Warhammer: The Old World is heating up like never before, and this weekend the Jade Host finally makes landfall, led by the formidable Miao Ying herself.
Fans have been treated to an influx of lore with Arcane Journals covering Wood Elves, Beastmen, and the new Matched Play Guide, but Dawn of the Storm Dragon promises to take things to the next level. This book dives deep into the ongoing narrative, giving players a chance to explore untold events before the chaos of Asavar Kul’s incursion. It’s all about high stakes, epic armies, and the sort of storytelling that keeps tabletop battles feeling cinematic. And for anyone who loves blending narrative and rules, this is a must-read.
Tales of the Old World
The focus here is squarely on the untold stories that shape the World of Legend. While Settra marches into the Border Princes, Frydaal presses his conquests in the Westerland, and Beastmen threaten the dark forests, the Old World faces dangers from every corner. The northern reaches are particularly perilous, with Warlord Durgath Spine Cracker and his minions stirring chaos. Into this storm rides Miao Ying, not as a conqueror but as a rallying force. Her mission is to unite allies, warn rulers, and ensure the West can withstand the tide of Chaos before it engulfs the realm entirely.
Grand Cathay’s distance from the Old World makes the Jade Host’s journey perilous and epic. Dragons have sensed the awakening of the Ruinous Powers, and Miao Ying’s arrival isn’t just timely—it’s critical. Her presence signals both hope and grim warning, as she navigates lands she hasn’t set foot in since the time of Sigmar himself. Players get the chance to explore a campaign that is less about conquest and more about strategic diplomacy, battlefield heroics, and the looming threat of destruction.
New Rules for Narrative Play
From a rules perspective, Dawn of the Storm Dragon is packed with ways to deepen narrative gaming. Terrain rules expand on roads, rivers, ridges, chasms, and buildings, giving battles more tactical nuance. Terrain generators allow random determination of the Wasteland and the Shadowlands, ensuring that no two games feel the same. Multiplayer scenarios let players reenact the battles of Miao Ying’s campaign, making every skirmish feel like a chapter in a living story.
While there are no new army profiles for Miao Ying herself, the supplement introduces the Jade Fleet, the faction’s first Army of Infamy. Players can field Grand Cathay warriors alongside Imperial allies, allowing for hybrid forces and epic combined arms battles. The book also adds three pages of new magic items, including the Sword of Reason, wielded by Yuan Bo, granting a Killing Blow, and the Fires of Nan-Gau, earthenware jars that let the bearer literally breathe fire. These items open up both tactical options and cinematic flair for tabletop play.
The Verdict
For narrative gamers and lore enthusiasts, Dawn of the Storm Dragon is a feast. It offers both context and mechanics, blending storytelling with exciting tactical options. Miao Ying and the Jade Host provide a bridge between Grand Cathay and the Old World, giving players an epic, high-stakes campaign to fight through. Whether you’re plotting a series of narrative battles or simply want to add cinematic flair to your games, this Arcane Journal delivers in spades. Pre-orders start tomorrow, and any fan of the Old World should definitely have this on their radar.
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