Designers’ Notes: Grand Cathay

THE SHORT VERSION

Writers and designers explain how scattered references to Cathay became a coherent faction with a new army and miniature range. Xen Yang’s ancient Dragon rule supports themes of harmony, standing professional armies and campaigns beyond the empire. The rules discussion covers reliable Jade infantry and cavalry, the influence of Yin and Yang, Shugengan magic, artillery, Sentinels, flying lanterns and Miao Ying’s changing forms, presenting a force whose coordinated elements express its setting.

The miniatures team traces that identity through layered armour, dragon imagery, gate symbols and lanterns. Jade Lancers intensify the infantry’s design, the Shugengan Lord’s mountain-pattern armour marks higher status, and the Longma blends deer features with a Chinese dragon’s forms. Artillery crews and Sky Lantern passengers add individual personality, while worn stone surfaces and low-tied devotional ribbons establish the Sentinels’ scale. Practical model choices, from working artillery elevation to alternate gunner and bomber crews, follow the same visual and battlefield logic.

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Find this article in White Dwarf 514, pp. 90–103.

This is an original summary. Refer to your magazine for the complete article, rules, images and painting steps.