Explore the exciting potential units Grand Cathay could bring to Warhammer: The Old World!
Introduction to Grand Cathay
For all you Warhammer: The Old World enthusiasts, the recent release of Total War: Warhammer III has shed light on the new units that Grand Cathay might introduce. This is a remarkable development for the Warhammer Fantasy Battles (WFB) and Total War (TOW) fans, marking the first new army in two decades! Grand Cathay is officially coming to the Old World, and you can bet we’re super excited about it! However, the current army list feels a bit sparse compared to other factions, which may leave some of us wanting more options.
As is often the case with new releases, there's a high chance that Grand Cathay will receive additional units, whether they're revealed at launch or added in future expansions. So, what other units could we expect to see? Total War: Warhammer III can provide us with valuable insights into the potential expansions for this faction.
Current Units Announced
So far, the following units have been confirmed for Grand Cathay:
- Shugengan Lords: A robust mounted generic character.
- Gate Masters: Another specialized character type.
- Miao Ying: A named hero with unique abilities.
- Jade Warriors: A close-combat infantry unit.
- Jade Lancers: Heavy cavalry that packs a punch.
- Great Cannons and Fair Rain Rockets: Two powerful warmachines.
- The Sky Lantern: A chariot and centerpiece flyer.
- Cathayan Sentinel: A significant centerpiece monster.
Additionally, Miao Ying has the ability to upgrade Jade Warriors into Celestial Dragon Guards. Although the current list is exciting, it’s quite focused on combat. Let’s dive into what other units we might hope to see in the future.
Melee Infantry Options
When it comes to melee infantry, most of the essential options are already covered. However, two significant units are yet to be confirmed: Peasant Long Spearmen and Ancestral Warriors. Ancestral Warriors are rare in the game and resemble Jade Warriors, making them less of a priority for the army. On the flip side, Peasant Long Spearmen could serve as affordable light infantry. If they do come to fruition, I would wager they’ll be packaged with archers for versatility.
Ranged Infantry Availability
Interestingly, Cathay boasts a more extensive range of ranged infantry options in Total War, yet none have been announced yet. The available ranged options include:
- Celestial Dragon Crossbows
- Crane Gunners
- Iron Hail Gunners
- Jade Warrior Crossbowmen
- Nan-Gau Grenadiers
- Peasant Archers
While it seems unlikely that all six will make it to the army roster, Jade Warrior Crossbowmen and Peasant Archers are likely contenders, followed potentially by one of the black powder units, like the Crane Gunners. Who knows what surprises are in store?
Melee Cavalry Insights
With the Jade Lancers already confirmed, only two melee cavalry units are left in the running: Peasant Horsemen and Great Longma Riders. I believe both should make an appearance. Peasant Horsemen provide a valuable light cavalry option, while Great Longma Riders offer a unique flying cavalry experience. The dynamics of these units could significantly enhance the gameplay, creating some fantastic tactical options.
Potential Monsters
Cathay is also home to a variety of fearsome monsters. Alongside the confirmed Terracotta Sentinels, we could see additional units such as:
- Jade Lions
- Jet Lions
- Great Moon Birds
- Celestial Lion
The dual kit featuring both Jade Lions and Jet Lions seems the most likely. These iconic Guardian Lions have a significant presence in the lore, so it wouldn't be surprising to see them make their debut.
Unique Units
Cathay also features some quirky units that don’t neatly fit into other categories:
- Sky Junk: A larger variant of the Sky Lantern with enhanced firepower.
- Onyx Crowmen: Flying creatures resembling crow people.
- Wu Xing War Compass: A support unit mounted on a cart.
- Zhangu War Drums: Another cart-mounted support unit.
Among these, the Sky Junk seems the most likely to enter the battlefield. It has been hinted at in previous discussions, and its impressive design makes it a prime candidate for a notable release. Having two substantial flying units adds a unique flavor to the army, setting it apart from others.
Character Options
There’s also a variety of characters that could potentially join the ranks of Grand Cathay. Prominent ones include Zhao Ming, The Iron Dragon, and Yuan Bo, The Jade Dragon. While there are also options like Saytang the Watcher, the chances of all of them being included seem slim. Most factions typically feature at least two named heroes, so we could expect another to make an appearance. Given the size of these characters, we may not see them immediately, but they’re definitely part of the long-term plan.
Additionally, hero types such as Alchemists, Astromancers, Caravan Masters, and Lord Magistrates could make their way into the mix, possibly with variants or different mounts. There are still plenty of units to consider, with opportunities for Regiments of Renown and Mercenaries adding depth to the roster.
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In conclusion, the future looks bright for Grand Cathay in Warhammer: The Old World. With a solid foundation already laid, the anticipation for more units and characters is building. What units do you hope to see added to Grand Cathay? Let us know in the comments!
FAQs:
- What units have already been confirmed for Grand Cathay? The confirmed units include Shugengan Lords, Gate Masters, Miao Ying, Jade Warriors, Jade Lancers, and several warmachines.
- What melee infantry units might Grand Cathay add? Potential additions could include Peasant Long Spearmen and Ancestral Warriors.
- Are there any ranged infantry units expected for Grand Cathay? Yes, options like Jade Warrior Crossbowmen, Celestial Dragon Crossbows, and Peasant Archers are anticipated.
- What unique units could Cathay introduce? Possible units include the Sky Junk, Onyx Crowmen, and War Drums.
- Will there be any notable characters for Grand Cathay? Yes, characters like Zhao Ming and Yuan Bo are in the running, along with various hero types.
