The Old World teeters on the edge of ruin. Chaos churns in the Northern Wastes, the Empire is fractured, and enemies surge from every shadowed forest and blasted plain.
But a new power arrives from the far east to restore balance – the armies of Grand Cathay, led by the ancient dragons of legend and the disciplined hosts who fight in their name.
This marks the first completely new faction released for Warhammer: The Old World, and it arrives with sweeping elegance, overwhelming firepower, and unmatched harmony. Let’s take a closer look.
The Grand Cathay Battalion and Arcane Journal
At the heart of the launch is the Grand Cathay Battalion Box, a 50-model plastic set brimming with martial versatility:
- 30 Jade Warriors, the stoic backbone of Cathay’s armies, form implacable defensive units with hand weapons, shields, or crescent-bladed halberds.
- 10 Jade Lancers, heavy cavalry bred for narrow passes and open fields alike, bring swift, punishing charges.
- 2 artillery pieces that can be built as either Cathayan Grand Cannons or the more chaotic Fire Rain Rocket Batteries, complete with crew.
The accompanying Arcane Journal: Armies of Grand Cathay dives into the rich lore of the Celestial Empire, offering background, rules for units and characters, two magical lores (Yin and Yang), new items, and special rules to reflect Cathay’s balanced battle philosophy.
Dragons, Sky Lanterns, and Sentinels – Elite and Engine of War Units
Cathay’s strength doesn’t stop at its core troops. A host of powerful heroes and arcane warmachines round out the faction:
- Shugengan Lords on Great Spirit Longma: Half-mortal descendants of the dragons, they ride into battle wielding elemental magics and martial might.
- Gate Masters of the Celestial Cities: Decorated warriors who serve as masterful defenders and trusted field commanders.
- Sky Lanterns: Floating command platforms that blend battlefield recon with fire support, complete with Crane Gunners and incendiary payloads.
- Cathayan Sentinels: Towering stone guardians sculpted from jade, terracotta, and even warpstone – ancient constructs that awaken in times of dire need.
Miao Ying, the Storm Dragon – Supreme Matriarch of Nan-Gau
No introduction would be complete without the awe-inspiring Miao Ying, eldest daughter of the Dragon Emperor and ruler of the Northern Provinces. Her arrival in the Old World is no small gesture – this is a powerful being who has held the Great Bastion against Chaos for centuries.
On the battlefield, she can assume both her human and dragon forms, unleashing potent sorcery and devastating attacks. Her mission is clear: restore harmony to a fractured world.
Harmony Against the Darkness
Grand Cathay brings a fresh take to The Old World – one grounded in ancient tradition, strategic depth, and mystical strength. It’s a force unlike anything seen before in this setting, marrying rich lore with dazzling models and gameplay variety. Whether you’re drawn to the disciplined ranks of the Jade Warriors or the elemental might of the dragons, Cathay stands ready to reshape the fate of the world.
Stay tuned as the Old World Almanacks roll out even more detail on the armies of Cathay, as well as their rivals in the forests and wastes. Until then, balance has arrived – and it’s bringing the storm with it.
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