Tau Mission Statement

The Tau clearly have several ways of going to war. Their background is perhaps one of the most varied in terms of tactics and methods of warfare of all of the 40K races in existance. So, it was requested that I throw something out which outlines my own view of how a Tau force - and specifically a Tau force in Epic - should play.

Background

The general background for the Tau at war is very varied. It is noted that they place no value in holding ground. However, I would also like to state that this is not the same as a force which is constantly mobile. I do feel that the Tau make use of static defence, and are able and willing to do so, but that their defence points are based on strategic value rather than any desire to 'occupy' terrain.

Tau background also indicates that the Tau avoid close combat, and that they are also not very good at this aspect of warfare. It should also be noted that their optimum range for engaging the enemy is at a greater distance than the average Eldar optimum engagement range. That is, while the 'average' Eldar unit engages at close range firefight, the average Tau unit engages at long range firefight (and I use the term 'firefight' in an abstract way, here) and long range supression distances.

The Tau also rely heavily on their technology. They way that they treat their technology, and their general attitude to war and tactics, are closest to what we recognise as modern warfare. They have the tools to get the jobs done, and the confidence to use them and rely on them. Their firepower does not have the surgeons slicing ability of the Eldar, but is a more 'honest' attack, able to hit hard from a greater distance.

40K

The Tau in 40K are able to play in a wide variety of styles - from the mech rush of a 'Fish of Fury' list, to a static gun line, and everything in between. The most obvious style that they dont suit is the assault charge force, getting into close combat quickly. They must be able to either absorb incoming enemy troops, through fire points and kill zones, or relocate. The ability to 'leapfrog' units, one covering while the other moves, can be effective.

Mission Statement - the Tau in Epic Armageddon

My outlook on the Tau in EA can be summarised in one word - synergy. The individual units should perform together, becoming greater than their individual parts. If I was pushed for an analogy, I would liken it to playing a CCG - where card combos can be set up and moved towards with cards being played in sequence to produce an excellent effect. However, I am very aware of the negative feeling towards both CCGs and this type of 'card combo' play.

One thing that has been on my mind from the very beginning is a desire to differentiate the Tau from the Eldar. This force list should never simply be a variant Eldar force list with different miniatures. The Tau in EA are not the Eldar. Where the Eldar philosophy of war concentrates on the way in which different units complement each other on the battlefield, the Tau units utilise each others ability to combine their strength. Where the Eldar units operate to cover the weaknesses of each other, the Tau units draw on the support of their comrades. For example, while the Eldar will use a combination of units in a formation to make it more flexible, the Tau will combine units in a formation by their role and how their specific abilities interact.

In general, my goals with this tau list are simply to create an interesting force, with deep, tactical possibilities. I would like to create a list which allows players to learn something new about what it can do each game, and which units work well in which situations together. To that end, I am not afraid to adapting small background details in order to make a good game, and balance and tactical interest is the primary aim.

I hope that this clarifies a few of the decisions that I have made, gives rationale about comments and provides a direction to guide development.

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