the tau fleet

7/23/2019 The Tau Fleet

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v0.31


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TAU SPECIAL RULES

ION CANNONIon Cannon are Lances that fire streams of energy that damages their

targets on an atomic level. An Ion Cannon has the Ion (3) special rule

unless stated otherwise.

ION (X)Instead of rolling on the critical hit table, the targets Armour (the

closest facing to the firer) can be reduced by X. This can be repaired

after combat.

RAILGUN BATTERIESRailguns are similar to Imperial macrocannon and other races

macrobatteries. Larger ships can divert more space for the capacitors

to power the energy-hungry railguns, firing larger slugs at longerranges.

Railguns have the Precise (1) special rule unless stated otherwise.

PRECISE (X)Damage from all hits by this weapon is increased by X for every

degree of success that exceeds its Strength value.

TRACKING SYSTEMSCapital ships are sometimes equipped with Tracking Systems tobetter coordinate the efforts of their squadrons and escorts. If a ship

possesses Tracking Systems or is within 2 VU of a ship with one then

Turrets may re-roll any misses and Railguns may ignore any long-

range penalties.

GRAVITIC LAUNCHERS / TAU MISSILESThe Tau use smaller, more agile and interconnected missiles

compared to Imperial ordnance. The Gravitic Launchers fire drone-

missiles in groups of up to five, with a shield drone-missile often

taking the lead and one or two drone-missiles are fitted withelectronic warfare packages to confound augurs as they close in.

A ship with a Deflectoradds its rating to the Speed of Gravitic Missiles

when first launched. These drone-missiles can be used to launch

Interception missions as well, though they are expended and do not

return as Fighters do.

Treat Gravitic Missiles as Guided Plasma Torpedoes.

GRAVITIC HOOKSThese large suspensory arms create gravitic sheaths that allows a

larger vessel to transport several smaller ones, usually of Escort size,

across interstellar distances.

DEFLECTOR (X)This unique Tau technology forms a gravitic wedge on the Prow on

some of the latest Tau warships. Reduce all incoming damage that

strikes the Tau ships Prow by X. Also, increase the Speed of Tau

Gravitic Missiles by X for the first turn if fired from a location

protected by a Deflector.

HIT AND RUN ATTACK / BOARDING ACTIONSThe Tau began woefully unprepared for boarding actions, let alone hit

and run attacks, and suffer a -30 to these tests. Newer vessels are

equipped with Fire Warrior Barracksto provide a contingent of

troops to safeguard the ship, negating any penalties in defending

against these actions. A Battlesuit Armoury removes any penalties for

offensive hit and run attacks and grants a +10 bonus instead.


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TAU VOIDSHIPS

Courier-class Merchant TransportHull: Transport

Dimensions: 1.3 km long, 1.2 km at wings

Mass: 7.4 megatonnes approx.

Crew: 5,000 crew approx.Accel: 1.9 gravities max sustainable acceleration

Observed in large numbers along the Canis Salient, these swift transports are akin to

Imperial star clippers and operate much in the same way in support of the Tau fleet. The

same vessel, or convoy, has been observed making relatively quick trips to deliver supplies

to embattled Tau formations all along the salient. Lord Commander Ebongrave has declared

a significant bounty for each destroyed Courier (or IlEmaar in the Tau tongue). However, a

captured Courier will often be rewarded with a swift execution for fear of xenos

contamination.

Speed: 4 Manoeuvrability: +10 Detection: +10

Void Shields: 1 Armour: 16 Hull Integrity: 35

Morale: 100 Crew Population: 100 Crew Rating: Competent (30)

Turret Rating: 1 Weapon Capacity: Dorsal 1 Space: 38

Essential ComponentsSub-light engine, Transport Gravitic Drive, Void Shield Generator, Commerce Bridge, Crew Quarters, Life Sustainer, Sensor Array

Supplemental ComponentsMain Cargo Hold (2):The Courier devotes most of its internal space for two impressively large cargo holds. Each hold, if full, provides 125

Achievement Points for a Trade Objective. If looted, it will only grant half as much for any Trade Objectives but the full amount for any Criminal

Objectives.

Dorsal Railgun Battery: Using older generation railguns that have been refurbished with newer technologies, Couriers are able to use the batteries

to act as defensive turrets. At the beginning of every turn, a Courier may forgo firing the Railgun Battery and instead use its Strength as its Turret

Rating for the remainder of that round.

Macrobattery Power Space SP Strength Damage Crit Rating Range

Railgun 5 3 2 3 1d10+2 4 5


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TAU VOIDSHIPS

Warden-class GunshipHull: Raider

Dimensions: 1.1 km long, 1.8 km at wings approx.



Though massing the same as many Imperial Escorts, the Warden-class Gunship is

incapable of interstellar transit on its own. The Tau still lack efficient, miniaturized

etherdrives to propel these vessels across the shallow edges of the Warp. These

gunships act as escorts for the motherships that haul them with the use of massive

Gravitic Sheaths, a technique many have attempted with mass conveyors and destroyers

several times in the past. The Warden is more advanced than the Orca, and while mixed

squadrons have been observed, the different acceleration profiles make any coordination difficult for the two gunships. The Wardens primary

advantage is that its devastating Ion Cannon has a wide field of attack at the cost of a narrower range for its railgun batteries.



Morale: 100 Crew Population: 100 Crew Rating: Crack (40)

Turret Rating: 1 Weapon Capacity: Prow 1,Dorsal 1 Space: 40

Essential Components

Sub-light engine, Void Shield Generator, Combat Bridge, Crew Quarters, Life Sustainer, Sensor Array

Supplemental Components

Prow Railgun Battery: The Wardens Railgun Battery is fixed to fire only into the forward arc.

Dorsal Ion Cannon: The latest Tau Ion Cannon can fire at increased ranges than the ones found on the older Orca gunships.


Railgun 5 3 2 3 1d10+3 4 6

Lance Power Space SP Strength Damage Crit Rating Range

Ion Cannon 10 4 3 1 1d10+3 3 7


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TAU VOIDSHIPS

Orca-class GunshipHull: Raider

Dimensions: 1.2 km long, 0.3 km abeam approx.



A first generation Gunship initially encountered in previous conflicts with the Tau, the Orca was considered a capable enough escort then. Its

limitations were not considered to be especially debilitating by Imperial Navy captains as its slow speed and limited agility made it the perfect

escort. Only the limited traversing of the massive Ion Cannon, now probably considered obsolete in such a short amount of time, made the Orca

less than effective. It still rate far higher amongst Imperial commanders than the supposedly superior Corvettes rushed out to replace battle losses.

These obsolete ships now act as system pickets for Tau-held worlds, and most have undergone refits to bring their weaponry up to the Warden s

standards. Few Orcas are deployed by the Tau in the Canis Salient in any offensive actions, devoting their Gravitic Hooks to carrying newer

gunships.

Speed:5 Manoeuvrability: +8 Detection: +10



Turret Rating: 1 Weapon Capacity: Prow 1,Dorsal 1 Space: 40

Essential ComponentsSub-light engine, Void Shield Generator, Combat Bridge, Crew Quarters, Life Sustainer, Sensor Array

Supplemental ComponentsSupply Bays: Built before the more rapid etherdrives, Orca gunships carried more supplies for the longer transits. Capturing these bays grants +50

Achievement Points.

Prow Ion Cannon: The Orcas Ion Cannon can only fire into the forward arc and has the Ion (2) special rule.

Dorsal Railgun Battery: The Orcas Railgun Battery uses obsolete technology with reduced hitting power and range.


Ion Cannon 10 5 3 1 1d10+2 3 5


Railgun 5 4 2 3 1d10+2 4 5


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TAU VOIDSHIPS

Castellan-class EscortHull: Frigate




The Castellan plagues the Canis Salient as a long-range patrol and raiding vessel.

Imperial augurs of the Castellan shows an improved power plant compared to

those Tau Escorts encountered only a few short decades ago and is far more

compact. These ships are the smallest etherdrive-equipped ships the Tau field,

and constantly harass Imperial shipping, threatening to destabilize corridors

long thought safe and secure, at least from overt Tau attack. Lord Commander Ebongrave has also set aside bounties for the destruction of these

ships, often in the hopes of entangling privateers and rogue traders into further lucrative service. The Castellan seems ill-named, at least in theJericho Reach where it often enters Imperial systems secretly and drops off supplies to insurrectionists.




Turret Rating: 2 Weapon Capacity: Prow 1, Dorsal 1 Space: 40

Essential ComponentsSub-light engine, Escort Gravitic Drive, Void Shield Generator, Combat Bridge, Crew Quarters, Life Sustainer, Sensor Array


Supply Bays: As a long range frigate the Castellan needs to carry more supplies than other Tau vessels. Capturing these bays grants +50

Achievement Points.

Prow Gravitic Launcher: This is a Strength 2 Torpedo Launcher with 16 Guided Plasma Torpedoes.

Dorsal Railgun Battery: These railguns sacrifice hitting power for a 50% increase in their effective engagement range. Theyre bulky and require

constant maintenance but prove to be comparable to many Imperial las-batteries overall.


Railgun 7 5 2 4 1d10+2 4 9


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TAU VOIDSHIPSEmissary-class Light CruiserHull: Light Cruiser



Crew: 21,000 crew approx.

Accel: 3.9 gravities max sustainable acceleration

Insidious and perhaps more dangerous than an entire battlegroup of Tau warships,

the Emissary light cruiser is purpose-built for diplomatic and exploration missions.

On its own, it is roughly as powerful as most of the light cruisers it will meet in

forays outside of Tau-controlled space even though Emissary light cruisers do not

travel alone and instead bring a pair of Warden gunships to act as escorts. Rogue

Traders have been aboard Emissary-class ships report a lack of opulence they found

rustic but charming. Wise captains know not to mention the sighting of one of these

vessels, instead relaying their location through various intelligence channels in the

hopes that an Inquisitor or some other high-powered individual will know what to do. Less conspicuous commanders simply engage the Emissary

and grudgingly come to respect its modest capabilities.




Turret Rating: 2 Weapon Capacity: Prow 1, Port2, Starboard 2 Space: 55


Sub-light engine, Gravitic Drive, Void Shield Generator, Combat Bridge, Crew Quarters, Life Sustainer, Sensor Array

Supplemental ComponentsStowage Bays: As a long range diplomatic ship the Emissary needs to carry more supplies than other Tau vessels. Capturing these bays grants +50

Achievement Points.

Diplomatic Quarters: Provides a +10 bonus on Social Tests for any negotiations conducted by the ships owner, and +50 Achievement Points to

Trade, Criminal, or Creed Objectives.

Deflector (3): A Gravitic wedge in front of the ship blunts enemy attacks. Reduce incoming damage towards the Prow by 3.


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TAU VOIDSHIPS

Emissary-class Light Cruiser

Supplemental ComponentsProw Launch Bay: Filled with Barracuda superiority fighters, many Emissary light cruisers are outfitted with this launch bay to facilitate landing

operations and provide fighter cover for itself and its two gunships.

Prow Gravitic Launcher: This is a Strength 3 Torpedo Launcher filled with 18 Guided Plasma Torpedoes.

Port and Starboard Railgun Batteries: Due to the hull shape, weapons on the Port and Starboard fire to their respective arcs and also to the Fore

arc.

Port and Starboard Gravitic Hooks: Able to enclose one Gunship (usually a Warden) each within a Gravitic Sheath for faster than light travel. These

serve no purpose during combat.

Port and Starboard Ion Cannon: The Ion Cannon can fire to their respective arcs and also to the Fore arc.

Fire Warrior Barracks: As each Emissary carries an Ethereal or senior Tau official, a special barracks has been built in these light cruisers to provide

protection against boarding attacks and hit-and-run attempts to take or assassinate these individuals.

Tracking Systems: Tracking systems allow more efficient sharing of telemetry with friendly vessels.

Dalyth ConfigurationProw Launch Bay

Port and Starboard Railgun Batteries

Port and Starboard Gravitic Hooks

Borkan ConfigurationProw Gravitic Launcher


Port and Starboard Gravitic Hooks

Sacea ConfigurationProw Gravitic Launcher


(Range reduced to 6 VU)

Port and Starboard Ion Cannon


Railgun 6 5 2 4 1d10+2 4 9


Ion Cannon 11 5 3 1 1d10+3 3 7


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TAU VOIDSHIPS

Protector-class CruiserHull: Cruiser




Known as the Larshivrein the Tau tongue, the Protectors

appearance decades ago shook complacent Imperial

attitudes about our technological void superiority compared

to this upstart empire. In just a few short decades the Tau

Fleet has gone from converted commercial vessels to

building true warships that can even challenge millennia-old

mainstays like the Lunar-class cruiser. Though no Lunar has been recorded to lose in a one-on-one engagement with a Protector, these Tau cruisers

always hunt in pairs and contain attack craft and superior point-defense so as to render Imperial torpedoes non-factors in any engagement.




Turret Rating: 3 Weapon Capacity: Prow 2, Port 2, Starboard 2 Space: 70

Essential ComponentsSub-light engine, Gravitic Drive, Void Shield Generator, Combat Bridge, Crew Quarters, Life Sustainer, Sensor Array


Stowage Bays: The Protectors stowage bays are greatly expanded for their role as the Tau Fleets main cruiser. Capturing these bays grants +100

Achievement Points and will carry rare equipment.

Deflector (4): A Gravitic wedge in front of the ship blunts enemy attacks. Reduce incoming damage towards the Prow by 4.


There are two known configurations for the Protector. They are detailed on the following page.


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TAU VOIDSHIPS

Protector-class Cruiser

Supplemental ComponentsProw Launch Bay: This is a Strength 1 launch bay filled with Barracuda and Manta squadrons.

Prow Gravitic Launcher: This is a Strength 5 Torpedo Launcher filled with 30 Guided Plasma Torpedoes.Prow Railgun Battery: This battery is treated as a Broadside though it only fires into the Fore arc.

Port and Starboard Railgun Batteries: Due to the hull shape, weapons on the Port and Starboard fire to their respective arcs and also to the Fore

arc.


Fire Warrior Barracks: Each Protector is itself protected by a loyal cadre of Fire Warriors especially trained to protect the ship. As the Tau have no

need for armsmen to maintain morale and discipline, the Fire Warriors train constantly.

Battlesuit Armoury: Several Protectors have been observed with expanded armories and delivery systems for Tau battlesuits. These elite Fire

Warriors allow Tau commanders to engage in hit and run attacks on their own, a capability they seriously lacked until recently.

Tolku Configuration

Prow Railgun Battery

Prow Gravitic Launcher

Prow Launch Bay


Port and Starboard Ion Cannon

Viorla Configuration

Prow Railgun Battery (Strength reduced to 4)

Prow Gravitic Launcher

Prow Launch Bay


Port and Starboard Ion Cannon (Range increased to 10, can only

fire into the Fore arc)

Broadside Power Space SP Strength Damage Crit Rating Range

Railgun 8 8 3 6 1d10+3 3 9


Railgun 6 5 2 3 1d10+3 4 9


Ion Cannon 11 5 3 1 1d10+3 3 7


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TAU VOIDSHIPS

Hero-class CruiserHull: Cruiser




A product of the three-year long Damocles Gulf Crusade, the Larshiclass cruiser is the Taus attempt to match the venerable Lunar cruiser. The

newer Protector is a more credible match, owing to the lessons learned in the Hero s failures. The ship is still in heavy use, having been mass-

produced following the shock of Imperial naval superiority during the crusade. Hero cruisers can still be seen escorting convoys behind Tau lines.

Their hulls, sometimes less than a century old, are already considerably obsolete compared with more modern designs.

Essential ComponentsSub-light engine, Gravitic Drive, Void Shield Generator, Combat Bridge, Crew Quarters, Life Sustainer, Sensor Array

Supplemental ComponentsDeflector (4): A Gravitic wedge in front of the ship blunts enemy attacks.

Prow Gravitic Launcher: This is a Strength 6 Torpedo Launcher filled with 36 Guided Plasma Torpedoes.

Prow Railgun Battery: The Hero cruiser has been updated with later-generation railguns.


Port and Starboard Launch Bays: This is a Strength 1 launch bay filled with Barracuda and Manta squadrons.



Morale: 100 Crew Population: 100 Crew Rating: Crack (40)Turret Rating: 3 Weapon Capacity: Prow 2, Port 2, Starboard 2 Space: 62


Railgun 6 5 2 4 1d10+3 4 9


Ion Cannon 11 5 3 1 1d10+3 3 7


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TAU VOIDSHIPS

Custodian-class BattleshipHull: Battleship




Encountered in the decades following the Damocles

Gulf Crusade, and well after the first Castellans and

Protectors were observed (and destroyed), the

Custodian is the Tau Empires attempt at a true

battleship. There is no denying that the venerated

Emperor-class battleship was an inspiration to the

xenos, as the Custodian is built with multiple railgun

batteries as its primary weaponry. Ion cannon were

added almost as an afterthought, most likely to

capitalize on the excess energy the ship generates.

Most of its volume is occupied by massive hangars,

allowing the Custodian to launch six squadrons at a

time. Due to the hulls geometry, the port and

starboard batteries can fire forward, allowing the

Custodian to be equipped with multiple forward-firing

gravitic launchers. This Tau ordnance can quickly break

apart Navy squadrons even as the attack craft swat away attempts to intercept the ordnance. Thanks to its gravitic hooks, no Custodian has everbeen encountered without its own organic escorts, not to mention the squadrons of cruisers and frigates nominally attached to a battleship.



Morale: 105 Crew Population: 100 Crew Rating: Veteran (50)



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TAU VOIDSHIPS

Custodian-class Battleship

Essential ComponentsSub-light engine, Gravitic Drive, Void Shield Generator Array , Tau Fleet Bridge, Crew Quarters, Life Sustainer, Sensor Array

Supplemental ComponentsProw Gravitic Launchers: This is a Strength 8 Torpedo Launcher with 64 Guided Plasma Torpedoes.

Port and Starboard Railgun Broadsides: The Custodians broadside batteries can fire to their respective arcs and also to the Fore arc.


Port and Starboard Launch Bays: These are Strength 3 Launch Bays filled with Barracuda and Manta squadrons.

Stern Gravitic Hooks (3): The Custodian carries its own escorts with it, in addition to a squadron of cruisers and frigates. Three Wardens can be

carried by the Custodian.

Supply Bays (2): The Custodians supply bays are massive and need constant replenishing. Capturing a single bay grants +100 Achievement Points

and may be filled with rare xenotech.

Fire Warrior Barracks: For a Fire Warrior to be stationed aboard a Custodian implies great trust in their capabilities and is usually the last step

before being granted a battlesuit.

Battlesuit Armoury: Custodians were built with battlesuits in mind, having access corridors throughout the ship specifically for the warmachines.This allows Custodians to engage in hit-and-run attacks, often to devastating effect due to the sheer number of battlesuits it carries. The armoury is

sophisticated enough to fabricate new battlesuits as well.

Ethereal Chambers: The dedicated berths for the Tau rulers and senior officers are considered one, though they too are segmented as the rest of

their society. These chambers include meeting rooms and other amenities to facilitate planning and diplomacy.

Fleet Bridge: The Tau Fleet Bridge grants +5 to Detection and Navigation Tests to any Tau ship within 20 VU.



Railgun 8 8 3 6 1d10+3 3 10


Ion Cannon 11 5 3 1 1d10+3 3 10


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TAU VOIDSHIPS

Explorer-class BattleshipHull: Battleship

Dimensions: 7.3 km long, 0.8 km abeam


Crew: 61,000 crew approx.Accel: 1.3 gravities max sustainable

acceleration

Slow, bulky, and not the least bit suited

for war, the Explorer is a battleship only in hull size. It was meant to be a mobile fleet base, replete with massive cargo bays and hangars to ferry

smaller craft to facilitate the Taus expansion across the stars. For those who have fought the Tau, this vessel is a hated symbol for their quick

prosperity and growth. Despite being made obsolete by several generations of rampant advances, the current Explorers in service are still easily

and cheaply constructed and maintained, making them more akin to armed mass conveyors. The Mk XXIII VashyaExplorer is poorly armed but

can launch an astounding eight attack craft squadrons at once. The newer Mk XXIV Borkanvariant halves the number of squadrons for the ability

to rapidly launch a cloud of Tau missiles. The experimental Galdunis a variant of the Borkan, sacrificing ordnance for Ion cannon. All make use

of three gravitc hooks to carry the older Orca gunships.


Sub-light engine, Gravitic Drive, Void Shield Generator Array , Tau Fleet Bridge, Crew Quarters, Life Sustainer, Sensor Array


Fleet Bridge: The Tau Fleet Bridge grants +5 to Detection and Navigation Tests to any Tau ship within 20 VU.

Tracking Systems: A recent refit of the more current marks fitted the Explorer with these advanced systems.

Stern Gravitic Hooks (3): The Explorer carries three Orca gunships as escorts.

Supply Bays (3): The Explorer was originally built for peaceful exploration and commerce. Capturing a single bay grants +100 Achievement Points

and may be filled with rare xenotech.

Senior Officer Quarters: Though not as resplendent as some Imperial flag officersquarters, these are luxurious compared to the Spartan standard

aboard an Explorer. This grants +5 to Command Tests.

Speed: 3 Manoeuvrability: -5 Detection: +10





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TAU VOIDSHIPS

Explorer-class Battleship

Supplemental ComponentsProw Gravitic Launchers: This is a Strength 8 Torpedo Launcher with 64 Guided Plasma Torpedoes.

Prow Railgun Battery: The Explorers Railgun Battery is treated as a Broadside.


Port and Starboard Launch Bays: These are Strength 2 Launch Bays filled with Barracuda and Manta squadrons.

Fire Warrior Barracks: The Borkan variant makes use of a contingent of Fire Warriors to enhance their defense against boarding actions as manyare deployed closer to the Black Reef in the Canis Salient.

Vashya Configuration


Port and Starboard Launch Bays


Borkan Configuration


Prow Gravitic Launchers


Fire Warrior Barracks

Galdun Configuration


Prow Gravitic Launchers (Strength 4 with

only 32 Torpedoes)

Port and Starboard Ion CannonPort and Starboard Launch Bays

Fire Warrior Barracks


Railgun 8 8 3 6 1d10+3 3 10


Ion Cannon 11 5 3 1 1d10+3 3 10


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TAU VOID STATIONS

Sentry-class Security OrbitalHull: Small Void Station

Dimensions: 0.6 km tall, 0.4 km radius approx.

Mass: .75 megatonnes approx.

Crew: 100 crew approx.Accel: Station-keeping

Found only in systems well behind the Tau frontline, the Sentry security orbitals are small, permanent

void stations meant to operate in groups to provide planetary defense. Each one is a massive

communications node, providing intrasystem comms for Tau citizens and subjects, not to mention the

military. Paired with very sensitive Tau sensors, a single Sentry can provide telemetry for entire squadrons without being overburdened. Each is

relatively well-armed and armoured and more than one Imperial frigate has fatally underestimated the threat a Sentry poses.

Speed: - Manoeuvrability: - Detection: +15



Turret Rating: 3 Weapon Capacity: Keel 2 Space: 40


Station engine, Void Shield Generator, Command Bridge, Crew Quarters, Life Sustainer, Sensor Array


Tracking Systems: Tracking systems allow more efficient sharing of telemetry with friendly vessels. Range extended to 5 VU instead of 2 VU.

Choose any two of the following for the Keel slots:

Railgun Batteries

Ion Cannon


Railgun 6 5 2 4 1d10+3 4 9


Ion Cannon 11 5 3 1 1d10+3 3 7


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TAU VOID STATIONS

Kor Caste Orbital CityHull: Medium Void Station

Dimensions: 5.1 km tall, 9.4 km radius approx.

Mass: 25 megatonnes approx.

Crew: 100,000 crew approx.Accel: Station-keeping

A civilian pattern of orbital hab, it is far less armed and

protected than other stations. The Kor Caste Orbital City is a

prime military target specifically for this reason: the

destruction of one can eliminate entire generations of

experienced Tau voidfarers, merchants, and technical

personnel not to mention the effect on morale. Lord

Commander Ebongrave greatly rewards rogue traders, free

captains, even pirates for the location of one of these orbital

cities. Few, however, boast openly about their part in the

destruction of one of these stations knowing that Tau agents

are more than eager to make an example of them for their

part in the atrocity. Each orbital city is well protected with ringed layers of defenses. So far, the few orbital cities that have been destroyed in raids

required the use of multiple nova cannon to crack its still-heavy shielding and armour.

Speed: - Manoeuvrability: - Detection: +15


Morale: 100 Crew Population: 100 Crew Rating: Veteran (50)Turret Rating: 4 Weapon Capacity: Keel 6 Space: 100


Station engine, Void Shield Generator Array, Commerce Bridge, Multiple Crew Quarters, Multiple Life Sustainers, Sensor Array


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TAU VOID STATIONS

Kor Caste Orbital City

Supplemental ComponentsTracking Systems: Tracking systems allow more efficient sharing of telemetry with friendly vessels. Range extended to 5 VU instead of 2 VU.

Arboretum Rings: These natural preserves are well-kept, open park spaces filled with flora from a dozen different worlds. Their thin observation

panels makes them prime ingress points for hit-and-run attacks.

Commerce Decks: Entire levels of the station are given over to commerce, trade, and diplomacy between members of the Tau Empire.

Cargo Bays: Anywhere from 6 to 18 separate main cargo holds can be found in an orbital city. Each is worth +150 Achievement Points.

Forges: A void station of this size has a manufacturing capability to keep a small sub-fleet operational, provided it is supplied with resources.

Everything from construction tools to voidship components can be made here.

Sheath Docks: These gravitic hooks function as docks for intrasystem craft. Orbital cities are usually protected by three Warden gunships at all

times. Older cities may still retain their Orca escorts.

Gravitic Drive: Some orbital cities have been created to use modular gravitic drives, allowing it some strategic mobility. This explains why severalorbital cities suddenly sprang up around the Black Reef decades ago where it took the Tau years to construct even a new one using local resources.

Choose any six for the Keel slots:

Gravitic Launchers: This is a Strength 4 Torpedo Launcher with 32 Guided Plasma Torpedoes.

Railgun Batteries: An orbital city has the space and power to fire multiple battleship-grade railguns.

Ion Cannon: Ion Cannon are not preferred defensive weapons for orbital cities, despite the damage they can deal.

Launch Bays: These are Strength 2 Launch Bays filled with Barracuda and Manta squadrons.


Railgun 6 5 3 4 1d10+3 3 10


Ion Cannon 11 5 3 1 1d10+3 3 10


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TAU PROTOTYPES

HOLLOWSUN WARHEADS

Using esoteric knowledge about the state of matter at its most

energetic, these so-called Hollowsun warheads are beginning to

replace the shoals of plasma missiles fired by Tau gravitic launchers.

These are MeltaTorpedoes that have the Blastquality, affecting two

Components on a Critical Hit roll of 1-2.

ECLIPSEWIND WARHEADS

The Taus scientists and engineers have become voracious archeotech

hunters, seeking answers to problems theyve recently encountered

in the lost knowledge of Mankind. Though flattering, it is incredibly

dangerous as the Tau have been able to reach near-parity with

current Imperial technology in such a short amount of time. These

have the Tearingand the Disruptive (5)qualities.

SQUID ASSAULT BOAT

A radical departure from current Tau doctrine, the Squid Assault Boat

was an attempt by the Earth Caste to recreate drop pod technology

but with a larger frame. It was only successful in that battlesuited

soldiers managed to survive the ordeal, most of the time. It has since

been repurposed into a void-only assault craft, carrying droves of

drones. A Squid Assault Boat Squadron allows a Tau ship squadron to

launch hit and run attacks.

LANTERN MUNITIONS

Another attempt to upsize the Marker Light technology and

philosophy used by Tau Fire Warriors, Lantern Munitions deal no

damage but instead drill into the hull and broadcast their location to

friendly units. Railguns and Gravitic Launchers may fire Lantern

Munitions. Re-roll any misses and reduce Critical Ratings by 1 for as

many rounds as hits.

PULSE MACROBATTERY

The Tau are beginning to deploy a macro-scale version of their near

ubiquitous plasma pulse weapons. Examples of ancient human

plasma technology have accelerated the weapons development. If

the Tau ever solve the crippling power requirements, or manage to

apply their macro-scale solutions to their handheld weaponry, the

power of balance may forever shift in favour of the xenos.

Pulse Macrobatteries have the Blastand Volatile(3) qualities.

DARKSTAR WARHEADS

Utilizing neutron pulses to kill biological crew, the Tau have sparingly

used these weapons to eliminate resistance to their growing rule.

They are used far more frequently in void combat. Treat them as

Plasma Torpedoes but any damage dealt is done only to the Crew

Population and Morale.

ARKA MACROBATTERY

An ion beam weapon initially encountered as an intersystem

superweapon, the ArKa Macrocannon have been observed on ships

fighting Tyranids, and Orks to a lesser extent. Void shields completely

block its effect, but armour (or clouds of spores) seem to do little toblock the ion beam.

ArKa Macrobatteries have the Ethereal (5)quality. It cannot damage

void shields.

Power Space Strength Damage Crit Rating Range

11 5 4 1d10+4 4 8


11 5 3 - - 12


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TAU PROTOTYPES

CYCLIC ION CANNON

Only rumours of a cruiser-sized Tau ship rapidly firing a spinal-

mounted ion cannon exist at the moment. The description from

multiple and somewhat reliable sources are all consistent, as if a ship

was built around a weapon that bears a strong similarity to the Cyclic

Ion Blasters Tau battlesuits use on the ground.

A Cyclic Ion Cannon is a Lancethat has the Ion (3)and Pulsar (3)

qualities. It can only be mounted on Cruiser-sized hulls or larger, and

only in a Prow mount. Critical hits to the weapon will also trigger a

Fire! critical hit.

STARKNIGHT BATTLESUIT

Unconfirmed reports of Tau battlesuits engaging in high speed

maneuvers and performing unassisted hit-and-run attacks has caused

more than one Imperial officer nightmares. The Sidonia Gulf in the

Canis Salient seems to be the primary source of these rumours. The

Navy has dispatched several frigates to scout the region, though none

have yet encountered the Starknights.

A Starknight is a hybrid Fighter and Assault Craft. When used as a

Fighter halve its Craft Rating to +5.

DRONE CLOUD

The Tau seem eager to learn, even if it is from the ghastliest races in

the galaxy. The Tyranids spore clouds provide a layer of organic

defenses that the Tau believe they can replicate via technology. This

is one way they hope to overcome their limits with void shield

technology. There are multiple Drone nests embedded into a Cruiser

or larger vessel, automated manufactoria that repair or assemble

drones as directed. They remain attached by gravitic tethers to each

other and to their mothership, reducing Manoeuvrability by 5.

At the start of every turn, a ship with a functioning Drone Cloud can

choose to increase its Void Shields by 1, increase its Turret Rating by

50% (rounded up), or boost Detection by 1d10. The effects last until

the start of the ships next turn.

IRIDIUM PLATING

Most Tau voidships are under-armoured when compared to Imperial

vessels. Iridium plating is available as an upgrade to certain vessels,

namely Emissary-class light cruisers and Custodian-class battleship.

This requires the sacrifice of 2 Space and 5 Manoeuvrability to

improve Armour by 1 and increase the number of hits required for a

Critical Hit by 1.

KROOT WAR PARTIES

An alternative to the costly and resource-intensive Battlesuit

Armoury, several Tau ships have been reported transporting Kroot

expressly for the purposes of launching hit and run attacks. One

Castellan even engaged in a boarding action against the Sword-class

frigate Hilbracht, seizing the ship after several hours of close-in

fighting. Kroot War Parties allow Tau ships to engage in boarding

actions and hit and run attacks with a -10 penalty.


18 10 1 1d10+3 4 8

Craft Rating Speed Squadron Size Range

+10 10 24 4


21/21

TAU PROTOTYPES

Merchant-class CruiserHull: Light Cruiser




The IlFannorcruiser was the primary cruiser encountered during the Damocles Gulf Crusade and were destroyed en masse during that conflict.

The Tau, persistent as they are, have continued to make modifications to this class, applying several lessons learned from salvaged Imperial hulls

and the Hero-class cruiser. Merchant-class cruisers encountered in the Canis Salient are built with STC-inspired construction methods, making them

especially hated by the Adeptus Mechanicus for the defilement of human knowledge. Navy commanders report that the new Merchants are more

akin to light cruisers than full ones, having encountered many undertaking long patrols, once again mimicking human practices. These new ships

have been observed utilizing experimental Tau weaponry and are considered prime targets for capture (or destruction).


Sub-light engine, Gravitic Drive, Void Shield Generator, Combat Bridge, Crew Quarters, Life Sustainer, Sensor Array

Supplemental ComponentsDeflector (3): A Gravitic wedge in front of the ship blunts enemy attacks.

Auxiliary Power Cores (2): These provide power to the Merchants new weaponry and each has the Volatile (5)quality.Prow Pulse Macrobattery: Merchants are being used as test-beds for the experimental Pulse Macrocannon.


Supply Bays: Despite the mass and volume occupied by the new weapons, a Merchant still has cavernous spaces that most Tau crews put to use tostore supplies. Capturing these bays grants +100 Achievement Points.

Speed: 5 Manoeuvrability: +8 Detection: +10Void Shields: 1 Armour: 17 Hull Integrity: 60




Pulse 11 5 3 4 1d10+4 4 8


Ion Cannon 11 5 3 1 1d10+3 3 7

the tau fleet

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