If y'all will entertain a couple follow-up question on the details: how about if the two painted boxed set crews were of the same faction? I tend to be heavy into Arcanists, but do have access to Ressers as well, but haven't finished painting them. I know, I know, just paint the Ressers, but I keep getting more Arcanists and it's hard to pull away from these for me. If it would be completely uncool to field Mei Feng vs. Ramos, I'll wait until I have the Ressers ready.
Also, I still look to the rule book a lot, like several times per game, or ask someone at the next table. Do I need to be an Encyclopedia of Malifaux before considering applying for Henchmanshipness ?
Thanks all, p_b
Sorry all, noticed later how old this post was. Found some answers in newer posts. Game on!