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Peasant Levies form the numerical heart of Grand Cathay’s defensive strategy. Recruited from the sprawling villages, townships, and rural settlements that dot the landscape beyond the empire’s massive walled metropolises, these soldiers represent the common folk answering the call to arms.
Reeking of rot and malice, Wyverns are foul, filthy beasts whose heavy jaws snap shut with rows of jagged, grime-coated teeth. They are thoroughly unpleasant, hyper-violent monsters—which makes them the absolute perfect mount for any Orc Warboss with enough brute force to beat them into submission and enough sheer ignorance to try it in the first place.
Crane Gun Teams are the premier long-range marksmen of Grand Cathay. These specialised units utilise exceptionally long-barrelled firearms, typically operated by two-man teams from the industrial city of Nan-Gau. To ensure pinpoint accuracy and stability, the weapon is often mounted directly onto a heavy tower shield, allowing the crew to remain protected while picking off high-value targets. When deployed in massed ranks, the sheer volume of high-velocity fire is nothing short of devastating to enemy formations.
From the high seat of Nan-Gau, Miao Ying commands the armies of the Great Bastion, serving as the iron-willed protector of Northern Cathay.
Miao Ying in her human form.
Even among the divine lineage of Dragons, she is known for a temperament that is exceptionally cold and aloof—a byproduct of the centuries she has spent fulfilling the solemn charge granted to her by the Celestial Dragon.
While her siblings often eye her position with a mix of envy and resentment, viewing her as their father’s clear favourite, the Storm Dragon does little to bridge the gap. Instead, she wears the immense weight of her duty as a badge of superiority, frequently distancing herself from her kin and lording her authority over them whenever they convene.
I was placing an order with Games Workshop and looking for something to add to ensure I could get free delivery. I found the online only Empire of Man Witch Hunter which I thought for £9 was cheap for Games Workshop.
Witch Hunters are ever vigilant for outbreaks of rebellion and myriad evil threats. These religious warriors roam the land in the service of all the great churches and temples, intent upon casting out that which their patron considers most evil.
This kit contains 3 metal components.
It took a while to arrive, as I ordered with a made to order model.
Soaring high above the battlefield, Sky Lanterns represent the pinnacle of Cathayan ingenuity.
These remarkable machines allow the Celestial Dragon’s armies to maintain a watchful eye over their foes and orchestrate their forces with precision. Encased in an armoured gondola suspended beneath, a Cathayan Magistrate expertly signals troops and directs the devastating fire of war machines using an array of fans and banners.
Should airborne threats or missile attacks draw near, dedicated Crane Gunners are on hand, unleashing pinpoint volleys from their elevated perch.
This model was on display at Warhammer World.
The armies of Grand Cathay are led by Shugengan Lords, individuals whose very lineage connects them to the divine power of the Celestial Dragon. Often descendants of the Dragon’s own offspring, they are natural sorcerers, mastering the Elemental Winds with the same innate skill they demonstrate with a blade. The Celestial Court holds the most formidable of these Dragon-blooded in deep reverence, for they lead the charge in battle, their powerful presence in the thick of the fray inspiring the armies of the Dragon Emperor to victory.
The Gate Masters of the Celestial Cities command the Jade Warriors, Grand Cathay’s elite professional soldiers.
Their training focuses intensely on defending their city’s walls, a skill they share with every soldier under their command.
They serve as a critical conduit for the will of their Lord Magistrate, who grants them unparalleled trust among all their military officers.
The Jade Warriors form the steadfast, professional core of Grand Cathay’s disciplined armies. Named for the sacred stone of the Dragon Emperor, which symbolises the unyielding nature of his vast empire, these infantrymen are renowned throughout the Old World for their exceptional training and exquisite equipment.
Each city-state within Cathay fields its own regiments, arming them with finely crafted hand weapons and shields, or elegant halberds with crescent blades. In battle, they stand as an implacable, emerald wall, against which the chaotic hordes and barbarian incursions from beyond the Great Bastion are destined to break, embodying the unwavering resolve of the Celestial Dragon’s domain.
When I made a trip to Warhammer World in June 2025 I was pleased to see the then new models for the Army of Grand Cathay for Warhammer Old World on display. I really liked the Cathayan Sentinel especially the paint job which made it look like it was terracotta. I also saw a posting on the Warhammer Community site about where Lewis from the Warhammer Studio had painted some Jade Warriors as terracotta warriors.
I started thinking about creating and painting a whole army in this style, so I bought a Cathayan Sentinel and the Grand Cathay Battalion.
I started constructing the Jade Warriors.
There are quite a few parts for each model. You can construct the Jade Warriors either holding swords or armed with halberds.
I noticed that after making them, that they were facing in the wrong direction, so I removed them from their bases and stuck them, now facing the right direction.
Next step will be to make some more models.