Grand Cathay Reinforcements : MIAO YING THE STORM DRAGON
Grand Cathay Reinforcements: Miao Ying the Storm Dragon – Lore, Model & Tabletop Guide
Miao Ying, the Storm Dragon, is the aloof and devastatingly powerful ruler of Northern Cathay and commander of the Great Bastion. Now she arrives in Warhammer: The Old World with a spectacular plastic kit that captures both her human and colossal dragon forms. If you collect Grand Cathay—or you’re eyeing a new fantasy showpiece—this guide explains who Miao Ying is, what’s in the box, how she plays, and how to paint and field her with maximum impact.
Who Is Miao Ying? (Lore Overview)
Known as the Storm Dragon, Miao Ying is one of the Celestial Dragon Emperor’s scions—ancient draconic royalty who defend Cathay from Chaos. As ruler of the Northern Provinces and commander of the Great Bastion, she has spent centuries repelling northern incursions with cold discipline, jade‑steel armies, and mastery of the Storm Winds. When the taint of Chaos spreads westward, she ranges abroad to crush its influence, leading elite hosts of Jade Warriors, Jade Lancers, and formidable artillery to restore balance to the Old World.
What’s in the Model Kit?
- Two Miniatures in One Box: The kit builds Miao Ying in human form (spellcasting, commanding presence) and her serpentine dragon form—a dynamic centrepiece that dominates any display or battlefield.
- High‑detail sculpt: Layered armour plates, flowing silks, and draconic textures make this an outstanding paint project—ideal for glazing, edge highlights, and metallic accents.
- Cathay iconography: Design motifs tie her to Grand Cathay—celestial symbols, dragon heraldry, and elegant ornamentation that matches the wider range.
On the Table – What Does She Do?
Faction: Grand Cathay (The Old World). Miao Ying is a legendary leader who can command a disciplined battleline while unleashing devastating magic and melee power.
- Dual battlefield roles: In human form she excels as a sorcerous commander and force multiplier; in dragon form she becomes a flying monster that shatters elite units and terrifies the enemy line.
- Army synergy: She anchors Jade Warriors as an unbreakable core, supports Jade Lancers for hammer‑and‑anvil plays, and pairs well with Grand Cannon or Fire Rain Rocket Battery to force opponents into kill zones.
- Narrative hooks: Her presence dovetails with Arcane Journal: Dawn of the Storm Dragon, which explores Cathay’s campaigns in the Old World and introduces themed army options and scenarios.
Why This Kit Is a Must‑Buy
- Showpiece quality: You’re effectively getting two display models—a character and a dragon—both tied to the same heroine and visual theme.
- Signature gameplay: The ability to leverage magical dominance, aerial threat projection, and disciplined infantry creates a playstyle that feels uniquely Cathayan.
- Collection cornerstone: Miao Ying is the lore face of Grand Cathay—perfect as a first purchase or as the crown jewel of an advancing army.
How to Build Lists Around Miao Ying
Balanced Cathayan Phalanx (Core & Control)
- Frontline: Two units of Jade Warriors to anchor objectives and form the anvil.
- Fire Support: Grand Cannon or Fire Rain Rocket Battery to punish overextension.
- Mobile Threat: Jade Lancers to counter‑charge and convert breaks into routs.
- General: Miao Ying—use human‑form control in early turns, switch to dragon aggression when the line is locked.
Stormstrike (Tempo & Threat Projection)
- Mobile core: A lighter screen of infantry with multiple cavalry elements to set up flanks.
- Dragon plays: Use her dragon form to force bad deployments; threaten artillery, isolate enemy elites, and create panic in the backfield.
- Objective steals: Keep one fast unit fresh for late‑game scoring while Miao pins or deletes high‑value targets.
Painting & Basing Ideas (Make the Dragon Pop)
- Storm palette: Blue‑green jade armour with pale porcelain accents and warm gold trim evokes Cathay’s imperial aesthetic. Glaze deep teal into recesses for a lacquered effect.
- Dragon scales: Start with a dark teal base → turquoise midtones → pale blue‑green edge highlights. Stipple darker shades near joints for depth, and gloss the eyes for life.
- Human form: Smooth blends on silk sleeves, sharp edge highlights on armour plates, and a controlled OSL (object source lighting) effect around spell effects.
- Great Bastion base: Slate rubble, carved stone, and cracked jade inlays—with weathering powders in ochre/black to ground the model in the Old World.
Release Window & What’s Next
Miao Ying headlines a wider Grand Cathay push—solo releases for Jade Warriors, Jade Lancers, artillery kits, and a themed Arcane Journal that expands your options. Keep an eye on weekly previews for stock dates and local arrival times.
Link to Shop
Build your Grand Cathay army and secure Miao Ying here: Grand Cathay Collection.
Frequently Asked Questions – Miao Ying the Storm Dragon
The plastic box builds two miniatures: Miao Ying in human form and her colossal dragon form—a matched pair for play and display.
Warhammer: The Old World. She leads Grand Cathay forces and fits naturally with Jade Warriors, Jade Lancers, and Cathayan artillery.
In human form, she’s a spellcasting commander who stabilizes your line. In dragon form, she’s a flying monster that deletes key threats and swings combats.
Yes—Miao Ying shines with a core of Jade Warriors, a mobile element like Jade Lancers, and ranged support (cannons/rockets). Add to taste.
Use Contrast/Speed paints for fabrics, then edge‑highlight armour. For the dragon, thin paint and multiple translucent layers beat thick coats every time.
Yes—the Arcane Journal focused on Cathay explores campaigns, army options, and narrative hooks that pair perfectly with Miao Ying.
Right here: Grand Cathay Collection.