Malifaux JargonBuster: Gremlins

To continue my theme of posting up factions of Malifaux. Once again, I must go through the health and safety features of reading this - This is intended for people who know nothing about the game or have just started playing and want to know more about what each master is/does and gain a better understanding of the world of Malifaux.

If you haven't seen my other JargonBusters they are here (links will open in a new window...hopefully... if I've set it up right...):
Background/Fluff
Guild
Ten Thunders
Arcanists

So... The Gremlins!

Declared by many as 'not a real faction' after they split from Outcasts in M2E, they are firmly in the mix in the world of Malifaux. If you think they're not competitive (anyone looking to get into the tournament scene), they finished in the semi-finals of the Masters this year. If you think they're not fun... you're quite correct, they're awful! Just playing! They are possibly the most fun faction out there with some hilarious abilities and brilliant models such as, the Rooster Rider (a gremlin riding a chicken) and the pigapult (you can guess right? Yes, a catapult putting pigs into the air!)

The Gremlins live in the Bayou in the southern section of Malifaux. No more intelligent than the hogs they raise, Gremlins appear non-threatening. Unlike other factions, the Gremlins have seen the human invasion as a learning experience, often copying their actions and learning from them. They started off my mimicking humans by wearing clothes and hats but eventually escalated to talking to travelers and offering directions in exchange for clothing! This then brought them into organized groups, allowing them to focus their strength.
When untamed, the Gremlins shared a hunter/hunter relationship with the pigs they reared - some times the pig would eat the Gremlin or the Gremlin would bring food home of his family! That kept the population to a core, now though... it's a different problem! Vast gangs of Gremlins steal whatever weapons they can find, raiding Guild Storehouses and taking whatever ammunition and guns they can lay their hands on. They've mastered shooting, what they haven't quite mastered is actually hitting their targets! It will come as no surprise that some Gremlins have been wounded by their kin in the heat of battle!
The two most powerful groups in the faction are those lead by Som'er Teeth and Ophelia LaCroix... more on these later!
While it can be amusing to see Gremlins fighting, the Guild is starting to learn not to underestimate these creatures. There has been a rumour of a new sort of Gremlin coming down from beyond the mountain... What these Gremlins want and if they're going to try and budge their way into the Bayou is a question many Gremlins are asking... but no-one has any answers... yet...

In to the Masters! Since I've named two already, I'll start with them!

Som'er Teeth Jones

The Hillbilly Horde Master.
A powerful leader due to his locality at the edge of the Bayou, his gang are close to raid Guild operations or caravans that they find, which gives them endless supplies. In terms of Gremlins, Som'er has lived a long time, due to making others do all the work for him... can anyone relate?! In early life, Som'er realised there were only two things needed to lead a bunch of Gremlins - a loud voice and a big hat. The loud voice, easy! The big hat... not so. He managed to acquire the hat at the goodness of a merchant who wandered too close to the Bayou, now sporting both key aspects he quickly got a group together.
Anyone would have had a difficult time keeping all the Gremlins on the same page, but Som'er had made an important discovery: moonshine! This enchanting elixir brought his gang coming back for raid after raid.
Interestingly enough, he gained his name after he was injured in combat by a blow to the face that took out some of his teeth. Instead of crying, he spat and said "Som'er here and Som'er there!". After the battle, wanted posters started to appear with his face on and he now takes great pleasure in showing his poster to all boasting about how he has avoided the Guild patrols for so long!

In Som'er's box you get: Som'er, Lenny (a big dumb henchman who throws Gremlins around the table), 4 Bayou Gremlins (you will need more than this...another box will be needed) and 2 Skeeters (mosquitoes which are just so pesky!)
I said you'll need more Bayou Gremlins - this is because Som'er has the ability 'Git Your Bro' where a Bayou Gremlin can bring in another Bayou Gremlin!

Although not a 'summoning master' in the traditional sense, Som'er can flood the board with Gremlins if given the right conditions! Best part? Gremlins are significant so can take interact actions!

Ophelia LaCroix

Gremlin Cowboy.

Unlike Som'er, Ophelia had a harder time. Just as she was ready to make a move against other Gremlin leaders in the Bayou, the Ortega family moved in and settled into Latigo Ranch. They saw the Gremlins as little more than a nuisance, so they tried to exterminate them all! By forcing her family members into each of the Ortega's roles, Ophelia found herself with a fairly skilled army that was loyal. When they raided, they were so successful they didn't need to raid often!
It is always hard for a female Gremlin to establish any control in the Bayou as male Gremlins outnumber they 10-1. Females are usually busy looking after a litter of tiny tiny Gremlins but Ophelia escaped that. Even in a race like the Gremlins would have a chance in having a genius amongst them - she is it! After the Ortega's attempted extermination of the Gremlins, Ophelia studied them and had a sudden realization... she needs a hat! The next raid had one goal - get a hat, more specifically, Perdita's hat. With that goal achieved, her and her crew are complete! 

In Ophelia's box you get: Ophelia, 3 Young LaCroix, Francois, Pere Ravage, Rami and Raphael

An excellent starter box to get going, particularly for a newer player! Some excellent models and great fun!

The Brewmaster

The one who keeps the 'shine coming.
Gremlins with eat just about anything but when it comes to moonshine, they know good from bad. Where once Som'er had the best still in the area, now there is a new kid on the block. This Gremlin came from over the mountains with a small crew of loyal, alcholol-dependent Gremlins calling themselves the "Tri-Chi".
The Brewmaster has many different concoctions of moonshine and even the distant cousins to rum, whiskey or gin! Each flavour is tantalizing and alluring, distracting Gremlins from their mission.
Many have tried to sneak into the ranks of the Tri-Chi but the Brewmaster soon finds them out. Gremlins that follow the Brewmaster are masters of Drunken Gremlin Kung Fu, a swaggering style o fighting that appears to be little more than boozy missteps across the floor, but in reality tends to send an opponent reeling in broken bones and bloody noses.

Now, the Brewmaster box hasn't been released yet, being one of the only models from Wave 1 not out!
The artwork has been released though!

In this artwork you can see: The Brewmaster, Fingers (Henchman), Apprentice Wesley (Totem), 3 Moon Shinobi. A model which synergies well with this is the Whiskey Golem!

Mah Tucket

The Mean Old Lady.

The leader of the Bayou Bushwhackers, Mah is not a Gremlin to be messed with! She is wanted from untold infringements in Guild territory and will continue to do so for as long as has not been captured. Carrying a huge wooden spoon which is used for mass destruction, Mah will stand toe to toe with even the biggest monster! The ferocity she shows towards others is expected from her crew too!
Never has cookware struck fear into the heart of men as it does when wielded by Mah Tucket!

You are going to see a theme emerging in a moment... Mah's box isn't released yet but for sure you will get Mah Tucket, The Little Lass (Totem), 3 or 4 Bayou Bushwhackers plus something else... maybe?


Ulix

The Swineherd.

Generally regarded to be slipperier than a greased rattlesnake, Ulix is far from the common Gremlin. He understands pigs better than anyone alive and Gremlins from all across the Bayou come to seek his help on pig-related issues. One can be forgiven for overlooking this pegged-leg, scruffy Gremlin but he possesses unmatched cunning. This is further complimented by the conception that Gremlins are stupid creatures... well, not all of them! With his quick wit and savvy business sense has served him well in trading with surrounding villages.
Ulix's companion is a faithful hog hound, Penelope. Together, they make a formidable pair and are more than capable of holding their own against the worst Malifaux has to offer.

Ulix's box hasn't been released but I would assume you will get: Ulix, Penelope - and possibly - Wild Boars and Old Major but nothing has been confirmed.


Wong

The Gremlin's Firework Display.
Ever seen "Big Trouble in Little China"? Neither have I, but I am assured that Wong's crew are the same characters from that!
Undoubtedly one of the most eccentric residents of the Bayou, Wong's ornate robes and pointy hat are a sight not to be forgotten. He subscribes to the art of Eastern mysticism. However, you would be foolish to think that Wong is just smoke and mirrors, his weapons are formidable in their own right. Carrying round the Three Demon Bag, the real source of Wong's power, taken from the Ten Thunders, it is lucky he hasn't found out the true extent of its potency.
Using theatrical fireworks and devastating lightning jumps, there is never a dull moment with Wong. Whatever the occasion on the Bayou, you can be sure that Wong has the suitable celebrations for it! He surrounds himself with acolytes, such as his explosive Lightning Bugs, which makes being around him about as volatile as a chain-smoker in a fireworks factory.

Once again, Wong's box isn't out but I think you will get: Wong, Lovely Assistant, 3 Lightning Bugs.
There are two models which work well with this crew which you might wish to get or may even be included: Bert Jebsen and Gracie.

Finally... a Gremlin which isn't a Gremlin...

Zoraida

The Swamp Hag.
Desperation can drive men and women to do desperate things like moving for the relative safety of the city into the Bayou. Those who travel out of the city and find her, find themselves in an unusual position as she knows their names and why they have come. In order to answer any questions they may have they are challenged to a game of cards - if they win, she tells them what they need to know but if they lose, she collects a unique ante. Most never see the city's lights again.
Zoraida is the hag with the second sight. Centuries old, she is not truly in one faction or another. Being placed as a Neverborn master, really she is a human who traversed the inbetween and reached Malifaux long before the first opening of the Great Breach. Over time she become one of the Neverborn and she knows more about the weaving's of fate and where to pluck than any other creature in Malifaux.
Zoraida interweaves her own designs into fate's plan and maneuvers hundreds of desperate elements together to achieve her desired results.

In Zoraida's box you get: Zoraida, Voodoo Doll (totem), Swamp Fiend and 3 Silurids

Well, that's it for another faction! Three more to go! Gremlins are an excellent faction for both fluff and gaming. They have some amazing abilities which you can do great things with! Personally, I love Wong! Setting off fireworks in the middle of a game is aces!

Thanks for reading.

I'll see you soon!