FAQ - Everything about CoC

I want to get into the game, but don't know which faction to pick; why should I consider the CoC?
I don't know that I would start Wamachine with CoC as my first force, unless transhumanist art deco robots are your jam.  The mechanics CoC uses are different than standard Warmachine forces and so can be a steeper learning curve.

What is this induction focus system? Why is it so special? What are its strengths and weaknesses?
Induction essentially allows Vectors to share focus.  When a Vector spends a focus for any reason during its activation, it can transfer that focus to another Vector within 6" as long as that Vector has a working Induction Node (Vectors have an Induction Node instead of a Cortex.  An Induction Node function similarly to a Cortex as far as allocating and spending focus, but it also allows the Vector to send and receive focus.  Vectors still have a 3 focus limit like Warjacks).  The only downside is that Vectors do not receive Power Up like standard Warjacks.

Why are all the Vectors (Warjacks) MAT and RAT say "X"?
Vectors use the MAT and RAT of their controlling caster.  What is interesting about this mechanic is that if a Vector has a MAT or RAT debuff applied to it, the debuff has no effect unless the caster is also affected.

The highest RAT for the faction's warcaster is 5; isn't that low and kind of sucks for the Vectors?
Rat5 is average.  Additionally, CoC has ready access to Flare from Attunement Servitors (3" aoe) or Ciphers (4" aoe).  The two casters that sport a RAT 5 also have other ways to boost accuracy (Iron Mother's feat and Syntherion's Magnetic Hold).  Lastly, the CoC battle Engine can provide highly accurate sprays and is welcome in almost any list.  I personally have never found accuracy to be a problem.

CoC does not have access to Mercenaries like the other Warmachine factions; isn't that a severe handicap when it comes to access to additional models to provide flexibility in list building?
Certainly having access to mercenaries is better than NOT having access to mercenaries, but at the least this restriction allows CoC to have good internal balance (their casters and models do not have to be balanced against mercenary releases).

What is the best Warcaster in CoC and why?
Obviously this will be subjective to each person's playstyle.  I personally think Axis is the strongest, because control casters are always strong into most situations.

What is the worst Warcaster in CoC and why?
As of this writing (3/30/17) Aurora is the weakest  (but still very playable) caster, by virtue of the Destruction Initiative theme force, being the only CoC caster without a damage buff, and the shift in MKIII moving away from infantry heavy lists.  When CoC receives an infantry-centric theme force, and when new steamroller scenarios are released that incentivize infantry Aurora should see more play.

What is the best Warcaster to start with as a beginner for CoC and why?
Lucant is probably easiest to play (again this is mostly dictated by personal preference). He and his army will be extremely durable, he has an excellent field marshal (shield guard), he has upkeep removal and he comes with an easy to apply hit and damage buff.

In your opinion, what are some auto-include models when it comes to list building?
The only thing I find in almost every list is the Corollary.  Extra control range and additional focus to take the load off of your caster is almost always too good to pass up.

What are the best and worst Vectors (warjacks); and why?
This will depend greatly on caster.  Not counting the Corollary, most casters can make good use out of an Inverter or Cipher.  The Modulator currently is only really effective with 2 casters and even then really wants his big brother the Prime Conflux.  Speaking of which, the Conflux is generally inferior to the Prime Axiom, and really only works well in conjunction with Modulators.  The Monitor is less popular due to its point cost combined with rate of fire 1 and the fickle nature of crits, as well as only pairing well with one or two casters.

Though not a Vector, the Transfinite Emergence Projector (TEP) probably takes the crown.  It is a terror on the battlefield and projects a tremendous amount of force.  Because it is a battle engine, it works well with all casters.  Highly recommended.

In your opinion, what are some of the best combo/synergy, strategy (tactics) of CoC?
One of the strengths of Convergence is that most of the models support each other well.  There are a lot of small things you can do that add up over the course of a game.  There should probably be a thread dedicated to tips and tricks.  A simple one to do is to buy attacks with the corollary against your own models instead of using its *action.  The Corollary is very low POW, so you are unlikely to damage your own models.  The benefit of this is that the *action is only 5" range, requires LOS and can only transfer focus to one Vector.  By buying attacks, you can split the focus however you like with a range of 6" and no LOS requirement.

If I want to play competitively, how viable is CoC in the tournament scene?
CoC is perfectly viable in the current meta.  The only hole in their defenses is to magic, so plan accordingly.

I heard that CoC is a limited faction; and hasn't seen a new model release in years, is it a dead faction?
It is a construct faction, not a dead one!  The lack of new models can certainly be a source of frustration, but for some this isn't a drawback (if you want to buy your models and not have to worry about constantly needing to update your collection with new releases).  Just be aware of this issue before jumping in.