PerpetualBeginner1

@Fetid Strumpet Honestly, I'm not sure how santaclaws1 meant to use the word viable, you would need to ask him. In general, I use it to mean, given all other things equal, the 7 should be able to be put up against another crew and have a reasonable chance of winning (excluding rock/paper/scissors scenarios). Also, it is important to point out that the original claim was that the 7 were "never intended to be a viable crew option". This would require some statement from Wyrd as evidence. Whether or not they are a viable crew option is a different issue.

"He's not a master" Correct, but is the leader of a full crew, no other henchmen in the game can claim that title. Also, I'm not sure if other henchmen can lead crew in 50 ss games which is where you would be most likely playing wrath as a leader. Am I missing something in the rules? "Crossroads 7 isn't a real faction." Agreed, it is whatever faction you want but Wrath is distinctly Neverborn. He can still be given a new Neverborn upgrade, similar to his current zero, which would work exactly the same way and can be used in any faction you take the crew. I don't see a reason this can't be the case. "He was never intended to be at the same level as a master. The crossroad 7 was never intended to be a viable crew option." I don't think anyone is claiming that Wrath should be at the same level as a master, just that it would have been nice, as the leader of a full crew, to get a new upgrade. Also, has Wyrd explicitly stated that the 7 were never meant to be viable? I'm having a really hard time understanding people's responses on this one.

Prior to playing Malifaux I was a Fantasy player myself; the transition was not gentle and I still have night terrors from Nekima and the Hungering Darkness. There were two big things that really helped this game 'click' for me: First off, being told constantly to focus on the Strategies/Schemes. This was a massive hurdle for me and one I still struggle with a bit. Fantasy was (still is) all about killing your opponent and keeping your own models alive, that doesn't apply to Malifaux. Make sure you are reminding your friend that he needs to focus on the Strats/Schemes to win, killing your opponent's model should only facilitate this goal. One way to help with this is to pick "easy" strats/schemes for the crews that he has. For example, if your friend is dying a lot have a strat/scheme pool that involves frame for murder, that is an easy 3 points. You can also include stats/schemes that might be more difficult for your crew and pick those for your to achieve. This will help you to become a better player and allow for a closer game. Second, is teaching your friend about resources management. Every turn he should have one major goal ready to achieve and most of his resources should go to achieving that goal. He should also have his secondary goals that need to be achieved but can wait a little bit. By teaching your friend to focus on one goal at time it can really up his game and not be so overwhelmed by what the different cards can do. A big part of his feelings of being overwhelmed is that he is not learning his crew well enough. I would suggest that he stick with one master and build on him/her until he gets the hang of it. It might take awhile (took be about 10 games to get my first win) but it will be worth it when it happens. I hope these suggestions help. Good luck and happy gaming!