Many cool new things in the last patch:
-An army list screen reworked toi manage all your armies easily from one screen
-The Little Model China scenario has been extended to include Hubei, Henan and Shaanxi
-6 new factions and 14 new characters
-Many AI have been reworked
-Some new events added
-Some bugs killed...
But the most interesting addition in my opinion is a new type of faction:
The Spirit Soldiers
Did you ever dream of playing as a mystical sect, whose aim is to defend the peasants against bandits and rapacious warlords?
That dream came true!
You certainly encountered these guys before as a neutral faction in Guizhou.
The spirit soldiers have distinct game mechanisms and actions.
Gain Magical Immunity to bullets and other battle charms
Spirit Soldiers units can be trained to gain magical powers (not for real, but it has a real impact if you believe in them).
It is possible to maintain areally high morale and loyalty level among Spirit Soldiers, through magical ceremonies and superstition.
Bullets and rifles are not your kind of weapons: don't expect to inflict the same huge damages as Northern Warlords armies do.
Yes, Spirit Soldiers have a bonus to hand to hand fighting, as they master the sword and the spear, but let's be honest, that will never match the damages of artillery fire.
Raise impressive armies of peasants in no time
Spirit Soldiers are able to summon impressive troops of peasants.
The only drawback is that these gatherings are temporary (they last 1 turn before disbanding).
Also, they have the same problem as any other peasant troops: they tend to vanish as they venture far from their home village.
Like fish in the sea
Spirit Soldiers troops have bonus to ambush their opponents, and to their supplying capacity if they are in a friendly district.
Playing as this faction, most of the time, you won't have to worry about supplying your troops.
Ages old feuds
As you extend your influence in nearby districts, you will certainly face rival secret societies, and struggle to maintain your sphere of influence.
Next steps
Short Term
I will now spend some time on some small but nice features, like adding special actions for Feng Yuxiang, the christian general, or some more content to the Old vs Young Guizhou Cliques.
Then I will go for something bigger:
What about a scenario about the 1927 CCP soviets and uprisings?
Medium term
The "Little Model China" and "Guangdong Revolutionary Base" scenario will be extended.
"Little Model China" will include most of China provinces.
The "Shanghai Uprising" scenario will certainly be reworked.