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Hello fellow Wyrdos! I am coming back to the game after a hiatus midway through 2E. Between a close friend talking me back in, and a better gaming group locally, I am back to avoiding the Black Joker. Back with one major caveat this time; a self-imposed limitation for buying models. Last time I played, I had a very Pokemon-esque "gotta buy 'em all" mentality, which led to several still NIB models that were never built, let alone painted or put on a table. I would like to avoid that this time, and have decided to limit myself to only models that I can fit into my standard Malifaux Battlefoam bag (https://us.battlefoam.com/malifaux-bag-standard-load-out/, or 62 pre-cut slots and a pluck foam tray for larger models). From some preliminary perusing of the forums and podcasts, I believe I can get 6 Masters/playstyles over 3 Factions (Outcasts, Resurrectionists and Ten Thunders). This is a combination of what was available to me nearby, what looked fun to play and what caught my eye. I don't imagine that this limitation will be competitive in any real sense of the word. But it should be good enough to play locally and perhaps in a tournament in a larger city. I just want to know if there is something that I am drastically missing. Here is what I am looking to get so far, and some explanation where possible: OUTCASTS Crazy Cat Lady - couldn't pass up the opportunity to grab the old crazy cat lady when I found someone in the area had it for sale. Catelin Abernathy (Nightmare Hamelin) Almost full cat models (missing 4 Alley Cats, and will make a second Cat Princess) Benny Wolcomb Ashes and Dust - Still unsure about the Ashes and Dust. Seems like a good scheme runner for the list, that can also act as a scheme runner hunter, and hard to take out beater. This is the most flexible spot, but not sure what to replace it with. Also wary of using 3 spots for 1 ”model” Prospector Freikorps Librarian Super Soldier/Anti Obey – this was from some theoryfaux and forum discussion about pushing the hired master rule to the limit. I can also see a story where Parker and Zipp hire on the Viks and Von Schill to act as a distraction, while they secure the real prize. This also helps balance out the storage restrictions, as the list is only 5 models. Viks (Easter Bunny alts) Captain Zipp Parker Barrows Von Schill - the only one I am unsure about is Von Schill. I am happy with the other 4 masters, and felt Von Schill covered the most holes, with different equipment he can give himself. Open to suggestions on whether one of the other masters would be a better fit than him. RESURRECTIONISTS Molly’s Pirate Crew – love the idea of a pirate-themed crew, and the models look great Full Brine and Bones Box New Brine and Bones themed Rogue Necromancy Archie (when available, WarmaHordes Swamp Horror until then) 3 Crooligans – are all 3 necessary? The Forgotten Marshal Night Terrors – still not sold if they are needed, or maybe just 1 for the occasional summon? All Elite Seamus – Always wanted to play him in 2E, but didn’t like the look of the rest of his crew. Alt Seamus Little Lass as the Copycat Killer Alt Sybelle Carrion Emissary Mindless Zombies Bete Noire – not sure if she is worth a spot in the bag 1 or 2 Dead Doxy – how often do you field both? 1 Gravedigger – pulse out focus, but is it too cute? Vincent St Clair – anti-summon tech for both lists TEN THUNDERS Honeypot and their Hired Muscle Jakob Lynch Hungering Darkness 2 Beckoners 1 Depleted – in case of summon? Gwyneth Maddox 3 Illuminated – I can see fielding 1, maybe 2. 3 seems like a stretch. Kitty Dumont Alt Mr. Tannen Alt Mr. Graves 2 Samurai The Lone Swordsman 1 Kabuki Warrior Shadow Emissary Yasunori Yan’s Fam – bonus points for being able to drop in as a sometimes-Resurrectionist (and having some models that work well with Molly and Seamus) Yan Lo Chiaki Soul Porter 3 Gokudo – again, can see fielding 1, maybe 2. The third one seems like a stretch. Sun Quiang Manos Shenlong – seems like a good candidate for a reliquary on turn 1 Yin Izamu There we go, my “base” set of models. Is there anything that I am missing? Constructive criticism would be great. Depending on how it goes, I know that I would like to add Minako and her summons (whenever that box is released…). Space permitted, there may even be a way to sneak in a Shenlong list as well (more elite, like some of the recent lists from UK Nationals). If you are still reading, thanks. Sorry for the slog.

Hello fellow Wyrdos! I am coming back to the game after a hiatus midway through 2E. Between a close friend talking me back in, and a better gaming group locally, I am back to avoiding the Black Joker. Back with one major caveat this time; a self-imposed limitation for buying models. Last time I played, I had a very Pokemon-esque "gotta buy 'em all" mentality, which led to several still NIB models that were never built, let alone painted or put on a table. I would like to avoid that this time, and have decided to limit myself to only models that I can fit into my standard Malifaux Battlefoam bag (https://us.battlefoam.com/malifaux-bag-standard-load-out/, or 62 pre-cut slots and a pluck foam tray for larger models). From some preliminary perusing of the forums and podcasts, I believe I can get 6 Masters/playstyles over 3 Factions (Outcasts, Resurrectionists and Ten Thunders). This is a combination of what was available to me nearby, what looked fun to play and what caught my eye. I don't imagine that this limitation will be competitive in any real sense of the word. But it should be good enough to play locally and perhaps in a tournament in a larger city. I just want to know if there is something that I am drastically missing. Here is what I am looking to get so far, and some explanation where possible: OUTCASTS Crazy Cat Lady - couldn't pass up the opportunity to grab the old crazy cat lady when I found someone in the area had it for sale. Catelin Abernathy (Nightmare Hamelin) Almost full cat models (missing 4 Alley Cats, and will make a second Cat Princess) Benny Wolcomb Ashes and Dust - Still unsure about the Ashes and Dust. Seems like a good scheme runner for the list, that can also act as a scheme runner hunter, and hard to take out beater. This is the most flexible spot, but not sure what to replace it with. Also wary of using 3 spots for 1 ”model” Prospector Freikorps Librarian Super Soldier/Anti Obey – this was from some theoryfaux and forum discussion about pushing the hired master rule to the limit. I can also see a story where Parker and Zipp hire on the Viks and Von Schill to act as a distraction, while they secure the real prize. This also helps balance out the storage restrictions, as the list is only 5 models. Viks (Easter Bunny alts) Captain Zipp Parker Barrows Von Schill - the only one I am unsure about is Von Schill. I am happy with the other 4 masters, and felt Von Schill covered the most holes, with different equipment he can give himself. Open to suggestions on whether one of the other masters would be a better fit than him. RESURRECTIONISTS Molly’s Pirate Crew – love the idea of a pirate-themed crew, and the models look great Full Brine and Bones Box New Brine and Bones themed Rogue Necromancy Archie (when available, WarmaHordes Swamp Horror until then) 3 Crooligans – are all 3 necessary? The Forgotten Marshal Night Terrors – still not sold if they are needed, or maybe just 1 for the occasional summon? All Elite Seamus – Always wanted to play him in 2E, but didn’t like the look of the rest of his crew. Alt Seamus Little Lass as the Copycat Killer Alt Sybelle Carrion Emissary Mindless Zombies Bete Noire – not sure if she is worth a spot in the bag 1 or 2 Dead Doxy – how often do you field both? 1 Gravedigger – pulse out focus, but is it too cute? Vincent St Clair – anti-summon tech for both lists TEN THUNDERS Honeypot and their Hired Muscle Jakob Lynch Hungering Darkness 2 Beckoners 1 Depleted – in case of summon? Gwyneth Maddox 3 Illuminated – I can see fielding 1, maybe 2. 3 seems like a stretch. Kitty Dumont Alt Mr. Tannen Alt Mr. Graves 2 Samurai The Lone Swordsman 1 Kabuki Warrior Shadow Emissary Yasunori Yan’s Fam – bonus points for being able to drop in as a sometimes-Resurrectionist (and having some models that work well with Molly and Seamus) Yan Lo Chiaki Soul Porter 3 Gokudo – again, can see fielding 1, maybe 2. The third one seems like a stretch. Sun Quiang Manos Shenlong – seems like a good candidate for a reliquary on turn 1 Yin Izamu There we go, my “base” set of models. Is there anything that I am missing? Constructive criticism would be great. Depending on how it goes, I know that I would like to add Minako and her summons (whenever that box is released…). Space permitted, there may even be a way to sneak in a Shenlong list as well (more elite, like some of the recent lists from UK Nationals). If you are still reading, thanks. Sorry for the slog.

Hello fellow Wyrdos! I am coming back to the game after a hiatus midway through 2E. Between a close friend talking me back in, and a better gaming group locally, I am back to avoiding the Black Joker. Back with one major caveat this time; a self-imposed limitation for buying models. Last time I played, I had a very Pokemon-esque "gotta buy 'em all" mentality, which led to several still NIB models that were never built, let alone painted or put on a table. I would like to avoid that this time, and have decided to limit myself to only models that I can fit into my standard Malifaux Battlefoam bag (https://us.battlefoam.com/malifaux-bag-standard-load-out/, or 62 pre-cut slots and a pluck foam tray for larger models). From some preliminary perusing of the forums and podcasts, I believe I can get 6 Masters/playstyles over 3 Factions (Outcasts, Resurrectionists and Ten Thunders). This is a combination of what was available to me nearby, what looked fun to play and what caught my eye. I don't imagine that this limitation will be competitive in any real sense of the word. But it should be good enough to play locally and perhaps in a tournament in a larger city. I just want to know if there is something that I am drastically missing. Here is what I am looking to get so far, and some explanation where possible: OUTCASTS Crazy Cat Lady - couldn't pass up the opportunity to grab the old crazy cat lady when I found someone in the area had it for sale. Catelin Abernathy (Nightmare Hamelin) Almost full cat models (missing 4 Alley Cats, and will make a second Cat Princess) Benny Wolcomb Ashes and Dust - Still unsure about the Ashes and Dust. Seems like a good scheme runner for the list, that can also act as a scheme runner hunter, and hard to take out beater. This is the most flexible spot, but not sure what to replace it with. Also wary of using 3 spots for 1 ”model” Prospector Freikorps Librarian Super Soldier/Anti Obey – this was from some theoryfaux and forum discussion about pushing the hired master rule to the limit. I can also see a story where Parker and Zipp hire on the Viks and Von Schill to act as a distraction, while they secure the real prize. This also helps balance out the storage restrictions, as the list is only 5 models. Viks (Easter Bunny alts) Captain Zipp Parker Barrows Von Schill - the only one I am unsure about is Von Schill. I am happy with the other 4 masters, and felt Von Schill covered the most holes, with different equipment he can give himself. Open to suggestions on whether one of the other masters would be a better fit than him. RESURRECTIONISTS Molly’s Pirate Crew – love the idea of a pirate-themed crew, and the models look great Full Brine and Bones Box New Brine and Bones themed Rogue Necromancy Archie (when available, WarmaHordes Swamp Horror until then) 3 Crooligans – are all 3 necessary? The Forgotten Marshal Night Terrors – still not sold if they are needed, or maybe just 1 for the occasional summon? All Elite Seamus – Always wanted to play him in 2E, but didn’t like the look of the rest of his crew. Alt Seamus Little Lass as the Copycat Killer Alt Sybelle Carrion Emissary Mindless Zombies Bete Noire – not sure if she is worth a spot in the bag 1 or 2 Dead Doxy – how often do you field both? 1 Gravedigger – pulse out focus, but is it too cute? Vincent St Clair – anti-summon tech for both lists TEN THUNDERS Honeypot and their Hired Muscle Jakob Lynch Hungering Darkness 2 Beckoners 1 Depleted – in case of summon? Gwyneth Maddox 3 Illuminated – I can see fielding 1, maybe 2. 3 seems like a stretch. Kitty Dumont Alt Mr. Tannen Alt Mr. Graves 2 Samurai The Lone Swordsman 1 Kabuki Warrior Shadow Emissary Yasunori Yan’s Fam – bonus points for being able to drop in as a sometimes-Resurrectionist (and having some models that work well with Molly and Seamus) Yan Lo Chiaki Soul Porter 3 Gokudo – again, can see fielding 1, maybe 2. The third one seems like a stretch. Sun Quiang Manos Shenlong – seems like a good candidate for a reliquary on turn 1 Yin Izamu There we go, my “base” set of models. Is there anything that I am missing? Constructive criticism would be great. Depending on how it goes, I know that I would like to add Minako and her summons (whenever that box is released…). Space permitted, there may even be a way to sneak in a Shenlong list as well (more elite, like some of the recent lists from UK Nationals). If you are still reading, thanks. Sorry for the slog.

Question about Jakob Lynches Defensive Ability called Hold 'Em and Mcmournings ability Organ Donor. Hold 'Em - "If an attacker cheats an attack action against this model, the attacker suffers 2 damage AFTER resolving the attack action" Organ Donor - "After this model inflicts damage with a ML action, it heals an amount of damage equal the the damage inflicted " I.E. - My Jakob Lynch was charged by my friends Mcmourning model. He cheated fate for the attack to hit and damaged my Lynch with Surgical Instruments. It triggered my Defensive ability Hold Em. Question - Would Jakob Lynches Hold 'Em trigger before Mcmournings Organ Donor heal happens OR after?

Hello there! It's been a little while since my last Malifaux battle report, it's been awhile since I recorded a game too. That said, I finally completed a battle report for Malifaux that's been sitting on my to do list for quite a while. The game is a bit older, but I think it turned out interestingly enough to warrant the editing and effects. So check it out if you have about forty minutes to spare =) edit: Fixed the YouTube link.

So I decided to step across to the 10T forum, and came across a couple of threads which talk about Lynch's playstyle. The list building and synergies were much more varied over there. Lynch was my first master and will always be one of my favourites, even if he rarely sees play from me anymore. This is mainly due to his lists feeling quite dull, I had really good succes in a tournament game the other week, but he did what he always does, kill, kill a lot. My list was as it always is, with Nekima, Graves, Tots etc. So what I was wondering is, what kind of creative shenanigans have we got for the Gambling Man? Maybe WP based effects, such as Sorrows or Insidious Madness could kick in. A horror duel based list, with the Widow Weaver and Coppelius maybe? These lists will most likely be for fun, but you never know, we could stumble upon something amazing 😂 Cheers to anyone who comments.

Hi all! My wife and I are just getting back into Malifaux after a long hiatus. After diving through our collection we discovered quite a few of the new plastic kits we never really got around to doing anything with. In particular, one set had a certain brilliance that called to me from it's foam tray... Dark Debts! After a glut of terrain bashing, it's time to finally get Mr Lynch ready to rock! I've always been a bit nutty about painting for skirmish games- especially Malifaux! In particular, I feel like it's so important to really make the rich background of the characters shine through! Dark Debts is a fantastic opportunity to get back into the swing of storytelling with models. Mr Lynch and crew have a dark (heh) background that really gets told through each piece. I started with basing the models, and after a *lot* of reading felt pretty comfortable with the story of Lynch and the Hungering Darkness. Below you'll find pics of the crew standing proud on their new bases. I'm hoping to have everything painted up over the next couple weeks, and I'll drop in new photos as we go along. *****As a note, the ideas aren't entirely original! Google Image Search was incredibly helpful in providing inspiration. Something I've always loved about the miniatures community over "fine art" is everyone's willingness to share and teach!

When I take "Addict" with Jakob Lynch, does that mean that it adds an extra to attack and damage against enemies with brilliance, so for instance Hungering Darkness' Tendrils attack already gets and then another from addict so in total flips?

Alex Vian/TheGreatSerpent "Here in the Twin Cities Malifaux community, we’ve begun a Shifting Loyalties campaign, coinciding with the global Malifaux event Divergent Paths! My first opponent is a local guy who, because he has an infant (whom he loves?), is unable to come out to the stores. So I faced him in his lovely home in the suburbs, in a showdown which combined both the Campaign and the Divergent Paths event, as we battled over a wayward child who just came to Malifaux and was being hunted by Witchling Stalkers." Below are the lists that were brought and the following link contains the entire write-up: http://midwestwargaming.com/campaign-battle-report-parker-barrows-outcasts-v-jakob-lynch-ten-thunders-malifaux/ My list for week one of the Campaign: Parker Barrows – Highwayman Doc Mitchell Bandido Bandido Bandido Mad Dog Brackett Johan Sue Big Jake +3 scrip The Campaign has slightly different listbuilding rules, limiting me to only one faction upgrade paid for by soulstones in my first list. Up to 3 soulstones can be left for your ‘scrip’ bank. My opponent’s list: Jakob Lynch -The Rising Son Hungering Darkness (0) The Illuminated x2 (14) Mr. Graves (8) Mr. Tannen (6) Monk of High River x2 (12) Ten Thunder Brother (5) 3ss left for scrip

Hello hello Recently I purchased a box of Black Blood Shamans at one of my local stores; and within it was contained a blister with a translucent, purple Jakob Lynch with the accompanying upgrades and cards. I would like to sell him. I am not searching for an exorbitant price and I am also perfectly happy to negotiate. I am working on adding photographs as it seems that my potato devices cannot take anything better than a grainy picture. Make me an offer. -Mr. Sergio

Ten-Thunders player here. I recently went to a tournament were I did not win but managed to get the the Translucent Green Pandora Crew box as a mystery box in a raffle. I plan to keep it, mostly to build my model collection for Malifaux but also get some additional choices when I get Jakob Lynch. Mostly for this decision, I am trying to get the most for two factions and expand my collection as well. Now, the main question that I had: What works well with Pandora with what I got, and how does she usually play? With that, how well does Lynch play in Neverborn in comparison to his Ten-Thunders version and what are some of the differences that are highlighted between the two versions. And with this considered, what are some purchases that I can use to fill out these two Master for Neverborn and my crew choices in general? Thanks! Tanako Skyler

I am relatively new, and have been getting into the game via Seamus and Rasputina. But I have had Mr. Lynch on my table for a while, so I decided to play him in a 40SS match yesterday against Leveticus. Let's just say there wasn't much I could do haha. But what I feel like I struggled with was applying and exploiting Brilliance. The latter is probably due to the fact that most things in Leveticus' crew tend to drop like flies (abominations, Waifs, Leveticus himself), but the former is my real issue. So, has anyone ever compiled a list of tips, tricks, and tactics on how to apply Brilliance? Like a comprehensive, detailed list of every model that CAN do it, how they SHOULD, in what order, etc. I realize it always comes down to the individual game, and that technically there can't be a "end be all" recipe for this sort of stuff. But something general would be really nice. Also, Lynch - Neverborn or 10T? I feel like he would probably do better in the 10T... Which 10T units are recommended with him? Or is it best to just stick with Darkened models? Thanks!

Ten Thunders can drop dead I don't give a darn about them so when I get Lynch he will allways be Neverborn. With that said I got to know. Can Lynch make any Darkened model give out Brilliant or they need an actual skill that says as much? Also advice wise what is good besides the Brilliant induced models? (Depleted, Beckoner, Illuminated) what other models would work? I know 'Darkened' are a shoo in for him but I not played or seen him in action...

Maybe I'm biting more than I can chew, but this is what I'd like to complete in October: Since Huggy is already painted, and this isn't an entirely new crew to me (it's new in M2E) I don't think it entitles for TOMB. Also, I could swap one Illuminated with a Beckoner, if base inserts I've ordered will show up in reasonable time

Lucius and Lynch don't have official avatar models, so those of us who use either of these Masters in Shifting Loyalties need to put on our respective thinking caps and figure something out for ourselves. I'll get things rolling with a few ideas I've had, and hopefully we can inspire each other in our efforts to bring these concepts to the table. Collector of Debts - I imagine Lynch sitting calmly in a chair, surrounded by Brilliance addicts (perhaps they're the chair too!), much like a dark version of David Bowie in the music video for Miracle Goodnight (that part starts at 01:40 in the video). An easier, and mechanically appropriate, conversion would be Lynch dealing at a card table. The Liar - My initial thought is to have Lucius at the center of a 50 mm base, as arrogant and unassuming as ever. I'm tempted to pick up another Bound by Law box and kit bash Lucius together with the two Lawyers, LAW book in the crook of one arm, his cane cradled in the other. Adding some green stuff to transform his cape into a writhing cloak of darkness that creeps along the floor.

If Sensei Yu uses his (0) action Disciple to use Jakob Lynch's (0) action Mulligan and discards aces, do you get the aces back? Disciple reads: This model immediately takes a (0) action belonging to a friendly Leader in play. Any cards this model would discard during the course of the action are shuffled into its desk instead after completing the action. Ace in the Hole reads: When an Ace from this Crew's deck would be placed in the discard pile during another friendly model's Activation, this model may place it in its hand instead after the Action resolves. My reading of it leads to yes because they both have the same timing, which would mean I get to chose in what order they would happen, but I wanted to make sure before potentially getting 3 cards for free against an opponent

There has been some discussion on the Facebook group A Wyrd Place this morning (3/27/2015) about whether or not 52 Pick Up's damage is done in bursts (multiples of 2 damage) or in a lump sum. A few people say it needs to be FAQed but because of the nature of AWP that will never happen without a post here. I believe the damage is one lump sum.

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum and to Malifaux. I recently bought my first crew box (Jakob lynch) and was looking for some advice as to how I could expand this crew a little... Depleted? Mr Graves? Apologies if this is a repeat of a previous thread Cheers MM

The Crew consists of Jakob Lynch, Hungering Darkness, two Beckoners, three Illuminated, and three Depleted (with Wave 1 M2E cards where available). All painted to a very high standard and based on Wyrd Victorian Streets base inserts. £70 including P&P in the UK (a bit more elsewhere) Here's pictures of the crew: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/cdayex7zhloxej4/AAAwp5nxpUCwjbsV6HVdpukpa

Quick question - how do you get the Illuminated who looks like he is being eaten to stand up?? There doesn't seem to be enough of a contact point with the base to give a strong bond that can sustain the weight of the model... or am I missing something? All in all I think the Illuminated are awesome sculpts, but not the easiest things I've ever assembled! Thanks for any hints

Brilliant Ambitions ~~~ Brittany and I met Earthside, when the two of us were fairly young. From our early grade-school days, we were pretty much inseparable. We stuck quite close through the years, staying friends for the longest time. Hell, we even dated for a little while, but as with most teenage relationships, it didn’t quite last. After a particularly bad spat, we broke up, and then there was a bit of an awkward phase between us. One thing – the mediocrity of awkwardness – lead to another, and we parted ways in 1891, when we were both eighteen. I never saw her again, until much later. Brittany always wanted to be a showgirl growing up. She often dreamt, she told me, of performing as a star in cabaret acts all over the globe. I wondered if she’d ever attain that goal. She was very pretty, and extremely confident. I was never much of an overachiever in university, and – don’t you know it – soon after Brittany and I broke it off I dropped out of the California Academy of Sciences, not only highly depressed that my best friend was gone but also… Well, I had no real plans of graduating. I would have graduated in 1893, but alas, that was not to be. I was to graduate at the top of my class in the field of archaeology and anthropology. I had always loved stories of relic hunters, tribal savages, and tomb robbers. Those kind of stories still to this day carry a certain weight to them. I loved the idea of becoming an archaeologist, searching the ruins of various dead nations. One of these days, I remember thinking, I may even be able to visit Malifaux. I might be commissioned by the Guild to find priceless treasures and make a mint for my folks back home! They’ll be so proud! When I dropped out, my folks were so displeased that they disowned me and kicked me to the curb. I was able to get up off my posterior and get a job and apartment of my own. … It was 1898 when that old dream of visiting the damned city of Malifaux resurfaced and soon thereafter took over every facet of my thoughts. I had heard stories of the Breach reopening, and I felt – no, I knew – that I was destined to travel through it. Frantically I tried my very hardest to appeal to the Guild to let me go to the city as an archaeologist for them, but without my degree I was snubbed and turned aside. I was losing money taking trips to various Earthside Guild offices, attempting to win their favor through a trade that, like me to them, I had forgone. I’d even quit my job at the thought of this endeavor. Soon, I would not have the funds to pay rent on my apartment, and I’d be out on the street again. The Guild officers were looking right through me as if I were made of glass, and I was losing hope quickly. My desperation began to peak. There is only one Breach. However, there is more than one way to enter it. The alarms rang loudly on March 6th, 1898 at 8:17 PM at the Natural History Museum of the California Academy of Sciences. I had successfully managed to nab one of the Museum’s prized relics, a gleaming purple gem dating back to long before anyone had even heard of Malifaux. I had done it: I’d stolen from the Museum, as planned. On the flipside, I didn’t want to be successful at all. Sure, the precious jewel would fetch a mint on the black market, granting me enough money to finish university and appeal again with a full degree, but that would have been years from now, and I wanted to go now. Sadly, I escaped the confines of the Museum and the city without so much as a moment’s notice. With no options left for an immediate departure to Malifaux, I decided to go to the closest Guild office and give myself up. At the office, the marshal leered at me. “Mister Justin… Finjers, is it?” “Yessir,” I said, meekly. “You, sir, would be in for a world of hurt,” the marshal growled, “if not for the fact that the Governor of Malifaux has requested you be sent his way. He has a task for you. If you can manage it…” He sighed. “You’ll be off scott-free.” My heart jumped. I had hoped that I’d be sent there, but as a fugitive. I had devised all sorts of means to escape the law and run away a fugitive, to live my life as a rogue relic thief. But here I am, on request of the Governor himself, headed for Malifaux a free man! “Sir,” I said, “I will take him up on that.” “It’s not like you had much of a choice anyway, Mister Finjers,” the marshal said, tossing to me the gem I’d stolen from the Museum, which had been confiscated prior. “The Governor insists that you bring that with you.” The train ride to Malifaux was exhilarating, to say the least. I saw the sky’s colors shift from blue to deep gray within moments of entering the Breach, and on the way to the station I’d even seen a couple Nephilim being chased elsewhere by some Guild officers. I was in awe that my dream had come true. While sitting alone in the Governor’s office, I was approached by his secretary. Mr. Mattheson bent over to speak to me in my seat. “The Governor requests that you transport the gem you pilfered to the Honeypot Casino, a few miles away. You will know it by the waft of debauchery, I’m sure.” He then sent me on my way. Getting to the Honeypot was pretty simple. There were many signs, which increased in number and vibrancy as I got closer to the establishment. At the casino, I was greeted by the owner, Jakob Lynch, who seemed quite keen to impress me, dressed in what I could only imagine was his Sunday best, and speaking in a very gentlemanly Southern drawl. “Well, how do you do, Mister…“ Mr. Lynch lacked for a name, which I then gave him. “Fingers, is it?” I did not correct him. “Well then, Mister Fingers, if’n you’ll step right this way,” gesturing to a downward-spiraling staircase, “We will dis-cuss our business transaction.” I was about to take my first step when I was stopped by one of Mr. Lynch’s lovely ladies. “Hey there, sweetheart. You look like you could use a bit of brilliance to relax some…” She handed me a shot glass filled with a gleaming violet brew. “Bottom’s up, big boy…“ I took the shot in a gulp and nearly choked half to death. It tasted smoky and yet somehow sweet, like some indescribably sugary fruit. It stung a little going down, but I felt really wonderful after drinking it! I felt like nothing could ever go wrong. I suppose, in hindsight, that the lady wanted to boost my confidence for this meeting with Mr. Lynch, but then, the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. As I ventured downstairs, Mr. Lynch grinned. “I am pleased to know that you have that crystal. It is actually just fossilized bark, which when added to drinks in chunks, makes the drinkers feel fan-tastic. And now, Mister Fingers, if you could hand me that crystal…” His voice trailed off, and his hand gestured a nonverbal demand to hand it over. I did so, complacent while on my rush. Suddenly the air grew cold, and the room grew oddly dark. “Mr. Lynch, what is that… dark… feeling, pray tell?” I asked. “Oh, that’s just withdrawal. You’ll feel better in a mo-ment-o.” He smugly grinned, his eyes knowing my condition very well. “Personally, I never touch the stuff, but that’s just me.” My mind grew weak. Was this a withdrawal? I could swear I’d seen a pair of enormous glowing eyes peer into my soul moments before… before… I… I woke up, sitting in the antechamber of the main hall of the Honeypot. I still felt so weak, but I knew how to remedy it. I needed some more of that drink. I looked high and low for the lady who’d given me my fix before, but there was no sign of her anywhere. Out of the blue, I was jostled by that same lady. “Terribly sorry, ma’am,” I apologized. “Oh, no worries,” she said, when suddenly I got a good long look at her face. I knew then the reason I had ventured to Malifaux. Maybe it was the afterglow of my drink, but I was compelled to figure out if I was right or not. “Excuse me, ma’am, your name wouldn’t happen to be Brittany Cobb, would it…?” Her expression quickly changed from business to surprise. “…Justin? My God, is that you?” “Yes’m.” I smiled, and she smiled back. “Well, old friend, it’s been a while…” Her voice trailed off. “How about the two of us get a drink?” And that’s how one obsession turned into another, and back again. Brittany never got to be a star, but she came damn close. And as for my aspirations? To hell with them. As long as I have good friends and great drink, I don’t need them. They can rot, as dreams deferred should… ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LENGTH: 1570 words + title (sorry for extending a bit) THEME: “To the stars” CHARACTER: “The Glass Man” LINE: “The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.” ---------- Post added at 01:11 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:09 AM ---------- First draft finished, and I am definitely looking for preliminary feedback! ~Lil Kalki