MrSpiffypants

You mentioned being a GW guy, which I think actually helps a lot. Reason being is this game while offering a much cheaper initial startup, really rewards a player who sticks to a single faction. For instance all the units hirable by Lady J, work wonderfully with Perdita/Hoffman/Sonnia. So going back to GW, it's similar to starting Space Marines then after a few games switching to Blood Angels (and back n' forth). ****this applies to everyone except outcasts**** Moreover, once you get your head around how the order that this game plays in, you're rewarded again by having a greater selection. How it works is thus: 1) each player picks faction 2) you flip for strategy (the main object of the game) 3) now you build your army. So as you can see, "list building" is actually encouraged in this, with a fair system that makes it fun. (unlike GW). Finally the two of the main types of tournaments typically use these systems, either fixed Master (you can't change your leader), or fixed faction (you're can't change your army). So while this is a 3rd reward for staying in faction, the real pleasure is in the options. I've been a fan of GW for 22 years, and the surest thing they do is focus on one aspect and make that the focus of that edition. This translates into units being left behind, and in some cases useless. This is not how Malifaux works. Every unit has a speciality, a role, and value. ****don't look too closely at the Malifaux Child**** Which do you like better? Corrupt-Government/Zombie Slayer vs Demons/The Boogieman? I'd grab Lady J, she terrifies me! (FYI I play Ressers)

Hello, I'm pretty new to this game, so me talking about balance or rules makes about as much sense as a chocolate tea cup. That said, the way the information has been presented here leads me to believe that it's possible to activate the Avatar after manifesting, and that this might be considered a little overpowered. Hmm, side note here: Awhile back I was helping my friend, filling in for him at his GW store. I remember getting into this one sided debate with this jerk who kept insisting that his Dark Elf sword said "you can never modify it's strength bonus". While I patiently tried to explain that "you can still destroy the weapon, thus removing the strength bonus". Long debate, didn't accomplish anything, and make me want to slap the idiot. Worst thing was I took from it a crummy feeling that I was dealing with power gaming jerks. (I still feel this way, and it sure helped with my exodus from GW) Near the end I felt like I was talking to a brick. There was no new ideas coming out of his mouth and things turned a little snarky. The biggest problem with this post is no new ideas are popping out. I sure haven't helped here, heh. If you feel strongly please continue posting your ideas, just make it entertaining with new ways of looking at the problem. Ray ps: Everyone here has made a pretty good impression that the Vik's aren't just point and click, and that maybe I should try them as my next crew. Thank you for that.