Tau

From Tau

I remember when I first saw the Tau. I was immediately taken in by the Devilfish Troop Transport. It had a sleek design unlike anything I had seen before. It was accompanied by similar looking tanks as well as the sleek looking aircar known as the Piranha. It was the most "science fiction" looking army in the 40K World. Years later when I got back into 40K I opted for this army. Now, I did some careful research and I found this is a very difficult army to play with. The tactics aren't cut and dry. In fact it is deemed very difficult to be competitive with. Wonderful! I love a challenge. I think that made it all the more interesting for me to get into. I value tactical creativity and after having read and experimented a lot I've determined that the Tau are lightning tethered to an egg shell (as the old quote about air power in WWII goes). They can strike hard but they are fragile. They must be played like chess pieces where even the Queen can be taken out by a Pawn. Yet they can strike from cover, sometimes never even being seen by the enemy they attack.

I am aiming to complete a 750 point army. It will have the following:

HQ: XV8 Shas'el Fireknife variant (twin-linked missile pods, plasma rifle)

Troops: Fire Warrior squad (10+2 drones), Fire Warrior squad (10+2 all pulse carbines) with Devilfish transport.

Fast Attack: Piranha (fusion)

Heavy Support: Sniper Drone Team and Broadside Battlesuit

One of the interesting aspects of gaming with 40K is a strong need to be a combined arms force. I think this list covers all aspects being able to take on hordes of troops or small units of powerful foes. An optional build would remove the heavy supports and add in an elite choice in the form of a Stealthsuit unit. They are good at contesting objective points and have high mobility. They are a little weak in the combat department however.

So far I have the HQ, the Piranha and one Fire Warrior team painted up this week. I am working on the next Fire Warrior team, the Broadside and the Drone snipers next week.

Here is a picture of the Piranha with a variety of regular and non-standard weapons attached to it with magnets. You have to love the versatility of using magnetic hardpoints. Watch for a complete article on the art of pimping out your entire army with cheap yet powerful rare earth magnets.

Shown with Seeker Missiles

Shown with Plasma Rifle, Fusion Gun and Burst Cannon

Shown with AFP and CIB!