Warmachine: Transfinite Emergence Projector
Today we’re talking about one of the most exciting releases that Privateer Press has come out with in a long time. What is it? Convergence’s new Battle Engine; the Transfinite Emergence Projector.
What’s up folks!? It’s Trevy the Great here again from Way of the Swan talking about a super exciting new model! So why is this such an exciting release? Not only is the Transfinite Emergence Projector (colloquially called the TEP for short) a kickass model that both looks super imposing and performs well on the table, but it is also the first injection molded plastic kit that they’re releasing. This kit is the beginning of a new era of kits from Privateer Press. Many future kits for mechanical characters such as Warjacks or other Battle Engines will be made using this new material instead of the resin, pewter or “restic” mixture that they were in the past.
In terms of quality, this kit is a massive leap forward for Privateer Press. For the first step in a new medium this kit is awesome; it holds fine detail with far greater efficacy than previous materials. These bits have cool little gears and cogs that are rendered in sharp detail. Not only that, but the mold lines are tastefully placed and almost invisible, making cleaning the model all-but unnecessary.
Parts on the sprue
Closeup of the main chassis with all its sweet cog bits
One of the leg assemblies displaying more awesome fine detail
So besides a super cool model, what makes this Battle Engine so cool on the table? The Transfinite Emergence Projector is a monstrous gun battery with a very flexible array of ranged abilities. It only has a single weapon; a RAT 4, SP10, POW 10 Aperture Pulse ranged attack with Auto Fire 2. This means that the Projector can make two ranged attacks targeting an initial target and a secondary one within 2” of the first. While the number of clustered infantry that can be hit by two giant Spray templates is impressive, at RAT 4, POW 10 the quality of shots leave something to be desired.
Fortunately for the stately Battle Engine, during its activation it gets to place three Permutation Servitors within 1” which buff its shooting based on where they are. Each servitor in the Battle Engine’s left arc it gains an additional die on attack rolls, an additional die on damage rolls for each servitor in its right arc and +1 to the number of Auto Fire attacks it makes for each servitor behind it. These servitors disappear and are replaced each activation, so there’s no chance of leaving them behind, stuck unable to realign each turn depending on the situation. Better still, the battle engine can shunt ranged attacks against it off onto the servitors, making it incredibly difficult to remove with ranged attacks.
With its pretty wacky ranged weapon, the Transfinite Emergence Projector is one of the most flexible gun platforms in the game. Depending on the situation, it can crack armor by putting resources into damage or clear infantry by gaining more attacks or dice to hit. Just about any target in the game can be obliterated by the unstoppable power of the clockwork goddess!
"Ima firin' mah lazor!!!!!"
So what does this release mean for the Convergence of Cyriss? Because of the unique interaction between Cyrissist Warcasters and their Vectors, the MAT and RAT values of the Warjacks are determined by those of the controlling ‘caster. This means that the abilities of a Warcaster shapes how a list will perform to a greater extent than in other, more independent Factions. With Warcasters such as Lucant and Axis sporting abysmally low RAT scores, a Battlegroup-independent weapons platform such as the Transfinite Emergence Projector makes a powerful addition to their list that breaks away from their more melee-centric playstyles.
"Us spider-legged robots need to stick together!"
In issue with Battle Engines tends to be their survivability; at the same points cost as a Warjack or Warbeast but with a substantially smaller pool of hit boxes and often lower DEF scores they have an issue standing up to similar threats. With only a RNG 10 attack, the Transfinite Emergence Projector will often have to get close to the action in order to get its shots off. While it is protected from ranged attacks by its servitors and Convergence’s prodigious repertoire of ranged protection, it will be vulnerable to any melee threats that are able to survive its onslaught. Fortunately, in addition to resilient infantry screen of clockwork vessels that Convergence armies can use as a skirmish screen to protect their battle engine there are other methods to keep this significant investment safe.
Unlike Colossals, Battle Engines are smaller and consequently don’t have rule prohibiting the movement or placement outside of their normal movement step. This means that Transfinite Emergence Projectors can take advantage of hit and run effects such as Aurora’s Feat providing Refuge (a full advance after successfully hitting an enemy with an attack) or Directorix’s Tactical Supremacy (for a 3” advance at the end of the turn). Effects such as these allow the Battle Engine to escape from faster enemies that can overrun it despite its impressive firepower.
What do you think of Convergence’s newest tool in the great machine? Remember to check out Way of the Swan for more awesome Warmachine and Hordes content!
