Among the many factions and lands that define the Warhammer Fantasy universe, Araby stands out as one of the most mysterious and underutilized realms. Known for its rich culture, desert landscapes, powerful sorcerers, and exotic military forces, Araby has long been a point of speculation and interest within the Total War: Warhammer community. As Total War: Warhammer 3 continues to expand its roster and world map through DLCs and major updates, many fans have begun asking the same question: Will Araby be added, and if so, what could they bring to the campaign and battlefield? This potential addition opens up exciting possibilities, both narratively and mechanically, for players eager to experience new campaigns, unique armies, and a fresh perspective on the Warhammer world.
The Lore and Setting of Araby
In the Warhammer Fantasy setting, Araby is a vast region located to the southwest of the Old World, nestled between the southern edges of the Badlands and the western coasts of Nehekhara. It is heavily inspired by medieval Middle Eastern themes, drawing from a blend of Arabian Nights-style mythology, historical empires, and desert-based cultures. While Araby has not been as fleshed out as other major factions like the Empire or the High Elves, it possesses a rich lore foundation that gives it potential for dynamic storytelling and strategic gameplay.
Araby is divided into several independent city-states, each ruled by powerful Caliphs or Sultans. Despite being politically fragmented, the region shares a common religious structure centered around the Cult of the True Faith. These elements, combined with tales of flying carpets, djinns, and desert-bound magic, make Araby a unique faction that could stand apart in Total War: Warhammer 3.
Key Features of Araby’s Lore
- Magic and Mysticism: Araby is home to mystic spellcasters, including powerful wizards and priests who channel divine energies through ancient traditions.
- Unique Units: Its military features camel cavalry, desert warriors, flying carpets, and monstrous entities like genies and sand serpents.
- Religion and Politics: Theocracy and city-state politics could influence gameplay through internal diplomacy or religious mechanics.
- Trade and Wealth: Historically, Araby is known as a center for trade and commerce, often dealing with the Old World and distant lands like Cathay and Ind.
How Araby Could Fit Into Total War: Warhammer 3
With the addition of Immortal Empires and the expanded world map in Total War: Warhammer 3, there is now room to include more regions and factions. Araby’s geographical position makes it an ideal candidate to fill the southern part of the world map, adding new strategic depth for both land and naval warfare. Its inclusion would introduce a new desert biome that could impact attrition mechanics, trade routes, and regional conquest.
Potential Starting Locations
Araby could start with control over major cities like Al-Haikk, Lashiek, or Copher. These cities could be represented as well-defended strongholds with access to unique buildings, trade nodes, and magical resources. Positioned near factions like the Tomb Kings, Vampire Coast, and even the southern lords of the Empire or Bretonnia, Araby would face early challenges from both undead forces and foreign invaders.
The faction’s campaign could revolve around uniting the warring city-states under one banner, resisting outside interference, and reclaiming lost relics or holy sites. This creates a natural narrative arc that rewards long-term planning and defensive mastery before launching outward conquests.
Unique Mechanics and Gameplay Systems
To make Araby stand out in Total War: Warhammer 3, it would benefit from distinct campaign and battle mechanics. Here are a few possible systems that could define the faction:
1. Djinn Summoning and Binding
Araby’s magical heritage includes spirits and genies bound to service by powerful wizards. This could translate into a mechanic where players unlock different djinns to summon in battle or use as campaign agents. Djinn could offer temporary buffs, destructive spells, or sabotage abilities.
2. City-State Allegiance
Since Araby is divided into various autonomous regions, a mechanic similar to Bretonnian chivalry or Empire politics could be introduced. Players would need to earn the allegiance of rival cities through diplomacy, intrigue, or force. Once unified, the faction could unlock bonuses such as elite units or increased income.
3. Divine Favor and the Cult of the True Faith
Religious devotion could play a central role in Araby’s campaign. Temples and rituals might increase divine favor, granting blessings or miracles that affect both battles and settlement management. This favor could also influence relations with other faith-based factions like the Vampire Counts or Lizardmen.
4. Merchant Fleets and Trade Dominance
Leveraging Araby’s historical identity as a trade hub, players could establish trade caravans and merchant fleets across the map. These economic routes would need to be protected from pirates and hostile factions but could provide a significant income boost and rare resources.
Araby’s Roster and Unit Variety
One of the biggest concerns with adding new factions is whether they can provide a balanced and interesting army. Araby has enough lore to support a diverse and thematic unit roster that blends traditional and magical elements.
Core Units
- Desert Warriors: Light infantry wielding spears and curved swords, perfect for early skirmishes.
- Camel Riders: Fast and mobile cavalry units that excel in rough terrain and flanking.
- Araby Archers: Skilled bowmen that offer strong ranged support.
Special and Elite Units
- Flying Carpets: Aerial units used for scouting and quick strikes against enemy lines.
- Swords of the Caliph: Elite bodyguards equipped with enchanted weapons and armor.
- Sand Elementals: Monstrous constructs summoned by sorcerers to devastate enemy formations.
Magical Units and Heroes
- Djinn Lords: High-tier spellcasters with powerful area effects and utility spells.
- Desert Priests: Heroes who offer buffs, healing, and ritualistic powers linked to divine favor.
- Assassins of Copher: Stealth units specialized in ambushes and duels with enemy lords.
Araby’s Role in the Wider Warhammer Narrative
Beyond gameplay, the addition of Araby could help deepen the narrative threads of Total War: Warhammer 3. Their interactions with Nehekhara, the Vampire Coast, and even Cathay could introduce new alliances, rivalries, and conflicts. Araby’s neutral stance and religious undertones might place them in opposition to Chaos-aligned factions or undead armies that defile sacred lands.
The faction could also have their own unique objectives in the Realm of Chaos or act as defenders of reality who refuse to be drawn into the madness of the Chaos Gods. This would give them a unique narrative identity that breaks from the more extreme alignments of other races.
While Araby has yet to be officially confirmed for Total War: Warhammer 3, the faction’s potential is immense. With its rich lore, unique culture, and untapped design space, Araby could bring a refreshing new playstyle to the series. Their blend of religious devotion, magical mystery, and economic prowess would provide a distinct experience both on the campaign map and in battle. As Creative Assembly continues to expand the Warhammer world, fans remain hopeful that the sands of Araby will one day rise and when they do, the Total War battlefield will never be the same.