[Nomads] Expanding

[sectR]

So, I read somewhere that Infinity doesn't work like 40k where you can do a.. linear expansion of your army/faction, it's more about the specific skill set which makes sense considering it's a skirmish game, but I can't seem to find any logic towards what to pick when and where.

I've more or less decided to leave C.A. at my starter pack, and already bought a Nomads starter pack (bought the bakunin but I'm going to play as it as the regular/normal Nomads). I've been playing with my brother and we've been playing our starter packs against each other but are looking at what models to get next and expand to about 200 pts, and I have a few questions I can't seem to find good answers for, so forgive me for being a newb.

• When should one get remotes?
• At what point does the doctor and engineer become good ideas?
• Are hackers a requirement to field remotes, and does it make sense to field the hacker without the remotes?
• Does Infinity work like Malifaux where you more or less can field any model and make it work, or are there big No No's? I'm leaning towards buying whatever I think looks the best, but I don't want to throw away my money considering Infinity is my 2nd/3rd miniature game.

[Pierzasty]

@Remotes: Whenever you like, if you can fit a hacker. Nomads have excellent hackers and cheap remotes so you'll see many of them. Yu Jing have unique remotes (Karakuri, Su-Jian) classified as HI, which means they sidestep the hacker requirement.

@Specialists: Whenever you like. If you field huge numbers of HI/REMs/TAGs, you may want to take an engineer (or Zoe, who's a hacker/engineer). Doctors vary depending on playstyle, I never have much luck with any healing (my automedkit rolls are legendary), but YMMV. And remember that specialists are needed for many scenarios to manipulate objectives and the like.
@Hackers: You must have a hacker or TAG to field remotes. That said, if you can get extra use for the hacker, they can be a great area-denial tool due to repeaters (remember that most REMs have repeaters). Or use the hacking device+ and a marker to mark targets for GML
@Malifaux: There are very few bad units, it's mostly about having what you take work together. A bad list won't kill your army (unless you are order-starved from the start), a lack of tactical plan will. And I'll bug you about Malifaux, I got roped into starting it

[valthonis]

Pretty much what Pierzasty mentioned.
Pick up what you like, largely there are few if any "no nos" and it is just a matter of how you apply the unit rather than the unit stats/costs that will win the game.

Only other thing I can mention that Pierzasty didn't cover, starters packs are not meant as equal forces for battle. They are just a cheaper way of getting 6 models, and sometimes exclusive models not yet released in individual packs. Just something to keep in mind, often the starter packs are assumed that they are a balanced force to pick up and fight with.

[Pierzasty]

Oh yes, definitely make a 200(CA/Aleph) or 150(everything else) list to start with. Starters vary from ~120 to ~175 points and weapon loadouts.

[sectR]

Thanks for the great tips, much appreciated.

I went with the Bakunin starter pack and that Reverend Custodier hacker - it's that specific model that got me into the game really.

I'll be getting a sputnik and some sort of zonds next. My Reverend Custodier hacker girl should fit nicely with it. I'm currently impatient awaiting Wayland to send the stuff over, should be within this week!

Regarding Malifaux, please, feel free to bug me. I'm rather still fairly new at it, but I do understand the basics and how it works. It's a great game really although a bit random at times. Infinity seems more like a proper competetive Skirmish game where as Malifaux is quite nasty considering combos and alpha strikes from what I've seen. Infinity "counters" that by using those fancy AROs.

Back to Infinity; my brother and I have mostly been just doing some sort of kill point stuff for learning the ropes. I've looked a bit at Paradiso but it's all very overwhelming together with all the many different skills. Kill point missions/scenarios is one of my least favorite in any type of miniature game. Do you guys know of any scenarios that doesn't involve those Spec Operative with the whole experience stuff? I'm thinking like some attack/defend scenarios.

Thanks in advance. This is great, I really do appreciate all the info! :-)

[Elfenlied]

In Infinity, pretty much anything can work, if you make it work. For scenarios and campaigns like Paradiso, your list should encompass certain elements like specialists (hacker, engineers), baggage remotes and a strategy to win those scenarios. You might want to check out YAMS (Yet another mission system) for Infinity (just google it). That said, you can play Paradiso without the SpecOp rules.

While there are hardly any trap options, here are some guidelines:
-Spend your SWC. Heavy Infantry, in particular, usually comes with Combi/MULTI Rifles, and for a minimal point increase (or sometimes even discount!) and some SWC, you can equip them with real guns (HMG, Spitfire, MULTI Sniper Rifle etc.). In general, spend those SWC on troops that make the most use out of it.
-Don't overspecialize! A full TO Camo list might look fun, until it faces a balanced list that brings out counters (e.g. MSV2+). In Infinity, there is a counter for everything, and a well balanced list usually brings those along.
-Make sure you have enough Orders! 7+ is fine for 150 points, everything else should have 10+ Orders. Most good combos take about 4 orders to set up.

Regarding game balance: There are some units/equipment loadouts (MULTI Rifles, Imperial Agents, Moblots) that are considered to be subpar/overpriced, but the margin for it is not as big as in 40k. Or, to put it in Malifaux terms: there is no Malifaux child!

As for purchases:
-Sin-Eater Observant with HMG. If you like, proxy the Mk12 Sin-Eater from the starterbox as HMG, and give it a test run. I promise that you won't be disappointed!
-Interventors are among the best hackers for their cost (WIP15, HD+), and synergize well with GML (Guided Missile Launcher). For lower point games, consider proxying your Custodier as an Interventor.
-Intruders are rightfully considered as one of the best MI choices available. Camo+MSV2 with good weapon loadouts make them a nightmare for your opponent.
-Spektrs are a cost-effective candidates for TO Camo snipers.

[sectR]

Great reply, thanks a lot.

I'm not a big fan of the Sin-eater Observant model, but when the pack arrives I'll try proxy it with the HMG.
I'm a bit fuzzed about the Guided Missile Launcher. Can any model with a missile launcher fire a guided missile together with a hacker, in that case, which of the two models takes the action?
The intruders do look very nice, thanks for the tip!

[IJW Wartrader]

Here's the direct link for my YAMS cards:
http://wargamingtrader.com/yams

With the GML you'll have a series of Orders being used by different models.

For example:
Order 1 - Reverend Custodier shoots her Marker to place a Deployable Repeater one side of a wall. Anyone who can see her or is within ZoC can react. No reactions can be made to the Repeater as it's not a model.
Order 2 - Reverend Custodier uses her Hacking Device Plus to mark a target within ZoC of the Repeater, such as someone on the other side of the wall. Again, anyone who can see her or is within ZoC can react.
Order 3 - GML fires at the marked target. Anyone with LoF or within ZoC of the GML can react, also enemy Hackers each get a chance to hack the missile out of the sky. Targets with Sixth Sense 2 will get Dodge reactions.