The Warring States era was a struggle over how to fight, govern and survive. This is the historical setting behind our Qin–Zhao card world.
The competition between states was also a contest in organisation. Larger infantry forces and stronger administration changed the relationship between rulers and the people they mobilised.
Historical source ↗The seven-state framework is a useful introduction, not a claim that only seven communities or political actors existed. Our cards narrow the focus further to Qin and Zhao, while the archive keeps their wider world in view.
Use the timeline to place the cards in context. Then explore the sources to separate received narratives, material evidence and our modern visual interpretations.
Select a date to explore its story and the card it inspired.
There is more than one convention. 475 BCE and 403 BCE are both used for the beginning of the Warring States period. This archive keeps those labels visible rather than treating the transition as a single overnight change.
Historical source ↗Shang Yang’s reforms linked law, rewards, farming and military service to a stronger Qin. Their significance extends beyond battlefield tactics. Our reform card translates mobilisation into coordinated movement, not a complete model of the society.
Historical source ↗King Wuling’s clothing and mounted-archery reform is traditionally dated to 307 BCE. Riding dress and archery express adaptation to frontier practices. Hufu Qishe means more than giving an ordinary infantryman a horse.
Historical source ↗The Shiji recounts Qin’s encirclement of Zhao and the mass killing of surrendered soldiers. Its enormous reported totals are transmitted historical figures, not independently verified headcounts. The campaign belongs in this archive with its human cost intact.
Historical source ↗The relief of besieged Handan shows that Qin’s victory at Changping did not make later conquest inevitable. Alliances and resistance still mattered.
Historical source ↗Qin’s conquest of its rivals culminated in 221 BCE. A new imperial order followed. The card set brings people and reforms from different generations together; it does not recreate one campaign in this final year.
Historical source ↗Qin and Zhao are the playable factions. Five other major powers complete the historical frame.
The western challenger
Reform and mobilisation helped Qin sustain its military expansion.
Historical source ↗Represented in this set with 20 core designs and one reform bonus. The faction palette is an artistic identity, not a claim of uniform historical dress.
Explore Qin cards ↗The northern frontier
A successor of Jin, remembered for mounted-archery reform and resistance to Qin.
Historical source ↗Represented in this set with 20 core designs and one reform bonus. The faction palette is an artistic identity, not a claim of uniform historical dress.
Explore Zhao cards ↗An early great power
A Jin successor whose recruitment of talented advisers helped it become an early leader.
Historical source ↗Part of the historical world of the archive. This state has no cards in the current Qin–Zhao starter set; no expansion is announced here.
Among larger neighbours
The third Jin successor belonged to the seven major competing states.
Historical source ↗Part of the historical world of the archive. This state has no cards in the current Qin–Zhao starter set; no expansion is announced here.
The eastern power
The Tian ruling house cultivated political talent and ruled a major rival state.
Historical source ↗Part of the historical world of the archive. This state has no cards in the current Qin–Zhao starter set; no expansion is announced here.
A distinctive southern world
Chu’s material culture included accomplished lacquerwork and silk painting.
Historical source ↗Part of the historical world of the archive. This state has no cards in the current Qin–Zhao starter set; no expansion is announced here.
The northeastern kingdom
Yan belonged to the seven major powers, although it was less consistently dominant.
Historical source ↗Part of the historical world of the archive. This state has no cards in the current Qin–Zhao starter set; no expansion is announced here.
Early Chinese crossbows depended on accurately made bronze trigger parts. The game uses their identity to create tactical matchups; it does not simulate bolt trajectories or firing range.
Historical source ↗
Mounted warfare in this setting belongs to a world before later paired stirrups. Our Zhao imagery emphasises the bow and practical riding dress, not medieval armoured-knight equipment.
Historical source ↗
Shang Yang’s programme concerned laws and the concentration of resources, not merely a general’s clever manoeuvre. A reform card allows the game to acknowledge the institutions behind military power.
Historical source ↗