Next up is... the Ten Thunders!
The Ten Thunders were my first love in Malifaux, the reason I got into the game and I've collected ALL the models so far for them, however recently I've been taken over by some darker powers, if you've been reading the blog you'll know who I mean but more on that later! If you see Malifaux discussion on Twitter or the forums and are unsure 10T is Ten Thunders... although you've probably worked that out by now!
The Ten Thunders are the newest faction to Malifaux. In 1 and 1.5 editions they existed under the banner of 'Outcasts', which I suppose is right. However, Wyrd made the decision (the right one in my opinion) to give them their own faction. As you can see from the picture above, it is a very Chinese/Japanese themed faction with many beautiful models. My first model/crew box was Misaki (the very flexible lady in the picture above) because I loved the pose of her model. After that, it was a slippery slope where I just gave my local LGS (Titan Games) money... lots and lots of money!
Anyway, the Thunder...
Despite the propaganda from the Guild of being 'only one' Breach, there are in fact many Breach-like forms that have opened up in the world. One of which was in the heart of the Three Kingdoms and the Ten Thunders have been using this as a backdoor to smuggle goods in and out of Malifaux.
The Ten Thunders have infiltrated many different factions across Malifaux. They have officers into the Guild to find out their secrets, workers in the M&SU to ensure it is kept under control and have acrewed many followers along the way.
Within the heart of the slums of Malifaux (among the birds and the bees) lies the Little Kingdom. It is a meeting ground for the Ten Thunders but also a place where those who have emigrated from the Three Kingdoms can find familiar customs. Those who live in the Little Kingdom uphold the traditions of the Three Kingdoms, although unfamiliar to the 'ruling' Guild, these customs are perfect for hiding the true goings on within the slums. The Ten Thunders have subtle control over many things in Malifaux and influence over a great deal more. There is more than meets the eye here!
One day, when the city of Malifaux is resting... the Ten Thunders will strike until that time, they will continue to gather information and place their spies in crucial positions.
Misaki
The Assassin. As a child, Misaki lives in her father's shadow. It wasn't until he decided that she would be part of their first wave of infiltration that she was able to come in to her own. She came to the city under the guise of a Guild Lifer, now she is leader of operations within the city. She is torn between decisions which will best suit the faction but more importantly, she is torn between doing it her way or honoring her father and family.
Misaki's crew box comes with Misaki, Shang (Totem) - quite literally a magical fox, 3 Torekage (Ninjas!) and Ototo. Her crew works on the premise that you hit hard and work as a team. The Torekage best work when around other models as they get defense benefits.
Mei Feng
The Human Freight Train. Full of fire before she came to Malifaux. Mei found herself with an even closer affinity for the element before massing through the Breach. The forges of Malifaux called to Mei to come and create. She discovered that she has the ability to heat and bend metal as she pleases, creating constructs with the grace of a tiger but skin as hard as steel. With this ability she found herself working on Malifaux's new rail lines and found herself quickly in the hearts of Union workers and eventually (after a bit of convincing) Ramos! Mei's speed and attraction to move around constructs make her a fast paced, hard hitting master. She was brought to the city by the Ten Thunders, although her relationship with them are tenuous. If the Ten Thunders feel they no longer need her, she will be disposed of. It is little surprise then that Mei can be used for either Ten Thunders or Arcanists.
Mei's box set includes: Mei Feng, Kang (a beloved worker with a 'whomping shovel'), the Emberling (a totem which stokes flaming attacks and the burning condition) and 3 Rail Workers.
Lucas McCabe
The Treasure Hunter. McCabe is the first of the dual faction masters for the Guild. He also works for the Ten Thunders. Earthside, he is from a well respected family but a lot like Indiana Jones he went in search of historical study and exploration... and he has a whip... seem familiar? He lost his fiancee in Egypt and became more reckless in his pursuit of treasure. He got arrested by the Guild (because he wanted to) and worked for them. What the Guild don't know is that he owes a debt to the Ten Thunders!
In McCabe's box you get: McCabe on horseback and on foot. He is unique in the way that when you kill his model on the horse, his on foot model appears on the table! Sidir Alchibal - a largely unknown character who found friendship with McCabe whilst in prison. He is incredibly violent and his reputation has stopped more trouble than his fighting! 3 Wastrels and the totem: Luna (a dog!).
Jakob Lynch
The Bliss-Pushing Card Shark. Like the fates of Malifaux. Jakob Lynch can find himself in incredible good fortune, though more often than not, his luck is sour. Winning the whole Honeypot Casino was a stroke of good luck that would only end poorly for the young entrepreneur. Quickly, Lynch found himself in debt... to the Ten Thunders.
Then one day, very curiously, an offer came Lynch's way. Two men would pay off his debt if they could use the basement of the Casino. This offer was too good to refuse so Mr. Graves, Mr. Tannen and Mr. Lynch became partners in business.
Eventually, his curiosity got the better of him and he slipped down to the basement to see what was going on. There, in front of him, the moment of truth; a terrible creature that was the source of all his success. Now Lynch is torn between the Ten Thunders and the Neverborn, barely able to keep either at bay. If he has any hope of surviving he may have to dive into even darker places to become the master of his own fate.
Lynch's crew box you get: Jakob Lynch, The Hungering Darkness and 3 Illuminated.
Yan Lo
The Enlightened Necromancer. Many years ago, Yan Lo committed a terrible sin and was cursed to walk the Paths between life and death for eternity. He found temporal form both sides of the Path through his niece, Chiaki. When she came of Malifaux so to did Yan. Malifaux provided a surge of power which enabled Yan Lo to represent himself in physical form in both worlds and regain some of his memories. When he is not needed by his descendants, he continually tests the boundaries of the Paths, seeking a comination that will twist his curse into a source of great power.
In Yan Lo's crew box you get: Yan Lo (with detachable beard... be careful!), Chiaki, Soul Porter (totem), 3 Ashigaru.
Shenlong (affectionately known as Shlong)
The Dragon. Even in the temple of High River, Shenlong was considered exceptional. He soon mastered every temple style. One day, as dusk fell, the sunlight lit up a temple on the valley wall showing an isolated temple said to house the Dragon. Shenlong found himself drawn to the temple and came out more than a man. Where he stood, the ground scorched and sunlight blazed from his eyes. The Dragon had chosen a new host.
Although he doesn't look it, Shelong is thought to be more than eighty years old. While the Dragon permits it, Shenlong will never age but this contract is not permanent. However, with the Dragon turning its eyes to Malifaux, Shenlong is sure to be around for a great time to come.
Shenlong's box has not yet been released but here is the art. In there you get; Shenlong, Sensei Yu, 3 High River Monks and 2 Peasants.
There we have it. A basic run down of the Ten Thunder Masters.
Thanks for Reading!
I'll see you soon!
No comments:
Post a Comment