Hello! I just played two demo's of malifaux, both using lady J's box, and love the game. I'm definatley starting and am trying to figure out the least painful way of doing so. For a little background, I'm a very competitive warmachine player. I love that game due to it's tight rules,a nd very good balance. I hear some pretty good things about Malifaux 2.0 in that regard as well. So I have a few questions that I'm looking for veteran experience on.
What do I NEED to play? Rules, dice,arsenal, tokens, measuring widgets, objectives? anything like that?
Is there a small rulebook available?
What's a good way of getting a starting crew?
Is there any kind of digital program for managing crews and playing games? for those familiar I love warroom.
My next question is probably the most in depth one, and ultimatley the most important to me as a new player.
What's the balance like? AKA what masters and crews win the tournaments, and why? I'll probably branch out eventually, after I better understand the system and it's balance, but to start with, I want to make sure I'm picking up models that I will use often, and will be good at the (theoretical) highest level of play.
I'm hearing Leveticus is a top tier and versatile master, and I Am very interested in him. Ultimatley though, I love all the models, and would probably be happy with whatever I feel gives me a competitive edge.
Also, any good podcasts? I love Warmachine podcasts, and could really get into malifaux better with more immersion.
Feel free to ask me any follow up questions that might help you answer my questions.