"Stoic Cathayan cavalry, as expendable as they are dutiful. The Celestial Emperor thanks them for their sacrifice."
- —Description of the Peasant Horsemen of Cathay in Total War: Warhammer III.[2]
Peasant Horsemen are the peasant militia cavalry called up to supplement the standing forces of the Grand Imperial Army of Grand Cathay when needed.
Role[]
As they are almost everywhere in the Known World that Men make their homes, the horse is the most common steed and beast of burden in Grand Cathay. Plenty of the Cathayan peasantry learn to ride as part of their duties and carrying goods or information across the great distances of the Celestial Empire is tantamount to its survival. Thus, when called to war, many can mount up as Peasant Horsemen to act as scouts or harrying cavalry attackers for larger armies.[1]
The armies of Grand Cathay are vast, and if there is one thing the Dragon Emperor does not want for, it is men and women to fill their ranks. Horsemen are a common sight in the provinces, the horse being as prolific a beast of burden and transport as it is in the Old World. Cathayan generals use these highly-mobile troops primarily as scouts, though they can also be used to lure away enemy troops or draw them into ambushes.[2]