ToMB - Episode 0

So, this is the first post for the Tale of Malifaux Bloggers, details of which and link to other bloggers sites can be found here  http://taleofmalifauxbloggers.blogspot.co.uk/?view=classic

I’m sure you’ve just been and read that and now know the rules. There is a blog due on progress each month but I’ll be trying to write one each week detailing any progress, thoughts or other stuff.

In this blog (imaginatively titled Episode 0) I introduce my choice of master, Mr Jack Daw.

Some people chose a master because they like the model, some because they like the fluff. For some it’s the playstyle and others because of recommendations.

I have chosen Jack for one simple reason, the amount of puns it will provide (Don’t know Jack, scores on the Daw’s, Jack off). But seriously the reason I’ve chosen Jack is the fluff the fact that it is one of the most thematic crews in the game so before I reveal my starting $60 worth of models let’s have a look at what’s available.

Jack Daw – Master / Outcast

One of the most iconic images in Malifaux is the body of Jack Daw strung from the Hanging Tree. Jack has hung from the Tree for as long as the citizens of Malifaux can remember, certainly before the breach re-opened. For an age Jacks spirit has been trapped in this body, watching and learning about the comings and goings in Malifaux before the events at Kytheria and the coming of the Grave Spirit freed Jack’s tormented soul from his body to scour Malifaux searching for revenge. One of Jack’s more interesting aspects is the fact that he seems to draw other tormented souls to him to fight for his cause which gives him access to hire any model with the Tormented characteristic.

Tormented Models

Lady Ligeila – Totem / Outcast

Jack’s totem, and a new character for M2E. As yet the model is unreleased so there is no known back-story, but she’s a spirit. Could be one of Jack’s exes who is stalking him. Will be in the box set.

Montressor – Henchman / Outcast

Another yet unreleased model but the rules would suggest he is some sort of Uber hanged, he has attacked that involve flinging nooses at people and can be officially proxied with the Nightmare Hanged so I expect he is either a hulking great hangman, or a bloody big tree. Will be in the box set.

The Guilty – Minion / Outcast

The last of the models that will be included in the box set (I suspect) will be the guilty, again no fluff has yet been released but I expect them to be something along the lines of Death Row prisoners and committers of the most heinous crimes, drawn to Jack to carry on their bloody work.

The Hanged – Minion / Resurrectionist

Jack’s most thematic tormented minion, the hanged are the souls of those hung for their crimes. Usually found within a Resurrectionist crew the Hanged are drawn to Jack as a kindred spirit, and if they try and tell you their secrets don't listen

The Drowned – Minion / Resurrectionist

Again another tormented soul (are you sensing a theme here) the drowned are those who have, well, been drowned. When you’re dead, dripping wet and out for revenge who better to hang around with than Mr Daw?

Crooked Men – Minion / Resurrectionist

They used to work in the Soulstone mines, they got crushed and now they are pissed off. They've got a job to finish and Jack can help them do it.

Jaakuna Umbume – Enforcer / Resurrectionist

Usually found knocking around with Kirai this spirit is known to lure travellers to their death by convincing them to help her save her children before trapping and drowning them where their souls spend eternity playing with the Children they were trying to save. And who cant resist helping a crying woman who seems to be standing in a nasty bit of swamp surrounded by floating bodies? (Its often the excuse I use when I'm late for work)

Nurse –Minion / Resurrectionist

McMourning’s Nurses are obviously a little bit, shall we say, mentally unbalanced. All that plastic surgery carried out with rusty equipment and no anaesthetic is enough to drive a girl mad and when Jack calls out, the nurses slap on their lippy and come a running.

Papa Loco – Minion / Resurrectionist 

After being sprung from the Asylum by his daughter, and then forced into fighting the Neverborn despite wanting to take it easy and enjoy daytrips to the coast at his time of life, Papa Loco is mad, and we are talking proper box of frogs insane. However his torment is soothed by a voice in his head, a voice that convinces him to join the fight, to blow away the torment and as many enemies that are in the area at the same time.

Non Tormented Models

These are other outcast models that I can see fitting into a Jack Daw crew, either thematically or aesthetically.

Ama No Zako – Enforcer / Outcast / Mercenary

No one knows when Ama crossed into Malifaux from Earth, but it was an age ago. Since she’s been in Malifaux no one knows what has happened to her (well at least I don’t) but she is now a daemon like creature summoned to kill for her master.

Void Wretch – Minion / Outcast

Being close to the edge of sanity means you are also close to slipping into the void. Since Tara pulled through the Nothing Beast his Void Wretches have been prevalent within Malifaux. Jacks ability to command Torment allow him to lure these beast to do his bidding (and they are a great 4SS minion so that’s my line and I’m sticking to it).

Hodgepodge – Outcast

Little doll creature that seems to roam about without rhyme or reason (there probably is rhyme and reason its just that I cant find my book with the fluff in it at the minute), why wouldn’t it be hanging out with Jack?

Killjoy – enforcer / Outcast

Whenever there is killing Killjoy isn’t far behind. If you can offer the price in blood then this cursed, rather overweight and somewhat bloodthirsty fallen Nephelim will be there.

So there’s a bit of back-story for the models that I consider themed to Jack. The next post will be about my initial selection of models, what they do and why I chose them.

TTFN