Total War: Warhammer 3 – The Mounts, Cavalry, And War Machines Of Cathay
We finish out our tour of Grand Cathay’s new units with a look at the vehicles, behemoths, and bombards of the Dragon Empire.
Grand Cathay’s forces make the most of magic and mechanistry. With innovations and alchemy developed in the western regions, to magic practiced at the heart of Grand Cathay, there’s a lot that empowers the military might of Grand Cathay. We’ve seen the lords, the heroes, the troops–but here’s the oomph, the fire and fury that shows why the Dragon Empire doesn’t just apply to the region’s rulers.
First up, the cavalry, chariots, and mounts of Grand Cathay. We start with the humble Peasant Horsemen who have speed and numbers and advance deployment on their side:
- The fastest Cathayan unit that can’t fly.
- Will deploy ahead of the main army to scout and act as a Vanguard.
- Like foot melee units, cavalry belong to the Yang harmony.
Or you might try the Jade Lancers, who are trusted with riding out into the holds of Chaos to disrupt the actions of Chaos tribes before they can gather their strength:
- Slower but heavier than standard Horsemen, Jade Lancers will deal extreme damage to infantry formations they crash into.
- They are also great on the defense, heavily armoured with shields to protect themselves further.
- Conforming to Grand Cathay’s defensive nature, they are far hardier than other faction’s cavalry of a similar sort.
Of course, exceptionally talented riders might be given charge of one of Cathay’s Great Longma (pictured above, with dragon wings and scales). These riders are devastating up close:
- While Grand Cathay is often focused on dealing damage from afar, anything in the way of the Great Longma Riders is unlikely to survive for long.
- Their speed, the power of their charge, and the strength of their armour is unmatched.
- Such is the strength of the Longma charge that enemies have been known to flee in fear before they are even beaten.
On to the behemoths. Towering over all are the Terracotta Sentinels, who were forged in the distant past in the days when the Dragon Emperor was more of an active presence in the governance of Grand Cathay.
- The ultimate in Cathayan defense of their settlements and armies, laying waste to anything unlucky enough to make contact with it.
- Truly alien to most of the armies of the world and either impossibly massive or an ancient enemy, it causes deep terror in the hearts of any who array against it.
- As happy destroying Steam Tanks and city gates as it is laying waste to enemy armies.
Soaring above the battlefield, making complex decisions are the Sky-Lanterns who serve as spotters, leaders, and gunships armed with Crane Gunners.
- While glacially slow to move around the battlefield, it provides a much-needed vantage point for troops below, allowing them to spot enemies hiding in foliage and giving them a morale boost.
- The crane gunners are truly deadly – nothing is between them and their targets, they do not have to stop to fire, and they can see all from above.
- As flying units armed with gunners, both this and the Sky Junk are Yin-aligned.
Sky-Junks, on the other hand, are much more warships than anything else. These Sky-Junks are armed to the teeth with rockets and bombs:
- A larger and more deadly Sky Lantern, packed with soldiers that spew fire rain rockets at enemies.
- Can drop makeshift bombs from above on unsuspecting foes, dealing massive damage.
- Slow and near-useless once out of ammunition, the Sky-Junk is nevertheless an incredibly valuable addition to the battlefield, if used right.
Then there’s the artillery of Grand Cathay. Perhaps the most common weapon in the arsenal is the Grand Cannon:
- While being Grand Cathay’s most basic form of artillery, they still pack a huge punch, more than capable of toppling monsters or city walls.
- The flaming, armour-piercing projectiles will make short work of smaller foes placed in their path.
- The Oxen pulling it are pretty cute, all told – and make it, and other Cathayan artillery, more mobile than counterparts from other factions.
And the Fire Rain Rocket, which is shorter in range but deadlier overall, that, as the name implies, rains down fire upon those who dare to slip within its range.
- Has an inferior range but greatly improved firepower over the Grand Cannon.
- Left to its own devices and placed near a melee unit to increase reload speed through Yin harmony, Fire Rain Rockets will happily wipe out whole formations.
- Both Cathayan artillery pieces have a higher than usual number of support staff on-hand, making them that much harder to wipe out if caught.
These units bring Cathay’s fury to the front lines
