Mehter

Pertaining to Rafkin, I'd say he's only effective in an avatar Nicodem list. Nicodem feeds him body counters, and in turn Rafkin saves Nicodem 0 actions. 7 Stones is quite a bit, but whatever.

I like Rafkin

Well, ya. We're the worst faction in the game. Obviously. Or something.

The only reason I wouldn't run Izamu is because with nothing else he's very slow. Whereas the Dead Rider can get places. Or you could run both and have the Rider drag him around. Its kind of fun but I don't know if I'd recommend it.

It's been awhile since I put him together but you're probably talking about his goatee.

If Sebastian was one stone lower I'd run him in everything.

I don't see how he's a crutch, and you don't always have to take him. He just works very well with Doug, being able to get objectives while Doug goes on a killing spree and the rest of your crew helps with that, or helps Von Schill complete objectives. If you don't like it thematically I guess that's your business, but it works. I don't like him with any of our other masters, but with Doug's playstyle it syncs up a good amount of the time. The Grave Spirit is good depending on the rest of your crew. I personally like using both the Dead Rider and Von Schill in the same list as Doug as it has a ton on mobility. If the Rider has the GS on him, so much the better. It just depends. Then get some Drowned to lock up models, then maybe a belle or two and you're set.

This. I like the 6 inch initial Sling for the Body Counter, but there's no real need to do anything other than that. Dogs hit pretty hard if they get Moderate. And if they don't, whatever. Plus, having a couple dogs for the -2 DF aura is nice of Doug gets in there. Doesn't always happen, but I don't see why I should deny myself that opportunity. I personally despise Desperate Mercs. I thought I was alone in a sea of Ressers killing their own lists to make a new list by Turn 2, but it's good to see others argue against that.

My suggestion for the Totems is to run both. I have a hard time running Doug without Von Schill these days, and he can hire the Grave Spirit, which leaves Doug free to run his most hated dog. Plus, it's two totems for basically the price of 1.

Stick with one master, whichever that may be. Learn how to use him well, and then branch out in the faction. I've found that way helps make players better faster, as you can relate new abilities to the ones you know inside and out. Nicodem is great, and Morti is fantastic. I don't think I've ever run Nicodem without him. He's the only one of the the "B Listers" that still holds up. I just don't like Sybelle.

It's generally a lot easier to use the faction decks though, as they have weak/moderate/severe spelled out.

Yan Lo and Kirai sync up pretty well together. But I still wouldn't suggest her to a new player, especially one on a budget.

Doug shouldn't be focusing on summoning things anyway.

I've laminated mine since I started a few years ago, haven't had any problems since.

I'm down for some undead Gremlins.

It's good if he's already in combat at the start of his activation. Otherwise I start slinging things to get into combat. The problem I've had is that he doesn't usually start his activation in combat, as whatever I engaged last turn is dead. And people don't usually engage him if they aren't positive they can kill him before he can go again.

The main reason I don't like playing against Pandora is that I never feel like I'm playing against my opponent, just silly mechanics. I've played countless games against her, and overall I'm probably 50/50 in the win/loss category. But every time it has just come down to "Did I use Sue/Seamus."

Perdita gives me the most trouble with him. But I don't usually take Doug against Guild because of Lady J/Perdita/Criid. It's not insurmountable, but it normally feels like an uphill battle.

Well fine then.

Von Schill can throw on the Grave Spirit if the master is a Resser. He just can't link to it, obviously.

I don't usually go avatar until at least turn 4. I like making a Rogue Necromancy and using Bolster while the Dead Rider and/or Izamu is still running around.

As it should. I've had a riot with Yan Lo so far. Kirai isn't the easiest person to learn the game with, either. Once you figure out the rules a bit, go back and re-visit her. She can be a lot of fun.

Definitely nothing wrong with what you've gotten so far. Models to consider, off the top of my head: Lilith: Black Blood Shaman is pretty handy, and the Cherub can do a few tricks, as it's her totem. Perdita: Abuela is pretty solid, as she can heal the other Ortegas and has Obey. She doesn't hit as hard as the others, although the shotgun is still pretty solid. You can also get the Enslaved Nephilim. Terraclips can be a lot of fun, but I suggest assembling and using them in a space where you can keep them assembled. Having to tear them apart takes a lot of time, and wears on them as well.

Kirai needs a lot more models to start with, where Yan Lo you really just need to buy Izamu, maybe a couple Punk Zombies. I also really like The Drowned with him. Then Toshiro when he releases.

That's what I figured, but you never know these days. Thanks. I like the scheme as well, the contrast is great.