The Dwarf's Gremerin Adventures

[THE_Dwarf]

Hey

I have only played a few games of Malifaux. I'd say about six or so. Anyway, I am collecting Gremlins as I like the models and so far loving how they play. But I just want opinion on what I usually take. As I don't have a lot compared to what some my mates have.

I shall list the models I have got, and then list what I usually take for a 35ss game.

What I have;

• Ophelia's box set
  
• So'mer Teeth's box set
  
• Lenny
  
• McTavish
  

I usually play about 35ss games with Ophelia as my hence man. Which gives me a total of 42ss to play with. So here is what I usually take.

• Ophelia (Henchman)
  
• Pere
  
• Rapael
  
• Francois
  
• Rami - My personal favourite mostly
  
• Warpig
  
• Bayou Gremlin
  
• Bayou Gremlin
  
• Lenny or McTavish
  

I will say now that it probably won't be the best, and it is not kitted out to anything specific as I don't know the full ins and outs of the game yet, just so you know.

So what I am after is really second opinions on what I usually take. I have heard that there are two main ways you can go with Gremlins. Which is either gun line or pig line. And so far I am loving bringing a fair number of guns to bear. Put with reckless can be nasty.

So, what you lot think? And any ideas of what I could mix it up with and such, and what supporting units will be useful to me?

--- EDIT --- 31/01/13 --- 13:20 GMT ---

Thread title changed?

*Fingers corssed*

...

Damn!!!

Edited January 31, 2013 by THE_Dwarf
Changing thread title ... or not

[Omenbringer]

There are definately more than two ways to go with gremlins however most can be transitioned well enough from either (as long as you have the staple models).

Based on the models you have, you are heavily favoring a Kin list. This is not a bad way to go however without a few additional models you are limiting the potentcy a bit. I would start by adding totems for Ophelia. After that add more Bayou Gremlins as they are some of the best investments for both crews. To complete Ophelia's hiring pool I would then pick up a Slop Hauler blister to introduce some healing for the crew (much less important in a Som'er list).

Once you have done these things you can really begin to flesh out Som'er (as Ophelia can't take pigs and this is really where he shines versus her). The first things to add will be at least two skeeters, a Hog Whisperer and at least a blister of Piglets (though 2 blisters is better). These models will allow you to run an effective "Pig Boomerang" and also allow acces to "pig ladders" and the "Truffle Shuffle". After that I would then complete Som'er's totem pool by picking up another two skeeters (allowing the Alpha Stank) and a Malifaux Rat blister (allowing the spaming of A Gremlin's Luck). The last thing I would add would be a Gremlin Taxidermist and two blisters of Stuffed Piglets (this will unlock two tactics for the crew, the "Bacon Bombing Assasination Run" and Pigapult spam if you get one).

After you have gotten used to the crews the Pigapult can increases Ophelia's threat range and Som'er's Avatar can enhance a pure pig list.

Now as for a recommended list based on what you have currently I would look at something like this;

Outcasts Crew - 30 - Scrap

Ophelia Lacroix

--

5 Pool

• Bayou Gremlin
  [2ss]
  
  
• Bayou Gremlin
  [2ss]
  
  
• Bayou Gremlin
  [2ss]
  
  
• Bayou Gremlin
  [2ss]
  
  
• Francois Lacroix
  [5ss]
  
  
• McTavish
  [6ss]
  
  
• Rami Lacroix
  [6ss]
  
  
• Raphael Lacroix
  [6ss]
  
  

This will give you plenty of substance (activations and significant models) and ranged capability. Unfortunately you will have to play a bit cautious due to the lack of healing and will lose a lot of mobility without access to "Pig Ladders" and the "Truffle Shuffle". You could play Ophelia as a henchman vice master however all he'll really bring is the "summon factory" (which is far from reliable) and healing which will limit the crews over all mobility (great in defensive strategies not so much in offensive).

Edited January 26, 2013 by Omenbringer

[Dumb Luck]

Can't recommend more generic Gremlins as next purchases. Young in particular, deliver a good deal of bang for their low points cost.

Pretty sure you can't take the Warpig with Ophelia by the way.

[Omenbringer]

Pretty sure you can't take the Warpig with Ophelia by the way.

Very true, Ophelia (when acting as the Master) can not hire anything other than Kin or Gremlin models (though McTavish is an exception due to his rule).

[THE_Dwarf]

I was going to order some Young LaCroix yesterday when down mates hobby store. Bt I got side tracked and bought the Ortegas box set :-/

But I shall get some young LaCroix. And I have to say when I looked at the stats for Bayou Gremlins on their own they didn't look all that good. But licked with Ophelia around them, negating their "Oops" and add on wreck less they can dish out some damage.

I shall now the drop pig, knowing now that I can't take him :-/ as I honestly did not know I could take him.

[Omenbringer]

Gremlins (and pigs) as a whole look underwhelming until you have run them a few times and learned their nuancies. Bayou Gremlins may not be much on their own but a gaggle of them can bring down anything in the game. With Ophelia they really shine and form the main part of the "Ophelia Death Star".

[THE_Dwarf]

@Omenbringer

I have heard of, in brief, the "Ophelia Death Star"

But are you able to elaberate a little for me? :-P

I have picked up the use of Companion and 'Family Tree' along with the 'Ooo a girl' to get other gremlins in the right place at the right time. For instance activating Ophelia early on in the activation, companioning with Rami (Love that guy!!). Moving Ophelia out to bring in Rami with 'Oooo a girl!'. Using 'Family Tree' on some one else (Depending what I against, or if need soemthing dead to finish it off after Rami shot at is 2 or 3 times). Then Ophelia either tak a pot shot, or moves elsewhere ready for the next turn.

Have also learnt, keeping her by Bayou Gremlins as her ability stops their 'Whoops!' from going off.

Learnt most of this when I played against mate with his Viktoria's and he played with my Gremlins. His first time using them, but he knows the mechanics of the game like.

[Boon]

I know, I am not Omenbringer but I follow his threats ever since playing Malifaux as well as Dumb Luck's. Keep briefing the gremlin community, guys!!!

It is fairly simple. You have Ophelia in the middle of a bunch of gremlins and let them all shoot. Due to the amount you put out, it is called death star (not because of any funny shape. Hoped for that as well when I heard it the first time ).

It is also not about quality of shoots (high damage) it is really the quantity of them (2-3 per gremlin). You expect one point of damage per shot (see damage arch) so you can also do it against models with armour or undead or even spirits. The only down side is against high defence models but in that case take a slope hauler do reduce their Df to 4 and do the same.

If you have 8 gremlins you have 16 to 24 shoots and more or less the same amount of damage per round (not considering a few misses and the jokers).

As it says on pullmyfinger: As long as you can hit it, you will poke it to death.

Edited January 28, 2013 by Boon

[Omenbringer]

Mostly correct Boon, however you forgot that it is usually deployed in two concentric rings (well more than likely crescents since most crews wont be able to easily get to the back of it) centered on Ophelia.

This is so you can keep your opponents models from engaging the actual "Deathstar" (Ophelia, three Young Lacroix's and as many Bayou Gremlins as you can fit within 3-4" of her) and shutting down their shooting (a model with 2" range can engage quite a bit).

The farther ring is usually deployed about 2-3" in front of the "Deathstar" with each model about 2-3" away from each other. In this way they can perform disengaging strikes on anything that tries to get at the "Deathstar" itself (hopefully ending their action). This will encourage your opponent to charge the outer ring instead of the "Deathstar" (which should allow a concentrated retaliatory strike from Ophelia and the entire "Deathstar" which ignores the Ht1 screen because of Shoot High, Boys).

A side benefit of this formation is that it encourages your opponent to waste resources (i.e. AP and Control Cards) working to kill your protective outer ring in one strike or risk them auto-Squeeling away from another strike thanks to Ophelia's Like Herding Squirrels aura.

There are some crews that can chew thru this formation very quickly and easily (beware the Viks Avatar) but it is a blast to run, especially in the primarily Defensive or hold a location strategies.

---------- Post added at 10:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:36 PM ----------

IIt is also not about quality of shoots (high damage) it is really the quantity of them (2-3 per gremlin). You expect one point of damage per shot (see damage arch) so you can also do it against models with armour or undead or even spirits. The only down side is against high defence models but in that case take a slope hauler do reduce their Df to 4 and do the same.

Gremlins (and pigs for that matter) are all about the "Death of a Thousand Bee Stings". If you remember that you dont have to hit well just often your success with the crew will increase dramatically.

With this philosophy the Gremlins become much better than their low Cb would suggest (ties are still hits after all). Additionally, all those flips for damage will assist in cycling the deck and the more you can do that the more often the Red Joker has the opportunity to pop up in a turn.

A typical Bayou Gremlin can generate at least 6 flips in an activation (for 1 Wd) with a maximum of 15 (ties on the strike flip with :-fate on the damage). With a full compliment of Bayou Gremlins (15 in a 30 SS game) and 30-45 Ranged strikes you will cycle the deck at least once (not including what ever the three Young Lacroix and Ophelia add) with a theoritical max of 4.5 times (once again not including what the Young Lacroix's and Ophelia will add). Not much stands in front of the "Death Star" and makes it away.

Edited January 29, 2013 by Omenbringer

[Dumb Luck]

The other benefit of taking that many models is out activation. If you keep activating normal Gremlins, by the time you get to your good stuff the opponent will have been out activated.

[THE_Dwarf]

@Dumb Luck

I do enjoy out-activating some one ... and blasting them apart for the remainder of the turn.

---

@Omenbringer

I am guessing that with the 'Death Star' you hang bakc and blast away and slowly move depending on the mission to gain VPs. Although I guessing the schemes best suited for this will be the more defence aspect ones?

---

I am hopefully playing mate tonight. But need to think what I can use to fill in the gap of the Warpig - as can't take him sadly lol think I need to just buy extra Gremlins. As I only have the two box sets, Lenny and McTavish.

May try and squeeze a second game in also - one thing I love with Malifaux the games are quicker than 40k (Well they are when I not spending half time looking at my cards lol). But I think I will be ordering some Gremlins in for the 'Death Star'.

Need to do double games - or just large SS brawl ...

Ophelia's 'Death Star'

... with ...

So'mer's 'Tie-figters' <- aka pigs

Probably be rubbish but thought I would throw in another Star Wars reference thingy

Anyway, I shall let you know how the game tonight goes. No douibt lose, but hopefully will learn something out of the game if i do lose.

[Omenbringer]

@Dumb Luck

I do enjoy out-activating some one ... and blasting them apart for the remainder of the turn.

---

Out activation is another huge part of the gremlin game plan, it doesn't matter whether your running Pigs or Gremlins. This is the beauty of the Pig Boomerang, you can usually guaranty at least 5 complete activations prior to the Squadrons actual launch. There are very few crews that can compete with that.

@Omenbringer

I am guessing that with the 'Death Star' you hang bakc and blast away and slowly move depending on the mission to gain VPs. Although I guessing the schemes best suited for this will be the more defence aspect ones?

It is very much a defensive oriented tactic. Schemes that favor that sort of thing are definately your best friend. A pigapult can add a bit to the list in the precision Offense department, and is worth considering against crews that rely heavily on one or two support models to really function.

I am hopefully playing mate tonight. But need to think what I can use to fill in the gap of the Warpig - as can't take him sadly lol think I need to just buy extra Gremlins. As I only have the two box sets, Lenny and McTavish.

McTavish is a very worthwhile addition to a Kin list as he provides another good gun for the crew. Lenny will suffer a lot though as he wont have "Pig Ladders" and the "Truffle Shuffle" to place him outside his activation.

Need to do double games - or just large SS brawl ...

Ophelia's 'Death Star'

... with ...

So'mer's 'Tie-figters' <- aka pigs

Probably be rubbish but thought I would throw in another Star Wars reference thingy

This will actually be a pretty effective list (since both will contribute to the synergy of the entire crew) as long as you dont go to ridiculous with the Encounter level (the more you bring, the more your opponent will get to bring as well). Also remember that Ophelia will not be able to act as the second leader in the Brawl since she is only a Henchman, you will however get an additional 10 Soul Stones from not fielding a second Master.

Anyway, I shall let you know how the game tonight goes. No douibt lose, but hopefully will learn something out of the game if i do lose.

Gremlins (and pigs) definately have a bit of a learning curve. Thankfully it isn't as high as Leveticus. After a few games with each of the different tactics you should be able to effectively transition from any of them during the game. Once you can transition effectively you'll unlock the last of the Gremlin strengths, adaptability (there are very few crews with the in game flexibility that Som'er and the gang have). I have been playing them from the start and they never cease to amaze me (and even when I lose I have a absolutely amazing time).

[THE_Dwarf]

Well I got my game in last night, against my mates Ten Thunders crew. We played a 35ss game. On the sewers tetraclip board mates hobby store got set up. Was a fun game, mostly. I say mostly becuase a friend of ours kinda played for my opponent for a couple of turns ...

"I'd do this ..."

"You could do this ..."

"Should do that ... this ... and the other"

It got very annoying to say the least, if he wanna help some one play the game and not annoy the opponent at least wait til;l after the game and then bring it up, and not play the game for him. But hey ...

Here is what was taken on both side ...

Gremlins

- Ophelia and the whole LaCroix family box set

- Bayou Gremlin x4

- McTavish

Ten Thunders

- Misaki

- Shang

- 'Old lady' <- Don't know her name

- Ototo

- Torakage x2

- Archer x1

Was on sewer board so took McTavish for 'Guide'. And I tried forming up a gun line, but with the amount of rooms and being boxed in didnt really work out. If I had other side, which was more open I could of had gun-line in corner.

I didnt really do much part from gun down Ototo when he 'swapped places' with a Torakage. Misaki kept to far side behind rooms sling shotting with 'Old Lady' to get to me fast but avoid the guns.

Most annoying thing was though, our friend playing for him. So in last turn of the game I tried to use Ophelia's trigger, Calculated Luck, for giggles while in combat with Misaki and only had one other gremlin on 1 wound left. The third party player said I could as she'd die in the process, Ophelia was on one wound. So last bit annouyed me. I wouldnt of tried to use if he wasnt practically paying the game at times.

Also didnt help my first turn movement wasnt the best, placing Pere too close to McTavish and then getting killed :-( but hey ...

Sorry for my Rant. But anyway, from this I learned to hopefully win the flip to pick sides. And pick side more open to set up gun lines and avoid enemy having cover leading up to me.

Speaking of which, can you use a soulstone to re-flip the flip for picking sides at all?

[Dumb Luck]

That's a no to your question.

Eager to hear about more adventures!

[THE_Dwarf]

Well that sucks lol

But hey ...

Us Gremlins make do with what we got ... right?

I shall be more than happy to write up more adventures of my games. And when I get head around the game more I'll write up battle reports in a story fashion like I have done for some 40k games on 40konline forum ...

40k INVASION, Feb 2012 Battle Reports

Link above is to the first of two (Would be three, but final battle to me didnt exist due to 'that guy') battle reports from mini local-store tournament I went to at GW-HQ Nottingham. If you like how it written I shall one day attempt to write up my Gremlins adventures in similar style.

May need to change the name of this thread ... The Dwarf's Gremerins Adventures??

--- EDIT --- 31/01/13 --- 13:10 GMT ---

Well, I tired to edit the first post in this thread. I was hoping I could edit the title of the whole thread, as on a 40k forum you are able to. But sadly I can't see a way to. So will put it on the forum help sub-forum. And if I am able to change the thread name I shall.

But if not, I was thinking of starting a new thread, with the new name from the start. As my initial post was to find out the little gremerins (Do like that name). But I have learnt more and more from my ramblings on with the couple of battles I have had and such. Mainly the 'Ophelia Death Star' - lets just hope they don't find the mandatory shaft the the core where a good single shot will destro the whole thing, or is that making it too much like the film??

lol

So anyway ... back to the point of this edit. And the name change (Or new thread), as I have a thread up in the painting forum - see signature - but was thinking during my morning of work of setting up a Gremerin specific thread. Following my time with the little green menace. Where could write up battle reports, post images, and collect ideas for any one and every one?

How that sound? If it sounds good, what forum would be best? As if it an all rounder I'm guessing this 'Outcast' forum.

Edited January 31, 2013 by THE_Dwarf

[Omenbringer]

But I have learnt more and more from my ramblings on with the couple of battles I have had and such. Mainly the 'Ophelia Death Star' - lets just hope they don't find the mandatory shaft the the core where a good single shot will destro the whole thing, or is that making it too much like the film??

That would be Zoraida using Obey to run Papa Loco in, then having him detonate using Take Ya With Me.

[THE_Dwarf]

This threads name may be changing :-) to The Drwarf Gremerin Adventures

As Justin said he can, saves me starting a new thread

@Omenbringer

All this talk has made me wanna watch Star Wars (IV, V, VI) while I paint my Gremerins now :-P

Think I shall over the weekend :-)

Hopefully be getting a game over the weekend ... but may be using the Perditas. As everybody knows THEY copied us Gremerins :-P

[Omenbringer]

Have never seen a Star Wars inspired Malifaux Crew (that I can recall anyway). Perhaps your gremlins could be the first?

[THE_Dwarf]

@Omenbringer

Inspired as in painted (Like how some people paint Eldar Harlequins in comic book characters?) like star war characters! As I don't think I have the skill in painting and green-stuffing to make it look good lol nor do I have the time to, as you have seen I have only painted one Gremerin ... ONE lol

But, even thought it is bit different and another game system being 40k, I did think up what models from each race you could use to make up a chess set. As in a Space Mrine set, Orks set, Imperial Guard set.

But back on topic ... how would you make a Star Wars themed Gremerin crew hmmmm

I shall have to think of that :-P

---

Before I forget and hit 'post' I need to thank Justin for changing the name of this thread. And now that is an adventure officially hopefully that will get me my painting-hobby back. As I wanna upload my Gremerin's (Always gonna be number one choice for a crew). But also post up other models I have painted, ideas, questions etc ...

---

Anyway ... I am going to head off and put on A New Hope and paint some Gremerin's. And tomorrow I will be going to Titan Games, Lichfield UK - hoping to get some games in and try get an order for Bert Jebson through the store. With that many barrels someone or something is going to get hit!!

[greenstuff_gav]

how would you make a Star Wars themed Gremerin crew

greenstuff buckets / helmets .. use dirty whites for the clothing

gremlins hit about as often as stormtroopers

hopefully we'll see pics of your gremlins in action!

[THE_Dwarf]

@greenstuff_gav

That is true ... with the shots:hits ratio lol but I wouldn't trust my self with the green stuff enough to not ruin the model it self with the green-stuff sadly :-(

I will hopefully get a game tomorrow down my local store as mentioned. And if I remember I shall take the camera to try snap some pictures for this thread. And attempt to write a battle report :-) I should be able to get a battle or two in, as local henchman running a Malifaux league in store.

And even though it not till summer time, I shall be going to his Malifaux tournament at the UK Games Expo, Birmingham 2013. Hopefully I shall have e Gremerins all painted up by then *fingers crossed* and will defiantly take pictures then. But that is not till a weekend in May ...

Right, time for a Star Wars painting session I believe now ... once The Rock has said what he needs to say on RAW ... yes wrestling is a 'guilty pleasure' of mine hehe

[THE_Dwarf]

Well, as I recall from previous page some one - sorry I forget whom - suggested painting McTavish next. Well I have begun.

But I wold like some idea on how to paint the scales. So if any one want to type up their process or point in the direction of a tutorial it woud be great :-) as I want McTavish's Crocodil to look awesomely good.

*** Side note ***

I deliberately left off the 'e' in Crocodile, as I say it how the two sheppards in the Fast Show Christmas special say it, see video - Fast Show Christmas Special: Channel 9's Holy Sprog - it the "Sheep ... sheep ... sheep ... crocodil!!" bit from 1:25 onwards into the video.

*** End note ***

I am assuming that you start off with a base of dark green (I have used Caliban Green). Then highlight it once before washing it down with Thrakka Green (Old GW wash - I only have GW paints of that helps with any one if they wanna give me tips). And then highlight up. And I as thinking to get the right colour I thought of mixing in yellows for when I highlighting up. Especially on the under belly. Which is always lighter than the rest of a crocodil's body.

Hope you liked the video link, if you watched it. Loved The Fast Show - was a sketch show or mom the BBC back in the 90's if any one didn't know.

--- EDIT --- 02/02/13 --- 16:50 ---

I just thought it ... is it okay to say the 'C' word - Christmas - in February??

:-/

Edited February 2, 2013 by THE_Dwarf
Noticed a typo ... damn spellcheck lol

[Omenbringer]

The Taxidermist could definately pass for either Yoda or the Emperor depending on which side of the force you'd like to go with. Lenny as Chewbaca, Ophelia as Leia, Rapheal as Buba Fett or Han Solo, etc.

[greenstuff_gav]

see, i saw Raphy as Vader; Beating stick, takes alot of damage and force-choke (gun)

[THE_Dwarf]

Well either way Bayou Gremlins would be the Storm Troopers. And piglets being Ewoks maybe? And a Warpig being the obese Ewok lol wouldn't Wong, when he is out, be Darth Vader? With his magic blast? Francois could be Han as he favours the gun. Or is he totally favours the fun Jebson could be Han Solo??

Ooooo Toy Story on TV ... sorry

Anyway, McTavish is coming along fine. Just gonna look for tutorial on painting scales. And I am amazed at how easy it is to paint white - his shirt till I wash it down - over the grey Army Builder spray. But I am going to do more on him tonight. I may post up a WIP photo later tonight, depends how much Toy Story distracts me ... love the PIXAR films lol