New Player Looking for Advice

[JerBla]

I have just heard about the game and will be starting a collection beginning with one of the beginner sets. My brother will be playing the Resurrectionists, his girlfriend the Arcanists, and I've chosen the Neverborn. I'm leaning towards starting with the Dreamer set or the Hag set, because I like the flavour of those two masters. I'm looking for any opinions on what sets are best for beginners or your thoughts on the two sets I have my eyes on. Thanks for your opinions in advance.

[SpiralngCadavr]

I'm not a neverborn player, but it's worth noting that the Dreamer's rules just got changed up a bit, so it might not be a great idea to start with him. Also, he's got a fairly unconventional movement style, so it may not be a great place to start.

I'd suggest Zoraida because she's first book (I generally believe in learning with where the game started, regardless of the game), and, from my experience, she's very card-oriented, which should help you learn the game mechanics well. Add to that a middle-of-the-road piece (neither dedicated assault nor dedicated support) and you've got a more well-rounded piece to start with.

Regarding what to take with her, my understanding is that she works pretty well with most pieces.

But, what it really comes down to is what you like (pieces, play style, narrative/theme)

[bigbopper]

I second the idea of going with zoraida. The dreamer has just been errated if you by the box set his cards will be wrong, for this reason alone I would steer away from him. To be looking at erratas and cards could be very confusing when trying to learn the game. The way he plays is unique. I would find learning the game with him a challenge.

The zoraida box set is a good start. It really plays a hit and run style of game. Silurids have fantastic movement and I find them a blast to play, but they are fragile so be careful. Bad juju is tough and looks like a likes needs to be in combat, but I find he's better as objective grabber with his from the earth ability. Use his resilience to take hits while completing objectives. Zorida herself is hard for you enemy to come to grips with because of her raven ability and her proper manners ability. A negative flip to hit is huge as it can't be cheated. Most the time my opponents dont bother going for her as its usually wasted action points. If she gets into to much trouble you can just fly her out of there. Her spells are great for manipulating your and your opponents crew, good fun. To star all you need is the box set and the voodo doll and your right to go. A very flexible 25ss crew.

Edited March 27, 2012 by bigbopper

[benw]

The dreamer has just been errated if you by the box set his cards will be wrong, for this reason alone I would steer away from him.

I politely disagree with this. Yes the Dreamer has just been heavily errated and you will (like all Dreamer players) have to adjust your cards and maybe print of pdf when available.

However, it puts any dreamer player in a new position. The ideas for what will work best are not yet known with the Dreamer now that he has been errated. If you are looking for something new for you but also new for the Malifaux community then go Dreamer.

If you want to choose a master that is well known in the Malifaux community and you can look up all the tactics on - then go one of the other Masters.

I personally think it is the most exciting time to play the Dreamer. You never know, you might be the person that works out how to best play the Dreamer under the new rules instead of just reading everyone else's thoughts on how to best play your master. I shelved the Dreamer but have just dusted him off with his changes because of this.

Also, on the topic of difficult to learn masters it is true that some are easier. But essentially for a new player you are going to have to learn all the rules of all your models, plus the main ruleset, plus the rules of the opposition. It is rules heavy. So what are a few extra going to add? I actually found starting with the Dreamer actually limited the number of models I could take (Nightmares) and therefore helped me to learn them. When I did Guild (currently doing) I keep getting too many options and taking new stuff every single game.

[bigbopper]

I agree with Benw( because who wouldn't really? He's awesome) you should play the master and crew that appeals to you more regardless of how complex their rules seem. I was just stating my personal experience with the op as a way of saying "yes" the zoraida box set is a good,fun, solid crew.

[benw]

Zoraida is a cool Master and has an awesome boxed set. But I think most of the Neverborn Masters and sets are top notch. Just collect them all. That is what everyone eventually ends up doing.

[bigbopper]

Yeah I have the lilith and pandora box set as well. Believe it or not I have the hardest time with the pandora set, just haven't put it all together yet.

Edited March 28, 2012 by bigbopper

[JerBla]

Thank you all for your thoughts and opinions, it basically re-assured what I was already thinking, that I should choose the master who's story I find the most interesting. I do agree with benw and will probably get them all eventually, so it really doesn't matter. I decided to go with the Dreamer, the idea of a kid who unknowingly brings death upon other people through the use of nightmarish creatures is awesome. Plus, how could you go wrong with a demon name "Lord Chompy Bits".

[benw]

the idea of a kid who unknowingly brings death upon other people through the use of nightmarish creatures is awesome. Plus, how could you go wrong with a demon name "Lord Chompy Bits".

The exact same reason that I started with the Dreamer. The fluff is too cool and the names are even better. With his new errata as well, you will have more fun ingame so don't forget to check it out.

[bigbopper]

Glad this thread helped in your choice. Let us know how it goes. The dreamer does have a great backstory and I'm sure you will love his playstyle. One of the best things about this game is that the masters and crew play like they are described in the fluff. Oh and your right, you won't stop at one crew!