"Counting bodies like sheep to the rhythm of the war drums..."
- —Description of a Zhangu War Drum in Total War: Warhammer III.
A Zhangu War Drum as depicted for Total War: Warhammer III.
A Zhangu War Drum is a musical instrument used by the celestial armies of Grand Cathay to enhance their military's morale in the field. By tradition, every city in Cathay has one of these, and they march out with that city's troops to war if required.[1]
Role[]
By law and tradition, every major city in the Celestial Empire of Grand Cathay has a war drum for its garrison above its gates. When danger looms and the enemies of the Dragon Emperor descend, a dozen men beat the drum to call their soldiers to war, each man guided by its thundering tempo. Should the need arise, the drums can be carried into combat by chariots or a large cart. Every beat drives the troops forward, filling their hearts with fury and passion.[1]
The Zhangu War Drums are the perfect place from which Cathayan commanders can view the battlefield, elevated above the troops. These war machines are drawn into battle by Cathayan Oxen, and several musicians man the instrument itself.[1]
Notable War Drums[]
- Jade War Drum
Trivia[]
In Chinese, the name "Zhangu" (戰鼓, zhan gu) literally means "war drum".
Sources[]
- 1: Total War: Warhammer III (PC Game)