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

Dynamo

So this will probably be one of the last additions to the swans for awhile.... But what an addition he is.

Rangers

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.

Convergence tactics: Corollary

Most every force in WMH has a model that functions as a support piece and/or a force multiplier.  For the Convergence that model in the Corollary, a light vector that serves as a warcaster attachment.  The Corollary is also very good at what it does, and I would say that it's an auto-include for any Convergence list.  In one form or another this vector has something for everyone, and I can't think of any list that wouldn't be better off without it.

And it looks cool as well!

So what exactly does this mighty vector do?  Well I'm glad you asked, as we'll get into more detail in this post!

Terrain Time #2

 

Two weeks of posts in a row?!!? Let me explain... So as I said in my last post I had my birthday.  In honor of the occasion  I will be getting the Indianapolis division of Team Waynedale together.  Yes, 3 of us in the last 3 years made the 2 hour move south to the state capital.  As and added bonus the Oxford division also is also able to join.  We are doing things a bit differently this time around and meeting at my place on the south side instead of meeting up at Clint's place on the north side.  This event gave me the motivation to finish two pieces of terrain I'd been working on that have fallen to the way side in the past few months.

Speed painting: New Solo for the Swans

So yeah, I know it has been a long time.  Like I've said before, I am finishing up my thesis so I can graduate with my Masters of Science.  So between that and my lack of finances I really haven't been able to devote a lot of time to Warmahordes.  Clint and I have had a few pick-up games here and there.  But, really my involvement in the hobby has taken an extreme down turn in recent months.

The Stormwall Gathers

So recently I have been working on a very special project...... I broke down and purchased a Stormwall.  For those of you who may not be in the know Stormwall is the most expensive model both point wise and money wise in the Cygnar Faction.  This model is also HUGE it is about 6 inches tall. These monstrous machines are classified as a Colossal and they are that; expensive tough killing machines that raise the game to a whole new level.  Why did I break down buy such a beast? There are a few reasons,  1.  I really wanted one. 2. Clint started the trend by purchasing one of the two mercenary faction colossals the Earth Breaker (this thing is a monster flat out).  3.  It is one of the best units for Cygnar in the game. 4. I have been playing around with the idea of getting into competitive warmahordes and this is the last piece I needed to really be able to do that. And 5.  This thing is awesome, it was a blast putting it together and painting it.        

The box that the Stormwall comes in

Saturday school: Diffuser light vector tactics

In an earlier post I discussed tactics with Forgemaster Syntherion, a warcaster in the Convergence of Cyriss .  Today, I'll look at the Diffuser light vector and what it brings to each warcaster in the Convergence.

In general, the three lights all share a similar three-legged chassis as well as goofy names (Diffuser, Galvanizer, Mitigator).  They also have all-around vision, which is really useful for positioning and drawing LoS.  They also share average defensive stats and 20 damage grids.  Light vectors aren't the most durable warjacks in their class, but with the abundance of repair that the Convergence has access to they can stick around for awhile.

So, what makes the Diffuser worthwhile?  Alone, it is pretty underwhelming.  However, when used in the clockwork fashion that defines the Convergence, wonderful things can happen.

Tactics and tricks with the Convergence: Forgemaster Syntherion

Things are going great (albeit quickly!) in my world these days.  In the little hobby time I had this week I've assembled an unit of Perforators, but today I want to focus on one of the models that make up the Convergence.  In these articles I'll look at the fluff, rules and my in-game experiences of a specific model or unit.  Today that model is Forgemaster Syntherion, who served as my introduction into the Warmachine universe.

[Insert Swiss Army Knife jokes here]

Weekend Warmachine: Results and Reflections

Well, I had a great weekend in Indy, and got a lot of games in.  It was a great time with some truly great friends.  Between my Convergence (4 games) and Legion (1 game), I went 2-3 for the weekend.  Below is a quick recap of each game, as well as some takeaway notes.  As for pictures, well, I forgot to bring my camera.  I know it's poor form, but don't hold it against me!

Because, how hard is it to write a goddamn battle report?

Weekend Warmacine: Ready the Great Machine!

Every so often TW converges onto Indianapolis from the four corners of our domain for a weekend of catching up, drinking, and wargaming.  I call it "getting Warhammered."  In about two weeks, we will meet again, and to say I'm excited is a huge understatement.  As shameful as it is for me to admit I tend to play the least among all member of TW because I live in Middle of Nowhere, OH when everyone else has stayed faithful to the Hoosier state.  So with this upcoming weekend I'm going to set that right.  I just have to get through finals first.

You know what sucks about finals?  The exams... that I don't have to take because I completed my course of study last year.

And you know what else sucks about finals? Grading undergraduate exams... which I don't have to do because I scored a head prep job this semester.

In reality, this is by far my easiest "finals" week I've had yet in grad school!  For five straight days, it's just me, myself, and my research.  It's a thing of beauty, really.

Of course, the important thing is that I also have a bit of free time where I can finish assembling the models I need for wargaming!  So, what am I bringing to this grand melee?  Here is my first list!

Convergence of Cyriss

Forgemaster Syntherion tier list (35 points)

Syntherion (+6)

Corollary (3)

Cipher (9)

Monitor (8)

Galvanizer (3)

Galvanizer (*)

Mitigator (4)

Diffuser x2 (6)

Optifex Directive x2 (4)

Algorithm Dispersion Optifex x2 (2)

Attunement Servitor (2)

Pros

• Great Tier bonuses: Syntherion, a battlegroup warcaster, gives us just what we want with his tier list bonuses.  From Advanced Deployment ADOs to a free Galvanizer, this list makes sure we start the game strong.  My favorite tiers are probably 2 and 3.  Nothing allows us to hit the ground running better than cheaper fist turn spells and a Corollary starting with two focus.
• Resilient: This is a list that can take a lick and keep ticking.  Syntherion's Field Marshal ability allow himself and his vectors to heal d3 wounds each round.  On top of that, the Galvanizers and Optifex Directives have a repair skill that can heal d6 wounds.  That means the opponent is going to have to put a lot of effort into destroying a vector the first time around, otherwise it can heal back a lot of health.  Attrition is the name of the game!

Cons

• It's slow: With most of the models in the battlegroup having a SPD of 4-5, this list isn't winning any races.  More often than not Syntherion will not be the first on an objective, which means that I'm going to be behind in points most of the game.

Potential Changes

As happy as I am with the list, I can't help but to think that it'd be made stronger with another heavy vector wedged in there.  I was leaning towards another Monitor or maybe even an Inverter, but an Assimilator would serve Syntherion well too.  If I face a lot of infantry heavy lists, the Modulator would be a solid choice as well.

Convergence Battlegroup Painted (+ some extras)

Joe here with an update on my Convergence of Cyriss battlegroup plus a few other additions.  Be sure to check out the Convergence page to get a full view of my CoC collection!

A group shot of the Great Machine 

There's not a lot of time before the next TWG gaming weekend so it's down to the wire in order to complete my Great Machine theme list, let alone get it assembled.  I'm also trying to get my Legion assembled and on the table for a test drive, which makes the time crunch tighter.  It should be a great showing from almost all the factions of the Iron Kingdoms so stay tuned!