With the imminent arrival of a whole host of new miniatures, the armies of Grand Cathay receive some vital reinforcements, giving players of Warhammer: The Old World far more choice when it comes to writing their muster lists for the armies of the Celestial Dragon. Eager to find out more about what these new units bring to the battlefield, and how they fit within the existing army list, we ventured once more into the heart of the Warhammer Studio to speak with the Old World design team.
With the arrival of three new units and a new character, the armies of Grand Cathay are set to become far more diverse. Whilst the previous wave of releases focussed on the elite warriors of the Jade Host, spectacular centrepiece models, and imposing characters, this wave introduces the humble Peasant Levy, Crane Gunner Teams, Iron Hail Gunners, and powerful Wizards in the form of Astromancers of the Celestial Court.
The Peasant Levy is a diverse kit. Representing the huge regiments raised from the towns and villages of Grand Cathay in times of need, it offers players the option to field units armed for combat that wield deadly long spears, or units armed with warbows for some much-needed firepower. Whilst the Cathayan peasants themselves are not the most potent of warriors when compared to members of the Jade Host, with lower Weapon Skill and Leadership, they more than make up for this when fielded in numbers. Lacking the special rules that make Jade Warriors so deadly, Peasant Levy rely on their numbers in combat. Combined with their unique long spears, weapons that allow them to Strike First in combat and Fight in Extra Rank, they are a surprisingly durable unit, able to stand their ground against the toughest of enemies.
When armed with warbows, Peasant Levy can unleash withering volleys of arrows upon the foe, or they can make use of the unit’s option to replace Close Order with Skirmishers, and harass the enemy with their bow-fire.
Crane Gunner Teams and Iron Hail Gunners make use of more advanced gunpowder weapons. These models represent soldiers in the standing armies of Nan-Gau and other cities, armed for battle by the artificer houses of Grand Cathay.
Crane Gunner Teams bear long ranged and powerful crane guns. With a Strength of 6, an AP of -2, and Armour Bane (2), these guns can punch a large hole through even the heaviest of armour. Protected behind their unique tower shields, the gunners themselves have a 3+ save against any attacks that originate from within their front arc.
Crane gun
R | S | AP | Special Rules |
36" | 6 | -2 | Armour Bane (2), Cumbersome, Move or Shoot |
Iron Hail Gunners, by contrast, carry short ranged iron hail guns. These broad-barrelled weapons have a lower Strength and AP, but are able to produce a truly staggering number of hits, with each successful roll To Hit causing not one, but D3 hits on the target enemy unit. With the ability to operate in Open Order or as Skirmishers, even small units can prove very effective, guarding against the advance of fast moving and lightly armoured enemies intent on outflanking your army.
Iron hail gun
R | S | AP | Special Rules |
12" | 3 | -1 | Move & Shoot, Multiple Shots (D3) |
Notes: A model armed with an iron hail gun suffers no negative modifiers for firing at long range, for using the Multiple Shots (D3) special rule, or whilst making a Stand & Shoot charge reaction.
Astromancers of the Celestial Court bring some diversity to the army in terms of magic, allowing players to field dedicated spell-slingers, on foot or mounted (the kit allows you to build both). A humble Astromancer can be a Level 1 or 2 Wizard, whilst a Supreme Astromancer can be a Level 3 or 4 Wizard. All are able to choose spells from the Lores of Battle Magic, Elementalism, High Magic, and Illusion, and to choose either the Lore of Yin or the Lore of Yang, giving them a wide range of signature spells. Astromancers also benefit from Mastery of the Elemental Winds, allowing them to modify a dice roll when needed. The kit includes an Onyx Crowman too, an ideal representation of one of the many familiars that might accompany such powerful Wizards.
Mastery Of The Elemental Winds
The Dragon Emperor’s mastery over the Elemental Winds of Magic extends to his subjects. As a result, Wizards trained in the Celestial Court are adept at working with their fellow Wizards.
Once per turn, a Wizard within your army that has this special rule and that is within 6" of one or more friendly Wizards that also have this special rule may apply a +1 modifier to a Casting roll.
Note that this is a modifier to the result of a roll – it does not negate a roll of a natural double 1.
Finally, we’ve taken this opportunity to update one or two of the army’s special rules, and to include in Arcane Journal – the Breaching of the Great Bastion an updated Grand Army composition list for the forces of Grand Cathay, alongside a second Army of Infamy for the faction – the Warriors of Wind & Field. This army focuses heavily on the new units, representing the type of force one might find defending the Celestial Dragon’s realm from invaders.
We’ve also updated the Grand Cathay FAQ and errata documents to include these amended rules and the new Grand Army composition list. That will be available soon.
Thanks to the team for these insights. You’ll be able to pre-order the new Grand Cathay miniatures from Saturday. In the meantime, if you’ve been inspired to begin a collection, you can order the Grand Cathay Battalion right now and get started.
