Grand Cathay

Lore & Background

For millennia, Cathay remained secluded behind vast mountains and magical barriers, perfecting their arts while the rest of the world fell into strife. They view themselves as the guardians of balance, wielding Shen magic to maintain order against the corruption of Chaos. Their society is structured around a complex hierarchy led by the Celestial Court, who guide the empire through divine insight. Despite their isolationism, the rise of global threats forced them to engage with the wider world. They deploy massive constructs and dragons alongside disciplined warriors to reclaim lost territories. Their philosophy emphasizes that strength comes from internal harmony and mastery over nature itself, making them a unique force in the Old World's conflicts.

In Their Own Story

The mist clung to the jade pagodas as General Liu Yang surveyed the horizon. Below, the plains trembled under the weight of approaching Norscan raiders. He raised his staff, and the air crackled with green energy. The Celestial Court has spoken, he whispered. From the earth rose Stone Guardians, their eyes glowing with ancient fire. The monks stepped forward in perfect unison, weapons drawn not for conquest, but to preserve the peace of the realm against the chaos seeking to unravel it.

Reader's Guide

Grand Cathay players command an ancient civilization blending martial arts with potent sorcery. Their armies rely on disciplined infantry like Kung Fu Masters and high-impact artillery, including Fire Throwers that burn enemy lines. The faction excels in magic, utilizing Shen spells to buff allies or devastate foes through elemental control. Strategically, they favor defensive warfare initially, expanding slowly due to limited starting units but growing into a powerhouse. Dragons serve as game-changing late-game assets, capable of turning battles single-handedly. In multiplayer, their strong mid-game economy and magical superiority allow them to outlast aggressive factions like Chaos or Vampire Counts. Key abilities focus on morale boosting and area denial. The Celestial Court provides bonuses that enhance unit survivability and magic resistance. Players must manage their provinces carefully to unlock unique buildings that grant access to powerful heroes and elite troops. Victory comes through attrition, magical dominance, and leveraging the sheer durability of their stone guardians against overwhelming odds.

Did You Know?

• They are one of the few factions capable of summoning massive earth constructs.
• Their magic system is distinct from other races, focusing on Shen and elemental control.
• Historically, they maintained strict isolationism before global threats drew them into conflict.
• Fire Dragons serve as both transport and devastating artillery in their armies.