Play Types of Each Force

[mechgumbi]

I am thinking about getting into Warmachine/Hordes, but I am still not sure which group to start.

I am leaning towards either Cydor or Protectorate, but I really don't know the play style of any of them that well.

So my question is, what is the play style of each of 4 major Warmachine, 4 major Hordes, and mercenaries?

[Ivellis]

Check out these links:

Hordes

Warmachine

[librisrouge]

No offense, but it might be easier to just tell us the playing style you're looking for. I can only give short answers but how you build your list is the most important part. Most groups can play with all approaches.

Cygnar - Ranged, Disruption (focus negation), hard hitting but can't take it
Khador - Can take it, the big rock you throw at the enemy
Protectorate - Synergy, Weak Units w/ great buffs
Cryx - Debuffs, Buffs, Special Abilities

Mercenaries - Way varied but requires some skill as we don't have pieces DESIGNED to work with each other, with a few exceptions (steelheads.)

[mechgumbi]

Sorry, I guess my real question is:

What are the major differences in the play styles between Cygnar and Menoth?

I currently play WHFB and WH:40k, using O&G, VC, and BA armies. So I have 2 horde-ish armies with lots of magic (O&G have lots of war machines and Vampires have tricked out characters) and then Blood Angels are a balanced group with some emphasis on CC.

So which one of the two previously mentioned Warmachine armies fits my GW styles.

[librisrouge]

Menoth

Though cygnar can do the CC it doesn't like to without it being on its terms. Menoth, on the other hand, has some of the games most ef'ed up CC units and solos. Their spellcaster warcasters are great and they've quite a few solos/units that act as mini-spellcasters. This army is all about enhancing your units with the right boost at the right time so it can beat the tar out of the enemy. Sounds a lot like you fantasy armies.

[mechgumbi]

What would be a good starting force (500pts) for Protectorate of M?

I am looking for a force that would at least be competitive against most 500 pt armies (warmachine and hordes) that I can buy to learn how to play, without spending too much on units that will not be used often if I expand.