Difference between revisions of "Mercenaries"

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{{Main Page announcement}}
 
[[File:Merc art1.jpg|right|300px]]
 
[[File:Merc art1.jpg|right|300px]]
  
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Mercenaries are soldiers for hire that can be fielded in a variety of Faction armies. Alternatively, you can field an army made up solely of Mercenary models. In the later case, all Mercenaries can work alongside each other, regardless of what factions they normally prefer to hire themselves to. Mercenaries  are the only factions that can run Warjacks and Warbeasts as faction models.
+
Mercenary models are normally allowed to be included in the armies of other factions as friendly, non-faction models on a theme-by-theme basis where they are seen onesy-twosey.  
  
−
{{Tipbox|'''New players''' often misunderstand how they can include Mercenary models in their army, especially warjacks & warcasters.
+
As a faction unto itself, Mercenaries are comprised of NINE mostly unrelated theme forces that allow wildly different models from nearly every faction in the game.
−
* Mercenary units, solos, and battle engines can be included in any Faction listed on their card.
 
−
* '''Mercenary warjacks''' can ''only'' be controlled by a Mercenary model. <br>In a normal game, this means other Factions need to hire a [['Jack Marshal]] or [[Battlegroup Controller|Junior Warcaster]].
 
−
* A '''Mercenary warcaster''' can ''only'' be put in a non-Mercenary army if you're playing a 2+ caster game.<br>If you're only playing with 1 caster, and that caster is a Mercenary warcaster, then by definition you're playing a Mercenary force.
 
−
* There are many exceptions to the rules, such as [[Partisan]], [[Limited Employment]], and [[Maker's Mark]].
 
  
−
Alternatively you should simply become a Mercenary player, in which case your ''entire'' army must be Mercenary models (warcaster, warjacks, units, etc).
+
The Mercenary "faction" serves as a way for players to branch out and expand their collections. A Cygnar or Protectorate player could build a Llaelese Resistance army. A Cryx or Convergence player could expand into Strange Bedfellows. And once you have one of those forces built, an army in The Irregulars theme is usually easy to acquire. And so it goes.
 +
 
 +
{{Tipbox|'''New players''' often misunderstand how they can include Mercenary models in a non-Mercenary Faction (especially how they can include Mercenary warjacks/warcasters).
 +
* Mercenary '''warjacks''' can ''only'' be controlled by a Mercenary model. <br>In a normal game, this means other Factions need to hire a Mercenary [['Jack Marshal]] or a Mercenary [[Battlegroup Controller|"Junior Warcaster"]].
 +
* A Mercenary '''warcaster''' can ''only'' be put in a non-Mercenary army if you're playing a 2+ caster game.<br>If you're only playing with 1 caster, and that caster is a Mercenary warcaster, then by definition you're playing a Mercenary force.
 +
* Mercenary '''units, solos, and battle engines''' can hire themselves out to any non-Mercenary army that is listed on their card. <br>Most non-Mercenary [[Theme Force]]s place a limit on how many Mercenaries can be included.
 +
 
 +
There are many exceptions to the above rules, such as [[Partisan]], [[Limited Employment]], and [[Maker's Mark]].
 
}}
 
}}
 +
  
 
=Starting your own Mercenary force=
 
=Starting your own Mercenary force=
−
Mercenaries are not a faction in the strictest sense of the word. A faction represents a group owing allegiance to a particular land or ruler, and often of a particular race. Whereas mercenaries represent individuals loyal to no land in particular, often in pursuit of their own agendas which vary widely.  
+
===Introduction===
 +
Mercenaries are the largest, most expansive faction with no central unifying theme. Pirates, dwarfs, holy warriors, divine manifestations, undead, and clockwork angels are all considered mercenaries, but all fight for different reasons, so there is no concise way to sum it up.
 +
 
 +
===Playstyle===
 +
There is so much variety in the faction that essentially any playstyle is possible. You will never shoot as well as Cygnar or fight as well as Grymkin or Cryx, so combined arms is usually the best way to go.
 +
 
 +
Mercenary warjacks tend to be cheap and no-frils.
 +
 
 +
Mercenary warcasters tend to be low focus (usually 6), support-oriented, and most have unusual and very powerful feats. Few are capable caster-killers.  
 +
 
 +
Mercenaries do not feature fire, ice, lightning, force, or corrosion themes like the other Warmachine factions, but they do have the most blast weapons of any faction by a huge margin.
 +
 
 +
===Starter Sets===
 +
No mercenary starter set exists or likely ever will.
 +
 
 +
===Worthwhile early purchases===
 +
The Mercenary faction has nine theme forces, each at least as large as a mini-faction. Most factions have four or five. There is also very little model overlap between the themes so you need to plan your first purchases carefully.
 +
 
 +
It is best to pick your favorite caster and build around them. Research which theme forces they play in (the [[Talion Charter]] theme only allows [[Privateer]] warcasters, for example) and make a plan to build your army for those themes.  
  
−
If there is one overarching "feel" to Mercenaries, it is that most of it is second-rate and cobbled together. The warjacks are mostly decommissioned military warjacks or repurposed laborjacks. Mercenaries boast no warjacks that shoot like Cygnaran Defenders or hit like Khadoran Juggernauts. Instead, they rely on cheap mainstays like the Mariner and the Nomad to get the job done on a budget.
+
After your warcaster you'll need to buy a battlegroup. Human, [[Rhulic]] and [[Cephalyx]] casters are restricted to different types of models in their battlegroup. Human casters cannot run Rhulic warjacks and vice-versa. Cephalyx can run only monstrosities.
  
−
That said, well-constructed Mercenary armies are easily able to go toe-to-toe with the best the other factions can muster provided the player takes advantage of the faction's strengths - especially so with [[The Irregulars]] theme force becoming the default mercenary army.
+
* All the human merc warjacks are solid picks. For those on a budget, get 3 [[Nomad]] kits and magnetize the arms.
  
−
Mercenaries have two great strengths compared to the other factions. They have the best selection of solos in the game and a bevy of cheap but effective warjack and unit options. Many Mercenary solos and units hand out abilities that can solve problems that the mercenary casters cannot, such as stealth removal, magic weapon or pathfinder.  
+
* Cephalyx monstrosities can also be magnetized so 3 heavies will start you off on the right foot.
  
−
Mercenary warcasters tend to be low focus (usually 6), support-heavy and most have unusual and very powerful feats.
+
* Rhulic players should start with 1-2 [[Driller]]s and 4 [[Gunner]]s, then ask the Privateer Press online store if they sell you 4 [[Blaster]] gun bits to magnetize the Gunner/Blasters.
  
−
In general, cheaper is better with Mercenaries. 3 Nomads is better than 2 Manglers for only 3 more points. 2 units of Steelhead Halberdiers is better than a unit of Precursors with a Command Attachment. 6 point Grundback Gunners are the pinnacle of focus-efficiency. Mariners are a poor man's Defender. Buccaneers are a 17" knockdown on a stick. Talons are 7 point nuisances with good staying power. You can't compete with Cygnar by spending tons of points on expensive stuff like Nyss Hunters or Rocinante. Their stuff is better for the points, but your cheap stuff costs less, so take advantage of the strength of the faction. More is more, as they say.
+
Unit and solo purchases are far more theme-dependent. In brief, your first purchases for each theme should be:
  
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New Mercenary players will want to pick one or two of the five subsets (below) and build from there.
+
* The Irregulars - Two units of [[Kayazy Eliminators]], [[Hermit of Henge Hold]], [[Gastone Crosse]], [[Anastasia di Bray]], [[Asphyxious4]], [[Scythe]]
  
−
Broadly speaking, Mercenaries fall into five categories. These are Cephalyx, Rhulic, Privateers, Llaelese Resistance, and sellswords that don't fit into any of the other four.
+
* Soldiers of Fortune - Two units of [[Steelhead Halberdiers]], one unit of [[Steelhead Heavy Cavalry]], [[Stannis Brocker]], [[Anastasia]], [[Gorman1]], [[Alexia2]] (with three [[Thrall Warrior]]s), [[Sergeant Nicholas Verendrye]] and the [[Steelhead Arcanist]]
  
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===Cephalyx===
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* Kingmaker's Army - [[Trencher Infantry]], [[Trencher Long Gunners]], [[Boomhowler, Solo Artist]] [[Kell Bailoch]], [[Orin Midwinter]] and [[Steelhead Halberdiers]]
−
[[File:Merc art2.jpg|right|300px]]
 
−
Cephalyx are an reclusive and pitiless race of pyschicaly powerful creatures that live underground. They are arguably the worst of the worst as being caught by the Cephalyx is a far worse fate than anything Cryx or Skorne might do to you. They capture and experiment upon live creatures, turning them into unthinking brutes to wage their wars for them. On the tabletop, they play as a swarm of expendable infantry interspersed with hulking Monstrosities and backed by powerful psychic overlords.
 
  
−
Cephalyx fall under the Mercenary umbrella for the purposes of tournament pairings, but are a sub-faction unto themselves for all intents and purposes (although they can include some regular Mercenary units within their armies by using the [[Cephalyx Dominator]]). From a fluff perspective, they have no interest in coin or the wars of the world above beyond replenishing their supply of drudges to further their own inscrutable ends. Some Cephalyx models can be used in [[Cryx]] armies, notably the [[Cephalyx Overlords]].
+
* Llaelese Resistance - [[Ragman]], [[Gorman1]], [[Anastasia]], [[Major Harrison Gibbs]], two [[Morrowan Archon]]s, two [[Thamarite Archon]]s
  
−
===Rhul===
+
* Hammer Strike - 1-2 units of [[Horgenhold Forge Guard]] with [[Stone Lord Guvul Godor]], 1 [[Hammerfall Siege Crawler]], 2 units of [[Horgenhold Artillery Corps]], [[Harlowe Holdemhigh]] and [[Gudrun the Wasted]]
−
The Rhul is a nation of Dwarves and Ogrun, located in an impregnable mountainous region between Khador and Ios. Rhul has a military on par with any of the Iron Kingdoms described as being powerful enough to squash the entire Legion of Everblight trivially, and they defend their own borders meticulously, but only involve themselves in the conflicts of the Iron Kingdoms to keep the trade lanes open and provide training and combat experience to its troops. On the tabletop, Rhul play to all the standard tropes of dwarves: slow, sturdy, well-trained, and well-equipped.
 
  
−
Rhulic models are less restricted than Cephalyx, however they have more restrictions than human mercenaries. Unlike the other Mercenary warjacks, the Rhulic warjacks can only be taken by Rhulic warcasters and Rhulic jack marshals.  
+
* Talion Charter - Three [[Powder Monkey]]s, [[Aiyana and Holt]], [[Lord Rockbottom]], [[First Mate Hawk]], [[Bosun Grogspar]], [[Doc Killingsworth]], [[The Commodore Cannon & Crew]], one each of [[Scharde Pirates]]with their CA, [[Press Gangers]] and [[Sea Dog Pirates]] with Mr. Walls
  
−
===Privateers===
+
* Operating Theater - [[Asphyxious4]], two [[Void Archon]]s, [[Cephalyx Dominator]], [[Doctor Stygius]]
−
Privateers are a group of pirates who also happen to sell their services as armies for hire. Outside of the Talion Charter theme force, they are essentially no different than other human mercenaries. On the tabletop they tend to be flimsy, fast and have trouble with high ARM. The core units gain bonuses from a multitude of solos and command attachments geared specifically toward privateer models, though with theme forces and all the associated bonuses becoming the norm, this is no longer a unique feature, but they were the first.
 
  
−
===Llaelese Resistance===
+
* Flame in the Darkness - Three [[Morrowan Battle Priest]]s, [[Precursor Knights]], two [[Thamarite Archon]]s, [[Hermit of Henge Hold]], [[Grand Master Gabriel Throne]], and two [[Morrowan Archon]]s.
−
[[File:Merc art3.jpg|right|300px]]
 
−
The Llaelese Resistance fights against the Khadoran occupation of their homeland. At the beginning of the occupation they sold their services to Cygnar and the Protectorate to fund their war against Khador. They have since morphed into a cloak and dagger organization engaged in a guerilla war. The Resistance is more a ruthless terrorist organization than a group noble freedom fighters, depicted in the fluff using chemical weapons and torture to achieve their goals.
 
  
−
===Sellswords===
+
* Strange Bedfellows - [[Asphyxious4]], [[Prefect Hypatia]], [[Hermit of Henge Hold]], three units of [[Negation Angels]], two [[Void Archon]]s
−
There are many mercenaries that don't fit neatly into any category. From the in-it-for-the-money [[Steelhead]] licensed companies, to the trying-to-survive-their-people's-genocide [[Nyss Hunters]]. These colorful characters include murderers for hire, shambling undead, as well as snake charming elves.
+
{{LOSbox|[https://www.loswarmachine.com/brawlmachine/2021/2/5/brawlmachine-list-building-mercenaries Brawlmachine List Building - Mercenaries]
 +
|In 2021.02 Phillip Melvin, one of the LOS authors, wrote an excellent article for how to start Mercenaries. It is based on the newbie-friendly [[Brawlmachine]] format (25 point limit). <br>The article contains a different list for each Mercenary theme, and advice on how to expand those lists beyond 25 points.}}
  
 
===Conclusion===
 
===Conclusion===
 
[[File:Merc art5.jpg|right|300px]]
 
[[File:Merc art5.jpg|right|300px]]
−
Naturally given the sprawl, there is quite a bloat of models to collect in the Mercenary "faction" if you want to 'catch them all'. Also you can mix-and-match so many different permutations of models/units and it is perfectly fine to field an army with Humans, Trollbloods, Dwarves, Undead, Gatormen, Ogrun, Farrow, Iosans and Nyss. You can do almost anything ... with some exceptions (such as [[Cephalyx]], [[Rhulic]]'s monopoly on their warjacks, and various [[Animosity|Animosities]]). On top of all these options, a mercenary player has access to every unit from three different factions in the Llaelese Resistance theme force, making the options nearly endless.
+
Given the sprawl, there is quite a bloat of models to collect in the Mercenary faction. You can mix-and-match so many different permutations of models/units and it is perfectly fine to field an army with Humans, Trollbloods, Dwarves, Undead, Gatormen, Ogrun, Farrow, Iosans, and Nyss. You can do almost anything. On top of all these options, a mercenary player has access to almost every unit from Cygnar, Protectorate, and Crucible Guard in the Llaelese Resistance theme force, and even a bit of Cryx, Khador, and Convergence at your disposal in other themes making the options nearly endless.
 +
 
 +
=Theme Forces=
 +
===[[Theme - Flame in the Darkness|Flame in the Darkness]]===
 +
 
 +
This theme represents the [[Thamarite]] and [[Morrowan]] forces putting aside their ideological differences and teaming up to fight off the [[Infernal]] invasion. It is shared with Cygnar and Khador and grants access to their warjacks. It is a very melee-oriented force featuring angels and holy warriors.
 +
 
 +
{{FitD models}}
 +
 
 +
Here are some examples of the model aesthetic for this theme
 +
 
 +
<Gallery>
 +
File:Legion of Lost Souls.jpg
 +
File:Thamarite Advocate.jpg
 +
File:Morrowan Archon.jpg
 +
File:Constance Blaize.jpeg
 +
File:AlexiaMistress.jpg
 +
</Gallery>
 +
 
 +
===[[Hammer Strike]]===
 +
Rhul is a nation of Dwarves and Ogrun located in an impregnable mountainous region between Khador, Llael, and Ios. Primarily a trade empire, Rhul has a military on par with any of the Iron Kingdoms, and they defend their own borders meticulously, but only involve themselves in the conflicts of the other nations to keep the trade lanes open and provide combat experience to its troops. On the tabletop, Hammer Strike plays to all the standard tropes of dwarves: slow, sturdy, well-trained, and well-equipped.
 +
 
 +
{{HS models}}
 +
 
 +
Here are some examples of the model aesthetic for this theme
 +
 
 +
<Gallery>
 +
File:Gorten Grundback.png
 +
File:Ghordson Basher.jpeg
 +
File:Horgenhold Forge Guard.jpeg
 +
File:41063 ThorSteinhammer WEB.jpg
 +
File:Ghordson Avalancher.jpeg
 +
</Gallery>
 +
 
 +
===[[Llaelese Resistance]]===
 +
A guerilla force made up of Llaelese patriots engaged in a desperate struggle to restore Khadoran-occupied Llael as a free and independent nation. Most importantly, it grants you access to any 2 units from any one of Cygnar, Protectorate or Crucible Guard, which is super exciting.
 +
 
 +
[[File:Merc art3.jpg|right|300px]]
 +
 
 +
{{LR models}}
 +
 
 +
Here are some examples of the model aesthetic for this theme
 +
 
 +
<Gallery>
 +
File:Ashylynn alt.jpg
 +
File:Gibbs.jpg
 +
File:Rhupert.jpg
 +
File:Taryn.png
 +
File:Thorn-Gun-Mages.jpg
 +
</Gallery>
 +
 
 +
===[[Operating Theater]]===
 +
{{Impbox|Unlike other Mercenary models, Cephalyx may <u>only</u> be played in this theme force. They cannot even be played in an out-of-theme list. }}
 +
 
 +
[[File:Merc art2.jpg|right|300px]]
 +
Cephalyx are a reclusive and pitiless race of psychically powerful creatures that live underground. They capture and experiment upon live creatures, turning them into lobotomized brutes to wage their wars for them. On the tabletop, they are meant to play as a swarm of expendable infantry interspersed with hulking Monstrosities and backed by powerful psychic overlords. However, the best armies have Asphyxious4 and Void Archons as mainstays.
 +
 
 +
{{OT models}}
 +
 
 +
Here are some examples of the model aesthetic for this theme
 +
 
 +
<Gallery>
 +
File:Thexus1.jpg
 +
File:Wrecker.jpg
 +
File:Dr Stygius.jpg
 +
File:Cephalyx-Overlords.jpg
 +
File:Cephalyx Mind Bender & Drudges.jpeg
 +
</Gallery>
 +
 
 +
===[[Theme - Soldiers of Fortune|Soldiers of Fortune]]===
 +
Soldiers of Fortune represents the professional mercenary companies of the famed Steelheads, with a few free agents tagging along. The theme places a heavy emphasis on combined arms and features some of the best artillery in the game.
 +
 
 +
{{SH models}}
 +
 
 +
Here are some examples of the model aesthetic for this theme
 +
 
 +
<Gallery>
 +
File:Steelhead Heavy Cavalry.jpeg
 +
File:Rocinante.JPG
 +
File:Steelhead Arcanist.jpg
 +
File:Steelhead Ironhead.jpg
 +
File:Steelhead Heavy Halberdiers.jpeg
 +
</Gallery>
 +
 
 +
===[[Strange Bedfellows]]===
 +
During the Infernal invasion, Aurora, and her followers broke away from the Convergence along with Nemo in an attempt to save humanity. This theme is shared with the [[Convergence]] and it allows you to mix Cryx, Convergence, Mercenary, and Cygnar models in the same force. It allows only Aurora and Mortenebra warcasters and features a mix of Clockwork Angels, Stormsmiths and Thralls.
 +
 
 +
{{SB models}}
 +
 
 +
Here are some examples of the model aesthetic for this theme
 +
 
 +
<Gallery>
 +
File:AuroraNumenofAerogenesis WEB.jpg
 +
File:Negation Angels.jpg
 +
File:Void Archon.jpg
 +
File:34121 Soulhunters WEB.jpg
 +
File:Asphyxious4.jpg
 +
</Gallery>
  
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However, the theme forces within the faction provide incentive to play groupings of models that make more sense (fluffwise, at least), and are a good point to start your purchasing choice from.
+
===[[The Irregulars]]===
 +
A catch-all theme for the weirdos who won't work for the other themes. This theme allows Mercenary character models/units and a few non-character partisan units. It gives bonuses to marshaled warjacks. If you want to field the lesser warlocks, this is the place. It is less cohesive than the other themes, but has more solos than you can shake a stick at to hand out the bonuses you want.
  
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{{LOSbox|Mercenary List Pairings [https://www.loswarmachine.com/tactical-articles/2018/7/6/warmachine-university-tactica-mercenary-list-pairings-with-charles-soonga Part 1] and [https://www.loswarmachine.com/tactical-articles/2018/8/8/warmachine-university-tactica-mercenary-pairings-with-charles-soong-part-2 Part 2]
+
{{IRR models}}
−
|Authored by Charles Soong, one of the best Mercenary players out there, these articles go over how to choose which two Merc lists to take to a tournament. Writen in 2018.07.
 
−
}}
 
  
−
=Mercenary Theme Forces=
+
Here are some examples of the model aesthetic for this theme  
−
: '''[[The Irregulars]]'''
 
−
The "default" Mercenary theme force, this theme allows (almost) any Mercenary model, and gives bonuses to jack marshals.
 
  
−
: '''[[The Kingmaker's Army]]'''
+
<Gallery>
−
Cygnaran rebels and hired sellswords led by Magnus in his ultimately successful effort to install a new king of Cygnar.
+
File:Anastasia.jpg
 +
File:LadyAiyanaandMasterHolt.jpg
 +
File:GobberTinker.jpg
 +
File:Harlowe.jpg
 +
File:Vizkova.jpg
 +
</Gallery>
  
−
: '''[[Llaelese Resistance]]'''
+
===[[The Kingmaker's Army]]===
−
A guerilla force made up of Llaelese patriots engaged in a desperate struggle to restore Llael as a free and independent nation.
+
Cygnaran rebels and hired sellswords led by Magnus in his ultimately successful effort to install a new king of Cygnar. Very similar to Soldiers of Fortune, but with a few Cygnaran units thrown in. Trencher Infantry, most importantly.
  
−
: '''[[Operating Theater]]'''
+
{{TKA models}}
−
Cephalyx are an inscrutable and merciless race of psychically powerful creatures that live underground. They may only be played in this theme force.
 
  
−
: '''[[Hammer Strike]]'''
+
Here are some examples of the model aesthetic for this theme
−
Rhulic (Dwarf & Ogrun) sellswords.
+
<Gallery>
 +
File:Rangers.jpg
 +
File:Captain Damiano.jpg
 +
File:41034 KellBailoch WEB.jpg
 +
File:Boomhowler10man.jpg
 +
File:Steelhead Riflemen.jpeg
 +
</Gallery>
  
−
: '''[[The Talion Charter]]'''
+
===[[The Talion Charter]]===
−
Pirates of the Broken Coast.
+
The Charter is a group of pirates and privateers who also happen to sell their services as armies for hire. It is named after Captain Shae's ship. The only non-privateer models allowed are warjacks. Cryx Scharde units may be taken as privateers in this theme.
  
−
= Mercenary Models =
+
{{TTC models}}
−
[[File:Merc art4.png|thumb]]
 
−
: ''Last Updated: '''{{blue|2018.06}}'''''
 
  
−
===Unreleased Models ===
+
Here are some examples of the model aesthetic for this theme
−
* [[Steelhead Volley Gun Crew]]
+
<Gallery>
−
* [[Steelhead Mortar Crew]]
+
File:Captain Bartolo Montador.jpg
−
* [[Steelhead Cannon Crew]]
+
File:Blockader.jpg
−
* [[Steelhead Arcanist]]
+
File:Scharde Pirates.jpg
 +
File:Powder Monkey.jpg
 +
File:Commodore Cannon.jpg
 +
</Gallery>
  
 +
= Models =
 +
[[File:Merc art4.png|thumb]]
 
=== Warcasters ===
 
=== Warcasters ===
−
{|
 
−
|- valign="top"
 
−
|
 
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
−
!colspan=2| Human
+
!colspan=3| Human
−
{{WN|Ashlynn1| Ashlynn D'Elyse}}
+
{{WN|Ashlynn1| Ashlynn d'Elyse}}||
 +
{{WN|Ashlynn2|Ashlynn d’Elyse, the Queen’s Blade}}||
 +
{{GAP}}
 +
|-
 +
|Aurora1
 +
|''[[Aurora, Numen of Aerogenesis]]''
 +
|[[Strange Bedfellows]] theme only
 +
{{WN|Aurora2| Archnumen Aurora}}
 +
|Convergence Partisan
 
{{GAP}}
 
{{GAP}}
−
{{WN|Blaize1|Constance Blaize, Knight of the Prophet}} (Cygnar Partisan)
+
{{WN|Blaize1|Constance Blaize, Knight of the Prophet}}  
 +
|Cygnar Partisan
 
{{GAP}}
 
{{GAP}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Caine1 & 2 || ''Refer to [[Cygnar]] warcasters
+
{{WN|Caine3|Caine's Hellslingers}}
−
{{WN|Caine3|Caine's Hellslingers}} (Cygnar Partisan)
+
|Cygnar Partisan
 
{{GAP}}
 
{{GAP}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Crosse1 || ''Refer to solos, below
+
{{WN|Crosse2 |Lieutenant Gastone Crosse}}||
−
{{WN|Crosse2 |Lieutenant Gastone Crosse}}
 
 
{{GAP}}
 
{{GAP}}
−
{{WN|Damiano1| Captain Damiano}}
+
{{WN|Damiano1| Captain Damiano}}||
 
{{GAP}}
 
{{GAP}}
−
{{WN|Fiona1|Fiona the Black}}
+
{{WN|Fiona1|Fiona the Black}}||
 
{{GAP}}
 
{{GAP}}
−
{{WN|Macbain1|Drake MacBain}}
+
{{WN|Macbain1|Drake MacBain}}||
 
{{GAP}}
 
{{GAP}}
−
{{WN|Magnus1| Magnus the Traitor}}
+
{{WN|Magnus1| Magnus the Traitor}}||
−
{{WN|Magnus2| Magnus the Warlord}}
+
{{WN|Magnus2| Magnus the Warlord}}||
 
{{GAP}}
 
{{GAP}}
−
{{WN|Montador1| Captain Bartolo Montador}}
+
{{WN|Montador1| Captain Bartolo Montador}}||
 
{{GAP}}
 
{{GAP}}
−
{{WN|Shae1|Captain Phinneus Shae}}
+
|-
 +
|Mortenebra1
 +
|''[[Master Necrotech Mortenebra & Deryliss]]''
 +
|[[Strange Bedfellows]] theme only
 +
|-
 +
|Mortenebra2
 +
|''[[Mortenebra, Numen of Necrogenesis]]''
 +
|[[Strange Bedfellows]] theme only
 
{{GAP}}
 
{{GAP}}
−
{{WN|Stryker -1|Steelhead Captain Stryker}} ''(Not tournament legal)''
+
{{WN|Rahera1|Captain Rahera, Terror of the Wailing Sea}}
−
|}
+
|Cryx Partisan
−
| &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
+
{{GAP}}
−
|  
+
{{WN|Shae1|Captain Phinneus Shae}}||
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
{{GAP}}
−
!colspan=2| Cephalyx
+
|-
−
{{WN|Cyphon1 | Cognifex Cyphon}}
+
|Stryker -1
 +
|''[[Steelhead Captain Stryker]]
 +
|Not tournament legal
 +
{{GAP}}&nbsp;
 +
|-
 +
!colspan=3| Cephalyx
 +
{{WN|Cyphon1 | Cognifex Cyphon}}||
 
{{GAP}}
 
{{GAP}}
−
{{WN|Thexus1| Exulon Thexus}}
+
{{WN|Thexus1| Exulon Thexus}}||
 
{{GAP}}&nbsp;
 
{{GAP}}&nbsp;
 
|-
 
|-
−
!colspan=2| Rhulic
+
!colspan=3| Rhulic
−
{{WN|Durgen1|Durgen Madhammer}}
+
{{WN|Durgen1|Durgen Madhammer}}||
 
{{GAP}}
 
{{GAP}}
−
{{WN|Gorten1|Gorten Grundback}}
+
{{WN|Gorten1|Gorten Grundback}}||
 
{{GAP}}
 
{{GAP}}
−
{{WN|Ossrum1|General Ossrum}}
+
{{WN|Ossrum1|General Ossrum}}||
−
|}
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Warjacks & Monstrosities ===
 
=== Warjacks & Monstrosities ===
−
{|
+
* {{FH4|Gobber Warjack}}
−
|- valign="top"
+
** Malvin1 & Mayhem1: ''[[Malvin & Mayhem]]
−
| width=33%|{{FH4|Light }}
+
** Malvin2: Refer solos
−
* <u>Human</u>
 
−
** [[Buccaneer]]
 
−
** [[Renegade]] (Magnus only)
 
−
** [[Talon]]
 
−
** [[Vanguard]]
 
−
* <u>Cephalyx</u>
 
−
** None
 
−
* <u>Rhulic</u>
 
−
** [[Grundback Blaster]]
 
−
** [[Grundback Gunner]]
 
  
−
| width=33%|{{FH4|Heavy}}
+
* {{FH4|Human Warjacks}}
−
* <u>Human</u>
+
** <u>Light</u>
−
** [[Freebooter]]
+
*** [[Buccaneer]]
−
** [[Mangler]]
+
*** [[Renegade]] - (Magnus only)
−
** [[Mariner]]
+
*** ''[[Scallywag]]'' - (Bonded with [[Shae]])
−
** [[Mule]]
+
*** [[Swashbuckler]]
−
** [[Nomad]]
+
*** [[Talon]]
−
** [[Rover]]
+
*** [[Vanguard]] - (Crucible Guard [[Maker's Mark]])
−
** [[Toro]]
+
** <u>Heavy</u>
−
* <u>Cephalyx</u>
+
*** [[Freebooter]]
−
** [[Subduer]]
+
*** ''[[Gallant]]'' (Cygnar Partisan) - (Bonded with [[Blaize]])
−
** [[Warden]]
+
*** [[Mangler]]
−
** [[Wrecker]]
+
*** [[Mariner]]
−
* <u>Rhulic</u>
+
*** [[Mule]]
−
** [[Ghordson Avalancher]]
+
*** [[Nomad]]
−
** [[Ghordson Basher]]
+
*** ''[[Rocinante]]'' - (Bonded with [[Damiano]])
−
** [[Ghordson Driller]]
+
*** [[Rover]]
−
** [[Wroughthammer Rockram]]
+
*** [[Swabber]]
 +
*** [[Toro]] - (Crucible Guard [[Maker's Mark]])
 +
** <u>Colossal</u>
 +
*** [[Blockader]]
 +
*** [[Galleon]]
  
−
| width=33%|{{FH4|Character Heavy}}
+
* {{FH4|Rhulic Warjacks}}
−
* [[Gallant]] (Cygnar Partisan) - ([[Blaize]])
+
** <u>Light</u>
−
* [[Rocinante]] - ([[Damiano]])
+
*** [[Grundback Blaster]]
 +
*** [[Grundback Gunner]]
 +
** <u>Heavy</u>
 +
*** [[Ghordson Avalancher]]
 +
*** [[Ghordson Basher]]
 +
*** [[Ghordson Driller]]
 +
*** [[Wroughthammer Rockram]]
 +
** <u>Colossal</u>
 +
*** [[Ghordson Earthbreaker]]
  
−
{{FH4|Colossal }}
+
* {{FH4|Cephalyx [[Monstrosity|Monstrosities]]}}
−
* <u>Human</u>
+
** <u>Heavy</u>  
−
**[[Galleon]]
+
*** [[Subduer]]
−
* <u>Cephalyx</u>
+
*** [[Warden]]
−
** None
+
*** [[Wrecker]]
−
* <u>Rhulic</u>
 
−
** [[Ghordson Earthbreaker]]
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Battle Engines===
 
=== Battle Engines===
−
*[[Hammerfall Siege Crawler]]
+
* [[Hammerfall Siege Crawler]]
 +
* Nemo4: ''[[Artificer Prime Nemo & Arcane Mechaniks]]'' (Cygnar & Convergence Partisan "Junior Warcaster")
 +
: ''(Nemo1 to 3 are [[Cygnar]] warcasters)
  
 
=== Units ===
 
=== Units ===
−
{| width=100%
+
* Alexia1: ''[[Alexia Ciannor & The Risen]]
−
|- valign="top"
+
* Alexia2 & 3: Refer to Solos
−
| width=50%|
+
* Asphyxious4: ''[[Asphyxious the Sanctified]]'' (Cryx & Convergence Partisan "Junior Warcaster")
 +
: ''(Asphyxious1 to 3 are [[Cryx]] warcasters)''
 +
* Boomhowler1: ''[[Greygore Boomhowler & Co.]]
 +
* Boomhowler2, Boomhowler3: See solos, below
 
*[[Cephalyx Mind Bender & Drudges]]
 
*[[Cephalyx Mind Bender & Drudges]]
−
*[[Cephalyx Mind Slaver & Drudges]] ([[Cryx]] [[Partisan]])
+
*[[Cephalyx Mind Slaver & Drudges]] - (Cryx Partisan)
−
*[[Cephalyx Overlords]] ([[Cryx]] [[Partisan]])
+
*[[Cephalyx Overlords]] - (Cryx Partisan)
 +
* ''[[Croe's Cutthroats]]'' - (Infernal Partisan)
 +
* ''[[Cylena Raefyll & Nyss Hunters]]'' - (Retribution Partisan)
 +
* ''[[Dannon Blythe & Bull]]
 
*[[Hammerfall High Shield Gun Corps]]
 
*[[Hammerfall High Shield Gun Corps]]
 
**CA - Officer and Standard Bearer
 
**CA - Officer and Standard Bearer
 +
* ''[[Herne & Jonne]]
 
*[[Horgenhold Artillery Corps]]
 
*[[Horgenhold Artillery Corps]]
 
*[[Horgenhold Forge Guard]]
 
*[[Horgenhold Forge Guard]]
−
*[[Idrian Skirmishers]] ([[Protectorate]] [[Partisan]])
+
**CA - ''Stone Lord Guval Godor
 +
*[[Idrian Skirmishers]] - (Protectorate Partisan)
 
**CA - Chieftain & Guide
 
**CA - Chieftain & Guide
−
*[[Kayazy Assassins]] ([[Khador]] [[Partisan]])
+
*[[Kayazy Assassins]] - (Khador Partisan)
 
**CA - Underboss
 
**CA - Underboss
−
*[[Kayazy Eliminators]] ([[Khador]] [[Partisan]])
+
*[[Kayazy Eliminators]] - (Khador Partisan)
 +
* ''[[Lady Aiyana & Master Holt]]
 +
* [[Legion of Lost Souls]] - (Cygnar Partisan)
 +
* ''[[Lynus Wesselbaum & Edrea Lloryrr]]
 +
* MacHorne1: ''[[Captain Sam MacHorne & The Devil Dogs]]'' - ('Jack Marshal)
 +
* MacHorne2: See solos, below
 
*[[Ogrun Assault Corps]]
 
*[[Ogrun Assault Corps]]
−
*[[Precursor Knights]] ([[Cygnar]] [[Partisan]])
+
* [[Order of Illumination Resolutes]] - (Cygnar Partisan)
 +
* [[Order of Illumination Vigilants]] - (Cygnar Partisan)
 +
*[[Precursor Knights]] - (Cygnar Partisan)
 
**CA - Officer & Standard
 
**CA - Officer & Standard
 
*[[Press Gangers]]
 
*[[Press Gangers]]
 +
*[[Scharde Dirge Seers]] - (Talion Charter only)
 +
*[[Scharde Pirates]] - (Talion Charter only)
 
*[[Sea Dog Crew]]
 
*[[Sea Dog Crew]]
−
**Character UA - Mr. Walls
+
**CA - ''Mr. Walls
 
**WA - Rifleman
 
**WA - Rifleman
 
*[[Sea Dog Deck Gun]]
 
*[[Sea Dog Deck Gun]]
 +
*[[Steelhead Cannon Crew]]
 
*[[Steelhead Halberdiers]]
 
*[[Steelhead Halberdiers]]
 
*[[Steelhead Heavy Cavalry]]
 
*[[Steelhead Heavy Cavalry]]
 +
*[[Steelhead Mortar Crew]]
 
*[[Steelhead Riflemen]]
 
*[[Steelhead Riflemen]]
 +
*[[Steelhead Volley Gun Crew]]
 
*[[Tactical Arcanist Corps]]
 
*[[Tactical Arcanist Corps]]
−
* [[Thorn Gun Mages]]
+
*''[[The Commodore Cannon & Crew]]
−
 
+
*''[[The Devil's Shadow Mutineers]]'' - (Cryx Partisans)
−
| width=50%|
+
*[[Thorn Gun Mages]]
−
{{FH3|Character Units }}
 
−
*[[Alexia Ciannor & The Risen]]  
 
−
:: Note this is Alexia1, Alexia2 is a solo.
 
−
*[[Captain Sam MacHorne & The Devil Dogs]]
 
−
*[[Croe's Cutthroats]]
 
−
*[[Cylena Raefyll & Nyss Hunters]] ([[Retribution]] [[Partisan]])
 
−
*[[Dannon Blythe & Bull]]
 
−
*[[Greygore Boomhowler & Co.]]
 
−
*[[Herne & Jonne]]
 
−
*[[Lady Aiyana & Master Holt]]
 
−
*[[Lynus Wesselbaum & Edrea Lloryrr]]
 
−
*[[The Commodore Cannon & Crew]]
 
−
*[[The Devil's Shadow Mutineers]]
 
  
−
<br>{{FH3|Special Attachments}}
+
<u>Special Attachments</u>
−
* [[Cephalyx Dominator]] (Command Attachment for any unit)
+
* Ranking Officer: [[Cephalyx Dominator]] (CA for any small- or medium-base unit, makes them Cephalyx)
−
|}
+
* Weapon Attachment: [[Morrowan Battle Priest]] (any Morrowan unit)
  
 
=== Solos ===
 
=== Solos ===
−
{| width=100%
+
* Alexia1: Refer to Units
−
|- valign="top"
+
* Alexia2: ''[[Alexia, Mistress of the Witchfire]]
−
| width=50%|
+
* Alexia3: ''[[Alexia, The Undying]]
−
*[[Cephalyx Agitator]]
+
* ''[[Alten Ashley]]
−
*[[Gobber Tinker]]
+
* ''[[Anastasia di Bray]]
 +
* ''[[Balthazar Bamfist]]
 +
*Bella1 ''[[Black Bella, Duchess of Dread]]
 +
*Bella2 ''[[Stonecold Black Bella]]
 +
* ''[[Bloody Bradigan]]
 +
* Boomhowler1: Refer to units
 +
* Boomhowler2: ''[[Boomhowler, Solo Artist]]'' (Trollblood Partisan)
 +
* Boomhowler3: ''[[Boomhowler, the Destroyer]]'' (Trollblood Partisan)
 +
* ''[[Bosun Grogspar]]
 +
* ''[[Brun Cragback & Lug]]'' ([[Lesser Warlock]] & Companion Warbeast)
 +
* ''[[Captain Crawtooth]]
 +
* [[Cephalyx Agitator]]
 +
* ''[[Colbie Sterling, Captain of the BRI]]'' ('[[Jack Marshal]])
 +
* Crosse1: ''[[Gastone Crosse]]'' ([[Battlegroup Controller|"Junior Warcaster"]])
 +
* Crosse2: Refer to Warcasters
 +
* ''[[Dahlia Hallyr & Skarath]]'' ([[Lesser Warlock]] & Companion Warbeast)
 +
* [[Death Archon]]
 +
* Dez1: ''[[Dez]]
 +
* Dez2: ''[[Dez & Gubbin, Dynamite Duo]]
 +
* ''[[Dirty Meg]]'' ([['Jack Marshal]])
 +
* ''[[Doc Killingsworth]]
 +
* ''[[Doctor Stygius]]'' (Cryx Partisan. Warcaster Attachment)
 +
* Eilish1: ''[[Eilish Garrity, the Occultist]]'' (Infernal Partisan)
 +
* Eilish2: Refer to [[Infernal]] solos
 +
* Eiryss1: ''[[Eiryss, Mage Hunter of Ios]]'' (Retribution Partisan)
 +
* Eiryss2: ''[[Eiryss, Angel of Retribution]]'' (Retribution Partisan)
 +
* Eiryss3: Refer to [[Retribution]] units
 +
* Eiryss4: ''[[Eiryss, Fortune Hunter of Ios]]'' (Retribution Partisan)
 +
* ''[[First Mate Hawk]]
 +
* Flubbin1: ''[[Flubbin]]
 +
* Flubbin2: ''[[Dreyfus & Flubbin, Storm Patrol]]
 +
* ''[[Flugwug the Filcher]]
 +
* ''[[Glyn Cormier, Illuminated One]]'' (Cygnar Partisan)
 +
* ''[[Grand Master Gabriel Throne]]'' (Cygnar Partisan)
 +
* [[Gobber Tinker]]
 +
* Gorman1: ''[[Gorman di Wulfe, Rogue Alchemist]]'' (Crucible Guard Partisan)
 +
* Gorman2: ''[[Gorman the Mad]]'' (Crucible Guard Partisan)
 +
* Gubbin1: ''[[Gubbin]]
 +
* Gubbin2: ''[[Dez & Gubbin, Dynamite Duo]]
 +
* Gudrun1: ''[[Gudrun the Wanderer]]
 +
* Gudrun2: ''[[Gudrun the Wasted]]
 +
* ''[[Harlan Versh, Illuminated One]]'' (Cygnar Partisan)
 +
* ''[[Harlowe Holdemhigh]]
 +
* ''[[Hermit of Henge Hold]]'' (Retribution & Infernal Partisan)
 +
* ''[[Hutchuk, Ogrun Bounty Hunter]]'' (Crucible Guard Partisan)
 +
* ''[[J.A.I.M.s]]'' (Convergence Partisan)
 +
* ''[[Kell Bailoch]]
 +
* ''[[Lanyssa Ryssyl, Nyss Sorceress]]'' (Retribution Partisan)
 +
* ''[[Lord Rockbottom]]
 +
* MacHorne1: See units, above
 +
* MacHorne2: ''[[Boss MacHorne]]''
 +
* ''[[Madelyn Corbeau, Ordic Courtesan]]'' ([[Attached|Warcaster Attachment]])
 +
* ''[[Major Harrison Gibbs]]'' (Cygnar Partisan)
 +
* Malvin1: Refer warjacks
 +
* Malvin2: ''[[Malvin, Revenge Artist]]
 +
* ''[[Master Gunner Dougal MacNaile]]
 +
* [[Menite Archon]] (Protectorate Partisan)
 +
* [[Morrowan Archon]]
 
*[[Ogrun Bokur]]
 
*[[Ogrun Bokur]]
−
*[[Swamp Gobber River Raider]]
+
* Orin1: ''[[Orin Midwinter, Rogue Inquisitor]]'' (Infernal Partisan)
 +
* Orin2: Refer to [[Infernal]] units
 +
* [[Powder Monkey]]
 +
* ''[[Princess Delores Graciela]]
 +
* ''[[Ragman]]
 +
* ''[[Raluk Moorclaw, the Ironmonger]]'' ([['Jack Marshal]])
 +
* ''[[Reinholdt, Gobber Speculator]]'' ([[Attached|Warcaster Attachment]])
 +
* ''[[Rhupert Carvolo, Piper of Ord]]
 +
* ''[[Rorsh & Brine]]'' ([[Lesser Warlock]] & Companion Warbeast)
 +
* ''[[Rutger Shaw, Professional Adventurer]]'' ([['Jack Marshal]])
 +
* ''[[Savio Montero Acosta]]
 +
* ''[[Saxon Orrik]]'' (Infernal Partisan)
 +
* ''[[Scythe]]'' (Retribution Partisan)
 +
* ''[[Sergeant Nicholas Verendrye]]
 +
* ''[[Stannis Brocker]]
 +
* [[Steelhead Arcanist]]
 +
* [[Steelhead Ironhead]] ('Jack Marshal)
 +
* [[Steelhead Gunner]]
 +
* [[Swamp Gobber River Raider]]
 +
* ''[[Sylys Wishnalyrr]]'' ([[Attached|Warcaster Attachment]], Retribution Partisan)
 +
* ''[[Taryn Di La Rovissi, Llaelese Gun Mage]]
 +
* [[Thamarite Advocate]]
 +
* [[Thamarite Archon]]
 +
* ''[[Thor Steinhammer]]'' ([['Jack Marshal]])
 +
* ''[[Tubbin]]
 +
* ''[[Underboss Vizkova]]'' (Khador Partisan)
 +
* ''[[Viktor Pendrake]]'' (Cygnar Partisan)
 +
* [[Void Archon]]
 +
* ''[[Weird Wendell, Gremlin Wrangler]]'' (Grymkin Partisan)
 +
* Widget1: ''[[Widget, Tinker Extraordinaire]]
 +
* Widget2: ''[[Widget, Mathlete Archaeologist]]
 +
* ''[[Wrong Eye & Snapjaw]]'' ([[Lesser Warlock]] & Companion Warbeast)
  
−
| width=50%|
+
=Other =
−
{{FH3|Character Solos }}
 
−
*[[Alexia, Mistress of the Witchfire]]
 
−
:: This is Alexia2, Alexia1 is a [[Alexia Ciannor & The Risen|unit]]
 
−
*[[Alten Ashley]]
 
−
*[[Anastasia Di Bray]]
 
−
*[[Bloody Bradigan]]
 
−
*[[Bosun Grogspar]]
 
−
*[[Brun Cragback & Lug]] ([[Lesser Warlock]])
 
−
*[[Colbie Sterling, Captain of the BRI]]
 
−
*[[Dahlia Hallyr & Skarath]] ([[Lesser Warlock]])
 
−
*[[Dirty Meg]]
 
−
*[[Doc Killingsworth]]
 
−
* [[Eilish Garrity, the Occultist]]
 
−
* Eiryss
 
−
*# [[Eiryss, Mage Hunter of Ios]] (Retribution Partisan)
 
−
*# [[Eiryss, Angel of Retribution]] (Retribution Partisan)
 
−
*# Eiryss3 is a Retribution-only model.
 
−
*[[First Mate Hawk]]
 
−
*[[Gastone Crosse]] ([[Battlegroup Controller]])
 
−
:: This is Gastone1. Gastone2 is a full warcaster.
 
−
*[[Gorman Di Wulfe, Rogue Alchemist]]
 
−
*[[Gudrun the Wanderer]]
 
−
*[[Harlan Versh, Illuminated One]]
 
−
*[[Hutchuk, Ogrun Bounty Hunter]]
 
−
*[[Kell Bailoch]]
 
−
*[[Lanyssa Ryssyl, Nyss Sorceress]]
 
−
*[[Lord Rockbottom]]
 
−
*[[Madelyn Corbeau, Ordic Courtesan]] ([[Attached]])
 
−
*[[Major Harrison Gibbs]]
 
−
*[[Master Gunner Dougal MacNaile]]
 
−
*[[Orin Midwinter, Rogue Inquisitor]]
 
−
*[[Ragman]]
 
−
*[[Raluk Moorclaw, the Ironmonger]]
 
−
*[[Reinholdt, Gobber Speculator]] ([[Attached]])
 
−
*[[Rhupert Carvolo, Piper of Ord]]
 
−
*[[Rorsh & Brine]] ([[Lesser Warlock]])
 
−
*[[Rutger Shaw, Professional Adventurer]]
 
−
*[[Savio Montero Acosta]]
 
−
*[[Saxon Orrik]]
 
−
*[[Sergeant Nicholas Verendrye]]
 
−
*[[Stannis Brocker]]
 
−
*[[Sylys Wishnalyrr]] ([[Attached]]) (Retribution Partisan)
 
−
*[[Taryn Di La Rovissi, Llaelese Gun Mage]]
 
−
*[[Thor Steinhammer]]
 
−
*[[Viktor Pendrake]]
 
−
*[[Wrong Eye & Snapjaw]] ([[Lesser Warlock]])
 
−
|}
 
  
 
{{Mercenary Minion models}}
 
{{Mercenary Minion models}}
 +
 +
===Official Short Stories===
 +
See [[Lore - Source Material#Short Stories]]
 +
  
 
[[Category: Faction Overview]]  
 
[[Category: Faction Overview]]  
 
[[Category: Mercenary]]
 
[[Category: Mercenary]]

Latest revision as of 00:48, 30 August 2022

Merc art1.jpg

Mercenary models are normally allowed to be included in the armies of other factions as friendly, non-faction models on a theme-by-theme basis where they are seen onesy-twosey.

As a faction unto itself, Mercenaries are comprised of NINE mostly unrelated theme forces that allow wildly different models from nearly every faction in the game.

The Mercenary "faction" serves as a way for players to branch out and expand their collections. A Cygnar or Protectorate player could build a Llaelese Resistance army. A Cryx or Convergence player could expand into Strange Bedfellows. And once you have one of those forces built, an army in The Irregulars theme is usually easy to acquire. And so it goes.


Tip lightbulb.png

Tip !
New players often misunderstand how they can include Mercenary models in a non-Mercenary Faction (especially how they can include Mercenary warjacks/warcasters).

  • Mercenary warjacks can only be controlled by a Mercenary model.
    In a normal game, this means other Factions need to hire a Mercenary 'Jack Marshal or a Mercenary "Junior Warcaster".
  • A Mercenary warcaster can only be put in a non-Mercenary army if you're playing a 2+ caster game.
    If you're only playing with 1 caster, and that caster is a Mercenary warcaster, then by definition you're playing a Mercenary force.
  • Mercenary units, solos, and battle engines can hire themselves out to any non-Mercenary army that is listed on their card.
    Most non-Mercenary Theme Forces place a limit on how many Mercenaries can be included.

There are many exceptions to the above rules, such as Partisan, Limited Employment, and Maker's Mark.


Starting your own Mercenary force

Introduction

Mercenaries are the largest, most expansive faction with no central unifying theme. Pirates, dwarfs, holy warriors, divine manifestations, undead, and clockwork angels are all considered mercenaries, but all fight for different reasons, so there is no concise way to sum it up.

Playstyle

There is so much variety in the faction that essentially any playstyle is possible. You will never shoot as well as Cygnar or fight as well as Grymkin or Cryx, so combined arms is usually the best way to go.

Mercenary warjacks tend to be cheap and no-frils.

Mercenary warcasters tend to be low focus (usually 6), support-oriented, and most have unusual and very powerful feats. Few are capable caster-killers.

Mercenaries do not feature fire, ice, lightning, force, or corrosion themes like the other Warmachine factions, but they do have the most blast weapons of any faction by a huge margin.

Starter Sets

No mercenary starter set exists or likely ever will.

Worthwhile early purchases

The Mercenary faction has nine theme forces, each at least as large as a mini-faction. Most factions have four or five. There is also very little model overlap between the themes so you need to plan your first purchases carefully.

It is best to pick your favorite caster and build around them. Research which theme forces they play in (the Talion Charter theme only allows Privateer warcasters, for example) and make a plan to build your army for those themes.

After your warcaster you'll need to buy a battlegroup. Human, Rhulic and Cephalyx casters are restricted to different types of models in their battlegroup. Human casters cannot run Rhulic warjacks and vice-versa. Cephalyx can run only monstrosities.

  • All the human merc warjacks are solid picks. For those on a budget, get 3 Nomad kits and magnetize the arms.
  • Cephalyx monstrosities can also be magnetized so 3 heavies will start you off on the right foot.
  • Rhulic players should start with 1-2 Drillers and 4 Gunners, then ask the Privateer Press online store if they sell you 4 Blaster gun bits to magnetize the Gunner/Blasters.

Unit and solo purchases are far more theme-dependent. In brief, your first purchases for each theme should be:

LOS logo.jpg

Line of Sight article : Brawlmachine List Building - Mercenaries
In 2021.02 Phillip Melvin, one of the LOS authors, wrote an excellent article for how to start Mercenaries. It is based on the newbie-friendly Brawlmachine format (25 point limit).
The article contains a different list for each Mercenary theme, and advice on how to expand those lists beyond 25 points.

Conclusion

Merc art5.jpg

Given the sprawl, there is quite a bloat of models to collect in the Mercenary faction. You can mix-and-match so many different permutations of models/units and it is perfectly fine to field an army with Humans, Trollbloods, Dwarves, Undead, Gatormen, Ogrun, Farrow, Iosans, and Nyss. You can do almost anything. On top of all these options, a mercenary player has access to almost every unit from Cygnar, Protectorate, and Crucible Guard in the Llaelese Resistance theme force, and even a bit of Cryx, Khador, and Convergence at your disposal in other themes making the options nearly endless.

Theme Forces

Flame in the Darkness

This theme represents the Thamarite and Morrowan forces putting aside their ideological differences and teaming up to fight off the Infernal invasion. It is shared with Cygnar and Khador and grants access to their warjacks. It is a very melee-oriented force featuring angels and holy warriors.

The models allowed in Flame in the Darkness are:   [Show/Hide]

This list was last updated: 2020.12   (Edit)

Warcasters - For Mercenary players

Warcasters - For Cygnar players

Warcasters - For Khador players

Warjacks
Note: All warcasters get the same warjacks to choose from, regardless of their original Faction:

  • All non-character Mercenary warjacks (except the Rhulic ones)
  • Up to two non-character Cygnar or Khador warjacks (one of each is legal).
  • Gallant
  • Other character warjacks can be taken, but only if they have a bond and they're in their bonded model's battlegroup.

Units

Solos

Here are some examples of the model aesthetic for this theme

  • Legion of Lost Souls.jpg
  • Thamarite Advocate.jpg
  • Morrowan Archon.jpg
  • Constance Blaize.jpeg
  • AlexiaMistress.jpg

Hammer Strike

Rhul is a nation of Dwarves and Ogrun located in an impregnable mountainous region between Khador, Llael, and Ios. Primarily a trade empire, Rhul has a military on par with any of the Iron Kingdoms, and they defend their own borders meticulously, but only involve themselves in the conflicts of the other nations to keep the trade lanes open and provide combat experience to its troops. On the tabletop, Hammer Strike plays to all the standard tropes of dwarves: slow, sturdy, well-trained, and well-equipped.

Here are some examples of the model aesthetic for this theme

  • Gorten Grundback.png
  • Ghordson Basher.jpeg
  • Horgenhold Forge Guard.jpeg
  • 41063 ThorSteinhammer WEB.jpg
  • Ghordson Avalancher.jpeg

Llaelese Resistance

A guerilla force made up of Llaelese patriots engaged in a desperate struggle to restore Khadoran-occupied Llael as a free and independent nation. Most importantly, it grants you access to any 2 units from any one of Cygnar, Protectorate or Crucible Guard, which is super exciting.

Merc art3.jpg
The models allowed in Llaelese Resistance are:   [Show/Hide]

This list was last updated: 2022.04   (Edit)

Warcasters

Warjacks

  • All non-character Mercenary warjacks
  • Character warjacks can be taken, but only if they have a bond and they're in their bonded model's battlegroup.

Solos

Mercenary Units

Non-Mercenary Units
You can also include up to two non-character units from one of Cygnar, the Protectorate, or the Crucible Guard. (Note: The two units have to be from the same Faction.)

Here are some examples of the model aesthetic for this theme

  • Ashylynn alt.jpg
  • Gibbs.jpg
  • Rhupert.jpg
  • Taryn.png
  • Thorn-Gun-Mages.jpg

Operating Theater

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Important
Unlike other Mercenary models, Cephalyx may only be played in this theme force. They cannot even be played in an out-of-theme list.

Merc art2.jpg

Cephalyx are a reclusive and pitiless race of psychically powerful creatures that live underground. They capture and experiment upon live creatures, turning them into lobotomized brutes to wage their wars for them. On the tabletop, they are meant to play as a swarm of expendable infantry interspersed with hulking Monstrosities and backed by powerful psychic overlords. However, the best armies have Asphyxious4 and Void Archons as mainstays.

The models allowed in Operating Theater are:   [Show/Hide]

This list was last updated: 2020.02   (Edit)

Warcasters

Monstrosities

Warjacks

Solos

Units

Here are some examples of the model aesthetic for this theme

  • Thexus1.jpg
  • Wrecker.jpg
  • Dr Stygius.jpg
  • Cephalyx-Overlords.jpg
  • Cephalyx Mind Bender & Drudges.jpeg

Soldiers of Fortune

Soldiers of Fortune represents the professional mercenary companies of the famed Steelheads, with a few free agents tagging along. The theme places a heavy emphasis on combined arms and features some of the best artillery in the game.

Here are some examples of the model aesthetic for this theme

  • Steelhead Heavy Cavalry.jpeg
  • Rocinante.JPG
  • Steelhead Arcanist.jpg
  • Steelhead Ironhead.jpg
  • Steelhead Heavy Halberdiers.jpeg

Strange Bedfellows

During the Infernal invasion, Aurora, and her followers broke away from the Convergence along with Nemo in an attempt to save humanity. This theme is shared with the Convergence and it allows you to mix Cryx, Convergence, Mercenary, and Cygnar models in the same force. It allows only Aurora and Mortenebra warcasters and features a mix of Clockwork Angels, Stormsmiths and Thralls.

The models allowed in Strange Bedfellows are:   [Show/Hide]

This list was last updated: 2021.02   (Edit)

Warcasters

Warjacks

  • All non-character Convergence warjacks
  • All non-character Mercenary warjacks
  • Mortenebra only: all non-character Cryx warjacks
  • Character warjacks can be taken, but only if they have a bond and they're in their bonded model's battlegroup.
Note 1: Warcasters can take any mix of warjacks they like, regardless of their original Faction.
Note 2: Vectors keep their Induction node, and Warjacks keep their Cortex, regardless of who their controller is.
Note 3: Asphyxious4 and Nemo4 can also take Cryx or Cygnar warjacks respectively, due to their own special rules.

Battle Engines

Units

Solos

Here are some examples of the model aesthetic for this theme

  • AuroraNumenofAerogenesis WEB.jpg
  • Negation Angels.jpg
  • Void Archon.jpg
  • 34121 Soulhunters WEB.jpg
  • Asphyxious4.jpg

The Irregulars

A catch-all theme for the weirdos who won't work for the other themes. This theme allows Mercenary character models/units and a few non-character partisan units. It gives bonuses to marshaled warjacks. If you want to field the lesser warlocks, this is the place. It is less cohesive than the other themes, but has more solos than you can shake a stick at to hand out the bonuses you want.

The models allowed in Irregulars are:   [Show/Hide]

This list was last updated: 2020.12   (Edit)

Warcasters

  • All Mercenary warcasters, except the Cephalyx ones.

Warjacks

  • All non-character Mercenary warjacks,
  • Character warjacks can be taken, but only if they have a bond and they're in their bonded model's battlegroup.

Battle Engines

Units

(★) The Commodore Cannon can only be included if your warcaster is a Privateer.

Solos

Here are some examples of the model aesthetic for this theme

  • Anastasia.jpg
  • LadyAiyanaandMasterHolt.jpg
  • GobberTinker.jpg
  • Harlowe.jpg
  • Vizkova.jpg

The Kingmaker's Army

Cygnaran rebels and hired sellswords led by Magnus in his ultimately successful effort to install a new king of Cygnar. Very similar to Soldiers of Fortune, but with a few Cygnaran units thrown in. Trencher Infantry, most importantly.

The models allowed in The Kingmaker's Army are:   [Show/Hide]

This list was last updated: 2021.11   (Edit)

Warcasters

Warjacks

  • Non-character Mercenary warjacks (only the "Human" ones)
  • Character warjacks can be taken, but only if they're in their bonded model's battlegroup.

Units

Solos

(★) These models are normally Cygnar models, but become Mercenary models when taken in this theme.

Here are some examples of the model aesthetic for this theme

  • Rangers.jpg
  • Captain Damiano.jpg
  • 41034 KellBailoch WEB.jpg
  • Boomhowler10man.jpg
  • Steelhead Riflemen.jpeg

The Talion Charter

The Charter is a group of pirates and privateers who also happen to sell their services as armies for hire. It is named after Captain Shae's ship. The only non-privateer models allowed are warjacks. Cryx Scharde units may be taken as privateers in this theme.

The models allowed in The Talion Charter are:   [Show/Hide]

This list was last updated: 2021.02   (Edit)

Warcasters

Warjacks

  • All non-character warjacks (human only, not the Rhulic ones)
  • Scallywag
  • Other character warjacks can be taken, but only if they have a bond and they're in their bonded model's battlegroup.

Solos

Units


(★) indicates Scharde models which are normally Cryx.

Here are some examples of the model aesthetic for this theme

  • Captain Bartolo Montador.jpg
  • Blockader.jpg
  • Scharde Pirates.jpg
  • Powder Monkey.jpg
  • Commodore Cannon.jpg

Models

Merc art4.png

Warcasters

Human
Ashlynn1 Ashlynn d'Elyse
Ashlynn2 Ashlynn d’Elyse, the Queen’s Blade
Aurora1 Aurora, Numen of Aerogenesis Strange Bedfellows theme only
Aurora2 Archnumen Aurora Convergence Partisan
Blaize1 Constance Blaize, Knight of the Prophet Cygnar Partisan
Caine3 Caine's Hellslingers Cygnar Partisan
Crosse2 Lieutenant Gastone Crosse
Damiano1 Captain Damiano
Fiona1 Fiona the Black
Macbain1 Drake MacBain
Magnus1 Magnus the Traitor
Magnus2 Magnus the Warlord
Montador1 Captain Bartolo Montador
Mortenebra1 Master Necrotech Mortenebra & Deryliss Strange Bedfellows theme only
Mortenebra2 Mortenebra, Numen of Necrogenesis Strange Bedfellows theme only
Rahera1 Captain Rahera, Terror of the Wailing Sea Cryx Partisan
Shae1 Captain Phinneus Shae
Stryker -1 Steelhead Captain Stryker Not tournament legal

 

Cephalyx
Cyphon1 Cognifex Cyphon
Thexus1 Exulon Thexus

 

Rhulic
Durgen1 Durgen Madhammer
Gorten1 Gorten Grundback
Ossrum1 General Ossrum

Warjacks & Monstrosities

Battle Engines

(Nemo1 to 3 are Cygnar warcasters)

Units

(Asphyxious1 to 3 are Cryx warcasters)

Special Attachments

Solos

Other

Mercenary Minion models

These models are both Mercenary models and Minion models, making them perfect for a player that wants to expand their collection from one to the other.

-NOTE- This list is badly out of date.

Solos

Units

Official Short Stories

See Lore - Source Material#Short Stories

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