Grand Cathay’s signature gameplay feature revolves around harmonizing Yin and Yang forces for maximum effectiveness. It’s the kind of mechanic that could have felt gimmicky in lesser hands, but Games Workshop has crafted something that actually improves rather than complicates the core game.

Each turn, players roll to determine whether Winds of Yang (1-3) or Winds of Yin (4-6) dominate the battlefield, providing different bonuses to units with the “Will of the Dragons” special rule.

Yang dominance grants wizards extended dispel ranges and provides friendly units with +1 Movement or Initiative, reflecting the active, aggressive nature of Yang energy. Yin dominance extends spell ranges for hexes and magic missiles while granting +1 Weapon Skill or Leadership, embodying Yin’s subtle but powerful influence.

The magic system features dual lores – Lore of Yang emphasizes protection and enhancement with spells like “Great Bastion” (providing 6+ ward saves) and “Constellation of the Dragon” (variable-strength magic missiles). Lore of Yin focuses on control and misdirection through spells like “Accursed Mirror” (reflecting damage back to attackers) and “Spirits of Wind & Shadow” (inflicting random movement).

Wizard synergy provides tactical depth – Cathayan spellcasters within 6″ of each other gain +1 to casting attempts once per turn, encouraging players to coordinate their magical phase carefully rather than spreading wizards across the battlefield. The faction’s magic items offer powerful legendary-quality effects, including the 75-point Monkey King’s Wisdom club that hits at Strength 10, the regeneration-granting Jade Blade, and the devastating Mosh Shard that forces enemy wizards to miscast on any doubles rolled within its area of effect.

If you’re thinking that all of  this sounds a bit complicated, you may be right. But in our opinion, the payoff will be worth the learning curve.