At a glance
- Type
- Hero type
- Battlefield role
- Metal spellcaster
- Content pack
- Total War: Warhammer III (base game)
- Race
- Grand Cathay
Availability
Content pack: Total War: Warhammer III (base game). Immortal Empires ownership
- Grand Cathay hero type; recruit through the Alchemist recruitment building chain with available hero capacity.
- Part of the base Grand Cathay roster in Total War: Warhammer III; Shadows of Change is not required for this hero type.
Recruiting an Alchemist
Use Cathay's hero recruitment panel in a province that supplies Alchemists. Check the relevant building's unlock and capacity effects when developing a supporting settlement. The hero joins an existing force; this is a different campaign role from a Legendary Lord.
The background of Cathayan alchemy is closely tied to Shang-Yang and Zhao Ming's western realm. That association explains the type's identity, while the hero remains part of Cathay's wider magical toolkit.
Metal magic in a combined-arms force
The Alchemist uses the Lore of Metal. Choose spells around the engagement the army needs to win, and coordinate their use with the troops already in position. A useful cast helps a regiment survive or lets your damage units exploit a vulnerable target.
Protect the caster behind Jade Warriors or another holding element. Keep a route away from enemy cavalry and avoid following a fleeing target beyond friendly support. A caster's continued presence can be more valuable than a brief and risky melee.
Alchemist or Astromancer?
An Astromancer uses the Lore of Heavens. Compare the available spells and the lord's own abilities before choosing a supporting hero. Both types spend the army's magical resources, so adding casters changes your options rather than making those resources unlimited.
Zhao Ming and Miao Ying can each bring a dragon lord's physical presence to battle. An Alchemist supports that army from a different position and should be used with the safety of the whole formation in mind.
Development after Update 8.0
Update 8.0 added a Sky Lantern mount and expanded the Alchemist's skill choices across spellcasting, personal combat and army support. The Assist Army actions Metallurgic Refining and Alchemical Hardening support weapon strength and armour respectively.
Choose development around the army that will actually accompany the hero. A ranged platform needs protection from flyers; a caster supporting Jade Warriors needs a safe casting position. More possible roles make it useful to decide the hero's job before spending skill points.
Sources
- Immortal Empires DLC Ownership Guide — support.sega.com
- Update 8.0 Patch Notes — community.creative-assembly.com