess cloth/sheet/felt and cut it into shapes (rounded edge irregular) and you've got forests, swamps and other area drop terrain (even better is if you go a couple of different colored cloths to differentiate [brown for swamps, different green for forests etc] your terrain). Go buy some cheap larger sponges (green, grey and brown if you can get them, but some cloth dye if you can't) and then cut them into smaller irregular lumps, this gives you stand ins for rocks, trees and mud piles in swamps. Getting a hot wire cutter and some ceiling tile foam with a little green paint and this with some simple cutting gives you hills - you can even try to find foam off cuts from a local supplier if you are real polite and beg. At its cheapest I'd reckon you could do a table like this for <$US100. It will be functional, the terrain will be obvious to players and it'll look OK. You want more then it'll cost more but ultimately its one of those things which builds over time, I've been war gaming now for something like 30 years and I have enough pretty good terrain to have multiple tables if I want.

An MS&U lawyer. Cool. Also Indian which may mean some sort of link to Sandeep, ?Academic? could make sense with lawyer/advocate background. That is assuming that Wyrd designs her true to Northern Aggression background, but I imagine they will. In Nth Agg. she's an enforcer.

Amina Naidu How did I miss finding her.... As usual Santa delivers.

Well... The Sandeep box I already knew and liked. The Sikh warriors look great. Carlos (the torch guy) looks OK, interested to see his rules and in faction allegiances (Foundry, MS&U could he even be a Showgirl(man)). Lastly are very own bureaucrat, I think I have seen her art but have no idea where, if anyone knows I hope they tell. Either way interested to see her rules and interactions.

Well Parker's crew we've seen and they still look as good as they did on first reveal. Antonius is an 'older' release, nice to see him get the full release here though so everyone knows what to expect when facing him. The Asian martial arts swords-people look really good, hoping they are Last Blossom. Could have interesting application beyond Misaki with the Viks and obviously as straight mercs. Undead gunslingers are interesting, looking forward to the rules, obvious links to Jack Daw and Tara but also will hopefully have some application with Ressers and others as mercs. Overall nice preview.

It is both interesting and excellent just how much of an education I am picking up through Wyrd, from mythology to odd and groundbreaking historical figures a marked number of Malifaux characters force me to look up on the web what inspired them and slowly fill my brain with interesting factoids and trivia. This is becoming one of the hidden pleasures I get playing. Keep it up, full marks for not just cool names and characters but for really interesting, cultural and historical tie ins.