Difference between revisions of "Cryx"
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[[File:Cryx_pic1.jpg|right]] | [[File:Cryx_pic1.jpg|right]] | ||
− | Cryx is | + | Also known as The Nightmare Empire, Cryx is a nation entirely under the control of Lord Toruk the Dragonfather and his council of 13 Lich Lords. The majority of the empire is located on a series of islands called the Scharde Isles, to the southwest of Cygnar, but in recent years Cryx has made serious inroads on the mainland and now have many secret underground bases located in the spawling Thornwood Forest, and elsewhere. |
− | + | Toruk himself is an immortal dragon of immense proportions and is the single most powerful entity in the world (that is known of, at least). Toruk's only goal is the destruction of his dragon offspring, who rebelled against him millenia ago. In the fullness of time, his armies will arise and lay waste to the petty kingdoms of humanity, enslaving them in death and preparing the army of his final victory. Once the nations of men have fallen, Toruk will drag his progeny from their hiding places and devour them once and for all. | |
+ | ----- | ||
− | + | Cryx is a nation of undead necromancers and piratical raiders. Cryx armies are typically fast, numerous and lightly-armored. The poor quality of their troops is offset by the power of their warcasters, which rank among the strongest in the game. Cryx is mostly based around melee, soul-powered magic, returning models to play, debuffs, and corrosive attacks. | |
={{PAGENAME}} for Beginners= | ={{PAGENAME}} for Beginners= | ||
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[[File:Asphyxious2.png|thumb|[[Lich Lord Asphyxious]] ]] | [[File:Asphyxious2.png|thumb|[[Lich Lord Asphyxious]] ]] | ||
[[File:Soul Trapper.jpg|thumb|[[Soul Trapper]] ]] | [[File:Soul Trapper.jpg|thumb|[[Soul Trapper]] ]] | ||
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* Fast units | * Fast units | ||
* Plentiful access to [[Ghostly]] and similar abilities to let your forces easily navigate the battlefield | * Plentiful access to [[Ghostly]] and similar abilities to let your forces easily navigate the battlefield | ||
− | * Strong warcasters, with the highest average focus in Warmachine | + | * Strong warcasters, with the Faction overall having the highest average focus stat in Warmachine |
* Best access to cheap and fast arc nodes | * Best access to cheap and fast arc nodes | ||
− | * | + | * Plentiful access to debuffs |
* Cheap units, letting you field large armies | * Cheap units, letting you field large armies | ||
* Access to corrosive attacks | * Access to corrosive attacks | ||
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* Poor shooting capabilities, Cryx are almost certain to lose in a firefight. | * Poor shooting capabilities, Cryx are almost certain to lose in a firefight. | ||
* Poor stat lines. Less accurate, less durable, etc | * Poor stat lines. Less accurate, less durable, etc | ||
+ | * Little access to buffs (Cryx normally debuffs the enemy instead) | ||
* No special orders (such as [[Shield Wall]]) available to the troops. | * No special orders (such as [[Shield Wall]]) available to the troops. | ||
* A smaller range of mercenaries available for hire. | * A smaller range of mercenaries available for hire. | ||
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And then there's the warjacks and battle engine, which I would describe as ... spiky evil robots. | And then there's the warjacks and battle engine, which I would describe as ... spiky evil robots. | ||
− | === | + | ===Starter Sets=== |
+ | [[File: Cryx battlebox.jpg|thumb|Starter Set]] | ||
'''Mk3 Battlegroup Set''' | '''Mk3 Battlegroup Set''' | ||
: ''Contents: [[Bane Witch Agathia]] warcaster, [[Deathripper]] light warjack, [[Reaper]] heavy warjack, and a [[Slayer]] heavy warjack. Plus a bunch of peripheral stuff (see picture). | : ''Contents: [[Bane Witch Agathia]] warcaster, [[Deathripper]] light warjack, [[Reaper]] heavy warjack, and a [[Slayer]] heavy warjack. Plus a bunch of peripheral stuff (see picture). | ||
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: ''Contents: Same as the Mk3 Battlegroup Set, plus a unit of [[Bane Warriors]], plus a bunch of [[Cygnar]] models (that you can give or sell to a friend). | : ''Contents: Same as the Mk3 Battlegroup Set, plus a unit of [[Bane Warriors]], plus a bunch of [[Cygnar]] models (that you can give or sell to a friend). | ||
− | This enters you into the realm of units, with all their extra rules. As the enemy will likely field units of their own, the Soul manipulation mechanism of Agathia will | + | This enters you into the realm of units, with all their extra rules. As the enemy will likely field units of their own, the Soul manipulation mechanism of Agathia will possibly see play too. Soul gathering is often present in Cryx, but will not come up in small games which are instead full of robots. |
− | ''' | + | '''Theme Force Starter - [[Slaughter Fleet Raiders]]''' |
− | : ''Contents: | + | : ''Contents: A unit of [[Bloodgorgers]] plus their character command attachment Jussika Bloodtongue, a unit of [[Scharde Dirge Seers]], a unit of [[Black Ogrun Iron Mongers]], [[Gerlak Slaughterborn]] character solo, and a [[Misery Cage]] solo. |
+ | This one is designed to be an add-on to one of the other starter sets, rather than be one all by itself - you'll note it doesn't include a warcaster or any warjacks. It is roughly 35 points. | ||
'''The Mk2 Battlegroup Set''' (limited availability) | '''The Mk2 Battlegroup Set''' (limited availability) | ||
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You may not be able to find this any more, as it has gone out of production. Considered the best starter box of its day, it still fares pretty well in the new edition (though due to point adjustments it will not be a 0 pts battlegroup anymore). Deneghra1 is quite a potent caster, and despite the nerfs she received in the 2017 errata, she is still the queen of de-buffing. This box relies heavily on bonejacks, and introduces you into Cryx' thematic element, Corrosion, through Denny's spell and the Defiler's ranged attack. | You may not be able to find this any more, as it has gone out of production. Considered the best starter box of its day, it still fares pretty well in the new edition (though due to point adjustments it will not be a 0 pts battlegroup anymore). Deneghra1 is quite a potent caster, and despite the nerfs she received in the 2017 errata, she is still the queen of de-buffing. This box relies heavily on bonejacks, and introduces you into Cryx' thematic element, Corrosion, through Denny's spell and the Defiler's ranged attack. | ||
− | + | '''2017 Cryx Army Box''' (limited availability) | |
: ''Contents: [[Asphyxious3]] warcaster, his pet light warjack [[Cankerworm]], a [[Ripjaw]] light warjack, an [[Inflictor]] heavy warjack, a [[Seether]] heavy warjack, a unit of [[Bane Warriors]] with their command attachment, and [[Darragh Wrathe]] a character solo. | : ''Contents: [[Asphyxious3]] warcaster, his pet light warjack [[Cankerworm]], a [[Ripjaw]] light warjack, an [[Inflictor]] heavy warjack, a [[Seether]] heavy warjack, a unit of [[Bane Warriors]] with their command attachment, and [[Darragh Wrathe]] a character solo. | ||
You may not be able to find this any more, as it has gone out of production. This box unleashes the whole rulebook upon you - from units to power attacks and solos. Its 50 points limit is slightly behind the most popular 75 pts tournament formats, but prepares you well for such a challenge. | You may not be able to find this any more, as it has gone out of production. This box unleashes the whole rulebook upon you - from units to power attacks and solos. Its 50 points limit is slightly behind the most popular 75 pts tournament formats, but prepares you well for such a challenge. | ||
− | + | ===Other good early purchases=== | |
[[File:Hellslinger.jpg|thumb|[[Hellslinger Phantom]] ]] | [[File:Hellslinger.jpg|thumb|[[Hellslinger Phantom]] ]] | ||
No matter what your point of entry was, there are a couple of solos who perform admirably no matter what. Thus, they should be high on your purchase list: | No matter what your point of entry was, there are a couple of solos who perform admirably no matter what. Thus, they should be high on your purchase list: | ||
− | * [[Pistol Wraith]] - Great flanking solo, with excellent ranged capabilities and the Incorporeal advantage, which makes particularly annoying against armies who lack magic weapons. | + | * [[Pistol Wraith]] - Great flanking solo, with excellent ranged capabilities and the Incorporeal advantage, which makes particularly annoying against armies who lack magic weapons. Limited to the undead themes. |
− | * [[Warwitch Siren]] - Jack tuner and offensive utility solo, she eases the Focus burden on your caster, and helps you against occasional Disruption, if you face Cygnar. | + | * [[Warwitch Siren]] - Jack tuner and offensive utility solo, she eases the Focus burden on your caster, and helps you against occasional Disruption, if you face Cygnar. Limited to two warjack-centric themes. |
− | * [[Machine Wraith]] - Excellent filler solo, who can either linger in zones to score/contest, or mess with your enemy's jacks. | + | * [[Machine Wraith]] - Excellent filler solo, who can either linger in zones to score/contest, or mess with your enemy's jacks. Limited to the undead themes. |
{{EGGbox|You can get high quality acrylic tokens for all the spells, effects, abilities that Cryx can use. You place these tokens next to the model(s) affected during your game. | {{EGGbox|You can get high quality acrylic tokens for all the spells, effects, abilities that Cryx can use. You place these tokens next to the model(s) affected during your game. | ||
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* 2018 [http://www.brokenegggames.com/warmachinehordes/cryx/cryx-2018-fall-update-pack-black-fleet.html Black Fleet Update Set - USD$15] | * 2018 [http://www.brokenegggames.com/warmachinehordes/cryx/cryx-2018-fall-update-pack-black-fleet.html Black Fleet Update Set - USD$15] | ||
}} | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Starting a Theme Force=== | ||
+ | {{Starting a Theme Force text}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | If you're on a bit of a tight budget, you'll want to buy stuff that can fit into more than theme. Unfortunately this is just the support models and you don't want to overload your army with non-combat models, so I'm not suggesting you should ''buy all'' the models in the list below but rather they're worth ''looking into''. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * 4 themes | ||
+ | ** [[Black Ogrun Iron Mongers]] - Mechanics | ||
+ | ** [[Machine Wraith]] - Harassment piece | ||
+ | * 3 themes | ||
+ | ** [[Aiakos1]] - "Junior" Warcaster | ||
+ | ** [[Misery Cage]] - Warcaster support | ||
+ | ** [[Necrotech]] - Mechanic | ||
+ | ** [[Scrap Thralls]] - Filler models | ||
+ | ** [[Soul Trapper]] - Trap souls | ||
+ | * 2 themes | ||
+ | ** [[The Withershadow Combine]] - Warcaster support | ||
+ | ** [[Axiara Wraithblade]] - Army support (living themes) | ||
+ | ** [[Darragh Wrathe]] - Army support (undead themes) | ||
+ | ** [[Deneghra0]] - "Junior" Warcaster | ||
+ | ** [[Hellslinger Phantom]] - Ranged combat | ||
+ | ** [[Pistol Wraith]] - Ranged combat | ||
+ | ** [[Satyxis Blood Priestess]] - Warcaster support | ||
+ | ** [[Skarlock Thrall]] - Warcaster support | ||
+ | |||
=Theme Forces= | =Theme Forces= | ||
− | + | [[File:Goreshade3.jpg|thumb|[[Goreshade, Lord of Ruin]] ]] | |
− | + | [[File:Axiara Wraithblade.jpg|thumb|[[Axiara Wraithblade]] ]] | |
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===Black Industries === | ===Black Industries === | ||
− | [[Black Industries]] is Cryx's warjack-centric theme | + | [[Black Industries]] is Cryx's warjack-centric theme. |
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{{BI models}} | {{BI models}} | ||
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===Dark Host === | ===Dark Host === | ||
[[Dark Host]] is all about Banes, the elite undead of Cryx. | [[Dark Host]] is all about Banes, the elite undead of Cryx. | ||
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{{DH models}} | {{DH models}} | ||
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===The Ghost Fleet === | ===The Ghost Fleet === | ||
− | [[The Ghost Fleet]] is all about zombie pirates and ghost pirates. It is very recursive (lots of zombies regenerate every turn) | + | [[The Ghost Fleet]] is all about zombie pirates and ghost pirates. It is very recursive (lots of zombies regenerate every turn). |
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{{GF models}} | {{GF models}} | ||
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===Infernal Machines === | ===Infernal Machines === | ||
− | [[Infernal Machines]] is all about Thralls, the cheap and disposable undead cannon fodder of Cryx | + | [[Infernal Machines]] is all about Thralls, the cheap and disposable undead cannon fodder of Cryx. |
− | + | ||
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{{IM models}} | {{IM models}} | ||
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===Scourge of the Broken Coast === | ===Scourge of the Broken Coast === | ||
[[Scourge of the Broken Coast]] is about the Satyxis who are the vicious lady pirates of Cryx, with a dollop of blood sacrifice magic thrown in. Satyxis troops are high speed, high accuracy, low power, high defense, and low armor. Altogether, Satyxis are a light skirmishing army, able to close the gap and engage very well, but lack the hitting power or staying power to win a slugfest. | [[Scourge of the Broken Coast]] is about the Satyxis who are the vicious lady pirates of Cryx, with a dollop of blood sacrifice magic thrown in. Satyxis troops are high speed, high accuracy, low power, high defense, and low armor. Altogether, Satyxis are a light skirmishing army, able to close the gap and engage very well, but lack the hitting power or staying power to win a slugfest. | ||
This is a theme with living models. | This is a theme with living models. | ||
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{{SotBC models}} | {{SotBC models}} | ||
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===Slaughter Fleet Raiders === | ===Slaughter Fleet Raiders === | ||
[[Slaughter Fleet Raiders]] is about the non-Satyxis living pirates of Cryx; the blighted Trollkin, Ogrun, and evil pirates of the Scharde Isles. This is a theme with living models. | [[Slaughter Fleet Raiders]] is about the non-Satyxis living pirates of Cryx; the blighted Trollkin, Ogrun, and evil pirates of the Scharde Isles. This is a theme with living models. | ||
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{{SFR models}} | {{SFR models}} | ||
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= Models = | = Models = | ||
[[File:Stalker.jpg|thumb|[[Stalker]] ]] | [[File:Stalker.jpg|thumb|[[Stalker]] ]] | ||
===Unreleased Models === | ===Unreleased Models === | ||
− | : ''Last Updated: '''{{blue| | + | : ''Last Updated: '''{{blue|2019.02}}''''' |
− | * | + | |
+ | * [[Captain Rahera, Terror of the Wailing Sea]] | ||
=== Warcasters === | === Warcasters === | ||
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{{WN|Asphyxious3 | Asphyxious the Hellbringer & Vociferon }} | {{WN|Asphyxious3 | Asphyxious the Hellbringer & Vociferon }} | ||
{{GAP}} | {{GAP}} | ||
− | {{WN|Coven1 | Witch Coven of Garlghast & the Egregore }} | + | {{WN|Coven1 | Witch Coven of Garlghast & the Egregore}} (updated January 2018) |
{{GAP}} | {{GAP}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Deneghra0 || ''Refer to Cryx solos, below | | Deneghra0 || ''Refer to Cryx solos, below | ||
− | {{WN|Deneghra1 | Warwitch Deneghra }} | + | {{WN|Deneghra1 | Warwitch Deneghra}} (updated January 2018) |
− | {{WN|Deneghra2 | Wraith Witch Deneghra }} | + | {{WN|Deneghra2 | Wraith Witch Deneghra}} (updated January 2018) |
{{WN|Deneghra3 | Deneghra, the Soul Weaver }} | {{WN|Deneghra3 | Deneghra, the Soul Weaver }} | ||
{{GAP}} | {{GAP}} | ||
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{{WN|Mortenebra1 | Master Necrotech Mortenebra & Deryliss }} | {{WN|Mortenebra1 | Master Necrotech Mortenebra & Deryliss }} | ||
{{WN|Mortenebra2 | Mortenebra, Numen of Necrogenesis }} | {{WN|Mortenebra2 | Mortenebra, Numen of Necrogenesis }} | ||
+ | {{GAP}} | ||
+ | {{WN|Rahera1|Captain Rahera, Terror of the Wailing Sea}} | ||
{{GAP}} | {{GAP}} | ||
{{WN|Scaverous1 | Lord Exhumator Scaverous }} | {{WN|Scaverous1 | Lord Exhumator Scaverous }} | ||
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{{WN|Sturgis2 | Sturgis the Corrupted }} | {{WN|Sturgis2 | Sturgis the Corrupted }} | ||
{{GAP}} | {{GAP}} | ||
− | {{WN|Terminus1 | Lich Lord Terminus }} | + | {{WN|Terminus1 | Lich Lord Terminus}} (updated January 2018) |
{{GAP}} | {{GAP}} | ||
{{WN|Venethrax1 | Lich Lord Venethrax }} | {{WN|Venethrax1 | Lich Lord Venethrax }} | ||
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[[File:Cryx pic2.jpg|thumb]] | [[File:Cryx pic2.jpg|thumb]] | ||
[[File:Desecrator.jpg|thumb|[[Desecrator]] ]] | [[File:Desecrator.jpg|thumb|[[Desecrator]] ]] | ||
+ | |||
===Warjacks=== | ===Warjacks=== | ||
{| | {| | ||
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[[File:34080 WraithEngineWEB.jpg|thumb|[[Wraith Engine]] ]] | [[File:34080 WraithEngineWEB.jpg|thumb|[[Wraith Engine]] ]] | ||
[[File:Black Ogrun Smog Belchers.jpg|thumb|[[Black Ogrun Smog Belchers]] ]] | [[File:Black Ogrun Smog Belchers.jpg|thumb|[[Black Ogrun Smog Belchers]] ]] | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ===Battle Engines=== | |
− | + | ||
+ | * [[Wraith Engine]] | ||
===Units=== | ===Units=== | ||
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** CA - ''Jussika Bloodtongue | ** CA - ''Jussika Bloodtongue | ||
* [[Carrion Thralls]] | * [[Carrion Thralls]] | ||
− | * [[Cephalyx Mind Slaver & Drudges]] | + | * [[Cephalyx Mind Slaver & Drudges]] |
− | * [[Cephalyx Overlords]] | + | *: [[Partisan]]s |
+ | * [[Cephalyx Overlords]] | ||
+ | *: [[Partisan]]s | ||
* [[Mechanithralls]] | * [[Mechanithralls]] | ||
** WA - Brute Thrall | ** WA - Brute Thrall | ||
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** CA - Officer | ** CA - Officer | ||
* [[Soulhunters]] | * [[Soulhunters]] | ||
− | * ''[[The Withershadow Combine]]'' | + | * ''[[The Withershadow Combine]]'' |
− | + | *: [[Attached|Warcaster Attachment]] | |
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===Solos=== | ===Solos=== | ||
* ''[[Agrimony, Crone of the Dying Strands]] | * ''[[Agrimony, Crone of the Dying Strands]] | ||
− | * Aiakos1: ''[[Aiakos, Scourge of the Meredius]]'' - ( | + | * Aiakos1: ''[[Aiakos, Scourge of the Meredius]]'' -("Junior Warcaster") |
* Aiakos2: Refer to warcasters, above | * Aiakos2: Refer to warcasters, above | ||
* ''[[Axiara Wraithblade]] | * ''[[Axiara Wraithblade]] | ||
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* ''[[General Gerlak Slaughterborn]] | * ''[[General Gerlak Slaughterborn]] | ||
* ''[[Hellslinger Phantom]] | * ''[[Hellslinger Phantom]] | ||
− | * [[Iron Lich Overseer]] - ( | + | * [[Iron Lich Overseer]] - ('Jack Marshal) |
* [[Machine Wraith]] | * [[Machine Wraith]] | ||
* [[Misery Cage]] | * [[Misery Cage]] | ||
* [[Necrotech]] | * [[Necrotech]] | ||
* [[Pistol Wraith]] | * [[Pistol Wraith]] | ||
− | * [[Satyxis Blood Priestess]] - ( | + | * [[Satyxis Blood Priestess]] - (Warcaster Attachment) |
* [[Satyxis Raider Captain]] | * [[Satyxis Raider Captain]] | ||
* [[Scrap Thrall]] | * [[Scrap Thrall]] | ||
* ''[[Severa Blacktide]] | * ''[[Severa Blacktide]] | ||
− | * [[Skarlock Thrall]] - ( | + | * [[Skarlock Thrall]] - (Warcaster Attachment) |
* [[Soul Trapper]] | * [[Soul Trapper]] | ||
− | * Deneghra0: ''[[Warwitch Initiate Deneghra]]'' - ( | + | * Deneghra0: ''[[Warwitch Initiate Deneghra]]'' - ("Junior Warcaster") |
− | * Denegrha1 | + | * Denegrha1 to 3: Refer to warcasters, above |
* [[Warwitch Siren]] | * [[Warwitch Siren]] | ||
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= Mercenaries that work for Cryx= | = Mercenaries that work for Cryx= | ||
Refer to [[Who works for Whom]] and/or [[:Category: Cryx Mercenary]] | Refer to [[Who works for Whom]] and/or [[:Category: Cryx Mercenary]] | ||
− | = | + | =Other= |
+ | ===Designer's Notes=== | ||
+ | Just before the launch of the mk3 ruleset, the game developers did a series of Insider articles about what they saw as each Faction's "Core Identity". Although it's a little dated now, it is still an interesting insight to how they view Cryx [http://privateerpress.com/community/privateer-insider/insider-04-28-2016 2016.04 Cryx Preview]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Deep Lore=== | ||
The forces of Cryx exist solely to devour any and all things at the behest of the Dragonfather. Their martial strengths are speed, surprise, and force in numbers. Enemies of the undying know they must never be lax in their vigilance, for seemingly out of nowhere raiders can arrive without warning, carried across the sea aboard their infamous blackships. A sickening mix of necromancy, soulless science, and the unnatural corruption of draconic blight, Cryx is a fast, numerous, and shockingly powerful army. Specializing in undead hordes, the forces of Lord Toruk the Dragonfather nearly always outnumber their opponents. More, they possess some of the most magically potent and versatile spellcasters in Immoren who can manipulate the souls of the dead. Service in the Nightmare Empire never ends, and as Cryx extends its corrupting tendrils throughout the Iron Kingdoms, even the dead shall be called again to slaughter. | The forces of Cryx exist solely to devour any and all things at the behest of the Dragonfather. Their martial strengths are speed, surprise, and force in numbers. Enemies of the undying know they must never be lax in their vigilance, for seemingly out of nowhere raiders can arrive without warning, carried across the sea aboard their infamous blackships. A sickening mix of necromancy, soulless science, and the unnatural corruption of draconic blight, Cryx is a fast, numerous, and shockingly powerful army. Specializing in undead hordes, the forces of Lord Toruk the Dragonfather nearly always outnumber their opponents. More, they possess some of the most magically potent and versatile spellcasters in Immoren who can manipulate the souls of the dead. Service in the Nightmare Empire never ends, and as Cryx extends its corrupting tendrils throughout the Iron Kingdoms, even the dead shall be called again to slaughter. | ||
Revision as of 19:04, 4 May 2019
Also known as The Nightmare Empire, Cryx is a nation entirely under the control of Lord Toruk the Dragonfather and his council of 13 Lich Lords. The majority of the empire is located on a series of islands called the Scharde Isles, to the southwest of Cygnar, but in recent years Cryx has made serious inroads on the mainland and now have many secret underground bases located in the spawling Thornwood Forest, and elsewhere.
Toruk himself is an immortal dragon of immense proportions and is the single most powerful entity in the world (that is known of, at least). Toruk's only goal is the destruction of his dragon offspring, who rebelled against him millenia ago. In the fullness of time, his armies will arise and lay waste to the petty kingdoms of humanity, enslaving them in death and preparing the army of his final victory. Once the nations of men have fallen, Toruk will drag his progeny from their hiding places and devour them once and for all.
Cryx is a nation of undead necromancers and piratical raiders. Cryx armies are typically fast, numerous and lightly-armored. The poor quality of their troops is offset by the power of their warcasters, which rank among the strongest in the game. Cryx is mostly based around melee, soul-powered magic, returning models to play, debuffs, and corrosive attacks.
Cryx for Beginners
Playstyle
Welcome to the service of Dragonfather Toruk. Here as a member of the Nightmare Empire, your army will typically (★) benefit from these strengths...
- Good melee abilities
- Fast units
- Plentiful access to Ghostly and similar abilities to let your forces easily navigate the battlefield
- Strong warcasters, with the Faction overall having the highest average focus stat in Warmachine
- Best access to cheap and fast arc nodes
- Plentiful access to debuffs
- Cheap units, letting you field large armies
- Access to corrosive attacks
- Recursion to bring back the dead
- Soul manipulation
Naturally these come with a cost. Your army will typically (★) suffer these weakness...
- Poor shooting capabilities, Cryx are almost certain to lose in a firefight.
- Poor stat lines. Less accurate, less durable, etc
- Little access to buffs (Cryx normally debuffs the enemy instead)
- No special orders (such as Shield Wall) available to the troops.
- A smaller range of mercenaries available for hire.
(★) Everything given above is typical only. It is entirely possible to build a Cryx army that is good at shooting, or slow and durable - there is just fewer ways to do it successfully than in other factions.
Aesthetic
Cryx models are very varied in looks, more so than any faction other than Mercenaries.
- Undead
- Robot lich lords like Asphyxious1
- Steampunk zombies like Mechanithralls
- Classic zombies like the Revenant Crew
- Ghosts like the Pistol Wraith
- Skeletons in plate armor like Bane Warriors
- Living
- Blighted trolls and ogres such as the Bloodgorgers
- Chicks in bikinis with horns sprouting from their heads such as the Satyxis Raiders
And then there's the warjacks and battle engine, which I would describe as ... spiky evil robots.
Starter Sets
Mk3 Battlegroup Set
- Contents: Bane Witch Agathia warcaster, Deathripper light warjack, Reaper heavy warjack, and a Slayer heavy warjack. Plus a bunch of peripheral stuff (see picture).
It is a good way to meet the defining traits of Cryx; high mobility, excessive use of Arc Nodes, de-buff stacking and movement shenanigans.
Two Player Battlebox
- Contents: Same as the Mk3 Battlegroup Set, plus a unit of Bane Warriors, plus a bunch of Cygnar models (that you can give or sell to a friend).
This enters you into the realm of units, with all their extra rules. As the enemy will likely field units of their own, the Soul manipulation mechanism of Agathia will possibly see play too. Soul gathering is often present in Cryx, but will not come up in small games which are instead full of robots.
Theme Force Starter - Slaughter Fleet Raiders
- Contents: A unit of Bloodgorgers plus their character command attachment Jussika Bloodtongue, a unit of Scharde Dirge Seers, a unit of Black Ogrun Iron Mongers, Gerlak Slaughterborn character solo, and a Misery Cage solo.
This one is designed to be an add-on to one of the other starter sets, rather than be one all by itself - you'll note it doesn't include a warcaster or any warjacks. It is roughly 35 points.
The Mk2 Battlegroup Set (limited availability)
- Contents: Deneghra1 warcaster, two Deathripper light warjacks, a Defiler light warjack, and a Slayer heavy warjack.
You may not be able to find this any more, as it has gone out of production. Considered the best starter box of its day, it still fares pretty well in the new edition (though due to point adjustments it will not be a 0 pts battlegroup anymore). Deneghra1 is quite a potent caster, and despite the nerfs she received in the 2017 errata, she is still the queen of de-buffing. This box relies heavily on bonejacks, and introduces you into Cryx' thematic element, Corrosion, through Denny's spell and the Defiler's ranged attack.
2017 Cryx Army Box (limited availability)
- Contents: Asphyxious3 warcaster, his pet light warjack Cankerworm, a Ripjaw light warjack, an Inflictor heavy warjack, a Seether heavy warjack, a unit of Bane Warriors with their command attachment, and Darragh Wrathe a character solo.
You may not be able to find this any more, as it has gone out of production. This box unleashes the whole rulebook upon you - from units to power attacks and solos. Its 50 points limit is slightly behind the most popular 75 pts tournament formats, but prepares you well for such a challenge.
Other good early purchases
No matter what your point of entry was, there are a couple of solos who perform admirably no matter what. Thus, they should be high on your purchase list:
- Pistol Wraith - Great flanking solo, with excellent ranged capabilities and the Incorporeal advantage, which makes particularly annoying against armies who lack magic weapons. Limited to the undead themes.
- Warwitch Siren - Jack tuner and offensive utility solo, she eases the Focus burden on your caster, and helps you against occasional Disruption, if you face Cygnar. Limited to two warjack-centric themes.
- Machine Wraith - Excellent filler solo, who can either linger in zones to score/contest, or mess with your enemy's jacks. Limited to the undead themes.
Starting a Theme Force
Players can use the Theme Force rules to construct their army list once the game size reaches 25 points. Themes restrict which models from your Faction you have access to, with different models being "locked" into different themes. In return, playing a theme force gives you multiple benefits in return. Also, models in a theme force normally have natural synergies with each other - synergies they can't use if they're paired with models from outside the theme.
Themes are considered the default way to play Warmachine and Hordes (although technically they're optional).
Regardless of whether you're starting at 25 points or lower, as a new player you have two options:
- Ignore themes to begin with, buy a couple of things you like the look of, and later on figure out if they work together in the same theme.
- With this approach you run the risk of buying models from a hodge podge of different themes. At some point you'll end up choosing one theme to use and expand, and shelving your models that don't fit the theme.
- Figure out which theme contains models you like the look of, and limit yourself to just buying models from that theme.
- This approach has the benefit of not shelving any of your purchases and you're more likely to have models that have natural synergies with each other (even if you buy things completely at random).
If you're on a bit of a tight budget, you'll want to buy stuff that can fit into more than theme. Unfortunately this is just the support models and you don't want to overload your army with non-combat models, so I'm not suggesting you should buy all the models in the list below but rather they're worth looking into.
- 4 themes
- Black Ogrun Iron Mongers - Mechanics
- Machine Wraith - Harassment piece
- 3 themes
- Aiakos1 - "Junior" Warcaster
- Misery Cage - Warcaster support
- Necrotech - Mechanic
- Scrap Thralls - Filler models
- Soul Trapper - Trap souls
- 2 themes
- The Withershadow Combine - Warcaster support
- Axiara Wraithblade - Army support (living themes)
- Darragh Wrathe - Army support (undead themes)
- Deneghra0 - "Junior" Warcaster
- Hellslinger Phantom - Ranged combat
- Pistol Wraith - Ranged combat
- Satyxis Blood Priestess - Warcaster support
- Skarlock Thrall - Warcaster support
Theme Forces
Black Industries
Black Industries is Cryx's warjack-centric theme.
This list was last updated: 2020.12 (Edit)
Warcasters
- All Cryx warcasters
Warjacks
- All non-character Cryx warjacks
- All character Cryx warjacks
Battle Engines
Units
- Asphyxious4 ("Junior Warcaster") (★)
- Black Ogrun Ironmongers
- Bile Thralls
- Carrion Thralls
- Cephalyx Mind Slaver & Drudges (★)
- Cephalyx Overlords (★)
- Mechanithralls
- Necrosurgeon & Stitch Thralls
- Soulhunters
- Withershadow Combine (Warcaster Attachment)
Solos
- Aiakos1 ("Junior Warcaster")
- Bloat Thrall
- Bloat Thrall Overseer Mobius
- Darragh Wrathe
- Doctor Stygius (Warcaster Attachment) (★)
- Hellslinger Phantom
- Iron Lich Overseer ('Jack Marshal)
- Machine Wraith
- Master Gurglepox
- Necrotech
- Ol' Grim
- Pistol Wraith
- Scrap Thralls
- Skarlock Thrall - (Warcaster Attachment)
- Soul Trapper
- Warwitch Initiate Deneghra ("Junior Warcaster")
- Warwitch Siren
Mercenaries
- Up to one solo
- Up to one unit
Dark Host
Dark Host is all about Banes, the elite undead of Cryx.
This list was last updated: 2021.10 (Edit)
Warcasters
- All Cryx warcasters
Warjacks
- All non-character Cryx warjacks
- Deathjack
- Other character warjacks can be taken, but only if they have a bond and they're in their bonded model's battlegroup.
Units
Solos
- Bane Lord Tartarus
- Darragh Wrathe
- Machine Wraith
- Master Gurglepox
- Necrotech
- Scrap Thralls
- Skarlock Thrall
(Warcaster Attachment) - Soul Trapper
Battle Engines
Mercenaries
- Void Archon (★)
- Up to one solo
- Up to one unit
(★) Void Archons don't count against your "Up to one Mercenary" slot
The Ghost Fleet
The Ghost Fleet is all about zombie pirates and ghost pirates. It is very recursive (lots of zombies regenerate every turn).
This list was last updated: 2017.09 (Edit)
Warcasters
- All Cryx warcasters
Warjacks
- All non-character Cryx warjacks
- Barathrum
- Other character warjacks can be taken, but only if they have a bond and they're in their bonded model's battlegroup.
Battle Engines
Solos
Units
- Blackbane's Ghost Raiders
- Black Ogrun Ironmongers
- Revenant Cannon Crew
- Revenant Crew of the Atramentous
Mercenaries
- Up to one solo
- Up to one unit
Infernal Machines
Infernal Machines is all about Thralls, the cheap and disposable undead cannon fodder of Cryx.
Scourge of the Broken Coast
Scourge of the Broken Coast is about the Satyxis who are the vicious lady pirates of Cryx, with a dollop of blood sacrifice magic thrown in. Satyxis troops are high speed, high accuracy, low power, high defense, and low armor. Altogether, Satyxis are a light skirmishing army, able to close the gap and engage very well, but lack the hitting power or staying power to win a slugfest.
This is a theme with living models.
This list was last updated: 2021.02 (Edit)
Warcasters
- All Cryx warcasters
Warjacks
- All non-character Cryx warjacks
- Barathrum
- Kharybdis
- Other character warjacks can be taken, but only if they have a bond and they're in their bonded model's battlegroup.
Units
- Black Ogrun Boarding Party
- Black Ogrun Ironmongers
- Black Ogrun Smog Belchers
- Bloodgorgers
- Blighted Trollkin Marauders
- Cephalyx Mind Slaver & Drudges (★)
- Cephalyx Overlords (★)
- Satyxis Gunslingers
- Satyxis Blood Witches
- Satyxis Raiders
- Scharde Dirge Seers
- Scharde Pirates
- The Devil's Shadow Mutineers (★)
Solos
- Aiakos, Scourge of the Meredius ("Junior Warcaster")
- Axiara Wraithblade
- Darragh Wrathe
- Death Archon (★)
- Doctor Stygius (Warcaster Attachment) (★)
- General Gerlak Slaughterborn
- Misery Cage
- Satyxis Blood Priestess (Warcaster Attachment)
- Satyxis Raider Captain
- Severa Blacktide
- Warwitch Initiate Deneghra ("Junior Warcaster")
- Warwitch Siren
Mercenaries
- Up to one solo
- Up to one unit
(★) Because these models are specifically allowed in this theme, they don't use up your "Up to one Mercenary" slot.
Slaughter Fleet Raiders
Slaughter Fleet Raiders is about the non-Satyxis living pirates of Cryx; the blighted Trollkin, Ogrun, and evil pirates of the Scharde Isles. This is a theme with living models.
Models
Unreleased Models
- Last Updated: 2019.02
Warcasters
Warjacks
Light
Colossal |
Heavy | Character - Light
Character - Heavy |
Battle Engines
Units
- Bane Knights
- CA - Officer
- Bane Riders
- Bane Warriors
- CA - Officer & Standard
- Bile Thralls
- CA - Skarlock Commander
- Blackbane's Ghost Raiders
- Black Ogrun Boarding Party
- Black Ogrun Iron Mongers
- Black Ogrun Smog Belchers
- Bloodgorgers
- CA - Jussika Bloodtongue
- Blighted Trollkin Marauders
- CA - Jussika Bloodtongue
- Carrion Thralls
- Cephalyx Mind Slaver & Drudges
- Cephalyx Overlords
- Mechanithralls
- WA - Brute Thrall
- CA - Skarlock Commander
- Necrosurgeon & Stitch Thralls
- Revenant Cannon Crew
- Revenant Crew of the Atramentous
- WA - Rifleman
- Satyxis Blood Witches
- CA - Blood Hag
- Satyxis Gunslingers
- Satyxis Raiders
- CA - Sea Witch
- Scharde Dirge Seers
- Scharde Pirates
- CA - Officer
- Soulhunters
- The Withershadow Combine
Solos
- Agrimony, Crone of the Dying Strands
- Aiakos1: Aiakos, Scourge of the Meredius -("Junior Warcaster")
- Aiakos2: Refer to warcasters, above
- Axiara Wraithblade
- Bane Lord Tartarus
- Bloat Thrall
- Bloat Thrall Overseer Mobius
- Captain Rengrave
- Darragh Wrathe
- General Gerlak Slaughterborn
- Hellslinger Phantom
- Iron Lich Overseer - ('Jack Marshal)
- Machine Wraith
- Misery Cage
- Necrotech
- Pistol Wraith
- Satyxis Blood Priestess - (Warcaster Attachment)
- Satyxis Raider Captain
- Scrap Thrall
- Severa Blacktide
- Skarlock Thrall - (Warcaster Attachment)
- Soul Trapper
- Deneghra0: Warwitch Initiate Deneghra - ("Junior Warcaster")
- Denegrha1 to 3: Refer to warcasters, above
- Warwitch Siren
Mercenaries that work for Cryx
Refer to Who works for Whom and/or Category: Cryx Mercenary
Other
Designer's Notes
Just before the launch of the mk3 ruleset, the game developers did a series of Insider articles about what they saw as each Faction's "Core Identity". Although it's a little dated now, it is still an interesting insight to how they view Cryx 2016.04 Cryx Preview.
Deep Lore
The forces of Cryx exist solely to devour any and all things at the behest of the Dragonfather. Their martial strengths are speed, surprise, and force in numbers. Enemies of the undying know they must never be lax in their vigilance, for seemingly out of nowhere raiders can arrive without warning, carried across the sea aboard their infamous blackships. A sickening mix of necromancy, soulless science, and the unnatural corruption of draconic blight, Cryx is a fast, numerous, and shockingly powerful army. Specializing in undead hordes, the forces of Lord Toruk the Dragonfather nearly always outnumber their opponents. More, they possess some of the most magically potent and versatile spellcasters in Immoren who can manipulate the souls of the dead. Service in the Nightmare Empire never ends, and as Cryx extends its corrupting tendrils throughout the Iron Kingdoms, even the dead shall be called again to slaughter.
See the Lexicanum entry on Toruk for more history on Our Great Leader.