Topic: Empire Allies or Mercenaries for Grand Cathay?

[Clymer]

Is anyone else thinking of what Empire units to bring in a Grand Cathay army? I'm building a Grand Cathay army now, and honestly, they are not lacking for much despite missing about half of their range.

But always thinking, what Empire units would work best if we were to bring them to a Cathay party?

It seems to me that Allies would be better than mercs generally because there's no limitations on the units that could be brought and the Core options would still be core and therefore control objectives.

On the other hand, the mercs in the Jade Fleet option benefits from a lot of enhanced special rules from the AoI. I wish they could work the other way too: take Cathay mercs in an Empire army and get those upgrades.

The problem with the mercs is that the options aren't great.

A wizard or sigmar preist are obvious great additions to me. Even if they do nothing, the MR-1 and special rules they bring to the army are worth throwing in a 60 to 70 point character.

After that, Outriders look like a potentially great option, but not if you're taking points away from buying lanterns, so I'm not sure they are worth it.

The captain on a little griffon could be awesome too... but the Shegungan is much better, so I think that's out unless you really want that for some reason.

A lot has been talked about on the internets and youtubes about the Ulric priest. Thematically it's great because Cathay makes Northern landfall. But everyone is talking about getting that 2 wounds prayer, but I don't rate the combo much. First off, it's not a reliable strategy because of the leadership check. Secondly, those lancers are S4 on the charge. Good luck getting your two wounds on anything that you would want to hit with multi-wound when you have S4 AP-1. Maybe one of the banners, magic items, another character that joins the unit, or something else I'm missing would help... but that's a lot of investment into a strategy that's only going to pay off about 55% of the time. I think you're just better off with two Shegungans at that point, one with the Monkey King's Wisdom, and one with the Ogre Blade... if you're hell bent on multi-wound.

But, I am very curious to hear other's thoughts as the idea of sprinkling Empire into the Cathay army I am building is very appealing.

Thanks!

[xnet445]

I'm painting up a one-of-each-unit-released Cathay army for my son's birthday at the end of September. I plan to set him up with Empire extras from my pile of shame for his merc choices. I will be including archers, free company, xbow and handgun missile troops, pistoliers, captains, mages and priests.

[Clymer]

I'm painting up a one-of-each-unit-released Cathay army for my son's birthday at the end of September. I plan to set him up with Empire extras from my pile of shame for his merc choices. I will be including archers, free company, xbow and handgun missile troops, pistoliers, captains, mages and priests.

That's fun! And also very sweet! I started painting my kid's Heroscape minis with speed paints, got through two units, and then I was like, "kid, you gotta do this yourself." 

[Damar]

Honestly I could think use for most units. Even vanilla state troops or free company can be fielded as cheap detachments for that re-roll bonus.

Ulric or Sigmar can work with Jade Lancers but it might require the 45pt banner that gives impact hits. WP just brings so much bonus in neat package of buffs (MR, Re-roll 1's, prayers, first charge) to the unit and some combat power such as having Great Weapon (which seems to be an unheard invention in Cathay) and ability to bring stuff like Ring of Taal or Thrice-Blessed armor.

Archers are obviously a skirmish screen.

Pistoliers/Outriders, outriders mainly, can certainly work depending on how much you want to invest on them instead of going for balloons (since you know, those things are broken as hell, making you 'that guy' if you bring several)

Captain can bring a 'battle chicken" and not mind about spellcasting, unlike Shugenja or join a unit of lancers as good substitute for Gate Keepers. I would assume wizards main function would be to use buff spells from demonology etc. to give Jade Warriors some extra punching power in melee.

(This of course assumes Jade Fleet, most people seem to think that allied armies rule is something one is better to ignore)

[Clymer]

Outriders plus priest of Ulric may be a good solution for balloons in a Cathay or Empire army. Will have to get the timing right so they don't get eaten before they can pull off their trick, but it'd be a good one.

Also, great idea on cheap detachments, I hadn't thought about that. But sure, 5 handgunners that will get a one-time +3" range and then buff a Cathay unit with re-roll ones seems like a decent deal for 40 points. They might even cause a wound or two and possibly make a decent speed bump.