BloggUccio

Far from Terra, in the eastern reaches of the galaxy, lies the empire of the tau. Though not extensive, it encompasses a region of space some three hundred light years in diameter, with the Tau home world as its centre, and just over a hundred settled worlds. The Tau are young race, barely six thousands years old, yet they are highly advanced technologically and their empire is expanding rapidly, pushing further into space with growing self-confidence.

The Tau are a supremely dynamic and energetic race. The principle of the Tau’va – the Greater Good – drives them outwards from their homeworld, into the great unknown of space. Such expansion has led to contact with many alien cultures. The Greater Good requires that all join together and acknowledge the guidance of the Ethereal caste, and this includes any and all races with whom the tau come into contact. Perhaps unsurprisingly, few races are willing to surrender unreservedly, and so the Fire caste has gone to war on numerous occasions. Those worlds that will not willingly join the empire are dragged to the negotiating table under threat of annihilation. Those that remain openly defiant face obliteration under the orbital guns of the Air caste fleet.

Commander Shas’el in XV8 “Crisis” battlesuite

Commander is a position of great honour for Tau of the Fire Caste. It is attained only after years progressing through the ranks of Fire Warriors to fight first in the Battlesuit teams and then as part of another Commender’s Bodyguard. Proof of accomplishment in not only the tactical but also the strategic arts of war may then earn the Commander’s approval and elevation from Shas’vre. Tau Commanders are formidable warriors, frequently sporting scars, bionics and disfigurements earned in their career. According to their renown they may be called upon to command anything from a Cadre to a Battle. The number and size of previous commands is reflected in the the rings confining their long scalp locks. A Shas’el can only progress to the rank of Shas’o after repeated success in the field.

Bodyguard Shas’vre in XV8 “Crisis” battlesuit

A Bodyguard team of Fire Warriors in Crisis Battlesuit armour may accompany a Shas’o or a Shas’el. The Bodyguards will always be veterans, experienced and proven in battle. It is common for such Bodyguard teams to be predominantly made up of the Commander’s kin or long term friends, and it is a great honour to be chosen for such duty. The Bodyguard embody the Tau philosophy of striving for the Greater Good at the expense of personal glory and these warriors are much respected by the rest of the army.

Shas’ui leader and Shas’la Fire Warriors

Fire Warrior teams are ever present in Tau armies and are formed from members of the same sept. They are cautious but efficient, and their pulse rifle armament gives them excellent fire power. Often mounted in a Devilfish troop carrier, they are able to rapidly deploy and lay down a withering fusillade upon their foes.

Piranha light skimmer

The Piranha is a light armoured vehicle used by the Tau in a range of capacities including rapid response, support of Pathfinder teams and even as battlefield transport for high-ranking dignitaries. By upgrading the vehicle to carry a fusion blaster or a pair of seeker missiles it becomes an effective tank hunter, particularly when guided to target by Pathfinder teams.

Shas’ui team in XV88 “Broadside” battlesuit

Experienced veterans can wear Broadside battlesuits and are most heavily armed of all Tau ground troops. Broadside teams utilize a heavily modified version of the Crisis battlesuit armour. The standard jet pack is removed, which frees up weight for the incorporation of some extremely heavy weapon systems. Broadside teams must be able to engage and destroy heavily armoured targets and, consequently, are equipped with the most devastating weapons in the Tau arsenal.

Hammerhead gunship

The Hammerhead gunship is the main battle tank of the Tau army. Most of the internal space within the tanks is taken up by capacitors for its weapon systems, and thus it cannot carry troops. During the Damocles Crusade, many Imperial tank crews learned the hard way how deadly its main weapons can be.

Kroot carnivore squad

Kroot carnivore squads are the most common auxiliaries serving alongside the Tau armies. The Kroot worlds have long been part of the empire, ever since a Tau expeditionary force helped liberate several Kroot enclaves from Ork domination. The Kroot warriors have a strict code of honour and, in return for the support of the Tau empire, supply large numbers of warriors as exclusive mercenaries. Their self-sufficiency and unparalleled fieldcraft are a major asset to the Tau and a useful contrast to their more technologically dependent masters. Kroot squads may also contain the lumbering Krootox and agile Kroot hounds. Whilst the Tau found the Kroot predilection for eating the flesh of their vanquished foes barbaric, it is hoped that prolonged exposure to the Tau’s sensibilities and culture will eventually purge them of this distasteful habit, Despite this, the Kroot are afforded virtually the same level of respect as a Tau, since their skill at arms is much valued by the less physically able Tau. The Kroot are honoured for their martial prowess and are rewarded for their efforts, as befits loyal citizens of the Tau empire.

Dioramas

Gallery