Warmachine: Diffuser 101
The Diffuser is the first light vector for Convergence of Cyriss to be released outside of the starter battlegroup. Is it a worthy addition?
Emphatically, the answer is yes – a Diffuser won’t necessarily be in every Convergence list, but it will be in most.
Rules and Tactics
The main reason for this is the threat range extension provided by its gun’s special Beacon ability. If the diffuser’s gun hits an enemy, friendly models can charge it for free with +2″ of movement. Convergence vectors have a speed of 4 or 5, so being able to extend melee threat ranges is helpful for competing with speed 6 heavies. It also provides a damage increase, due to the boosted charge attack without spending focus. Alternatively, it can be used for a free slam, although without the +2″ of movement.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind regarding Beacon. First, it’s target model, not target model/unit, so it’s primarily useful against jacks/beasts. Even if you’re trying to get a range increase against a screening unit in order to get your models further upfield, most single wound models have an unfortunate habit of dying to pow 11s.
Second, you have to directly hit in order to trigger Beacon. The Diffuser has Luck on its gun, so it can reroll one miss, and you’ll likely have a source of Flare, either in the form of a Cipher or some Attunement Servitors. Even with the worst RAT in convergence (Axis’ 2) against the best base defense for a heavy (14), Luck and Flare combined give you about an 85% chance of hitting. Stealth will completely shut it down, however.
Even though you’ll likely be bringing it for its special ability, the Diffuser is still 20 wounds with a boostable gun for only 3 points, which makes it the cheapest ranged jack in the game. It also has a melee weapon, so it can still slam and make free strikes. Syntherion especially appreciates it being able to build the synergy chain and still shoot to help out other models on feat turn. It has a 360 degree arc, which gets it into really surprising places with Axis’ countercharge.
Hobby and Modeling
From a modeling point of view, it’s pretty good. Despite being 13 separate pieces, it’s still easier to assemble than many of the convergence models. The sculpting helps out with defining the glowing areas and recessed alternate-colored metal areas. It’s not unreasonable to get 2 or 3 Convergence lights built, painted, and based in an evening. Most of the problematic mold lines are on the underbody so they’re harder to notice. One thing to watch out for though: do not drop a light vector. The ankles are so thin, they tend to literally shatter on impact, even on carpet. That drawback aside, it’s fun and visually interesting being able to run an effective army with 5 light jacks instead of the usual infantry emphasis.
So, how are your Convergence forces faring on the battlefields of Immoren?
