CoC tactics: Archetypes--Control ‘casters

            In today’s Chain-Attack archetype discussion, we’re looking at control casters. What is control, how can the Convergence do it, and how can we beat it? Unlike many other factions, Convergence is somewhat removed from the control game for reasons we’ll get into below. However, some kinds of control are universal and can ruin a game if you aren’t careful.

Exhibit A for Control

What is control?

            This question is not straightforward, as there are different elements of control and most army leaders can control to some extent. In general, control is when a model’s action(s) disallow an opponent’s model to activate (move and attack) as usual. Control plays involve reducing or disallowing movement, or even influencing movement via the Telekinesis or Domination spells. Knocking down models is another type of control, as is disallowing attacks that otherwise would be possible. Control can come from an army leader’s abilities, spells, or even feat, which means there are multiple ways it can affect your force.

Does the Convergence have control casters?

            The short answer is no. The long answer: While there are control elements in our faction’s casters, they are usually centered around a feat (Axis’ Circumpotence) or usable against a select number of targets (Directrix’s Domination spell). Convergence casters cannot consistently control the board.

Sorry buddy, but your best ain't good enough

How does the Convergence beat control?

            While the Convergence casters may not be great at control, the Convergence force does have some natural counters to control elements. Domination and other spells/abilities that target a cortex do not work against vectors. Also, our quadruped vectors and Lucant have Steady, which means they cannot be knocked down.

            More generally, it pays to think ahead to what the controlling model is working towards. Effects like Telekinesis can enable an attrition game by putting your models into vulnerable spots. Also, it can open up assassination lanes. Other effects such as Freezing Grasp nullify movement and allow the controlling player to win on scenario. Predicting what the controller is working towards will allow you to counter more effectively. And finally, you’re just going to have to weather it. Control is tough to play against because your own models fail you (something that is rare in MK3), so avoid getting frustrated and making desperate decisions.

How can the Convergence beat control in other factions?

Cygnar: Haley2 has been and still is the premier control caster of Warmachine, though all of her incarnations can control. Haley2 will usually be accompanied by Thorn, which gives her Telekinesis added range. Her feat will hold you up for a turn, but is less abusive than it was in MK2. Within Convergence, a popular counter is to run Directrix with an Axiom and Assimilators. Blow the opposition away!

I should add my Directrix paint job in here some time!

Menoth: Reznick2 and Kreoss1 are capable of control, and Kreoss’ Lamentations and Purification are especially difficult on Convergence casters that rely on powerful upkeeps. (I should know; I made the mistake of matching Syntherion against Kreoss when I started out!). Fortunately, the native Steady of Lucant and the quadruped heavies means that Kreoss’ feat will have less bite. I haven’t played much against Kreoss lately, but Lucant with Conservators and Inverters seems like a good bet.

Khador: Sorscha’s feat, Freezing Grasp, and Tempest spells are powerful control tools that allow her to gain the advantage in scenario or set up an assassination. Spamming vectors should overwhelm her ability to pick a target for Freezing Grasp, but watch out for potential assassinations that can result from the feat (either from Sorscha herself of a ‘jack).

Cryx: Deneghra1, the Witch Coven, and Scaverous all have control tools, with Denegha1 being the most prominent. I think that a good counter to this would be another Directrix heavy vector list, but with 1-2 Monitors to combat the Stealth abilities of Cryx.

Retribution: Adeptis Rahn has a lot of spells that can control the battlefield (Telekinesis, Force Hammer, and Force Blast), and models such as Eiryss are Retribution partisans. Rahn can be tricky to play, so keep an eye out for potential mistakes that you can capitalize on. The Monitor is a good counter to any list that uses Eiryss.

Convergence: As discussed above, the Convergence mirror match will not have much in the way of control. Directrix’s Domination does not work on vectors, and Axis’ feat is easily played around with most gun-line armies.

Mercenaries: Fiona and Magnus2 have powerful control effects, and Magnus’ Kill Box feat is of special note. It severely restricts movement towards zones and flags, which will give the mercenary opponent a huge advantage in a scenario.

Trolls: Calandra is an impressive controlling Warlock with her Befuddle and Star-Crossed spells. The latter can cause you grief because it makes your attacks less accurate, which is already a problem among most Convergence battlegroups. Be sure to utilize flares and aiming when Star-crossed is up, if you encounter Calandra a lot, Syntherion’s Synergy spell or Lucant’s Positive Charge spell can help make attacks more accurate.

Flare plus Synergy (+3) should be enough to get around most Star-Crossed targets

Circle: Kruger2 (Telekinesis), Baldur2 (Crevasse, Ground Zero), and Wormwood all (Black Roots feat, Hellmouth, and Stranglehold) have control elements. The Crevasse and Hellmouth spells have RFP effects, so that will hinder any recursion you may have. On the bright side, the Black Roots feat suffered a small nerf (now uses command range instead of control), though that’s a moot point against the floating Convergence units that have native Pathfinder.

Legion: Saeryn is the still the Legion control caster, though her utility has been hampered greatly since MK2 (especially with the change to her Foreboding feat). Like with most of Legion, your success will hinge on being able to utilize larger threat ranges, so Aurora and Directrix are good picks for this matchup.

Skorne: Like the Convergence, Skorne lacks options for control. The one notable control tool the faction has is Morghoul2’s feat, Blackout. However, this powerful effect can be shaken, which means that most battlegroups can shrug it off with relative ease. If you have an infantry/heavy recursion list in your rotation, don’t play it against Morghoul2 and you’ll be fine. Note: with the rumored Skorne errata, they may get more options in the future!

Minions: There are a few controlling Warlocks among the minions. Bloody Barnabas’ feat (Black Tide) works a lot like Kreoss1’s feat, so play against it in a similar manner. The same is true for Sturm & Drang’s Telekinesis spell, though its Psychic Apocalypse feat will shut your battlegroup down for a turn. Even though Wrong Eye is a lesser warlock, his access to Star-Crossed is something you’ll want to anticipate, especially when he accompanies more powerful casters.

What other control tools have you seen in a game? Let me know in the comments!