Grand Cathay: A New Faction Arrives in Warhammer: The Old World

As the forces of Chaos spread their dark influence across the Old World, an ancient power rises to restore balance and fight against the impending darkness. Grand Cathay, an empire ruled by immortal dragons, is the latest faction to join the war in Warhammer: The Old World. This new army brings a unique blend of magic, strength, and harmony to the battlefield, showcasing the rich lore and strategic depth the game is known for. Let’s dive into the forces of Grand Cathay and what they bring to this turbulent world.

Introducing Grand Cathay: The Celestial Empire

Grand Cathay is a vast empire in the east, ruled by the Celestial Dragon Emperor, Xen Yang, who has reigned for over five thousand years. This mystical empire is governed by harmony, and its people follow the Emperor’s philosophies to the letter, believing in balance in all things. In the midst of the chaos that grips the Old World, Grand Cathay is sending an army to bring peace and stability to the region, with the Celestial Dragon's descendants at the forefront.

The Grand Cathay Battalion: A Powerful Core

Every Warhammer army has its core units, and Grand Cathay is no different. The Grand Cathay Battalion box set includes 50 highly detailed plastic miniatures, providing a solid foundation for any army. This battalion consists of:

1. Jade Warriors

The backbone of the Grand Cathay army, Jade Warriors are elite soldiers who fight with discipline and purpose. These warriors are named after the sacred jade stone, symbolizing the strength and steadfastness of their empire. Armed with hand weapons, shields, or halberds, they form an impenetrable wall on the battlefield. Their ability to hold the line is second to none, making them a critical unit in any army composition.

2. Jade Lancers

The Jade Lancers are the heavy cavalry of Grand Cathay, known for their speed and devastating lance charges. Trained in the narrow spaces of their homeland, they excel in confined terrain but are equally deadly in open-field combat. Their long lances allow them to strike from a distance while maintaining their mobility, making them perfect for harassing enemy flanks or engaging high-priority targets.

3. Artillery Options

Grand Cathay brings both precision and devastating firepower to the battlefield with two unique artillery pieces:

• Cathayan Grand Cannon: A beautifully crafted cannon designed to look like a roaring dragon. It delivers devastating shots that can obliterate enemy formations with deadly precision.
  
  

• Fire Rain Rocket Battery: A more chaotic weapon, the Fire Rain Rocket Battery launches a hail of rockets, wreaking havoc on large groups of enemies. While it may lack the accuracy of the Grand Cannon, its sheer volume of fire can cause massive destruction.
  
  

Legendary Units and Heroes

Beyond their core units, Grand Cathay also boasts several legendary units and powerful heroes:

1. Shugengan Lord on Great Spirit Longma

The Shugengan Lords are mortal generals with a fraction of the Celestial Dragon Emperor's power. These formidable warriors can lead their armies from the front, wielding both martial prowess and powerful elemental magic. Some Shugengan Lords even ride the majestic Great Spirit Longma, a mythical creature that strikes fear into the hearts of enemies. These lords are a force to be reckoned with in both close combat and magic.

2. Gate Masters of the Celestial Cities

Gate Masters are veterans who command the Jade Warrior garrisons of the Celestial Cities. These warriors are experts in defense and strategy, able to assess the battlefield and enact their emperor’s will with precision. Their leadership keeps the armies of Cathay organized and poised to strike.

3. Sky Lantern

The Sky Lantern is a truly unique and ingenious unit in the Grand Cathay army. A dirigible held aloft by ornate paper and a caged Vermilion Warbird, this flying machine serves as a mobile command center. It provides valuable reconnaissance, allows artillery to fire without line of sight, and can unleash devastating bombs and Crane Gunners to disrupt enemy formations from above.

4. Cathayan Sentinel

The Cathayan Sentinels are towering statues brought to life through ancient magic. Standing watch over the cities of Cathay, these statues are made from jade, terracotta, and even warpstone. When activated, they become monstrous combatants capable of wreaking havoc on the battlefield with their immense size and power.

Miao Ying: The Storm Dragon

At the head of the Cathayan forces is Miao Ying, the Storm Dragon. She is the eldest daughter of the Celestial Dragon Emperor, a legendary figure in Cathay’s defense against Chaos. As a warrior and sorcerer of immense power, Miao Ying can switch between her human form, crackling with magical energy, and her terrifying dragon form, which strikes fear into even the most formidable foes. Her presence on the battlefield is sure to turn the tide of any conflict.

Grand Cathay’s Unique Magic: Yin and Yang

One of the most exciting aspects of Grand Cathay’s army is its unique approach to magic. Cathay uses the Lores of Yin and Yang, which are based on balance and the elements. Yin represents the passive, defensive forces of nature, while Yang represents active, offensive powers. These two Lores allow Grand Cathay players to tailor their magical strategies, balancing between defense and overwhelming offense to achieve victory.

Conclusion: The Rise of Grand Cathay

The introduction of Grand Cathay to Warhammer: The Old World adds a powerful, harmonious new force to the conflict. With their disciplined army, towering statues, and legendary dragons, they offer a completely new strategic experience for players. Whether you're drawn to their elegant tactics or their powerful mythological creatures, Grand Cathay provides an exciting opportunity to reshape the future of the Old World.

As the forces of Chaos continue to spread, Grand Cathay’s arrival marks a turning point in the ongoing war. Will this ancient empire bring balance to the Old World, or will their power be overwhelmed by the forces of evil? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Grand Cathay is a force to be reckoned with.