What do you need?

[Seb]

I am picking up quite a few Malifaux models for Strange Aeons so I thought I might try this game someday, but what is it that you basically need to play, except for the models?

I was thinking of playing Kirai.

[me_in_japan]

you need the rulebook. You can get the regular, A4 sized paperback rulebook (which i cant find on maelstrom just now)
OR
the pocket sized rulebook. I dont have this myself, but Prim does, and Im given to understand it contains everything the full sized rulebook has, and is better laid out, to boot. I'd imagine it lacks all the fluff pieces, though (i.e. the story bits.)

There is one expansion for mali so far, called Rising Powers. You will need this if you want to play Kirai, as she is not in the basic rulebook. Malifaux is like Warmahordes in as much as the expansion books contain new rules for every faction. (as opposed to 40k, where each faction (army) has its own book (codex.))

Finally, you could use a deck of fate cards. Any colour is fine - theyre all the same, the colour is purely an aesthetic thing. These are not vital - you can use a regular deck of cards, but the fate cards are pretty

In terms of models, there are a number of factions (arcanists, guild, etc.) and within each faction there are a number of crews. You can mix and match within a faction, but tbh most people dont. They usually stick to specific crews, as they are quite strongly visually themed. However, the box set for each crew does not contain the entire crew. There are usually one or two (or more) extra guys you can add to that crew. These guys are usually pretty good.

e.g.

the Kirai box contains 1 Kirai, 1 Seishin, 1 datsueba, 1 ikiryo, and 2 onryo. This is quite a lot for a box set (it costs a bit more than others, too.)
However, there are a few other Kirai-related minis you can get in blisters, e.g.
Gaki, shikomi, and (I think) night terrors. I cant remember my fluff on that one.

Anyway, teh point is that a box set is a good starting point, but personally speaking i find the box sets lack a wee bit of oomph, so one or two add-ons might be worth considering. I play arcanists with 1 box set and 1 extra dude. I lose a fair bit, but its usually due to my own inexperience more than poor crew choice.

[Seb]

Thanks for a very detail rich explanation MiJ.
I read on another topic that the rulebook was downloadable, is this all over with?

[Primarch]

Thanks for a very detail rich explanation MiJ.
I read on another topic that the rulebook was downloadable, is this all over with?

The rulebook is downloadable, however it isnt complete (a lot of diagrams and so forth are missing). It is usable to play the game, but the full version of the rulebook provides a lot more and makes things much clearer.
The mini-rulebook (which is fairly cheap) contains the full version of the game rules, all compiled very neatly into the correct sections and with all the errata in place. The two bigger books, (the 1st edition and Rising Powers) contain the same rules, though they are more spread out and the books are a pain to carry around. However, ALL of the background as well as the rules for all the characters are in these books so if you A) want to know WHY Kirai is summoning ghosts and spirits to fight for her and B) what the abilities are of your regular opponents, they can be worth picking up.

You definitely need the following:
1 starter crew (you can buy the models individually, but unless you already know what you need this is the best place to start as you will be using the same models over and over).
1 set of cards (the official cards will be less confusing for you and your opponent to use, but standard playing cards are acceptable).
1 copy of the rules (any of the books/the download).

As M_i_J says, the starter crews are ok, but you will probably want to expand it a little, though you can do this after a couple of games. The starters usually lack a little bit of punch compared to an expanded crew. Wyrd have done a good job of making the starter sets playable, but making them much easier to use and more efficient once you pick up a couple of extras.

Much more so than any other game I have played, you HAVE to know how your chosen crew wins games. Some crews are absolutely brutal if they get into melee, others have the ability to summon new units all over the place and tie up the opponent, one crew wins by having its main caster die over and over again. It is possible to win the game even if your models are all dead, so long as you do it correctly. Of course, this knowledge only comes with time and seeing what other crews do. Knowing your opponents also helps. Some crews, (The Dreamer and The Showgirls spring to mind) will definitely leave you with a feeling of "What the F*** just happened?" the first time you play against them. With Malifaux, I feel that experience counts for a lot. If you dont play regularly you will generally be crushed by someone who does.

I feel I should tell you though, Malifaux doesnt get played an awful lot. Whilst there are 4 local players with crews (Myself, Ennui, The Other Dave and Mike the Pike) and M_i_J up in Tsu, I have only played 4 games this year. I think it is an awesome game, with an interesting set of rules, but it is never going to be as mainstream as Warhammer or Warmachine.

[me_in_japan]

I dont play enough Mali. After that game at the weekend against Prim (I played the showgirls, and did indeed finish with a feeling of "wtf just happened?") I want to start playing more. Its a far more subtle game than warhammer. You cant just take your turn and react to what the opponent is doing. As prim says, you have to know your crew pretty well before you can really start winning games with them. It's a thinking man's wargame

[Seb]

Ok, I see. Thanks!

It is good to know that you can basically play if you only have the models, like I said I am buying quite a few of Kirai's models for Strange Aeons because they fit very well with the folklore of Japan theme that I wanted.
I might try this game someday when I have enough of them.

[ennui]

If you're interested, I have a few crews that you can try out one of these days.

[Seb]

Thanks mate, yeah it would be fun to try sometime, maybe the next Joshin or something?
(I would really like to get more SA games in though. )

Have already spread myself out on too many systems, can't believe I promised myself to play 40k and only 40k when I got into this hobby.

Well, the plan is to not start anything new right now but when I eventually get a lot more Wyrd models to use in SA then I might branch out and try this game.