The Western Provinces

The Western Provinces is a playable faction introduced in Total War: Warhammer III. It is led by Zhao Ming.
== Background ==
The Western Provinces are a relatively remote region, ruled by the Iron Dragon Zhao Ming. The area is bounded by the Mountains of Mourn to the west, and dominated by the Warpstone Desert. The Desert is arid and full of its namesake warpstone, so caravans passing through must use mirrored shields to avoid chaotic mutation. The desert also contains the Great Maw, and the "Desert Clans" apparently dwell in this region.
The largest city in the west is Shang-Yang, which is a bustling trade hub despite being located in the middle of the Warpstone Desert. From here the Ivory Road extends west all the way to the Old World, bringing great wealth to Cathay. Also in Shang-Yang are the cabals of Cathayan Alchemists who are not officially sanctioned by the Dragon Emperor, but are sheltered by Zhao Ming. Also in the west, in the "Stone Lands" stands the Tower of Ashshair, a fortress which in 2509 IC was unsuccessfully assaulted by the chaotic forces of Sayl the Faithless. The Ogre Kingdoms are another constant threat, as they often raid trade caravans along the Ivory Road. Meanwhile, the Skaven of Clan Eshin seem to have a large nest in the region.
==How they play==
* To be announced
==Legendary Lords==
* Zhao Ming
==Starting territory==
The Realm of Chaos
* Hanyu Port, Wastelands of Jinshen ([ map])
Immortal Empires
* Qiang, Wastelands of Jinshen ([ map])
==Faction effects==
* Maximum cargo capacity: +20% for caravans
* Hero recruit rank: +5 for Alchemists
* Upkeep: -25% for Ogre mercenary units
* Armour: +15 for melee units
==Victory objectives==
===The Realm of Chaos===
====Forge of Souls====
Complete the survival battle for each Chaos Realm and then win the final battle.
=== Immortal Empires ===
==== Short Campaign Victory ====
* Occupy, loot, raze, or sack 30 different settlements
* Control the following provinces either by direct ownership or through vassals and military allies: Warpstone Desert, Wastelands of Jinshen, Ivory Road
* Destroy the following faction: Dissenter Lords of Jinshen
==== Long Campaign Victory ====
* Occupy, loot, raze, or sack 70 different settlements
* Control the following provinces either by direct ownership or through vassals and military allies: Western Great Bastion, Central Great Bastion, Eastern Great Bastion
* Destroy the following factions: Rebel Lords of Nan-Yang, Dissenter Lords of Jinshen, Puppets of Misrule, Heralds of the Tempest, The Blessed Dread, Clan Eshin
==Diplomacy==
===Diplomatic traits===
The Realm of Chaos
* Caravan Master
===Starting agreements===
The Realm of Chaos
* Caravan Master
==Strategy==
===Immortal Empires===
Zhao Ming and his army start at Qiang, with the initial goal of clearing out the Dissenter Lords of Jinshen and taking back Hanyu Port and Shangyang. Goldtooth and the rest of the Ogre Kingdoms to the East should be kept at bay early on thanks to Zhao Ming's positive diplomatic modifier, but will still attack your caravans regardless of diplomatic treaties. Ghorst and his zombies will attack Qiang early on. Clan Eshin and The Blessed Dread to the east will need to be dealt with before they become too strong, as Miao Ying will otherwise be overwhelmed in holding The Great Bastion from being attacked on both sides. You decide whether to unite Grand Cathay via conquest or confederation. 
es:Las Provincias Occidentales
Category:Total War: Warhammer III Grand Cathay factions
Category:Playable factions introduced in Total War: Warhammer III
Category:Total War: Warhammer III factions
Category:Grand Cathay factions
Category:Immortal Empires factions