Warhammer II
The Rise of Nagash by Mike Lee is a brilliantly plotted book that I found all the more compelling because I knew the desert in which it occurs: the Desert of Nekehara, from playing Total War Warhammer II. The book tells the story of the centuries of ambition of the greatest necromancer of that land, Nagash.
I learned that the Black Pyramid was indeed built by Nagash. I learned about the Tower of Arkhan -- Arkhan was a lieutenant of Nagash who we first meet as a drunk, carousing noble with limited prospects.
I learned why a dark abandoned backwater is called Nagashizzar (I learned that it means the greatness or majesty of Nagash).
Warhammer III
I learned that the nations of the Warhammer II maps use bronze, and later iron, but not steel. Yet, the Warhammer III Cinematic Trailer featuring Kislev has a map that shows a Gunpowder Road and Lands of Stone and Steel. You say there is already gunpowder in Warhammer, but the Cathay faction has guns that are shoulder-held and fire steel balls, like late medieval bazookas. As for steel, I think it may already be in Warhammer but, if not, the Cathay may have superior swords.
The map also shows a Warpstone Desert -- I have no insight but see this Steam discussion.
