Mastering Focus Induction: what's worthy of a Boost?

Arguably one of the most important things a Convergence player has to do is get the hang of Focus Induction, the mechanic that allows one vector to pass focus to another vector nearby when spent.  This isn't so much a bonus as much as it is a core mechanic of the Convergence.  Without effective focus inductions the vectors (especially the light ones) will underperform and cost you many a game.

[Mmmm.... Focus]

In this post I'll talk about how what/when your vectors should boost.  I'll be using my Syntherion battlegroup as an example, but most of these tactics are universal to the whole faction.

What needs focus?

Determining which vectors need focus will be critical to victory.  In many cases a vector that needs two-three focus can get those foci from induction and not the Warcaster, but only if you plan your activations accordingly.  Here's how each vector uses focus:

Light Vectors

• Mitigator (low priority): With a RoF 1 gun that deals only 1 point of damage, the Mitigator rarely needs focus.  Only give this vector focus if you absolutely need something to be knocked down; otherwise just shoot at single wound models.  The Mitigator also has a Bash attack, but that's not worth the focus.

• Diffuser (low priority): Another RoF 1 gun, plus with Luck the Diffuser will hit often without needing to boost.  Only give this model a focus if you want to boost the damage of the Homing Ripspike in hopes of killing a vulnerable model.  Then again, this defeats the purpose of Beacon.  As with the Mitigator, don't waste focus on Bash attacks.

• Galvanizer (moderate priority): The Galvanizer has no gun, but instead has the strongest melee attack of any light vector.  This is useful for weeding out weak infantry or wearing down other lights and elite troops.  Giving it focus means it'll be able to perform power attacks and/or multiple attacks.  With effects such as Synergy this vector can deal out a lot of damage, so don't hesitate to toss some focus on this vector.

Heavy Vectors

• Monitor (moderate priority): The Monitor has an awesome ranged attack for a Convergence model, and if you plan on using it give the Monitor two focus.  Even though it'll usually hit (with the right Warcaster), boosting to hit gives a good chance of Critical: Brutal Damage.  Boost that for a four dice damage roll.  Given the Ellipsaw Flinger's POW and RNG, that makes for a very scary projectile!  If the Monitor somehow winds up in melee, give it three focus.  Boost its  first Spike Fist to hit, then simply spend focus for up to two more auto-hits at a decent P+S.  The melee weapon is also an open fist, so be sure to utilize those special attacks!

• Inverter (high priority): As one of the few heavies without a gun, the Inverter needs to get in and do damage ASAP.  It'll need focus for running, charging and making as many attacks as possible.  Always boost the Macropummeler; if this weapon hits, the target is knocked down.  This means that the Inverter's Meteor Hammer automatically hits.  Assuming you give the Inverter 3 focus, that means a hit with the pummeler (at P+S 20!) will allow for three auto-hits at the same P+S of the Monitor's spike fist.  Not much will be able to stand up to that kind of damage.

• Cipher (high priority): The banner heavy vector for the Convergence needs a lot of focus, regardless of what you have it do.  With an RoF 2 gun, you'll need at least one focus to shoot twice, plus more if you wish to boost a bombardment damage roll.  If you plan on getting it into melee, it must have three focus.  This will allow it to charge /perform a power attack and buy enough attacks to finish off its target.  If you choose to simply advance into engagement, the Cipher can put out up to 5 attacks with its spikes.  At that high P+S, you'll scrap most heavies in one go, and considerably weaken any colossal/gargantuan.

That's all for today.  For the next post I'll go through how these models play together, and how to best get focus from low priority models to your heavy hitters.