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Forces of Convergente of Cyriss

The document discusses the Convergence of Cyriss, a cult dedicated to creating the perfect machine and manifesting their goddess, Cyriss, across Caen. It outlines the faction's history, gameplay mechanics, and the importance of geomantic sites as they prepare for war. The text emphasizes the unity and synergy within the Convergence's mechanikal army, highlighting their strategic capabilities and the leadership of Iron Mother Directrix in their quest for mechanikal perfection.

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William Machado
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
48 views103 pages

Forces of Convergente of Cyriss

The document discusses the Convergence of Cyriss, a cult dedicated to creating the perfect machine and manifesting their goddess, Cyriss, across Caen. It outlines the faction's history, gameplay mechanics, and the importance of geomantic sites as they prepare for war. The text emphasizes the unity and synergy within the Convergence's mechanikal army, highlighting their strategic capabilities and the leadership of Iron Mother Directrix in their quest for mechanikal perfection.

Uploaded by

William Machado
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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®

®
®

eMBrACe THe PerFeCTion


oF THe MACHine
To those who worship Cyriss, no tenet is more sacred than the Fifth
Harmonic—the belief that the Clockwork Goddess will manifest
once the perfect machine is created across all of Caen. The key to
this vessel’s completion lies in the geomantic fulcrums of power
that cover the world, many in hostile territory. For centuries the
cult has been amassing an immense mechanikal army, poised to
take the final steps in readying for their goddess. The time has
come for the Convergence to complete the Great Work, and they

®
will let none stand in their way.
Devote yourself to mechanikal perfection and transcend the flesh
with Forces of WARMACHINE: Convergence of Cyriss, featuring:
• Complete faction rules and profiles for
fielding the Convergence of Cyriss
in WARMACHINE Mk II, including
Unbound formations.
• An in-depth look at the history
and science of the Convergence of
Cyriss and its enigmatic goddess.
• A painting guide to help you ready your
forces for battle.
• Convergence Theme Force lists and rules, which
allow you to create armies based on specialized forces
from the Convergence.

LeT none IMperiL THe greaT worK!


Play WARMACHINE against


PIP 1053

ISBN: 978-1-933362-93-9 • PIP 1053 • $29.99 • www.privateerpress.com


THE MAIDEN OF GEARS

REVEALED HERSELF TO US,

HER CHOSEN, TO GUIDE US

TO CRAFT THE VESSELS

OF OUR IMMORTALITY.

WE MUST NOW CLEAR THE WAY

FOR CYRISS TO INHABIT CAEN,

SPINE
THE WORLD BECOME

HER CLOCKWORK MACHINE,

AND ELIMINATE ANY

WHO WOULD IMPEDE

THE GREAT WORK!

— IRON MOTHER DIRECTRIX


®
CREDITS
WARMACHINE Brad Wright Organized Play & Reese Nash
created by Nikolay Yeliseyev Volunteer Coordinator Phuong Nguyen
Antwan Porter
Matthew D. Wilson Concept Illustrations William Hungerford
Erik Reiersen
Lead Designer, Roberto Cirillo Quartermaster John Roth
WARMACHINE Nate Feyma Assistant Ryon Smith
Jason Soles Peter Han Dianne Ferrer Jesse Sterland
Kevin Prangley James Thomas
Designer, Convergence Andrea Uderzo Video Producer Chris Tiemeyer
David Carl Tony Konichek
Studio Director Ben Tracy
Game Design Ron Kruzie No Quarter EIC Dara Vann
Matthew D. Wilson Aeryn Rudel Matt Warren

Project Director Sean Bullough Roleplaying Game Game Developer


Bryan Cutler Brian Dugas Producer William Schoonover
Doug Hamilton Matt Goetz Development Assistant
Creative Director Ben Misenar
Ed Bourelle Executive Assistant Jack Coleman

Lead Writer Studio Modeler Michelle Horton Playtest Coordination


Nate Scott
Douglas Seacat Customer Service David Carl
Adam Johnson Jack Coleman
Additional Writing Painters
Simon Berman Customer Support Infernals
Matt DiPietro Peter Gaublomme
David Carl Michael Sanbeg
Meg Maples Joachim Molkow
Darla Kennerud Gabe Waluconis
Meg Maples Studio Administration Director of Operations
John Morin
William Shick Assistant Gilles Reynaud
Jason Martin D. Anthony Robinson
Charles Foster III
Continuity Donald Sullivan
Douglas Seacat Hobby Manager & Production Director
Jason Soles Terrain Mark Christensen Internal Playtesters
Stuart Spengler Technical Director Ed Bourelle
Editorial Manager David Carl
Kelly Yeager
Darla Kennerud Hobby Specialist & Jack Coleman
Additional Editing Terrain Packing/Shipping Bill French
John Michael Arnaud
Leo Carson Manager William Hungerford
Joe Lee Erik Reierson
Project Manager Photography
William Schoonover
Shona Fahland
Matt Ferbrache Metal Casting William Shick
Stuart Spengler Supervisor Jason Soles
Graphic Design Director Licensing & Contract Marcus Rodriguez
Brent Waldher
Josh Manderville Manager Lead Quality Control External Playtesters
Graphic Design & Brent Waldher Cody Ellis
Andrew Hartland
Layout President
Richard Anderson
Production Jarred Robitaille
Sherry Yeary Mark Arreola Owen Rehrauer
Bryan Cutler
Oren Ashkenazi Tim Simpson
Shona Fahland
Ryan Baldonado Ray Bailey
Matt Ferbrache Matthew D. Wilson
Nelson Baltzo Josh Saulter
Laine Garrett
Director of Business & Thomas Cawby Stu Liming
Art Director Branding Development Johan Cea James Moreland
Mike Vaillancourt William Shick Henry Chac Tommy Geuns
Alex Chobot Dirk Pintjens
Cover Illustration Marketing Manager Bryan Dasalla Peter Gaublomme
Andrea Uderzo Lyle Lowery Alfonso Falco Wout Maerschalck
Illustrations Head of IT/Software Joel Falkenhagen
Proofreading
Oscar Cafaro Development Michael Hang
Oren Ashkenazi
Luis Gama Chris Ross Bryan Klemm
Simon Berman
Nikolai Georgiev Mark Lawson
Ryan Gitter
Retail Support & Chris Lester
Dianne Ferrer

Ross Grams
Development David Lima
Charles Foster III
Bill French Matt Goetz
Anthony Jones Jared Mattern
Michelle Horton
Christopher Matthews
Nicholas Kay Convention Coordinator William Hungerford
Raphael Lübke Michael Plummer William Shick
Susan Luo Caitlyn McKenna
Stuart Spengler
Justin Oaksford Community Manager & Mike McIntosh
Jason Soles
Néstor Ossandón Aaron Milligan-Green
Brent Waldher
Andrea Uderzo Simon Berman Antonio Mora

2
EMBRACE THE PERFECTION OF THE MACHINE
FACTION BACKGROUND PLAYING THE CONVERGENCE
The faithful of Cyriss, the Maiden of Gears, have lived A Convergence army operates like a machine: each piece
among the people of western Immoren for centuries, serves its role, and the parts work together to accomplish a
quietly working to uncover the laws of the universe. greater goal. The faction’s pragmatic and calculating nature
They have long been tolerated as an enigmatic cult of plays out in the form of widespread synergy, enhancing
mathematicians, engineers, and stargazers, but in remote their own abilities and hindering those of enemies.
temples and facilities the inner circle of the faith were
advancing their agenda. There they constructed massive
others to create a machine of destruction. Reciprocators and
machines with which they intend to complete their Great
Obstructors lock shields and advance, then slide apart to
Work and transform the very face of Caen to bring about the
allow aggressive Eradicators to charge into enemy lines, all
manifestation of their goddess.
while Perforators at the rear launch protean javelins.
As the forces of the Convergence enter the Phase of Alignment,
Even more than any other WARMACHINE faction, the
they must march to war against other powers of western
warcasters of the Convergence dramatically change the
Immoren over sites of geomantic potency. Their leaders and
nature of play. Vectors take on the stats of their warcaster
clockwork vessels. Immune to pain or doubt and armed with
The same army seems to transform and become an entirely
resolve. The clockwork state is itself their afterlife on Caen,
wealth of game possibilities.
and so they have no fear of death.
With so many exciting tactical options and interesting
Because the Nine Harmonics of Cyriss proscribe the “false
combinations of abilities to experiment with, the
minds” of warjacks, Convergence warcasters bring complex
vectors to battle. These imposing machines function not
of their own unpredictable imperative but solely as pure
your calculations, and…
extensions of a warcaster’s formidable will. With an arsenal
centuries in the making, the Convergence of Cyriss is Let none imperil the Great Work!
prepared to carry out the Great Work no matter its cost.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITERATIONS OF CONVERGENCE WARCASTERS . . .42
TRANSFIGURATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
CONVERGENCE VECTORS . . . . . . . . . 56
REFINEMENT
SOLDIERS OF THE
TOWARD PERFECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
CONVERGENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
MACHINERY OF THE
PAINTING CONVERGENCE . . . . . . . . . 92
CONVERGENCE OF CYRISS . . . . . . . .30
GALLERY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
CONVERGENCE RULES
& THEME FORCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

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Privateer Press, Inc. 13434 NE 16th St. Suite 120 • Bellevue, WA 98005
Tel (425) 643-5900 • Fax (425) 643-5902

For online customer service, email frontdesk@privateerpress.com


This book is printed under the copyright laws of the United States of America and retains all of the protections thereof. All Rights Reserved. All trademarks
herein including Privateer Press®, Iron Kingdoms, Full Metal Fantasy, Immoren, WARMACHINE®, Forces of WARMACHINE, Steam-Powered Miniatures Combat,
Convergence of Cyriss, Convergence, Cygnar, Cryx, Khador, Protectorate of Menoth, Protectorate, Retribution of Scyrah, Retribution, warjack, warcaster, HORDES,
Forces of HORDES, Monstrous Miniatures Combat, Circle Orboros, Circle, Legion of Everblight, Legion, Skorne, Trollbloods, Trollblood, warbeast, Formula P3, Formula
P3 Hobby Series
is purely coincidental. No part of this publication may be stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form without written permission from Privateer

prohibited. In the event that permissions are granted, such duplications shall be intended solely for personal, noncommercial use and must maintain all
copyrights, trademarks, or other notices contained therein or preserve all marks associated thereof. Don’t steal our copyrighted material (including ditital

copyright violators into giant awesome robots or clockwork vessels. Oh no. Copyright violators get plugged into our automated fecal matter disposal systems.

First digital edition: April 2013.

Forces of WARMACHINE: Convergence of Cyriss (digital version) . . . . . . . . ISBN: 978-1-939480-30-9 . . . . PIP 1053e

3
ITERATIONS OF TRANSFIGURATION
TEMPLE OF THE PRIME HARMONIC, NORTHERN WYRMWALL MOUNTAINS, 606 AR

Hundreds had gathered within the vaulted central receiving Some of her followers claimed that looking on Directrix’s
chamber, a vast circular room that thrummed with the visage was akin to gazing on Cyriss herself. Rivals felt her
vessel’s form bordered on the blasphemous—her headdress
countless pieces of interlocking machinery. The attendees resembled the symbol of the goddess. For his part, Lucant
acknowledged some vanity in her chosen aspect but saw
joined to clockwork vessels, which gleamed in chromed mostly devotion. There was no denying well-engineered
steel. Father Lucant stood atop a raised dais attached perfection. The housings for her servitors, the ingenious
to the great dome of massive gears and rotating metal way interior geomantic drives adjusted her center of
rings making up the Constellation. This was not simply a gravity so she was not unbalanced by the massive housing
mechanism but a council of minds—a great and intricate for the multiple arms of her bladed cloak—there was much
orrery within which orbited hundreds of souls—hosting
the essences of priests and thinkers linked into a greater the vessel were of less interest than the mind within.
consciousness. All those assembled faced the Constellation.
The Constellation spoke again. “Iron Mother Directrix is
The spiderlike construct that was Lucant’s metal body was chosen. May Cyriss guide her. Henceforth it is she who
surrounded by a radiance that shone through slats in the commands your obedience.” Rows upon rows of steel

in humble acknowledgement. Lucant merely inclined his


the other side of the Constellation stood another witness,
the former Iron Father Isolexus, who was stepping down
His optics traced along those gathered and saw among
after a nine-year term. He had led the Convergence well
and would soon resume his former station overseeing the
biology. These included dozens of living priests, some
vast temple complex hidden beneath Caspia.
junior, others rising to prominence and aspiring to eventual
“Attend us!” The sonorous voice of the Constellation transformation. Standing in a place of special honor near
suggested a harmonic chorus and seemed to emerge from Directrix’s platform was a young woman—Aurora, Numen
all around. “The Convergence gathers to bear witness and of Aerogenesis.
honor the elevation of the one who shall lead. All honor
Her entourage stood apart, distinct in their armored and
Fluxion Isolexus, whose stewardship passes.” There was a
brief pause as those gathered inclined heads in his direction.
which she had been born into the world, encased now in
The Constellation resumed, “The choice is made.”
her winged warcaster armor. She was very young, but
her entire life had been spent among the Convergence,
honor the Maiden as we continue the Great Work. Praise be and her accomplishments were already notable. Her face
to the Bringer of Perfection. Let us pray for her guidance was impassive as she stared up at Directrix, showing no
and inspiration as we enter a new era.” A thousand silvered outward sign that the soul of the newly recognized leader
heads bowed, and there was prayer amid the sounds of the of their faith was her biological mother. Lucant knew the
greater machinery. relationship between mother and daughter was strained,
although he felt no empathic response to this fact. He had
At the center of the chamber before the Constellation stood
forgotten most aspects of his mortal existence. Aurora
bowed with the others, albeit after a small delay.

Lucant looked back to Directrix, who accepted their


with impressive lists of accomplishments. After a pause of obeisance and bid them rise. She was young to inherit
precisely twenty-three seconds—twenty-three being the leadership, only two decades transformed. Great
ninth prime number—all but one column began to lower responsibility now lay on her shoulders. In a few years
slowly, and the brightness above them dimmed as they the Convergence would unleash their arsenal and begin
to transform Caen. The Machine would be advanced, and
which platform remained, the light upon it intensifying. This that would require warfare and bloodshed. They needed
was the clockwork priestess Directrix, whose regal form with a warrior to lead them, one with drive and ruthlessness.
its cloak of blades gleamed mirror-bright in the concentrated Directrix possessed the requisite qualities.
light. Her awe-inspiring chromed vessel was a masterpiece
Twenty-six times Lucant had stood in this place, heard
both as a weapon of war and as a majestic work of art.
the words that welcomed a new leader, and watched the

4
enclosed metal helmet with its thick optical lenses protecting
to lead; only a handful remained from that time. Lucant was his face and eyes. He inclined his head and lowered his right
surprised to feel a strange emotion stir in the cold recesses hand. Lucant engaged the levers. First he pulled the one that
where his soul was preserved. Was it exhilaration? Fear? would deliver Pelcior a carefully measured dose of a lethal
solution through a slender tube inserted into his wrists. For
His thoughts traced back to the beginning, twenty-four a moment the optifex’s body strained against its straps as his
decades earlier. To the origin of things, when everything he muscles seized. Lucant’s hands clenched in sympathy until
knew had been transformed. the priest slumped and lay still, his head falling listlessly
to the side. Immediately Lucant engaged the reactor. The
FOUNDRY OF ENUMERATION,
SOUTHERN WYRMWALL MOUNTAINS,
churning sound followed by a higher-pitched sizzling and
360 AR
thrumming. Arcs of electricity shot from the upper apparatus
It was within a similar vaulted chamber thrumming with
power that Enumerator Ghil Lucant had stood awaiting
Pelcior’s body in bluish-white light.
the signal to engage the machinery that was his charge.
There were many technicians in attendance, but he was
responsible for the most critical station. The levers he
ARCS OF ELECTRICITY SHOT FROM
held connected to an acceleration reactor primed to send
THE UPPER APPARATUS TO RUN
geomantic energy through massive shielded conduits.
These empowered the fusing apparatus hanging from the ALONG GLEAMING CONDUITS,

ceiling over the central platform, where a volunteer lay MOMENTARILY ENGULFING PELCIOR’S
strapped into the transference station, the thick metal bier BODY IN BLUISH-WHITE LIGHT.
bent to accommodate him.

The man’s face was in stark relief beneath the bright lights,
The thrumming intensified and blazing light filled the
his eyes closed, his lips moving in constant prayer to the
central apparatus. A twisted array of conduits connected
goddess. He knew his life was about to end. He was a
the body to a glass and steel cylinder set within an
priest, like Lucant himself, someone who had devoted
insulated aperture. Topped with a detailed cast relief of
himself to Cyriss. The proof of the man’s piety was never
the face of the goddess, this was the essence chamber
more evident than now. Lucant felt small and cowardly in
prototype, whose crystalline lattice would receive the
noumenon, the soul. The container filled with light that
pulsed with an irregular rhythm. The fluxion peered at
one with the machine.
his gauges and then nodded to Forge Master Lucidia,
Lucant had felt similar shame on the three previous who stood nearby. She quickly and efficiently disengaged
occasions he had assisted identical procedures. Many more the cylinder from its housing using long-handled tongs.
attempts had been made, stretching back decades before Lucidia was an elderly woman now, perhaps in her
he had been awakened to the inner mysteries. It had been seventies, but her hands did not tremble. Her slender
humbling, his process of immersion, realizing how far he face was heavily wrinkled and her hair white and thin,
had been from a true understanding of Cyriss. Now he felt cut short so as not to interfere with her work.
he was in his proper place, that he had come to know the
She walked with her burden to the inert clockwork vessel
goddess. But the man on the bier humbled him anew.
waiting on the opposite side of the platform and slid the
It was impossible not to feel dread as power accumulated cylinder into a round opening in its chest. The face of the
goddess atop the cylinder aligned with the outer toothed ring
on the vessel to create the symbol of Cyriss as it slid home.
but admiration for Optifex Pelcior and did not begrudge The clockwork vessel came to life, its eyes lighting as its head
him the fear that caused him to quicken his prayers, his pale raised and its limbs animated. What had been an empty
face breaking out in sweat. It was one thing to weigh the machine was now alive. Lucant had seen this before, and it
prompted the same awe each time—but also apprehension.
quite another to lie on that bier and feel the building energy
There was a brief burst of excited conversation among the
of the Foundry of Enumeration, knowing it would soon
priests and engineers in the chamber. Quickly they shifted
pour into your body.
their attention to the dozens of technical tasks required to
Fluxion Helicratus, the master of the foundry, turned to wind down the machinery safely. Lucant saw to his own
Lucant. His expression was impossible to perceive beneath his responsibilities, powering down the central reactor and

5
ITERATIONS OF TRANSFIGURATION

adjusting peripheral apparatus. These tasks had become “An additional seven minutes and thirteen seconds,” he
rote and required little thought, so his attention stayed said, noting the results in his ledger. He nodded to Lucant,
mainly on the central platform where Fluxion Helicratus
and Forge Master Lucidia attended the clockwork vessel, Excellent work, Forge Master Lucidia, Enumerator Lucant.
now inhabited by the soul and mind of Optifex Pelcior. Convey my compliments to the teams.”
Several junior priests quietly carried away his corpse,
“Thank you, Fluxion,” Lucant replied without enthusiasm,
which would be tended to by another priest who would see
knowing it was his hand that had pulled the lever that had
it disposed of with due respect.
ended Pelcior’s life.
As soon as the transfer was complete, Helicratus had started
Forge Master Lucidia was more open about her feelings.
a clock, a precise instrument whose ticking arm would serve
as the measure of their success or failure. Lucidia had begun
wore, glowering. She asked, “How is this a success? We
an interrogation to gauge how well Pelcior had weathered
achieved nothing.” Lucant stepped aside as they began a
familiar row.
implemented, no one present dared to hope. The transfer
of a soul into its essence chamber always seemed successful
“Progress is progress, Forge Master. This project will not be
completed in a day, a week, or a year.”

“You need not remind me,” she snapped. “I have given this

“THIS IS THE HOLY WORK DIRECTED with Lucidia had given him cause to see her as a kind and
BY THE MAIDEN OF GEARS. THIS
WORK MAY OUTLAST US BOTH, IF work had placed considerable strain on the relationship
THAT IS HER WILL.” between the two leaders. In the last two years Lucidia had
grown increasingly outspoken about her dissatisfaction
with their progress.

“And I have given twenty-nine.” Helicratus spoke in the


tone of a man with unshakeable conviction. “It is of no
his subordinates away and join his superiors on the central
matter. This is the holy work directed by the Maiden of
platform. As one of the senior ranking priests and a project
Gears. This work may outlast us both, if that is her will.”
lead he was expected to be there, but he was careful not
He made a pious gesture invoking the goddess with his
to distract the pair at this crucial juncture. Even when they
were not interacting directly, he could sense tension in their
enigmas that had initiated the Anima Corpus Procedure,
postures and the way they pointedly ignored one another.
Lucidia continued her interrogation while Helicratus
checked his gauges and wrote on his ledger, occasionally
the man’s best years were behind him. He had displayed
making small critical sounds.
diligence, piety, and dedication, but what Lucant had not
The clock continued to tick. Lucant counted the minutes, seen was the spark of genius.
feeling some hope as they passed the one-hour mark.
“It will outlast us both if we continue like this,” Lucidia
countered. “Optifex Pelcior had many years ahead of him.
they have succeeded?
We did him a disservice in allowing him to volunteer. The
The optifex’s responses halted mid-sentence, and Lucant unreadiness of the machine was as clear to me today as it
felt his heart sink. The blue-white soul light shining through was three months ago, but you would not listen.”
the face of Cyriss dimmed as the vessel’s posture slumped.
It was inert once more. Pelcior’s soul had passed from
face reddened. “Enough, Forge Master. You denigrate the
the machine. It would linger, ephemeral and invisible, for
a day or two before departing to Urcaen, but it no longer
inhabited the essence chamber designed to receive it. The older woman was in no mood to be silent. She pressed on,
“I saw the same anomalies in my interrogative assessment
Helicratus clicked the button to stop the advancing clock
as last time. His personality matrix showed a non-trivial
and removed his helmet to reveal aging features beneath
deviation. The quotient of self-will and motivating ideation
a balding crown. The pale man was long past his prime,
was drastically diminished.”
although he was at least ten years younger than Lucidia.

6
Helicratus’ eyes narrowed. “Irrelevant, as I told you before.” On recognizing this he had sought her out to learn some of
the more advanced fabrication methods employed by her
“How can you assert that without examining the evidence?”
team. She had seemed pleased at his interest and they had
developed a good rapport. Approaching her had meant
any pretense of calm. crossing an unspoken divide between the facility’s clergy
and lay engineers. Although she was the second-highest
“Allow me to formally assert that you are wrong and this
ranking leader in the temple, responsible for materials
fabrication, Lucidia was not ordained. This in itself was
free will in the post-transfer state. I suggest a drastic revision.”
not unusual, as the duties of forge master required highly
“No! No more major revisions. Our principles are sound. I technical skills and a pragmatic approach often at odds
will hear no more on this.” with the theoretical studies many priests preferred.

Lucant did not ordinarily interrupt their arguments, but he The animosity between Fluxion Helicratus and Forge
could not repress the thought that came to him. He said,
“Might it not be that what you perceive as a reduction in subterranean temple complex. Those who labored in its
free will is simply the guiding hand of the goddess?” sterile metal halls and slept in its unadorned monastic
dormitories were divided into two camps. Lucant had
They both turned to him, startled. Fluxion Helicratus
walked a line between them, hoping to learn from both.
seemed to grasp the content of the words and his scowl
The technologies and machinery of the Foundry of
became a smile. Nodding, he said, “Yes, good point.
Enumeration were still awe-inspiring. Although he had
Enumerator Lucant speaks wisdom. We are answering a
proven to be a quick study, he was far from mastery. He
divine imperative to become closer to the goddess. It is her
had made a positive impression on the engineers, who saw
hand at play. You lack the proper training to apprehend.”
he was adroit at repairing their intricate machines—it was
Lucidia sighed, seeming to have lost her enthusiasm for the
argument. She said, “Although you are priests, you are also disassembling oiled gears and pistons in the innards of
scientists. We must neither ignore the facts nor manipulate servitors, vectors, and geomantic converters.
them to suit a hypothesis.” She turned on her heel and left.
Several days after the failed procedure he was doing just
Helicratus simply shook his head.
this sort of work alongside several temple engineers when
he was interrupted by a summons from the forge master.
He put down his spanner and went to meet her at once,
words. Before he had become a priest of Cyriss he had been not bothering to change his soiled vestments. He found
a mathematician, an astronomer. He would never have her down in the armory, where the sect stored battle-ready
discovered the planet that was now his namesake if he vectors to defend the facility.
had accepted easy explanations. It had been his scrutiny of
She smiled in greeting and waved for him to approach.
previously established data that had led to his breakthrough.
She wore similar protective garb as most engineers, with
That discovery had brought him in turn to the attention of
no insignia of rank. Nevertheless her posture suggested
the inner circle and earned him an invitation to the Foundry
authority, as did her appraising eyes. She said, “Enumerator
of Enumeration. It had been the careful analysis of data that
Lucant, I am glad to see you.”
had guided him to his life’s purpose.
“Of course, Forge Master.” He inclined his head respectfully.
What if Lucidia was right?
Behind her, a pair of Galvanizers moved in response to
her thoughts, striding forward on a trio of rugged legs.
The machines looked distinct from the steamjacks that
Lucant had initially been pleased with the degree to were their equivalent outside the cult. They hummed
which Fluxion Helicratus had come to rely upon him. with voltaic power, which also flickered into blue light
Given it had been only four years since his days as an along their power coils, and he could hear the clattering
outsider, he had risen in rank quickly, a fact he knew was of their internal mechanisms. Additionally, there was no
resented by older priests who had failed to distinguish noxious smoke pouring from exhaust pipes, as they did
themselves. As his work on the Anima Corpus Procedure not use coal-fed steam engines. Instead, they relied on an
had expanded, he had begun to see that Helicratus, energy field generated by geomantic accumulators deep
although wise, was more of an efficient administrator within the facility.
than a brilliant thinker. The innovative work at the
Foundry originated with Forge Master Lucidia.

7
ITERATIONS OF TRANSFIGURATION

She followed his gaze and asked, “Do I remember correctly not pressure you into an immediate decision, but we leave
that you can control vectors?” tonight. The trap is set, but the perilous part lies ahead. I
would appreciate your help to safeguard my team. If you
He stood straighter. “That is correct.” He felt some pride in
decide to join us, come to the lower exit before midnight. If
having been found to possess the warcaster ability, a facility
you are not there, I will speak of this no more.”
as rare among the inner circle as elsewhere.
Lucant swallowed and nodded. “Very well.”
“Have you seen battle?”
He had turned to go but paused as she spoke again. “Lucant,
She was clearly appraising him for something. Lucant
as a favor to me, please exercise discretion. I would prefer to
answered, “Only once, which you may recall; you were
involve as few people as possible, to minimize interference.”
She did not say the name aloud, but he understood she
upper entrance two years ago.”
referred to Fluxion Helicratus, Lucant’s superior.
“Ah yes, of course. I remember now.” He had a feeling she
had known all along. “Some combat experience is better
than none. I have prepared an expedition, one that could
use your expertise. It will be dangerous, but it could provide To consider Lucidia’s proposal Lucant did not return to his
us certain answers.” own living quarters but went to the holy chambers housing
the sprawling machinery of the Cipher Engine. He lingered
Lucant considered this. “What sort of expedition?”
on his way through the calculation vault, nodding
She looked at him levelly and said, “I intend to capture an respectfully to the priests in attendance. The racket of
iron lich, one of the sentient dead serving Cryx. The bait has piston rods and churning gears was deafening. The noise
been placed.” served to cast out other thoughts and clear his mind.
Although the sound was initially chaotic and
He was so startled he blurted, “What? Why?”
overwhelming, soon there would come a sense of rhythm,
She chuckled and said, “It occurred to me years ago that a harmony. He could discern amid that sound how every
there are others more adept in manipulating the human element of this apparatus relied on every other—thousands
soul than we. Given the importance of our work it seemed of tiny gears, rods, latches, and weights. It was the largest
short-sighted to abandon any chain of legitimate inquiry. and most intricate clockwork ever designed.
We have reached the limits of our technology.”
The Cipher Engine was central to the construction of the
As a priest he had been taught to put aside the preconceptions
for the temple’s existence. The machine’s creators had been
Maiden of Gears directed them to transcend the chaos content to prove that a machine could be made to perform
mathematical operations. Its very assembly had served as
machine. Necromancy involved raw entropy. Its power an act of devotion, faith, and proof of the triumph of reason.
arose from extinction, rot, and decay. It was the antithesis of Little had they known that in this accomplishment, they
the philosophies of Cyriss. would extend a hand toward the distant goddess, who
would answer their ingenuity with another challenge and
“The thought troubles you,” she said kindly. “This is a
establish a dialogue.
radical notion, I know. And yet, consider . . . What is an iron
lich, except a soul transferred into a machine body? Cryx
has clearly managed to integrate their necromantic lore as he walked from the calculation vault into the numeric
aggregation chamber. The great presses here were also
claim there is nothing we could learn from this process?” attended by optifex, those who received the output of the
machine’s ongoing and continuous calculations. Several
There was an undeniable logic in her words, but Lucant felt
stations were manned by those transforming the numerals
apprehension—if he had been speaking to a senior priest,
generated by the enormous device into a form that could be
he would have thought he was being tested. He answered
read and distributed to analysts here and at other temples.
honestly, “We must derive a system true to our principles.”
The priests bowed respectfully to Lucant as he passed, then
“Absolutely,” she agreed. “But to create that system we may resumed their work.
need to gain a better understanding of the subject matter.
He silently continued to the lit tables where isolated metal
Necromancy has a proven record of demonstrable success
sheets of screened output had been separated for detailed
in preserving souls.” She paused, perhaps aware that
examination. They contained the essence of holiness. The
pursuing the topic would be fruitless at this time. “I will
long strings of numbers they bore contained apparently

8
anomalous data within which was the encoded will of Not wanting the others to hear, he said quietly to her, “I
Cyriss. Lucant breathed deeply and let his eyes trace across expected a larger force.” He knew there were heavy vectors
them, trying to absorb and interpret them, to see a pattern in the temple’s arsenal, ones better suited to battle than the
light Galvanizer.
plate in turn, knowing he was in contact with the words of
Lucidia was not bothered by his statement. “This is all I
the Maiden of Gears.

Understanding still eluded him. At last Lucant returned Now, let us be on the move. It would not do for us to miss
his thoughts to Lucidia’s invitation. She had every right our appointment.”
to ask him to join her expedition, and it was not his place
She stepped to the outer vault and adjusted a sequence of
to comprehend her process. At the same time, protocol
levers and switches to release its bolts. The guardian soldiers
required him to inform Fluxion Helicratus if he accepted. All
standing at attention nodded their respects and promised to
priests working for the forge master did so under the tacit
seal the interlocking steel doors after them. Almost at once
the group was assaulted by the cold wind of the Wyrmwall
the ongoing work.
Mountains, a shock after the sheltered environment of the
If he spoke to Helicratus there was every possibility temple halls. After becoming accustomed to the sterile
the senior priest would put a stop Lucidia’s expedition. light of their temple even the moonlight and starlight
Ultimately all personnel in the temple facility were his to felt strange to his eyes. He recognized this thought with
regret, given he had spent so much of his early life staring
should be clear? He had never been rebellious, and he knew at the stars through a telescope. He vowed that after their
the inner circle was where he belonged. Lucidia knew this return he would volunteer for astronomical shifts with the
as well but had trusted him. facility’s upper staff.

Examining the numbers generated from the Cipher Engine,


he knew his answer. As much as the forge master’s plans
unsettled him, as much as he felt it was his obligation to “I INTEND TO CAPTURE AN IRON
report to Fluxion Helicratus, there was a higher duty. Cyriss LICH, ONE OF THE SENTIENT
wanted them to learn, to question, to study. Lucidia sought
DEAD SERVING CRYX. THE BAIT
knowledge to solve the mandate of the goddess, and she
HAS BEEN PLACED.”
had proven her brilliance on multiple occasions. Lucant

After a lengthy hike they reached their destination, a


narrow cave nearly as hidden as the facility from which
Forge Master Lucidia did not seem surprised when he they had come. Lucidia sent a pair of her stealthier
arrived at the sealed gate, attired in warcaster armor. She subordinates to position themselves with a clear vantage
took a moment to introduce him to the others who had of the cave opening while the rest waited out of sight—
joined her. Lucant knew most of them already, although few the vectors in particularly had to be kept back so the cold
well. They were an odd collection of fourteen who had glow from their displacement field generators would
worked closely with the forge master for years. Most were not give them away. After several tense hours, one of
guardians, the rest technicians or engineers. Three of those their scouts returned and signaled that they had seen
were highly skilled engineers Lucant knew from the Anima movement at the cave mouth.
Corpus Procedure. Lucant noted he was the only priest.
Lucidia had told him a little about the bait she had
He felt his enthusiasm waver as he considered their numbers. employed—the iron lich had been lured here by rumors of
The forge master had equipped them with heavy armored a previously undiscovered Orgoth occult repository. The
aprons, mantles, and helmets, together with weapons from entity had an insatiable interest in Orgoth relics and would,
she predicted, be unable to resist investigating. Lucant had
six Galvanizers accompanied her. “Three for me and three many unanswered questions about how Lucidia had set all
for you,” she said. “Your presence is a relief, Enumerator. this in motion, but soon there was no time to think of such
Controlling all at once would have been a burden.” things. They were on the move, and his mind was occupied
coordinating his vectors. The cave Lucidia had chosen had
Lucant found this unlikely, as he had witnessed her
only this single exit, and he wondered how the undead
skill with vectors. She was simply being kind. Still, two
creature would react when it saw it was cornered.

9
ITERATIONS OF TRANSFIGURATION

that used a tightly wound coil to empower several spinning


lengths of chain attached to small but weighty spiked orbs. footing was treacherous. The vectors negotiated stones and
Marching ahead of him were Lucidia’s guardians, members irregularities on tripod legs, employing small displacement
of the temple militia who worked as mechaniks but who had drives to partially compensate for their weight. Lucant
an aptitude for combat and took regular shifts drilling and nearly tripped while attending the movements of his
training to defend the facility. Each was larger than most machines too closely; negotiating a cave through four sets
of the engineers and priests at the Foundry, comfortable in of eyes required concentration.
heavy steel armor and fully enclosed helms.

They quickly snapped the alchemical ampoules they had deadly motion as they engaged, smashing a group of thralls
brought for illumination and slipped them into chromed
of the undead. Other thralls delivered bone-crushing blows
emit cool blue light into the natural cave, which quickly
widened. They heard scraping and clattering ahead, crippling another by shattering his shoulder, and sending a

ominous was the sudden cessation of that sound, a pregnant Lucant avenged them with his Galvanizers, which tore
pause that suggested their target had heard its pursuers. through the nearest undead to position their bulk in order
to protect the remaining guardians.
The ranking prefect of the guardians held up a gauntleted
Lucidia was engaged on the far side of the chamber. Her

sloping down to the left but otherwise clear. Lucant glanced could discern she had used her arcane power to augment
at Lucidia. He knew her to be a formidable arcanist—in their attacks, allowing them to saw through the nearest
battle she relied on her magic and her control of her vectors, thralls in rapid sequence.

They had bought time to reform the line as the engineers


Her eyes darted to something ahead. He followed her gaze in the rear dragged back the downed guardians to see
and saw a number of forms emerging quickly from deeper if any were still alive. Almost immediately they heard a
in the caves. The light revealed the desiccated bodies of loud, unnatural howl from the cave ahead. A dark form
animated thralls, each with enormous steam-powered came loping out of the depths, a black metal monster
metal gauntlets, their eyes hollow and dead. nearly ten feet tall, with glowing green eyes. The looming
figure crashed into Lucidia’s nearest Galvanizer and sent
Lucant’s heart beat rapidly and he felt a surge of excitement.
it flying into the cave wall, crushing metal and sending
Violence in itself did not appeal to him, but each clash
component parts clattering. The machine’s glowing coils
presented a dilemma requiring a solution, like a complex
flickered and died. As its displacement drive failed, it
puzzle. Countless variables entering into any melee made
collapsed entirely.

gauging threats, maximizing his motions and those of his Lucant realized they faced a Cryxian helljack, although he
vectors, attempting to predict the actions of both allies and had never seen one with his own eyes. The terrifying thing
enemies—he had an aptitude for it. was bipedal with black curved plates of armor and wide
rounded shoulders, each topped by a spike. Its arms ended
The guardians at the fore had already stepped up side by
in long bladed claws, and its head was adorned with long,
wicked bone tusks. Green light gleamed through the slats of
its metal ribs, and it emitted a choking smoke that smelled
regretted not having earlier sent his vectors to the fore. He
signaled for the servitors to attack. Their visual apparatus
recognized him as a priest, and they initiated their attack Behind the helljack and presumably controlling it strode
the iron lich, a smaller but no less fearsome form. Its metal
javelins at the advancing thralls. Lucant gathered his power body evidenced an undeniable twisted artistry, its every
and unleashed a bolt of arcane energy into the next thrall. component created to inspire terror or imply the ability to
It fell, as did several others, but the remainder crashed into
the line of temple guardians.

Lucidia and her vectors sought to squeeze past on the left,


emerged the same oily and noxious smoke.
while Lucant took his vectors to the right, the two warcasters

10
Like the helljack, the lich’s hands were clawed, and jagged
runes manifested around them as it summoned an orb of
prepared apparatus unfamiliar to Lucant, including what

blaze with a Galvanizer. He stepped forward, preparing used to adjust the temple power core. These long metal
to send his own magic at the enemy. The movement drew poles boasted spiked prongs at the fore, each connected by
the attention of the helljack, which jumped toward him, a thick coil of wire to equipment on their backs.
but Lucidia maneuvered one of her vectors into its path.
Seeing them approach, the iron lich focused on Lucidia and
The helljack howled and raked the Cyrissist machine with
swept forward, reaching out with a clawed hand toward
her neck. Lucidia summoned her power and her body was
before ripping open its central chassis and shattering its
surrounded by the blazing runes of complex arcane formulae.
interface node. Lucant stepped back out of harm’s way
and gave Lucidia a thankful look. She ordered, “The lich is
on her foe, searing into its black metal and wrapping tight
mine! Deal with the Cryxian machine!”
like a mystical net. Its claws stopped inches from her throat.
He maneuvered his three Galvanizers to converge on the Her assistants closed and jabbed it with their pronged rods,
helljack before it could spring for him again. When the sending blue arcs of voltaic energy across it. The frozen lich
nearest guardians made ready to advance, he ordered, cursed at them in an incomprehensible tongue.

Lucant was focused on his own machines. With surgical


to avoid rushing to their deaths. Lucant’s machines spiraled
precision their saw blades cut through pistons and pipes,
inward to strike simultaneously. His mind was divided in
prompting the bestial helljack to howl like a living thing.
three, watching the foe from every angle, applying focused
It lashed out to annihilate the Galvanizer nearest Lucant,
will to empower his Galvanizers to strike points such as
but those behind it continued to saw and cut, doing
pistons he perceived might be weaknesses. The helljack
tremendous damage to what he surmised was its engine.
lashed out at them, landing powerful blows.
Several of the guardians saw it falter and dove forward

the living soldiers, toppling two to die screaming amid the and crushed one of its gleaming eyes. It managed to wreck

11
ITERATIONS OF TRANSFIGURATION

another Galvanizer and disemboweled one of the men cylinders dangling from its waist. She picked up one of
attacking it before it stopped thrashing. its removed arms and looked at the rods connecting the
intricate mechanism of its clawed hand. Her eyes gleamed
After checking to be sure it was truly down, Lucant
with a hungry expression. “Where do you suppose its
looked over to see Lucidia had the lich paralyzed while
essence is preserved?” she asked, although she did not
her technicians assemble a caged apparatus around it. She
appear to expect him to answer.
stared intently at the creature, her hand extended, no doubt
exerting her will to empower whatever magic held it in “What is your plan, Forge Master?” Lucant asked abruptly.
place. Lucant saw there was an unfamiliar device in that
His words seemed to break her from the trance of her
thoughts. She looked back and seemed to take in the rest of the
had to admire her skill and capability, even as he wondered
chamber, including the battered guardians. “I have a hidden
how she had managed to create such equipment.
laboratory near here,” she said. “It was designed to contain
Lucant checked with the prefect on the status of his this creature and has the equipment I require to analyze its
men. There was not much they could do for several, but components. We shall interrogate it. I doubt it will cooperate,
two looked like they might pull through. Lucant spoke but I have means to extract what I require.” Turning to her
a brief blessing and thanked them for their bravery, then subordinates, she ordered, “Reduce the helljack into portable
components.” They immediately set to work.
two badly wounded. A heavy toll.”
Lucant looked between the toppled helljack and the
baleful lich and considered the notion of dissecting them
to examine their component parts. While the process for
“WE SHALL INTERROGATE IT. this was similar to disassembling any machine, it made his
I DOUBT IT WILL COOPERATE, bile rise. An icy chill emanated from the lich in its cage,
BUT I HAVE MEANS TO EXTRACT prickling his skin, while his throat and lungs felt raw
WHAT I REQUIRE.” from necrotite smoke. Even the blackened metal of the
lich’s frame seemed unclean, far from the perfection of the
goddess. Lucidia’s clinical detachment troubled him. He
Lucidia did not answer at first, still staring at the iron lich seemed alone in this, as the others Lucidia had brought
while her subordinates took apart its shoulder assemblies
and removed its arms, placing them to the side for later
He considered an accumulation of details—the mention
examination. Even with its body partially disassembled,
of a secret facility nearby, the unusual apparatus by which
the lich’s eyes conveyed malevolence. The technicians
she had caged the iron lich, the knowledgeable way her
connected their improvised cage by conduits to portable
assistants tore down the helljack. He wondered how much
accumulators while an additional length of conduit
time she had spent broadening her knowledge of Cryxian
was hooked into an aperture on the last of the forge
technology. The familiarity that had facilitated their success
master ’s Galvanizers, apparently borrowing its energy
suggested an extensive conspiracy.
output. This completed, Lucidia sighed and slumped as
if releasing a heavy burden. She gave Lucant a grim look Despite his thick, protective goggles and high armored
and said, “Five dead is a weighty toll indeed. I grieve for collar, something in his face must have betrayed his
them, but at least we succeeded. I lament we have not thoughts. Lucidia gave him an appraising look and
achieved our greater goal. If our work was done, no one stepped closer, placing a hand on his arm. “Thank you for
would have died today.” your help, Enumerator. I believe we can manage the next
part of the work. Would you be so kind as to return to
The iron lich’s eyes blazed with renewed intensity and its
the Foundry with the dead and wounded? I expect your
hissing voice spoke. “You will all perish soon, and I will
absence may be noted.”
feast on your souls—”
“Are you certain?” Lucant asked. “I promised to assist. I
“Silence,” Lucidia said. She extracted a long slender tool
anticipate the real work has yet to begin.” He knew she
from her armored apron and inserted it into a mechanism at
intended to extract technology and had thought he was to
the base of the lich’s skull. With a sharp twist she disabled
participate in that. He had the sense that he had failed some
whatever mechanism let it speak. She addressed it again,
test, but he felt more relief than disappointment.
saying, “I will make you talk soon enough, to answer my
questions.” It could only hiss in response. Lucidia circled “Your presence has already been a great service,” she said.
the cage, examining the details of the creature’s blackened “When I return I will send for you to help me interpret the
iron frame, the necrotite turbine on its back, the spiked data. Once I understand how the creature was built, we will

12
need to adapt that information. For now, I would feel better but as time went on these thoughts faded. Three weeks after
knowing the fallen were attended to.” their expedition he was startled to fresh apprehension when

asked them to attend a gathering where the forge master


seeing his discomfort with necrotechnology. Still, what
intended a demonstration.
she had said was true—the dead should receive last rites,
and escorting the injured would ensure nothing else befell Lucant took his position near Fluxion Helicratus
them on their return. He wanted very much to be away alongside the other enumerators on the raised dais
from this place. within the largest chamber in the facility. It was here they
led assemblies to teach doctrine. On the wall was set a
Lucidia said, “The deaths will prompt questions. I would
massive and flawless depiction of the face of Cyriss, lit
from behind by pale azure light.

these men fell in my service, but that I will answer their All the priesthood had gathered, not merely those working
questions on my return.” on the Anima Corpus Procedure. This included nine other
enumerators and almost sixty optifex, who waited on the
This seemed reasonable to Lucant. He inclined his head and
said, “As you wish, Forge Master. The Maiden watch over
approached the dais. She carried a blackened metal cylinder
you. I hope to see you again soon.” They prepared a bier
with a short angular spike on each end. Lucant’s eyes went
for the fallen and attached it to his Galvanizer before he led
to it immediately. He knew it must have been extracted
the wounded outside. He felt considerable relief breathing
from the iron lich.
fresh air again.

her eyes intense. Behind her came the senior technicians


who had joined them in their ambush. They pushed a large,
Lucant worried about explaining himself, but his return wheeled platform, its contents covered by a shapeless brown
caused no stir. As he was a ranking enumerator, the guardian tarp. Lucant’s eyes widened at the sight, and he shook his
head in disbelief. Had Lucidia actually brought that unholy
the junior priests did not question him. No immediate creature into their hallowed halls?
summons came from Fluxion Helicratus. Subordinate
The forge master took in the gathering and said, “I had hoped
to demonstrate this to you alone, Fluxion, before the others.”
without hesitation. Those who lived in the cult held no
expectations of being informed about the missions Helicratus smiled somewhat coldly and replied, “You
conducted by priests, but Lucant had never been in a suggested a momentous discovery, so it seemed prudent to
position to witness the tangible impact of his own authority. gather all. Please, proceed.”
Although the Foundry of Enumeration was a temple She paused only momentarily, then inclined her head. “Very
and they were ardent believers, the cult did not practice well. I apologize for my extended absence, but I trust you
elaborate funerals. Deaths were grieved, particularly as
they represented a cessation of conscious thought and
Fluxion Helicratus’ voice was cordial as he said, “Please,
fruitful industry. For those working on the Anima Corpus
elucidate.”
might eliminate the need for funerals altogether. After
a small, private ceremony the guardians’ remains were Together with my colleagues, I acquired data I believe will
delivered to the temple vaults. They would be kept for be instrumental in giving us the breakthrough we have
the four-day quiescence period, to allow the soul to pass, been searching for. I have proof that by the application
then the bodies would be cremated. Such an end was taboo of the proper techniques, a noumenon can be not only
to most religions, but Cyriss placed no inherent value in permanently preserved but repeatedly extracted and
bodily remains—only the soul. reinstalled in a mechanikal vessel.”

It was a remarkable statement, and the ordinarily disciplined


priests erupted in excited conversation until Fluxion
Helicratus lifted a hand to settle them. He wore a brooding
The rhythm of Lucant’s work resumed as if nothing had
expression. “A remarkable claim, Forge Master. How is it
transpired. The days passed quickly, and still Lucidia did
possible you came by this discovery while neglecting your
customary duties?”

13
ITERATIONS OF TRANSFIGURATION

She said, “Some time ago I realized we had fallen into “Secure the forge master!” Helicratus ordered next. Several
complacency, trapped inside a paradigm of our own
creation. This is not how innovation is achieved. We required took her arms, but she did not resist. One of them tore the
a fresh perspective, to reexamine our problem from the blackened cylinder from her grasp.

Her expression irritated, she shook her head and spoke


without emotion, concentrating on facts, examining any
as if to a young child. “What are you doing, Helicratus?
technique potentially applicable to our goal. The problem
You need to see this demonstration. This technology is the
solution we seek!”

“No!” Helicratus’ face was livid. “You have violated the


sanctity of this holy place with blasphemy. I will not tolerate
of Cryx, whose occult practitioners have solved the very
dilemma we face.” you be made apostate.” A murmur of agreement swept
through the priests. It was a severe charge, unprecedented
Her previous statement had met with excited murmuring,
as far as Lucant was aware, and he had the growing
but this one provoked a shocked silence. Lucant saw that

these circumstances.

awakened a widening ripple of agitated murmurs among the There was agitated muttering among the enumerators, but
clergy. Lucant felt paralyzed, his stomach sick with dread.
charge. Lucidia’s eyes narrowed and she looked around the
had not expected she would be so direct. room in disbelief, perhaps realizing how quickly they had
turned against her. “This is absurd! Are we not devoted
“Not to necromancy in its entirety, no.” Lucidia’s voice
to the pursuit of science?” She faced the stand again.
remained strong, even strident. “But we must acknowledge
“Enumerator Lucant, will you not speak for reason?”
its applicability to the problem at hand. Our faith teaches
us that knowledge is essential and that every tool has Lucant’s blood went cold as he felt all eyes upon him,
its application. It is vital we do not become dogmatic in
interpreting the will of the Maiden.” Many of those gathered according to temple doctrine, a person of Lucidia’s
scowled at being lectured so by one who was not even an rank could be declared apostate only by the unanimous
ordained priest.
temple. The others had fallen in line, and it was down to
She raised the blackened metal cylinder in her hand and
him. He forced himself to summon the reserves of calm and
said, “In this simple chamber, behold the soul of an ancient
clear-headedness that had always served him. Although
being, preserved for centuries.” She made a gesture back
he disliked the idea of it, he could understand why the
to her subordinates, who pulled back the tarp covering
the burden they had wheeled into the chamber. A gasp
he had. Then again, Lucidia’s mental facility and technical
went through the room as the iron lich was revealed, its
inert form held erect upon a metal post and the slats of its
worthwhile amid such corruption as an iron lich, it would
metal ribs pulled back to expose a bizarre assortment of
be she. Lucant looked up at the gleaming silver face of
disquieting oil-slicked machinery. The lich’s eyes were not
Cyriss and back to Lucidia, then made his decision.

“Forge Master Lucidia, I admire your keen mind, your


of prayer and reverence. “Observe: the entity’s body lies dedication, and your willingness to examine all options.” An
inert, but it can be reactivated. I will now demonstrate.” She ugly current went through the priests, but Lucant pressed on.
stepped toward the lich. “But I cannot agree with your conclusions. I believe you have
taken steps down a dark path, forbidden for good reason.
“No, you will not!” Fluxion Helicratus’ voice boomed in
The ways of Cryx are not ours. This is not the machine the
outrage. “How dare you, Lucidia! How dare you! Optifex
goddess bids us complete. I must regretfully agree that you
Walher, take that abomination from my sight and have it
are guilty of blasphemy.” It wrenched his heart to say these
incinerated!” The optifex rushed to obey, and other priests
things, and he found he could not meet her gaze.
stepped forward to hold Lucidia’s subordinates back from
interfering. The tarp was thrust over the lich’s shell once “Very well,” she said in the barest whisper. He expected her
again and the platform quickly wheeled from the chamber. to denounce him, to name his part in the scheme whereby
the iron lich had been captured, but she did not.

14
Fluxion Helicratus spoke again. “Lucidia, we are not been sleeping were instead spent in secret analysis and
without mercy, nor are we ungrateful for the decades of
service you have provided. I cast you out, but you may live. words, on her accusations of narrow-mindedness.
Go from this place in peace and never return, on pain of
Over the following year Lucant became frustrated and
death. Neither are you to communicate with the faithful,
nor approach any temple. Let no one speak the name
another priest volunteered for soul transfer and died he felt
Lucidia again, nor acknowledge her. You are apostate, by
the pain of it, worsened by fresh grief. By the second year

Now, begone!”
changes to the Convergence essence chamber based on his
She retained her dignity even as they escorted her out. Lucant secret work. These saw improvements in retention time, but
forced himself to watch her go, to acknowledge the grief he that was all. Something vital was missing. At last Lucant
felt in the loss of one of the greatest minds he had known. convinced Fluxion Helicratus to wait on the next test, to
avoid sending another of the awakened to certain death.
He was given four months.

There were few immediate repercussions in the wake of


THE BODY MUST BE
Lucidia’s exile. Some of her circle left, but only a handful,
SUBJECTED TO FAR MORE
while the rest were reintegrated into the temple. A senior
INTENSE ENERGIES, EVEN AT
technician of proven loyalty was promoted to forge master
and the work continued as before. Lucant took comfort THE RISK OF ITS IMMEDIATE
IMMOLATION.
directives of the goddess continued.

He was not given time to forget Lucidia—just two months It was near the end of this deadline that Lucant discovered
after her departure a leather satchel was left in his a detail his mind had been avoiding, blinded as he was by
chamber. Inside he found dozens of pages, each covered emotions. His analysis had focused on the essence chamber,
with densely packed writings and diagrams. He cracked but the data indicated that what they had perfected
its encoding quickly, ingenious though it was. Against
the ciphers of the goddess, mortal encryption was trivial. the treatment of the body during and after termination.
Translating and organizing the information took longer. They had ignored a central theological principle, that the
This task became an obsession in his few spare hours. soul retained a sympathetic bond with the body after the
Early along he deduced the pages were from Lucidia, a
compilation of research conducted after her interrogation the remains. This belief, held in most Immorese religions,
and examination of the iron lich. Clearly she maintained at was one reason desecration of fresh graves was considered
heinous—it could hinder the soul’s passage to Urcaen and
had delivered it to him. result in restless spirits.

He considered throwing the pages into an incinerator, but To his great shock, he realized that the mercy they had shown
later he was glad he had not done it. However misguided their volunteers throughout the process—the very fact that
her project, Lucidia was a genius, and the pages revealed they had gone to such lengths to be humane at the moment of
remarkable insights into the lich’s phylactery, the machinery death, so careful and respectful of the corpse afterward—may
containing its soul. She had subjected the mechanism have actually interfered with their success! A necromancer
would have more quickly deduced this. He would need to

acumen. Clearly this was the work she had intended to change their procedures, to forego the merciful injection.
enlist him for, interrupted by her exile. There was little They must create a powerful and immediate disharmony
evidence of blasphemy or heresy in the pages, and he took between body and soul, to utterly sever the bond. The body
their delivery as an attempt at redemption. must be subjected to far more intense energies, even at the
risk of its immediate immolation.

in the Anima Corpus Procedure. Still, he repeatedly went


back to the pages and soon began to write his own. He and was careful in making use of what he had learned. He
guided Fluxion Helicratus through a process of altering
the math repeatedly. Countless hours he should have their procedures. Never once did he mention necromancy.

15
ITERATIONS OF TRANSFIGURATION

In truth, he believed the processes he had derived were not Helicratus gripped his arm, smiling weakly. “Perhaps you
fundamentally necromantic. The proofs and theories had
started there, but nothing remained of the Cryxian taint; he have earned the right, with all you have done.”

Lucant was taken aback, as he had never even considered


integral part of it. It was his responsibility to create a holy
that possibility. He shook his head, saying, “I am still young.
rebirth through the divinity of the Clockwork Goddess, free
Better to preserve one of the great minds of the faith, a man

You have given over thirty years to this project, Fluxion. It


relied heavily on Lucant. He assented, and the work of should be you.”
modifying existing equipment was set in motion. Lucant
The older priest smiled, and Lucant thought he could see
obsessively checked and double-checked his formulae.
a bit of his youthful vigor and pride return as Helicratus
He was convinced he had succeeded. He felt a certainty
squared his shoulders. “Then let us make history.”
he had felt only once before—when he had had made his

the next day in the central assembly forge.

The transformation went perfectly, but Lucant watched the


“REJOICE, BROTHERS AND gauges with apprehension nonetheless, only slightly
SISTERS, FOR WE HAVE reassured by the steady cycle of questions and answers
ENTERED A NEW ERA OF conducted by the forge master to his left. The acceleration
COMMUNION WITH THE chamber was crowded with additional witnesses, although
GODDESS!”
they did their best to stay out of the technicians’ way. Every
priest in the facility had felt obliged to witness the
transformation of Fluxion Helicratus. None dared hope he
“How sure are you, Lucant?” Helicratus asked, his hands
widely respected. Those assembled were prepared to grieve
the last two years and he now occupied a wheeled chair when his soul passed.
most of the day. He had gone blind in his left eye, which
Lucant occupied the station where Helicratus had
was gray and lifeless. They had done what they could to
customarily stood, before the primary banks of gauges and
make him comfortable and see to his health, and his mind
dials. He was paying little attention to the lengthy litany
was as sharp as ever.
of questions intended to verify transfer, focused instead on
“Absolutely certain. This will work. The last adjustments
can be made in three days, and we can perform the test.” chamber’s power output.
The fact that Lucant had been so reluctant in the past lent
It had been discovered early along that every soul emitted
weight to his emphatic assertion.

“It has occurred to me,” Helicratus said, “that whoever is absorbed by the biological body. Once freed of that shell,
this energy increased by several orders of magnitude, and
capacitors had been created to harness this and empower a
responsibility. Perhaps we should not solicit a volunteer clockwork vessel. The souls of those gifted in manipulating
on this occasion. I will put myself forward. Does that seem magic—such as the priesthood or other arcanists—emitted
improper, Enumerator?”

Lucant was surprised, but only for a moment. He realized In every failed experiment, the registered energy output from
Helicratus felt a certain desperation, understandable given
his health. Looking on his revered mentor and leader, he felt
a slight twinge of fear. What if he were wrong? Could they in the middle of its array, dreading its plummet.
lose Helicratus the way they had lost so many others? But
He glanced out at those gathered. Every eye in the room
no; the process would work. He was sure of it. He smiled
was on them. He looked back to the key gauge and his eyes
at the older man and replied, “Not in the least. It is proper
widened as he saw it suddenly move upward. It pushed
steadily up and pinned itself against the maximum register.
be a leader of the faith. Who better suited than the man who
This had never happened before. He found he was holding
interpreted the directive that began this work?”
his breath and looked over to where Helicratus stood in his

16
spiderlike clockwork form, on four legs. There was a sudden strangely, an ominous sign given how integrally they were
intensity of the light emitted from the face of Cyriss on the linked into the Foundry’s basic power systems. To his left
frame’s torso, where the essence container was installed, as
well as from the clockwork priest’s eyes. Helicratus must stairway. He turned to his right, and his eyes traced over
have felt something since he raised a hand to forestall the a number of unmoving heaps he determined were people
forge master, interrupting the questions. His elongated steel lying in awkward positions along the hall, which was
head turned to face Lucant with glowing eyes that somehow streaked with blood.
conveyed triumph.

the garb of an optifex who carried a long pronged voltaic


by his vocalizer, his tone conveyed wonder. The forge spear. He could not tell who they were under their closed
master stared at him and blinked, then looked down at armored helmets, but before he could open his mouth to
his notes as if uncertain what to do. This was not a part of speak, the priest stepped over a man crawling across the
their protocol.
with a weak groan, and Lucant could only stare, frozen.
“What do you feel, Fluxion?” Lucant asked.
The sight was incomprehensible. One of the engineers
“Clarity. Perfect clarity. It is as though a veil has been lifted saw him and shouted. The priest looked up and extracted
from my eyes. I am in absolute union with the machine! We his spear, and the three gripped their weapons and strode
have succeeded! I know it to my core.” Helicratus walked purposefully toward Lucant. Arcs of galvanic energy
to the edge of the raised dais, looking out on the priests. He sparked between the tines of the optifex’s spear.
raised his multiple arms high, and those there to provide
“What are you doing? Stop!” Lucant spoke with all the
witness to his death stared at him with expressions of awe.
authority he could muster, but it had no impact. They were
They had engineered the clockwork vessel to be more than
clearly bent on violence. With a surge of rage he thrust his
right hand forward to deliver a powerful bolt of arcane
arms, allowing for a broad range of functionality. It had been
energy straight into the optifex. The man looked down
predicted that mastering the form would require time, but
Helicratus seemed at ease. He let them take in his form and
two engineers shared a quick look and then rushed him
then announced in a resounding voice, “Rejoice, brothers
with their telescoping staves raised. He gave up ground,
and sisters, for we have entered a new era of communion
with the goddess!”
awkward swing, and then spun the whirling heads of his

from the other’s stave across his side and then launched
Some strange motion jolted Lucant awake. He was startled
and confused as he heard things falling and breaking. He
stood and found the lever on the wall to activate the He cursed under his breath at the pain exploding in his
illumination cylinders in his chamber and saw his room in side. In his warcaster armor he never would have even felt
disarray, with books and tools fallen from his shelves and
and was shocked to see the face of a man he knew, a senior
specialist named Folcastes who had been with the temple
beneath his feet shook again. From out in the halls he for decades. Quickly he checked the two engineers, his pulse
could hear shouting, the cadence of running feet, and a racing. Both were known to him, and one he recognized
vaguely familiar sound he realized was the general alarm. from Lucidia’s expedition against the iron lich. He felt a
Distant screams added to the cacophony. sinking sensation.

Adrenaline coursed through his body, and he suddenly Leaving the three where they lay, Lucant sucked in his
came fully awake. Knowing his warcaster armor was breath against the pain in his side as he hurried down the
down in the armory, he scrambled to don his more lightly hall toward the stairs. He passed several more bodies before
armored priest vestments instead. He then snatched his he reached the large central hallway connecting several of
mechanoflail from its stand beside the door and rushed the primary workshops on the upper research level. The
out into the hall. lights seemed steadier here, but he could hear more screams

The scene was pandemonium. The long tubes of


fear as he passed several downed thralls similar to the ones
geomantically reactive luminescence running the length of
he had fought alongside the iron lich.

17
ITERATIONS OF TRANSFIGURATION

He had just decided to make his way to the armory to see


if there were other survivors gathering there when Fluxion
Helicratus in his clockwork priest vessel came striding Then he saw the shock of white hair and the heavily lined
face only partially obscured by a protective metal collar.
of his metal hands, and his steel frame was scorched and It was Lucidia, wearing unfamiliar warcaster armor. She
scratched, showing signs of recent combat. An Aggregator, had apparently replaced her left arm with a mechanikal
prosthetic, and he thought her legs might be similarly

metal hand, “Come! We need to stop them from destroying the inner circle it was blasphemous to partially transform
the geomantic collectors in the central power grid.” Several to machine, a mockery of the goals of the Anima Corpus
armed engineers and priests were gathered behind him, Procedure and the goddess herself.
their postures suggesting more fear than resolution.
“Lucidia!” Helicratus said, “Your betrayal ends here!”
“It’s Lucidia,” Lucant said as he joined the clockwork priest.
They advanced down the hall toward the ramp that would
nearly blacked out because of it. Falling back onto his side,
take them to the central power assembly. “We were betrayed.”
he realized his arms and legs were slick with blood, and that
“Yes, I deduced as much,” Helicratus said in a metallic metal fragments had pierced his body. He shook his head
growl. “I was too merciful in letting her live.”
vectors slam into one another in a brief clash.
They had thought the Foundry all but inviolable, as its
The clockwork priest moved swiftly toward Lucidia,

the notion of an attack from outside. Lucidia’s people acted She nimbly evaded the strike. “I think not,” she said to him.
with a full knowledge of their capabilities. “I designed that form, lest you forget.” She summoned her
power, creating a similar manifestation as the one Lucant
Lucant said, “I need vectors.” Without his armor or vectors he
had seen her employ on the iron lich. As in that encounter,
felt little better prepared for combat than any regular priest.
the net of arcane power struck and held her target fast. In
“Of course. There are some stored in alcoves near the moments she had closed. She extended a long rod-like tool
collector junction ahead. Come.” and performed a rapid sequence of precise strikes.

Farther on, the corridor turned sharply and they encountered She knew the vulnerabilities of the vessel better than
a thick metal security door that had closed and sealed when anyone. In just a few swift and economical motions she
the central alarm had been activated. Lucant had begun had disconnected the major power conduits and rendered
entering the code to unlock the mechanism when there Helicratus’ frame inert, though his eyes glared at her.
was a sudden explosive blast and he was hurled backward Her vectors made similarly swift work of his Aggregator,
across the hallway to smash into the far wall. Pain blazed up battering it into wreckage. Lucant crawled toward her. He
his back and along his legs, and the wind was knocked from
his lungs. Coughing against the dust in the air, he turned to might surprise her.
face the barrier and saw it was demolished.
Just as he struggled to his knees she turned faster than he
The other defenders with Helicratus had also been expected, and with a single backhanded slap she knocked
knocked prone, and several were bleeding upon the metal the weapon from his hand and drove him back against the
floor. The clockwork priest was unaffected but had backed
away several steps, holding his staff up protectively. A make his legs move and felt sick as he saw several thralls
dozen thralls charged through the opening, their steam- rush into the corridor through the destroyed door. They fell
powered fists clenched. Helicratus sent his Aggregator upon the engineers and priests who had survived the blast.
to meet them with its rending claw and piston spike
Lucidia approached, and her eyes softened as they focused
and waded into battle alongside it, making swift, sure
on his face. “Enumerator Lucant?” Looking up at her he
strikes with his staff. The clockwork priest moved with
thought she looked strange, unhealthy. Her eyes were
formidable speed and power.
sunken and her skin sallow. She was breathing hard from
They made quick work of the thralls, but a pair of vectors the recent exertion. “I did not see it was you,” she said, as if
followed, both an unsettling mixture of familiar design to an old friend.
features and a strange frame of blackened steel. While not
He held up a hand feebly. “Lucidia, wait . . .”
entirely dissimilar from the Aggregator, they displayed

18
She shook her head and said, “I know you did not intend to arm over his shoulder and lifted him to his feet. Lucant felt
do me harm when you spoke against me. You did what you dazed, uncertain what Seul was so agitated about.
had to do. I forgive you. I am also doing what I have to do.”
“Wait—the ciphers,” Lucant said feebly, pointing to the
metal sheets he had gathered. Seul obligingly stooped to
Her vectors lifted the paralyzed form of Fluxion Helicratus collect them before helping him limp from the room.
and bore him down the hallway toward the lower exit.
It was not until they reached the cavernous acceleration
Lucant stared helplessly after them and felt his life’s essence
chamber and Seul led him toward the transference station that
bleeding from his body.
he understood. “No,” he said weakly. “It is not my place.”
The meaning of what had transpired rushed suddenly
“You are the only one who understands how this process
upon him and he was overwhelmed with despair. The
works. Your mind must be preserved.” There was a
desperate edge to his voice.
explosion, most likely one of the peripheral generators.
It seemed very likely the temple’s power system had Lucant did not feel worthy. It was not his place to receive
such a blessing, but the technician’s words had truth in
broken and he could feel death closing. What troubled him them. With Helicratus gone, only he could reconstruct the
more was the horror of Helicratus’ fate. He realized all of transfiguration process. He also knew he must recover
the work they had accomplished would be lost. After so the Cipher Engine somehow. He had to presume he was
many decades, the breakthrough of the clockwork vessel the only one left alive who understood its mechanisms
had been stolen, and if the complex collapsed, the Cipher enough to disassemble it without destroying it. He
Engine would be lost as well. must endure, and his body was failing him. It was only
through focused will that he had not succumbed to the
That thought caused him to start, and he felt a surge of
pain. It was not for his own sake that he would inhabit
adrenaline that brought him momentarily to alertness.
the machine, but for the preservation of vital lore and to
He knew he was not far from the chambers housing the
ensure the will of Cyriss was enacted.
great device. If he were to die, he wanted to spend his
last moments in contact with the words of the goddess.
He pushed himself to his feet and, ignoring the pain that
made his vision swim with every step, staggered toward IF HE WERE TO DIE, HE
the calculation chamber. He would look one last time on WANTED TO SPEND HIS LAST
the enigmas of the Maiden of Gears. MOMENTS IN CONTACT WITH
THE WORDS OF THE GODDESS.

“Enumerator!” He roused to someone shaking him, causing


The room was half-dark, although most of the indicators on
and dimmed, but Lucant was able to make out the face of a the various banks of machinery were lit and functioning.
young technician named Seul who had frequently assisted This equipment had the most direct access to the central
in his work. A gash along his head seeped blood, and his generators. Still, several of the nearest mechanisms had
clothes were torn.
said to Seul. “Do as I say.”
Lucant saw he was surrounded by the bronzed metal sheets
covered in the numerals constituting the unsolved enigmas Fortunately most the apparatus was not badly damaged,
of Cyriss. He had tried to absorb them all, to memorize and it only required a handful of adjustments to reconnect
every page and bring the pattern together in his mind, but the conduits and create a shunt to pass through a damaged
pain and weakness had overwhelmed him. He touched his bank of gauges. They would not need to power many of
side and saw his injuries were wrapped in torn cloth, now those indicators, as there was no one to collect any data.
soaked through with blood. Seul had done what he could to
help, but as Lucant coughed he felt something give inside
his chest. “Go, Seul. Save yourself. The Foundry is lost.” and sparked, and then Seul placed the termination helmet
“There is another vessel,” Seul said. Lucant blinked at him
fresh pain as his body was strapped down tight. He heard
vacantly until he repeated himself. “Another vessel. In the
the thrumming power of the Foundry, gathering itself for
acceleration chamber. We always maintained two, in case
what was likely the last time.
there was need of a replacement. Come!” He took Lucant’s

19
ITERATIONS OF TRANSFIGURATION

All the pain he had felt before was nothing against what arms in turn, reveling in the sense of motion. But more
came next as tremendous energies surged through his body, than anything else, it was the crystalized clarity of his
mind that delighted him.
felt raw agony as his body died, and he knew it was the last
“Seul,” he said. “Bring the ciphers.” He pointed.
biological sensation he would experience. Emptiness and
cold engulfed him. It was like being cast into a dark and The technician rushed to do as bid. He had placed the stack
bottomless lake. of metal sheets on a corner of the elevated platform but now
retrieved and handed them with trembling hands to Lucant,
Then a sudden warmth, a feeling of awakening and clarity.
who lifted them eagerly.
His senses returned and he could see perfectly, the room now
before him taking on tremendous contrast and vibrancy. So His eyes traced along the familiar numbers, ciphers
too, it seemed as though his hearing had sharpened, as if that now blazed in his mind like iridescent sigils. He
saw flows of other numbers, other sheets of output he
just now been taken from his ears. Most of all, and glorious had scrutinized over the last seven years. They all came
in a way that thrilled him beyond belief, was the absolute back to him. He remembered even the encoded messages
absence of even the slightest aches or pains. This absence that Helicratus had once deciphered, the ones that had
of pain was so intense it was almost pleasure. He turned instructed him to create the clockwork vessel. All of
those numbers flowed across his vision and began to
saw beyond him what remained of his own body, largely assert themselves in new patterns and formulae. He felt
transfixed as he began to see connections between them.
only ash and scraps of bloody vestments remaining. It was They were far more interconnected than anyone had ever
a very strange sensation to look upon his corpse and realize fathomed, and it was all plain to him now. A multiplicity
he was now irreversibly transformed. of forms came to him in a blaze of searing inspiration,
a pure and lengthy string of mathematical notation that
He stepped forward and discovered that his new vessel
was as beautiful as it was convoluted. He understood at
felt entirely natural, the legs moving instantly to his will.
last precisely what it was they must do. The clockwork
It was as intuitive and not altogether dissimilar from the
vessel was just one step of many, just as the discovery
sensation of controlling a vector. He moved each of his

20
of the Dark Wanderer had been. Even as he had become Once more he faced a time of trial, when his theories,
one with the machine, it fell to him to carry out the Great schematics, and plans would be tested. He had declared to
Work that would enable Cyriss to become one with Caen. the Constellation that the Phase of Alignment was at hand.
The world would be her vessel. His role as architect neared its conclusion. Advancing the
Manifestation of the Clockwork Goddess would fall to the
TEMPLE OF THE PRIME HARMONIC, woman who had just been named to lead the Convergence.
NORTHERN WYRMWALL MOUNTAINS,
606 AR As much as he had once mourned for Helicratus, at this
Lucant watched the assembly prostrate themselves and moment Lucant felt greater grief for Lucidia, who might
have stood here with him. If she had avoided heresy and
returned from the moment he received the revelation of resisted the allure of necromancy, she would be present to
the Great Work. He was amazed anew at how fresh the witness their triumph. He sometimes wondered if he might
memories were. Over two centuries had passed since that
momentous day, and yet he could still feel the sensation back to the goddess before it was too late. Even in that

the unique clarity of mind that state had brought to him. thought her entirely gone. She would have been a powerful
ally, someone to whom Iron Mother Directrix could look to
his mortal shell. Pain was no longer comprehensible to him for inspiration and advice. But that was not to be. Lucidia
except as a fact known in the abstract, as was the warmth he had made her choices.
had once felt at the kindness of Forge Master Lucidia and
Now the Convergence would unleash their armies upon
his horror at the change wrought in her in the years of her
the world, revealing their strength and inviting potential
exile, when she had chosen to ally herself to Cryx.
retaliation. All he had worked to achieve could still be
His recollections of the time immediately after the disastrous undone. Was he as certain about his conclusions as he had
attack on the Foundry of Enumeration were hazier. He had been when he had brought the key to the Anima Corpus
managed to gather the survivors and with their help recover Procedure to Fluxion Helicratus? He had to admit he was
the essential and irreplaceable components of the Cipher not. The calculations were too vast, the variables too many.
Engine before the power core had destabilized and the He could not guarantee a favorable outcome.
machinery had imploded, collapsing the temple into ruin.
As he watched Iron Mother Directrix, he accepted it was
Relocating the sacred machine to another facility had been
her plans that would take them another step forward in the

Similarly, it had been a lengthy ordeal to unite the inner


they had conviction and faith. They had spent two centuries
circles of the major temples and bring to each of them the
building their arsenal in preparation for this time. Nothing
revelations he had deciphered. To forge the Convergence.
more could be gained without calculated risk. The time had
He was certain his words may not have been believed had
come for the Convergence to march to war.

of the will of the goddess. His eyes met those of Iron Mother Directrix and they
shared a long look of mutual understanding. They were
each prepared to play their part in forging a new world for
the trail had been long cold. Lucidia had stolen him away
the goddess.
on a ship to Blackwater and by some arrangement sealed
a compact with the Nightmare Empire. The priesthood

Helicratus, who had been denied his rightful afterlife by a


single moment of mercy toward a heretic. Lucant did not
know his fate but was certain he had been destroyed long
ago. At least his transformed state might have saved him

way, every bit as much as the body.

All these memories rushed through Lucant’s mind as the


ceremony neared its end. It had been the start of their Great
Work, and now here he stood, after centuries of endless

21
reFineMenT Toward perFecTion
History oF THe convergence oF cyriss

Ours is a young faith, but Cyriss is eternal, her origin at one with the fundamental laws of reality.
— Magus aldophous aghaMore, First oracle
From A Concise Overview of the History of the Maiden of Gears
by Enumerator Giovastus, Prime Archivist of the Temple of the Incomplete Axiom

The history of the Convergence is inseparable from the


history of Cyriss, a divinity only recently recognized. temples of Caspia endured thousands of years and into the
Although our subtle goddess was unknown until 283 AR,
she has always existed as an embodiment of universal chart celestial bodies and describe their seasonal cycles,
principles. She waited to reveal herself until we were ready though his observations were limited by what he could
to understand her enigmas, which required a certain degree perceive with the naked eye.
of mastery over engineering, mathematics, and astronomy.

When matter came into being and was put in motion, Cyriss to illustrate logical paradoxes, he made the mistake of
was there to weigh it, to measure the energy released by including Menoth as an actor. The Menite priesthood
deemed this blasphemous and declared him a heretic,
process. The acts of creation instigated by the primal gods burning him alive despite his long service to the temples.
could proceed only according to the deeper cosmological
The Menite faith has historically opposed discovery and
laws that were central to her being. As civilization began to
invention. Though their civilization is a force of order
emerge from barbarity, Cyriss played an invisible but vital
and has achieved many engineering marvels, they have
role, bequeathing small insights to certain brilliant minds in
imposed tremendous restraints on new ideas. The only lore
order to lead them to intellectual discovery.
fundamentally important to their priests is the True Law;
Those guided by the goddess while unaware of her, we science and the higher arts languished under their rule.
call nescient savants. Through them we perceive her grace,
So arose the greatest savants of ancient times: the Twins,
subtlety, and eons-long designs. These inspired thinkers
Morrow and Thamar. Their remarkable path to ascension was
worshiped other deities, and at least two of them attained
part of Cyriss’ plan to shape the evolution of human thought.
divinity through metaphysical transformation. Cyriss did
not seek veneration, however; she was content to guide
particularly in diagrams with hidden ciphers employed
these minds, knowing they would usher civilization into
by both the Twins. Morrow was an accomplished student
higher thought.
of natural philosophy and a quick study at mathematics,
while Thamar evidenced an interest in astronomy and
NESCIENT SAVANTS OF
foundational linguistics in addition to her more metaphysical
ANTIQUITY
pursuits. Both rejected the established order and sought
answers through experience, thought, and the application of
king who revealed the Gifts of Menoth at Icthier. Though
reason. The spread of their teachings did much to break the
these revelations were attributed to the Creator of Man,
conceptual monopoly of the Menite priesthood and facilitate
we believe they arose from Cinot’s own visionary mind.
higher thought. Many subsequent ascendants and scions are
Cyriss’ guiding hand is evident in his greatest revelations,
also recognized as nescient savants, particularly Angellia,
including the knowledge of cultivating grain from seed to
Corben, Nivara, and Sambert. Each played a part in bringing
harvest. Even the impulse that led Belcor to join the sage-
humanity to awakening.
priest Geth in their exodus to spread civilization ultimately
served the goddess’ designs. In their wake, numerous thinkers guided by the goddess rose
to prominence in Caspia and Thuria. The early Thousand
Priest-King Golivant is credited with the founding of Calacia,
Cities Era saw considerable expansion of systematic
whose mighty walls still surround Caspia, but this wonder
thought in these communities as scholars documented
of architecture was designed by the genius Kielamandes,
discoveries and participated in open discourse. Among the
whom the Menites have long forgotten. A leader in the
development of mathematics, formal logic, astronomy,
Ceryl, known for the Sieve of Glasneagh, an algorithm used
and architecture, Kielamandes was unquestionably guided
to isolate prime numbers; Tolonia of Caspia, who advanced

22
trigonometry as its own study and invented modern combined. Kerwin demonstrated that although magic could
numerical notation; and the Cloutsdown Enumerators, bend certain natural laws governing energy and matter,
a group of Thurian mathematicians who performed mystical forces still obeyed their own dictums, which could

velocity and acceleration. thought. Kerwin perished in struggles with the Orgoth, but
his legacy lived on in the Order of the Golden Crucible and
THE CLOCKWORK RENAISSANCE the Fraternal Order of Wizardry.
The Clockwork Renaissance was an era of mechanistic
progress. Countless clockwork devices were created to The Rebellion and its aftermath saw the appearance of the
solve diverse technical challenges during this time, with last nescient savants before the discovery of Cyriss. These
applications ranging from agriculture to warfare. The
automatons, and his student Elias Decklin, who eventually
allowing improvements to navigation and tremendously solved Nivara’s puzzles and went on to create the cerebral
expanding the science of astronomy, respectively. matrix. This arcane construct emulated a living mind and
provided the motive impulse for the colossals. Bastion
Rathleagh later improved upon Decklin’s design, creating the
during this period received subtle inspiration from Cyriss.
These include the Umbrean apothecary Voldu Grova, in 241 AR. Although both generations of the device contained
who instituted a system to test and categorize alchemical
compounds; Janus Gilder from Mercir, who invented the arcane means, they unquestionably revolutionized industry
printing press; and particularly Drago Salvoro, who created and warfare across the Iron Kingdoms.

would not become apparent for a thousand years, that Complacency can be another enemy of progress, as
design contained a seed of mechanized perfection. compelling in its own way as tyranny. Such was the
demand for steamjacks that soon the Fraternal Order of
Sadly, observatories erected in the decades before the arrival Wizardry became entirely focused on cortex production,
of the Orgoth would be destroyed when a long dark age to the detriment of other research. Some few cabals within
fell upon western Immoren, a time that saw the quashing of the Fraternal Order continued to advance the physical and
arcane sciences, however—and one individual among them
would soon make the greatest discovery of the era.
SEBASTIEN KERWIN AND THE
ARCANE ORDERS
DISCOVERY OF CYRISS
The era of tyranny western Immoren endured during the
Orgoth Occupation was more than simply a time of terror
resurgence during the Reconstruction following the Corvis
Treaties. A number of new observatories were erected
civilization and thought itself. Breaking centuries of entropy
across western Immoren, funded by universities, science-
was not easy, requiring invention as well as bloodshed. Here
minded patrons, and scholarly organizations. The Fraternal
again, Cyriss played a powerful indirect role. It is doubtful
Order of Wizardry boasted its own skilled astronomers,
the subsequent Rebellion could have succeeded without
foremost among them Aldophous Aghamore of Orven.
the most admired savant of the era: Sebastien Kerwin, the
Aghamore earned his fame by helping revolutionize optics,
father of arcanists and modern alchemy. Kerwin’s works
innovations initially applied to the viewing apparatus of
contain many hidden ciphers and numbers sacred to Cyriss.
steamjacks. Most of his peers paid little attention to his
accomplishments in astronomy.
of his seminal writings, including The Essence of Divine
Magic, Principia Arcana Magus, and Synthesis. These writings
suggest Kerwin was on the verge of recognizing the Maiden of alchemy and mechanika to the apparatus of astronomy,
in his search for fundamental truths—and might have creating augmented telescopes. Working with others
succeeded had he lived longer. at several Cygnaran universities, he sought a better
understanding of the celestial bodies beyond Caen. He

This approach enabled him to come close to understanding


the relationship between runic formulae and mathematical
developing a precisely machined clockwork mechanism
equations. The work he and his peers accomplished brought
to orient and focus the large instruments. Through these
human understanding closer to the point of awakening
innovations, he made unprecedented observations of the
in a few short decades than in all the previous millennia
celestial realm.

23
REFINEMENT TOWARD PERFECTION

It was with one such device that in 283 AR Aghamore the tenets of the faith and nominated its earliest priests.
sighted a previously unknown celestial object. He theorized Esteemed for the clarity of his visions, Aghamore was key
this to be a distant planet on a highly elliptical orbit far from to this endeavor and was among those nominated. After
much discussion, the convened cult members determined
were initially dismissed, largely because the reported object three basic tiers of the priesthood: optifex, enumerators,

The optifex, the most numerous, would be as much


the existence of this planet.
laborers and craftsmen as priests. A member of the sect
Meanwhile, Aghamore began to experience inexplicable
dreams and visions. Through these he became convinced
that the newly discovered planet was named Cyriss, a demonstrated ability to lead and instruct others. The next
name shared by a divine being communicating through level, the enumerators, would manage the daily tasks of
his dreams. Those he told of this feared he had succumbed the faith and oversee its works. Above the enumerators

he became a pariah among the arcane and astronomical would be few in number, and they would safeguard the
societies of his day. cult’s highest mysteries. Knowing the perils of a worship
few could understand, the founding priests stressed
The discovery of a new divinity—of an entirely new concept
of the universe and the powers inhabiting it, no less—was
priority was to gain a better understanding of the goddess
not easily comprehended. Yet this would prove to be the
who had revealed herself to them.

Unfortunately, in the years after this summit Aghamore


development when we could at last become aware of the proved to be too fragile of mind to endure the implications
hidden goddess, whose plans and goals were too vast for of the goddess’ appearance. In 298 AR he isolated himself
mortal minds to grasp. Over the years others who had and put aside all other obligations. Continuous meditations
witnessed the Dark Wanderer began to experience similar on natural and divine order began to take their toll, and he
dreams, lending credence to Aghamore’s claims. became increasingly erratic in both speech and writing.

FOUNDING THE CULT OF CYRISS Unknown to his peers, Aghamore had become obsessed with
Aghamore and others who had heard the whispers of the building a machine of tremendous size and complexity. He
goddess began to meet, and from these discussions arose died in 303 AR, having apparently fallen into the massive
the Cult of Cyriss. Initial members were drawn largely
from esoteric cabals within the Fraternal Order of Wizardry, scene were shocked to see that he had covered the walls
including those seeking to reconcile mathematical principles of his house with fragmentary notations, labyrinthine
with arcane formulae. Many of these individuals had formulae, and incomprehensible scrawling. It would later
already earned reputations as outsiders within the order. be discovered that these writings were not the nonsensical
A widely held belief among them was that the steamjack ranting they appeared.
cortex—the foundation of the Fraternal Order’s wealth
THE TEMPLE AS WORKSHOP
From the beginning our temples have not been simply
overly reliant on chaotic arcane interactions. The very traits
houses of worship but places of fabrication, analysis,
that had alienated these great minds from their peers were
and experimentation. The goddess cares not for empty

and the application of reason.

oneself through the application of abstract science is an


abstract mathematics, engineering, and astronomy. The act of prayer, as is advancing the state of mathematics,
astronomy, or engineering. Very quickly those awakened
papers on Cyriss, as their number included several learned to the goddess exceeded former engineering limits and
members of the aristocracy who were also knowledgeable succeeded in remarkable innovations. To recognize
in the natural sciences. The notion of a divinity governing and take full advantage of this new level of mechanikal
fundamental laws seized the imagination of Cygnar’s mastery, the Convergence created the role of forge master
intelligentsia and soon spread to other nations. to be conferred upon each temple’s most accomplished
engineer and fabricator.

At this secret summit, members established many of

24
COSMOLOGY OF CYRISS
Priests of Cyriss prefer to apply scientific methodology to their Clockwork Goddess, who loathes disorder. That which is closest
understanding of their faith. Given there is much about the to perfection and flawlessness is closest to Cyriss, while that
goddess that cannot be perceived, tested, or verified, these which is flawed and poorly functioning is furthest from her. This
matters are omitted from formal doctrine. There is significant paradigm applies to the condition of life itself, which Cyrissists
conjecture about the cosmology of Cyriss that does not appear believe to be fundamentally imperfect. Nothing that is alive can
in the record. Priests of Cyriss think it vital to separate theory be as pure or as true to the goddess as a harmonious machine.
from fact, and the facts known about the goddess are few. The
The only aspect of the living that the sect believes capable of
priesthood refuses to discuss many questions about her nature,
perfection is the seat of thought—the soul. Even this immortal
even internally.
essence must be refined over time, and it is this process toward
On the topic of cosmology, the priests assert only that Cyriss’ perfection in both one’s labors and one’s self that motivates
psyche inhabits the world named after her, in the same way the the faithful. This desire for self-improvement is similar to
will of other gods exists in Urcaen. While the planet is the seat of certain Morrowan beliefs, but the preference for the ordered
her conscious will, her influence and power extend to all things perfection of the machine over the chaos of life is unique to the
and is connected to the laws of reality itself. All parts of reality worship of Cyriss.
are aspects of a vast machine continually being perfected by the

In 311 AR the ranking priests of the cult collaborated to write cult to transition away from burning fuels in order to power
the Principles of Geomantic Energy, a foundational thesis that engines, freeing them from reliance on coal.
would soon unlock an ample power source for our temple
workshops and their machinery. It had been discovered
preferred sites for the most advanced temple workshops.
Tremendous accumulators and generators within the
of Caen, collected into invisible channels connected to

that could then be broadcast to power machine guardians


and workers, such as vectors and servitors. The sect’s
despite its demonstrable presence, the possibilities of its use
engineers developed methods for long-term storage of this
spurred considerable study.
energy in reserves, useful for machines required to perform
Subterranean energy accumulators were soon built at sites tasks away from these facilities.

During this early era the leading priests debated how they
practical applications beyond powering simple systems
should propagate and control the many advancements
like temple illumination. The use of this resource remained
limited until the invention of the astronometric nexus in
326 AR. These tower-like machines served as focusing
prudent to limit familiarity with these techniques to the
mechanisms by creating internal alignments based on
awakened faithful. This prompted the implementation of
tracking celestial conjunctions. Close analysis of Aghamore’s
the Rubric of Mysteries in 320 AR to formalize a hierarchy
last writings and the construct that took his life provided
of secrets within the priesthood. Lore of the goddess and
key information in the development of this invention,
the work of the faith would be kept from outsiders and
suggesting he had himself been attempting to harness
only incrementally revealed to members as they proved
these energies. Once the tower of an astronometric nexus
their dedication and readiness. Certain works would be
compartmentalized so that junior members could access
portions as necessary for their labors without needing to
Our mechaniks and engineers soon learned how to
transform this energy to operate a variety of apparatuses.
Ready access to essentially limitless energy at several major THE CIPHER ENGINE
temples spurred invention, allowing for the construction One of the most important early temples
of machines of a size and complexity previously infeasible. was the Foundry of Enumeration, built
By 330 AR experiments related to transforming energy in the southern Wyrmwall Mountains in
resulted in several breakthroughs, including advances in 312 AR. This site generated a large volume
voltaic and electrostatic charging. These enabled the early of pioneering research. Dozens of the brightest minds of
the faithful were gathered here to launch the ambitious

25
REFINEMENT TOWARD PERFECTION

project of creating mechanical devices capable of automated


mathematical operations. These calculating machines were As a result the ranking clergy initiated the Anima Corpus
originally built as a devotional act, as exploring the fusion of Procedure, a project to transfer a soul into the body of a
mathematics and engineering was seen as inherently sacred.
seemingly beyond the most talented priests’ capabilities.
Researchers swiftly discovered a variety of applications
for these machines. Even the simplest calculating
machines proved useful for controlling servitors, semi- Leading this project were Fluxion Helicratus and Forge
autonomous machines created to function as both tools Master Lucidia, one of the eldest and most respected
and weapons. Machines containing larger computational engineers of the faith. Dozens of the brightest minds from
components weighing multiple tons were able to the inner circles of temples across western Immoren joined
perform more complex tasks; these were put to work them. The greatest addition was an astronomer and priest
on abstract mathematical exercises as well as deriving of the periphery faith named Ghil Lucant, who had earned
exacting measurements for precision instruments like fame in scholarly circles in 356 AR for discovering the planet
lenses for astronometric nexuses and telescopes. These closest to the sun, a body subsequently named after him.
computational machines were fed instructions on brass
cards with punched holes that expressed a new language
the foundry’s leadership in 360 AR, and Lucidia was
for mathematics. Technology akin to the printing press
eventually cast out of the cult. She returned three years
allowed the output of a machine to be preserved, usually
as a lengthy string of numerals.
the sublimity of transferring his immortal essence into a
clockwork vessel. This should have been a triumphant
could be given complex formulae to solve, including moment, but a vengeful Lucidia, informed by spies of the
those that would yield extremely long number sequences. imminent procedure, compromised the temple’s defenses
Analysis of this output became the sacred obligation of a and slaughtered most of its occupants. Mortally injured,
specialized segment of the priesthood. Although large Enumerator Lucant successfully transferred his own soul
calculating machines were soon being fabricated in other into a clockwork vessel and managed escape. The cult
temples, the largest and most complex remained at the abandoned the foundry, salvaging only the Cipher Engine
Foundry of Enumeration, where it was regularly improved and the knowledge of soul transference.
and redesigned to handle ever-greater formulae. By 330 AR
it occupied several chambers and was maintained by CONVERGENCE BEGINS
dozens of priests. Before the Foundry of Enumeration’s destruction, Lucant
had received a revelation by deciphering an extensive series
A problem arose when careful study of this machine’s
of connected encrypted messages. It described a machine
output revealed unprecedented errors amid exceptionally
spanning all of Caen that would draw on the geomantic
long series of numbers. Attempts to correct the anomalies
energy of the entire world through a vast lattice of conduits
failed. In 333 AR, a priest named Helicratus applied an
connecting hundreds of temple complexes. Once this
innovative new algorithm to this output and revealed
creation was realized, Caen would become suitable for the
an underlying pattern. With unparalleled excitement,
goddess to manifest, inhabiting the world machine as her
he determined they were not mistakes but part of a long
vessel. This was the Great Work, the completion of which
encrypted message. The cult’s best minds set to the work of
breaking this code, partially achieving this goal in 334 AR. To
awed by the scope of this mandate, Lucant immediately
considerable astonishment they announced that the ciphers
reassembled the Cipher Engine and began to organize the
were messages sent by Cyriss herself. The computational
machine that had generated these ciphers became known
as the Cipher Engine, regarded as a vital relic of the faith The inner circles of each temple had previously operated
for being the primary conduit through which the goddess without oversight, but Lucant foresaw a stricter hierarchy
communicated, however enigmatically. From this point the would be required for the vital work ahead. In 370 AR
Cipher Engine was used exclusively for the generation of he called a meeting of every ranking priest versed in the
lengthy strings of numbers from complex formulae. The highest mysteries, leveraging both his previous standing
vast output was regularly distributed to dozens of temples and his existence as a clockwork priest, tangible proof of
to assist in its ongoing interpretation. the goddess’ miraculous guidance. This summit laid out

Helicratus in 335 AR. In it, the goddess tasked the priesthood


the head of the newly organized faith now known as the

26
Convergence of Cyriss. He passed down tenets that would In 390 AR Lucant stepped down as iron father, having
become the Nine Harmonics and form the core of their determined the faith would stagnate if guided by
the same leader for too long. Every nine years a new
of earlier precepts laid down by Aghamore. leader would be chosen by a gathering of the ranking

Not all Cyriss worshippers would become part of the


consecutively, and an iron mother or father who wished
Convergence. Some priests rejected Lucant’s vision, and
to resign before nine years could do so. Lucant remained a
those who turned away were denied access to the higher
mysteries. Most of the goddess’ followers who remained
into the enigmas of the Cipher Engine. He was given the
outside the Convergence, however, were members of small
periphery sects entirely ignorant of the higher mysteries.
the Convergence and would go on to advise subsequent
The Convergence would remain the inner circle of the cults
leaders advancing the Great Work.
of Cyriss, comprised of those awakened to perform her
work on Caen. The year 410 AR saw the creation of the Constellation, a
complex device to house multiple essence chambers and
Many drawn to worship Cyriss were not prepared to
enable rapid communication between them. Construction
take an active role, including scholars of mathematics,
of the machine was prompted by clockwork priests who
engineering, astronomy, and other sciences. While the
sought to create and then experience a pure mental state
worship of Cyriss brought them comfort and inspiration,
utterly removed from physicality. Built to resemble a
most were unwilling to forsake old loyalties and devote
vast orrery with each essence chamber set within arcs of
their lives to the Convergence. They were unwilling to
interlocking orbits, the Constellation soon held the foremost
transcend. The Convergence set agents in place to observe
any extraordinary minds found among these members of
transfer into this machine was Fluxion Ambro Pascar, who
the extended cult so that no momentous discovery would
in life had been the most gifted mathematician of his era, a
escape attention. Further, it was among these peripheral
faithful that we would look for promising recruits.
and revolutionizing mathematical physics.
ATTAINING CLOCKWORK PERFECTION Most who joined the Constellation did so temporarily,
Before the Great Work could begin in earnest, those who returning their minds to clockwork bodies after weeks,
months, or years. For others, installation was permanent. By
Cyriss: to become one with the machine. Lucant knew this 440 AR the Constellation had become a vital advisory body
for the Convergence. When not being consulted directly,
of transformation into a clockwork vessel was shared only the Constellation focused on analyzing matters of material
with the highest ranking priests. In these early days the
procedure was no simple matter—fabricating an essence decipher the vast output of the Cipher Engine. Over the
chamber to contain a soul required considerable time, past two centuries the Constellation has been redesigned
sixteen times to expand and improve its architecture.

EXTENDING THE CONVERGENCE


It would not be for almost a century after Father Lucant’s
chambers. The priests began to include others within the
Convergence as candidates and initiated the fabrication
to create an infrastructure for the Great Work. The scope of
of clockwork soldiers, whose forms allowed them to
this work was beyond any mortal lifespan, requiring the
become superlative and theoretically immortal warriors.
Subsequent improvements allowed souls to be recovered
machines. All would need to contribute to creating a global
more quickly and with less energy investment, allowing the
faithful to be preserved even in the event of sudden death.
Clockwork Goddess.

The ranking leaders of the Convergence worked to


a soul to develop and mature in a living body, so standards
realize this vision, expanding the network of temples
were imposed to interdict premature transfer. Priests
and workshops across remote and hidden locations. The
in particular were encouraged to experience as much of
their mortal lifespan as possible, with exceptions made
disparate temples. Secrecy was maintained at all but the
highest levels, with information passed down only when
early transformation.
absolutely necessary.

27
REFINEMENT TOWARD PERFECTION

As early as 460 AR we discovered that we were not alone in


CYRISS AND THE AFTERLIFE prioritizing sites rich in geomantic energies. Subterranean
locations otherwise ideal for establishing new temples were
Lacking any means of scientific verification, priests of found to be infested with the cephalyx. These hostile and
Cyriss have never been able to provide definitive answers incomprehensible entities proved formidable enemies,
regarding the afterlife for the souls of their faithful. Among with their own twisted sciences and peculiar powers. The
the periphery sects some clergy teach that Cyriss chooses cephalyx could enslave weaker minds with but a thought
worthy souls to join her after death, but no evidence
supports this. Convergence priests have long suspected Cyriss stead. After repeated hostile encounters, the cephalyx
is unable to shelter her followers in the afterlife, being became our intractable enemies.
separate from the dynamic between Caen and Urcaen. Most
human souls naturally pass to Urcaen, which would suggest Another adversary from the earliest days were the
her worshippers would be marooned after death in the blackclads of the Circle Orboros, who erect sacred sites
hellscapes between the domains of the gods. of towering stones to harness Caen’s energy for their
own occult purposes. More than any other of our rivals,
Cyriss’ directive that her faithful should join with the machine the blackclads have learned how to harness geomantic
is seen as the solution to this uncertainty. The Convergence
energy. Several times our priests have had to revise
asserts that the soul prefers an afterlife amid the pure state
their understanding of this group, whose methods
attained in fusing with an essence chamber. Through a
are disturbingly similar to our own, though reliant on
variety of mechanisms the Convergence has become efficient
formulaic rituals and natural constructs. Some priests
at preserving the souls of its members in clockwork vessels.
This brings both immortality and utility to aid the Great
inspiration from Cyriss but misinterpreted her will,
Work. Every awakened follower of the goddess hopes to be
preserved and maintained in this way. All hope to eventually unready to surrender their primitive beliefs. This ancient
witness the completion of the project—to experience Cyriss’ group has proven pernicious in defending its grounds,
arrival on Caen so they can become one with her perfection. and we have waged hundreds of secret wars over sites rich
in the power we both require.

The arcanists of Ios are the last major group apparently


Expanding this network from 440 to 500 AR brought
aware of this energy source. From 500–520 AR we made
countless challenges, each overcome by applications of
several attempts to secretly penetrate Ios’ borders to
superior technology, planning, and patient will. During
establish temple complexes there, but each time our
this phase of secret expansion, Convergence leadership
members were intercepted and destroyed. Convergence
proceeded cautiously to avoid major confrontations with
leaders decided to postpone a major push into this nation,
the various kingdoms and other powerful groups that held
but this is likely to change soon. We have already contested
ground they might wish to claim. Yet occasionally they
with Iosans at secret strongholds amid the Iron Kingdoms
deemed it necessary to commit to force of arms in order to
and successfully seized several sites from them.
seize a particularly important site. New hidden outposts
were created and new astronometric nexuses built along BEYOND IMMOREN
convergence points to complete sections of the pattern
plotted out by the divinity architect. in scope when viewed against the entirety of Caen. Given
The Convergence quickly discovered that many locations
the dream of a world-spanning machine network seemed
rich in geomantic power were held by competing groups.
impossibly distant. Our perspective on the world and the
Among the most ample geomantic conjunctions were the
timeline of our Great Work was about to change.
mouths of major rivers, nearly all of which supported
heavily populated cities. Rather than committing to Just before the Thornwood War, the Llaelese mathematician
impossible military campaigns, our leaders opted to Lorita Donaes was brought into the Convergence after
construct workshops and temples hidden below or achieving breakthroughs in the study of complex numbers,
within these cities. Caspia, Ohk, Berck, and Five Fingers those which combine real and imaginary numbers. She
became key aspects of the temple network, each requiring

them. The completion of these temples created the Great


In 521 AR, after working with the Constellation,
Enumerator Donaes created a system of signal analysis to
each major river delta.

28
While additional temples and workshops continued to be
the astronometric nexuses and geomantic accumulators, erected, work within them shifted from abstract research
but in the process a remarkable discovery was made. Tiny to military applications. Forge masters accelerated the

network suggested sympathetic networks beyond the senior designers set about creating a diversity of clockwork
Meredius. It was determined that the Great Work must exist vessels that could mesh together seamlessly in battle.
on other continents, advanced by groups working parallel
As early as 604 AR it had become a concern that the vital
power nexus below Caspia might be detected by Cygnaran
It is hypothesized that since civilizations have arisen on arcanists. Our ranking leadership discreetly established
multiple shores, Cyriss has played a hand in guiding peaceful contact with Cygnar’s government so our work
remarkable minds wherever they may arise. Other could continue uninterrupted. This was a calculated risk.
populations have discovered the goddess and received Working through intermediaries, leaders of the faith in
revelations. We have had no direct communication with Caspia made contact with Sebastian Nemo and negotiated

the temple network could be induced to transmit coded


messages. The Constellation decreed that no contact should challenges for experimental technology. In exchange,
be established for now. It is enough to know that we do not King Leto agreed to recognize the worship of Cyriss and
labor alone and that the hour of Convergence is closer than allow the construction of a temple in the city. The Temple
we ever thought possible. of Concord was erected in Caspia at a site strategically
chosen to obscure the extensive facilities beneath. While
ENTERING THE PHASE OF
ALIGNMENT
members of the faith, the Convergence continued to
The modern age gave rise to several prominent nescient
operate the much larger and more extensive hidden
savants among the Iron Kingdoms. These figures served
facilities in its proximity.
as a reminder that science would advance even among
those unaware of Cyriss. Simonyev Blaustavya was one
of the most influential of these, a Khadoran who began as Complex in the Khadoran capital now fully subverted by
an engineer and inventor but who would attain singular members of the faith. We have installed nearly a dozen
political power. His influence and intelligence was vital hidden foundries within that city. Facilities also exist in most
in the modernization of the Khadoran Army. Perhaps other major cities in Khador, Ord, and Cygnar as well as in
the most eminent savant of the current generation is Merywyn and Laedry. We have established other extensive
Sebastian Nemo, who first rose to prominence in the complexes throughout the wilderness regions, many with
Cygnaran Army in the 590s AR. His revolutionary ideas weapons stockpiles lying ready for combat actions.
transformed the nature of Cygnar ’s military forces.
In 606 AR, the Constellation elevated the ambitious
Convergence agents cautiously approached both Nemo
clockwork priestess Directrix to the position of iron mother.
and Blaustavya with the goal of testing their willingness
At her appointment, Father Lucant declared she would be
to convert to the faith, but they proved unreceptive. Their
the leader to begin the Phase of Alignment. The last two
presence instead served to strengthen those who would
years have seen our preparations coming into alignment to
stand in our way.
coincide with a special conjunction of the celestial spheres
As we entered the new century, it became clear to the temple beginning in 609 AR. This celestial conjunction has been
leadership that the priorities of the foundries must change. determined as the ideal time to unleash our military might.
Father Lucant and the Constellation had been watching
The years ahead are crucial. Our success relies on the
both celestial signs and the ciphers of the goddess, while our
precision of our operations, the accuracy of our calculations,
agents observed developments in the kingdoms. Analysis
and the insight and intelligence of our leaders. We will
of all these factors prompted the divinity architect to
erect alignment nodes to reshape the energies of Caen and
declare that we were on the cusp of the Phase of Alignment.
transform all of Immoren into a machine to receive the
The work of establishing temples in hidden locations had
Clockwork Goddess.
gone as far as it could. For the Great Work to advance we
would need to risk deploying our arsenal to seize contested
geomantic sites and secure them long enough to force their

groundwork for our march to war.

29
MACHINERY OF THE CONVERGENCE OF CYRISS

The collective membership of the Convergence forms one of nations and limiting violent engagements to shadow wars
against other clandestine groups like the Circle Orboros
in western Immoren. While those who face their mechanistic and the cephalyx. The year 609 AR marks the onset of
ruthlessness may not see the distinction, the Convergence the Phase of Alignment, whereby the Convergence will
considers itself much more than a group armed for war. They
form the inner circle of western Immoren’s newest faith, one this phase will be conducted in part to secure key locations
devoted to the Clockwork Goddess Cyriss. The Convergence where alignment machinery will be placed. This massive
is a self-contained and self-governed secret society with a machinery must be built, activated, and protected long
distinct culture as well as beliefs and goals that necessitate a
large and technologically advanced military. realignment is completed at a site, Convergence forces can
abandon the machinery there and advance on other key
The Convergence has no borders, and the extent of its
sites. Since many of these vital locations are occupied by
geographical holdings are limited. The faith is scattered
either military or settlements or are controlled by other
across western Immoren, focused within the Iron Kingdoms.
armed groups, the Phase of Alignment requires open war
The majority of its membership spend their lives in one of
against multiple nations and other formidable powers.
over eighty hidden temple facilities. Some are located in
major cities and towns while others are built deep within The responsibility for seeing this come to pass rests with
inhospitable wilderness regions. Nearly all these temples all of the Convergence, not just its leadership. Each of
are underground or include substantial subterranean Cyriss’ faithful must contribute toward bringing about her
manifestation on Caen.
defensible. Convergence leaders built these facilities on
CONVERGENCE
HIERARCHY
form a vital and essential power source for the sect’s Although the Convergence is a widely
workshops, laboratories, and great machines. scattered organization, it uses a
relatively simple hierarchy. As the sect’s
Such sites are much more than mere power sources,
however. The overarching goal of the Convergence is to
facilities, it has two basic tiers of leadership—one within
bring about the manifestation of Cyriss on Caen, a holy
each temple, and another coordinating them toward shared
imperative of the goddess. Accomplishing this task requires
endeavors. The Convergence is a cell-based organization;
attaining a degree of control over the world’s geomantic
the vast majority of its members do not have detailed
energy through a vast interconnected network. In addition
awareness of the activities of their peers in other temples.
to being places of worship, workshops, research facilities,
Until the Phase of Alignment, most Convergence members
and centers of Cyrissist communities, each temple contains
spent their lives serving a single temple, perhaps being
massive specialized machinery that lets it serve as a node
reallocated after becoming a clockwork vessel. Moving
in the temple network. Together, this network and the
into a more active phase has required greater coordination

great machine, albeit one that is incomplete. This machine


not involved in military matters, and most junior members
remain relatively unaware of the bigger picture.
continents of Caen.
As expected for a religious organization, the priesthood
There is one perfectly harmonic pattern to which this
network must conform. Reaching harmonic convergence
the Convergence. Priests provide leadership at all levels,
is referred to as the Great Work, a convoluted sequence of
both within individual temples and coordinating between
them. Most priests are entrusted to perform highly skilled
decades. In addition to establishing permanent temples,
technical work and theoretical research in addition to
other responsibilities. Their work requires them to remain
in temple facilities, so they are seldom sent on military
new territories in exposed locations to build alignment
missions. Those few accompanying Convergence strike
machinery there.

Until the end of 608 AR, the Convergence advanced their


The three broad ranks of priests, in descending order, are
agenda in secret, avoiding hostile contact with sovereign

30
CLOCKWORK VESSELS
AWAKENED GUARDIANS/WORKERS

THE CIPHER ENGINE


CYRISS
FLUXIONS
PRIESTHOOD

THE CONSTELLATION

IRON MOTHER
ENUMERATORS

OPTIFEX
FORGE MASTERS

DIVINITY ARCHITECT

Clockwork
Angels
Soldier
Reductors
First Prefect Eradicators
Prefect
Clergy

Warcaster or
Reciprocators Ranking Priest

PERIPHERAL CULTS OF CYRISS Perforators Obstructors

Vectors/Servitors

31
MACHINERY OF THE CONVERGENCE OF CYRISS

of the Priesthood,” p. 73.) Fluxions are the only rank that The volume of successfully translated divine messages is
maintain any degree of regular contact with clergy from small, but these have led to many of the Convergence’s most
other temples, as part of their function is to coordinate important directives. The majority of the Nine Harmonics
actions between them. Information is compartmentalized have their roots in expressions from this machine. Its output
was also responsible for initiating research into the Anima
a temple, the highest-ranking individual at a temple facility Corpus Procedure, which resulted in clockwork vessels as
is the forge master, who is responsible for maintaining its well as the revelation of the Great Work.
machinery and production as well as its armory.
THE CONSTELLATION
The highest-ranking leaders of the Convergence are able
Within the Temple of the Prime Harmonic
to communicate with one another across long distances by
is a machine that houses the collective
consciousness of hundreds of the
discorporate souls of the faithful. This
intelligence serves the Convergence as both an advisory
but messages are usually kept focused on the allocation
board and a tremendously powerful tool of analysis. The
of resources, the coordination of military actions, or the
Constellation was built to house the essence chambers of
members of the sect who, for a variety of reasons, decided to
headquarters of the Convergence is the Temple of the Prime
seek a purer communion with the machine state. Removed
Harmonic in the northern Wyrmwall Mountains, a site of
entirely from the physical world, the souls within the
critical importance since it houses both the Cipher Engine
Constellation enjoy a purely cerebral existence. They are able
and the Constellation.
to communicate internally using an encoded mathematical
language conveyed through conduits connecting their
THE CIPHER ENGINE
essence chambers. The Constellation also has an enunciation
The Cipher Engine is a massive
apparatus in the central chamber of the temple by which it
mechanikal calculating machine housed
can communicate with others, such as the iron mother.
in multiple chambers deep within
the Temple of the Prime Harmonic. The exact membership of the Constellation changes
Comprising countless gears, pins, periodically, with new members added and others leaving
pistons, rods, weights, and interlocking wheels, the to resume physical existence within clockwork vessels.
Cipher Engine is attended by dozens of dedicated priests
temporarily, while others never leave. Because its
mathematical problems. These are given to the machine membership are removed even from the stimuli of a
on brass plates with holes punched through them in clockwork vessel, joining the Constellation brings greater
certain patterns. The Cipher Engine translates these mental clarity and facilitates solving abstract problems.
patterns into instructions and numbers and then works to
derive solutions. The resulting output is produced upon
thinkers, the Constellation is the most powerful analytic
mechanisms akin to a large printing press. The Cipher
body available to the Convergence. So great is their faith in
Engine is one of the most sacred artifacts of the faith and
its evaluations that they look to it even to select the leader
has played a central role in the Great Work, as its output
of the faith. When the nine-year cycle for an iron mother
is viewed as the primary means for Cyriss to communicate
or father approaches its end, the Constellation is presented
with her faithful.

Cyriss is an enigmatic goddess who does not provide From among these its collective selects a new leader thought
simple answers, preferring to challenge her followers to to have the best qualities to advance the Great Work.
decipher her will. The messages buried in the output of
THE IRON MOTHER
or translated. Amid long numerical strings of data are The founders of the Convergence of Cyriss
inexplicable irregularities that when compiled and properly recognized that decisive action required a
sequenced create extremely complex encoded messages. single voice of leadership. This resulted
The sheer volume of output from the Cipher Engine means in the individual position of iron mother
that the results are generated more quickly than they can or iron father, who is responsible for coordinating the
be analyzed. The task of analyzing these numeric strings is activities of the Convergence as a whole. The iron mother’s
distributed among the temples and is a sacred activity for seat is in the Temple of the Prime Harmonic, where she
priests of all ranks. can be in regular contact with the Constellation and other

32
THE NINE HARMONICS

The faith of Cyriss includes a variety of precepts, doctrines, and THE FIFTH HARMONIC: The goddess of perfection will manifest to
tenets, some lengthy and convoluted, but the Nine Harmonics inhabit the vessel thereof.
form the guiding principles of the Convergence. These simple
but broad tenets are applied in a multitude of ways. They are The numen of Cyriss can achieve harmonic sympathy with
studied and meditated upon by all members of the Convergence any sufficiently flawless and empowered machine. Harnessing
but are especially important to the priesthood. geomantic energy across a globally balanced astronometric
Every action taken by awakened members of matrix will complete the prime harmonic and compel
the Convergence must be in accordance divine manifestation.
with these principles. THE SIXTH HARMONIC: Clockwork perfection
THE FIRST HARMONIC: Precision is requires an absence of entropy.
the opening theorem in the proof of All acts of harmonic construction,
perfection. invention, and engineering increase
Perfection requires exertion order and reduce entropy. Life
toward an efficient and measured multiplies entropy, so nothing alive
existence. Precision is to be can attain perfection.
applied as much to daily habits as THE SEVENTH HARMONIC: Souls are
to labor. Absolute precision can elements in the divine equation.
be achieved only by continually
diminishing the margin of error. Only the soul is autonomous. Each soul
is an aspect of a divine equation that
THE SECOND HARMONIC: Mathematics achieves consciousness. The soul bridges
is the only true language. the poles of divinity and mortality. The soul
Mathematics is the underlying language of is capable of either infinite refinement through
infinity. All that exists and all that does not exist pure thought or utter debasement by wallowing in
can be described through mathematical expression. A the corruption of flesh.
process or thought cannot be unless a formula exists to describe it. THE EIGHTH HARMONIC: False shadows of consciousness mock the
THE THIRD HARMONIC: The power of understanding transcends divine equation.
the inexplicable. The creation of a soulless machine that mimics true intelligence is a
Nothing is truly inexplicable when confronted by the proper mockery of the divine equation. Machines do not make decisions.
analysis. Complete understanding can be achieved by An unpredictable machine is a flawed machine.
continually diminishing ignorance. Always strive to increase THE NINTH HARMONIC: To awaken a soul one must seek harmony
knowledge and understanding. All learning must be preserved. with the goddess.
THE FOURTH HARMONIC: Magic obeys scientific principles and The teachings of the goddess are not for all. Only a select few will
does not require mysticism. be awakened. We do not reveal the enigmas of Cyriss to those
Magic represents a particularly complex interaction between who are unprepared to seek perfection. Those on the cusp will be
energy and matter, mediated by sentient will. The arcane awakened at the precipice where higher thought flourishes.
can always be understood, codified, and controlled through
mathematical formulae. There is always a way to integrate the
arcane with engineering.

major leaders of the faith. She communicates with the


Lucant sought to prevent stagnation in the leadership of the
frequently travels to meet with them in person and inspect Convergence. The current iron mother is Directrix, chosen
ongoing projects. When the Convergence launches major by the Constellation in 606 AR.

The iron mother has vast authority over the Convergence


to direct the gathered forces personally.
as both the leader of the priesthood and the supreme
commander of its military forces. She rarely intervenes in
twenty years of leading the Convergence, Lucant stepped the organization of individual temples, focusing instead

be held only for nine years consecutively. A priest would the assets of the organization as a whole. The iron mother
determines priorities of the faith and decides when the

33
MACHINERY OF THE CONVERGENCE OF CYRISS

Convergence must send strike forces to neutralize enemies. RECRUITMENT AND


INDOCTRINATION
research, are within her purview.
of Cyriss and Cyrissist doctrine, they revere the goddess
THE DIVINITY and bring in new converts. These cults are most numerous
ARCHITECT and successful in places where intellectual study or
machine work are practiced. Those whose professions
involve alchemy, arcane research, astronomy, engineering,
understand the process of transferring mathematics, mechanika, metallurgy, or other sciences are
a soul into a clockwork vessel and who subsequently frequently drawn to Cyriss. Some of these minds may be
founded the Convergence. He became the divinity architect receptive to the deeper mysteries.

Agents of the Convergence periodically survey peripheral


Lucant’s great contributions to the organization, as the cults looking for promising potential recruits. There are
divinity architect has very limited direct authority. The most a variety of means to engage prospects cautiously. The
faithful have inserted hidden enigmas and clues in a
variety of widely read scholarly works, and these can guide
the organization toward the Great Work. interested parties to make contact. Most who seek to join
the Convergence are mature adults who have achieved

and serves as its key spiritual advisor and long-term appear occasionally. Latent warcasters are usually brought
into the Convergence at an early age. (See “Convergence
obey his commands, they generally heed his requests and Warcasters,” p. 42.)
implement any changes to procedure he suggests, so long
as they do not contradict orders from the iron mother. Most Becoming a member of the Convergence requires a
priests respect Lucant as the spiritual head of the faith and permanent commitment and, usually, the abandonment of
view him as something of an oracle. No other priest has his one’s previous life. The Convergence cannot risk its secrets
skill in deciphering the words of the goddess. being revealed and immediately isolates new recruits
from outsiders, sending them to remote temple facilities
THE AWAKENED AND THE to undergo extensive indoctrination. During this period a
recruit is not at liberty to leave the temple.
PERIPHERAL CULTS
The Convergence considers its members to be the true In some cases the Convergence has accommodated the
faith of Cyriss and refer to themselves as “awakened” to immediate family of a recruit, particularly where a spouse
suggest that this fellowship has been indoctrinated into is a member of a peripheral cult. If a couple with children
the fundamental mysteries of the goddess. The awakened are indoctrinated, the children are also brought into the
know the Nine Harmonics and live by them.
to integrate these individuals into the Convergence. Those
There are many worshipers of Cyriss on the periphery
who lack devotion and cannot be trusted with secrets will
of the Convergence ignorant of its greater mysteries and
be cast out or, as a last resort, humanely eliminated.
living in ordinary society. A distinct dividing line must
be recognized between the Convergence and these less AWAKENED MEMBERSHIP
devoted worshipers. While such individuals may revere The process of becoming a fully awakened member of the
the goddess and recognize the shadow of her perfection, Convergence reveals the candidate’s various aptitudes
their misconceptions and misplaced loyalties blind them and skills, which helps determine the role they will take
to the truth. in the organization. New members who have the requisite
The Convergence is not hostile toward the peripheral cults qualities may seek to join the priesthood, the most desirable
and in fact considers them valuable. Peripheral cults form a Convergence career path. Being a priest requires the ability
vital bridge with the outside world, as Convergence agents to control arcane energies in order to help design, fabricate,
periodically observe and make contact with them. The most or repair essential machinery. Some priests are less heavily
important role of the peripheral cults is to serve as a pool for involved in this sort of work than others. Arcane talent alone
potential recruits; the vast majority of the awakened were does not guarantee entrance to the priesthood, however.
introduced to Cyriss as worshipers from peripheral sects. Most awakened lay members of the Convergence are

34
PREEMPTIVE NEUTRALIZATION FORCE
ITERATION 9

Axis established the Preemptive Neutralization Force at the


direction of Iron Mother Directrix as an evolution of smaller
forces he had employed during his long history as her enforcer.
While Axis had long served to root out the enemies of the
Convergence and to dismantle those renegade cults at the
periphery of the Convergence that jeopardized its secrecy, this
force represents the first attempt to establish a more permanent
standing force under his command.

Since its creation, the force has undergone several iterative


changes in its composition to better suit the emerging needs
of the Convergence. The Preemptive Neutralization Force has
primarily been deployed to clear the sites for future temples
and alignment operations in anticipation in the expansion
of the Great Work as well as to push back encroachment on
Convergence-held territories.

Due to Axis’ tactical preferences and the frequency with


which his force is called upon, the Preemptive Neutralization
LEADERSHIP
Force has grown more tightly knit than less rigidly maintained
Axis, the Harmonic Enforcer
Convergence fighting forces. Axis and his veteran prefects
First Prefect Diomedes, First Prefect Idomeneus, First Prefect
have developed an intimidating simpatico, resulting in their
Patroclus
ability to carry out even complex maneuvers with virtually no
COMPOSITION communication.
The Preemptive Neutralization Force is primarily made up The Harmonic Enforcer is willing to face any odds and relies heavily
of Reciprocators, Obstructors, Eradicators, and Reductors upon enigma foundries to reconstitute his troops after these
supported by Enigma Foundries and Steelsoul Protectors. engagements. As such, the clockwork soldiers under his command
Vector and servitor allocations vary, but Axis heavily favors become familiar with a greater assortment of vessels than do
vectors configured for close combat. most of their peers. Serving with the Preemptive Neutralization
The Harmonic Enforcer is among the most active of the Force has gained a reputation as a brutal but efficient crucible for
Convergence’s combat assets. He specializes in clearing clockwork soldiers, and those sent to reinforce this group very
locations of interest to the Convergence and is supported in rapidly gain invaluable combat experience.
this role by a dedicated strike force. The exact elements of In its present iteration, the force does not include combined
this force vary according to the particulars and necessities arms, as its vectors are almost entirely oriented for use in close
of a given mission, but Axis has long been served by an inner combat, Axis’ preferred mode of combat. Surprise makes up for
core of faithful prefects along with the veteran units under this lack of ranged capability, strongly bolstered by the ability to
their charge. endure casualties that would be untenable for an army of flesh.

titles or functions. All are expected to contribute to Some few awakened members become temple guardians.
maintaining, repairing, or operating temple machinery. These are usually those who are competent but not
Those who are highly skilled at these tasks may go on
to become engineers, an esteemed status representing make them better suited to this role. Occasionally guardians
considerable expertise and usefulness. A number of senior will arise among the children of cult members who do not
engineers are involved in more cerebral but equally valued distinguish themselves in other roles. Guardians train in the
tasks such as pure mathematics, astronomy, or research. weaponry and armament of the temple and are dedicated to

35
MACHINERY OF THE CONVERGENCE OF CYRISS

the protection of the facility. When not actively on patrol or vessels. It is common for members to have one chassis type
drilling, guardians perform other work as needed, including for their temple work and another for soldiering. Over the
ordinary labor and temple upkeep. Guardians are distinct
from temple soldiers, a role occupied by clockwork vessels, vessels, although generally one is preferred. To identify
and do not participate in battles outside a temple. Most themselves to one another, individual clockworks will
guardians become clockwork soldiers after they surrender create a small distinct abstract pattern etched onto visible
their mortality. parts of their frames.

Clockwork priests and warcasters have the latitude and


CLOCKWORK
expertise to create their own customized vessels, an act that
TRANSFORMATION
is spiritually satisfying for some. Soldiers must generally
All awakened aspire to become clockwork vessels, and
conform to more regimented vessels that can be properly
nearly all can expect to achieve this state eventually.

chassis is a rare development, requiring proof that its design


transformation. Such individuals are rare in the faith,
augments the Convergence in a new way. The clockwork
but there are some members of the Convergence who are

others, the priesthood insists it is to the betterment of the STRIKE FORCES AND
soul to live as long as possible before being transformed. GARRISONS
Exceptions are made only for those who demonstrate The Convergence does not maintain standing armies,
remarkable mental and spiritual clarity and maturity.
and objectives. While some long-standing strike forces and
The Convergence also has the means to preserve the souls
garrisons exist, they make up a small percentage of the
of members who die unexpectedly, in order to transfer them
immediately into essence chambers. For the members of the
Convergence, this transformation is holy and profound,
or senior priests, joined by other units as needed for a
representing their afterlife. Being a clockwork vessel is a
particular mission. Additional reinforcements can be
form of immortality.
acquired from the nearest temple facilities as required.
For over two centuries the Convergence has collected
Very important tasks requiring much larger forces (such
the souls of its members through this process, and as
as those that would need to be collected from multiple
a consequence their numbers have grown rather than
temples) require the consent of the iron mother, with
diminished. In most temples clockwork members
outnumber the living. They continue to contribute to the
directorate from the temples involved. The enumerators
work of the temples and also act as the soldiers of the
Convergence. It takes some time to become accustomed
ordered deportment of these forces and serve as the senior
to this mechanikal state, and military training is a useful
means to accelerate familiarity while also bolstering the
of Alignment, the Convergence rarely assembled such
strength of the Convergence.
sizable armies, but it is expected they will be deployed with
The entire clockwork population of the Convergence can greater regularity in this new era. The priesthood serves
be considered a battle-ready militia. All clockwork vessels the iron mother in ensuring these missions are allocated
have formidable combat capabilities, wielding advanced
specialized military assets.
in the knowledge that even the destruction of their bodies
is rarely permanent.
by a prefect, who reports in turn to an assigned priest. In a
MYRIAD FORMS given standing garrison or long-standing strike force, the
Those who have become one with the machine are not most experienced veteran of each unit type, referred to as

Convergence has developed a wide variety of vessels, (See “Soldiers of the Convergence,” p. 72.)
particularly for its soldiers. Most newly transformed
individuals stay in the same chassis for several years in
order to become perfectly accustomed to the machine state.
After this, members become more comfortable changing

36
convergence ruLes & THeMe Forces
VECTORS VECTOR MAT AND RAT
The Convergence of Cyriss does not use warjacks in the Vectors do not have MAT or RAT values. Instead, their
traditional sense. Their machines are built using arcane MAT and RAT are equal to the current MAT and RAT of
science fused with applied physics and mathematics. Each their controlling warcaster. For example, a vector under the
completed vector is an act of worship to the Maiden of control of a warcaster who has MAT 6 and RAT 4 would
Gears as well as an irrefutable triumph of engineering. The
smooth lines and artisanal attention to detail contrast with
any MAT/RAT alterations to a warcaster controlling one or
on enemies of the Clockwork Goddess. more vectors will be passed along to his vectors.

Vectors are warjacks. In addition to the standard warjack


rules (see WARMACHINE: Prime Mk II, “Warjacks”) vectors
have the following rules. heavy vector’s Hand of Vengeance grants it +2 on attack and
damage rolls. Its MAT will remain equal to the warcaster’s
INTERFACE NODE MAT, but it will gain +2 on its melee attack rolls from Hand
The I boxes of a vector’s damage grid represent its interface of Vengeance.
node. The interface node functions identically to a cortex
(see WARMACHINE: Prime Mk II, p. 73) for the purposes of FOCUS INDUCTION
allocating and spending focus. Once per turn during its activation, when a vector spends a
focus point you can allocate a focus point to another vector
Because an interface node is not a cortex, vectors are if the two are in the same battlegroup and are within 6 of
one another. Each vector can use focus induction only once
directly to its cortex (such as Cortex Damage and Shock per turn to allocate a focus point to another vector but can
Field) or that require a warjack to have a functional cortex be allocated more than 1 focus point in a single turn if it is
(such as Domination and Possession). within 6 of multiple other vectors when they spend focus.
Additionally, a vector cannot form a warjack bond, since it
does not have cortex.

FOCUS INDUCTION
Defender

Inverter

same battlegroup and within 6

so it is within 6

3
Lastly the Inverter can attack the Defender and use the focus point it received from

Diffuser A

Diffuser B

37
RULES & THEME FORCES

REMOTE REACTIVATION resolved the model can make one additional melee attack.
Vectors become inert when their controlling warcasters are A model can gain only one additional attack from Cleave
destroyed. Vectors can be reactivated only by friendly Faction per activation.)
models with the Battlegroup Commander special ability.
MODULATOR – LIGHTNING RODS
A Convergence warcaster can reactivate a friendly inert Requirement: The army includes three or more Modulators.
vector even if it is not B2B with the vector. The warcaster
can forfeit his action to reactivate a friendly vector up to : Modulators gain Grounding. (While B2B with
6 away provided the vector has a functional interface a model with Grounding, friendly Faction models gain
node. A vector with a crippled interface node cannot be Immunity: Electricity .)
reactivated remotely.
MONITOR – TRIANGULATION
WARCASTER UNITS Requirement: The army includes three or more Monitors.

Forces of WARMACHINE: Convergence of Cyriss includes : Monitors gain Eyeless Sight .


warcaster units. In a warcaster unit, the model with the
advantage is the warcaster and is the only model PRIME AXIOM –
in the unit that has the special rules of a warcaster. The ACCELERATION CATAPULT
warcaster controls a battlegroup, has a feat, can spend Requirement: The army includes two or more Prime
focus, etc. If the warcaster is destroyed, his upkeep spells Axioms.
expire and his warjacks become inert as normal.
: Reduce the cost of Prime Axioms by 1. Additionally,
A warcaster unit is always a character unit because the increase the range of Prime Axioms’ Launch Servitor ability
warcaster is a character. Unlike other warcasters, however, to within 5 (instead of within 2 ).
a warcaster in a unit is not an independent model. He is the
unit commander, and as such, he activates as part of the unit. ERADICATOR UNITS –
DAUNTLESS
GRANTED: FEARLESS Requirement: The army includes three or more Eradicator
A warcaster that is part of a warcaster unit always has the units.
Granted: Fearless ability. While the warcaster is in play, the
models in his unit gain Fearless . : Eradicator units gain Unyielding. (While engaging
an enemy model, a model with Unyielding gains +2 ARM.)
BATTLEGROUP
The other models in a warcaster’s unit are part of his CLOCKWORK ANGEL UNITS –
battlegroup. BEAM INTENSIFICATION
Requirement: The army includes three or more Clockwork
ATTACHMENTS Angel units.
Warcaster units cannot have unit and weapon attachments,
: The RNG of the Binomial Beams of Clockwork
but warcaster units can have warcaster attachments like
Angel units is increased to 12.
standard warcasters. If a warcaster unit has a warcaster
attachment, the attachment remains an independent model TRANSFINITE EMERGENCE
and does not become part of the warcaster unit.
PROJECTOR BATTLE ENGINES –
ERRATIC ORBIT
UNBOUND FORMATIONS Requirement:
Emergence Projectors.
based on the composition of their armies. There is no
: Permutation Servitors gain Blur. (Models/units with
for his army. Blur gain +3 DEF against ranged and magic attack rolls).

GALVANIZER – CHOP SHOP


Requirement:

: Galvanizers gain Cleave. (When a model with


Cleave destroys one or more enemy models with a melee
attack during its activation, immediately after the attack is

38
UNBOUND RULES COROLLARY – FOCUS BATTERY
APPENDIX Replace the last sentence of Focus Battery with the following:

As a result of the alternating sequence of play in Unbound Focus points remaining on this model count toward its focus

into them better.


OBSTRUCTORS –
IRON MOTHER DIRECTRIX SHIELD WALL (ORDER)
& EXPONENT SERVITORS –
TACTICAL SUPREMACY
Replace the text of Tactical Supremacy with the following:

During a turn it activated, target friendly model/unit can advance


up to 3 RECIPROCATORS –
SHIELD WALL (ORDER)
AXIS, THE HARMONIC
ENFORCER – FIELD MARSHAL
[COUNTER CHARGE]
Replace the third sentence of Field Marshal [Counter
Charge] with the following: REFLEX SERVITORS –
COUNTER CHARGE
Replace the second sentence of Counter Charge with the
following:

CONVERGENCE THEME FORCES

Aurora, nuMen oF Aerogenesis


MAIdENS oF GEARS
WARJACKS: Convergence non- SOLOS: Optifex solos, Servitor solos, Steelsoul Protector
character vectors solos, solos with Flight
UNITS: Optifex units, units with Flight

TIER 1 TIER 3
Requirements: The army can include only the models listed Requirements: The army includes one or more Steelsoul
above. Protectors.

Increase the FA of Clockwork Angel units and Steelsoul Protectors gain Advance Deployment .
Steelsoul Protectors by 2.
TIER 4
TIER 2 Requirements: Aurora’s battlegroup includes two or more
Requirements: The army includes three or more Clockwork heavy vectors.
Angel units.
Heavy vectors in Aurora’s battlegroup gain
Clockwork Angel units gain Stealth during the Advance Move. (Before the start of the game but after both
players have deployed, a model with Advance Move can
make a full advance.)

39
RULES & THEME FORCES

AXis, tHe HarMonic enForcer


SuStAINEd AttACk
WARJACKS: Convergence UNITS: Small-based units
non-character vectors without ranged
SOLOS: Enigma Foundries
weapons

TIER 1 TIER 3
Requirements: The army can include only the models listed Requirements: The army includes three or more Clockwork
above. Vessel units.

Enigma Foundries are FA 4. Clockwork Vessel units gain Advance Deployment .

TIER 2 TIER 4
Requirements: The army includes two or more Enigma Requirements: The army includes two or more heavy
Foundries. vectors.

Reduce the point cost of Enigma Foundries by 1. For each heavy vector in Axis’ battlegroup, place
a heavy warjack wreck marker anywhere within 20 of the
back edge of Axis’ deployment zone after terrain has been
placed but before either player deploys his army. Wreck
markers cannot be placed within 3 of a terrain feature or
another wreck marker.

Iron MoTHer direcTriX & eXponent ServiTors


CARRIER GRouP
WARJACKS: Convergence non- SOLOS: Servitor solos, Steelsoul Protector solos
character vectors
BATTLE ENGINES:
UNITS: Optifex units

TIER 1 TIER 3
Requirements: The army can include only the models listed Requirements: The army includes three or more groups of
above. Servitor solos.

Increase the FA of Servitor solos by 1. Servitor solos gain Advance Deployment .

TIER 2 TIER 4
Requirements: The army includes one or more Optifex Requirements: The army includes one or more Prime
Directive units. Axioms.

during your
Launch Servitor you can place up to three Servitor solos
instead of placing one.

40
FaTHer LucanT, diviniTy ArcHiTecT
IRON GIANTS
WARJACKS: Convergence non- SOLOS: Medium- and large-based solos
character vectors
UNITS: Medium- and large-based units

TIER 1 TIER 3
Requirements: The army can include only the models listed Requirements: The army includes two or more Clockwork
above. Vessel units without a ranged attack.

Increase the FA of units with Construct by 1. One Clockwork Vessel unit without a ranged attack
gains Advance Deployment .
TIER 2
Requirements: The army includes one or more Clockwork TIER 4
Vessel units with a ranged attack. Requirements: Father Lucant’s battlegroup includes three
or more heavy vectors.
You gain +1 on your starting roll for the game.
Reduce the point cost of SPD 4 vectors by 1.

Forge MasTer SynTHerion


THE GREAT MACHINE
WARJACKS: Convergence non- SOLOS: Optifex solos, Servitor solos
character vectors
BATTLE ENGINES:
UNITS: Optifex units Projector

TIER 1 TIER 3
Requirements: The army can include only the models listed Requirements: The army includes one or more Optifex
above. Directive units.

Algorithmic Dispersion Optifex solos gain Advance For each Optifex Directive unit in the army, the
Deployment . Corollary begins the game with 1 focus point (to a maximum
of 3).
TIER 2
Requirements: The army includes a Corollary. TIER 4
Requirements:
Reduce the cost of Syntherion’s spells by 1 during
Add a Galvanizer to Syntherion’s battlegroup free
of cost.

Permission is hereby granted to create reproductions of this page for personal, non-commercial use only.

41
Convergence warcasTers
Warcasters are of paramount
importance to the Convergence of warcaster converts among the larger population. Although
Cyriss, for the faith eschews the false they avoid initiating contact with warcasters who have
intelligence of conventional warjacks and thus the already joined a standing military, they do strive to sway
Convergence’s vectors can only operate under the command those who have not yet made commitments or who have
of a warcaster. Often those who manifest this talent are yet to become aware of their abilities.
drawn to the worship of Cyriss, an inclination that grants
The Convergence spares no expense to ensure the
the Convergence access to warcasters out of proportion
competence of its warcasters, and their training is
to its numbers. Nonetheless, those who evince the ability
intensive and prolonged. Recruits closely study the Nine
to control vectors remain rare and coveted. Whereas the
Harmonics and the command of vectors, their highest
standing armies of the Iron Kingdoms can openly recruit
priority being attaining mastery of the interface node.
warcasters, the Convergence must operate in secret, hoping

clergy and may rise to positions of leadership, while others


The priesthood of the Convergence takes great pains to serve as soldiers or engineers instead. Regardless of their
screen potential recruits for the warcaster talent. A number other functions in a given temple, all warcasters are ceded
of optifex specializing in arcane detection are assigned to operational control over a given military mission and are
answerable only to a senior priest.
noteworthy recruits, especially latent warcasters. The
Warcasters begin their time with the Convergence as
priests focus attention on indoctrinating any such gifted
individuals before expediting them into the sect’s inner
circle. Most importantly, each warcaster recruit must prove
injuries in battle. Fortunately the warcaster talent survives
his devotion to Cyriss in order to be awakened to her
mysteries and learn their part in her designs.

EMPOWERING WARCASTER VESSELS


Like all clockwork vessels, those employed by transformed warcasters are self-
sufficient and can function independently even outside the alternating current
fields generated by temple facilities, thanks to the power emitted from the
essence chamber. Given these vessels are generally larger and more complex, with
additional machinery or weaponry, this requires an adaptable power system to
charge internal accumulators by siphoning a small fraction of the arcane energy
these individuals regularly harness.

The volume of energy produced by a warcaster’s essence chamber is seen as


proof of the potential of a fully awakened soul—so much so that some among
the Convergence believe warcasters to be fundamentally closer to Cyriss than the
sect’s other devotees. Though warcasters can operate indefinitely beyond temple
voltaic fields, they are generally used to absorbing a trickle of this ambient energy
and feel a slight strain when it is not present. Combine this with the fact that
vectors cannot persist for more than several hours outside a voltaic field, and
it becomes apparent why it is rare for transformed Convergence warcasters to
spend time far from power-generating facilities.

42
IRON MOTHER DIRECTRIX

to essence chambers installed in clockwork vessels. It is well prepared to inhabit the body of a machine. Because
is possible that being freed of a mortal body allows for warcasters adapt quickly to the machine state, they can
increased clarity of thought and special sympathy with the
interface node. Whether or not this is true, by the time a or less anthropomorphic vessels. The inclusion of
Convergence warcaster inhabits a clockwork vessel he is additional limbs or integrated weaponry is quite common
likely to have spent years controlling vectors and therefore among Convergence warcaster vessels.

43
Aurora, nuMen of Aerogenesis
CoNVERGENCE WARCAStER
Born to surpass human ingenuity and studied precision, she will carry the Convergence toward unity
with Cyriss on mechanikal wings.
—Iron Mother Directrix

FEAt: SPELLS CoSt RNG AoE PoW uP oFF


AURORA
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD ELEVENtH HouR AdMoNItIoN 2 6 – – YES No
7 5 6 4 16 15 9 In an organization replete with When an enemy model advances and ends its movement within 6
formulaic absolutes, Aurora
POLYNOMIAL BEAM stands among the few who immediately advance up to 3
RNG ROF AOE POW have mastered the capricious model cannot be targeted by free strikes during this movement.
12 1 — 12
BLAdEd GALE 3 SP 8 – 13 No YES
POLYNOMIAL STAFF With an astronometricist’s Models hit lose Flight for one round.
POW P+S precision and an artisan’s FLASHING BLAdE 1 SELF – – No No
7 12 grace, Aurora showcases a This model immediately makes one normal attack with one of its melee
deathly elegance orchestrated weapons against each enemy model in its LOS that is in the weapon’s
FOCUS 7 to choreograph the downfall of melee range. These attacks are simultaneous.
DAMAGE 16
tRANSFERENCE 2 SELF CtRL – YES No
FIELD ALLOWANCE C While in this model’s control area, friendly Faction non-warcaster warrior
Friendly Faction models
WARJACK POINTS +6 currently within Aurora’s models can spend 1 focus point on this model to boost a melee attack or
SMALL BASE control area gain Refuge melee damage roll during their activations.
for one round. (When a tRuE PAtH 3 SELF CtRL – No No
model with Refuge hits an Friendly Faction warrior models/units beginning their activations in this
enemy model with an attack during its activation, immediately model’s control area gain +2 during their
activations. True Path lasts for one turn.
after its combat action ends the model with Refuge can make
a full advance. It cannot be targeted by free strikes during this
movement.)

AuRoRA tACtICAL tIPS


Elite Cadre [Clockwork Angels] – Friendly Clockwork Angel Field Marshal – This includes this model.
units gain Combined Melee Attack . True PaTh –
Field Marshal [Apparition] – Models in this model’s normal movement.
battlegroup gain Apparition. (During your Control Phase, place
models with Apparition anywhere completely within 2 of their
Convergence. Her mother transcended to a clockwork vessel
current locations.)
when Aurora was only three, but the child’s ordered life
Flank [Clockwork Angels] – When this model makes a melee
changed little. Finding no peers among the sect’s children,
attack against an enemy model within the melee range of a
friendly model of the type indicated, this model gains +2 to Aurora looked to priests of Cyriss as friends and tutors. She
attack rolls and gains an additional damage die. exhibited an early intuitive understanding of engineering and
Flight – This model can advance through terrain and obstacles
without penalty and can advance through obstructions and soon after manifesting her warcaster talent at age nine.
other models if it has enough movement to move completely
past them. This model ignores intervening models when Directrix showed no hesitation in risking her daughter on
declaring its charge target.

PoLYNoMIAL BEAM her and ensure her safe return. By sixteen Aurora was
Magical Weapon testing her abilities alongside the older warcaster, whose
straightforward goals and unpredictable tactics contrasted
PoLYNoMIAL StAFF
Reach
every aspect of these battles, and after every mission she
Magical Weapon
retreated to her rooms for days, producing endless notes
Mechanikal Seizure – When a warjack is hit by this weapon it
and schematics of potential improvements to the arms and
becomes stationary for one round.
armor they employed.

Aurora is blazing a new way forward for the Convergence,


proving herself a visionary inventor and peerless warrior.
Syntherion had made to negate the mass of heavy vectors,
the vanguard of its armies, striking with swift precision she became obsessed with creating a variant to enable
from the skies.

The young warcaster has known no life outside the faith, as


of emitting remarkably strong pulses of controlled kinetic
she was born to the woman who would become Directrix
energy. Within a year she designed the mechanikal bodies
and raised in a strictly controlled environment within the

44
of the clockwork angels as well as her own warcaster
armor. She had done more than develop a new clockwork
prototype: she had changed the way the armies of the
Maiden of Gears conducted war.

like inspiration itself, continually seeking to prove

be set into a clockwork vessel even as


she sweeps aside any who impede
the Great Work.

45
AXis, tHe HarMonic enForcer
CoNVERGENCE WARCAStER
What in others would be an irredeemable flaw, through Axis becomes an asset.
—Iron Mother Directrix

FEAt: SPELLS CoSt RNG AoE PoW uP oFF


AXIS
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD CIRCuMPotENCE BAttERING RAM 2 6 – 12 No YES
5 7 7 2 14 17 8 None could ever mistake When an enemy model is hit by Battering Ram, it can be pushed 3 directly
Axis’ lack of subtlety for a away from the spell’s point of origin.
ACTION lack of strength, knowledge,
POW P+S IRoN AGGRESSIoN 3 6 – – YES No
7 14 Target friendly warjack can run, charge, or make slam or trample power
Demonstrating unparalleled attacks without spending focus and gains boosted melee attack rolls.
REACTION mastery over the kinematics
oNSLAuGHt 2 SELF CtRL – YES No
POW P+S of transferred momentum, the
Friendly Faction models beginning a charge in this model’s control area
7 14 Harmonic Enforcer channels .
the incoming energy of his
FOCUS 6 enemies into overwhelming
RAzoR WALL 2 CtRL WALL – YES No
DAMAGE 18 Place the wall template anywhere completely in this model’s control area
force he then hurls against where it does not touch a model’s base, an obstruction, or an obstacle.
FIELD ALLOWANCE C
WARJACK POINTS +6 damage point.
Enemy models currently
MEDIUM BASE in Axis’ control area uNStoPPABLE FoRCE 2 SELF CtRL – No No
While in this model’s control area, models in its battlegroup gain Bulldoze.
and friendly Faction Unstoppable Force lasts for one turn. (When a model with Bulldoze
models currently in Axis’ control area gain +2 SPD and STR. advances into B2B contact with an enemy model during its activation, it
can push that model up to 2 directly away from it. A model can be pushed
Circumpotence lasts for one round.

AXIS model makes a trample power attack.)


Field Marshal [Counter Charge] – Models in this model’s
battlegroup gain Counter Charge. (When an enemy model
advances and ends its movement within 6 of a model with tACtICAL tIPS
Counter Charge and in its LOS, the model with Counter Charge
Field Marshal – This includes this model.
can immediately charge it. If it does, it cannot make another
counter charge until after your next turn. A model cannot make BeaT Back – The attacking model can advance even if the enemy
a counter charge while engaged.) model is destroyed by the attack.

ACtIoN
Beat Back – Immediately after a normal attack with this weapon to quash enemies of the faith, a task he committed to with
is resolved during this model’s combat action, the enemy model unswerving enthusiasm. His deep loyalty to Directrix has
hit can be pushed 1 directly away from the attacking model.
After the enemy model is pushed, the attacking model can
that plague his fractured mind.
advance up to 1 .
double Strike – This model can make two additional attacks Axis is not entirely sane—he is prone to racing, incoherent
for each focus point spent to make additional attacks with this thoughts, violent impulses, and visions that impose the
weapon.
formulas of the goddess across everything he sees. He
REACtIoN displays a wild-eyed zeal that unnerves other members of
Beat Back – See above. the Convergence. He sometimes lapses mid-sentence into
double Strike – See above. recitation of the Nine Harmonics and often forgets to eat,
bathe, or even extract himself from his powerful armor
for days at a time. His peers believe his mind has cracked
the Phase of Alignment as fervently as Axis. His dedication beneath the weight of the gifts Cyriss has given him.
to crushing any who oppose the Great Work is matched Having long prided himself on his powerful physique,
only by his devotion to the goddess herself. he fears mortality; age has recently begun to take its toll,
A former member of a sect of radical Cyriss worshippers, the and he knows his imperfect mind may preclude him from
young Axis was engaged in violent action that threatened transference to a clockwork vessel. To deny these thoughts,
the Convergence by drawing too much unwanted attention. he applies his energy to destroying whatever foe he is
The living priestess who would become Directrix was sent
to exterminate the cult but spared Axis, seeing his devotion provide the goddess better than any other.
and raw talents as qualities she could forge into a weapon.
Axis saw Directrix as the chosen of the goddess and gladly
served as her enforcer and lieutenant. She sent him forth

46
47
Iron MotHer directriX & eXponenT ServiTors
CoNVERGENCE WARCAStER uNIt
She is the Chosen of Cyriss, both Mother and Daughter of the Maiden, the herald who brings machine
perfection only after the cleansing scourge of wrath.
—Axis, the Harmonic Enforcer

FEAt: tACtICAL tIPS


DIRECTRIX
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD MAtHEMAtICAL
acTivaTe exPonenT serviTor – An Exponent Servitor can activate
6 7 5 5 15 16 10 PERFECtIoN the turn Directrix puts it into play.
Closer to true understanding
APERTURE BLAST of the Maiden’s divine doMinaTion –
RNG ROF AOE POW warjack.
equation than any other being
11 1 4 15
on Caen, Directrix hones her Field Marshal – This includes this model.
CLOAK OF BLADES thoughts to transmit that
POW P+S blessed knowledge to each of Thresher – The melee attacks are all simultaneous.
4 11

FOCUS 8 Directrix’s MAT and RAT


DAMAGE 18 are each equal to her
FIELD ALLOWANCE C FOCUS for one turn.
WARJACK POINTS +4 dIRECtRIX
MEDIUM BASE Construct

Activate Exponent Servitor – At the end of your Control Phase,


you can put one Exponent Servitor into play within 1 of this
model if there are fewer than two Exponent Servitors in play in
Directrix’s battlegroup.
Clockwork Vessel – This model counts as a living model for the
purposes of generating soul tokens.
Field Marshal [Arc Node] – Models in this model’s battlegroup
gain Arc Node .
Repairable – Other models can make Bodge or Repair special
actions to repair this model as if it were a warjack. Iron Mother Directrix leads the Convergence with
Warcaster unit – This unit is made up of Iron Mother Directrix formidable brilliance, bold certainty, and unshakable
and two Exponent Servitors.
conviction, but she is young for such responsibility. What
CLoAk oF BLAdES has set Directrix above more senior priests is her passion,
Reach by which she can stir her soldiers to action either by logic
thresher ( Attack) – This model makes one melee attack with or an appeal to their inner humanity. She is perfectly suited
this weapon against each model in its LOS and this weapon’s to be the appointed leader of the age, the one chosen by the
melee range.
Constellation and the divinity architect together to usher in
the Phase of Alignment.
SPELLS CoSt RNG AoE PoW uP oFF
Directrix’s meteoric rise within the Convergence is a result
BACkLASH 3 8 – – YES YES of both her innate abilities and her own design. She was
When target enemy warjack that is part of a battlegroup is damaged, its
born Viana and raised in Ceryl by parents heavily invested
doMINAtIoN 3 8 – – No YES in a peripheral Cyrissist sect that had long been a fruitful
Take control of target enemy non-character warjack that has a functional Convergence recruitment pool. Her parents cultivated an
cortex. You can make a full advance with the warjack and can then make atmosphere of intellectual inquiry and encouraged their
one normal attack, then Domination expires. Domination can be cast only
once per turn. gifted daughter to pursue an academic path. What they
FIRE GRouP 2 SELF CtRL – No No saw as a bright future, however, the frustrated Viana
While in this model’s control area, the ranged weapons of models in its perceived as too limited.
battlegroup gain +2 RNG. Fire Group lasts for one turn.
On her own initiative she investigated enigmatic clues in
SHRAPNEL SWARM 3 8 * 13 No YES
On a direct hit against an enemy model, center a 4 AOE on the model hit. Cyrissist writings that led her to recruitment agents of the
inner circle. She demanded initiation, saying she refused
point of damage.
to squander her mental gifts as a simple cog in a greater
tACtICAL SuPREMACY 2 6 – – YES No
Target friendly model/unit can advance up to 3 after all models have machine. This made such an impression that she was
ended their activations on your turn. indoctrinated into the inner circle at the unprecedented age
of sixteen. She readily left her family behind and bent all her

48
49
at a hidden temple far from her former home. The
Nine Harmonics struck a deep chord within her, and
she immediately joined the clergy, determined to
choose her own path.

Discovering her warcaster ability, she favored the role


of battle-priestess and quickly acquired an advanced
grasp of operational command. By her twentieth year
she was skillfully directing vectors against blackclads
and other foes. Some of the senior clergy became
concerned she was too eager for battle, that she
evinced a desire for violence taken as a human failing.

distancing herself from such emotions. Internal


assessments, however, revealed only an intense focus
on advancing the Great Work by neutralizing any
enemy that might hinder their progress.

All these actions were part of a carefully orchestrated


plan to prepare herself for the upper echelons of
temple leadership. Viana had no interest in taking

single temple, or in being a simple strike force leader.


She saw an imminent barrier to her rise in the sect if
she were so limited and began to question whether
her human state was hindering her advancement. As
she considered the decades of life the Convergence
advised before transfer to a clockwork body—time
they believed necessary for the maturing of the

immortal essence were overshadowed by the cost of


lost opportunities.

Desperate to maintain the momentum of her


work, she set about proving herself ready for

mental acuity beyond her years; now she aspired to


make herself integral to the religious hierarchy and
demonstrate the maturity of her inner being. She
worked tirelessly to learn every role and familiarize
herself with the entirety of the geomantic network
between temples. Her relentless pursuit of such
knowledge in the cell-based structure of the religion
caught the attention of Father Lucant, who played a
subtle role in her advancement.

Over the next decade Viana led many covert strike


forces to further the Great Work. Several fringe
Cyrissist groups were brought to heel under
her direction, and she was instrumental in the
capture of key astronometric nexuses. It was by
her decision that Axis, the Harmonic Enforcer, was

50
brought into the Convergence, transforming him from a
fringe radical to one of the organization’s most formidable
EXPoNENt SERVItoR
Construct
EXPONENT SERVITOR
military assets. Increasingly, ranking clergy noted her SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
6 3 5 5 12 13 —
deep comprehension of the Great Work. No sooner was
she was made an enumerator than there was talk of raising Steady – This model cannot APERTURE BEAM
be knocked down. RNG ROF AOE POW
10 1 — —
was not expected for some decades. APERtuRE BEAM
Imperil – For one round, SMALL BASE
While Viana looked to the day she would be awarded when a model/unit hit by
transcendence, she wished to bear a child before committing
to that process. This was less an expression of maternal roll add +2 to the roll.
instinct than a desire to amplify her presence and agency in
vessel as quickly as possible—a plan Directrix used her
day lead the Convergence and serve as an extension of her
While aware of the apparent hypocrisy, Directrix had sound
the pregnancy. Everything, from her choice of father to the reasons for impeding Aurora’s transcendence. After more
timing of the birth, was meticulously coordinated to ensure than a decade of clockwork existence she had found herself
her progeny would be as gifted and powerful as possible.
She was determined to foster the perfect awakened soul. Her the satisfying exhaustion in her limbs after a battle, the
management of the resulting child was just as controlled, exhilaration of plunging into a cold stream, the sweetness
and she molded every aspect of Aurora’s childhood in order
stretch out before her, she had begun to harbor doubts
This biological necessity managed, the priestess petitioned about her early transformation. Knowing regret would
be seen as weakness, she had kept these thoughts hidden
brought her considerable intellect and political acumen and channeled her energy into her work, designing a more
suitable form for herself. The resulting vessel brings Cyriss
leveraging her remarkable career and numerous contacts to the Convergence in a new way, for Directrix carefully
among the hierarchy, and gaining the tacit support of the chose every aspect to evoke the goddess and be as terrifying
Constellation. Eventually the highest leadership agreed she in battle as it was inspiring in the temple halls.
possessed the mental clarity and maturity of soul necessary In 605 AR, she judged the timing right to present her criticism
for transcendence and approved her transfer to a clockwork of the faith’s progress to the Constellation and Father
vessel at the age of thirty. Lucant, following with a detailed and extremely aggressive
Her transformation opened the way to the upper echelons battle plan to complete their work across Immoren. So
of leadership. She took the name Directrix and quickly persuasive was she that within a year the Constellation
named her iron mother, recognizing her right to lead the
deepest mysteries. She was placed in charge of the Foundry Convergence into this vital phase of the Great Work. Her
of Repudiation, a vital vector assembly workshop. In the strategy takes into account every astronometric nexus
following decades she continued to lead forces against the on the continent, and she has anticipated how to control,
sect’s enemies while also exploiting her relationships with connect, and activate the nexus lattice in spite of the heavy
enemy resistance expected. Further, she intends to position
the Convergence armories. She was assembling data for a Convergence clergy in western Immoren so that they can
detailed critique of the Great Work. Her battles abroad had play a leadership role in the transformation of Caen.

Now Iron Mother Directrix wields the entire military might


to enter the Phase of Alignment sooner than even the most of the faith. She sees each battle as an equation to be solved,
optimistic predictions. She knew there was no one better requiring the right constants and variables to bring about
suited than herself to lead them to victory. its inevitable solution. Every element of her army has its
Not everything had gone as Directrix had expected, role within her plan, and she commands them all with
however. As Aurora grew to adulthood, the two were calculated pragmatism. While Directrix does not wish to
increasingly at odds. The brilliant younger warcaster spent
her time tinkering and refused to apply herself so as to qualms about doing either if it will hasten the manifestation
follow her mother through the ranks of the priesthood. She of the Maiden of Gears on Caen. In pursuit of the Great
also made no secret of her intention to become a clockwork Work there can be neither remorse nor doubt.

51
FaTHer LucanT, diviniTy ArcHiTecT
CoNVERGENCE WARCAStER
Iterative successes converge toward our inevitable victory.
—Father Lucant

FEAt: SPELLS CoSt RNG AoE PoW uP oFF


LUCANT
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD CLoCkWoRk dECELERAtIoN 3 SELF CtRL – No No
6 9 6 3 14 17 10 REINFoRCEMENt While in this model’s control area, friendly models gain +2 DEF and ARM
Lucant calls upon his against ranged attacks. Deceleration lasts for one round.
APOGEE immeasurable knowledge of
POW P+S dISSoLutIoN BoLt 2 8 – 12 No YES
the mechanics of clockwork A model hit by Dissolution Bolt cannot channel spells for one round.
7 16
vessels, vectors, and even the PoSItIVE CHARGE 2 6 – – No No
FOCUS 7 mortal form to weave patterns Target friendly Faction warjack gains +2 to melee attack and melee
DAMAGE 21 of arcane power that reinforce damage rolls. While within 3
FIELD ALLOWANCE C every minor vulnerability in models gain +2 on melee attack and melee damage rolls. Positive Charge
lasts for one turn.
WARJACK POINTS +5
LARGE BASE While within Lucant’s PuRIFICAtIoN 3 SELF CtRL – No No
control area, friendly
immediately expire.
Faction models gain +4
ARM. When a friendly Faction model in Lucant’s control WAtCHER 3 SELF – – YES No
area makes a Repair skill check, it automatically succeeds. When an enemy model advances and ends its movement within 6 of this
Clockwork Reinforcement lasts for one round. model, choose a warjack in this model’s battlegroup that is in its control
area. That warjack can immediately make a full advance and then can
LuCANt make one normal melee or ranged attack targeting the enemy model. The
attack and damage rolls against that model are boosted. After the attack is
Construct
resolved, Watcher expires.

Clockwork Vessel – This model counts as a living model for the


purposes of generating soul tokens. tACtICAL tIPS
Field Marshal [Shield Guard] – Models in this model’s Field Marshal – This includes this model.
battlegroup gain Shield Guard. (Once per round, when a
friendly model is directly hit by a ranged attack during your dissoluTion BolT – Channeling a spell includes casting a spell
opponent’s turn while within 2 of a model with Shield Guard, through a channeler as well as being the channeler.
you can choose to have the model with Shield Guard directly
name. This achievement was a crucial moment for Lucant,
incorporeal, knocked down, or stationary.) who saw his faith vindicated in the orbits of the planets
and the purity of mathematics. It also drew the attention
Repairable – Other models can make Bodge or Repair special
actions to repair this model as if it were a warjack. of the inner circle of the faith, who initiated him into its
Steady – This model cannot be knocked down.
higher secrets, bringing his mind unprecedented clarity and
answering many long-held questions.
APoGEE
Magical Weapon Lucant’s destiny was forever changed when he was invited
Reach to join the cult’s greatest minds at the secret Foundry of
Enumeration. He quickly absorbed all he was taught,
Stall –
mastering the control of vectors as a warcaster as well
and it cannot run or charge. as showing talent at analyzing the output of the Cipher
Engine, a device allowing the goddess to communicate
Father Lucant has served Cyriss for over two hundred through encoded messages. He was at the center of the
pivotal events that led to the destruction of the Foundry
spiritual truths the Convergence holds as incontrovertible. His of Enumeration, surviving only because he was able to
presence inspires awe in all who have transcended to inhabit
clockwork vessels, for it was his work that brought the process
His new machine state lifted a veil from Lucant’s eyes, and
from theory to reality. It was Lucant who initiated the Great
the incomprehensible output of the Cipher Engine became
Work and now he marches to battle to ensure its completion.
clear: at Cyriss’ direction, they would transform Caen
In life, Lucant was a brilliant mathematical prodigy and itself into a tremendous machine by which the goddess
astronomer, qualities that drew the attention of the early would manifest. Lucant dedicated himself to this divine
cult of Cyriss. It was while Lucant worked at the Cygnaran
Royal Observatory that he was initiated into her priesthood divinity architect, a role he created in order to steer their
and soon thereafter discovered the planet that bears his

52
Over the centuries Lucant has continued to study and
decipher the messages of Cyriss in order to advise the
faith in the Great Work. In recent years, his calculations
indicated the time had come for the Phase of Alignment,
when the Convergence must commit to war to acquire vital
geomantic nodes held by rival groups. This decision was
not made lightly, as launching their armies commits the sect
to a perilous course.

Lucant knows the time for doubts has passed and proves
his commitment by leading the Convergence’s armies
personally. Those who follow him in battle know they walk
beside greatness and receive the orders of a mind with
singular insight into the will of their goddess. It is Lucant
they expect to see beside them when the Manifestation is
completed and Cyriss stands among them at last.

53
Forge MasTer SynTHerion
CoNVERGENCE WARCAStER
None can claim the degree of mastery over vectors that comes so effortlessly to Syntherion.
—Father Lucant, Divinity Architect

FEAt: SPELLS CoSt RNG AoE PoW uP oFF


SYNTHERION
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD tECHNoLoGICAL CoNVECtIoN 2 10 – 12 No YES
5 9 6 5 13 18 10 SuPERIoRItY When Convection destroys a living enemy model, allocate 1 focus point to
Few can hope to comprehend a warjack in this model’s battlegroup that is in its control area.
STATIC BOLT the simplest thoughts of
RNG ROF AOE POW Hot SHot 2 6 – – YES No
11 1 — 11 Target model in this model’s battlegroup gains boosted ranged attack
His acute and vigilant mind damage rolls.
WORKSHOP ARRAY MAGNEtIC HoLd 3 8 – – YES YES
POW P+S angle, contemplating myriad
5 14 Construct movement.
In times of great need, he RECoNStRuCt 3 6 – – YES No
FOCUS 6
focuses his prodigious mental When target warjack in this model’s battlegroup is disabled by an enemy
DAMAGE 20
aptitude to a singular point of attack anytime except while it is advancing, place it anywhere within 3
FIELD ALLOWANCE C clarity and purpose, directing of its current location. Remove 1 damage point from each system, then
WARJACK POINTS +6 his vectors to simultaneously Reconstruct expires.
MEDIUM BASE dismantle his foes with every SYNERGY 2 SELF CtRL – YES No
While in its control area, models in this model’s battlegroup gain a +1
cumulative bonus on melee attack and melee damage rolls for each other
While in Syntherion’s control area, models in his battlegroup
model in the battlegroup that hit an enemy model with a melee attack this
can charge without spending focus and gain Weapon Platform.
turn while in this model’s control area.
Technological Superiority lasts for one turn. (A model with
Weapon Platform can make melee and ranged attacks in the
same activation. When a model with Weapon Platform makes
its initial melee attacks or a power attack, it can also make its tACtICAL tIPS
initial ranged attacks. A model with Weapon Platform can make
Field Marshal – This includes this model.
ranged attacks even while in melee.)
convecTion – A warjack cannot exceed normal focus allocation
SYNtHERIoN limits as a result of Convection.
Construct
reconsTrucT – Remember that colossals cannot be placed.

Clockwork Vessel – This model counts as a living model for the


purposes of generating soul tokens. the application of engineering principles. He is so at one
with his work that he can lose himself in it for days on end
Field Marshal [Auto-Repair] – Models in this model’s
battlegroup gain Auto-Repair. (During your Control Phase, without any awareness whatsoever of time passing.
remove d3 damage points from models with Auto-Repair.)
Rather than overseeing a single facility, Syntherion goes
Repairable – Other models can make Bodge or Repair special where he is needed, tasked by Father Lucant and Iron
actions to repair this model as if it were a warjack.
Mother Directrix both to improve the machinery of the
Resourceful – This model can upkeep spells on models in its
temples and to lead Convergence forces deep into enemy
battlegroup without spending focus.
territory. With his army, the forge master claims the key
StAtIC BoLt
damage type: Electricity
clears out any opposition he encounters before rapidly
constructing the transformative machinery required to
Every member of the Convergence is devoted to the realign geomantic energies. This work completed, he moves
completion of the Great Work, but Forge Master Syntherion
applies this piety to everything created in his forges, seeing battle is little more than an inconvenient distraction.
the fractal perfection of the part as it will extend to the
whole. In his eyes, each machine built is a communion with Even among his fellows, Syntherion’s innate comprehension
of engineering borders on the sublime. He understands
the Maiden of Gears.
instinctual grasp of both form and function. Syntherion’s
Syntherion is perhaps closer to absolute synergy with technical ability is greatly admired among the Convergence
the machine than any other Convergence leader. His life and his grasp of the machine is so far advanced that
before his transformation is but the barest glimmer in his few outside the sect can even begin to understand his
vast mind, and he has long since surrendered nearly all innovations. Likewise, he can replicate—if not improve—
human emotions. Constantly processing and as remote as new technology after only a glance. To his peers, his thought
the disembodied members of the Constellation, his mind is process is alien and unfathomable.
occupied with complex equations, energy schematics, and

54
actions he controls with artistic mastery. Those clockwork
as to his workshop. There is no room for emotions, no pity soldiers who accompany him in battle know only too well
or mercy. In every engagement Syntherion seeks to quickly that the forge master gives no allowance for error, outright
eliminate whatever opposes him. He has no patience for discarding any who fail him, for in his calculations there is
variables and thus makes heavy use of vectors, whose no possibility of redemption.

55
convergence vecTors
armament of their battlegroups than their counterparts
centuries of labor, the vectors of the who utilize traditional warjacks. The interface node also
Convergence of Cyriss are lethal marvels. facilitates coordination among multiple vectors, providing
Though outsiders might compare vectors to the warjacks
not possess the ability to process information on their
Eighth Harmonic makes clear the Convergence’s disdain own, they cannot operate without the direct attention of
for attempts to create false sentience. Vectors, then, are not warcasters. This limits their use in smaller engagements or
controlled by autonomous minds like cortexes; rather, they in the defense of secondary facilities, when the sect must
serve purely as extensions of a Convergence warcaster’s rely on its soldiers and servitors.
will. In this faith, only a soul has the right to free will.
Vectors are highly mobile and versatile weapons platforms,
Soon after the discovery of Cyriss, arcane mechaniks
among her followers began working to create a type of negates its weight. Ambulatory vectors walk on multiple
legs that allow them to maneuver across the ground, while
cortexes. Isolating the mechanism that allows a warcaster
to mentally control the cortex provided the key element,
and separating that mechanism from the unpredictable led to vectors that forgo ambulation altogether. At a cost
decision-making regions of the cortex enabled them to of slightly increased power requirements, these hovering
proceed with their designs. The Convergence version of units enjoy unparalleled freedom of motion.
this component is called an interface node.
Vectors bristle with a startling variety of weapons systems
When a warcaster attunes to a vector, he infuses the unique to the Convergence. Many of these weapons utilize
machine’s performance with his personal skill, battle complex ammunition, with each salvo including intricate
experience, and tactics. Consequently, Cyrissist warcasters but disposable clockwork machines instead of traditional
tend to be even more exacting in the makeup and projectiles. Such devices might seem impractical to

DISSEVERING MICROSWARM DESIGN

56
VECTOR POWER SOURCE

Vectors and other engines of war used by the Convergence gather geomantic energy and produce a field capable of sustaining
do not rely on conventional fuel like coal. Instead, the sect ongoing operations. Because the sect is ill prepared for extended
has established a power-generating infrastructure based on conflicts far from such specialized structures, it has undertaken
collecting geomantic energy and broadcasting it as a voltaic creating a pervasive secret network of power-generating nodes
field of alternating current that enables servitors and vectors to across the Iron Kingdoms. Many of the battles the sect initiates
function nearly continuously when close to temple facilities. A relate to extending this lattice.
voltaic field can extend for miles, undetectable by conventional
Though the Convergence prefers to use voltaic energy to power
means and yet sufficient to power vectors in battle. Even outside
vector motive systems and major weapons, it has embraced
of these fields a vector’s capacitors drain slowly, providing hours
simpler power sources for many other applications. The complex
of fighting performance before energy reserves are exhausted,
ammunition systems employed by many Convergence weapons,
and a vector not engaged in battle but simply travelling can
for example, rely on potential energy stored by mechanical
endure considerably longer.
devices like springs and coils. The sect’s engineers are masters
When the Convergence intends to send forces against a remote at attaining tremendous efficiency from such simple mechanisms.
objective, its first priority is to erect an astronometric nexus to

outsiders, but the Convergence considers their fabrication


to be an act of prayer to the Clockwork Goddess. Most MODULATOR
vectors are constructed at facilities contained within the
largest temples of Cyriss. Some smaller temples are able
to assemble a few chassis and weapon types, though they
must rely on satellite facilities for certain parts, and others
provide more general manufacturing support. The rote
creation of these intricate pieces of machinery is its own
reward, and entire temple garrisons dedicate time to their
manufacture, sometimes without any awareness of the

57
CoroLLary
CoNVERGENCE LIGHt VECtoR
Technological superiority can offer only an advantage. Technological dominance, however, can
guarantee victory.
—Father Lucant

CoRoLLARY HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6´8 / 1.25 TONS (0 TONS WHILE ACTIVE)


COROLLARY ARMAMENT: WARCASTER SUPPORT NODULE, POWER TRANSFER EMITTER
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
PEAK OPERATIONAL DURATION: 2.5 HRS COMBAT
6 6 X X 12 15 — Accumulator [warcaster] –
INITIAL SERVICE DATE: 593 AR
When this model begins its
BASH CURRENT DESIGN: COROLLARY ITERATION 10
POW P+S activation within 3 of one
H 0 6 or more friendly warcaster LEAD INNOVATOR: FORGE MASTER SYNTHERION
models, it is allocated 1
DAMAGE focus point. In battle, the Corollary orbits its warcaster, constantly
1 2 3 4 5 6 Arcane Repeater – While
this model’s warcaster emanations. At the warcaster’s direction, the Corollary
is within 5 of it, that
warcaster’s control area is
can act as a conduit for another vector’s focus inductors,
extended 2 . boosting it with a charge of power, amplifying the
Attached to [its controlling
M M warcaster] – This model is
attached to its controlling
M H H M
warcaster for the rest of
I I the game. Each warcaster
can have only one model
attached to it.
FIELD ALLOWANCE 1
POINT COST 3
Focus Battery – During
MEDIUM BASE the Maintenance Phase,
do not remove unspent
focus points from this
model. Focus points remaining on this model at the start of your
Control Phase count toward its focus allocation limit.
Power transfer ( Action) – RNG 5. Target friendly Faction
warjack. If the warjack is in range, spend up to 3 focus points to
allocate it 1 focus point for each focus point spent.

The versatile servitors of the Convergence of Cyriss have


long utilized arcane displacer drives to allow exceptional
freedom of movement, but it was only recently that
innovations allowed even greater mass to be held aloft. The

The Corollary occupies a unique niche in the Convergence’s


arsenal. Unlike other vectors, whose primary purpose is to
apply destructive force, the Corollary is designed to support
its warcaster and allied forces in more complex ways. Its
internal compartments house a suite of arcane accumulators
that store the residual energies generated by a warcaster
and his battlegroup in combat. These energies are
captured by a set of irises recessed in the Corollary’s
hull, then dispensed at the warcaster’s command to
empower other vectors. Additional relays serve to
extend his range of control. A warcaster supported

58
diFFuser
CoNVERGENCE LIGHt VECtoR
Facing those things is suicide. Their bullets can hunt down a man better than Leto’s own hounds.
—Trencher Corporal Lucian Banks

HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 7´4 / 1.75 TONS


dIFFuSER
ARMAMENT: HOMING RIPSPIKE (HEAD), AERIAL GUIDANCE UNIT, POSITIONAL ALLOCATION Circular Vision – This
DIFFUSER
TRANSMITTER SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
model’s front arc extends 5 7 X X 12 16 —
PEAK OPERATIONAL DURATION: 6 HRS COMBAT
INITIAL SERVICE DATE: 507 AR HOMING RIPSPIKE
CURRENT DESIGN: DIFFUSER ITERATION 59 HoMING RIPSPIkE RNG ROF AOE POW
LEAD INNOVATOR: IRON ENUMERATOR QUENTIN TALBOT Beacon – Friendly models H 11 1 — 11
can charge or make a slam
BASH
power attack against an POW P+S
enemy model hit by this H 0 7
tACtICAL tIPS weapon without being
Beacon – forced or spending focus. DAMAGE
movement. A friendly model charging 1 2 3 4 5 6
an enemy model hit by
this weapon gains +2 of
movement. Beacon lasts for
be considered a clockwork marvel, yet these light vectors one turn.
are produced in only slightly lower quantities than the Luck – This model can reroll
ubiquitous Galvanizer. The sect has dedicated multiple missed attack rolls with this
foundries to producing the clockwork parts necessary to weapon. Each attack roll
can be rerolled only once as H H H H
a result of Luck.
M M I I M M

FIELD ALLOWANCE U
POINT COST 3
MEDIUM BASE

quantities required for the Great Work.

channel catapult powered by a high-


tension spring, is its simplest component.

capable of adjusting the spike’s trajectory

a well-calculated course, the ripspike maneuvers

hitting its mark—a vast tactical advantage over


ammunition limited to straight lines.

As a secondary function, its arcane relay sends


targeting data to other vectors, clockwork vessels,
and priests of Cyriss to facilitate termination of the
compromised enemy.

59
gaLvaniZer
CoNVERGENCE LIGHt VECtoR
Galvanizers are the perfect tools—equally suited to restoration or destruction.
—Forge Master Syntherion

GALVANIzER HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 7´4 / 1.9 TONS


GALVANIZER METAL SAW (HEAD), FIELD REPAIR ARRAY
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD Circular Vision – This
model’s front arc extends 5 HRS COMBAT
5 7 X X 12 16 —
339 AR
METAL SAW GALVANIZER ITERATION 113
POW P+S Repair [9] ( Action) – This
H 5 12 model can attempt repairs FORGE MASTER LUCIDIA
on any damaged friendly
DAMAGE Faction warjack. To attempt
repairs, this model must
1 2 3 4 5 6
be B2B with the damaged
tACtICAL tIPS
warjack and make a skill rePair – A wreck marker cannot be repaired. A model cannot
check. If successful, remove repair itself, because it is not B2B with itself.
d6 damage points from the
warjack’s damage grid.
disconcerting for the enemy, however, is how they scramble
MEtAL SAW over the battered forms of their own—not to scavenge but
Critical Grievous Wounds –
H H H H to restore a vector or clockwork vessel from impotent scrap
On a critical hit, the model
hit by this weapon loses to empowered killer.
M M I I M M
Tough, cannot heal or be
healed, and cannot transfer
FIELD ALLOWANCE U
damage for one round.
POINT COST 3
MEDIUM BASE

current use, the Galvanizer forms


the backbone of many battlegroups.
Its metal saw might lack the high
rotational speed of its cousins in the
lumber trade, but it is much better suited to
ripping through iron and steel. The circular
blade is capable of power and precision in equal
measure. In one instant, it can be seen cutting
through the heaviest armor; in the next, it exhibits
the meticulous dexterity required to remove
dented plating from an ally, thereby restoring
operational range of motion.

Couple this versatile tool with the Galvanizer’s

to mend the plating that protects a clockwork


vessel’s delicate soul node.

In battle, Galvanizers resemble robotic insects


scuttling over the landscape to swarm hostile
machines. They shred enemy warjacks like
a host of voracious locusts, bringing once-
mighty engines of destruction crashing
to the ground. Perhaps even more

60
MiTigaTor
CoNVERGENCE LIGHt VECtoR
The journey to enlightenment is initiated by the brilliance of discovery.
—The Ninth Harmonic of Cyriss

HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 7´4 / 1.8 TONS


MItIGAtoR
ARMAMENT: RAZOR BOLA HURLON (HEAD), ROTATIONAL ACCELERATOR MITIGATOR
Circular Vision – This SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
PEAK OPERATIONAL DURATION: 5.5 HRS COMBAT model’s front arc extends 5 7 X X 12 16 —
INITIAL SERVICE DATE: 563 AR
CURRENT DESIGN: MITIGATOR ITERATION 23 RAZOR BOLA
RAzoR BoLA RNG ROF AOE POW
LEAD INNOVATOR: FLUXION ISOLEXUS
Puncture – A model hit by H 7 1 3 —
this attack automatically
BASH
The hum of a rapidly spinning rotational accelerator POW P+S
presages the attack of the Mitigator. Once this vector Quake – On a direct hit H 0 7
engages the enemy, its hurlon chamber begins to whirl its against an enemy model,
all models hit are knocked DAMAGE
ammunition, a razor-sharp and precision-tooled bola, at down. 1 2 3 4 5 6

to envelop targets in a brutal web of steel upon impact.


Its roots may be in an ancient weapon employed by less The Mitigator is a
precision tool in the
incorporates advancements that transform it into a arsenal of its controlling
thoroughly modern instrument of war. warcaster, who with its
careful deployment can H H H H
alter the entire course M M I I M M
of an engagement.
Its weaponry is FIELD ALLOWANCE U
equally well suited POINT COST 4
to shredding close MEDIUM BASE
formations of
troops and to destabilizing single substantial
threats, bringing them low for other
Convergence elements to annihilate.
This flexibility enables a warcaster
to remain both nimble and
responsive with his forces.

used as supporting weapons. A few


volleys of razor bolas can thin even the
most heavily armed troops or clear a path to
targets of priority.

61
AssiMiLaTor
CoNVERGENCE HEAVY VECtoR
It rains death in patterns of perfect symmetry.
—Perforator Prefect Arcturus

ASSIMILAtoR HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 11´10 / 5.8 TONS (0 TONS WHILE ACTIVE)


ASSIMILATOR ARMAMENT: DISSEVERING MICROSWARM (LEFT ARM), RENDING CLAW (RIGHT ARM),
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD ASSIMILATION AUGER (RIGHT ARM)
5 10 X X 11 18 — dISSEVERING PEAK OPERATIONAL DURATION: 2 HRS COMBAT
DISSEVERING MICROSWARM MICRoSWARM INITIAL SERVICE DATE: 599 AR
RNG ROF AOE POW Ground Pounder ( Attack) – CURRENT DESIGN: ASSIMILATOR ITERATION 8
L 11 1 4 13 Place a 4 AOE anywhere LEAD INNOVATOR: FORGE MASTER SYNTHERION
RENDERING CLAW completely within this
POW P+S weapon’s RNG. The center
R 4 14 point of the AOE must be in
this model’s front arc. This tACtICAL tIPS
DAMAGE model makes one ranged Ground Pounder – LOS is not a consideration when placing the
1 2 3 4 5 6 attack roll against each AOE template.
model in the AOE, ignoring
concealment, elevation, and
Stealth. This model cannot Those who close with an Assimilator hoping to halt its
gain the aiming bonus on deadly barrage quickly learn to fear its rending claw
Ground Pounder attack
as well. This versatile weapon can make quick work of
rolls. Ground Pounder
L R opposing warjacks and then use the scrap to patch up its
M L L R R M the target in melee attack own damage.
roll penalty, and a missed
M I I M Ground Pounder attack
roll is not rerolled against
FIELD ALLOWANCE U another model. Models hit
POINT COST 8
attack damage roll.
LARGE BASE

RENdING CLAW
open Fist
Weapon Master
Assimilation – When this model destroys an enemy model
that has Construct with this weapon, immediately after the
attack is resolved, remove d3 damage points from this model.

With its arcane displacer drive generating a low hum of

graceful design belying its deadly weaponry. The vector’s


rending claw snaps open and closed like a vicious
beast’s and its assimilation auger grinds hungrily behind
whirring gears as its dissevering microswarm launcher
rotates and locks into position, ready to deliver the next
devastating salvo.

Though vector armament frequently relies


on kinematics, few weapons showcase the

the dissevering microswarm. This tri-barreled

attack. Should a javelin strike its target (or fall to


the ground), a spring-loaded impact trigger causes
it to detonate in a spray of bladed gears. Alternatively, the
controlling warcaster can trigger the explosion in midair to
shower a target area with a multitude of cutting projectiles.

62
CipHer
CoNVERGENCE HEAVY VECtoR
There is no equation so complex, no pattern so elusive, or no defense so impenetrable
that it cannot be unlocked with the right key.
—Forge Master Meridian

HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 11´8 / 8.8 TONS


CIPHER
ARMAMENT: PISTON SPIKE (BOTH), SERVIPOD MORTAR (HEAD) CIPHER
Attack type – Each time SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
PEAK OPERATIONAL DURATION: 4.25 HRS COMBAT this model makes a normal 4 12 X X 10 19 —
INITIAL SERVICE DATE: 405 AR ranged attack, choose one
CURRENT DESIGN: CIPHER ITERATION 83 of the following abilities: SERVIPOD MORTAR
RNG ROF AOE POW
LEAD INNOVATOR: FORGE MASTER MERIDIAN • Bombardment – Models — 11 2 4 —

damage roll. PISTON SPIKE


In many respects, the servitor stands as a fundamental POW P+S
• Crater – The AOE is L 6 18
achievement of the Convergence of Cyriss; many of the
rough terrain and remains
sect’s most miraculous devices derive from it. Though in play for one round. PISTON SPIKE
POW P+S
individual servitors are neither as complex nor as versatile • Flare – Models hit by this R 6 18
as their more sophisticated brethren, their underlying
principles continue to drive innovation in the forges of the one round. DAMAGE
Convergence. The Cipher’s servipod mortar in particular is Steady – This model cannot 1 2 3 4 5 6
a shining example of how the sect applies the foundational be knocked down.
genius behind servitor technology in groundbreaking ways. SERVIPod MoRtAR
Arcing Fire – When
Every shot from a Cipher’s servipod mortar discharges
attacking with this weapon,
this model can ignore
L R
intervening models except
those within 1 of the target. L L R R
M M I I M M

FIELD ALLOWANCE U
POINT COST 9
LARGE BASE

maximum coverage. Loading chambers


within the Cipher ready groups of servipods
customized to the warcaster’s current
needs. Once the correct ammunition has been
determined, the servipods are launched in
a withering volley. For example, blasting
servipods tear through lightly armored
enemies; lumichem servipods tag enemies
with the same chemicals used by attunement
servitors; and tunneling servipods burrow into
the earth before releasing a charge that ruptures
level ground with treacherous sinkholes.

Convergence warcasters favor the Cipher not only


for its versatility against distant targets but also for

front lines. The vector wields a pair of heavy piston


spikes designed to sunder the heavy armor plating of
any foe sturdy enough to reach the Cipher intact.

63
ConservaTor
CoNVERGENCE HEAVY VECtoR
Force conserved is force that can be returned.
—Weapons Theoretician Orelius Thorne

CoNSERVAtoR HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 11´10 / 5.7 TONS (0 TONS WHILE ACTIVE)


CONSERVATOR ARMAMENT: KINETIC ABLATOR BUCKLER (BOTH), ABLATOR BLADE (BOTH), REACTION ENGINE
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
PEAK OPERATIONAL DURATION: 2.25 HRS COMBAT
5 10 X X 11 18 — Hand of Vengeance –
INITIAL SERVICE DATE: 594 AR
When one or more friendly
ABLATOR BLADE CURRENT DESIGN: CONSERVATOR ITERATION 9
POW P+S Faction warrior models are
L 5 15 destroyed or removed from LEAD INNOVATOR: FORGE MASTER SYNTHERION
play by enemy attacks while
ABLATOR BLADE within 5” this model, this
POW P+S model gains +2 on attack and
R 5 15 destruction of clockwork warrior vessels and then convert
damage rolls for one round.
that energy into a temporary surge of power directed back
DAMAGE Shield Guard – Once per
into the ablator blades. In essence, a Conservator functions
1 2 3 4 5 6 round, when a friendly
model is directly hit by a as both a bodyguard for clockwork priests and as a hovering
ranged attack during your weapon of retaliation.
opponent’s turn while within
2 of this model, you can
choose to have this model
directly hit instead. This
L R model is automatically hit and
M L L R R M
This model cannot use Shield
M I I M Guard if it is incorporeal,
knocked down, or stationary.
FIELD ALLOWANCE U ABLAtoR BLAdES
POINT COST 7 Buckler
LARGE BASE
open Fist

The arcane displacer drive represented a major breakthrough

of gravity, heavy vectors equipped with


this technology gain unparalleled
freedom of movement and confer
enhanced tactical advantage to
clockwork priests. The Conservator
was engineered to leverage these

defensive capacities.

The Conservator is a popular


choice among priests expecting
to come into close contact
with opposing forces. Indeed,
the vector is equipped with
sturdy shields and low-
traction gyros that allow it to
intercept attacks directed at its controller with great

addition to granting supplemental kinetic energy to the


weapons’ basic strikes, the devices empower secondary

64
InverTer
CoNVERGENCE HEAVY VECtoR
When endeavoring to eliminate obstacles to the Maiden’s Equation, there is no weapon so destructive
that it should be dismissed as “excessive force.”
—Iron Enumerator Quentin Talbot

HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 11´8 / 9.2 TONS


INVERtER
ARMAMENT: METEOR HAMMER (LEFT), MACROPUMMELER (RIGHT) INVERTER
Steady – This model cannot SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
PEAK OPERATIONAL DURATION: 4.5 HRS COMBAT be knocked down. 4 12 X X 10 19 —
INITIAL SERVICE DATE: 402 AR
CURRENT DESIGN: INVERTER ITERATION 44
MEtEoR HAMMER METEOR HAMMER
Reach POW P+S
LEAD INNOVATOR: FORGE MASTER MERIDIAN
L 5 17
Chain Weapon – This
attack ignores the Buckler MACROPUMMELER
The forge masters of the Convergence are subtle and and Shield weapon POW P+S
obsessive craftsmen—traits that sometimes lead to the qualities and Shield Wall. R 8 20
implementation of complex solutions to simple problems. MACRoPuMMELER DAMAGE
This is not the case with the Inverter. Its weapons were discharge – After this 1 2 3 4 5 6
designed with one straightforward imperative: to apply model makes an attack with
this weapon, it cannot make
an attack with this weapon
them to so much scrap. for one round.
knockdown – When a
charging directly toward the most seemingly unassailable model is hit by an attack L R
with this weapon, it is
enemies. Once an Inverter engages its target, it sends knocked down. L L R R
its massive macropummeler smashing into the enemy’s
M M I I M M
mass with staggering impact; properly placed blows can
send a heavy warjack to its knees or outright obliterate FIELD ALLOWANCE U
smaller targets. While weighty gears slowly crank the POINT COST 8
macropummeler back into position to be used again, LARGE BASE
the Inverter continues its assault with blows
from its whirling meteor hammer. The
vector continuously makes calculations
during the attack so that each strike

shifting through countless micro-

doomed target makes to preserve itself.

65
ModuLaTor
CoNVERGENCE HEAVY VECtoR
The power of understanding transcends the inexplicable.
—Third Harmonic of Cyriss

ModuLAtoR HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 11´10 / 5.5 TONS (0 TONS WHILE ACTIVE)


MODULATOR ARMAMENT: GALVANIC ARC EMITTER (BOTH), VOLTAIC NIMBUS GENERATOR
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD Immunity: Electricity
PEAK OPERATIONAL DURATION: 1.75 HRS COMBAT
5 10 X X 11 18 —
INITIAL SERVICE DATE: 607 AR
EMITTER SURGE Plasma Nimbus – If this CURRENT DESIGN: MODULATOR ITERATION 2
RNG ROF AOE POW model is hit by a melee
L LEAD INNOVATOR: FLUXION VINCENT BAILEY
11 1 — 10 attack, immediately after
the attack is resolved the
EMITTER SURGE
RNG ROF AOE POW target but also electrocutes everything in-between. After
R 11 1 — 10 POW 10 electrical damage
roll unless this model
EMITTER CORE was destroyed or removed warcaster more precise command over this electrical arc; in
POW P+S
from play by the attack. practice, the adjustment enables the controller to single out
L 4 14
EMIttER SuRGE an enemy target and avoid collateral damage to clockwork
EMITTER CORE vessels and priests.
POW P+S damage type: Electricity
R 4 14 direct Current – If this
attack directly hits, you
DAMAGE can choose to have all
1 2 3 4 5 6 models whose bases are
intersected by a line drawn
between the center of the
model directly hit and the

an unboostable POW 10
L R electrical damage roll .
This damage is not
M L L R R M considered to have been
caused by a ranged attack.
M I I M

FIELD ALLOWANCE U
POINT COST 6
LARGE BASE

Modulator bears a striking resemblance to that


inherent to Cygnar’s storm-based mechanika. Rather
than being generated by a system of rune plates and
storm chambers, however, the electro-arcane energies of
the Modulator are rooted in the voltaic nimbus generator.
This ingenious device, invented by Fluxion Bailey, is
capable of converting stored geomantic energy into a

gears, pulleys, and charging rune plates.

The extreme electrostatic charge created by Bailey’s


generator coruscates along the Modulator’s hull, protecting
it from all manner of electricity-based attacks and
generating a powerful shock against any foe that strikes the
vector without proper insulation. Further, a pair of galvanic
arc emitters allows the Modulator to channel this charge
into a bolt of pure energy that not only hits a designated

66
MoniTor
CoNVERGENCE HEAVY VECtoR
Countless times I’ve seen a warjack’s blade strike true, but never before from twenty paces.
—Battle Mechanik Ilya Raskalov

HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 11´8 / 8.5 TONS


MoNItoR
ARMAMENT: ELLIPSAW FLINGER (LEFT), SPRING-SPIKE FIST (RIGHT), OPTICAL ANALYSIS Steady – This model cannot
MONITOR
COMPARATOR SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
be knocked down. 4 12 X X 10 19 —
PEAK OPERATIONAL DURATION: 4.25 HRS COMBAT
INITIAL SERVICE DATE: 453 AR true Sight – This model
ELLIPSAW FLINGER
CURRENT DESIGN: MONITOR ITERATION 62
ignores concealment, RNG ROF AOE POW
LEAD INNOVATOR: FORGE MASTER MERIDIAN R 13 1 — 13
ELLIPSAW FLINGER SPRING-SPIKE FIST
Critical Brutal damage – POW P+S
The Monitor is one of the most powerful instruments of war
On a critical hit, gain L 5 17
an additional die on
this vector can isolate and identify targets despite natural this weapon’s damage DAMAGE
roll against the model 1 2 3 4 5 6
directly hit.

lenses, each calibrated or alchemically treated to pierce SPRING-SPIkE FISt


the most sophisticated physical or arcane defenses. After open Fist
detecting its targets, the machine uses an intuitive interface Sustained Attack –
to relay the data back to its controlling warcaster, who During this model’s L R
activation, when it
calculates the most accurate trajectories possible for the L L R R
makes an attack with this
weapon against the last
M M I I M M
model hit by the weapon
this activation, the attack
automatically hits. FIELD ALLOWANCE U
POINT COST 8
LARGE BASE

that strike with tremendous force. Each blade


can be induced to alter its axis of rotation in

accelerator wheels. This capability


allows the blades to strike targets at
angles of vulnerability, increasing

In addition, the Monitor


wields a powerful spring-spike

counter-recoil mechanism that


captures excess force to reseat

coils sends the spike forward


with tremendous speed and
force that rapidly neutralizes
the immediate threat, allowing
the vector to seek new targets.

67
68
PriMe
AXioM
AFTER-ACTION REPORT,
STEELWATER GARRISON, 2ND ARMY,
608 AR
Sirs,

Under my command, 3rd Platoon was ordered to investigate


the village of Tryne, west of the Steelwater Flats. Major Allen
had informed Captain Bram there had been no word from
the village for weeks, and we expected trouble with farrow,
which have been launching raids in the area. We arrived
outside Tryne shortly after noon. I ordered our squads to
advance cautiously, and our accompanying mechaniks
readied the pair of Grenadiers allocated to us for the mission.

As we approached the town, several unusual buildings


came into view: strangely shaped metal towers that loomed
over the houses and watermill. We continued down the
main street and observed a huge, metallic structure
straddling the road. A loud, buzzing noise emanated
from it, and we felt a thrumming below our feet. As we

structure into the side streets.

from the metallic structure grew to an unbelievable din.


We were stunned to see the structure move, like a mobile

above the ground. This all took place in just a few seconds.

unleashed a volley of projectiles that shredded much of


Sergeant Envers’ squad. Simultaneously huge cables shot
out, pierced the hulls of our Grenadiers, and reeled them in

Mechanik Tymms and his crew as they raced for cover.

Though I ordered a retreat in the face of this overwhelming


assault, I regret to relay that only twelve of my men
survived. I have never encountered or even heard rumor of
such a strange and dangerous enemy, but I know we must
return to Tryne in force. I recommend deploying a warcaster
and battlegroup if we are to have any hope of avenging my
platoon and the people of Tryne.

Lieutenant Garth Wessem

69
PriMe AXioM
CoNVERGENCE CoLoSSAL VECtoR
An achievement without peer to bring victory without question.
—Forge Master Syntherion

AXIoM HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 33´ / 75 TONS (0 TONS WHILE ACTIVE)


AXIOM ARMAMENT: TOW CABLE LAUNCHER (BOTH), DRILL VICE (BOTH), ACCELESPIKER SPHERE,
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD Launch Servitor – Once per
SERVITOR LAUNCH BAY
5 16 X X 7 20 — turn during this model’s
PEAK OPERATIONAL DURATION: 4.25 HRS COMBAT
activation, you can place
ACCELESPIKER one servitor solo into play INITIAL SERVICE DATE: 493 AR
RNG ROF AOE POW within 2 of this model. CURRENT DESIGN: PRIME AXIOM ITERATION 31
S 13 2 — 11 LEAD INNOVATOR: CONSTELLATION FABRICATION INNOVATION ARRAY
ACCELESPIkER
TOW CABLE
RNG ROF AOE POW Auto Fire [3] – Make 3
L 11 1 — — ranged attacks targeting
a primary target and any tACtICAL tIPS
TOW CABLE number of secondary auTo Fire – These attacks are simultaneous. Attacks against targets
RNG ROF AOE POW targets within 2
R 11 1 — — beyond this weapon’s range will automatically miss.
target. Ignore intervening
models when declaring draG – “Any distance” means “as much as necessary”, not “any
DRILL VICE
POW P+S secondary targets. A distance the player chooses.”
L 4 20 secondary target cannot be launch serviTor – The servitor can activate normally this turn.
targeted by more attacks You do not pay army points for launched servitors.
DRILL VICE than the primary target.
POW P+S Tow caBle – If you choose to make initial ranged attacks, you can
Auto Fire counts as one
R 4 20 make all initial ranged attacks even if you trigger the Drag ability.
attack for ROF.
FIELD ALLOWANCE 2 Remember, however, that once you make an additional attack, you
POINT COST 19 toW CABLE can no longer make initial attacks that activation.
HUGE BASE drag – If this weapon
damages an enemy model
with an equal or smaller
The Prime Axiom is among the mightiest vectors ever
base, immediately after the attack is resolved the damaged devised by the forge masters of the Convergence of Cyriss.
model can be pushed any distance directly toward this model. For more than a century, these perfect engines of destruction
After the damaged model is moved, this model can make one have guarded the secret installations of the religion from
normal melee attack against the model pushed. After resolving
this melee attack, this model can make additional melee attacks
outsiders; until recently, none who had stumbled upon a
during its combat action. Prime Axiom had ever survived to speak of it. Only now
Puncture – that the Convergence’s agenda has brought the sect into
damage point.
against those who would oppose the Great Work.
dRILL VICE
open Fist Originally conceived as a temple guardian, the Prime Axiom
Sustained Attack – During this model’s activation, when it has long served as one of the most important weapons in the
makes an attack with this weapon against the last model hit by
the weapon this activation, the attack automatically hits.
resources to improving it over numerous iterations. Most
LEFT DAMAGE RIGHT DAMAGE of these great guardians were built not by a single temple
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 workshop, but rather by several installations tasked with
fabricating individual components to be assembled at major
locations such as the Temple of the Prime Harmonic. The
earliest versions were ambulatory but relatively slow given
S S S S the tremendous demands placed on their overburdened
L L S I I S R R power supplies. Improvements to the arcane displacer
drive, however, allowed its integration into the Prime
L L I I I I I I I I R R
M M M M M I I M M M M M motion but also increased potential range of action.

With such a potent machine at their command, the greatest


minds of the Convergence worked to arm later iterations
with suitably powerful ordnance. The machine also

metallurgy making use of steel alloys that are considerably

70
harder but lighter than those available to the armies of The Prime Axiom’s weapons systems alone make it a
the Iron Kingdoms. Foremost among the Prime Axiom’s lethal tool, but its stores of deployable servitors multiply
manifold weapons systems are the massive drill vices. its potential force far beyond the expectation of the enemy.
The vector’s lower pivots and chassis are studded with
drills capable of piercing any known alloy. So equipped, bays containing a host of servitors. Throughout the battle a
the Prime Axiom can deliver penetrating blows into the
vulnerable innards of warjacks before ripping them apart situation, tasking them to perform minor repairs, bring
or tossing the wreckage aside.
with lumichem. The Prime Axiom’s aggregate of servitors,
A pair of telescoping tow cables mounted in the chassis of the
heavy armor, and versatile weaponry makes it the equal of
Prime Axiom further augments its close combat capabilities.
any threat yet conceived on Caen.
These harpoon-like cables, tipped with perforating spikes
molded from the same alloy used for the vector’s drills, In action, a Prime Axiom inspires incredible awe and fear.
The thrum of energy cycling through its systems is nearly
targets into reach of the machine’s savage drill vices.
temple of the Clockwork Goddess given motive force and
The Prime Axiom also boasts the accelespiker, which allows
a taste for destruction. Its multiple weapons rip through
its controlling warcaster to engage infantry while the
screening troops, dismantle warjacks, and send servitors
vector’s drill vices take apart more challenging targets. The
deep into the heart of battle. To confront a Prime Axiom
accelespiker sits recessed in the Prime Axiom’s main hull,
in battle is to behold the inevitability of the success of the
where it stores a reserve of the super-dense metal spikes it
Great Work and the terrifying power made possible by the
uses as ammunition. The weapon’s sophisticated launching
guiding hand of Cyriss.
mechanism spins through thousands of rotations each
second, halting at precise intervals chosen by the controlling
warcaster to hurl volleys of spikes with frightening
precision. So great is the accuracy granted by this device
that a warcaster can pepper a single target with multiple
spikes or lay waste to a small area around the initial target.

PRIME AXIOM CONCEPTUAL DESIGNS

71
soLdiers oF The Convergence
Unlike the governments of the Iron
Kingdoms, the Convergence does not they respond to these orders willingly as their part of the
maintain an ordinary standing army. Instead, Great Work. A smaller number of the trained soldiers join
its manpower is spread among temple facilities throughout permanent garrisons. These individuals serve as perpetually
vigilant guardians and ready combatants and often rank
Because the Convergence possesses fewer numbers than the among the sect’s most capable and experienced members.
national militaries, every member has a duty to be trained
All members of the Convergence can expect to pass through
and prepared to join in battle.
any number of clockwork forms as they move toward
The greatest advantage the Convergence possesses over the perfection, although those solely dedicated to combat
many forces that oppose it are its remarkable clockwork typically move through forms more swiftly. A soldier who
vessels. Upon death, or by the approval of an authorized perfects the capabilities of one form or exhibits a capacity
for another might be transferred to a new vessel in order
faith is transferred to an essence chamber, which is then to continue his soul’s evolution. When not called to the
installed in a clockwork vessel. Thus begins the afterlife
revealed to the faithful by the Maiden of Gears. This rebirth spend most of their time in clockwork vessels customized
as a machine allows each adherent of the faith to continue for utility roles, which allow them to contribute to general
on the path toward perfection. Adjusting to existence in a labor and temple projects.
clockwork vessel requires a period of acclimatization. This
The clockwork vessels of the Convergence do not feel pain,
transition period includes extensive training to help the
and the soldiers inhabiting them know that destruction
soul learn to master the vessel and to function as a soldier
of their clockwork bodies rarely means the end of their
of the Convergence.
existence. This allows these soldiers to foster a courageous
For the majority of the transcended members of the faith, resolve rarely matched by their enemies. Clockwork
combat training is a routine matter. They know they might
be summoned at any moment and transferred into combat- practice becomes simply another prayer to the Maiden

OBSTRUCTOR DESIGN

72
of Gears. Further, unlike vectors and larger pieces of
machinery, most clockwork vessels draw power from the HIERARCHY OF THE PRIESTHOOD
souls in their essence chambers, allowing them to function
The priesthood of the Convergence uses three tiers of rank.
added versatility.
Fluxions are the highest-ranking
Stripping away one’s humanity does bring drawbacks as priests, answerable directly to the
well as advantages. Those inhabiting clockwork vessels iron mother. Typically a fluxion
typically display reduced individuality and some few lose has charge of a specific temple
the spark of ingenuity, leading to predictability in battle. complex and its projects, though
The Convergence has ways to address this, such as assigning major temples share leadership
those experiencing a loss of self to the Eradicators, which among multiple fluxions. Fluxions FLuXIoN
also coordinate actions between
temples.
Clockwork soldiers represent the most common of the
Convergence’s troop types, but they are accompanied on Beneath fluxions are enumerators,
highly respected leaders who
supervise a specific project,
less physically hardy than their mechanikal counterparts, objective, or ongoing work.
Attaining this rank requires
these clergy retain their individualism and can react more
considerable mental acumen, strong
readily to unexpected circumstances. Additionally, priests
leadership, and a broad array of ENuMERAtoR
invariably possess considerable technical capabilities,
technical abilities.

Optifex, the lowest rank, comprise


Every member of the Convergence understands his place in
the majority of the priesthood.
the organization. The ability of the sect’s individuals to see
Individual optifex fulfill a broad
themselves as part of a greater whole negates the need for range of functions, working as
a complex chain of command. While the priesthood has its mechaniks, mathematicians,
engineers, and technicians. Optifex
wield limited authority, but perform oPtIFEX
simple division between basic soldiers, who stand ready much of the Convergence’s advanced
to obey, and unit prefects, who direct subordinates and technical labor. Many highly specialized optifex are never
answer to commanding priests. Prefects oversee small units promoted to enumerator, so this rank does not always
denote inexperience.
and serve as points of contact and coordination. They
Priests of the Convergence can serve in either biological
are rarely required to monitor the actions of individuals
bodies or clockwork vessels and are generally required to
in their units, each of whom can be expected to heed his
retain their living bodies as long as possible in order to
training. Instead, the prefects’ primary task is ensuring the
allow their minds and souls to mature. Still, by the time a
units’ actions remain synchronous with the whole of the priest reaches the rank of fluxion he will usually have been
Convergence army. transferred to a clockwork vessel. Junior priests who have
A prefect is chosen for his combat experience and related made the transition are called iron enumerators or iron
expertise. Outside of standing garrisons, prefect is not a optifex, though these honorifics are used only formally.
permanent status. Some are given temporary command

permanent garrisons or armies on lengthy missions the

and keeping the senior clergy apprised of the garrison’s


state of readiness.

73
CLocKworK AngeLs
CoNVERGENCE uNIt
Our knowledge has taken us beyond mortality. With this new vessel, we rise as the Maiden’s angels.
—Aurora, Numen of Aerogenesis

LEAdER & GRuNtS


LEADER & GRUNTS among her most capable followers. Their close relationship
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD Advance deployment
with the young warcaster and the time they had spent
7 5 6 5 14 12 7 Combined Ranged Attack
BINOMIAL BEAM Construct angelic vessels and to the new tactics Aurora developed
RNG ROF AOE POW
10 1 — 10 Blade Shield – This model to exploit their advantages. As the form has continued to
gains +2 DEF against
prove itself in battle, more volunteers have come forward,
BINOMIAL BLADE ranged attack rolls.
POW P+S each hoping to secure a place in Aurora’s host. Among
5 10 Clockwork Vessel – This
Cyriss’ faithful, only those veterans who are fully attuned
model counts as a living
FIELD ALLOWANCE 3 model for the purposes of to the control of clockwork vessels can meet her standards
LEADER & 2 GRUNTS 3 generating soul tokens. for consideration; fewer still possess the mental dexterity
SMALL BASE Flight – This model can
advance through terrain
and obstacles without penalty and can advance through
obstructions and other models if it has enough movement to
move completely past them. This model ignores intervening
models when declaring its charge target.

Reform –
After all
models in this
unit have completed
their actions, each can
advance up to 3 .

BINoMIAL BEAM
Magical Weapon

BINoMIAL BLAdE
Magical Weapon
Brutal Charge – This model gains +2 to charge attack
damage rolls with this weapon.

Clockwork angels represent the newest innovation

this breakthrough, the Convergence leveraged the


revolutionary compact displacer drive invented by Aurora,
Numen of Aerogenesis. Clockwork angels now comprise
fast and deadly strike forces that remain in constant motion
in order to disrupt the sect’s enemies.

Currently few in number, clockwork angels rely on their


speed and the devastating precision of their polynomial
beams to surgically cripple enemy forces, leaving them

elements. The polynomial beams of individual angels are


more than capable of cutting down ordinary soldiers. When
faced with a more daunting foe, however, the angels can
combine their beams to achieve an exponentially more
powerful blast of raw energy.

74
eradicaTors
CoNVERGENCE uNIt

—Fluxion Vacusophist

To outsiders, an army of the Convergence appears to LEAdER & GRuNtS


function as a terrifying machine, singular in purpose. LEADER & GRUNTS
Construct SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
Its movements occur in perfect synchronicity, and its Clockwork Vessel – This 5 8 7 5 12 15 7
components mesh seamlessly together. This impression model counts as a living
PROTEAN BUCKLER
model for the purposes of POW P+S
the fury of the eradicators. generating soul tokens. 4 12
Repairable – Other models
Though the Convergence’s fundamental doctrines DAMAGE 8 EA
can make Bodge or Repair
special actions to repair
FIELD ALLOWANCE 2
overwhelmingly emphasize unity in motion and purpose
this model as if it were a LEADER & 2 GRUNTS 6
among its members—with each individual serving as part of LEADER & 4 GRUNTS 9
warjack.
something bigger than itself—they also stress independent MEDIUM BASE
Side Step – When this
thinking and ingenuity. Because such tenets can be easily
model hits an enemy
forgotten after countless decades of service, ranking priests model with an initial melee
closely monitor clockwork soldiers for signs of loss of self. attack or a melee special attack that is not a power attack, it can
Those so marked have their essence chambers extracted advance up to 2 after the attack is resolved. This model cannot
be targeted by free strikes during this movement.
and placed in eradicators so that they may be reminded of
Variable [melee] – At the start of this unit’s activation, choose
one of the following modes for the unit’s weapons. Each of this
model’s melee weapons gains the ability listed for one round.
• Accuracy – This weapon gains +2 on its attack rolls.
• Shields up – This weapon gains Buckler .

the importance of freedom of thought and action while in


service to the greater whole.

close with the enemy and annihilate it. Unlike many other

cogs, eradicators engage the enemy as distinct individuals.


Indeed, they are encouraged to aggressive action as they
plunge into waves of foes. After one enemy has fallen, an
eradicator uses the momentum of its attack to drive even
deeper into enemy lines.

An eradicator’s primary weapon, the protean buckler,


is perfectly suited to its role as a frontline shock trooper.
Once engaged with its foe, an eradicator uses a spring-
loaded mechanism within the shield to release a pair of

buckler frees the eradicator’s arm for greater mobility and


accuracy, allowing it to unerringly strike down even the
most nimble opponents with surgical precision.

75
OBsTrucTors
CoNVERGENCE uNIt
The first step on the road to perfection is to shed that which makes you imperfect.
—Father Lucant

When non-clergy members perish in battle, or are


LEAdER & GRuNtS
LEADER & GRUNTS Combined Melee Attack otherwise deemed worthy of immortality, their souls are
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
preserved in essence chambers, whereby they can begin
5 7 6 5 12 14 7 Construct
TELEFLAIL Clockwork Vessel – This
POW P+S
a long evolution of forms begins with the obstructors,
model counts as a living
4 11 model for the purposes of which number among the most basic, but also sublimely
generating soul tokens. perfect, of soldier forms. Mirroring the size and form of a
FIELD ALLOWANCE 3
Shield Wall (order) – For man, these clockwork soldiers are well suited to helping a
LEADER & 5 GRUNTS 4
LEADER & 9 GRUNTS 6 new soul acclimate to its journey to transcendence. Once
model gains a +4 ARM interred, neophytes begin extensive training that allows
SMALL BASE
bonus while B2B with
them to truly begin to internalize the core tenants of the
its unit. This bonus does not apply to damage originating in Convergence and to become part of a larger masterwork in
the model’s back arc. Models in this unit can begin the game service to the goddess.

These units must learn to anticipate and emulate the thoughts


tELEFLAIL
and actions of their fellows during battle; doing so requires
Reach
putting aside their concept of self. Obstructor armament is
Chain Weapon – This attack ignores the Buckler and Shield
ideally suited to these early lessons, as their intricate heavy
weapon qualities and Shield Wall.
shields feature ingenious clockwork locking mechanisms
that can quickly join together to create an impenetrable
Kingdoms, obstructors have begun to gain renown as barricade. Whereas the so-called shield walls of other armies
relentless frontline troops. Though each obstructor is allow for missteps of individual movement—and therefore
a capable warrior in and of itself, their unity of action is gaps in mutual protection—the barriers erected by multiple
the conduit through which the Convergence’s forces will obstructors remain perfect and unassailable.
achieve victory.

76
OpTiFeX DirecTive
CoNVERGENCE uNIt
There is as much to be learned in battle as there is to be risked.
—Optifex Grigor Kosshek

tACtICAL tIPS LEAdER & GRuNtS


LEADER & GRUNTS
All-terrain ( Action) – SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
rePair – A wreck marker cannot be repaired. This model can make this 6 5 5 4 13 12 8
special action only when
B2B with a friendly Faction TUNING KIT
Subordinate priests of the Convergence are no less eager model with Construct . POW P+S
to contribute to the accomplishment of the Great Work The construct gains 3 8
than their higher-ranking colleagues—and they often do for one turn. FIELD ALLOWANCE U
so at tremendous personal risk. A team of optifex priests, Iron Sentinel – While B2B LEADER & 2 GRUNTS 2
collectively known as a directive, take to battle in order to with a friendly Faction SMALL BASE
warjack, this model gains
+2 DEF and ARM and
and vectors. Though these priests occupy a relatively low cannot be knocked down.
position in the sect’s hierarchy, the dangers they face are
Repair [8] ( Action) – This model can attempt repairs on any
damaged friendly Faction warjack. To attempt repairs, this
recognized and rewarded for their faithful devotion. model must be B2B with the damaged warjack and make a
skill check. If successful, remove d6 damage points from the
warjack’s damage grid.
Weapons Modulation ( Action) – This model can make this
special action only when B2B with a friendly Faction model
with Construct . The construct’s weapons gain Magical
Weapon for one turn.

whose superlative technical knowledge makes them


invaluable elements of any Convergence battlegroup.
Each carries a plethora of tools both to repair vessels and

to shifting combat needs. In addition to optimizing a


vector’s mobility, a skilled optifex can even rapidly
recalibrate the arcane tuning of the machine’s
weaponry to function against incorporeal or
otherwise supernaturally protected enemies. In
battle, members of a directive stay in constant
motion. They engage in a carefully orchestrated
series of orbits between the warcaster and his
vectors, modifying and repairing individual cogs in
Cyriss’ machine of war.

77
reciprocaTors
CoNVERGENCE uNIt
For each action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
—Drago Salvoro

Reciprocators represent the next level of advancement for


LEAdER & GRuNtS
LEADER & GRUNTS most obstructors. By the time a member of the Convergence
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD Construct
joins the ranks of reciprocators he will have seen decades
5 8 7 5 12 16 7 Clockwork Vessel – This
model counts as a living of service. This experience is essential to allowing a soul
PROTEAN POLEARM
POW P+S model for the purposes of to master the intricacies of manipulating and controlling
4 12 generating soul tokens. a clockwork body. Because reciprocators are far more
Shield Wall (order) – For robust in dimension, strength, and complexity than their
DAMAGE 8 EA
FIELD ALLOWANCE 2 predecessors, transferring to one can be just as jarring as
model gains a +4 ARM
LEADER & 2 GRUNTS 6 the transfer from human to obstructor.
bonus while B2B with
LEADER & 4 GRUNTS 9
Reciprocators act like springs intended to absorb the energy
MEDIUM BASE its unit. This bonus does not
apply to damage originating
of enemy assaults and then counterattack, leveraging years
in the model’s back arc. of training within Cyriss’ harmonics to operate in perfect

Repairable – Other models can make Bodge or Repair special of their bodies and armament. With a whirring of gears
actions to repair this model as if it were a warjack. and servos, these clockwork soldiers step into formation,
Variable [melee] – At the start of this unit’s activation, choose shields interlocking with engineered perfection even as the
one of the following modes for the unit’s weapons. Each of this blades of their protean polearms slide back to shift from
model’s melee weapons gains the ability listed for one round.
halberd to spear. After blunting a charge against their
• Empowered Attack – This weapon gains +2 on its damage rolls. heavy shields and bristling spears, the units respond with a
• Set defense – counterassault prefaced by the sound of clockwork blades
charge, slam power attack, and impact attack rolls against this snapping back to form wicked halberds once more.
model.

PRotEAN PoLEARM
Reach can endure conditions harsh for even the hardiest of living
creatures. Whereas other warriors must eventually succumb
to the weakness of their physical bodies, reciprocators
feel nothing but the oneness found within the greater
understanding of their role within the Convergence.

78
reducTors
CoNVERGENCE uNIt
Our victory is achieved by the most basic of calculations.
—Forge Master Syntherion

Reductors represent an alternative path for recently LEAdER & GRuNtS


LEADER & GRUNTS
transformed souls of the Convergence. Their ranks are Construct SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
reserved for those individuals who have been immersed Clear! – Ranged attacks 5 7 6 5 12 14 7
in clockwork vessels long enough to have become adept against friendly models
SWARM PROJECTOR
made by a model with RNG ROF AOE POW
Clear! automatically miss. SP 6 1 — 13
in the midst of battle. Reductors must be quick thinkers
Clockwork Vessel – This
capable of adjusting the trajectory settings of their swarm RETRACTABLE BLADE
model counts as a living POW P+S
weapons in the blink of an eye. When accompanying model for the purposes of 3 10
other Convergence soldiers in combat, reductors advance generating soul tokens.
closely behind the frontline troops as a secondary wave FIELD ALLOWANCE 3
LEADER & 5 GRUNTS 4
to spring-wound gears. LEADER & 9 GRUNTS 6
navigate through Convergence ranks to bore into and Individual mechanisms SMALL BASE
eviscerate enemy formations. in the swarm follow
The mechanikal buzz of the reductors’ swarm projectors programmed trajectories
inspires dread in even the most seasoned troops, for it to veer around obstacles and impact chosen targets.
is a sound that heralds almost certain death. As the Enemies within the shimmering, humming mass are
clockwork soldiers close in, the air suddenly becomes quickly disassembled—armor, skin, muscle, and bone
filled with a lethal cloud of silvery shapes: thousands of stripped away in sequence with horrifying alacrity. Their
pernicious clockwork devices no more than an inch in assault ceases only when every individual mechanism’s
length that house dozens of razor-sharp blades attached internal winding has been expended, the grisly droning
giving way to a scene of macabre death.

79
PerForaTors
CoNVERGENCE uNIt
Obstacles lie in the path of every great endeavor. Perforators manifest solutions to the obstacles that
would impede the Maiden’s decrees.
—Enumerator Delocartes

LEAdER & GRuNtS tACtICAL tIPS


LEADER & GRUNTS
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD Construct
assaulT (order) – The assaulting model ignores the target in
5 8 7 5 12 15 7 Assault (order) – melee penalty even if is not in melee range of its charge target after
models must charge or run. moving.
PROTEAN JAVELIN
RNG ROF AOE POW As part of a charge, after
6 1 — 6 moving but before making
Souls chosen to join the ranks of perforators must have the
GEAR BLADE model can make one ranged ability to quickly calculate ballistics trajectories based on
POW P+S
attack targeting the model
4 12 charged unless they were in
DAMAGE 8 EA melee with each other at the
javelin launchers to overcome opponents whose armor
FIELD ALLOWANCE 2 or resilience threatens to stall the army’s advance. They
activation. Models that
LEADER & 2 GRUNTS 6
received this order cannot have been tasked with supporting the Convergence’s war
LEADER & 4 GRUNTS 9 make combined ranged
MEDIUM BASE attacks this activation.
specialized vessels and keen minds.
When resolving an Assault

melee penalty. If the target is not in melee range after moving,

activation ends.
Clockwork Vessel – This model counts as a living model for the
purposes of generating soul tokens.
Repairable – Other models can make Bodge or Repair
special actions to repair this model as if it were a warjack.
Variable [ranged] – At the start of this unit’s activation,
choose one of the following modes for the unit’s weapons.
Each of this model’s ranged weapons gains the ability listed
for one round.
• Empowered Attack – This weapon gains +2 on its damage rolls.
• Snipe – This attack gains +4 RNG.

PRotEAN JAVELIN
Armor Piercing – When calculating damage from this weapon,
halve the base ARM stats of models hit that have medium or
larger bases. This weapon gains +2 to damage rolls against
models with small bases.

in weaponry for the Convergence’s heavy


clockwork soldiers. While preparing for the next
stage in the Great Work, the military leaders of
the Convergence demanded improvements to

The faction’s leaders have never seen the

powder, instead preferring precisely controlled


mechanisms of their own design. In response,
the forge masters devised a prototype for the

gear-wound springs to propel javelins with the


tremendous force required to punch through
heavy armor.

80
Transverse enuMeraTor
CoNVERGENCE uNIt AttACHMENt
A machine is only as perfect as its smallest gear.
—Enumerator Gavin Smythe

Attachment [Convergence] –
tACtICAL tIPS This attachment can be ENUMERATOR
rePair – A wreck marker cannot be repaired. SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
added to a Convergence unit.
6 5 6 5 13 13 9
oFFicer ENuMERAtoR
BLOWTORCH
Fearless RNG ROF AOE POW
in the unit or the unit leader becomes the unit commander.
SP 6 1 — 12

Attachment deployment – TUNING STAFF


Priests of the Maiden of Gears strive to gain as much If this model is attached POW P+S
experience as they can before undergoing transformation to to a unit with Advance 5 10
clockwork vessels; indeed, they spend many years studying Deployment , it gains
DAMAGE 5
Advance Deployment. If it
FIELD ALLOWANCE 3
is attached to a unit with
Those who dedicate themselves to creating and perfecting Ambush, it gains Ambush. POINT COST 2
the Convergence’s weapons of war are willing to risk the SMALL BASE
Iron Sentinel – While B2B
perils of battle to gain greater understanding of their work. with a friendly Faction
Known as transverse enumerators, these senior priests enjoy warjack, this model gains +2 DEF and ARM and cannot be
a comprehensive understanding of Convergence designs. In knocked down.
addition, most priests of this rank have spent time working Realignment – Once per game during its unit’s activation, this
in directives and have thus gained tremendous leadership model can use Realignment. Models in this unit can reroll failed
attack rolls and skill checks this turn. Each roll can be rerolled
experience and practical knowledge of combat.
only once as a result of Realignment.
Repair [9] ( Action) – This model can attempt repairs on any
damaged friendly Faction warjack. To attempt repairs, this
model must be B2B with the damaged warjack and make a
skill check. If successful, remove d6 damage points from the
warjack’s damage grid.
tactics: Ranked Attacks – Models in this unit gain Ranked
Attacks. (Friendly Faction models can ignore models with
Ranked Attacks when determining LOS.)

BLoWtoRCH

damage type: Fire

tuNING StAFF
Reach

The transverse enumerators’ intimate grasp

limitations allows him to quickly adjust a unit’s


tactics, even in the heat of action. Such masters
can orchestrate the attacks of clockwork units
with a precision that borders on the divine.

81
AccreTion ServiTors
CoNVERGENCE SoLo
You cannot defeat what you cannot destroy.
—Forge Specialist Isopurgus

Accretion servitors carry a small array of mechanikal tools


SERVItoR
SERVITOR that enable them to provide temporary repairs to clockwork
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD Construct
vessels and vectors in the heat of battle. Expediting their
6 3 5 5 12 13 —

FIELD ALLOWANCE 3 Bodge ( Action) – achieve by manipulating ambient geomantic forces. Indeed,
3 ACCRETION SERVITORS 1 This model performs
SMALL BASE minor repairs to one
damaged friendly
Faction warjack with damaged servos or weld rent armor plating. And, just like
which it is B2B. Remove 1 damage point from the warjack. bees, accretion servitors can deliver a painful sting to the
Steady – This model cannot be knocked down. encroaching enemy when threatened.
Strip ( Action) – This model can make this special action

damage point to the column of your choice.

Originally designed to assist the priests and fabricators


of the Convergence in foundries and workshops, the
accretion servitor has made itself indispensable on the

ministrations. It is capable of making quick repairs to any

between victory and defeat.

Integral to each servitor is a modern marvel of clockwork


engineering, a tiny computational engine that is, at its
core, a string of conditional directives that grant the
servitor the ability to perform complex tasks independent
of external guidance. On its own, each individual directive
is exceedingly simple; when combined, however, they
form a sophisticated situation-response algorithm able to
prompt seemingly complex behavior. This algorithm is a
testament to the ingenuity of the devotees of the goddess
Cyriss. Once the servitor determines its next course, it
immediately takes action to carry out its instruction.

82
ALgoriTHMic dispersion OpTiFeX
CoNVERGENCE SoLo
Even arcane force is carried by signal—and, like any signal, it can be amplified.
—Forge Master Syntherion

Among the most important but demanding tasks carried


oPtIFEX
out by the living priests of the Convergence is the OPTIFEX
Iron Sentinel – While B2B SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
deployment of algorithmic dispersion arrays—devices with a friendly Faction 5 5 5 4 13 12 8
that increase the reach of a warcaster’s arcane spells well warjack, this model gains
beyond normal tolerances. Because an array’s arcane tuning +2 DEF and ARM and DAMAGE 5
cannot be knocked down. FIELD ALLOWANCE 4
Subharmonic tuning – POINT COST 1
to be managed by the subroutines of a servitor, optifex train
While this model is not SMALL BASE
dutifully to keep the connection between their devices and in melee, is within 6
Convergence warcasters running smoothly. of a friendly Faction warjack, and is in a friendly Faction
warcaster’s control area, the warcaster can channel spells
An optifex serving in this capacity must remain vigilant to through this model.
the changing demands of his warcaster’s situation. To best
accomplish this task, he positions himself near the vectors
array’s frequencies, the optifex acts as a transmitter through
that act as relays for the arcane frequencies of the warcaster’s
which the warcaster can bolster his battlegroup or strike
mental control. By carefully modulating the dispersion

extended service, during which time the pair work closely

Operating an algorithmic dispersion array is no mean feat,


and even the most skilled is sometimes confounded by the
complexities of his task. An optifex must maneuver quickly
through battle despite the weight of his equipment and
is regularly forced to place himself directly in the path of
danger. To the optifex himself, this is simply a necessary

priest can aspire. Nevertheless, acting in this capacity does


not ensure advancement, so senior priests usually take pity
on their juniors serving as algorithmic dispersion optifex
by rotating them to other tasks after appropriate
durations of service.

83
ATTuneMenT ServiTor
CoNVERGENCE SoLo
Assignation of priority for termination is the first antecedent in battle.
—Aurora, Numen of Aerogenesis

SERVItoR
SERVITOR
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD Construct
small glass globes containing the lumichem toward the
6 3 5 5 12 13 —
designated foe. Even if it misses its target, these globes
LUMICHEM AMPULE Steady – This model cannot will explode with great force, spraying the substance
RNG ROF AOE POW be knocked down.
7 1 4 — across a wide area. Enemies covered in lumichem make
LuMICHEM exceedingly easy targets, as they are both visible from
FIELD ALLOWANCE 3 AMPuLE
3 ATTUNEMENT SERVITORS 2 Flare – Models hit by this
SMALL BASE substance’s adherent qualities. Additionally, because all
round.
anything marked with lumichem, such unfortunate targets
The Convergence of Cyriss boasts many skilled arcane soon become the focus of innumerable spikes, saws, and
mechaniks, academic researchers, and mathematicians,
but its ranks also include numerous luminaries in the

their cross-disciplinary achievements is the attunement


servitor, a machine designed to mark targets of priority
for destruction via the application of a phosphorescent
alchemical agent known as “lumichem.” This highly
adhesive, chemiluminescent liquid glows with incandescent
brightness for hours after being exposed to the air for just
a few seconds and is simple for Convergence alchemists to
produce in bulk.

Attunement servitors are designed to multiplicatively

seeking out high-value targets and designating them


for elimination. Guided by a complex set of encoded

close on their intended targets with no concern for their


own preservation. If an attunement servitor approaches a
foe that does not conform to the parameters of prioritized
targets with which it has been programmed, it will continue
on unless the enemy engages it.

84
eLiMinaTion ServiTor
CoNVERGENCE SoLo
The elimination servitor is a perfect constant in the equation of battle.
—Father Lucant

Boasting a computational engine that dictates its behavior


SERVItoR
like all other servitors, the elimination servitor operates by SERVITOR
Construct SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
one primary directive: hunt down and terminate any and all
6 3 5 5 12 13 —
it does not recognize as an ally. These servitors were initially
designed to guard temples and other sites important to the SPIKE EJECTOR
RNG ROF AOE POW
Convergence, but the recent commencement of this crucial Steady – This model cannot
9 1 — —
be knocked down.
phase of the Great Work has led to them being used in more
FIELD ALLOWANCE 3
SPIkE EJECtoR
3 ELIMINATION SERVITORS 2
Puncture – A model hit by
Elimination servitors are easy to manufacture and yet SMALL BASE
this attack automatically
represent a serious threat that few enemies can ignore.
Sophisticated visual sensors and response algorithms allow

the chaos. This high level of visual acuity complements their computational engines, which are endowed
with more conditional subroutines than any
other Convergence servitor. In their active

know when to engage in self-preservation

programming allows them to evaluate targets


based on exacting criteria, as they are often
deployed under circumstances in which they

Once it has acquired a target, an


elimination servitor advances in a series of
precise and measured movements intended to
bring its spike projector to bear with the greatest

spike projectors do not rely on volatile blasting


powder; instead, they employ a heavy gear-wound
spring to propel a hardened iron spike capable of breaching

modest but reliable damage against enemy machines,

elimination servitors working in tandem can quickly rack


up an impressive kill tally, systematically decimating an
enemy force.

85
enigMa Foundry
CoNVERGENCE SoLo
Consciousness transcends the mechanics of mundane physicality.
—Father Lucant

FouNdRY tACtICAL tIPS


FOUNDRY
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD Construct
reconsTrucTion – Remember, the Grunt can activate normally
5 8 — — 10 18 10 with its unit this turn. If all models in the Grunt’s unit have been
DAMAGE 10 Clockwork Vessel – This destroyed, it cannot be placed within 3 of a model in its unit and
model counts as a living therefore cannot return to play. You can return small-based models
FIELD ALLOWANCE 2
model for the purposes of to multiple units in the same turn.
POINT COST 3
LARGE BASE generating soul tokens. rePair – A wreck marker cannot be repaired. A model cannot
Convocation – This model repair itself, because it is not B2B with itself.
gains one soul token for
each friendly living Faction warrior model destroyed in its

collateral damage of an enemy attack. This model can have up


to three soul tokens at a time.
Reconstruction ( Action) – Remove one soul token from this
model to return one destroyed medium-based friendly Faction
Clockwork Vessel Grunt to play or remove up to three soul
tokens from this model to return one destroyed small-based
friendly Faction Clockwork Vessel Grunt to play per token
removed. Each Grunt must be placed within 1 of this model, in
formation, and within 3 of another model in its unit.
Repair [10] ( Action) – This model can attempt repairs on
any damaged friendly Faction warjack. To attempt repairs,
this model must be B2B with the damaged warjack and make
a skill check. If successful, remove d6 damage points from the
warjack’s damage grid.
Repairable – Other models can make Bodge or Repair special To Cyrissists, the enigma foundry represents the Maiden’s
actions to repair this model as if it were a warjack. promise of eternal life through transformation into the
machine. The recently perfected enigma foundry is vital
All faiths include members who act as shepherds, those to the sect’s overall military strategy. It is a specialized
whose holy duty is to protect the souls of the faithful. For clockwork form inhabited by the soul of a senior priest who
the Convergence, this notion is not just a metaphor but has proven his skill in fabricating clockwork vessels. Such
a concrete reality. Thanks to the miracle of the clockwork disciples are entrusted with the most sacred of charges:
vessel, a member of the Convergence might live a reclaiming and safeguarding the souls of those who fall in
thousand lifetimes upon Caen—provided that his soul’s battle for re-internment in new clockwork vessels.
essence chamber remains safe from the predations of Enigma foundries are festooned with servo tools that,
enemies. In more peaceful times, such danger was rare. As combined with the priests’ knowledge, enable them to
rapidly reconstruct fallen clockwork vessels from parts
of Immoren, however, the chances of true extinction have salvaged during battle. Once an enigma foundry has rebuilt
greatly increased. a vessel, it carefully installs an essence chamber collected
Though members of the Convergence may be found across from among the fallen. The capability to protect its warriors
Immoren, the sect’s numbers remain low compared to the for reinstallation—and even to return some of them to the
true nations of the Iron Kingdoms. Compounding this is
the fact that Convergence members each carry decades or
even centuries of knowledge gained over their existence
in machine bodies—experience that cannot easily be forces of the Convergence can never truly be defeated.
replaced. In the course of managing its limited assets, The strategic and spiritual importance of enigma foundries
makes them an essential aspect of the Convergence of
that they can continue to contribute to the Great Work. A Cyriss’ tactics. In rare instances where the sect must retreat
damaged clockwork vessel can be rebuilt, but the essence
and accumulated aptitude of the one who inhabits it is a ensuring that their precious cargo of souls is preserved to
most precious resource indeed.

86
87
reFLeX ServiTor
CoNVERGENCE SoLo
The total entropy of any system will not decrease except by increasing the entropy of another system.
The reflex servitor is that inducing force.
—Forge Master Syntherion

Creating this behavior required priests to make numerous


SERVItoR
SERVITOR
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD Advance deployment
adding the restraint required to avoid striking until the
6 3 5 5 12 13 — Construct
PROBABILITY MINE
POW P+S
was calibrated to store residual kinetic energy, an alteration
Counter Charge – When that enables sudden bursts of speed. This combination
— —
an enemy model advances
FIELD ALLOWANCE 3 and ends its movement
3 REFLEX SERVITORS 2 within 6 of this model swift motion as it responds to emerging threats and arms
SMALL BASE and in its LOS, this model the probability mine in its core.
can immediately charge it.
If it does, it cannot make In accordance with the Convergence’s design philosophies,
another counter charge until after your next turn. This model the probability mine functions without a crude explosive
cannot make a counter charge while engaged.
component, instead relying on precisely machined internal
dig In ( Action) – mechanisms to store potential energy. At a command from
blast damage, and does not block LOS. The model remains dug
its computational engine the servitor will suddenly burst
in until it moves, is placed, or is engaged. The model cannot
dig into solid rock or man-made constructions. This model can into countless pieces of deadly shrapnel. All aspects of its
begin the game dug in. fabrication maximize transference of kinetic energy from
Steady – This model cannot be knocked down. interior to exterior to create a large, lethal blast zone.
PRoBABILItY MINE
detonation – If this attack directly hits, instead of dealing
damage normally, center a 4 AOE on the model hit and

unboostable POW 14 damage roll. If the attack misses,


center the AOE on this model and remove this model
from play. Models in the AOE other than the model

blast damage roll. Blast damage from this attack is not


considered to have been caused by a melee attack.

servitor is an enigma. To the warriors of the faith,


it represents precise function given deadly form. In

embody the Convergence’s basic combat doctrine.

First used for defense alongside elimination

computational engine and geomantic drives as

enemies through its own destruction. It does not,

maintains a self-preservation directive while other


Convergence forces engage and attacks once other
measures have failed or its own success is virtually

predator stalking dangerous prey, waiting for the


proper moment to strike.

88
SteeLsouL ProTecTor
CoNVERGENCE SoLo
Analyze an attack, and its counter emerges.
—Steelsoul Protector Verlut

Though it is the duty of every clockwork soldier to protect


PRotECtoR
the priests of Cyriss, for the steelsoul protectors this is PROTECTOR
Construct SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
their primary purpose. These bodyguards gladly place
Clockwork Vessel – This 5 8 6 5 12 17 7
themselves in the gravest danger, willing to confront any model counts as a living
IRON GLAIVE
enemy and readily facing their own certain destruction in model for the purposes of POW P+S
generating soul tokens. 4 12
defensive Strike – Once
DAMAGE 8
per turn, when an enemy
model advances into and FIELD ALLOWANCE 3
ends its POINT COST 2
movement in MEDIUM BASE
guard. Their reactions must be instant, their movement
this model’s
driven by training and superior perception of a situation. melee range,
this model can immediately make one normal melee
attack against it.
Repairable – Other models can make Bodge or Repair
special actions to repair this model as if it were a
warjack.
Shield Guard – Once per round, when a friendly model
is directly hit by a ranged attack during your opponent’s
turn while within 2 of this model, you can choose to have
this model directly hit instead. This model is automatically hit

Guard if it is incorporeal, knocked down, or stationary.

IRoN GLAIVE
Reach

A protector’s entire body is a shield against the harm


intended for the priests of the Maiden of Gears. The shell
of the vessel, light enough to allow its bearer to move
with startling speed but also tremendously durable, is
forged of resilient steel alloys developed by Convergence

Additionally, the vessel’s frame possesses the strength


necessary to employ the protector’s massive iron glaive

counterstrikes.

Among the most respected warriors of the Convergence,


steelsoul protectors are often drawn from the most vigilant
and perceptive of the Convergence’s living guardians—
seasoned veterans who are intimately familiar with both

individual tactics of its warcasters. Only the most worthy

transfer into one of these revered vessels.

89
TransFiniTe EMergence ProjecTor & PerMutation ServiTors
CoNVERGENCE BAttLE ENGINE & SoLoS
The energy we gather, vast as it seems, can be multiplied tenfold through precise alignment.
Theoretically, there is no finite limit to the power at our disposal.
—Principles of Geomantic Energy

PRoJECtoR from the table. Once per activation, after its normal movement,
PROJECTOR this model can place up to three Permutation Servitors anywhere
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD Construct
within 1 of this model.
5 10 — 4 10 19 10 Gun Platform – This model
can make ranged attacks APERtuRE PuLSE
APERTURE PULSE
RNG ROF AOE POW even while in melee. Auto Fire [2] – Make 2 ranged attacks targeting a primary target
— SP 10 1 — 10 and any number of secondary targets within 2
Ignore intervening models when declaring secondary targets.
[Permutation Servitor] –
DAMAGE 20 A secondary target cannot be targeted by more attacks than the
When this model is directly
FIELD ALLOWANCE 2 hit by an enemy ranged
primary target. Auto Fire counts as one attack for ROF.
POINT COST 9 attack, you can choose to Firing Formulae – When this model makes a ranged attack
HUGE BASE have one friendly, non- with this weapon during its activation, determine the position
incorporeal Permutation of the Permutation Servitors this model put into play. For each
Servitor model within 3 of
this model directly hit instead. That model is automatically hit
arc, this model gains an additional die on its damage rolls.
For each completely within its back arc, this model makes an
Servitor Satellites – At the start of this model’s activation,
additional Auto Fire attack.
remove any Permutation Servitors this model put into play

SERVItoR tACtICAL tIPS


SERVITOR
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD Construct
auTo Fire – These attacks are simultaneous. Attacks against targets
6 3 5 5 12 13 — beyond this weapon’s range will automatically miss. Each Auto
Fire attack uses the spray template.
SMALL BASE orbit – This model does
not begin the game in play FirinG ForMulae – Servitors that are not completely within one of
and does not activate. This the arcs do not provide a bonus.
model cannot be targeted or hit by attacks made by the model
serviTor saTelliTes – If this models runs or fails a charge, its
that put it into play. If the model that put this model into play is
activation ends before you have a chance to place servitors.
destroyed or removed from play, remove this model from play.
Steady – This model cannot be knocked down.
the permutation servitors that maneuver around it and
which it utilizes to regulate its energies. These permutation
emergence projector towers over the clockwork soldiers and servitors, similar to other Convergence servitors, employ
vectors of a Convergence army. The machine strides across computational algorithms to help determine focal
positioning for the projector’s aperture pulse. Through
precise positioning, they can modulate the pulse for
whir of internal gears and a low hum of building energy, the pinpoint accuracy, destructive intensity, or area saturation,
depending on current combat needs.

Permutation servitors additionally serve as dispensable


projector’s powerful energy beam. shields. Leveraging a propulsion system related to the one

trajectories to intercept incoming threats. Each emergence


Due to the scattered placement of important geomantic projector contains within its voluminous interior an
conjunctions, the Convergence must often engage in the
arduous task of removing structures from an area before fabricate a steady stream of replacement servitors. Newly
construction of an astronometric nexus can begin. Properly built servitors emerge from one of two lateral bays and
tuned, an emergence projector’s aperture pulse can quickly
its powerful aperture pulse at the next unfortunate target.

These machines do not operate with the help of interface


nodes or souls; instead, each machine goes about its work
semi-autonomously. The apparatus relies on a sophisticated
engine able to coordinate smoothly with the motions of

90
91
painTing convergence
The Convergence of Cyriss models are a fantastic This painting guide is designed to take the painter through
opportunity for painters to practice their metallic paint
techniques. In addition to having a glow, the model order. Ideally, start with “Preparing the Models” and move
surfaces are metal, mostly grey. The darker carbon steel through the steps in the order they are presented here.
and lighter stainless steel recipes for the faction build
on the same basecoat color of Cold Steel, with contrast

shadow colors over the basecoat.

PAINTING TERMINOLOGY
BASECOAT SHADING
The initial coat of paint on which everything else will be built. It is A darker color applied to the basecoat in the recessed areas of a
important that the basecoat is very clean and every color is where it miniature to create shadows.
should be. Shades and highlights will coordinate with the basecoat
and main color choices.
TWO-BRUSH BLENDING
The use of two brushes to apply and blend paint on a model. Use
BLEND a smaller brush to apply a dot or line of paint and immediately
Creating a smooth, gradual change between two or more colors on a use a slightly larger brush that is clean but soaked with water or
model’s surface. saliva to blend the paint over the basecoat. Have the larger brush
ready and wetted while applying the paint with the smaller brush
CONTRAST so you can quickly switch brushes and blend the paint. This is the
Placing opposing elements such as light and dark to create visual
technique used in the Privateer Press Paint Studio to blend glazes,
interest. This applies to alternating light and dark colors on a model’s
highlights, and shadows.
surfaces as well as using dark and light values of the same color to
shade and highlight the model. VALUE
Every color has a range from light to dark, and value refers to how
GLAZE light or how dark that color is.
A mixture of water and a small amount of ink or paint that is applied
in successive layers to subtly tint an area.

HIGHLIGHTING
A lighter color applied to the basecoat on the raised areas of a
miniature to create the look of light hitting the surface. When
highlighting in multiple steps, keep a little bit of the underlying color
showing, overlapping them like the shingles on a roof.

92
1. PREPARING THE MODEL
Step 1) Using a couple of light applications to achieve solid
coverage, prime the model with Black Primer. Then paint
the entire model with Cold Steel using either an airbrush
or a traditional paintbrush. Remember, when using an
airbrush always wear an N-95 respirator. With airbrushing,
it may take a couple of light coats to achieve solid coverage.
If there are small spots of primer visible after airbrushing,
paint a thin layer of Cold Steel over those areas. This is the
basecoat for both the carbon steel and stainless steel recipes.

Step 2) Basecoat the brass areas such as leg segments,


fastenings on shields, and gears with Brass Balls. Spray the
entire model with a matte sealant to reduce the shine of
the basecoats and provide more contrast between basecoat 1 2

provides tooth to the surface of the metallic paint, making Cold Steel Brass Balls
shading and highlighting easier.

2. CARBON STEEL
Step 1) After basecoating as described in “Preparing
the Model,” choose the areas to make carbon steel and
leave the remaining areas to be made stainless steel.
Alternating between these two on adjacent surfaces will
create visual contrast.

Step 2) Begin painting the carbon steel sections by applying


a thin glaze of Greatcoat Grey over those portions of the
Cold Steel basecoat. This layer should not completely cover
the metallic paint. It will instead provide a tint of color and
subdue the metallic shine of the basecoat.

Step 3) Shade the metal with a mix of Exile Blue and Brown
Ink. It may take a couple of blended coats to get the shadows
dark enough. 1 2
Step 4) Using Cold Steel, highlight the edges of plates, bolts,
and gears in these sections. Take care not to make highlights
too large or sweeping.

Cold Steel

Greatcoat Grey

Brown Ink

Exile Blue

3 4

93
PAINTING CONVERGENCE

3. STAINLESS STEEL
Step 1) Apply a thin glaze of Bastion Grey over the Cold
Steel basecoat on areas that will be stainless steel. This layer
will provide a tint to the basecoat as well as subduing its
metallic shine.

Step 2) Shade the surfaces with Ironhull Grey. It may take a


couple of blended coats to create a smooth gradient with a
deep enough value for shadows.

Step 3)
rounded surfaces, on the top edge of plates, and around the
bottom half of bolt holes in these sections. Using a mixture
of Cold Steel and Quicksilver, blend highlights on the edges
of plates, gears, and bolts. It may take a couple of coats to
1 2
create brilliant highlights without making them too broad.

Step 4) Apply Quicksilver as bright, glinting highlights on


the edges of plates, bolt holes, and gears.

Bastion Grey

Ironhull Grey

Cold Steel

Quicksilver

3 4

4. CHROMIUM
Step 1) Basecoat the chromium surfaces with a 50/50 mix of Quicksilver
Quicksilver and Underbelly Blue.
underbelly Blue
Step 2) Using Trollblood Base, shade the chromium surfaces.
This will tint the areas with a little bit of blue and should not trollblood Base
be thick.

Step 3) Highlight with Quicksilver by applying several


blended coats to build up a strong shine.

1 2 3

94
5. BRASS
Step 1) Over the Brass Balls basecoat described in
“Preparing the Model,” apply Thornwood Green as the

Step 2) Using Cryx Bane Base, apply the deepest shadows


on the brass areas.

Step 3)
shine back into the brass. The brass areas are meant to be
shinier than the carbon steel and stainless steel areas to
provide more contrast between all the metallic surfaces.

Step 4) Using a mix of Brass Balls and Radiant Platinum, 1 2


highlight the brass areas. Pay particularly close attention to
the highlights along the edges of plates and bolt holes.

Brass Balls

thornwood Green

Cryx Bane Base

Radiant Platinum

3 4

6. CYRISS GLOW
Step 1) Basecoat the glowing surfaces using Frostbite with a Frostbite
couple thin coats of paint.
Arcane Blue
Step 2) Gradually build the shadows of the glowing surface
by blending Arcane Blue over Frostbite, creating a smooth Morrow White
gradient from a slight tint to a small area of dark shadow.
Create the illusion of a glowing light source by blending
Arcane Blue on surfaces adjacent to the Cyriss glow.

Step 3) Thin Morrow White and blend in highlights. It will


take a couple of layers to get the white bright enough to
create the glow illusion.

1 2 3

95
ModeL gaLLery

DIFFUSER
Light Vector

FORGE MASTER SYNTHERION


Warcaster

MONITOR
Heavy Vector

96
CIPHER
Heavy Vector

97
OBSTRUCTORS
Unit

98
MITIGATOR
Light Vector

GALVANIZER
Light Vector

INVERTER
Heavy Vector

99
ATTUNEMENT SERVITORS REFLEX SERVITORS
Solos Solos

REDUCTORS
Unit

100
THE MAIDEN OF GEARS

REVEALED HERSELF TO US,

HER CHOSEN, TO GUIDE US

TO CRAFT THE VESSELS

OF OUR IMMORTALITY.

WE MUST NOW CLEAR THE WAY

FOR CYRISS TO INHABIT CAEN,

SPINE
THE WORLD BECOME

HER CLOCKWORK MACHINE,

AND ELIMINATE ANY

WHO WOULD IMPEDE

THE GREAT WORK!

— IRON MOTHER DIRECTRIX

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