Malifaux - Starter Set Complete

Here are both crews...

These were fun to paint for a change and very different from the rest of my collection. I'll try to run through the mini-campaign soon and report on how it goes. Depending on how I like the game, I may look to expand my collection, probably along the lines of more Neverborn and Witch Hunters to avoid starting a third faction at this time.

Malifaux - The Bloodwretches

More happy guys for Angel Eyes!

That's it! I don't think I have EVER painted a complete starter kit in the three decades I've been buying models. Ok, it was only eight models, but it's still meeting a goal!

Pic of the whole gang tomorrow...

Malifaux - Scion of Black Blood

The second model for Angel Eyes' crew - The Scion of Black Blood!

Again, I painted this very quickly and I'm not sure he's finished. I think the skin needs another highlight layer blended in. The art has the tattoos in black, but they didn't show well against the skin, so I opted for a dark red.

More Malifaux - Angel Eyes

So here's a start on the second crew from the starter set, beginning with Angel Eyes!

I wanted this model to be very monochromatic like the art from the card. These models have TINY features and it was a challenge to paint the face and the bionic eye. I'm not sure the base is finished. I might add some dead grass or something to add a little more interest. These rubble bases seem kinda plain after the morgue bases from last week. She's fine for getting on right now - the goal is to get the starter set models painted so I can try the game!

Malifaux - One Down...

... and the angel of mercy, Nurse Heartsbane...

... and here is the whole crew...

Well, these were fun to paint and I can honestly say I've never painted anything like them before, which was sort of the point. If I end up liking this game, I can easily expand this warband with some more Guild minis. For that matter, I could build any faction I like and still incorporate these models, because they all have the 'Mercenary' characteristic (almost as if Wyrd planned it that way). A crew can include up to two mercenaries from another faction.

Anyway, hopefully next week I can get the Neverborn painted...

Malifaux - The Orderlies

Here are a pair of Orderlies for Dr Gimwell's crew...

These pics came out a little dark, but playing around to much with the white balance washed out the subtle shading in the white coats. A grungy look is probably appropriate for these guys anyway!

One more and Dr Gimwell's crew is finished!

And Now For Something Completely Different...,

I stopped by my FLGS to fill in some gaps in my paint set and decided to stroll through and look at all the shiny stuff on the racks. For some reason I left the shop with this box - they were actually out of the paint I wanted and I couldn't very well leave without buying SOMETHING could I?

I have always loved the artwork, models, and creativity of this game. I have the first edition rulebook around somewhere, but I never bought any models for it. The starter set comes with two factions of four models, a Guild crew led by Dr. Stanley Grimwell and a Neverborn gang led by Angel Eyes (both pictured on the cover of the box above). I figured I could paint both crews in a few days and try out the game (can't try the game without painted models - ick) with little invested in the way of time or money.

The game comes with eight models, a 34-page rule booklet, two Fate decks (the engine of the game rather than dice), stat cards for the models, and two tape measures (nice touch). The booklet seems to be well designed as a teaching tool. The first few pages cover 'what is a tabletop skirmish game' for the uninitiated, walks through the box contents, and explains a few basic things like measuring, line of sight, etc. Then there are two pages that break down the stat card. After that you are ready to go! Rather than simply list all of the rules and then say 'Have at it', game concepts are introduced through short scenarios. The first scenario simply pits two minion types against each other that start one inch apart. The Fate Deck procedure and basic combat rules are covered while you play the fight. There are four more scenarios that introduce new models and new rules, gradually increasing the complexity until you are playing a full game in the end. Again, it seems like a neat idea and I'll let you know how it works after I've played through the series.

But first I need to paint my models. I decided to start with Dr Gimwell and his crew...

I picked up the 'Morgue' base inserts the same day. I felt they were appropriate for these models. The model was painted using mostly Wargame Foundry paints with a few GW washes.

I'll have more Malifaux minis all week!