Malifaux Revisited

Malifaux from Wyrd Miniatures is another game I want to become more involved with this year. Interested in finding out about how its card mechanics operated, more than a year ago I read through the original rulebook and thought it seemed like it could be a really fun game and that it definitely had a lot of potential. Intent on really learning the game with the possibility of running demo games in my local area, I bought a pair of starter boxes along with a few extra models for each faction. As is so often the case however, there were other distractions competing for my attention at the time and these Malifaux plans were pushed to the side.

A few months ago at Adepticon I played against Bill Anderson from Gamers Lounge and The Dead Tau Project in the first round of a Warhammer Fantasy tournament. Before our game began we spent some time talking about other hobby interests and I mentioned that his own blogging about Malifaux had been one of the original reasons I became interested in the game. He then went on to excitedly advocate on behalf of Malifaux and strongly recommended that I give it a try. It was a great reminder to hear again about the things I'd found fascinating about Malifaux and our conversation reignited my interest in it, though I decided I should wait until after the move before picking it up with it again.

Now that I'm settling into the new house, I am psyched to be taking a second look at Wyrd Minis distinctly weird game. One of the things I find most appealing about Malifaux is just how different it is from the other games that I enjoy. I think it goes beyond using cards instead of dice, although that certainly does create a very novel play dynamic. One feature that I suspect I will especially enjoy is the system of variable and indeed even customizable victory conditions, Strategies and Schemes. Aside from these neat game mechanics, I love the deeply atmospheric setting created for Malifaux and have found the development of the storyline surprisingly compelling. All quite good stuff, really.

The Guild - Sonnia Criid and her Witch Hunters

The Arcanists - Ramos of the Miners and Steamfitters Union

So you can see in the pictures above the Crews that I'll be starting out with for my introduction to Malifaux. When I originally selected these minis I did so without much understanding of the game itself aside from an appreciation for its unique aesthetic. Fortunately from what I remember Sonnia Criid and Ramos seem to be a fairly decent matchup and I'm optimistic that they'll provide a good feeling for what this game is all about. I've heard so many positive things about Malifaux that I will be shocked if it does not become one of my regular favorites.

Along with putting together and painting my models, I've realized recently that I had forgotten almost everything I learned about playing the game since first reading the rules. After talking to Bill at Adepticon I purchased a copy of the mini rulebook which I started reading earlier today. I do remember there were some areas of the original rulebook that I found either confusing or at least a little ambiguous, so I am eager to see if the mini-book brings more clarity to the rules. My goal is to have a good understanding of the rules and game mechanics by the time I have painted both of my Crews.

If anyone's been playing Malifaux and has advice for someone just starting out, I'd really appreciate hearing about your experiences with the game. Of course I'm keen for anyone else to share his or her thoughts about the weird world of Malifaux, too. Otherwise I'm ready to begin assembling my minis and hope to be painting them soon after. I don't know which group I'll work on first though I'm leaning towards Sonnia Criid and friends.

Okay, that's it for now. I hope everyone has a great weekend with plenty of gaming fun. Goodnight!