Cathay

Locate far to the east of the Old World, the Grand Empire of Cathay is populous, wealth, and technologically advanced in comparison to many of its neighbours. Indeed, it is the largest and probably the most secure of the realms of men. Cathay’s people live mostly within highly developed agricultural systems along the great river valleys. The prosperous economy sustains large cities which, like the empire’s northern border, are protected by thick walls and strong garrisons. The misty mountainous regions are less densely populated, and their forests are home to many magical creatures, while on the western border the Warpstone Desert is an inhospitable territory for both friends and foes. Cathay maintains some long-distance trade routes and cordial diplomatic relations with other parts of the Old World, but merchants’ ships and caravans must brave dangerous journeys to acquire luxury items from the empire.

Ruled by the immortal Dragon Emperor and his shape-shifting offspring, Cathay’s society is extremely hierarchical. Strong administrative structures exist across all provinces, although rivalries do develop between their governors. After many years of rigorous education and training, members the upper classes join the vast bureaucracy to become soldiers, administrators, and sages. Long careers are then dedicated to fulfilling the emperor’s wishes. Furthermore, sorcerers harness complex astromancy and manifold lores. These usually seek to generate harmony, but in times of strife they can also be used to disrupt the empire’s enemies and shield its defenders. Additionally, at moments of the empire’s greatest peril, the Terracotta Warriors can be summoned magically from their underground resting places to provide a silent and stoic bulwark against which even the forces of Chaos have broken.

Regular taxation upon the thriving economy, augmented by the imperial gold mines, provide great riches which the governing elite have channelled into magnificent architectural or engineering projects. Much of this wealth has also been used to fund research that has pushed the boundaries of human technological achievement. For example, the secret of gunpowder has been known for many centuries and, in addition to helping miners and providing firework displays during festivals, the empire‘s handgun and rocket workshops provide Cathay’s armies with a military advantage.

Perennial wars have been fought along all borders, but Chaos incursions and Hobgoblin raiders have been the most challenging, while the Dark Elves have also threatened the empire’s coasts and its maritime trade. Happily for the emperor, a strong cadre of professional generals and admirals have honed their defensive tactics over many centuries and, thus far, all invasions have been defeated.

Cathay’s armies have relied primarily upon the iron discipline of their conscript troops. Fighting heroically, outnumbered forces will seek to wear down their enemy in order to buy time for overwhelming reinforcements to arrive from neighbouring provinces. The empire has also been successful in recruiting barbarian (Hu) tribes as mercenaries. This has often turned a potential invaders’ strength – especially in cavalry – against them. Thus even Ogres, Orcs, and Hobgoblins have found themselves carrying Cathay weapons in exchange for decent pay and regular meals.