User blog:Ilniaj/The Army of Cathay

Greatest of the empires of the east is Grand Cathay, a massive sprawling land encompassing tall mountains, verdant plains and thick forests. It is a mighty empire made of many provinces, each ruled by a powerful warlord, over all of which the Divine Emperor rules. This Emperor, rules over the largest nation in the world, with untold millions of subjects. It is also a land constantly at war, with the provincial warlords clashing across their borders as they vie for the Emperor’s favor. For all its size and strength however, Cathay remains much of a mystery to the scholars of the Empire, even those that have travelled there only having a vague idea as to its extent and power.

The discipline and honor of the Grand Army is legendary across Cathay, and for a soldier to be called up to the elite of the elite, the impassive Emperor’s Guard, is the highest honor one of lowborn birth can aspire to. The Grand Army is trained to the same rigid tenets laid down by Emperor Yin Shi Zheng during the first Celestial Dynasty, because these have proven effective time and again, down the centuries, against vastly different foes. The armies of Cathay are said to be innumerable, and draw exotic warriors from across the realm, including fierce hill people, strange warrior monks and well-disciplined regiments supported by heavily armored warriors and ornate cannons.

Like their soldiers, the officers of Cathayan armies are well trained in the art of war and maintain an iron discipline in their regiments. Any lapses in discipline are severely punished out of combat and often in an extreme fashion on the battlefield. All fear such punishments, but they permit the diverse units to maintain cohesion and maneuverability that is exceptional. As most enlisted officers (especially the lower ranks) were themselves soldiers promoted for their skill, they generally know when and how to get the best out of their soldiers, who see in them the hope for a better future and higher rank. This is particularly true for those of low social rank who have chosen the army to escape their situation, aspiring to a better life. The idea that the army is a harsh mistress who nevertheless knows how to reward the deserving is widespread among the troops, and in Cathay at least this is not far from the truth. However, onerous discipline and constant stress create their fair share of problems, negligible for the most part, but which can be exploited by an intelligent enemy. Even if Cathay’s officers are well-trained, they are unfortunately not all equal, and the legalist education system often prefers to teach them the solution to a problem rather than the ability to analyze, adapt and innovate. As a result, with very few exceptions, they will usually choose the optimal option in a combat situation, with the chosen strategy being successful if predictable, but lacking genius when facing a talented, unpredictable general capable of improvisation. By the same logic, the heads of different units are trained to think of their men as interchangeable and faceless and will act directly against individuality and personal initiative. As such, they can command in any situation, but are not able to exploit their soldiers’ skills or expect them to react should something unexpected happen.

Neither peasant nor noble, the Wu Jen typically stands outside the traditional hierarchies of Cathay - their learning and power demand respect but their lack of family standing and social graces sometimes makes it difficult for the wealthy and powerful to accept their talents and skills. Though few nobles care to sully their standing by consorting with Wu Jen and their uncouth ways, exceptional Wu Jen sometimes prove themselves sufficiently to emerge as magistrates under Emperor's and Warlords. Some Wu Jen have acquired tremendous political power by standing next to the throne of a figurehead who chooses not to contradict their dictates. Wu Jen are reclusive, often locking themselves in their dormitories for days in silent meditation, purifying their bodies and minds in order to contact the natural and supernatural powers of the world. From these entities they learn their spells-magical means to control the invisible forces of the world. They are masters of elemental magic, and the greatest astromancers. They study the stars and heavens and focus on the aspect of the Ying and Yang, the balance of all that exist. The power they possess to unleash at the foes of Cathay is truly awe-inspiring.

Whether out of choice or out of desperation, Wu Xia have become respected figures in the world of martial arts and have devoted their lives to mastering it. Whether following a tradition, or a personal quest for glory and discovery, they travel the roads of Cathay, selling their fighting skills. But they will only fight for a just cause. For in the words of their code, “the strong warrior defeats his enemies with his weapon, but only the great warrior fights with his heart.” They are honorable to a fault, their word is inviolable, and their reputations are more important than life itself. Moreover, they are warriors who do not hesitate to use their skills in the defense of their beliefs. However, many Wu Xia are more dogmatic than altruistic. They are champions for any cause to which they pledge their loyalty, be it benevolent or otherwise. Many Wu Xia have great disregard for authority. They are willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish the goal of their cause. This can, of course, lead to adventure as they meet opposition to what they fight for, often in the form of powerful institutions. Despite their disregard for wealth, most Wu Xia realize that to accomplish the goals of their cause they will need money. To obtain what they need, they will go on adventures. Some see the injustice of the government and want to do something about it. They choose to bring forth the power of justice, freedom, or the outrage of their ancestors on these problems. They all seek to change the world using their chosen cause. Others see the will of death across the land and seek to avert it or take up its cause.

Should a Champion survive the endless battles while still finding favor in the eyes of their gods, they may attain the ultimate reward for their decades of dedication. Their patron will elevate the Champion to their side as an Archangel, a being of godlike power. They are mighty beyond compare, lordly creatures of awesome might. There are few who don't seek this metamorphosis where they shrug off their mortal shell and become a being of divinity but for every champion who roars their triumph as a newborn Archangel, untold thousands perish on the field of battle or simply fail to gain the acclaim necessary before their mortal form breaks down. Archangels are vast in stature, their gigantic forms twisted into new shapes. They wield powerful magic items and strange abilities and the variations between these beings are uncountable. Nonetheless, it is common for the Archangels to retain their intellect and memory. Some are awesome warriors full of martial discipline and pride. Others are master magisters with the ability to reshape reality itself. Others are peerless marksman, wielding bolt throwers like crossbows or small cannons like rifles or enormous bows. Upon ascending most Archangels go to heaven, leaving the world behind so that there is room for others to attain greatness. Sometimes, an Archangel is sent back to the mortal world to serve as the commander of a faithful army. At other times, a newly transformed Archangel continues to lead their followers who view their leader as a demi-god, which is not far from the truth. In fact, some of the oldest and most powerful Archangels are worshiped as deities becoming local gods for villages, tribes or even countries, acting as an intermediary for their patron deity.

Much of the Cathayan army is comprised of large units of Imperial Infantry who are supremely disciplined foot soldiers, trained and led by a clear and efficient chain of command. Equipment is, of course, not overlooked, and these units are usually given good quality armor, a steel sword and shield or a halberd. Spears and pikes are also common to hold defensive positions. The infantry, by the skills and flexibility of its units, usually forms an essential element of any general’s battle plans. The discipline of professional armies and the degree of training from which they benefit allows the use of elaborate and complex strategies. Where many other armies rely on elite units around which to group their key forces, the Cathayan army counts comparatively few of these formations among its number. Its organisation is founded on legalist principles, and there are few differences between the army’s different corps. In theory, apart from accumulated honors, there is no difference between one soldier and the next, but in practice two important criteria prevail: experience, and the individual’s origin. The tradition of promotion based on deeds allows Cathay to recruit a great many soldiers from the lower levels of society, who see the army as a way of advancing socially. Of course, an officer rank is very difficult to attain, and soldiers have to work very hard to reach it, but even criminals and the very poor can find themselves quickly sent to the most prestigious units if they prove themselves on the field of battle.

As well as its Imperial Infantry and chariots to press the victory, the Cathayan army also relies on a significant amount of firepower. While Imperial Infantry are the backbone, it is often the Imperial Marksmen which cause the most enemy losses and allows for its mighty victories. These troops are organized into large units and their might is such that many enemy units never reach close combat. The crossbow is considered the pinnacle of ranged combat. Its long range, accuracy and force of its shots more than compensate for the time needed to reload. A variant of the crossbow is the repeater crossbow, which sacrifices power and range for the ability to fire several bolts quickly. The destructive potential of repeater crossbows is impressive - particularly against close ranked light infantry - that few can withstand their barrages. Many units of Imperial Marksmen still use the traditional bow and can provide considerable support when deployed between ranks of Imperial Infantry. These units loose their arrows at an approaching enemy and then pull back behind their own lines, letting the Imperial Infantry expand to fill the gaps they have left. In more recent years, the use of handguns has become more common. Handguns give better armor piercing ability compared to that of even the crossbow, sacrificing some range. Still, handguns are not as common in the Cathayan army compared to their other missile weapons as of yet, partly due to the cost in production, as well the conservative views held by many of the commanders who prefer to put their trust in more tried and true weapons.

Dragon Cavalry are regarded as the spearhead of the army. Although Bastion Chariots are still used, this lighter more mobile cavalry is slowly superseding the more cumbersome vehicles. Dragon Cavalry are the heavy cavalry of the Cathay army, fulfilling the role of shock troops against lighter enemy units with their spears and shields or Flails. Sometimes, they'll be equipped with polearms if they intend to put themselves into prolonged combat. They are the only units known to use the Fire Lance, a pistol like weapon attached to a spear and meant to fire upon an opponent at the start of combat, giving the wielder a small advantage. They wear heavy lamellar protecting their chest, shoulders and thighs. The horses often wear a short barding covering the neck, back and flanks; an iron mask often protects the mount's face. Units are trained to charge enemy lines in close ranks and take advantage of their speed to increase their impact. These seasoned shock-troops relentlessly batter enemy lines with all the fury of their namesake. To become a Dragon Cavalryman is a great honor in Cathay. Heavily armored and skilled in complex manoeuvres and tactics, they oftentimes take great efforts to outflank an enemy unit to suddenly appear on its side or back, adding a devastating edge to their deadly weaponry.

To protect himself from enemy Warlords seeking to kill him and claim the throne for themselves, Emperor Chin Chi Wang created the Imperial Guard, who dedicated themselves to a life of eternal vigilance and hardship to protect him. Many Warlords have copied the practice. The Imperial Guard are first and foremost warriors who live and die by their blades. Their prime duty is to serve and protect their liege in all things and to never let an enemy set foot in their palace. However, their code is hard and unrelenting. An Imperial Guard must be willing to accept death at any moment. There is no failure, their only choice is to defend or die. If the Imperial Guard accepts these choices, he cannot fail because death is not failure, it is the ultimate service to his liege.

Dragonblades are the best soldiers in all of Cathay, the image of the true warrior to the common folk as they are generally the most visible. Over the millennia, the Dragonblades have created fortresses and training monasteries in every corner of Cathay where they train day and night. Those that will become Dragonblades are given over to an order by their parents at a young age. In their junior years they gain tuition and care from their master in exchange for aid in maintenance and cleaning of their master’s weapons and armor, valuable experience for when they are given their own equipment. As the Dragonblade ages, his training becomes longer and harder and when the time is right, will be given his own armor and weapon and become independent. The weapon of choice for the Dragonblade is the Cathayan Longsword, a straight, double-edged sword known as the 'Gentleman of Weapons', and considered to be one of the four major weapons of Cathay. It takes at least a year of training before one is considered competent enough to use it, and so only the most skilled swordsmen are equipped with it. Perfect swordplay requires a tenuous harmony of discipline and passion. Discipline yields anticipation and precision. Passion yields inspiration and speed. A swordsman who has known this harmony knows that it can never be maintained; it must constantly be achieved. It is the tireless pursuit of this harmony, the undying quest for clarity of self and blade, that defines a Dragonblade.

Nightblades (and their higher ranks in ascending order, Shadowblades, Night Striders, Shadow Striders) are assassins, arsonists, saboteurs and spies combined. With their ability to dispatch targets ruthlessly and silently, a Nightblade is both feared and despised - but a necessary evil. Nightblades serve directly under a Warlord, carrying out tasks that Palace Guard are unable to. They are masters of armed and unarmed combat, concealment and disguise, and psychology and science. Using subterfuge and terror as their weapons, they go unseen until the time is right to strike, often leaving only corpses as a testament to their passage. Most often their forces will form patrols or scouting forces along the borders of Cathay, halting or alerting the populace to incursions. Their blades are often lacquered black so as not to glint in the darkness as they approach their foes, and their armor is glossy black or dun. When they appear on the field of battle, they attack where the enemy is weakest, without warning, overcoming positions with bitter speed and ruthlessness. Occasionally a Night Strider or Shadow Strider will be tasked with the destruction of the enemy commander and, equipped with the deadliest weapons of the east; they often easily accomplish that task.

The Celestial Dragons Monks are the most alien of the warriors of Cathay, for as they ascend through their training, they leave all that makes them human behind-anger, pain, hatred and every other human emotion is forfeit, the Celestial Dragons are incomprehensible to the normal man. While the monks of the dragon do not use any forms of armament or armor other than their fists and feet, this reliance on simplicity allows them to focus on their Chi, their inner life force. Celestial Dragons manipulate it, harnessing it to heal wounds, strengthen blows and increase their speed until they are merely blurs of death. The Celestial Dragons are by far the most distant from the populace, aloof and concerned only with their own amelioration and ability to battle, the ultimate warriors performing the ultimate art. Strangely, the Celestial Dragons have been known for some of the most heroic and selfless actions in Cathayan history, saving several Emperors and Empresses from certain death at the cost of their own lives and defending towns against overwhelming odds. Mystical but highly aggressive, these legendary warriors practice enlightenment through violence, and through strict meditation and training some have even mastered the ability to breath fire and run across water without breaking its surface. The Dragons Monks are often not content with mere training and actively seek out battle. Whenever they leave the mountain monastery, they usually enter the service of the Cathayan Army, where they get to test their mettle against the enemies of the Celestial Empire. Wherever battle is to be found, there the Celestial Dragons go. However, should the call to defend their monastery ever reach them; their return is swift, for they can run for days upon end.

For centuries, the Steppe Nomads were usually seen as enemies instead of allies. This changed when Emperor Yin Shi Zheng unified Cathay. He was the first to recognize their use on the field as allies rather than foes and offered them land and gold for their services. From then on, the Steppe Nomads would often show up in the armies of Cathay as mercenaries, filling the roles of scouts and light cavalry. The typical employment of Steppe Nomads in battle is as fast cavalry capable of moving swiftly to avoid close combat, or to deliver a rapid blow to the flanks or rear of the foe. The Steppe Nomads are masters of galloping around their enemies and encircling them; they prefer ambushes to frontal assaults, separating then destroying isolated units. The foundation of the Steppe Nomads way of war is a direct extension of their nomadic lifestyle. Enemies become increasingly frustrated at their inability to bring the Steppe Nomads to battle, because a target never presents itself. Most Steppe Nomads will wield comparatively primitive weapons, either Javelins or Bows. Other Steppe Nomads with more contact with cities have decided to modernize their equipment, adopting Crossbows or Three-Eyed guns as their ranged weapons of choice.

Hill Tribesmen are a tough and enduring people that plague the trade routes and border settlements of Cathay. They are a tough and enduring people, skilled in battle against both their foes and their hostile home. They are found in the highlands of Cathay, where they live in small colonies outside of society and have established small fiefdoms. They live off the land, hunting and trading furs, and are sometimes hired as guides or to guard caravans. The Emperor leaves them be and allows them to sort out their own affairs if they do not bother in his or those of his servants. The armies of Cathay often contain many of these tribesmen. They are recruited as auxiliaries in support of the main battle line and are often the first troops sent into battle to deal with enemy archers and lightly armored troops. Treated with blatant disrespect from the Cathayan aristocracy, Hill Tribesmen still perform an important role in the army, often lying in ambush or encircling enemy positions. They usually move ahead of the main force, disrupting the opposing army's troops with their javelins and harassing attacks. While being cheap soldiers to maintain, their lack of discipline can be quite a nuisance to the Cathayan Warlords, often charging into the fray of battle instead of moving into a flanking position and disobeying orders. For this reason, they are very rarely relied upon, and are mostly used as screeners for the main force, drawing enemy missile fire to them and thereby protecting more important troops.

The statues known as Foo Dogs are a popular decoration throughout Cathay. They perch outside the entrances co palaces and other large residences, public buildings and merchant establishments of sufficient wealth to afford them. The Temple Dog, as such, is a creation of the Cathayan imagination. a being that embodies their desire to fend off evil and misfortune at all times, loyal pets that will guard all that is dear to them while they themselves rest. However, some Foo Dogs have a value that is active and practical as well as symbolic. Foo Dogs are some of the strangest defenders of Cathay. They are magical constructs chiseled from stone and guard temple grounds from intruders. On closer inspection, these avatars seem indistinguishable from normal statues but will spring to life when certain strictures on the temple grounds are violated. The Wu Jen long ago learnt the art of animating them in times of need and since then have perfected the enchantments required to do so. A Foo Dog has a large, blunt head with wide set bulging eyes. Their bodies appear leonine, with thick fur and large padded feet. While possessing the durability and strength of stone, they move with startling agility and could almost be mistaken for real animals if it weren’t for their grotesque, Daemonic faces and the creepers and mold trailing from their legs. In battle they fight like their living counterparts, charging and pouncing with surprising speed and crushing the skulls of their foe with the inevitability of stone. When the armies of Cathay go to war, it is not uncommon to see these arcane constructions loping with disturbing grace alongside the marching soldiers.

A terracotta soldier is crafted from clay and fired into ceramic and is usually sculpted to resemble an armored human soldier. Terra-cotta soldiers are often created to guard the tomb of powerful rulers, standing in silent ranks to guard their liege even after his or her death. These soldiers stand vigil for centuries, animating only to defend the tomb and its riches from tomb robbers. Terracotta soldiers are typically painted with colored lacquer, though this decoration is often worn away from use or faded with age. Unlike most constructs, a terra-cotta soldier carries within its form a spark of intelligence. This is hardly enough to grant the construct the ability to speak or otherwise engage in free will, but it is enough for it to carry out more complex tactics than most constructs are capable of.

The Cathayans have long been known for their extensive knowledge in creating spectacular engines of war using simple means and were the first humans to master the use of gunpowder. Field Engineers are men specialized in building and maintaining these war machines, and despite the risk involved, often gladly take to the field of battle in order to try out their latest creations on the foes of Cathay. Field Engineers use light and portable weapons and war machines and are attached to support a main unit, giving it welcome additional firepower. The most commonly used weapon is Fire Bombs, earthenware pots filled with gunpowder and lit by a fuse. As the fuse burns down, the thrower swings the bomb by an attached rope and then releases it at the right moment, hopefully hurling it at the enemy to explode. The resulting blast can be terrible as the pot shatters. Some Field Engineers arm themselves with Three-Eyed Guns, which are blackpowder weapons with three barrels, able to unleash all three shots simultaneously and be reloaded in the same time as a typical blackpowder weapon, making for relentless firepower. Other Field Engineers are equipped with Sky Rockets, which are noisy, smelly, and spew fire while travelling at high velocity. They damage anything they hit and do collateral damage if they carry an explosive charge. The Dragon's Breath is the last of the weapons for use by a single soldier. The Dragon's Breath fires a continuous stream of fire, incinerating enemy infantry at short range. Why it's called "Dragon's Breath" should be obvious. It was the first use of gunpowder in Cathayan warfare. The last weapon used by the Field Engineers is the Hand Mortar, a portable artillery pieces mounted on small wagons and there is only ever one per unit of Field Engineers. The Hand Mortar fires a hollow shell packed with gunpowder that send shards of sharp metal in every direction upon impact and can be devastating to enemy infantry.

One devastating weapon employed by all Cathayan kingdoms is the Bastion Chariot. The Chariot is more than just a symbol of war, to the Cathayans, it is a symbol of both power and prestige. One rule of Cathay is that no vassal may command more Bastion Chariots than his liege. Bastion Chariots are among the heaviest in the world, pulled by four horses instead of the typical two and having a larger platform for more soldiers. It is usually manned by three soldiers equipped with spears and bows and constructed from wood, leather, bronze and steel. As well as being painted red and covered in flags, each chariot is personalized by its riders. Painted shields, wooden ornaments with the faces of animals and demons, shocks of horse hair and colored plumes are among many of the decorations and the horses are covered in richly decorated barding. To ride into battle on a Bastion Chariot is a great honor usually granted to nobles but some soldiers rising in the ranks also receive this privilege. Sometimes, the commanders will ride a Bastion Chariot. The Bastion Chariots move swiftly across the battlefield, smashing against enemy formations in force. Those that are not crushed beneath the hooves of the horses or the scythed wheels of the chariot are soon impaled on the spears of the crew.

On the battlefield, the chaos created by combat, significant troop movements, and terrain, all make it very difficult to maintain direct contact between the different parts of the army. For that reason, the general makes use of an efficient system of transmitting orders to his subordinates, which are then relayed down the chain of command. Messengers receive and transmit a general’s orders to his subordinates across the battlefield. Speaking-trumpets and flags are used for communicating with officers; these orders are generally either to advance or to retreat. Large drums, frequently taller than a man, cymbals and bronze bells are used to send out signals, most often orders to move. Thus, despite the vast area covered by thousands of men locked in combat, the army is capable of coordinating its actions. Although everything may seem confused on the field of battle, visual and auditory signals can assure coherence between any army’s commanders and thus the success of its operations. Cathay's enemies are used to hearing the regular beat that accompanies their troop movements; the noise can sometimes drown out the roar of battle. The Cathayan troops are trained to react to the slightest change in rhythm. The drum beaters strike the tanned hides with huge sticks. The effort needed is considerable, and the men form a kind of elite unit dedicated to the transmitting of messages across the battlefield. Officers receive the same training to understand the complex code employed.

War Wagons are a chariot covered with a roof of planks reinforced with metal plates and damp hides to protect soldiers approaching enemy walls. It is sometimes also used on the battlefield, but its reduced mobility makes it difficult to do as much damage to cavalry or infantry as its lighter brethren. It takes various forms, but the basic style remains the same: it has four wheels, and the six men it carries can wield their weapons through holes in the structure. The soldiers inside are often equipped with spears and crossbows, and the lances sometimes fixed on it can give the War Wagon the look of a hedgehog.

Bolt throwers have long been used by the Cathayans in siege warfare. Although military theory advises avoiding sieges, they were still frequent during the Warring Kingdoms period. An engineer sets to work, required to produce engines capable of bringing down the enemy defences. These engines are made on site using local materials, and are often abandoned or destroyed when an army retreats. Nowadays, bolt throwers are mainly used in defensive positions to protect the walls of cities and the Great Bastion from attack, but they are also used in field battles and kill monsters and regular troops alike.Siege Crossbows are a heavier version of a simple crossbow. It is mounted on a fixed chassis and placed atop ramparts. As tall as a man, it can launch three-foot long bronze bolts two hundred yards or more. A hoist allows it to be lifted or lowered. Wheels help it manoeuvre, and at least two soldiers are needed to work it. Stormhurler Ballista are large crossbows capable of firing several bolts at once. There are many versions, some lined up one next to the other, others in a fan-shape. This war machine can sow carnage among enemy ranks. However, precision is sacrificed in return for a higher rate of fire: after medium range the bolts tend to disperse. This weapon can fire several bolts, all set off together with the aid of an iron catch. Several of these weapons can be placed side by side and tied to a single release catch (with a cord connecting one to the other), giving it a still higher rate of fire.

The Catapult consists of a long arm mounted on a fixed chassis, either on a rampart or on wheels. It is rarely used except against city assaults. When besieging an enemy settlement, the first and greatest obstacle to overcome are its defenses. Catapults launch heavy projectiles over long distances to batter down walls and barriers. Hurling large, heavy projectiles to breach enemy defenses from afar requires quite a feat of engineering. The Cathayans use two different version of Catapults. The first one is a simple traction catapult that works using levers: soldiers pull the arm back with ropes then release it. The more advanced version uses a heavy counterweight which is raised to lower a beam, and the projectiles are loaded onto the beam’s sling. A switch drops the counterweight, launching the projectiles; the impact is devastating but inaccurate, so catapults are best used against immobile targets such as walls rather than moving enemy troops. However, if it does manage to hit their target, they can inflict massive damage against infantry.

Neither in Cathay nor in the Old World can scholars approach with certitude the origins of alchemy, but the evidences in Cathay appear to be slightly older. The discovery of alchemy eventually led to the invention of gunpowder. The Cathayans wasted little time in applying it to warfare, and soon the first cannons could be seen. The first weapons were crude and often exploded in the faces of the crew operating them but over the centuries they were both stabilized and made more accurate and effective. Dragon Cannons fire two types of ammunition. The first is the typical round shot used universally. The second are cannon shells packed with powder that explode on impact. When the cannonball hits its target, the shell breaks and the spark it creates sets the gunpowder within on fire, making in very effective against infantry.

For ages past in Cathay, fireworks have been used in celebrations. The grand fireworks that play when a new Emperor is crowned rival anything that magic can do. The earliest documentation of Cathayan fireworks dates to the Tong Dynasty, where they were first used to frighten away evil spirits with their loud sound, and also to accompany prayers for happiness and prosperity. Fireworks may have also led to the use of military rockets in Cathay, but their true origins are shrouded in mystery. Exactly when the first flights of rockets occurred is contested. Some say that the first recorded use of a rocket in battle was by the Wu Dynasty Grand Army against the goblin hordes. The Hwacha consists of a two-wheeled cart carrying a launch pad or board, filled with holes into which the ammunition is inserted. The ammunition consists of about 200 fire arrows which are ignited and fired. Many are the foes that have been impaled by an artillery barrage from these fearsome weapons.

The Flying Crow is an evolution of Cathay's early rocket technology and is utilized as both a physical and psychological weapon. The Flying Crow is constructed of bamboo laths, much like a basket, and then covered with paper to strengthen its shape. It is attached to a wooden pole angled so it flies up into the air once the fuse is lit. Its two wings allow for natural lift and stabilization and also act as carriage for the four rockets – two under each wing – that propel the weapon through the air. At a certain stage of flight, the rocket flares up and ignite the gunpowder within, it sends a rain of fire down upon its targets.

Brass Titans are implacable automatons forged of elemental fire and brass that stand sentinel over the palaces and temples of Cathay. Unquestionable loyal, they follow orders literally and explicitly, making perfect guardians. Brass Titans are forged from the purest copper and zinc found in the mountains of Cathay to make an incredibly strong brass alloy, with an inner core of molten lava and cast to resemble huge, fearsome and heavily armored men. The first Brass Titan was created 1500 years ago by a great Wu Jen obsessed with the alchemical binds between the elements and metal. Unfortunately, he was also unable to control it and was slain by his creation. Over the years, the art of constructing these beings have been perfected, allowing them to take orders more clearly and be built to immense sizes. Towering over the soldiers of Cathay, the Brass Titans march to war; each step a small earthquake and every swing of the blade able to massacre whole scores of troops.

Great Eagles are present in the east as well as the Old World. Of the four eastern civilizations, only the Cathayans are not affiliated with monsters so the Great Eagles sometimes make common cause with them, though not to the point of letting Cathayans ride them unlike the elves. From the vantage point of their high eyries, the eagles watch the movements of ground dwelling creatures. Great Eagles are the largest birds of prey in the world, with a wingspan of over 30 feet, razor sharp talons and ferocious beaks which they use to tear their enemies apart. Their feathers are golden yellow and glisten in the sun, while their underside, tail and the tips of their wing feathers are white like clouds. Some eagles have black edges to their tail and wing feathers, a sign of maturity and power, only the oldest are marked this way. They are exceedingly intelligent and a few of their eldest are rumored to speak the tongues of other races. When a Great Eagle swoops down upon prey, its vast wing span blots out the sun and all the victim can see is the oncoming razor-sharp beak and powerful rending talons. The plummeting dive of but a single such bird is a formidable sight, but it pales in comparison to the dreadful yet elegant vision of an entire flock plunging out of the skies towards a foe. In perfect unison, each of the mighty raptors peals out of flight and streaks downward, striking their foes like thunderbolts. Some Great Eagles undergo strange changes in adulthood, they may have metal feathers forming a natural armor, become supernaturally swift or catch fire and turn into phoenixes.

Due to a quirk in biology some Great Eagles grow to massive sizes, becoming enormous Rocs. While no less intelligent than their smaller brethren, this size allows one to tear into enemies that a flock of lesser Eagles would struggle with. These Rocs can have the same odd mutations that smaller Great Eagles have, making them even more formidable. Rocs are terrifying, legendary birds renowned for their ability to carry off young elephants and other big animals. While their beaks are hooked like an eagle’s and designed for slashing and tearing, most rocs prefer to seize prey in their massive, clawed talons and drop them from great heights before feasting on the shattered remains. Rocs are equally comfortable over land and sea. While they can sleep in the air as they soar solo across great ranges in search of food, they generally return home to the mountains to roost and procreate. They build their nests upon the tallest mountain, rocky outcrop, or perch in their territory, using branches and even whole trees in the construction. A Roc that has become a Phoenix is considered sacred in Cathay, epitomizing the ideals of good and righteousness. While Great Phoenixes rarely dwell in or near settlements, the beings are known far and wide for their acts of benevolence and vast stores of wisdom. Some pilgrims trek hundreds of miles through harsh deserts and barren hills merely to solicit a phoenix’s rare and ancient knowledge, always given freely and with courtesy.

The Cathayan equivalent of the Pegasus is the Qilin, creatures who were once ordinary horses. The transformation of a horse into a Qilin is at the same time more extreme and less so than the transformation into a Pegasus. A Qilin is covered in scales that are the same color as its original coat and the hair that remains grows with thick eyelashes, manes that flow upwards and beards, such that it resembles a Ryu from the previous age. However a Qilin gains no new limbs from its transformation, instead flying entirely on magical currents.

The Pixiu is a celestial being possessing the body of a lion, the head of a Ryu, the paws of a Qilin and the wings of an eagle. Their origin is unknown but according to legend, the species once served the gods to hunt down demons and halting the spread of their influence. Then it was either cursed or blessed to only be able to feed on demons. The Pixiu has the curious ability to absorb the essence of the demons it devours, transforming it into gold, precious jewels and other riches. Some tales tell of Warlords with few scruples, which capture a Pixiu and bring it demons for it to devour them and vomit forth gold and jewels and particularly heinous villains have even forced the demons to monsterize women so they can have a steady supply to feed the Pixiu. When battle calls, they take their Pixiu as a mount, for these mighty beasts can take on the toughest of foes.